bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degranulation of mast cells due to compound 48/80 induces concentration‐dependent intestinal contraction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) ex vivo
Authors: Manera M. , Giammarino A. , Borreca C. , Giari L. , Dezfuli B.S. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestinal strips (n = 10) were mounted in an isolated organ bath and the effect of incremental doses of compound 48/80 was recorded. Compound 48/80 induced concentration‐related contraction in all the examined strips following a sigmoidal dose–response curve fit. Values for maximal contraction (Emax, g cm−2), negative logarithm of the EC50 (pD2), and hill slope were, respectively (mean±standard error), 12.88 ± 0.51, 1.88 ± 0.05, 1.49 ± 0.27. The histological modification induced on mast cells (MCs) due to compound 48/80 was characterized by mean of gray‐levels and texture analysis. Significant differences were observed between gray‐levels values (Linear mixed model, P<0.01), contrast, and entropy (Linear mixed model, P<0.05) of MCs from compound 48/80‐treated strips compared with MCs from untreated strips. Moreover, maximal intestinal contraction (due to compound 48/80) correlates positively and significantly (Pearson and Spearman correlations, P<0.05) with degranulation intensity determined by means of gray‐levels analysis. Four antisera were tested on intestinal sections and no MCs positive to serotonin, substance P, met‐enkephalin, and bombesin were found. This study demonstrates that compound 48/80 induces the degranulation of trout intestinal MCs ex vivo, and that the aforementioned degranulation promotes a concentration‐dependent intestinal contraction. J. Exp. Zool. 315:447–457, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The multisubstrate deoxyribonucleoside kinase of Drosophila melanogaster as a therapeutic suicide gene of breast cancer cells
Authors: Ma Shuai , Zhao Lei , Zhu Zhi , Liu Qun , Xu Huimian , Johansson Magnus , Karlsson Anna , Zheng Xinyu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe multisubstrate deoxyribonucleoside kinase of Drosophila melanogaster (Dm‐dNK) was investigated for its broader substrate specificity and higher catalytic rate as a suicide gene in a combined gene/chemotherapy of cancer.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of nucleoside analog phosphorylation by Dm‐dNK in vitro and in vivo, we generated a replication‐deficient retroviral vector expressing Dm‐dNK to transduce human breast cancer cells MCF7 (ER+) and MDA‐MB‐231 (ER–). We further determined the enzymatic activity and the sensitivity of the nontransduced and Dm‐dNK‐transduced 231/dNK and MCF7/dNK cells to the pyrimidine nucleoside analogs araC and araT.ResultsThe data obtained show that Dm‐dNK is enzymatically active and its overexpression in the nuclei of breast cancer cells results in an increased sensitivity to the nucleoside analogs araC and araT in vitro. Furthermore, subcutaneously transplanted 231/dNK cells were significantly inhibited after araC treatment, whereas nontransduced cancer cells continued to grow and develop in vivo.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the Dm‐dNK/nucleoside analog system could be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating breast cancer and improving anti‐tumor efficacy, as well as for optimizing approaches for suicide gene therapy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single direct injection into the left ventricular wall of an adeno‐associated virus 9 (AAV9) vector expressing extracellular superoxide dismutase from the cardiac troponin‐T promoter protects mice against myocardial infarction
Authors: Prasad Konkal‐Matt R. , Smith Robert S. , Xu Yaqin , French Brent A 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundLocalized administration of a highly efficient gene delivery system in combination with a cardiac‐selective promoter may provide a favorable biosafety profile in clinical applications such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, where regions of myocardium can be readily injected to protect them against the potential threat of future ischemic events.MethodsAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing luciferase or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) packaged into AAV serotypes 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 were injected into the left ventricular (LV) wall of adult mice to determine the time course, magnitude and distribution of gene expression. An AAV9 vector expressing extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) from the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) promoter was then directly injected