bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperative induction of CXCL10 involves NADPH oxidase: Implications for HIV dementia
Authors: Williams Rachel , Yao Honghong , Peng Fuwang , Yang Yanjing , Bethel‐Brown Crystal , Buch Shilpa 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWith the increasing prevalence of HIV‐associated neurocognititve disorders (HAND), understanding the mechanisms by which HIV‐1 induces neuro‐inflammation and subsequent neuronal damage is important. The hallmark features of HIV‐encephalitis, the pathological correlate of HIV‐associated Dementia (HAD), are gliosis, oxidative stress, chemokine dysregulation, and neuronal damage/death. Since neurons are not infected by HIV‐1, the current thinking is that these cells are damaged indirectly by pro‐inflammatory chemokines released by activated glial cells. CXCL10 is a neurotoxic chemokine that is upregulated in astroglia activated by HIV‐1 Tat, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. In this study we have demonstrated that HIV‐1 Tat increases CXCL10 expression in IFN‐γ and TNF‐α stimulated human astrocytes via NADPH oxidase. We have shown that the treatment of astrocytes with a mixture of Tat and cytokines leads to a respiratory burst that is abrogated by apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Pretreatment of Tat, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α stimulated astrocytes with apocynin also resulted in concomitant inhibition of CXCL10 expression. Additionally, apocynin was also able to reduce Tat and cytokine‐mediated activation of the corresponding signaling molecules Erk1/2, Jnk, and Akt with a decrease in activation and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, important regulators of CXCL10 induction. Understanding the mechanisms involved in reducing both oxidative stress and the release of pro‐inflammatory agents could lead to the development of therapeutics aimed at decreasing neuro‐inflammation in patients suffering from HAD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The short‐term impacts of a schooling conditional cash transfer program on the sexual behavior of young women
Authors: Baird Sarah , Chirwa Ephraim , McIntosh Craig , Özler Berk 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs for schooling are effective in raising school enrolment and attendance. However, there is also reason to believe that such programs can affect other outcomes, such as the sexual behavior of their young beneficiaries. Zomba Cash Transfer Program is a randomized ongoing CCT intervention targeting young women in Malawi that provides incentives (in the form of school fees and cash transfers) to current schoolgirls and recent dropouts to stay in or return to school. An average offer of US$10/month conditional on satisfactory school attendance – plus direct payment of secondary school fees – led to significant declines in early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and self‐reported sexual activity among program beneficiaries after just one year of program implementation. For program beneficiaries who were out of school at baseline, the probability of getting married and becoming pregnant declined by more than 40 and 30%, respectively. In addition, the incidence of the onset of sexual activity was 38% lower among all program beneficiaries than the control group. Overall, these results suggest that CCT programs not only serve as useful tools for improving school attendance but may also reduce sexual activity, teen pregnancy, and early marriage. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic characteristics and importance of the universal methionine salvage pathway recycling methionine from 5′‐methylthioadenosine
Authors: Albers Eva 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe methionine salvage pathway, also called the 5′‐methylthioadenosine (MTA) cycle, recycles the sulfur of MTA, which is a by‐product in the biosyntheses of polyamine and the plant hormone ethylene. MTA is first converted to 5′‐methylthioribose‐1‐phosphate either by MTA phosphorylase or the combined action of MTA nucleosidase and 5′‐methylthioribose kinase. Subsequently, five additional enzymatic steps, catalyzed by four or five proteins, will form 4‐methylthio‐2‐oxobutyrate, the deaminated form of methionine. The final transamination is achieved by transaminases active in the amino acid biosynthesis. This pathway is present with some variations in all types of organisms and seems to be designed for a quick removal of MTA achieved by high affinities of the first enzymes. During evolution some enzymes have attained additional functions, like a proposed role in nuclear mRNA processing by the aci‐reductone dioxygenase. For others the function seems to be lost due to conditions in specific ecological niches, such as, presence of sulfur and/or absence of oxygen resulting in that, for example, Escherichia coli is lacking a functional pathway. The pathway is regulated as response to sulfur availability and take part in the regulation of polyamine synthesis. Some of the enzymes in the pathway show separate specificities in different organisms and some others are unique for groups of bacteria and parasites. Thus, promising targets for antimicrobial agents have been identified. Other medical topics to which this pathway has connections are cancer, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1132–1142, 2009
Oxidative damage induced in A549 cells by physically and chemically characterized air particulate matter (PM2.5) collected in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouassi Kouakou S. , Billet Sylvain , Garçon Guillaume , Verdin Anthony , Diouf Amadou , Cazier Fabrice , Djaman Joseph , Courcot Dominique , Shirali Pirouz 
Published: November 2009

