bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide Expansion and Expression Divergence of the Basic Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors in Higher Plants with an Emphasis on SorghumF
Authors: Wang Jizhou , Zhou Junxia , Zhang Baolan , Vanitha Jeevanandam , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Jiang Shu‐Ye 
Published: December 2010

Abstract Plant bZIP transcription factors play crucial roles in multiple biological processes. However, little is known about the sorghum bZIP gene family although the sorghum genome has been completely sequenced. In this study, we have carried out a genome‐wide identification and characterization of this gene family in sorghum. Our data show that the genome encodes at least 92 bZIP transcription factors. These bZIP genes have been expanded mainly by segmental duplication. Such an expansion mechanism has also been observed in rice, arabidopsis and many other plant organisms, suggesting a common expansion mode of this gene family in plants. Further investigation shows that most of the bZIP members have been present in the most recent common ancestor of sorghum and rice and the major expansion would occur before the sorghum‐rice split era. Although these bZIP genes have been duplicated with a long history, they exhibited limited functional divergence as shown by nonsynonymous substitutions (Ka)/synonymous substitutions (Ks) analyses. Their retention was mainly due to the high percentages of expression divergence. Our data also showed that this gene family might play a role in multiple developmental stages and tissues and might be regarded as important regulators of various abiotic stresses and sugar signaling.
Immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in the metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the human tongue
Authors: Zhou CX , Gao Y , Johnson NW , Gao J 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue has frequent lymph node metastases and poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) are reported to degrade basement membrane, facilitating invasion and metastasis. This study determined the expression of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 in primary tongue cancer with or without cervical metastases and analysed the significance of such expression in relation to the presence or absence of metastases.Methods:  Expressions of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 were detected by immunohistochemistry in 10 specimens of normal oral mucosa, 20 lymph node‐negative tongue cancers, 41 lymph node‐positive tongue cancers and their metastasized tumours in cervical lymph nodes.Results:  MMP‐2/MMP‐9 expression was seldom found in normal epithelium. In lymph node‐negative tongue cancer, 45% and 40% of these primary tumours were positively stained for MMP‐2/MMP‐9, respectively. Importantly, in lymph node‐positive tongue cancer, 71% and 79% of these primary tumours were positive for MMP‐2/MMP‐9, respectively. Overexpression of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 was present in the metastatic lymph nodes.Conclusions:  Our results imply that MMP‐2 and/or MMP‐9 play an important role in invasion and metastasis in tongue cancer, and that analysis of MMP expression and/or activity in primary tumours may have a predictive value for the actual or potential presence of cervical metastases.
Effect of preoperative prednisolone on clinical postoperative symptoms after surgical extractions of mandibular third molars
Authors: Kang S‐H , Choi Y‐S , Byun I‐Y , Kim M‐K 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  This study compared postoperative symptoms in patients treated preoperatively with a single dose of ≤20 mg oral steroid during third molar surgery.Methods:  A total of 450 patients were categorized randomly into three groups containing 150 patients each. Patients were in their second or third decade and had no specific medical history and findings involving infections of the mandibular third molar area. Two groups received preoperative steroids orally one hour before the operation; one group received 10 mg prednisolone and the other received 20 mg. No steroids were administered to the control group. Patients were asked to report by questionnaire any changes in postoperative symptoms, such as pain, facial oedema, or gastrointestinal disorders, and in masticatory disorders, trismus, or swallowing discomfort. They reported daily from days 1 to 6 post‐extraction by evaluating their experience over the preceding 24 hours.Results:  A single preoperative oral administration of ≤20 mg prednisolone had no significant effect on postoperative symptoms of pain, facial oedema, or gastrointestinal upset, or on masticatory symptoms, trismus, or swallowing discomfort in mandibular third molar surgery.Conclusions:  A single oral dose of ≤20 mg prednisolone before third molar extraction may not be helpful for the relief of postoperative symptoms.
