bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Availability of Rubisco Small Subunit Up-Regulates the Transcript Levels of Large Subunit for Stoichiometric Assembly of Its Holoenzyme in Rice
Authors: Suzuki Yuji , Makino Amane 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRubisco is composed of eight small subunits coded for by the nuclear RBCS multigene family and eight large subunits coded for by the rbcL gene in the plastome. For synthesis of the Rubisco holoenzyme, both genes need to be expressed coordinately. To investigate this molecular mechanism, the protein synthesis of two subunits of Rubisco was characterized in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa) plants with overexpression or antisense suppression of the RBCS gene. Total RBCS and rbcL messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and RBCS and RbcL synthesis simultaneously increased in RBCS-sense plants, although the increase in total RBCS mRNA level was greater. In RBCS-antisense plants, the levels of these mRNAs and the synthesis of the corresponding proteins declined to a similar extent. The amount of RBCS synthesized was tightly correlated with rbcL mRNA level among genotypes but not associated with changes in mRNA levels of other major chloroplast-encoded photosynthetic genes. The level of rbcL mRNA, in turn, was tightly correlated with the amount of RbcL synthesized, the molar ratio of RBCS synthesis to RbcL synthesis being identical irrespective of genotype. Polysome loading of rbcL mRNA was not changed. These results demonstrate that the availability of RBCS protein up-regulates the gene expression of rbcL primarily at the transcript level in a quantitative manner for stoichiometric assembly of Rubisco holoenzyme.
Serum B‐cell maturation antigen is elevated in multiple myeloma and correlates with disease status and survival
Authors: Sanchez Eric , Li Mingjie , Kitto Alex , Li Jennifer , Wang Cathy S. , Kirk Dylan T. , Yellin Ori , Nichols Cydney M. , Dreyer Marissa P. , Ahles Cameryn P. , Robinson Austin , Madden Erik , Waterman Gabriel N. , Swift Regina A. , Bonavida Benjamin , Boccia Ralph , Vescio Robert A. , Crowley John , Chen Haiming , Berenson James R. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryAlthough TNFRSF17 (also designated as B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA)) is expressed on tumour cells in B‐cell malignancies, it has not been found in serum. The present study found that BCMA concentrations were higher in the supernatants of cultured bone marrow mononuclear cells from multiple myeloma (MM) patients than in healthy subjects. Serum BCMA levels were measured in samples from MM patients (n = 209), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) individuals (n = 23) and age‐matched controls (n = 40). BCMA was detected in the serum of untreated MM patients (n = 50) and levels were higher than in MGUS patients (P = 0·0157) and healthy subjects (P < 0·0001). Serum BCMA levels were higher among patients with progressive disease (n = 80) compared to those with responsive disease (n = 79; P = 0·0038). Among all MM patients, overall survival was shorter among patients whose serum BCMA levels were above the median (P = 0·001). We also demonstrated that sera from mice with human MM xenografts contained human BCMA, and levels correlated with the change in tumour volume in response to melphalan or cyclophosphamide with bortezomib. These results suggest that serum BCMA levels may be a new biomarker for monitoring disease status and overall survival of MM patients.
Fine needle aspiration of non‐small cell lung cancer: current state and future perspective
Authors: Fassina A. , Cappellesso R. , Simonato F. , Lanza C. , Marzari A. , Fassan M. 
Published: July 2012

A. Fassina, R. Cappellesso, F. Simonato, C. Lanza, A. Marzari and M. FassanFine needle aspiration of non‐small cell lung cancer: current state and future perspectiveThe emerging treatment revolution determined by the advent of new targeted therapies requires accurate tumour subtyping as a mandatory step in the clinical workup of patients with non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). As a result of advanced and inoperable disease or poor performance status, in many patients, minimally invasive procedures must be employed to obtain diagnostic material. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a valid and widely employed alternative to either tru‐cut or open‐sky biopsy. Indeed, cytological specimens are suitable for techniques such as immunocytochemistry, mutation and microRNA analysis, and may present advantages over small biopsies especially if cell blocks are prepared and attention is paid to cytomorphology and pre‐analytic management of specimens at the time they are collected. These will allow the adequate stratification of patients into different diagnostic and prognostic classes.
