bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MHC class I dimer formation by alteration of the cellular redox environment and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Makhadiyeva Dinara , Lam Lorraine , Moatari Mohammad , Vallance Jasmine , Zheng Ying , Campbell Elaine C. , Powis Simon J. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryMany MHC class I molecules contain unpaired cysteine residues in their cytoplasmic tail domains, the function of which remains relatively uncharacterized. Recently, it has been shown that in the small secretory vesicles known as exosomes, fully folded MHC class I dimers can form through a disulphide bond between the cytoplasmic tail domain cysteines, induced by the low levels of glutathione in these extracellular vesicles. Here we address whether similar MHC class I dimers form in whole cells by alteration of the redox environment. Treatment of the HLA‐B27‐expressing Epstein–Barr virus‐transformed B‐cell line Jesthom, and the leukaemic T‐cell line CEM transfected with HLA‐B27 with the strong oxidant diamide, and the apoptosis‐inducing and glutathione‐depleting agents hydrogen peroxide and thimerosal, induced MHC class I dimers. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis by cross‐linking FasR/CD95 on CEM cells with monoclonal antibody CH‐11 also induced MHC class I dimers. As with exosomal MHC class I dimers, the formation of these structures on cells is controlled by the cysteine at position 325 in the cytoplasmic tail domain of HLA‐B27. Therefore, the redox environment of cells intimately controls induction of MHC class I dimers, the formation of which may provide novel structures for recognition by the immune system.
Inter‐oceanic variation in patterns of host‐associated divergence in a seabird ectoparasite
Authors: Dietrich Muriel , Kempf Florent , Gómez‐Díaz Elena , Kitaysky Alexander S. , Hipfner J. Mark , Boulinier Thierry , McCoy Karen D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim  Parasites with global distributions and wide host spectra provide excellent models for exploring the factors that drive parasite diversification. Here, we tested the relative force of host and geography in shaping population structure of a widely distributed and common ectoparasite of colonial seabirds, the tick Ixodes uriae.Location  Two natural geographic replicates of the system: numerous seabird colonies of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Ocean basins.Methods  Using eight microsatellite markers and tick samples from a suite of multi‐specific seabird colonies, we examined tick population structure in the North Pacific and compare patterns of diversity and structure to those in the Atlantic basin. Analyses included population genetic estimations of diversity and population differentiation, exploratory multivariate analyses, and Bayesian clustering approaches. These different analyses explicitly took into account both the geographic distance among colonies and host use by the tick.Results  Overall, little geographic structure was observed among Pacific tick populations. However, host‐related genetic differentiation was evident, but was variable among host types and lower than in the North Atlantic.Main conclusions  Tick population structure is concordant with the genetic structure observed in seabird host species within each ocean basin, where seabird populations tend to be less structured in the North Pacific than in the North Atlantic. Reduced tick genetic structure in the North Pacific suggests that host movement among colonies, and thus tick dispersal, is higher in this region. In addition to information on parasite diversity and gene flow, our findings raise interesting questions about the subtle ways that host behaviour, distribution and phylogeographic history shape the genetics of associated parasites across geographic landscapes.
Metagenetic community analysis of microbial eukaryotes illuminates biogeographic patterns in deep‐sea and shallow water sediments
Authors: BIK HOLLY M. , SUNG WAY , DE LEY PAUL , BALDWIN JAMES G. , SHARMA JYOTSNA , ROCHA‐OLIVARES AXAYÁCATL , THOMAS W. KELLEY 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMicrobial eukaryotes (nematodes, protists, fungi, etc., loosely referred to as meiofauna) are ubiquitous in marine sediments and probably play pivotal roles in maintaining ecosystem function. Although the deep‐sea benthos represents one of the world’s largest habitats, we lack a firm understanding of the biodiversity and community interactions amongst meiobenthic organisms in this ecosystem. Within this vast environment, key questions concerning the historical genetic structure of species remain a mystery, yet have profound implications for our understanding of global biodiversity and how we perceive and mitigate the impact of environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance. Using a metagenetic approach, we present an assessment of microbial eukaryote communities across depth (shallow water to abyssal) and ocean basins (deep‐sea Pacific and Atlantic). Within the 12 sites examined, our results suggest that some taxa can maintain eurybathic ranges and cosmopolitan deep‐sea distributions, but the majority of species appear to be regionally restricted. For Operationally Clustered Taxonomic Units (OCTUs) reporting wide distributions, there appears to be a taxonomic bias towards a small subset of taxa in most phyla; such bias may be driven by specific life history traits amongst these organisms. In addition, low genetic divergence between geographically disparate deep‐sea sites suggests either a shorter coalescence time between deep‐sea regions or slower rates of evolution across this vast oceanic ecosystem. While high‐throughput studies allow for broad assessment of genetic patterns across microbial eukaryote communities, intragenomic variation in rRNA gene copies and the patchy coverage of reference databases currently present substantial challenges for robust taxonomic interpretations of eukaryotic data sets.