Novel Biocatalytic Polymer-Based Antimicrobial Coatings as Potential Ureteral Biomaterial: Preparation andIn VitroPerformance Evaluation
Authors: Dave Rachna N. , Joshi Hiren M. , Venugopalan Vayalam P. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTCatheters and other indwelling devices placed inside human body are prone to bacterial infection, causing serious risk to patients. Infections associated with implants are difficult to resolve, and hence the prevention of bacterial colonization of such surfaces is quite appropriate. In this context, the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials is currently gaining momentum. We describe here the preparation and antibacterial properties of an enzyme-embedded polycaprolactone (PCL)-based coating, coimpregnated with the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate (GS). The enzyme uses PCL itself as substrate; as a result, the antibiotic gets released at a rate controlled by the degradation of the PCL base.In vitrodrug release studies demonstrated sustained release of GS from the PCL film throughout its lifetime. By modulating the enzyme concentration in the PCL film, we were able to vary the lifetime of the coating from 33 h to 16 days. In the end, the polymer is completely degraded, delivering the entire load of the antibiotic. The polymer exhibited antibacterial properties against three test isolates:Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andStaphylococcus aureus. Foley urinary catheters coated with the modified polymer exhibited sustainedin vitrorelease of GS over a 60-h period. The results suggest that the antibiotic-plus-enzyme-loaded polymer can be used as tunable self-degrading antimicrobial biomaterial coating on catheters.
Alkylated Porphyrins Have Broad Antiviral Activity against Hepadnaviruses, Flaviviruses, Filoviruses, and Arenaviruses
Authors: Guo Haitao , Pan Xiaoben , Mao Richeng , Zhang Xianchao , Wang Lijuan , Lu Xuanyong , Chang Jinhong , Guo Ju-Tao , Passic Shendra , Krebs Fred C. , Wigdahl Brian , Warren Travis K. , Retterer Cary J. , Bavari Sina , Xu Xiaodong , Cuconati Andrea , Block Timothy M. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
We screened ∼2,200 compounds known to be safe in people for the ability to reduce the amount of virion-associated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the culture medium of producer cells. These efforts led to the discovery of an alkylated porphyrin, chlorophyllide, as the compound that achieved the greatest reduction in signal. Here we report that chlorophyllide directly and quantitatively disrupted HBV virions at micromolar concentrations, resulting in the loss of all detectable virion DNA, without detectably affecting cell viability or intracellular viral gene products. Chemophores of chlorophyllide were also tested. Chlorin e6, a metal-free chlorophyllide-like molecule, showed the strongest antiviral activity against HBV as well as profound antiviral effects on other enveloped viruses, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), dengue virus (DENV), Marburg virus (MARV), Tacaribe virus (TCRV), and Junin viruses (JUNV). Remarkably, chlorin e6 inactivated DENV at subnanomolar-level concentrations. However, the compound had no antiviral effect against encephalomyocarditis virus and adenovirus, suggesting that chlorin e6 may be less active or inactive against nonenveloped viruses. Although other porphyrin derivatives have been previously reported to possess antiviral activity, this is the first analysis of the biochemical impact of chlorophyllide and chlorin e6 against HBV and of the dramatic anti-infectivity impact upon DENV. The possible application of this family of compounds as antiviral agents, as microbicides and systemic virus neutralizing agents, is discussed.
Quaternized Chitosan Inhibits
icaA
Transcription and Biofilm Formation by
Staphylococcus
on a Titanium Surface
Authors: Peng Zhao-Xiang , Tu Bing , Shen Yang , Du Lin , Wang Ling , Guo Sheng-Rong , Tang Ting-Ting 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Our previous study (Z. X. Peng et al., Carbohydr. Polym.
