bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-fructose feeding impacts on the adrenergic control of renal haemodynamics in the rat
Authors: Abdulla Mohammed H. , Sattar Munavvar A. , Johns Edward J. , Abdullah Nor A. , Abdul Hye Khan Md. , Rathore Hassaan A. 
Published: June 2011

The present study explored the hypothesis that a prolonged 8 weeks exposure to a high fructose intake suppresses adrenergic and angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated vasoconstriction and is associated with a higher contribution of α1D-adrenoceptors. A total of thirty-two Sprague–Dawley rats received either 20 % fructose solution (FFR) or tap water (control, C) to drink ad libitum for 8 weeks. Metabolic and haemodynamic parameters were assessed weekly. The renal cortical vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine (ME) and Ang II were determined in the presence and absence of BMY7378 (α1D-adrenoceptor antagonist). FFR had increased blood pressure, plasma levels of glucose, TAG and insulin. FFR expressed reduced renal vascular responses to adrenergic agonists and Ang II (NA: 50 %, PE: 50 %, ME, 65 %, Ang II: 54 %). Furthermore in the C group, the magnitude of the renal cortical vasoconstriction to all agonists was blunted in the presence of the low or high dose of BMY7378 (NA: 30 and 31 %, PE: 23 and 33 %, ME: 19 and 44 %, Ang II: 53 and 77 %), respectively, while in the FFR, vasoconstriction was enhanced to adrenergic agonists and reduced to Ang II (NA: 8 and 83 %, PE: 55 %, ME, 2 and 177 %, Ang II: 61 and 31 %). Chronic high fructose intake blunts vascular sensitivity to adrenergic agonists and Ang II. Moreover, blocking of the α1D-adrenoceptor subtype results in enhancement of renal vasoconstriction to adrenergic agonists, suggesting an inhibitory action of α1D-adrenoceptors in the FFR. α1D-Adrenoceptors buffer the AT1-receptor response in the renal vasculature of normal rats and fructose feeding suppressed this interaction.
Value and pitfalls in iodine fortification and supplementation in the 21st century
Authors: Speeckaert Marijn M. , Speeckaert Reinhart , Wierckx Katrien , Delanghe Joris R. , Kaufman Jean-Marc 
Published: July 2011

Although the number of iodine-deficient countries has been reduced by almost 50 % over the last decade, it still remains a frequently misunderstood health problem. The most devastating effects of iodine deficiency occur during fetal development and childhood, periods in which sufficient iodine delivery remains critical. Besides the determination of thyroid size, the concentration of urinary iodine, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum thyroglobulin are useful biomarkers to assess iodine status. Severe iodine deficiency is associated with neurological complications, cretinism, endemic goitre development, hypothyroidism, decreased fertility and increased infant mortality. The recommended iodine supplementation strategies are based on correction of iodine deficiency, close monitoring and evaluation of iodine administration, cooperation of the salt industry, training of local health care professionals and education of the population. Besides the multiple beneficial effects of supplementation, we present in this review a critical look at the possible side effects.
Differences in arachidonic acid levels and fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene variants in African Americans and European Americans with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Sergeant Susan , Hugenschmidt Christina E. , Rudock Megan E. , Ziegler Julie T. , Ivester Priscilla , Ainsworth Hannah C. , Vaidya Dhananjay , Douglas Case L. , Langefeld Carl D. , Freedman Barry I. , Bowden Donald W. , Mathias Rasika A. , Chilton Floyd H. 
Published: July 2011

