bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell Signals, Cell Contacts, and the Organization of Yeast Communities
Authors: Honigberg Saul M. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Even relatively simple species have evolved mechanisms to organize individual organisms into communities, such that the fitness of the group is greater than the fitness of isolated individuals. Within the fungal kingdom, the ability of many yeast species to organize into communities is crucial for their growth and survival, and this property has important impacts both on the economy and on human health. Over the last few years, studies of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
have revealed several fundamental properties of yeast communities. First, strain-to-strain variation in the structures of these groups is attributable in part to variability in the expression and functions of adhesin proteins. Second, the extracellular matrix surrounding these communities can protect them from environmental stress and may also be important in cell signaling. Finally, diffusible signals between cells contribute to community organization so that different regions of a community express different genes and adopt different cell fates. These findings provide an arena in which to view fundamental mechanisms by which contacts and signals between individual organisms allow them to assemble into functional communities.
Involvement of Quorum Sensing and Heat-Stable Enterotoxin a in Cell Damage Caused by a Porcine Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Strain
Authors: Zhu Jing , Yin Xianhua , Yu Hai , Zhao Liping , Sabour Parviz , Gong Joshua 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) strains with K88 fimbriae are often associated with the outbreaks of diarrhea in newborn and weaned piglets worldwide. In the present study, we observed that 10
8
CFU/ml of K88
+
ETEC strain JG280 caused more death of pig intestinal IPEC-J2 cells than did 10
9
CFU/ml, suggesting that ETEC-induced cell death was cell density dependent and that quorum sensing (QS) may play a role in pathogenesis. Subsequent investigations demonstrated a positive correlation between autoinducer 2 (AI-2) activity of JG280 and death of IPEC-J2 cells during the infection for up to 3 h. However, there was a negative correlation between AI-2 activity and expression of the JG280 enterotoxin genes
estA
and
estB
when IPEC-J2 cells were exposed to the pathogen at 10
8
CFU/ml. We therefore cloned the
luxS
gene (responsible for AI-2 production) from JG280 and overexpressed it in
E. coli
DH5α, because deletion of the
luxS
gene was retarded by the lack of suitable antibiotic selection markers and the resistance of this pathogen to a wide range of antibiotics. The addition of culture fluid from
E. coli
DH5α with the overexpressed
luxS
reduced cell death of IPEC-J2 cells by 10
8
CFU/ml JG280. The addition also reduced the
estA
expression by JG280. Nonpathogenic K88
+
strain JFF4, which lacks the enterotoxin genes, caused no death of IPEC-J2 cells, although it produced AI-2 activity comparable to that produced by JG280. These results suggest the involvement of AI-2-mediated quorum sensing in K88
+
ETEC pathogenesis, possibly through a negative regulation of STa production.
Role of the Periplasmic Chaperones Skp, SurA, and DegQ in Outer Membrane Protein Biogenesis in
Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Volokhina Elena B. , Grijpstra Jan , Stork Michiel , Schilders Ingrid , Tommassen Jan , Bos Martine P. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

The periplasmic chaperones Skp, SurA, and DegP are implicated in the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in
Escherichia coli
. Here, we investigated whether these chaperones exert similar functions in
Neisseria meningitidis
. Although
N. meningitidis
does not contain a homolog of the protease/chaperone DegP, it does possess a homolog of another
E. coli
protein, DegQ, which can functionally replace DegP when overproduced. Hence, we examined whether in
N. meningitidis
, DegQ acts as a functional homolog of DegP. Single
skp
,
surA
, and
degQ
mutants were easily obtained, showing that none of these chaperones is essential in
N. meningitidis
. Furthermore, all combinations of double mutants were generated and no synthetic lethality was observed. The absence of SurA or DegQ did not affect OMP biogenesis. In contrast, the absence of Skp resulted in severely lower levels of the porins PorA and PorB but not of other OMPs. These decreased levels were not due to proteolytic activity of DegQ, since porin levels remained low in a
skp degQ
double mutant, indicating that neisserial DegQ is not a functional homolog of
E. coli
DegP. The absence of Skp resulted in lower expression of the
porB
gene, as shown by using a P

porB

-
lacZ
fusion. We found no cross-species complementation when Skp of
E. coli
or
N. meningitidis
was heterologously expressed in
skp
mutants, indicating that Skp functions in a species-specific manner. Our results demonstrate an important role for Skp but not for SurA or DegQ in OMP biogenesis in
N. meningitidis
.
Booster seat legislation: does it work for all children?
Authors: Brixey Suzanne N , Corden Timothy E , Guse Clare E , Layde Peter M 
Published: February 2011