81:
275-283, 2010) demonstrated that water-soluble quaternary ammonium salts, which are produced by the reaction of chitosan with glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride, provide chitosan derivatives with enhanced antibacterial ability. Because biofilm formation is believed to comprise the key step in the development of orthopedic implant-related infections, we further evaluated the efficacy of hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) with different degrees of substitution (DS; referred to as HACC 6%, 18%, and 44%) in preventing biofilm formation on a titanium surface. We used a tissue culture plate method to quantify the biomass of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms and found that HACC, especially HACC 18% and 44%, significantly inhibited biofilm formation compared to the untreated control, even at concentrations far below their MICs (
P
< 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that inhibition of biofilm formation on titanium increased dramatically with increased DS and HACC concentrations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that growth of a preexisting biofilm on titanium was inhibited by concentrations of HACC 18% and 44% below their minimum biofilm eradication concentrations. We also demonstrated that HACC inhibited the expression of
icaA
, which mediates the production of extracellular polysaccharides, both in new biofilms and in preexisting biofilms on titanium. Our results indicate that HACC may serve as a new antibacterial agent to inhibit biofilm formation and prevent orthopedic implant-related infections.
Contrasting Effects of Acidic pH on the Extracellular and Intracellular Activities of the Anti-Gram-Positive Fluoroquinolones Moxifloxacin and Delafloxacin againstStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lemaire Sandrine , Tulkens Paul M. , Van Bambeke Françoise 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTIn contrast to currently marketed fluoroquinolones, which are zwitterionic, delafloxacin is an investigational fluoroquinolone with an anionic character that is highly active against Gram-positive bacteria. We have examined the effect of acidic pH on its accumulation inStaphylococcus aureusand in human THP-1 cells, in parallel with its activity against extracellular and intracellularS. aureus. Moxifloxacin was used as a comparator. Delafloxacin showed MICs 3 to 5 log2dilutions lower than those of moxifloxacin for a collection of 35 strains with relevant resistance mechanisms and also proved to be 10-fold more potent against intracellularS. aureusATCC 25923. In medium at pH 5.5, this difference was further enhanced, with the MIC decreasing by 5 log2dilutions. In infected cells incubated in acidic medium, the relative potency was 10-fold higher than that at neutral pH and the maximal relative efficacy reached a bactericidal effect at 24 h. These results can be explained by a 10-fold increase in delafloxacin accumulation in both bacteria and cells at acidic pH, making delafloxacin one of the most efficient drugs tested in this model. Opposite effects were seen for moxifloxacin with respect to both activity and accumulation. As reported for zwitterionic fluoroquinolones, delafloxacin was found associated with the soluble fraction in homogenates of eukaryotic cells. Taken together, these properties may confer to delafloxacin an advantage for the eradication ofS. aureusin acidic environments, including intracellular infections.
Identification of High-Affinity PB1-Derived Peptides with Enhanced Affinity to the PA Protein of Influenza A Virus Polymerase
Authors: Wunderlich Kerstin , Juozapaitis Mindaugas , Ranadheera Charlene , Kessler Ulrich , Martin Arnold , Eisel Jessica , Beutling Ulrike , Frank Ronald , Schwemmle Martin 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
The influenza A virus polymerase complex, consisting of the subunits PB1, PB2, and PA, represents a promising target for the development of new antiviral drugs. We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of targeting the protein-protein interaction domain between PA and PB1 using peptides derived from the extreme N terminus of PB1 (amino acids [aa] 1 to 15), comprising the PA-binding domain of PB1. To increase the binding affinity of these peptides, we performed a systematic structure-affinity relationship analysis. Alanine and aspartic acid scans revealed that almost all amino acids in the core binding region (aa 5 to 11) are indispensable for PA binding. Using a library of immobilized peptides representing all possible single amino acid substitutions, we were able to identify amino acid positions outside the core PA-binding region (aa 1, 3, 12, 14, and 15) that are variable and can be replaced by affinity-enhancing residues. Surface plasmon resonance binding studies revealed that combination of several affinity-enhancing mutations led to an additive effect. Thus, the feasibility to enhance the PA-binding affinity presents an intriguing possibility to increase antiviral activity of the PB1-derived peptide and one step forward in the development of an antiviral drug against influenza A viruses.
