bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nesca, a novel neuronal adapter protein, links the molecular motor kinesin with the pre‐synaptic membrane protein, syntaxin‐1, in hippocampal neurons
Authors: MacDonald James I. S. , Dietrich Alfonso , Gamble Sarah , Hryciw Todd , Grant Robert Ian , Meakin Susan O. 
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 861–880.AbstractVesicular transport in neurons plays a vital role in neuronal function and survival. Nesca is a novel protein that we previously identified and herein describe its pattern of expression, subcellular localization and protein–protein interactions both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, a large proportion of Nesca is in tight association with both actin and microtubule cytoskeletal proteins. Nesca binds to F‐actin, microtubules, βIII and acetylated α‐tubulin, but not neurofilaments or the actin‐binding protein drebrin, in in vitro‐binding assays. Nesca co‐immunoprecipitates with kinesin heavy chain (KIF5B) and kinesin light‐chain motors as well as with the synaptic membrane precursor protein, syntaxin‐1, and is a constituent of the post‐synaptic density. Moreover, in vitro‐binding assays indicate that Nesca directly binds KIF5B, kinesin light‐chain and syntaxin‐1. In contrast, Nesca does not co‐immunoprecipitate with the kinesin motors KIF1B, KIF3A nor does it bind syntaxin‐4 or the synaptosome‐associated protein 25 kDa (SNAP‐25) in vitro. Nesca expression in neurons is highly punctuate, co‐stains with syntaxin‐1, and is found in fractions containing markers of early endosomes and Golgi suggesting that it is involved in vesicular transport. Collectively, these data suggest that Nesca functions as an adapter involved in neuronal vesicular transport including vesicles containing soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors that are essential to exocytosis.
Oxidative lipid modification of nicastrin enhances amyloidogenic γ‐secretase activity in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gwon A‐Ryeong , Park Jong‐Sung , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Kwon Yong‐Kook , Chan Sic L. , Kim Seol‐Hee , Baik Sang‐Ha , Yang Sunghee , Yun Young‐Kwang , Choi Yuri , Kim Saerom , Tang Sung‐Chun , Hyun Dong‐Hoon , Cheng Aiwu , Dann Charles E. , Bernier Michel , Lee Jaewon , Markesbery William R. , Mattson Mark P. , Jo Dong‐Gyu 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe cause of elevated level of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ42) in common late‐onset sporadic [Alzheimer’s disease (AD)] has not been established. Here, we show that the membrane lipid peroxidation product 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) is associated with amyloid and neurodegenerative pathologies in AD and that it enhances γ‐secretase activity and Aβ42 production in neurons. The γ‐secretase substrate receptor, nicastrin, was found to be modified by HNE in cultured neurons and in brain specimens from patients with AD, in which HNE–nicastrin levels were found to be correlated with increased γ‐secretase activity and Aβ plaque burden. Furthermore, HNE modification of nicastrin enhanced its binding to the γ‐secretase substrate, amyloid precursor protein (APP) C99. In addition, the stimulation of γ‐secretase activity and Aβ42 production by HNE were blocked by an HNE‐scavenging histidine analog in a 3xTgAD mouse model of AD. These findings suggest a specific molecular mechanism by which oxidative stress increases Aβ42 production in AD and identify HNE as a novel therapeutic target upstream of the γ‐secretase cleavage of APP.
