bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layer-shaped alginate hydrogels enhance the biological performance of human adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Galateanu Bianca , Dimonie Doina , Vasile Eugeniu , Nae Sorin , Cimpean Anisoara , Costache Marieta 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The reconstruction of adipose tissue defects is often challenged by the complications that may occur following plastic and reconstructive surgery, including donor-site morbidity, implant migration and foreign body reaction. To overcome these problems, adipose tissue engineering (ATE) using stem cell-based regeneration strategies has been widely explored in the last years. Mounting evidence has shown that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) represent a promising cell source for ATE. In the context of a small number of reports concerning adipose tissue regeneration using three-dimensional (3-D) systems, the present study was designed to evaluate the biological performance of a novel alginate matrix that incorporates human ADSCs (hADSCs).

Results
Culture-expanded cells isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), corresponding to the third passage which showed the expression of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers, were used in the 3-D culture systems. The latter represented a calcium alginate hydrogel, obtained by the diffusion of calcium gluconate (CGH matrix), and shaped as discoid-thin layer. For comparative purposes, a similar hADSC-laden alginate hydrogel cross-linked with calcium chloride was considered as reference hydrogel (RH matrix). Both hydrogels showed a porous structure under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the hADSCs embedded displayed normal spherical morphologies, some of them showing signs of mitosis. More than 85% of the entrapped cells survived throughout the incubation period of 7 days. The percentage of viable cells was significantly higher within CGH matrix at 2 days post-seeding, and approximately similar within both hydrogels after 7 days of culture. Moreover, both alginate-based hydrogels stimulated cell proliferation. The number of hADSC within hydrogels has increased during the incubation period of 7 days and was higher in the case of CGH matrix. Cells grown under adipogenic conditions for 21 days showed that both analyzed 3-D culture systems support adipogenic differentiation in terms of neutral lipid accumulation and perillipin expression. Furthermore, the cells encapsulated in CGH matrix displayed a more differentiated phenotype.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that both CGH and RH matrices successfully support the survival and adipogenesis of hADSC. An enhancement of biological performance was detected in the case of CGH matrix, suggesting its promising application in ATE.
The intriguing Cyclophilin A-HIV-1 Vpr interaction: prolyl cis/trans isomerisation catalysis and specific binding
Authors: Solbak Sara M , Reksten Tove R , Wray Victor , Bruns Karsten , Horvli Ole , Raae Arnt J , Henklein Petra , Henklein Peter , Röder Rene , Mitzner David , Schubert Ulrich , Fossen Torgils 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Cyclophilin A (CypA) represents a potential target for antiretroviral therapy since inhibition of CypA suppresses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication, although the mechanism through which CypA modulates HIV-1 infectivity still remains unclear. The interaction of HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) with the human peptidyl prolyl isomerase CypA is known to occur in vitro and in vivo. However, the nature of the interaction of CypA with Pro-35 of N-terminal Vpr has remained undefined.

Results
Characterization of the interactions of human CypA with N-terminal peptides of HIV-1 Vpr has been achieved using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonace (NMR) exchange spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR). NMR data at atomic resolution indicate prolyl cis/trans isomerisation of the highly conserved proline residues Pro-5, -10, -14 and -35 of Vpr are catalyzed by human CypA and require only very low concentrations of the isomerase relative to that of the peptide substrates. Of the N-terminal peptides of Vpr only those containing Pro-35 bind to CypA in a biosensor assay. SPR studies of specific N-terminal peptides with decreasing numbers of residues revealed that a seven-residue motif centred at Pro-35 consisting of RHFPRIW, which under membrane-like solution conditions comprises the loop region connecting helix 1 and 2 of Vpr and the two terminal residues of helix 1, is sufficient to maintain strong specific binding.

Conclusions
Only N-terminal peptides of Vpr containing Pro-35, which appears to be vital for manifold functions of Vpr, bind to CypA in a biosensor assay. This indicates that Pro-35 is essential for a specific CypA-Vpr binding interaction, in contrast to the general prolyl cis/trans isomerisation observed for all proline residues of Vpr, which only involve transient enzyme-substrate interactions. Previously suggested models depicting CypA as a chaperone that plays a role in HIV-1 virulence are now supported by our data. In detail the SPR data of this interaction were compatible with a two-state binding interaction model that involves a conformational change during binding. This is in accord with the structural changes observed by NMR suggesting CypA catalyzes the prolyl cis/trans interconversion during binding to the RHFP35RIW motif of N-terminal Vpr.
Latent associations of low serum amylase with decreased plasma insulin levels and insulin resistance in asymptomatic middle-aged adults
Authors: Muneyuki Toshitaka , Nakajima Kei , Aoki Atsushi , Yoshida Masashi , Fuchigami Hiroshi , Munakata Hiromi , Ishikawa San-e , Sugawara Hitoshi , Kawakami Masanobu , Momomura Shin-ichi , Kakei Masafumi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Low serum amylase is likely to be associated with obesity and metabolic abnormalities, which are often accompanied by impaired insulin action. However, it is unclear whether low serum amylase is associated with impaired insulin action in clinical settings. Therefore, we investigated the associations of low serum amylase with plasma insulin levels, and obesity-related parameters, including leptin.