Three Protein Cocktails Mediate Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses Indistinguishable from That Elicited by Purified Protein Derivative in the Guinea Pig Model ofMycobacterium tuberculosisInfection
Authors: Yang Hongliang , Troudt JoLynn , Grover Ajay , Arnett Kimberly , Lucas Megan , Cho Yun Sang , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Taylor Jennifer , Izzo Angelo , Dobos Karen M. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTPurified protein derivative (PPD) is a widely used reagent for the diagnosis ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. Recently, the molecular composition of PPD was defined, with hundreds of mycobacterial protein representatives making up PPD. Which, if any, of these specific products drive the potency of PPD remains in question. In this study, two proteins (DnaK and GroEL2) previously identified as dominant proteins in PPD were tested for the capacity to induce delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in H37Rv-infected or BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs. These two proteins were used in pull-down assays to identify interacting PPD products. Six proteins were identified as interacting partners with DnaK and GroEL2, i.e., Rv0009, Rv0475, Rv0569, Rv0685, Rv2626c, and Rv2632c. These six proteins were tested alone and in combination with DnaK and GroEL2 for the capacity to induce a DTH response in the guinea pig model. From these studies, two cocktails, DnaK/GroEL2/Rv0009 and DnaK/GroEL2/Rv0685, were found to induce DTH responses in H37Rv-infected or BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs that were indistinguishable from DTH responses driven by a PPD injection. The mechanism by which DTH responses were induced was elucidated by histologic examination, analysis of activated CD4+/CD8+T cells, and cytokine mRNA expression at the site of the DTH response. PPD and the protein cocktails tested induced strong DTH responses in H37Rv-infected guinea pigs. Ex vivo phenotyping of T cells at the DTH site indicated that this response is mediated by activated CD4+and CD8+T cells, with increases in gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not interleukin-10, at the site of the DTH response. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the PPD response can be mimicked at the molecular level with defined protein cocktails. The use of this defined product will allow a more thorough understanding of the DTH response and may provide a platform for more rapid and sensitive second-generation skin test reagents for the diagnosis ofM. tuberculosisinfection.
Youth suicide: an insight into previous hospitalisation for injury and sociodemographic conditions from a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zambon Francesco , Laflamme Lucie , Spolaore Paolo , Visentin Cristiana , Hasselberg Marie 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundThis study investigates the degree to which a previous hospitalisation for injury of any intent is a risk of subsequent youth suicide and whether this association is influenced by family socioeconomic status or economic stress.MethodsA nationwide register-based cohort study was conducted covering all Swedish subjects born between January 1977 and December 1991 (N=1 616 342, male/female ratio=1.05). The cohort subjects were followed-up from January 1998 to December 2003, when aged 7–26 years. Poisson regression and the likelihood ratio test (95% CI) were used to assess the age-adjusted effect of hospitalisation for injuries of various intent on youth suicide and its effect once adjusted for family sociodemographic and social circumstances.ResultsEach set of exposures was associated independently and significantly with suicide mortality. Being hospitalised for self-inflicted injuries or injuries of undetermined intent was associated with a risk of suicide 36 to 47 times, respectively, that of subjects never hospitalised in the period under study (95% CI 28.36 to 45.58 and 26.67 to 83.87 for self-inflicted injuries and for events of undetermined intent, respectively; overall p<0.01). Similarly, previous events of unintentional injury markedly increased the risk of suicide (RR 3.08; 95% CI 2.26 to 4.19). These effects were solid and not substantially altered after adjustment for family demographic and socioeconomic circumstances.ConclusionA strong association exists between previous hospitalisation for injury of any intent and youth suicide. The association is robust and unaltered by family socioeconomic circumstances.