Glucocorticoids suppress selected components of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Laberge Remi‐Martin , Zhou Lili , Sarantos Melissa R. , Rodier Francis , Freund Adam , de Keizer Peter L. J. , Liu Su , Demaria Marco , Cong Yu‐Sheng , Kapahi Pankaj , Desprez Pierre‐Yves , Hughes Robert E. , Campisi Judith 
Published: March 2012

SummaryCellular senescence suppresses cancer by arresting the proliferation of cells at risk for malignant transformation. Recently, senescent cells were shown to secrete numerous cytokines, growth factors, and proteases that can alter the tissue microenvironment and may promote age‐related pathology. To identify small molecules that suppress the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), we developed a screening protocol using normal human fibroblasts and a library of compounds that are approved for human use. Among the promising library constituents was the glucocorticoid corticosterone. Both corticosterone and the related glucocorticoid cortisol decreased the production and secretion of selected SASP components, including several pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, the glucocorticoids suppressed the SASP without reverting the tumor suppressive growth arrest and were efficacious whether cells were induced to senesce by ionizing radiation or strong mitogenic signals delivered by oncogenic RAS or MAP kinase kinase 6 overexpression. Suppression of the prototypical SASP component IL‐6 required the glucocorticoid receptor, which, in the presence of ligand, inhibited IL‐1α signaling and NF‐κB transactivation activity. Accordingly, co‐treatments combining glucocorticoids with the glucocorticoid antagonist RU‐486 or recombinant IL‐1α efficiently reestablished NF‐κB transcriptional activity and IL‐6 secretion. Our findings demonstrate feasibility of screening for compounds that inhibit the effects of senescent cells. They further show that glucocorticoids inhibit selected components of the SASP and suggest that corticosterone and cortisol, two FDA‐approved drugs, might exert their effects in part by suppressing senescence‐associated inflammation.
Validation of the Chinese version of the Halitosis Associated Life‐quality Test (HALT) questionnaire
Authors: He S‐L , Wang J‐H , Wang M‐H , Deng Y‐M 
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 707–712Objective:  This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Halitosis Associated Life‐quality Test (HALT) questionnaire.Methods:  A total of 106 patients with oral malodour were recruited to complete the questionnaire after its translation and cross‐cultural adaptation. The reliability of the Chinese version of the HALT was evaluated using internal consistency and test–retest methods. Both construct validity and discriminative validity were adopted to evaluate the validity of the HALT.Results:  The Cronbach’s alpha value (internal reliability) for the total HALT score was 0.95, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value (test–retest reliability) was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.74–0.98). The construct validity was determined by exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were extracted, which accounted for 85.18% of the variance. All items had factor loadings above 0.40, ranging from 0.53 to 0.94. In addition, the Chinese version of the HALT was found to be valid for distinguishing patients with different degrees of oral malodour.Conclusion:  The results suggest that the Chinese version of the HALT has satisfactory psychometric properties and is applicable to patients with oral malodour in Chinese‐speaking populations.
Cerebral vascular effects of hypovolemia and dopamine infusions: a study in newborn piglets
Authors: Hahn Gitte H , Heiring Christian , Pryds Ole , Greisen Gorm 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  Despite widespread use, effects of volume boluses and dopamine in hypotensive newborn infants remain controversial. We aimed to elucidate if hypovolemia alone impairs cerebral autoregulation (CA) and if dopamine affects cerebral vasculature.Methods:  In 12 piglets, cerebral perfusion (laser‐Doppler flux) and oxygenation [near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)] were examined during dopamine (20–50 μg/kg per minute) and nonpharmacologically induced blood pressure (ABP) changes. Effect on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation was quantified as frequency gain between ABP and laser‐Doppler flux (gain‐LDF) and NIRS [gain‐oxygenation index (OI)], respectively. Gain quantifies change in perfusion or oxygenation per ABP‐change. CA was estimated as gain‐LDF during nonpharmacologically induced ABP changes, that is, as degree of impairment. Dopamine’s cerebrovascular effect was estimated by contrasting gain during dopamine‐ and nonpharmacologically induced ABP changes. Measurements were conducted during both normovolemia‐ and haemorrhage‐induced hypovolemia.Results:  Hypovolemia elicited hypotension (p = 0.02) as well as increasing impairment of CA (p = 0.01). However, hypovolemia without hypotension did not affect CA significantly. Dopamine increased perfusion significantly compared to nonpharmacological challenges (mean difference: 1.5%/mmHg, 95% CI: 0.5–2.6, p = 0.007). Oxygenation was, however, similar (mean difference: 0.01 μmol/L per mmHg, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.05, p = 0.7).Conclusion:  Our findings do not support that hypovolemia alone impairs CA. Furthermore, dopamine seems to increase cerebral perfusion but not oxygenation.