A species‐level model for metabolic scaling in trees I. Exploring boundaries to scaling space within and across species
Authors: Sperry John S. , Smith Duncan D. , Savage Van M. , Enquist Brian J. , McCulloh Katherine A. , Reich Peter B. , Bentley Lisa P. , von Allmen Erica I. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryMetabolic scaling theory predicts how tree water flow rate (Q) scales with tree mass (M) and assumes identical scaling for biomass growth rate (G) withM. Analytic models have derived general scaling expectations from proposed optima in the rate of axial xylem conduit taper (taper function) and the allocation of wood space to water conduction (packing function). Recent predictions suggestGandQscale withMto the ≈ 0·7 power with 0·75 as an upper bound.We complement thisa priorioptimization approach with a numerical model that incorporates species‐specific taper and packing functions, plus additional empirical inputs essential for predictingQ(effects of gravity, tree size, heartwood, bark, and hydraulic resistance of leaf, root and interconduit pits). Traits are analysed individually, and in ensemble across tree types, to define a 2D ‘scaling space’ of absoluteQvs. its scaling exponent with tree size.ll traits influencedQand many affected its scaling withM. Constraints driving the optimization of taper or packing functions, or any other trait, can be relaxed via compensatory changes in other traits.The scaling space of temperate trees overlapped despite diverse anatomy and winter‐adaptive strategies. More conducting space in conifer wood compensated for narrow tracheids; extensive sapwood in diffuse‐porous trees compensated for narrow vessels; and limited sapwood in ring‐porous trees negated the effect of large vessels. Tropical trees, however, achieved the greatestQand steepest size‐scaling by pairing large vessels with extensive sapwood, a combination compatible with minimal water stress and no freezing‐stress.Intraspecific scaling across all types averagedQ∝M0·63(maximum = Q∝M0·71) for size‐invariant root–shoot ratio. Scaling reachedQ∝M0·75only if conductance increased faster in roots than in shoots with size. Interspecific scaling could reachQ∝M0·75, but this may require the evolution of size‐biased allometries rather than arising directly from biophysical constraints.Our species‐level model is more realistic than its analytical predecessors and provides a tool for interpreting the adaptive significance of functional trait diversification in relation to whole‐tree water use and consequent metabolic scaling.
Networking: a community approach to invaders and their parasites
Authors: Roy Helen E. , Lawson Handley Lori‐Jayne 
Published: July 2012

Summary
There are a number of theories and processes relating to invasive alien species (IAS) and their interactions with natural enemies (predators, parasites and pathogens), including the enemy release hypothesis, spillover and spillback.
Most empirical studies focus on pairwise interactions and are limited to the population‐level avoiding the complexities of a community approach. Oversimplified studies could result in misleading conclusions because of the importance of positive and negative feedback mechanisms, mediated by parasites, throughout communities and beyond.
Recent advances in ecological networks analysis (ENA) provide a powerful framework to investigate the complexity of interactions within ecological communities and response to disturbance, such as the arrival of an IAS. Molecular data, from either standard PCR or next‐generation approaches, can be incorporated into ecological networks to enable the number and strength of interactions to be quantified; however, this has rarely been performed so far.
In this paper, we explore the contribution of parasite interactions, in the context of community ecology, to the success of invasive alien predatory insects with specific reference to the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis. We begin by defining the main theories and processes relating to parasite–host interactions in the context of invasion biology, before exploring the advantages of a community ecology approach, and particularly ENA, for revealing dominant mechanisms in determining the success of invasion.