New Strategies in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: Understanding Tumor Biology and Developing Novel Therapies
Authors: Dunleavy Kieron , Piekarz Richard L. , Zain Jasmine , Janik John E. , Wilson Wyndham H. , O'Connor Owen A. , Bates Susan E. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) constitute a group of heterogeneous diseases that are uncommon, representing, in Western countries, only approximately 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. They are typically associated with a poor prognosis compared with their B-cell counterparts and are much less well understood with respect to tumor biology, owing to their rarity and biologic heterogeneity, and to the fact that characteristic cytogenetic abnormalities are few compared with B-cell lymphomas. Although the outcome for patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), particularly anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–positive ALCL, is good, other types of PTCLs are associated with a poor prognosis, even with aggressive anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In this respect, there is a need for new approaches in these diseases, and this review focuses on and explores recent experience with novel therapies in PTCL. Clin Cancer Res; 16(23); 5608–17. ©2010 AACR.
Dietary Curcumin Attenuates Glioma Growth in a Syngeneic Mouse Model by Inhibition of the JAK1,2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Weissenberger Jakob , Priester Maike , Bernreuther Christian , Rakel Stefanie , Glatzel Markus , Seifert Volker , Kögel Donat 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPurpose: Glioblastomas are the most common and most deadly primary brain tumors. Here, we evaluated the chemotherapeutic effect of the natural polyphenol curcumin on glioma cells in vitro and in vivo using an immunocompetent orthotopic mouse model.Experimental Design: Curcumin's effects on proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, JAK/STAT3 signaling, STAT3 target gene expression, and STAT3C rescue experiments were determined in murine glioma cell lines in vitro. Therapeutic effects of curcumin in vivo were evaluated in tumor-bearing mice fed a Western-type diet fortified with curcumin (0.05%, w/w) and in control animals. Tumor growth patterns and survival were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, morphometric analyses, and Kaplan–Meier plots.Results: In vitro, curcumin inhibited JAK1,2/STAT3 tyrosine-phosphorylation in a dose-dependent fashion in murine glioma cell lines. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that curcumin downregulated transcription of the STAT3 target genes c-Myc, MMP-9, Snail, and Twist, and of the proliferation marker Ki67. Curcumin dose-dependently suppressed cell proliferation by inducing a G2/M phase arrest. In wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, curcumin treatment resulted in a dose-dependent attenuation of the glioma cells' migratory and invasive behavior, which could be rescued by constitutively active STAT3C. In vivo, curcumin intake reduced the growth and midline crossing of intracranially implanted tumors and proliferation of tumor cells ensuing in significant long-term survival compared with control diet.Conclusion: This preclinical study shows that curcumin is capable of suppressing malignant glioma growth in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that the pharmacologically safe agent curcumin holds promise for clinical application in glioma therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 16(23); 5781–95. ©2010 AACR.
Antithrombotic properties of pravastatin reducing intra-thrombus fibrin deposition under high shear blood flow conditions
Authors: Hamada Masaaki , Matsui Hideto , Mizuno Tomohiro , Shida Yasuaki , Doi Masaaki , Fukushima Hidetada , Nishio Kenji , Yoshioka Akira , Shima Midori , Sugimoto Mitsuhiko 
Published: December 2010

SummaryIn addition to lowering cholesterol, the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have a range of pleiotropic effects that help reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. We sought to understand the molecular mechanisms by which statins could exert anti-platelet actions under physiologic whole blood flow conditions. Using an in vitroperfusion chamber system, we examined the anti-platelet effects of pravastatin under whole blood flow conditions with high or low shear rates. We determined that pravastatin significantly suppressed platelet activation-dependent procoagulant activity, decreasing P-selectin membrane expression, tissue factor accumulation, and thrombin binding within platelet thrombi generated on a von Willebrand factor-surface under high shear rate conditions. These effects resulted in reductions of intra-thrombus fibrin deposition. These antithrombotic properties of pravastatin, which were comparable to those of atorvastatin, could be abrogated by mevalonate. Our experimental approach revealed a novel mechanism mediating the anti-platelet action of statins. Shear rate-dependent antithrombotic activity may explain the favourable effect of pravastatin on the reduction in cardiovascular events that typically occur in vivounder whole blood flow conditions with high shear rates.