Short‐term outcome among term singleton infants with intrapartum oligohydramnios
Authors: Leibovitch Leah , Kuint Jacob , Rosenfeld Elkana , Schushan‐Eisen Irit , Weissmann‐Brenner Alina , Maayan‐Metzger Ayala 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim: To evaluate rates of early short‐term neonatal complications among term singleton newborn infants with oligohydramnios.Methods: Retrospective data were collected on 456 term infants with prenatal diagnosis of oligohydramnios and on matched controls, including information on maternal condition and on infant perinatal complications.Results: Infants in the study group were born with lower birthweight and were SGA compared with those in the control group. Rates of renal malformations were significantly higher in the study group compared with the controls (15–3.3% and 3–0.7%, respectively; p = 0.007). Among the severe oligohydramnios subgroup (Amniotic Fluid Index <2), renal anomalies were even more prevalent compared to other infants with oligohydramnios and to the controls (6–9.8%, 9–2.3% and 3–0.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). The incidence of skeletal deformities (developmental dislocation of hip and torticollis) was higher among the study group.Conclusion: Term infants with oligohydramnios that was detected near birth are associated with a greater prevalence of renal malformations (mostly mild hydronephrosis) as well as congenital torticollis and developmental dislocated hips compared with controls. Postnatal renal evaluation should be considered in infants with severe oligohydramnios.
Modelling cacao pod growth: implications for disease control
Authors: ten Hoopen G. Martijn , Deberdt P. , Mbenoun M. , Cilas C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCacao trees are affected by diseases that attack either their vegetative parts, their fruits or both. In cacao pod diseases, several factors are involved in disease susceptibility, such as the fruiting cycle, fruit size, age, position on the tree and cacao genotype. To gain a clearer understanding of how these characteristics influence cacao pod diseases, four models describing pod growth in several cacao genotypes were evaluated. Three models used to estimate pod volume or surface area were also compared. Observed pod growth was of a sigmoid form and fitted best to the Richards model, well to the Logistic and Beta growth models, and least to the Gompertz model. Pod volume and probably pod surface area were best estimated using a prolate spheroid model. Pod growth models can help improve pod disease management and thereby cacao production. They can help to predict yield, as well as provide information for the timing and frequency of control operations. Information on pod size, surface area and susceptibility will help to improve dose transfer and spray deposit studies intended to optimise control efficiency.
Shining Light on Skin Pigmentation: The Darker and the Brighter Side of Effects of UV Radiation†
Authors: Maddodi Nityanand , Jayanthy Ashika , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe term barrier function as applied to human skin often connotes the physical properties of this organ that provides protection from its surrounding environment. This term does not generally include skin pigmentation. However, skin pigmentation, which is the result of melanin produced in melanocytes residing in the basal layer of the skin and exported to the keratinocytes in the upper layers, serves equally important protective function. Indeed, changes in skin pigmentation are often the most readily recognized indicators of exposure of skin to damaging agents, especially to natural and artificial radiation in the environment. Several recent studies have shed new light on (1) the mechanisms involved in selective effects of subcomponents of UV radiation on human skin pigmentation and (2) the interactive influences between keratinocytes and melanocytes, acting as “epidermal melanin unit,” that manifest as changes in skin pigmentation in response to exposure to various forms of radiation. This article provides a concise review of our current understanding of the effects of the nonionizing solar radiation, at cellular and molecular levels, on human skin pigmentation.