Research design and methods
We measured serum amylase, plasma insulin, obesity-related parameters such as leptin, cardiometabolic risk factors, and anthropometric parameters in a cross-sectional study of 54 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 48.6 ± 7.6 years) who were not being treated for diabetes.

Results
Body mass index (BMI) and plasma glucose at 120 min after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were significantly higher in subjects with low serum amylase (< 60 IU/l, n = 21) than in those with normal-to-high serum amylase (n = 33) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.004, respectively). In univariate correlation analysis, serum amylase was significantly correlated with BMI alone (r = –0.39, P = 0.004). By contrast, multivariate logistic analysis showed that each 1-SD increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and each 1-SD decrease in plasma insulin OGTT at 0 and 60 min, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA)-R, and HOMA-β were significantly associated with low serum amylase, particularly after adjusting for BMI. When subjects were divided into three groups according to HOMA-R, serum amylase levels were significantly lower in subjects with HOMA-R > 2.5 (n = 23) compared with subjects with HOMA-R 1.6–2.5 (n = 10) (61.1 ± 13.6 U/ml versus 76.9 ± 20.5 U/ml, Bonferroni test, P = 0.02), but not compared with subjects with HOMA-R<1.6 (n = 21; 62.7 ± 17.6 U/ml). Similar trends were observed when subjects were divided according to plasma leptin and fasting plasma insulin levels.

Conclusions
These results suggest that after adjusting for BMI, low serum amylase is associated with decreased basal insulin levels and insulin secretion, as well as high insulin resistance. The nature of these associations remains to be elucidated in further studies.
Comprehensive microarray-based analysis for stage-specific larval camouflage pattern-associated genes in the swallowtail butterfly, Papilio xuthus
Authors: Futahashi Ryo , Shirataki Hiroko , Narita Takanori , Mita Kazuei , Fujiwara Haruhiko 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundBody coloration is an ecologically important trait that is often involved in prey-predator interactions through mimicry and crypsis. Although this subject has attracted the interest of biologists and the general public, our scientific knowledge on the subject remains fragmentary. In the caterpillar of the swallowtail butterflyPapilio xuthus, spectacular changes in the color pattern are observed; the insect mimics bird droppings (mimetic pattern) as a young larva, and switches to a green camouflage coloration (cryptic pattern) in the final instar. Despite the wide variety and significance of larval color patterns, few studies have been conducted at a molecular level compared with the number of studies on adult butterfly wing patterns.ResultsTo obtain a catalog of genes involved in larval mimetic and cryptic pattern formation, we constructed expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries of larval epidermis forP. xuthus, andP. polytesthat contained 20,736 and 5,376 clones, respectively, representing one of the largest collections available in butterflies. A comparison with silkworm epidermal EST information revealed the high expression of putative blue and yellow pigment-binding proteins inPapiliospecies. We also designed a microarray from the EST dataset information, analyzed more than five stages each for six markings, and confirmed spatial expression patterns by whole-mountin situhybridization. Hence, we succeeded in elucidating many novel marking-specific genes for mimetic and cryptic pattern formation, including pigment-binding protein genes, the melanin-associated geneyellow-h3, the ecdysteroid synthesis enzyme gene3-dehydroecdysone 3b-reductase, andPapilio-specific genes. We also found many cuticular protein genes with marking specificity that may be associated with the unique surface nanostructure of the markings. Furthermore, we identified two transcription factors,spaltand ecdysteroid signal-relatedE75, as genes expressed in larval eyespot markings. This finding suggests thatE75is a strong candidate mediator of the hormone-dependent coordination of larval pattern formation.ConclusionsThis study is one of the most comprehensive molecular analyses of complicated morphological features, and it will serve as a new resource for studying insect mimetic and cryptic pattern formation in general. The wide variety of marking-associated genes (both regulatory and structural genes) identified by our screening indicates that a similar strategy will be effective for understanding other complex traits.
Phylogenomics supports microsporidia as the earliest diverging clade of sequenced fungi
Authors: Capella-Gutiérrez Salvador , Marcet-Houben Marina , Gabaldón Toni 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Microsporidia is one of the taxa that have experienced the most dramatic taxonomic reclassifications. Once thought to be among the earliest diverging eukaryotes, the fungal nature of this group of intracellular pathogens is now widely accepted. However, the specific position of microsporidia within the fungal tree of life is still debated. Due to the presence of accelerated evolutionary rates, phylogenetic analyses involving microsporidia are prone to methodological artifacts, such as long-branch attraction, especially when taxon sampling is limited.