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of a booster seat law in Wisconsin on booster seat use in relation to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.MethodsA longitudinal study in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, involving repeated direct observational assessments of booster seat use rates by child passengers aged 4–7 years over five time periods, before and after legislation mandating booster seat use.ResultsOverall, booster seat use increased from 24% to 43%, whereas proper restraint use increased pre to post-legislation from 21% to 28%. Proper use increased after legislation in white, but not in black or Latino children. White individuals had a proper booster use increase from 48% to 68% over the time period of the study. Black children's proper use dropped from 18% to 7% over the study period and Latino children's proper use rates were stable at 10%. Driver-reported household income had a significant impact on overall use, but not on proper use.ConclusionsRacial/ethnic minority groups and those of lower socioeconomic status have significantly lower use and proper use of booster seats. Legislation may increase the total use of booster seats but not necessarily the correct use of the restraint, particularly in racial/ethnic minorities.
Loss of cellular polarity/cohesiveness in the invasive front of papillary thyroid carcinoma, a novel predictor for lymph node metastasis; possible morphological indicator of epithelial mesenchymal transition
Authors: Liu Zhiyan , Kakudo Kennichi , Bai Yanhua , Li Yaqiong , Ozaki Takashi , Miyauchi Akira , Taniguchi Emiko , Mori Ichiro 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundLoss of cellular polarity/cohesiveness (LOP/C) in the invasive front of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) results in a high recurrence risk of PTC.AimsTo investigate the immunohistochemical features of LOP/C in PTC and to show that this feature is linked to a high association of lymph node metastasis (LNM) at surgery and tumour recurrence.MethodsThe degree of LOP/C of the PTCs was evaluated histologically using a cut-off value of 20% and the immunohistochemical features of LOP/C were analysed using immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, β-catenin and vimentin. The relationship between the LOP/C and the other clinicopathological parameters was analysed.Results43 cases of PTC with LOP/C (≥20%) were selected and 27 cases with LOP/C (<20%) were included as control tumours. 11/44 cases (25%) were observed to develop recurrence, LNM or distant metastasis at an average follow-up of 31 months. Less expression of E-cadherin and aberrant localisation of β-catenin and vimentin were observed in PTC tumour cells with LOP/C. LOP/C (≥20%) was significantly correlated with extrathyroid invasion (r=0.336, p=0.003), advanced tumour stage (r=0.275, p=0.017), LNM (r=0.389, p<0.001) and recurrence after surgery (r=0.302, p=0.036). Both extrathyroid invasion and LOP/C were independent significant predictors of LNM.ConclusionsLOP/C may be a useful morphological feature of epithelial mesenchymal transition under H&E observation, and it is an important indicator of lymph node metastasis and aggressive clinical behaviour of PTC.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case series
Authors: Ansari Sameer A , Rath Tanya J , Gandhi Dheeraj 
Published: February 2011