into the LV wall of adult mice. Myocardial infarction was induced 4 weeks after injection and infarct size was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride and phthalo blue staining.ResultsSerotypes AAV 9, 8, 1 and 6 provided early onset of gene expression in the heart with minimal extra‐cardiac gene expression. AAV9 provided the highest magnitude of gene expression. Immunostaining for eGFP showed expression spanning the anterior to posterior walls from the mid ventricle to the apex. A single direct injection of the AAV9 vector bearing EcSOD (n = 5) decreased the mean infarct size by 50% compared to the eGFP control group (n = 8) (44 ± 7% versus 22 ± 5%; p = 0.04).ConclusionsAAV serotype 9 is highly efficient for cardiac gene delivery, as evidenced by early onset and high‐level gene expression. AAV9‐mediated, cardiac selective overexpression of EcSOD from the cTnT promoter significantly reduced infarct size in mice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 on integration of the adeno‐associated viral vector genome
Authors: Romanova Liudmila G. , Zacharias Jeana , Cannon Mark L. , Philpott Nicola J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundAdeno‐associated virus type 2 (AAV) has the ability to target integration of its DNA into a specific locus of the human genome. Site‐specific AAV integration is mediated by viral Rep proteins, although the role of cellular factors involved in this process is largely unknown. Recent studies provide evidence showing that cellular DNA repair proteins are involved in targeted integration of AAV, although their specific roles are not well defined.MethodsIn the present study, we investigated the interaction between Rep and proteins of the back‐up nonhomologous end‐joining pathway (B‐NHEJ). We then analyzed the effect of one of these proteins, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) on AAV integration.ResultsWe show that AAV Rep interacts with B‐NHEJ members DNA ligase III and PARP1 but does not associate with the scaffolding factor XRCC1. Moreover, PARP1 and Rep bind directly and not via DNA–protein interactions. We also found that Rep increases the enzymatic activity of PARP1 potentially through the endonuclease activity of Rep. Finally, we demonstrate that both chemical inhibition of PARP1 and PARP1 depletion using small hairpin RNA enhance integration of the AAV genome in HeLa cells.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that manipulation of PARP1 activity could be used as a tool for developing new, effective AAV‐based therapies for the treatment of genetic diseases and cancer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decreased expression of surfactant protein D mRNA in human lungs in fatal cases of H5N1 avian influenza
Authors: Kongchanagul Alita , Suptawiwat Ornpreya , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Kitphati Rungrueng , Puthavathana Pilaipan , Uiprasertkul Mongkol , Auewarakul Prasert 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMicroarray analysis of gene expression profile of lungs from two fatal H5N1 influenza cases identified 3,435 genes with higher than twofold changes in mRNA levels as compared to those of normal lung. One thousand nineteen genes and 2,416 genes were up‐regulated and down‐regulated commonly, respectively. Gene ontology analysis identified several ontology terms with significant association with these genes, most of which are related to cellular metabolism and regulation of cellular process including apoptosis and chemotaxis. Pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP‐D) was found to be down‐regulated. Quantitative RT‐PCR confirmed the levels of SP‐D mRNA in the lungs infected with H5N1 to be lower than those of normal lungs and lungs from patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. SP‐D plays multiple roles in respiratory innate defense against various pathogens, regulation of inflammatory responses, and maintenance of alveolar integrity. Reduction of SP‐D in H5N1 influenza may play important roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. J. Med. Virol. 83:1410–1417, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positive Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus IgM assays in primary HIV infection