AbstractExposure to high levels of air pollution particulate matter (PM) is strongly associated with increased pulmonary morbidity and mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms of action whereby PM cause adverse health effects are still unclear. In developing countries, like in the sub‐Saharian region of Africa, people are often exposed to high PM levels. Hence, three PM2.5 samples were collected in the District of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), under rural, urban or industrial influences. Their most toxicologically relevant physical and chemical characteristics were determined – thereby showing that most of them were equal or smaller than 2.5 µm – and the influence of both natural (Ca, Na, Mg, Ti, etc.) and anthropic (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, benzene and its derivatives, paraffins, etc.) emission sources. The toxicity induced by the three PM samples was studied through 5‐bromodeoxyuridine incorporation to DNA, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity. Hence, effect concentrations at 10 and 50% (EC10 and EC50, respectively) were as follows: (i) rural PM – EC10 = 5.91 µg cm−2 and EC50 = 29.55 µg cm−2; (ii) urban PM – EC10 = 5.45 µg cm−2 and EC50 = 27.23 µg cm−2; and (iii) industrial PM – EC10 = 6.86 µg cm−2 and EC50 = 34.29 µg cm−2. Moreover, PM‐induced oxidative damage in A549 cells was observed through the induction of lipid peroxidation, the alteration of superoxide dismutase activity, and the disruption of glutathione status. Both the transition metals and the organic chemicals within the three collected PM samples under study might be involved in the oxidative damage and, therefore, the toxicity they induced in A549 cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An examination of applicant characteristics of successfully matched interns: Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty and Leaking Miserably?
Authors: Callahan Jennifer L. , Collins Frank L. , Klonoff Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAlthough the “balance” between the number of potential interns and the number of internship slots needs be addressed, it is imperative that more attention be devoted to examining applicant and program characteristics that result in a successful match. To that end, the current study included pre‐ and post‐match data provided by 330 applicants of the 2009 Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers Match system. In this sample, we found very little evidence that applicant characteristics are related to match outcome. Suggestions to applicants and directors of training are provided and understudied variables and needed analyses are identified. Policy considerations are discussed in terms of not only resolving the supply and demand imbalance but also improving the application process and clearinghouse system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66: 1–16, 2010.
Cell growth and Trametes versicolor laccase production in transformed Pichia pastoris cultured by solid‐state or submerged fermentations
Authors: López Marcos , Loera Octavio , Guerrero‐Olazarán Martha , Viader‐Salvadó José M. , Gallegos‐López Juan A. , Fernández Francisco J. , Favela‐Torres Ernesto , Viniegra‐González Gustavo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Growth kinetics of Pichia pastoris and heterologous expression of Trametes versicolor laccase were compared. This is the first study of its kind between solid‐state yeast cultures done on polyurethane foam (PUF) and submerged liquid fermentations (SmF).RESULTS: The maximum values of biomass were similar for SSF (solid‐state fermentation) and SmF experiments when the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) was lower than 100 g L−1. For higher BOD levels, the maximum values of biomass were 55 g L−1 (SSF) and 35 g L−1 (SmF). Micrographs of PUF preparations showed yeast growing within liquid lamellae, thinner than 100 µm, forming large horizontal aggregates. Yeast aggregates were much smaller in SmF than in SSF experiments; however, laccase expression was lower in PUF than in SmF, unless the methanol concentration was increased to 63 g L−1, which was inhibitory only to the SmF system.CONCLUSION: The results show that oxygen mass transfer is more efficient in SSF, which is related to the higher area/volume ratio compared with SmF. Induction differences may also be due to hindered diffusion of methanol within large yeast aggregates. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Electro‐mediated gene transfer and expression are controlled by the life‐time of DNA/membrane complex formation
Authors: Faurie Cécile , Rebersek Matej , Golzio Muriel , Kanduser Masa , Escoffre Jean‐Michel , Pavlin Mojca , Teissie Justin , Miklavcic Damijan , Rols Marie‐Pierre 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundElectroporation is a physical method used to transfer molecules into cells and tissues. Clinical applications have been developed for antitumor drug delivery. Clinical trials of gene electrotransfer are under investigation. However, knowledge about how DNA enters cells is not complete. By contrast to small molecules that have direct access to the cytoplasm, DNA forms a long lived complex with the plasma membrane and is transferred into the cytoplasm with a considerable delay.MethodsTo increase our understanding of the key step of DNA/membrane complex formation, we investigated the dependence of DNA/membrane interaction and gene expression on electric pulse polarity and repetition frequency.ResultsWe observed that both are affected by reversing the polarity and by increasing the repetition frequency of pulses. The results obtained in the present study reveal the existence of two classes of DNA/membrane interaction: (i) a metastable DNA/membrane complex from which DNA can leave and return to external medium and (ii) a stable DNA/membrane complex, where DNA cannot be removed, even by applying electric pulses of reversed polarity. Only DNA belonging to the second class leads to effective gene expression.ConclusionsThe life‐time of DNA/membrane complex formation is of the order of 1 s and has to be taken into account to improve protocols of electro‐mediated gene delivery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of olfaction throughout juvenile development: Functional adaptations in elasmobranchs