Determining sites of interaction between prenisin and its modification enzymes NisB and NisC
Authors: Khusainov Rustem , Heils René , Lubelski Jacek , Moll Gert N. , Kuipers Oscar P. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAlthough nisin is a model lantibiotic, our knowledge of the specific interactions of prenisin with its modification enzymes remains fragmentary. Here, we demonstrate that the nisin modification enzymes NisB and NisC can be pulled down in vitro from Lactococcus lactis by an engineered His‐tagged prenisin. This approach enables us to determine important intermolecular interactions of prenisin with its modification machinery within L. lactis. We demonstrate that (i) NisB has stronger interactions with precursor nisin than NisC has, (ii) deletion of the propeptide part keeping the nisin leader intact leads to a lack of binding, (iii) NisB point mutants of highly conserved residues W616, F342A, Y346F and P639A are still able to dehydrate prenisin, (iv) NisB Δ(77–79)Y80F mutant decreased the levels of NisB–prenisin interactions and resulted in unmodified prenisin, (v) substitution of an active site residue H331A in NisC leads to higher amounts of the co‐purified complex, (vi) NisB is present in the form of a dimer, and (vii) the region FNLD (‐18 to ‐15) of the leader is an important site for binding not only to NisB, but also to NisC.
Stressful events, smoking exposure and other maternal risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hosler Akiko S. , Nayak Seema G. , Radigan Anne M. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryHosler AS, Nayak SG, Radigan AM. Stressful events, smoking exposure and other maternal risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 566–574.The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased significantly in the last few decades in the US. Understanding its risk factors is imperative for the prevention of GDM and its sequelae, but the roles of behavioural risk factors such as stressful events and smoking on GDM are generally not well understood. Using data obtained from the New York State (NYS) Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey for 2004–06 and the NYS birth certificates, we examined relationships between GDM, stressful events and smoking among 2690 women who had live singleton births and did not have pre‐pregnancy diabetes.After adjustment for risk factors such as maternal age, race/ethnicity, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, hypertension, as well as smoking exposure, education, parity, and gestation at first visit for prenatal care, we found that having five or more stressful events 12 months before the baby was born was significantly associated with GDM (OR = 2.49, [95% CI 1.49, 4.16]). In another model, having any stressful event(s) other than ‘moved to a new address’ 12 months before the baby was born was also moderately associated with GDM (OR = 1.38, [95% CI 1.04, 1.85]). Smoking exposure, assessed by combining maternal smoking and second‐hand smoke exposure into six levels, had no significant association with GDM, and did not show a dose–response pattern.The present study suggests that stressful events during pregnancy may be an independent risk factor for GDM. Future studies of GDM should include this common, but potentially modifiable risk factor in analyses.
Phytophthora obscura sp. nov., a new species of the novel Phytophthora subclade 8d
Authors: Grünwald N. J. , Werres S. , Goss E. M. , Taylor C. R. , Fieland V. J. 