Induction of nuclear factor‐κB responses by the S100A9 protein is Toll‐like receptor‐4‐dependent
Authors: Riva Matteo , Källberg Eva , Björk Per , Hancz Dora , Vogl Thomas , Roth Johannes , Ivars Fredrik , Leanderson Tomas 
Published: July 2012

SummaryInteractions between danger‐associated molecular patterns (DAMP) and pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMP) and pattern recognition receptors such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are critical for the regulation of the inflammatory process via activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and cytokine secretion. In this report, we investigated the capacity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ‐free S100A9 (DAMP) protein to activate human and mouse cells compared with lipoprotein‐free LPS (PAMP). First, we showed that LPS and S100A9 were able to increase NF‐κB activity followed by increased cytokine and nitric oxide (NO) secretion both in human THP‐1 cells and in mouse bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. Surprisingly, although S100A9 triggered a weaker cytokine response than LPS, we found that S100A9 more potently induced IκBα degradation and hence NF‐κB activation. Both the S100A9‐induced response and the LPS‐induced response were completely absent in TLR4 knockout mice, whereas it was only slightly affected in RAGE knockout mice. Also, we showed that LPS and S100A9 NF‐κB induction were strongly reduced in the presence of specific inhibitors of TLR‐signalling. Chloroquine reduced S100A9 but not LPS signalling, indicating that S100A9 may need to be internalized to be fully active as a TLR4 inducer. This was confirmed using A488‐labelled S100A9 that was internalized in THP‐1 cells, showing a raise in fluorescence after 30 min at 37°. Chloroquine treatment significantly reduced the fluorescence. In summary, our data indicate that both human and mouse S100A9 are TLR4 agonists. Importantly, S100A9 induced stronger NF‐κB activation albeit weaker cytokine secretion than LPS, suggesting that S100A9 and LPS activated NF‐κB in a qualitatively distinct manner.
Structural changes under low evolutionary constraint may decrease the affinity of dibenzoylhydrazine insecticides for the ecdysone receptor in non‐lepidopteran insects
Authors: Zotti M. J. , Christiaens O. , Rougé P. , Grutzmacher A. D. , Zimmer P. D. , Smagghe G. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUnderstanding how variations in genetic sequences are conveyed into structural and biochemical properties is of increasing interest in the field of molecular evolution. In order to gain insight into this process, we studied the ecdysone receptor (EcR), a transcription factor that controls moulting and metamorphosis in arthropods. Using an in silico homology model, we identified a region in the lepidopteran EcR that has no direct interaction with the natural hormone but is under strong evolutionary constraint. This region causes a small indentation in the three‐dimensional structure of the protein which facilitates the binding of tebufenozide. Non‐Mecopterida are considered much older, evolutionarily, than Lepidoptera and they do not have this extended cavity. This location shows differences in evolutionary constraint between Lepidoptera and other insects, where a much lower constraint is observed compared with the Lepidoptera. It is possible that the higher flexibility seen in the EcR of Lepidoptera is an entirely new trait and the higher constraint could then be an indication that this region does have another important function. Finally, we suggest that Try123, which is evolutionarily constrained and is up to now exclusively present in Lepidoptera EcRs, could play a critical role in discriminating between steroidal and non‐steroidal ligands.
Histopathological analysis of cellular localization of cathepsins in abdominal aortic aneurysm wall
Authors: Lohoefer Fabian , Reeps Christian , Lipp Christina , Rudelius Martina , Zimmermann Alexander , Ockert Stefan , Eckstein Hans‐Henning , Pelisek Jaroslav 
Published: July 2012

SummaryAn important feature of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the destruction of vessel wall, especially elastin and collagen. Besides matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsins are the most potent elastolytic enzymes. The expression of cathepsins with known elastolytic and collagenolytic activities in the individual cells within AAA has not yet been determined. The vessel wall of 32 AAA patients and 10 organ donors was analysed by immunohistochemistry for expression of cathepsins B, D, K, L and S, and cystatin C in all cells localized within AAA. Luminal endothelial cells (ECs) of AAA were positive for cathepsin D and partially for cathepsins B, K and S. Endothelial cells of the neovessels and smooth muscle cells in the media were positive for all cathepsins tested, especially for cathepsin B. In the inflammatory infiltrate all cathepsins were expressed in the following pattern: B > D = S > K = L. Macrophages showed the highest staining intensity for all cathepsins. Furthermore, weak overall expression of cystatin C was observed in all the cells localized in the AAA with the exception of the ECs. There is markedly increased expression of the various cathepsins within the AAA wall compared to healthy aorta. Our data are broadly consistent with a role for cathepsins in AAA; and demonstrate expression of cathepsins D, B and S in phagocytic cells in the inflammatory infiltrate; and also may reveal a role for cathepsin B in lymphocytes.