Over the past 50 years, increases in dietary n-6 PUFA, such as linoleic acid, have been hypothesised to cause or exacerbate chronic inflammatory diseases. The present study examines an individual's innate capacity to synthesise n-6 long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) with respect to the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) locus in Americans of African and European descent with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. Compared with European Americans (EAm), African Americans (AfAm) exhibited markedly higher serum levels of arachidonic acid (AA) (EAm 7·9 (sd 2·1), AfAm 9·8 (sd 1·9) % of total fatty acids; P < 2·29 × 10− 9) and the AA:n-6-precursor fatty acid ratio, which estimates FADS1 activity (EAm 5·4 (sd 2·2), AfAm 6·9 (sd 2·2); P = 1·44 × 10− 5). In all, seven SNP mapping to the FADS locus revealed strong association with AA, EPA and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) in the EAm. Importantly, EAm homozygous for the minor allele (T) had significantly lower AA levels (TT 6·3 (sd 1·0); GG 8·5 (sd 2·1); P = 3·0 × 10− 5) and AA:DGLA ratios (TT 3·4 (sd 0·8), GG 6·5 (sd 2·3); P = 2·2 × 10− 7) but higher DGLA levels (TT 1·9 (sd 0·4), GG 1·4 (sd 0·4); P = 3·3 × 10− 7) compared with those homozygous for the major allele (GG). Allele frequency patterns suggest that the GG genotype at rs174537 (associated with higher circulating levels of AA) is much higher in AfAm (0·81) compared with EAm (0·46). Similarly, marked differences in rs174537 genotypic frequencies were observed in HapMap populations. These data suggest that there are probably important differences in the capacity of different populations to synthesise LC-PUFA. These differences may provide a genetic mechanism contributing to health disparities between populations of African and European descent.
PRÁCTICAS FUNERARIAS MEXICAS Y PUREPECHA: EL PROBLEMA DE LA CONFRONTACIÓN ENTRE DATOS ETNOHISTÓRICOS Y ARQUEOLÓGICOS
Authors: Núñez Enríquez Luis Fernando , González Roberto Martínez 
Published: July 2011