Authors: Post Jeffrey J. , Chan Mun Khin , Whybin L. Ross , Shi Qin , Rawlinson William D. , Cunningham Philip , Robertson Peter W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe report three cases with misleading cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) results during primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We determined the rate of positive anti‐CMV IgM assays or anti‐EBV capsid antigen IgM assays in sera from a group of well‐characterized subjects with primary HIV infection as 2.9% (1/35; 95%CI: 0.15–16.6%) for each infection. The rate of positive anti‐EBV capsid antigen IgM assays in subjects with positive hepatitis A virus IgM assays was 30% (6/20; 95%CI: 14.6–51.9%). Clinicians need to consider the limitations of IgM assays for diagnosis of herpesvirus infections, and consider testing for other infections with overlapping clinical manifestations. J. Med. Virol. 83:1406–1409, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secondary lymphoid tissue as an important site for WU polyomavirus infection in immunocompetent children
Authors: Comar Manola , Zanotta Nunzia , Rossi Tatiana , Pelos Giorgio , D'Agaro Pierlanfranco 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe polyomaviruses KI and WU (KIPyV and WUPyV) have been identified in respiratory specimens from children with acute respiratory infections, which suggests the respiratory tract as a possible site of infection. However, the persistence of infection in the lymphoid system is unknown. Fresh samples (n = 211) of tonsils, adenoids, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 83 immunocompetent children (mean age 4.8 years) were tested for amplification of the KIPyV VP1 and WUPyV VP2 genes. The known BK and JC polyomaviruses and the lymphotropic human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6 were also investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR and direct sequencing. In addition, 98 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from children (mean age 6.2 years) affected by seasonal influenza‐like illness were tested. Of the lymphoid tissues, 34.9% were positive for WUPyV, 4.8% for BK virus, and 33.8% for HHV‐6. KIPyV and JC virus were not detected in these specimens. None of the polyomaviruses were detected in PBMCs. Among the nasopharyngeal samples, the prevalence of WUPyV was 27.5%, although 70% of the positive samples were co‐infected with at least one of the following respiratory viruses: influenza virus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high sequence homology (99%) between lymphoid‐ and nasopharynx‐derived WUPyV strains. These results suggest that the tonsils and adenoids of immunocompetent children are a reservoir for WUPyV infection; probably due to the respiratory route of transmission. In addition, the prevalence of WUPyV was high among the children, and the virus was identified more frequently in older children than during the first years of life. J. Med. Virol. 83:1446–1450, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype diversity of group A rotavirus strains in children with acute diarrhea in urban Burkina Faso, 2008–2010
Authors: Bonkoungou Isidore J.O. , Damanka Susan , Sanou Idrissa , Tiendrébéogo Fidèle , Coulibaly Sheick O. , Bon Fabienne , Haukka Kaisa , Traoré Alfred S. , Barro Nicolas , Armah George E. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this study, the diversity of G and P genotypes of rotavirus strains in Burkinabe children were examined. Between November 2008 and February 2010, 447 stool samples were collected from children <5 years of age with acute diarrhea visiting hospital in Ouagadougou. Group A rotavirus was previously detected in 151/447 (33.8%) of the samples tested by an immunochromatographic test and these samples were now tested further for rotavirus G and P genotypes by RT‐PCR. Of these, the rotavirus type genes were amplified by RT‐PCR for 140/151 (92.7%) samples and G and P genotypes were successfully determined for 81 (57.9%) and 130 (92.9%) samples, respectively. The most prevalent G genotypes were G1, 34/140 (24.3%), and G9, 21/140 (15%), while the predominant P genotypes were P[6], 56/140 (40%), and P[8], 54/140 (38.6%). Among the single infections, 63/140 (45%), the predominant G/P combinations were: G1P[8] (33%), G9P[8] (29%), and G2P[6] (14%). The unusual strains G1P[9] (3%), G12P[6] (3%), G10P[6] (2%), and G2P[8] (2%) were also detected. In a high number of strains 61/140 (43.6%), the G genotype could not be determined and mixed infections were determined in 17/140 (12.1%) of strains identified. This study highlights the high diversity and presence of unusual rotavirus strains in children in Burkina Faso. J. Med. Virol. 83:1485–1490, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
S100B and neurofibromin immunostaining and X‐inactivation patterns of laser‐microdissected cells indicate a multicellular origin of some NF1‐associated neurofibromas