Intraepithelial lymphocytes, goblet cells and VIP‐IR submucosal neurons of jejunum rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Sant’Ana Débora M. G. , Góis Marcelo B. , Zanoni Jacqueline N. , da Silva Aristeu V. , da Silva Cleverton J. T. , Araújo Eduardo J. A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) crosses the intestinal barrier in oral infections and can lead to changes in different cell types, including the neurons located there. In the gastrointestinal system, the autonomous nervous system component that regulate blood flow and mucous secretion is the submucosal plexus. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of T. gondii infection on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), goblet cells and submucosal neurons that are immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP‐IR) of rat jejunum. Twenty male rats distributed as a control group (CG) and an infected group (IG), which received a suspension with 500 parasite oocysts (strain ME‐49, genotype II) orally, were assessed. Routine histological sections were used to quantify IELs and to detect mucins secreted by goblet cells. Whole mounts including the submucosal layer were examined using immunofluorescence to detect the VIP neurotransmitter. Quantitative alterations in IELs were not observed. However, the reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of goblet cells that produce neutral mucins (PAS+) and sulphomucins (AB pH 1.0) and the maintenance of sialomucin‐secreting cells (AB pH 2.5) resulting in a more fluid mucous were observed. Concerning the VIP‐IR submucosal neurons, an increase in fluorescence on IG animals was observed. There was a reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of VIP‐IR submucosal neurons and atrophy of their cell bodies in IG rats. Infection with T. gondii caused alterations in the chemical composition of the intestinal mucous and reduction in the neuron number and atrophy of the remaining neurons in this cell subpopulation.
Probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria from fermented Malaysian food or milk products
Authors: Ramasamy Kalavathy , Rahman Nor Zaihana Abdul , Chin Sieo Chin , Alitheen Nur Jahan , Abdullah Norhani , Wan Ho Yin 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis study investigated the probiotic characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from 14 Malaysian fermented food or milk products. In total, 22.3% (121 of 542) of the LAB isolated from the local fermented products exhibited antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus. Twelve LAB that demonstrated better antibacterial activity against M. luteus as compared to a commercial strain Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LABPC) were selected for further characterisation. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, the LAB were identified as pediococci (seven) and lactobacilli (five). All 12 LAB showed bile tolerance, but only eight were acid tolerant at pH ≥ 3.0. The highest level of adhesion to HT‐29 cells was observed among the Lactobacillus sp. LAB 1 and 10. The LAB also showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through the production of organic acids. LAB isolated from Malaysian fermented food and milk products, especially fermented tapioca, contains potential probiotic candidates.
Physical properties and sensory acceptability of cookies made from chickpea addition to white wheat or whole wheat flour compared to gluten‐free amaranth or buckwheat flour
Authors: Yamsaengsung Ram , Berghofer Emmerich , Schoenlechner Regine 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe effects of chickpea addition (0–100%) on the physical properties and sensory attributes of cookies based on white or whole wheat compared to gluten‐free amaranth or buckwheat flour were studied. The physical properties determined were spread factor, colour and hardness. Sensory evaluation was conducted for colour, taste, texture and overall impression. Chickpea addition decreased the lightness in white wheat cookies while increasing it in whole wheat and amaranth cookies and it significantly increased yellowness in all cookies. Spread factor of the gluten‐free cookies was reduced by chickpea addition and hardness was increased in white wheat and buckwheat cookies, and decreased in whole wheat and amaranth cookies. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that chickpea addition increased the acceptability of all cookies, in particular of the gluten‐free cookies. Optimal levels of chickpea addition were 20–40% in wheat cookies and 60–80% for amaranth and buckwheat cookies.