Published: October 2011

A new Phytophthora species was detected (i) in the USA, infecting foliage of Kalmia latifolia, (ii) in substrate underneath Pieris, and (iii) in Germany in soil samples underneath Aesculus hippocastanum showing disease symptoms. The new species Phytophthora obscura sp. nov. is formally named based on phylogenetic analysis, host range, Koch’s postulates and morphology. Phytophthora obscura is homothallic with paragynous antheridia and semipapillate sporangia. It is genetically closely related to P. syringae and P. austrocedrae and together these three species define a new Phytophthora subclade 8d, with significant support for all genetic loci analysed including seven nuclear genes and the mitochondrial gene coxII. The morphological and ecological characteristics are very similar to P. syringae, and it is likely that P. obscura was not described earlier because it was identified as P. syringae. Artificial inoculations indicated that horse chestnut, kalmia, pieris and rhododendron might be hosts, and Koch’s postulates were confirmed for kalmia from which it was isolated. This pathogen was named after its elusive nature since it has to date rarely been detected in the US and Germany.
Petrology and geochemistry of chert on the marginal zone of Yangtze Platform, western Hunan, South China, during the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition
Authors: WANG JIANGUO , CHEN DAIZHAO , WANG DAN , YAN DETIAN , ZHOU XIQIANG , WANG QINGCHEN 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Ediacaran–Cambrian transition was one of the most critical intervals in Earth history. During this interval, widespread chert was precipitated, commonly as a stratal wedge in carbonates, along the southern margin of the Yangtze Platform, South China. The chert wedge passes into a full chert succession further basinward to the south‐east. Four lithotypes of chert are identified across the marginal zone in western Hunan: mounded, vein, brecciated and bedded chert. The mounded chert is characterized by irregular to digitiform internal fabrics, generally with abundant original vesicles and/or channels that mostly are lined by botryoidal chalcedony cements with minor quartz and barite crystals. The host chert (or matrix) of these mounds is dominated by amorphous cryptocrystalline silica, commonly disseminated with pyrite. The vein chert, with minor quartz locally, generally cross‐cuts the overlying dolostone and chert horizons and terminates under the mounded and/or bedded chert bodies. The brecciated chert commonly occurs as splayed ‘intrusions’ or funnel‐shaped wedges and cross‐cuts the topmost dolostones. The bedded chert, the most common type, generally is thin to medium‐bedded and laminated locally; it is composed of amorphous silica with minor amounts of black lumps. Microthermometry of fluid inclusions from vein and void‐lining minerals (mainly quartz and barite) revealed homogenization temperatures from 120 to 180°C for the trapped primary fluids. Compositionally, these chert deposits generally are pure, with SiO2 > 92 wt%, and only minor Fe2O3 and Al2O3 contents, most of which show positive Europium anomalies in rare earth element patterns, especially for the mounded chert. All these data suggest that the marginal zone chert deposits resulted from a low‐temperature, silica‐rich hydrothermal system, in which the mounded chert was precipitated around the releasing vents, i.e. as silica chimneys. The vein and splayed brecciated chert, however, was formed along the syndepositional fault/fracture conduits that linked downward, while the bedded chert was precipitated in the quieter water column from the fallout of hydrothermal plumes onto the sea floor. These petrological and geochemical data provide compelling evidence and a new clue to the understanding of the extensive silica precipitation; rapid tectono‐depositional and oceanic changes during the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition in South China.
Clinical study on prevention of HBV re‐infection by entecavir after liver transplantation
Authors: Cai Chang‐jie , Lu Min‐qiang , Chen Ying‐hua , Zhao Hui , Li Min‐ru , Chen Gui‐hua 
Published: October 2011

Cai C‐j, Lu M‐q, Chen Y‐h, Zhao H, Li M‐r, Chen G‐h. Clinical study on prevention of HBV re‐infection by entecavir after liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01448.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Purpose:  This aims to evaluate the effects of lamivudine (LAM) and entecavir (ETV) in preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) re‐infection after liver transplantation (LT).Methods: A retrospective matched case‐control method was used in this study. From June 2005 to May 2007, the patients who received LAM (100 mg qd) or ETV (0.5 mg qd) were chosen. The LAM and ETV groups were matched using a 3:1 ratio based on the factors, such as age, gender, LAM or ETV antiviral duration, primary disease, and HBV DNA levels at the initiation of antiviral therapy. Data on serum HBV markers, HBV DNA, and cumulative recurrence were collected.Results:  Two hundred and fifty‐two patients were enrolled. The average duration of follow‐up was 38.5 and 41.2 months (LAM and ETV groups) (p > 0.05). Duration of pre‐operative antiviral therapy was 30.3 and 25.8 d (LAM and ETV groups) (p > 0.05). The HBV DNA level decreased from 3.89 × 106 to 5.31 × 105 copies/mL before LT in the LAM group, and decreased from 8.74 × 106 to 5.49 × 104 copies/mL in the ETV group (p < 0.05). Eighteen patients in LAM group developed HBV re‐infection and 0 in ETV group.Conclusion:  ETV is superior to LAM for preventing HBV re‐infection following LT.