Background and purposeReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) represent a heterogeneous group of cerebrovascular disease characterized by acute presentations and transient segmental narrowing of the distal intracranial arteries. A series of patients with RCVS were studied to better understand the clinical and imaging characteristics of this rare pathology.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on patients that met inclusion criteria for a diagnosis of RCVS. Pertinent clinical and laboratory data, initial and follow-up imaging, treatment and outcomes were studied.Results11 patients (10 women, mean age 42 years) diagnosed with RCVS presented with acute onset of severe headache, neurological symptoms and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cross sectional imaging (CT/MRI) identified presentations of cortical SAH (n=9) and/or acute infarcts (n=3). Initial cerebral angiography (digital subtraction angiography n=10 or MR angiography n=1) confirmed diffuse vasoconstriction involving the intracranial vasculature. Rheumatological panel (n=9) and CSF analysis (n=8) were not supportive of vasculitis in any patient. In nearly all cases, reversal of vasoconstriction was noted on follow-up cerebral angiography with early resolution in less than 3 months.ConclusionsRCVS classically presents with ‘thunderclap’ headaches and neurological symptoms but cortical SAH is not an uncommon presentation with a unique and focal distribution overlying the cerebral sulci. Although the initial clinical and angiographic appearance of RCVS may be confused for vasospasm related to aneurysmal SAH or primary angiitis of the CNS, its clinical, laboratory and imaging features assist in diagnosis.
A cross-shift study of lung function, exhaled nitric oxide and inflammatory markers in blood in Norwegian cement production workers
Authors: Fell Anne Kristin M , Notø Hilde , Skogstad Marit , Nordby Karl-Christian , Eduard Wijnand , Svendsen Martin Veel , Øvstebø Reidun , Trøseid Anne Marie Siebke , Kongerud Johny 
Published: February 2011

ObjectivesTo study possible effects of aerosol exposure on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and inflammatory markers in blood from Norwegian cement production workers across one work shift (0 to 8 h) and again 32 h after the non-exposed baseline registration.Methods95 workers from two cement plants in Norway were included. Assessment of lung function included spirometry and gas diffusion pre- and post-shift (0 and 8 h). FeNO concentrations were measured and blood samples collected at 0, 8 and 32 h. Blood analysis included cell counts of leucocytes and mediators of inflammation.ResultsThe median respirable aerosol level was 0.3 mg/m3(range 0.02–6.2 mg/m3). FEV1, FEF25–75%and DLCOdecreased by 37 ml (p=0.04), 170 ml/s (p<0.001) and 0.17 mmol/min/kPa (p=0.02), respectively, across the shift. A 2 ppm reduction in FeNO between 0 and 32 h was detected (p=0.01). The number of leucocytes increased by 0.6×109 cells/l (p<0.001) across the shift, while fibrinogen levels increased by 0.02 g/l (p<0.001) from 0 to 32 h. TNF-α level increased and IL-10 decreased across the shift. Baseline levels of fibrinogen were associated with the highest level of respirable dust, and increased by 0.39 g/l (95% CI 0.06 to 0.72).ConclusionsWe observed small cross-shift changes in lung function and inflammatory markers among cement production workers, indicating that inflammatory effects may occur at exposure levels well below 1 mg/m3. However, because the associations between these acute changes and personal exposure measurements were weak and as the long-term consequences are unknown, these findings should be tested in a follow-up study.
Respiratory health and lung function in Chinese restaurant kitchen workers
Authors: Wong Tze Wai , Wong Andromeda H S , Lee Frank S C , Qiu Hong 
Published: February 2011

ObjectivesTo measure air pollutant concentrations in Chinese restaurant kitchens using different stove types and assess their influence on workers' respiratory health.Methods393 kitchen workers from 53 Chinese restaurants were surveyed over 16 months: 115 workers from 21 restaurants using only electric stoves and 278 workers from 32 restaurants using only gas stoves. Workers were interviewed about their respiratory symptoms and had their lung function tested. Concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured using portable monitors and air-bag sampling. Temperature and noise levels were assessed.ResultsMedian concentrations of NO, NO2and CO were 7.4, 1.5 and 1.6 times higher in gas-fuelled kitchens than in electric ones and average concentrations of PM2.5and TVOC were 81% and 78% higher, respectively. Differences were smaller for CH4and NMHC. Electricity-run kitchens were 4.5°C cooler and 9 dBA less noisy than gas-fuelled ones. Workers using electric cookers had significantly better lung function than their gas-using counterparts and their mean FEV1and FVC values were 5.4% and 3.8% higher, respectively, after adjustment for confounders. Wheeze, phlegm, cough and sore throat were more prevalent in workers using gas. The adjusted OR for having phlegm regularly was significantly higher.ConclusionsThe poorer lung function and higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in gas-fuelled kitchens compared to those in electricity-powered kitchens may be associated with exposure to higher concentrations of toxic air pollutants generated during gas cooking.
Reduced lung function among sisal processors
Authors: Kayumba Akwilina , Moen Bente Elisabeth , Bråtveit Magne , Eduard Wijnand , Mashalla Yohana 
Published: February 2011