Isolation and partial characterization of a new reovirus in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis H Milne Edwards
Authors: Zhang S , Bonami J‐R 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA second type of freshwater crab reovirus has been isolated from Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, in China; we named it E. sinensis reovirus (EsRV816). The negatively stained virion is a non‐enveloped icosahedral particle, 60 ± 5 nm in diameter. Its genome is composed of 10 dsRNA linear pieces exhibiting an electrophoretic pattern of 5/3/2. The largest segment (RNA‐1) was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence, corresponding to the RdRp of the virus, showed 26% identity with the RdRp of Operophtera brumata (L.) cypovirus 19 in the genus Cypovirus and 24% identity with RdRp of Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) reovirus in the genus Fijivirus. On the basis of its ultrastructure and physicochemical properties, this virus is quite different from other crab reoviruses, and particularly with another freshwater crab reovirus EsRV905, recently classified in a new genus Cardoreovirus. This virus (EsRV816) possesses all the characters of the members of the reoviridae family and could represent a new genus.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Fail to Alleviate Experimental Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease in Rats Transplanted with Major Histocompatibility Complex‐Mismatched Bone Marrow
Authors: Zinöcker S. , Wang M. ‐Y. , Rolstad B. , Vaage J. T. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be used to treat graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) caused by allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). The effectiveness of this therapy has been variable in clinical trials and in experimental animal models. In this study, we investigated the ability of bone marrow (BM)‐derived MSC to alleviate GVHD in an experimental rat model of allo‐SCT using two different combinations of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch with survival as the primary endpoint. Recipient rats received total body irradiation and a transplant of T cell‐depleted donor BM cells with either a full [PVG.7B → BN] or a partial MHC mismatch [PVG.1U → PVG.R23] restricted to the class II and non‐classical class I sub‐regions (RT1‐B/D‐CE/N/M). GVHD was invoked by infusion of graded doses of donor leukocytes 2 weeks after allo‐SCT. Weekly doses of MSC were injected starting on the day of donor leukocyte infusion. No significant overall improvement of mortality and morbidity was observed in the two transplantation settings. Stimulation of MSC with exogenous tumor necrosis factor α and interferon (IFN)γ prior to infusion could not rescue BM‐transplanted rats from lethal acute GVHD. In conclusion, repeated administrations of MSC failed to alleviate GVHD after fully or partially MHC‐mismatched allo‐SCT in the rat.
Case cluster shifting and contaminant source as determinants of melioidosis in Taiwan
Authors: Dai Dajun , Chen Yao‐Shen , Chen Pei‐Shih , Chen Ya‐Lei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives  To assess the geographical distribution of melioidosis contamination sources and the association between the location of melioidosis cases and positive sampling sites for Burkholderia pseudomallei in Taiwan.Methods  Data on the location of melioidosis cases from 2002 to 2011 were combined with the geographical distribution of B. pseudomallei as indicated by the detection of specific flagella gene products measured from 2005 to 2011. Temporal and spatial analyses were used to determine the incidence, cluster shifts and associations between the two datasets.Results  Melioidosis cases clustered in two ‘hot‐spot’ areas with incidence rates that were significantly higher than in neighbouring towns. The incidence rates in the northern area gradually decreased, while the rates in the southern area increased and were temporally associated with the appearance of B. pseudomallei‐specific flagella genes in water samples.Conclusions  Melioidosis hot‐spot areas were present in Taiwan. Water contaminated with B. pseudomallei serves as a potential transmission vehicle and is correlated with an increase in melioidosis cases; this correlation was stronger than that for B. pseudomallei‐contaminated soil.