Evolution of anterior segment reconstruction after live donor adult liver transplantation: a single‐center experience
Authors: Pomposelli James J. , Akoad Mohamed , Khwaja Khalid , Lewis W. D. , Cheah Yee L. , Verbesey Jennifer , Jenkins Roger L. , Pomfret Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2011

Pomposelli JJ, Akoad M, Khwaja K, Lewis WD, Cheah YL, Verbesey J, Jenkins RL, Pomfret EA. Evolution of anterior segment reconstruction after live donor adult liver transplantation: a single‐center experience.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01529.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Controversy exists regarding the best method for venous outflow reconstruction after live donor liver transplantation using right lobe grafts. Some authors advocate routine inclusion of the middle hepatic vein with the graft, whereas others favor a more selective approach. In this report, we examine the evolution of our decision making and technique of selective anterior venous segment reconstruction during live donor adult liver transplantation performed in 226 recipients. We have developed a simplified back‐bench procedure using sequential‐composite anastomosis using various vascular conduits with syndactylization to the right hepatic vein creating a single large‐outflow anastomosis in the recipient. Conduits used include iliac artery or vein allograft, recanalized umbilical vein, cryopreserved iliac artery allograft, and 6‐mm synthetic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft. This technique can be performed quickly, safely, and under cold storage conditions and results in excellent outcome while minimizing donor risk.
Effect of early EBV and/or CMV viremia on graft function and acute cellular rejection in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Heaton Nigel , Smith Melvyn , Mieli‐Vergani Giorgina , Zuckerman Mark 
Published: October 2011

Indolfi G, Heaton N, Smith M, Mieli‐Vergani G, Zuckerman M. Effect of early EBV and/or CMV viremia on graft function and acute cellular rejection in pediatric liver transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E55–E61.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  The clinical impact of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in the early post‐transplantation period are poorly documented. We investigated the prevalence and timing of EBV and CMV infections during the first 21 d post‐transplantation in relation to graft function and acute cellular rejection in a large cohort of pediatric liver transplantation recipients.Patients and methods:  Clinical, biochemical, virological, and histopathological data of 62 consecutive children who received a liver transplant were reviewed retrospectively.Results:  Seventeen patients (27%) developed EBV and 11 (18%) CMV viremia (mean interval from surgery: 7.6 d, SD 3.6 and 8.7 d, SD 6.4, respectively). EBV and CMV viremia were more common as a consequence of reactivation than of primary infection. EBV viremic recipients had more often abnormal bilirubin levels [p = 0.01; OR 5.8: 95% CI 1.3–25.5]. Acute rejection was diagnosed in 20 recipients (32.3%). No correlation was found between rejection and EBV and CMV serology before transplantation and viremia after transplantation (mean interval between the diagnosis of rejection and the detection of EBV DNA and CMV DNA: one d, SD 4.4 and five d, SD 9.2, respectively).Conclusion:  EBV and CMV viremia occur at a very early‐stage post‐transplantation and do not appear to affect the short‐term outcome of the transplant.
Leflunomide for cytomegalovirus: bench to bedside
Authors: Chacko B. , John G.T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among transplant recipients, frequently engaging the clinician in a struggle to balance graft preservation with control of CMV disease. Leflunomide has been shown to have immunosuppressive activity in experimental allograft models together with antiviral activity inhibiting CMV both in vitro and in vivo. Data are emerging about its potential role in ganciclovir‐sensitive and ‐resistant CMV, primarily by virtue of a unique mechanism inhibiting virion assembly, as opposed to inhibition of viral DNA synthesis by current agents. This review aims to put in perspective, the knowledge acquired in the last decade or so on leflunomide for CMV. Evidence suggests that it might have activity against human CMV with good oral bioavailability and, more importantly in the resource‐poor setting, is economical. Although the data presented here are not from randomized trials, several relevant observations have been made that could influence future, more structured assessments of the drug. An immune suppressive compound with antiviral features and experimental activity in chronic rejection is an attractive combination for organ transplantation, and it appears that leflunomide may just fit that niche.