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine lung function and chronic respiratory symptoms among sisal workers in Tanzania and compare the results with a control group.MethodsA cross-sectional study on chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function was conducted in 2006 among male Tanzanian sisal processing workers from six sisal estates. Participants included 86 workers in decortication departments, 68 workers in brushing departments and 30 low exposed security guards. The response rate was 97%. Chronic respiratory symptoms and background information were obtained by structured interview. Forced ventilatory capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were estimated before and after a work shift, and FEV1/FVC ratio calculated.ResultsWorkers were aged 19–85, with the oldest in the brushing and security departments. Chronic cough and chest tightness were experienced by 38% and 68% of workers in brushing departments, 20% and 6% of workers in decortication and 7% and 0% of security workers, respectively. A reduced FEV1/FVC ratio related to years of work was found among workers in brushing departments when adjusting for age, smoking, previous respiratory illnesses and body mass index, using regression analyses. Work in decortication departments was not related to reduced lung function parameters. The prevalence of FEV1/FVC<70 was above 50 for all three groups. Lung function parameters were similar before and after work shifts, except that peak expiratory flow increased among workers in brushing departments after work shifts.ConclusionsThe results indicate a relationship between work in sisal brushing departments and the development of obstructive lung disorders.
Republished review: Mitral regurgitation in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing valve replacement
Authors: Unger P , Dedobbeleer C , Van Camp G , Plein D , Cosyns B , Lancellotti P 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT
Mitral regurgitation is a frequent finding in patients with aortic stenosis scheduled for aortic valve replacement. Detection of mitral regurgitation in such patients has important implications, as it can independently affect functional status and prognosis. When mitral regurgitation is moderate to severe, a decision to operate on both valves should only be made following a careful clinical and echocardiographic assessment. Indeed, double-valve surgery increases perioperative and postoperative risks, and mitral regurgitation may improve spontaneously after isolated aortic valve replacement. Better understanding of the determinants of these changes appears particularly crucial in the light of recent advances in percutaneous aortic valve replacement.
Controlling the Functionality of Materials for Sustainable Energy
Authors: Crabtree George , Sarrao John 
Published: February 2011