Authors: Tucker Tracy , Riccardi Vincent M. , Brown Carolyn , Fee John , Sutcliffe Margaret , Vielkind Juergen , Wechsler Janine , Wolkenstein Pierre , Friedman Jan M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractNeurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disease that predisposes individuals to developing benign neurofibromas. Some features and consequences of NF1 appear to result from partial deficiency of neurofibromin (Nfn), the NF1 gene protein product, as a result of haploinsufficiency for the NF1 gene. Other features and consequences of NF1 appear to involve total deficiency of Nfn, which arises as a result of either loss of function of the second NF1 allele or excess degradation of Nfn produced by the second allele in a particular clone of cells. We used immunofluorescence to assess the presence of Nfn in putative Schwann cells (S100B+) and non‐Schwann cells (S100B−) in 36 NF1‐derived benign neurofibromas classified histologically as diffuse or encapsulated. The S100B+/Nfn− cell population made up only 18% ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation) of the neurofibroma cells in both the diffuse and encapsulated neurofibromas. The proportion of S100B+/Nfn+ cells was significantly higher and the proportion of S100B−/Nfn− cells was significantly lower in diffuse neurofibromas than in encapsulated neurofibromas. We isolated S100B+/Nfn+, S100B+/Nfn−, and S100B−/Nfn+ cells by laser microdissection and, using X‐chromosome inactivation profiles, assessed clonality for each cell type. We showed that, although some neurofibromas include a subpopulation of S100B+/Nfn− cells consistent with clonal expansion of a Schwann cell progenitor that has lost function of both NF1 alleles, other neurofibromas do not show evidence of monoclonal proliferation of Schwann cells. Our findings suggest that, although clonal loss of neurofibromin function is probably involved in the development of some NF1‐associated neurofibromas, other pathogenic processes also occur. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotective effects of phytocannabinoid‐based medicines in experimental models of Huntington's disease
Authors: Sagredo Onintza , Pazos M. Ruth , Satta Valentina , Ramos José A. , Pertwee Roger G. , Fernández‐Ruiz Javier 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe studied whether combinations of botanical extracts enriched in either Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), which are the main constituents of the cannabis‐based medicine Sativex, provide neuroprotection in rat models of Huntington's disease (HD). We used rats intoxicated with 3‐nitropropionate (3NP) that were given combinations of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts. The issue was also studied in malonate‐lesioned rats. The administration of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts combined in a ratio of 1:1 as in Sativex attenuated 3NP‐induced GABA deficiency, loss of Nissl‐stained neurons, down‐regulation of CB1 receptor and IGF‐1 expression, and up‐regulation of calpain expression, whereas it completely reversed the reduction in superoxide dismutase‐1 expression. Similar responses were generally found with other combinations of Δ9‐THC‐ and CBD‐enriched botanical extracts, suggesting that these effects are probably related to the antioxidant and CB1 and CB2 receptor‐independent properties of both phytocannabinoids. In fact, selective antagonists for both receptor types, i.e., SR141716 and AM630, respectively, were unable to prevent the positive effects on calpain expression caused in 3NP‐intoxicated rats by the 1:1 combination of Δ9‐THC and CBD. Finally, this combination also reversed the up‐regulation of proinflammatory markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase observed in malonate‐lesioned rats. In conclusion, this study provides preclinical evidence in support of a beneficial effect of the cannabis‐based medicine Sativex as a neuroprotective agent capable of delaying disease progression in HD, a disorder that is currently poorly managed in the clinic, prompting an urgent need for clinical trials with agents showing positive results in preclinical studies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution analysis of daily precipitation trends in the central Alps over the last century