Optimising μCT Imaging of the Middle and Inner Cat Ear
Authors: Seifert H. , Röher U. , Staszyk C. , Angrisani N. , Dziuba D. , Meyer‐Lindenberg A. 
Published: October 2011

With 9 figures and 4 tablesSummaryThis study’s aim was to determine the optimal scan parameters for imaging the middle and inner ear of the cat with micro‐computertomography (μCT). Besides, the study set out to assess whether adequate image quality can be obtained to use μCT in diagnostics and research on cat ears. For optimisation, μCT imaging of two cat skull preparations was performed using 36 different scanning protocols. The μCT‐scans were evaluated by four experienced experts with regard to the image quality and detail detectability. By compiling a ranking of the results, the best possible scan parameters could be determined. From a third cat’s skull, a μCT‐scan, using these optimised scan parameters, and a comparative clinical CT‐scan were acquired. Afterwards, histological specimens of the ears were produced which were compared to the μCT‐images. The comparison shows that the osseous structures are depicted in detail. Although soft tissues cannot be differentiated, the osseous structures serve as valuable spatial orientation of relevant nerves and muscles. Clinical CT can depict many anatomical structures which can also be seen on μCT‐images, but these appear a lot less sharp and also less detailed than with μCT.
Replacement of fish meal protein by surimi by‐product protein in the diet of blue gouramiTrichogaster trichopterusfingerlings
Authors: Mohanta K. N. , Subramanian S. , Korikanthimath V. S. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryBased on the nutrient requirement ofTrichogaster trichopterus, a fish meal–based basal diet with 350 g/kg diet crude protein and 16.7 MJ/kg energy was formulated, in which the fish meal protein was replaced by surimi by‐product protein at 0.0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels. The formulated diets were fedad libitumtoT. trichopterusfingerlings (4.80 ± 0.03 g) in triplicate groups for 45 days in a closed water system. Eighteen fibre‐reinforced plastic tanks with 200 l of water were used for rearing the fish. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed/gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio, nutrient retention and digestibility (protein and energy) of fish were not affected (p > 0.05) up to 50% fish meal protein replacement level by surimi by‐product protein. While whole‐body protein content of fish was marginally decreased, the lipid content was increased with increase in surumi by‐product incorporation level in the diet. The study results suggest that the fish meal protein, which is scarce and costly nowadays, could be replaced up to 50% by surimi by‐product protein in the diet of blue gourami without hampering the growth and nutrient utilization of fish.
Fatigue crack propagation into the residual stress field along and perpendicular to laser beam butt‐weld in aluminium alloy AA6056
Authors: VAIDYA W. V. , STARON P. , HORSTMANN M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTLaser beam butt welds in Al‐alloys are very narrow and are accompanied by steep residual stress gradients. In such a case, how the initial crack orientation and the distance of the notch tip relative to the weld affect fatigue crack propagation has not been investigated. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken with two different crack orientations: along the mid‐weld and perpendicular to the weld. Fatigue crack propagation ‘along the mid‐weld’ was found to be faster in middle crack tension specimens than in compact tension specimens. For the crack orientation ‘perpendicular to the weld’, the relative distance between the notch tip and the weld was varied using compact tension specimens to generate either tensile or compressive residual stresses near the notch tip. When tensile residual stresses were generated near the notch tip, fatigue crack propagation was found to be faster than that in the base material, irrespective of the difference in the initial residual stress level and whether the crack propagated along the mid‐weld or perpendicular to the weld. In contrast, when compressive weld residual stresses were generated near the notch tip, fatigue crack arrest, slow crack propagation, multiple crack branching and out of plane deviation occurred. The results are discussed by considering the superposition principle and possible practical implications are mentioned.