Our understanding and control of sustainable energy technologies is in its infancy. Many sustainable energy phenomena depend on the exchange of photons and electrons among quantized energy levels of semiconductors, molecules, and metals at nanoscale spatial scales and at fast or ultrafast time scales. Improving the performance of sustainable energy technologies to make them competitive with fossil technologies requires probing and understanding these quantum phenomena with advanced scientific techniques. This understanding must then be translated into control of the functionality and performance of the materials and chemistry that govern sustainable energy technologies. The review begins by contrasting the foundations of fossil fuel technology based on combustion, heat, and classical thermodynamics with the foundations of sustainable energy technology based on quantum exchange of energy among photons, chemical bonds, and electrons without conversion to heat. Two sets of tools that are essential to observe, understand, and control the quantum phenomena of sustainable energy are described: in situ and time-resolved experiments and theory, and numerical modeling of the functionality of large assemblies of atoms. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for understanding and ultimately controlling sustainable energy phenomena are presented for catalysis, solar water splitting, and superconductivity.
On the Existence Result for System of Generalized Strong Vector Quasiequilibrium Problems
Authors: Plubtieng Somyot , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe introduce a new type of the system of generalized strong vector quasiequilibrium problems with set-valued mappings in real locally convex Hausdorff topological vector spaces. We establish an existence theorem by using Kakutani-Fan-Glicksberg fixed-point theorem and discuss the closedness of strong solution set for the system of generalized strong vector quasiequilibrium problem. The results presented in the paper improve and extend the main results of Long et al. (2008).
Phase I Trial of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor Vismodegib (GDC-0449) in Patients with Refractory, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Authors: LoRusso Patricia M. , Rudin Charles M. , Reddy Josina C. , Tibes Raoul , Weiss Glen J. , Borad Mitesh J. , Hann Christine L. , Brahmer Julie R. , Chang Ilsung , Darbonne Walter C. , Graham Richard A. , Zerivitz Kenn L. , Low Jennifer A. , Von Hoff Daniel D. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Purpose: The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation during development is implicated in pathogenesis of certain cancers. Vismodegib (GDC-0449) is a small-molecule inhibitor of smoothened, a key component of Hh signaling. This phase I trial assessed GDC-0449 treatment in patients with solid tumors refractory to current therapies or for which no standard therapy existed.
Experimental Design: Sixty-eight patients received GDC-0449 at 150 mg/d (n = 41), 270 mg/d (n = 23), or 540 mg/d (n = 4). Adverse events, tumor responses, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic down-modulation of GLI1 expression in noninvolved skin were assessed.
Results: Thirty-three of 68 patients had advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 8 had pancreatic cancer, 1 had medulloblastoma; 17 other types of cancer were also represented. GDC-0449 was generally well-tolerated. Six patients (8.8%) experienced 7 grade 4 events (hyponatremia, fatigue, pyelonephritis, presyncope, resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and paranoia with hyperglycemia), and 27.9% of patients experienced a grade 3 event [most commonly hyponatremia (10.3%), abdominal pain (7.4%), and fatigue (5.9%)]. No maximum tolerated dose was reached. The recommended phase II dose was 150 mg/d, based on achievement of maximal plasma concentration and pharmacodynamic response at this dose. Tumor responses were observed in 20 patients (19 with BCC and 1 unconfirmed response in medulloblastoma), 14 patients had stable disease as best response, and 28 had progressive disease. Evidence of GLI1 down-modulation was observed in noninvolved skin.
Conclusions: GDC-0449 has an acceptable safety profile and encouraging anti-tumor activity in advanced BCC and medulloblastoma. Further study in these and other cancer types is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2502–11. ©2011 AACR.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator contributes to heterogeneity of macrophages at the border of damaged site during liver repair in mice
Authors: Kawao Naoyuki , Nagai Nobuo , Tamura Yukinori , Okada Kiyotaka , Yano Masato , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Umemura Kazuo , Ueshima Shigeru , Matsuo Osamu 
Published: February 2011

SummaryUrokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) plays an important role in tissue remodelling through the activation of plasminogen in the liver, but its mechanisms are less well known. Here, we investigated the involvement of u-PA in the accumulation and phenotypic heterogeneity of macrophages at the damaged site during liver repair. After induction of liver injury by photochemical reaction in mice, the subsequent pathological responses and expression of phenotypic markers in activated macrophages were analysed histologically. Fibrinolytic activity at the damaged site was also examined by fibrin zymography. In wild-type mice, the extent of damage decreased gradually until day 14 and was associated with an accumulation of macrophages at the border of the damaged site. In addition, the macrophages that accumulated near the damaged tissue expressed CD206, a marker of highly phagocytic macrophages, on day 7. Further, macrophages that were adjacent to CD206-positive cells expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a pro-inflammatory marker. u-PA activity increased at the damaged site on days 4 and 7, which distributed primarily at the border region. In contrast, in u-PA-deficient mice, the decrease in damage size and the accumulation of macrophages were impaired. Further, neither CD206 nor iNOS was expressed in the macrophages that accumulated at the border region in u-PA-deficient mice. Mice deficient for the gene encoding either u-PA receptor (u-PAR) or tissue-type plasminogen activator experienced normal recovery during liver repair. These data indicate that u-PA mediates the accumulation of macrophages and their phenotypic heterogeneity at the border of damaged sites through u-PAR-independent mechanisms.