ResumenUna revisión comparativa de los datos arqueológicos y etnohistóricos de tarascos y mexicas permite dar un panorama amplio de sus prácticas e ideas sobre la muerte. La contrastación de las diferentes clases de información al interior de un mismo caso ayuda tanto a corroborar las descripciones de los documentos antiguos como a complementarlas con datos sobre la composición y distribución de los restos funerarios. Estudiando paralelamente estas dos culturas, pudimos generar hipótesis interpretativas sobre aquellos funerales para los que no se cuenta con información escrita y aportamos elementos para comprender mejor la unidad de la cosmovisión mesoamericana. Hemos partido del análisis de las categorías rituales planteadas por los textos de la colonia temprana para después procurar entender la forma en que estos se reflejan arqueológicamente.
Metatranscriptomic analysis of autonomously collected and preserved marine bacterioplankton
Authors: Ottesen Elizabeth A , Marin Roman , Preston Christina M , Young Curtis R , Ryan John P , Scholin Christopher A , DeLong Edward F 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Planktonic microbial activity and community structure is dynamic, and can change dramatically on time scales of hours to days. Yet for logistical reasons, this temporal scale is typically under-sampled in the marine environment. In order to facilitate higher-resolution, long-term observation of microbial diversity and activity, we developed a protocol for automated collection and fixation of marine microbes using the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) platform. The protocol applies a preservative (RNALater) to cells collected on filters, for long-term storage and preservation of total cellular RNA. Microbial samples preserved using this protocol yielded high-quality RNA after 30 days of storage at room temperature, or onboard the ESP at in situ temperatures. Pyrosequencing of complementary DNA libraries generated from ESP-collected and preserved samples yielded transcript abundance profiles nearly indistinguishable from those derived from conventionally treated replicate samples. To demonstrate the utility of the method, we used a moored ESP to remotely and autonomously collect Monterey Bay seawater for metatranscriptomic analysis. Community RNA was extracted and pyrosequenced from samples collected at four time points over the course of a single day. In all four samples, the oxygenic photoautotrophs were predominantly eukaryotic, while the bacterial community was dominated by Polaribacter-like Flavobacteria and a Rhodobacterales bacterium sharing high similarity with Rhodobacterales sp. HTCC2255. However, each time point was associated with distinct species abundance and gene transcript profiles. These laboratory and field tests confirmed that autonomous collection and preservation is a feasible and useful approach for characterizing the expressed genes and environmental responses of marine microbial communities.
Saliva microbiomes distinguish caries-active from healthy human populations
Authors: Yang Fang , Zeng Xiaowei , Ning Kang , Liu Kuan-Liang , Lo Chien-Chi , Wang Wei , Chen Jie , Wang Dongmei , Huang Ranran , Chang Xingzhi , Chain Patrick S , Xie Gary , Ling Junqi , Xu Jian 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The etiology of dental caries remains elusive because of our limited understanding of the complex oral microbiomes. The current methodologies have been limited by insufficient depth and breadth of microbial sampling, paucity of data for diseased hosts particularly at the population level, inconsistency of sampled sites and the inability to distinguish the underlying microbial factors. By cross-validating 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based and whole-genome-based deep-sequencing technologies, we report the most in-depth, comprehensive and collaborated view to date of the adult saliva microbiomes in pilot populations of 19 caries-active and 26 healthy human hosts. We found that: first, saliva microbiomes in human population were featured by a vast phylogenetic diversity yet a minimal organismal core; second, caries microbiomes were significantly more variable in community structure whereas the healthy ones were relatively conserved; third, abundance changes of certain taxa such as overabundance of Prevotella Genus distinguished caries microbiota from healthy ones, and furthermore, caries-active and normal individuals carried different arrays of Prevotella species; and finally, no ‘caries-specific’ operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected, yet 147 OTUs were ‘caries associated’, that is, differentially distributed yet present in both healthy and caries-active populations. These findings underscored the necessity of species- and strain-level resolution for caries prognosis, and were consistent with the ecological hypothesis where the shifts in community structure, instead of the presence or absence of particular groups of microbes, underlie the cariogenesis.
Evolution and diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the paranasal sinuses of cystic fibrosis children have implications for chronic lung infection
Authors: Hansen Susse Kirkelund , Rau Martin Holm , Johansen Helle Krogh , Ciofu Oana , Jelsbak Lars , Yang Lei , Folkesson Anders , Jarmer Hanne Østergaard , Aanæs Kasper , von Buchwald Christian , Høiby Niels , Molin Søren 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent colonizer of the airways of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). Depending on early treatment regimens, the colonization will, with high probability, develop into chronic infections sooner or later, and it is important to establish under which conditions the switch to chronic infection takes place. In association with a recently established sinus surgery treatment program for CF patients at the Copenhagen CF Center, colonization of the paranasal sinuses with P. aeruginosa has been investigated, paralleled by sampling of sputum from the same patients. On the basis of genotyping and phenotypic characterization including transcription profiling, the diversity of the P. aeruginosa populations in the sinuses and the lower airways was investigated and compared. The observations made from several children show that the paranasal sinuses constitute an important niche for the colonizing bacteria in many patients. The paranasal sinuses often harbor distinct bacterial subpopulations, and in the early colonization phases there seems to be a migration from the sinuses to the lower airways, suggesting that independent adaptation and evolution take place in the sinuses. Importantly, before the onset of chronic lung infection, lineages with mutations conferring a large fitness benefit in CF airways such as mucA and lasR as well as small colony variants and antibiotic-resistant clones are part of the sinus populations. Thus, the paranasal sinuses potentially constitute a protected niche of adapted clones of P. aeruginosa, which can intermittently seed the lungs and pave the way for subsequent chronic lung infections.
Aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10 is secreted through a lysosome-mediated non-classical pathway
Authors: Luo Di-xian , Huang Mei C. , Ma Jun , Gao Zachary , Liao Duan-fang , Cao Deliang 
Published: July 2011

AKR1B10 (aldo-keto reductase family 1, member B10) protein is primarily expressed in normal human small intestine and colon, but overexpressed in several types of human cancers and considered as a tumour marker. In the present study, we found that AKR1B10 protein is secreted from normal intestinal epithelium and cultured cancer cells, as detected by a newly developed sandwich ELISA and Western blotting. The secretion of AKR1B10 was not affected by the protein-synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and the classical protein-secretion pathway inhibitor brefeldin A, but was stimulated by temperature, ATP, Ca2+ and the Ca2+ carrier ionomycin, lysosomotropic NH4Cl, the G-protein activator GTPγS and the G-protein coupling receptor N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The ADP-ribosylation factor inhibitor 2-(4-fluorobenzoylamino)-benzoic acid methyl ester and the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 inhibited the secretion of AKR1B10. In cultured cells, AKR1B10 was present in lysosomes and was secreted with cathepsin D, a lysosomal marker. In the intestine, AKR1B10 was specifically expressed in mature epithelial cells and secreted into the lumen at 188.6–535.7 ng/ml of ileal fluids (mean=298.1 ng/ml, n=11). Taken together, our results demonstrate that AKR1B10 is a new secretory protein belonging to a lysosome-mediated non-classical protein-secretion pathway and is a potential serum marker.
Active-pocket size differentiating insectile from bacterial chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases
Authors: Liu Tian , Zhang Haitao , Liu Fengyi , Chen Lei , Shen Xu , Yang Qing 
Published: July 2011

Chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase is a branch of the GH20 (glycoside hydrolase family 20) β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases that is only distributed in insects and micro-organisms, and is therefore a potential target for the action of insecticides. PUGNAc [O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyransylidene)-amino-N-phenylcarbamate] was initially identified as an inhibitor against GH20 β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases. So far no crystal structure of PUGNAc in complex with any GH20 β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase has been reported. We show in the present study that the sensitivities of chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases towards PUGNAc can vary by 100-fold, with the order being OfHex1 (Ostrinia furnacalis β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase)&lt;SmCHB (Serratia marcescens chitobiase)&lt;SpHex (Streptomyces plicatus β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidase). To explain this difference, the crystal structures of wild-type OfHex1 as well as mutant OfHex1(V327G) in complex with PUGNAc were determined at 2.0 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) and 2.3 Å resolutions and aligned with the complex structures of SpHex and SmCHB. The results showed that the sensitivities of these enzymes to PUGNAc were determined by the active pocket size, with OfHex1 having the largest but narrowest entrance, whereas SpHex has the smallest entrance, suitable for holding the inhibitor, and SmCHB has the widest entrance. By widening the size of the active pocket entrance of OfHex1 through replacing the active site Val327 with a glycine residue, the sensitivity of OfHex1 to PUGNAc became similar to that of SmCHB. The structural differences among chitinolytic β-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminidases leading to different sensitivities to PUGNAc may be useful for developing species-specific pesticides and bactericides.
Calcium homoeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) reduces the calcium content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and triggers ER stress
Authors: Gallego-Sandín Sonia , Alonso María Teresa , García-Sancho Javier 
Published: July 2011

CALHM1 (calcium homoeostasis modulator 1), a membrane protein with similarity to NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor channels that localizes in the plasma membrane and the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) of neurons, has been shown to generate a plasma-membrane Ca2+ conductance and has been proposed to influence Alzheimer's disease risk. In the present study we have investigated the effects of CALHM1 on intracellular Ca2+ handling in HEK-293T [HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells expressing the large T-antigen of SV40 (simian virus 40)] cells by using targeted aequorins for selective monitorization of Ca2+ transport by organelles. We find that CALHM1 increases Ca2+ leak from the ER and, more importantly, reduces ER Ca2+ uptake by decreasing both the transport capacity and the Ca2+ affinity of SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase). As a result, the Ca2+ content of the ER is drastically decreased. This reduction in the Ca2+ content of the ER triggered the UPR (unfolded protein response) with induction of several ER stress markers, such as CHOP [C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein)-homologous protein], ERdj4, GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa) and XBP1 (X-box-binding protein 1). Thus CALHM1 might provide a relevant link between Ca2+ homoeostasis disruption, ER stress and cell damage in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases
HIV-TAT-fused FHIT protein functions as a potential pro-apoptotic molecule in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Gui-Rong , Qin Wei-Wei , Li Ji-Peng , Hua Wei , Meng Yan-Ling , Chen Rui , Yan Bo , Wang Lei , Zhang Xiang , Jia Lin-Tao , Zhao Jing , Zhang Rui , Yang An-Gang 
Published: July 2011