Authors: Schluessel Vera , Bennett Michael B. , Bleckmann Horst , Collin Shaun P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSeven elasmobranch species, a group known for their highly‐developed sense of smell, were examined for developmental changes in the number of olfactory lamellae, the size of the surface area of the sensory olfactory epithelium and the mass of both the olfactory rosettes (primary input to the CNS), and the olfactory bulbs. Within each species, juveniles possessed miniature versions of the adult olfactory organs, visually not distinguishable from these and without any obvious structural differences (e.g., with respect to the number of lamellae and the extent of secondary folding) between differently sized individuals. The size of the olfactory organs was positively correlated with body length and body mass, although few species showed proportional size scaling. In Aetobatus narinari and Aptychotrema rostrata, olfactory structures increased in proportion to body size. With respect to the growth of the olfactory bulb, all species showed allometric but not proportional growth. Olfaction may be of particular importance to juveniles in general, which are often subjected to heavy predation rates and fierce inter/intraspecific competition. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to possess a fully functional olfactory system early on in development. Slow growth rates of olfactory structures could then be attributed to a greater reliance on other sensory systems with increasing age or simply be regarded as maintaining an already optimized olfactory system. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Middle ear structure and bone conduction in Spalax, Eospalax, and Tachyoryctes mole‐rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae)
Authors: Mason Matthew J. , Lai Flora W.S. , Li Jin‐Gang , Nevo Eviatar 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThere is evidence that spalacine, tachyoryctine, and myospalacine mole‐rats all communicate with conspecifics through a form of seismic signaling, but the route for the detection of these signals is disputed. It has been proposed that two unusual anatomical adaptations in Spalax allow jaw vibrations to pass to the inner ear via the incus and stapes: a pseudoglenoid (=postglenoid) fossa which accomodates the condylar process of the mandible, and a bony cup, supported by a periotic lamina, through which the incus articulates with the skull. In this study, a combination of dissection and computed tomography was used to examine the ear region in more detail in both Spalax and its subterranean relatives Tachyoryctes and Eospalax, about which much less is known. Tachyoryctes was found to lack a pseudoglenoid fossa, while Eospalax lacks a periotic lamina and bony cup. This shows that these structures need not simultaneously be present for the detection of ground vibrations in mole‐rats. Based on the observed anatomy, three hypothetical modes of bone conduction are argued to represent more likely mechanisms through which mole‐rats can detect ground vibrations: ossicular inertial bone conduction, a pathway involving sound radiation into the external auditory meatus, and a newly‐described fluid pathway between pseudoglenoid fossa and cranial cavity. The caudolateral extension of the tympanic cavity and the presence of a bony cup might represent synapomorphies uniting Spalax and Tachyoryctes, while the loss of the tensor tympani muscle in Spalax and Eospalax may be convergently derived. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional morphology of the female reproductive apparatus of Stephanitis pyrioides (Heteroptera, Tingidae): A novel role for the pseudospermathecae
Authors: Marchini Daniela , Bene Giovanna Del , Dallai Romano 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAt mating, female insects generally receive and store sperm in specific organs of their reproductive tract called spermathecae. Some Heteroptera, such as Cimicomorpha, lack a true spermatheca; some have receptacles of novel formation where sperm cells can transit or be stored. In Tingidae, there are two sac‐like diverticula, the “pseudospermathecae,” each at the base of a lateral oviduct, which previously were considered to function as spermathecae. However, this role has never been documented, either by ultrastructural studies or by observations of sperm transit in the female reproductive tract. In this article, we investigate the morphology and the ultrastructure of the female reproductive apparatus in the economically important tingid species Stephanitis pyrioides, focusing our attention on the functional role of the pseudospermathecae in an evolutionary perspective. Each ovary consists of seven telotrophic meroistic ovarioles, the long pedicels of which enlarge into a bulb‐like structure near the terminal oocyte. The ovarioles flow into two long lateral oviducts, which join to form a very short common oviduct. Basally, each lateral oviduct is connected through a short duct to one of two pseudospermathecae. The ultrastructure of the ectodermal epithelium of the pseudospermathecae is dramatically different in sexually immature or mated females. In virgin females, cells delimit a very irregular lumen, filled with a moderately electron‐dense granular material. The large nucleus adapts to their irregular shape, which can have long projections in some regions and be flattened in others. After mating, epithelial cells generally elongate and display an apical layer of microvilli extending beneath the cuticle, often containing mitochondria. In the lumen of the pseudospermathecae there is a dense brownish secretion. No sperm cells were ever found inside this organ. After mating, sperm move upward along the lateral oviducts and the ovarioles, accumulating in the bulb‐like structure of the pedicels, and proceeding into the distal region between the follicle cells surrounding the oocyte and the ovariole wall. The egg, most likely fertilized in the bulb‐like region of the ovariole, moves through the lateral oviduct, entirely enters the pseudospermatheca and is smeared with its secretion just before oviposition. We exclude a function of sperm storage for the pseudospermathecae, and instead suggest a novel role for these organs as reproductive accessory glands. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new human catalytic antibody Se‐scFv‐2D8 and its selenium‐containing single domains with high GPX activity
Authors: Xu Junjie , Song Jian , Su Jiaming , Wei Jingyan , Yu Yang , Lv Shaowu , Li Wei , Nie Guangjun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractGlutathione peroxidase (GPX) is a well‐known antioxidant selenoenzyme, which can catalyze the reduction of a variety of hydroperoxides and consequently protect cells and other biological tissues against oxidative damage. Many attempts have been made to mimic its function, and a human catalytic antibody Se‐scFv‐B3 with GPX activity has been prepared in our previous study. This time, a new clone 2D8 that bound specifically to the glutathione analog GSH‐S‐DNPBu was selected again by using the technology of phage display antibody library, and then scFv‐2D8 was successfully expressed in soluble form and purified using Ni2+‐immobilized metal affinity chromatography. After being converted into selenium‐containing scFv by chemically modification, it showed higher GPX activity than previous abzyme Se‐scFv‐B3. The heavy chain variable fragment of scFv‐2D8 was also prepared and converted into selenium‐containing protein using the same method. This selenium‐containing single‐domain antibody showed some GPX activity and, to the best of our knowledge, is the first human single‐domain abzyme with GPX activity, which lays a foundation for preparing GPX abzyme with human origin, lower molecular weight and higher activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of p53 with Mdm2 and azurin as studied by atomic force spectroscopy
Authors: Funari Gloria , Domenici Fabio , Nardinocchi Lavinia , Puca Rosa , D'Orazi Gabriella , Bizzarri Anna Rita , Cannistraro Salvatore 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAzurin, a bacterial protein, can be internalized in cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Such anticancer effect is coupled to the formation of a complex with the tumour‐suppressor p53. The mechanism by which azurin stabilizes p53 and the binding sites of their complex are still under investigation. It is also known that the predominant mechanism for p53 down‐regulation implies its association to Mdm2, the main ubiquitin ligase affecting its stability. However, the p53/Mdm2 interaction, occurring at the level of both their N‐terminal domains, has been characterized so far by experiments involving only partial domains of these proteins. The relevance of the p53/Mdm2 complex as a possible target of the anticancer therapies requires a deeper study of this complex as made up of the two entire proteins. Moreover, the apparent antagonist action of azurin against Mdm2, with respect of p53 regulation, might suggest the possibility that azurin binds p53 at the same site of Mdm2, preventing in such a way p53 and Mdm2 from association and thus p53 from degradation. By following the interaction of the two entire proteins by atomic force spectroscopy, we have assessed the formation of a specific complex between p53 and Mdm2. We found for it a binding strength and a dissociation rate constant typical of dynamical protein–protein interactions and we observed that azurin, even if capable to bind p53, does not compete with Mdm2 for the same binding site on p53. The formation of the p53/Mdm2/azurin ternary complex might suggest an alternative anti‐cancer mechanism adopted by azurin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Element uptake in thalli of the lichen Physcia caesia from sandstone and calcareous substratum
Authors: Hauck Markus , Paul Alexander , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPhyscia caesia is a foliose, saxicolous lichen commonly found on weakly acidic to alkaline rock and artificial calcareous substrata. Uptake of iron and phosphate, which are known to be significant for governing the calcifuge‐calcicole behavior of lichens (as well as vascular plants), was studied in individuals of P. caesia deriving either from variegated sandstone or concrete. Samples from either substratum originated from walls erected at the same location, i.e., lichens were exposed to the same atmospheric element load and microclimate prior to the experiments. Element uptake was investigated after short‐term incubation in the laboratory involving solutions of FeCl2, FeCl3, and KH2PO4 at pH 3 and 8. Uptake of Fe2+ was significantly higher at either pH in the thalli from concrete than in those from sandstone, whereas Fe3+ uptake was not significantly different between the two groups of lichen thalli, though there was an insignificant trend for higher Fe3+ uptake at pH 8 in the samples from concrete. Phosphate uptake also was more efficient in thalli deriving from concrete than in those from sandstone, even though the initial P content was higher in the samples from sandstone. The results suggest that the ability of P. caesia to adapt Fe and P uptake to the pH‐dependent availabilities of these nutrients is responsible for the potential of the species to grow both on weakly acidic and alkaline substrata.