Authors: Brugnara Y. , Brunetti M. , Maugeri M. , Nanni T. , Simolo C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this work we present a homogenized high‐resolution data set composed of 200 daily precipitation series spanning the last 90 years, located over an area centred on the Trentino—South Tyrol region (central part of the European Alps), in a transition zone between the climates of the southern and northern slopes of the Alps. We analysed the trends of total precipitation (TP), wet days (WD) and average intensity (PI), as well as trends of the number of events and precipitation amounts belonging to 12 different daily intensity categories. For an easier understanding of geographical patterns, we set up a gridded data set in terms of anomalies, with a spatial resolution of 0.1°. All the statistics were analysed for trend over the entire period spanned by the data and on subperiods of variable length. On regional average, we found a weak decrease in TP (about 1%/decade with respect to the 1971–2000 mean) over the entire studied period (1922–2009), which was statistically significant only in spring. Gridded data show that the decrease is related to a reduction in the number of WD in the eastern part of the study area, and a decrement in PI in the western part, with orography playing a clear role in this differentiation. On a daily scale, trends of the strongest events present scarce spatial coherence and are only locally significant, however the results are highly dependent on the period analysed. Comparisons with previous low‐resolution studies on the same area underline the importance of a high‐resolution data set in characterizing spatial variability of climatic trends in precipitation. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Quantifying the reliability of precipitation datasets for monitoring large‐scale East Asian precipitation variations
Authors: Sohn Soo‐Jin , Tam Chi‐Yung , Ashok Karumuri , Ahn Joong‐Bae 
Published: June 2011

AbstractEarly detection of extreme drought and flood events either over the whole globe or a broad geographical region, and timely dissemination of this information, is indispensable for mitigation and disaster preparedness. Recently, the APEC Climate Center (APCC) has launched a global precipitation variation monitoring product based on the Climate Anomaly Monitoring System‐Outgoing Longwave Radiation Precipitation Index (CAMS‐OPI) data. Here we quantify the reliability of CAMS‐OPI, as well as other gauge‐satellite‐merged and reanalysis precipitation datasets, for the purpose of monitoring large‐scale precipitation variability in East Asia. The ground truth is the newly available gauge‐based data from the project titled ‘Asian Precipitation—Highly‐Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE) of the Water Resources’. It is found that the seasonal‐to‐interannual rainfall deficit and surplus given by various reanalysis systems sometimes do not match the spatial patterns seen in the APHRODITE data. Moreover, maps showing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) become less and less reliable as the time scale based on which values are calculated increases. In contrast, the performance of gauge‐satellite‐based rainfall datasets is satisfactory and the quality of SPI maps does not decay as the time scale increases. Overall, CAMS‐OPI is found to be reliable for monitoring large‐scale precipitation variations over the East Asian sector. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Normal shoulder muscular activation and co‐ordination during a shoulder elevation task based on activities of daily living: An electromyographic study
Authors: Hawkes David H. , Alizadehkhaiyat Omid , Fisher Anthony C. , Kemp Graham J. , Roebuck Margaret M. , Frostick Simon P. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractStudies of normal shoulder function have often failed to consider the inter‐relationship between different muscle groups in activities relevant to daily life. Upper limb functional status was assessed in 12 healthy male volunteers using the Functional Impairment Test‐Hand, Neck, Shoulder and Arm test (FIT‐HaNSA). Electromyography was then used to study the activity and coordination of 13 muscles (10 by surface electrodes, 3 by fine‐wire intramuscular electrodes) around the shoulder during a dynamic movement task based on the shelf‐lifting task in FIT‐HaNSA. Muscles were grouped for analysis into deltoid (anterior, middle, and posterior divisions), adductors (latissimus dorsi and teres major), rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis), and elbow flexor (brachioradialis, biceps brachii) groups. There were no significant inter‐session effects. Using cross‐correlation analysis to investigate the whole time‐course of activation, there were highly significant positive correlations (p < 0.001) between the deltoid and rotator cuff, the deltoid and adductor and the adductor and rotator cuff groups, and a significant negative correlation between the deltoid and elbow flexor groups (p = 0.031). We conclude that the deltoid, adductor, and rotator cuff muscles all contribute to the muscular component of glenohumeral joint stability. Muscular stability can be adapted as required to meet task‐specific demands. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:53–60, 2012