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that FHIT (fragile histidine triad) is a bona fide tumour suppressor gene in a large fraction of human tumours, including hepatocellular cancer. A virus-based delivery system has been developed to transfer the FHIT gene into many types of cancer cells to inhibit growth or even induce apoptosis. However, a protein-based replacement strategy for FHIT has not been performed in cancer cells. Here, we used HIV-TAT (transactivator of transcription)-derived peptide to transfer the purified FHIT protein into HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and determine the biological effect of this fusion protein in inducing apoptosis. Affinity chromatography was used to purify TAT peptide-fused human FHIT (TAT–FHIT) protein from BL21 Escherichia coli. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were performed to identify the expression and internalization of TAT–FHIT in HCC cells compared with the purified FHIT protein. Our study showed that TAT–FHIT protein can translocate into cancer cells in 1 h after incubation at 37°C. Furthermore, the results of MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide] assay, Annexin-V staining and Western blotting demonstrated that TAT–FHIT can robustly inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro. In addition, a mechanistic study showed that both exogenous and intrinsic apoptotic pathways were involved in TAT–FHIT-mediated apoptosis and this effect could be attenuated partially by a mitochondrial protector TAT-BH4, indicating that mitochondrion plays a critical role in TAT–FHIT-mediated pro-apoptotic effect in cancer cells. Taken together, our study suggests that TAT–FHIT is a potential pro-apoptotic molecule in HCC cells and strengthen the hypothesis of its therapeutic application against HCC.
Hypoxic regulation of mesenchymal stem cell migration: the role of RhoA and HIF‐1α
Authors: Raheja Leah F. , Genetos Damian C. , Wong Alice , Yellowley Clare E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA variety of pathologies such as skeletal fracture, neoplasia and inflammation compromise tissue perfusion and thereby decrease tissue oxygen tension. We and others have demonstrated that hypoxia is a potent stimulant for MSC (mesenchymal stem cell) recruitment and differentiation, yet to date little research has focused on the effects of oxygen tension on MSC migration. In the present study, we examined the effects of hypoxia and the potential role of the GTPase RhoA and HIF‐1α (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α) on MSC migration. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia decreases MSC migration through an HIF‐1α and RhoA‐mediated pathway. The active GTP‐bound form of RhoA was reduced in 1% oxygen, whereas activation of RhoA under hypoxic conditions rescued migration. Furthermore, stabilization of HIF‐1α under normoxic conditions attenuated cell migration similar to that of hypoxia. These results suggest that hypoxia negatively affects MSC migration by regulating activation of GTPases. These results highlight the importance of oxygen in regulating the recruitment of progenitor cells to areas of ischaemic tissue damage.
Mesenchymal stem cell injection ameliorates chronic renal failure in a rat model
Authors: Villanueva Sandra , Ewertz Ernesto , Carrión Flavio , Tapia Andrés , Vergara César , Céspedes Carlos , Sáez Pablo J. , Luz Patricia , Irarrázabal Carlos , Carreño Juan E. , Figueroa Fernando , Vio Carlos P. 
Published: July 2011

CKD (chronic kidney disease) has become a public health problem. The therapeutic approaches have been able to reduce proteinuria, but have not been successful in limiting disease progression. In this setting, cell therapies associated with regenerative effects are attracting increasing interest. We evaluated the effect of MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) on the progression of CKD and the expression of molecular biomarkers associated with regenerative effects. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to 5/6 NPX (nephrectomy) received a single intravenous infusion of 0.5×106 MSC or culture medium. A sham group subjected to the same injection was used as the control. Rats were killed 5 weeks after MSC infusion. Dye tracking of MSC was followed by immunofluorescence analysis. Kidney function was evaluated using plasma creatinine. Structural damage was evaluated by H&E (haematoxylin and eosin) staining, ED-1 abundance (macrophages) and interstitial α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin). Repairing processes were evaluated by functional and structural analyses and angiogenic/epitheliogenic protein expression. MSC could be detected in kidney tissues from NPX animals treated with intravenous cell infusion. This group presented a marked reduction in plasma creatinine levels and damage markers ED-1 and α-SMA (P&lt;0.05). In addition, treated rats exhibited a significant induction in epitheliogenic [Pax-2, bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) and BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7)] and angiogenic [VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and Tie-2] proteins. The expression of these biomarkers of regeneration was significantly related to the increase in renal function. Many aspects of the cell therapy in CKD remain to be investigated in more detail: for example, its safety, low cost and the possible need for repeated cell injections over time. Beyond the undeniable importance of these issues, what still needs to be clarified is whether MSC administration has a real effect on the treatment of this pathology. It is precisely to this point that the present study aims to contribute.