Prediction of Primary vs Secondary Hypertension in Children
Authors: Baracco Rossana , Kapur Gaurav , Mattoo Tej , Jain Amrish , Valentini Rudolph , Ahmed Maheen , Thomas Ronald 
Published: March 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:316–321. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Despite current guidelines, variability exists in the workup of hypertensive children due to physician preferences. The study evaluates primary vs secondary hypertension diagnosis from investigations routinely performed in hypertensive children. This retrospective study included children 5 to 19 years with primary and secondary hypertension. The proportions of abnormal laboratory and imaging tests were compared between primary and secondary hypertension groups. Risk factors for primary vs secondary hypertension were evaluated by logistic regression and likelihood function analysis. Patients with secondary hypertension were younger (5–12 years) and had a higher proportion of abnormal creatinine, renal ultrasound, and echocardiogram findings. There was no significant difference in abnormal results of thyroid function, urine catecholamines, plasma renin, and aldosterone. Abnormal renal ultrasound findings and age were predictors of secondary hypertension by regression and likelihood function analysis. Children aged 5 to 12 years with abnormal renal ultrasound findings and high diastolic blood pressures are at higher risk for secondary hypertension that requires detailed evaluation.
Molecular Characterization by LSSP‐PCR and DNA Sequencing of a Pathogenic Isolate ofLeptospira interrogansfrom Brazil
Authors: Cosate M. R. V. , Barouni A. S. , Moreira E. C. , Veloso I. F. , Gomes M. T. R. , Salas C. E. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryWe report the initial characterization of a leptospiral isolate,Leptospira interrogans, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotype Hardjoprajitno, strain Norma, and its relatedness withL. interrogans, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotypeHardjoprajitno, strain Hardjo andLeptospira borgpetersenii, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Hardjo, genotype Hardjobovis, strain Sponselee. The Norma strain singled out during a leptospirosis outbreak in cattle immunized with antigens from the reference strain Hardjoprajitno (OMS). By applying a microscopic agglutination serological test (MAT) to cattle (n = 2966) with symptoms of leptospirosis between 2003 and 2007, more than 50% of sera were found positive for one of the following serotypes: Hardjoprajitno (31–21%), Hardjo Norma (46–40%), Hardjo hardjobovis (18–10%), Mini (8–4%) and Wolffi (7–4%). In immunization trials using six isolates plus Norma isolate, the remission of MAT in these isolates was observed following 6 months of the initial vaccination. To provide molecular ground for the high MAT Norma frequency found in these isolates, a DNA polymorphic analysis was conducted by comparing the Norma isolate with reference strains Hardjoprajitno and Sponselee. The polymorphic analysis in secY showed five base changes in Norma relative to Hardjoprajitno strain, corresponding to 98% identity, while Sponselee displayed 49 polymorphic sites relative to the Hardjoprajitno strain, representing 80% identity. The alignment of secY translated sequences shows no differences between Hardjoprajitno and Norma, and eight polymorphisms between genotype hardjoprajttno and strain Sponselee. Three‐dimensional modelling located these variations within the loop region connecting helices 7 and 8 from secY which is less conserved. DNA sequencing of 23S ribosomal conserved fragment revealed a single polymorphism between Hardjoprajitno and Norma, and 13 polymorphisms between strains Sponselee, Hardjoprajitno and Norma. The differences between Hardjo and Norma were confirmed by low stringency single‐specific primer polymerase chain reaction (LSSP‐PCR) signature experiments with the primer G2, using as template the 285 bp fragment initially amplified with G1/G2 primers.
ASVCP quality assurance guidelines: control of preanalytical and analytical factors for hematology for mammalian and nonmammalian species, hemostasis, and crossmatching in veterinary laboratories
Authors: Vap Linda M. , Harr Kendal E. , Arnold Jill E. , Freeman Kathleen P. , Getzy Karen , Lester Sally , Friedrichs Kristen R. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract:In December 2009, the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards committee published the updated and peer‐reviewed ASVCP Quality Assurance Guidelines on the Society's website. These guidelines are intended for use by veterinary diagnostic laboratories and veterinary research laboratories that are not covered by the US Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practice standards (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Chapter 58). The guidelines have been divided into 3 reports: (1) general analytical factors for veterinary laboratory performance and comparisons; (2) hematology, hemostasis, and crossmatching; and (3) clinical chemistry, cytology, and urinalysis. This particular report is one of 3 reports and provides recommendations for control of preanalytical and analytical factors related to hematology for mammalian and nonmammalian species, hemostasis testing, and crossmatching and is adapted from sections 1.1 and 2.3 (mammalian hematology), 1.2 and 2.4 (nonmammalian hematology), 1.5 and 2.7 (hemostasis testing), and 1.6 and 2.8 (crossmatching) of the complete guidelines. These guidelines are not intended to be all‐inclusive; rather, they provide minimal guidelines for quality assurance and quality control for veterinary laboratory testing and a basis for laboratories to assess their current practices, determine areas for improvement, and guide continuing professional development and education efforts.
Intraradical Dynamics of Two Coexisting Isolates of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Glomus intraradices Sensu Lato as Estimated by Real-Time PCR of Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Krak Karol , Janoušková Martina , Caklová Petra , Vosátka Miroslav , Štorchová Helena 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Real-time PCR in nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) is becoming a well-established tool for the quantification of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, but this genomic region does not allow the specific amplification of closely related genotypes. The large subunit of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has a higher-resolution power, but mtDNA-based quantification has not been previously explored in AM fungi. We applied real-time PCR assays targeting the large subunit of mtDNA to monitor the DNA dynamics of two isolates of
Glomus intraradices
sensu lato coexisting in the roots of medic (
Medicago sativa
). The mtDNA-based quantification was compared to quantification in nrDNA. The ratio of copy numbers determined by the nrDNA- and mtDNA-based assays consistently differed between the two isolates. Within an isolate, copy numbers of the nuclear and the mitochondrial genes were closely correlated. The two quantification approaches revealed similar trends in the dynamics of both isolates, depending on whether they were inoculated alone or together. After 12 weeks of cultivation, competition between the two isolates was observed as a decrease in the mtDNA copy numbers of one of them. The coexistence of two closely related isolates, which cannot be discriminated by nrDNA-based assays, was thus identified as a factor influencing the dynamics of AM fungal DNA in roots. Taken together, the results of this study show that real-time PCR assays targeted to the large subunit of mtDNA may become useful tools for the study of coexisting AM fungi.
Psychrotolerant Paenibacillus tundrae Isolates from Barley Grains Produce New Cereulide-Like Depsipeptides (Paenilide and Homopaenilide) That Are Highly Toxic to Mammalian Cells
Authors: Rasimus Stiina , Mikkola Raimo , Andersson Maria A. , Teplova Vera V. , Venediktova Natalia , Ek-Kommonen Christine , Salkinoja-Salonen Mirja 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Paenilide is a novel, heat-stable peptide toxin from
Paenibacillus tundrae
, which colonizes barley.
P. tundrae
produced 20 to 50 ng of the toxin mg
−1
of cells (wet weight) throughout a range of growth temperatures from +5°C to +28°C. Paenilide consisted of two substances of 1,152 Da and 1,166 Da, with masses and tandem mass spectra identical to those of cereulide and a cereulide homolog, respectively, produced by
Bacillus cereus
NS-58. The two components of paenilide were separated from those of cereulide by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), showing a structural difference suggesting the replacement of
O
-Leu (cereulide) by
O
-Ile (paenilide). The exposure of porcine spermatozoa and kidney tubular epithelial (PK-15) cells to subnanomolar concentrations of paenilide resulted in inhibited motility, the depolarization of mitochondria, excessive glucose consumption, and metabolic acidosis. Paenilide was similar to cereulide in eight different toxicity endpoints with porcine and murine cells. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, nanomolar concentrations of paenilide collapsed respiratory control, zeroed the mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced swelling. The toxic effect of paenilide depended on its high lipophilicity and activity as a high-affinity potassium ion carrier. Similar to cereulide, paenilide formed lipocations, i.e., lipophilic cationic compounds, with K
+
ions already at 4 mM [K
+
], rendering lipid membranes electroconductive. Paenilide-producing
P. tundrae
was negative in a PCR assay with primers specific for the
cesB
gene, indicating that paenilide was not a product of plasmid pCER270, encoding the biosynthesis of cereulide in
B. cereus
. Paenilide represents the first potassium ionophoric compound described for
Paenibacillus
. The findings in this paper indicate that paenilide from
P. tundrae
is a potential food-poisoning agent.