Results
Here we exploit the recent availability of six complete microsporidian genomes to re-assess the long-standing question of their phylogenetic position. We show that microsporidians have a similar low level of conservation of gene neighborhood with other groups of fungi when controlling for the confounding effects of recent segmental duplications. A combined analysis of thousands of gene trees supports a topology in which microsporidia is a sister group to all other sequenced fungi. Moreover, this topology received increased support when less informative trees were discarded. This position of microsporidia was also strongly supported based on the combined analysis of 53 concatenated genes, and was robust to filters controlling for rate heterogeneity, compositional bias, long branch attraction and heterotachy.

Conclusions
Altogether, our data strongly support a scenario in which microsporidia is the earliest-diverging clade of sequenced fungi.
Eradication of bovine tuberculosis at a herd-level in Madrid, Spain: study of within-herd transmission dynamics over a 12 year period
Authors: Alvarez Julio , Perez Andres M , Bezos Javier , Casal Carmen , Romero Beatriz , Rodriguez-Campos Sabrina , Saez-Llorente Jose L , Diaz Rosa , Carpintero Jesus , de Juan Lucia , Domínguez Lucas 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Eradication of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) through the application of test-and-cull programs is a declared goal of developed countries in which the disease is still endemic. Here, longitudinal data from more than 1,700 cattle herds tested during a 12 year-period in the eradication program in the region of Madrid, Spain, were analyzed to quantify the within-herd transmission coefficient (β) depending on the herd-type (beef/dairy/bullfighting). In addition, the probability to recover the officially bTB free (OTF) status in infected herds depending on the type of herd and the diagnostic strategy implemented was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results
Overall, dairy herds showed higher β (median 4.7) than beef or bullfighting herds (2.3 and 2.2 respectively). Introduction of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) as an ancillary test produced an apparent increase in the β coefficient regardless of production type, likely due to an increase in diagnostic sensitivity. Time to recover OTF status was also significantly lower in dairy herds, and length of bTB episodes was significantly reduced when the IFN-γ was implemented to manage the outbreak.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that bTB spreads more rapidly in dairy herds compared to other herd types, a likely cause being management and demographic-related factors. However, outbreaks in dairy herds can be controlled more rapidly than in typically extensive herd types. Finally, IFN-γ proved its usefulness to rapidly eradicate bTB at a herd-level.
Immunohistochemical and morphological features of a small bowel leiomyoma in a black crested macaque (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Aristizabal-Arbelaez Mónica , Mejía-Restrepo Julian , Montoya-Flórez Mauricio , Grandi Fabrizio , Pedraza-Ordóñez Francisco 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous gastrointestinal neoplasms in non-human primates are commonly seen in aged individuals. Due to genetic similarities between human and non-human primates, scientists have shown increasing interest in terms of comparative oncology studies.

Case presentation
The present study is related to a case of an intestinal leiomyoma in a black crested macaque (Macaca nigra), kept on captivity by Matecaña Zoo, Pereira City, Colombia. The animal had abdominal distension, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral changes. Clinical examination showed an increased volume in the upper right abdominal quadrant caused by a neoplastic mass. The patient died during the surgical procedure. Necropsy revealed several small nodules in the peritoneum with adhesion to different portions of the small and large intestines, liver, stomach and diaphragm. Tissue samples were collected, routinely processed and stained by H&E. Microscopic examination revealed a mesenchymal tumor limited to tunica muscularis, resembling normal smooth muscle cells. Neoplastic cells were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, and negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 by immunohistochemistry. Those morphological and immunohistochemical findings allowed to diagnose the intestinal leiomyoma referred above.

Conclusion
Neoplastic diseases in primates have multifaceted causes. Their manifestations are understudied, leading to a greater difficulty in detection and measurement of the real impact provides by this disease.
Effects of annual flow characteristics on the freshwater life history of Chinese sturgeon: concern inferred from the number of seaward migrating juveniles
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wei Qi W , Li Chong , Wu Xiang S , Liao Wen G 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Since 2003, the flow characteristics of the Yangtze River, currently the only river where the protected Chinese sturgeon, Acipenser sinensis, spawns and where the young grows to the 6 to 8 month juvenile stage, has been regulated by the operation of the Three Gorges Project. The number of seaward migrating juveniles captured (NSMJC) in the Yangtze estuary from 2002 to 2010 was significantly positively related (Pearson correlation, P (two tailed) <0.01; Lg (NSMJC) = 0.870 + 3.930 × AASC, R = 0.940, P = 0.000) to the annual sediment load and annual average sediment concentration (AASC) of the previous year, when adults entered the river and migrated upstream, used refuge areas, and spawned, and when early life stages were reared. This suggests that silt content may have a major effect on adult spawning success and rearing of early life stages. Based on the correlation between numbers of juveniles captured and numbers of adults in the spawning areas in the previous year (Pearson correlation, R = 0.965, P (two tailed) = 0.008), we speculated that the sediment characteristics affected the migration and gonad development of mature individuals and, indirectly, the number of juveniles reaching the Yangtze estuary during the following year. Decreased silt levels in the Yangtze River following installation of the Three Gorges Project may be having a deleterious effect on Chinese sturgeon reproduction and needs further research.
Culturable halophilic archaea at the initial and crystallization stages of salt production in a natural solar saltern of Goa, India
Authors: Mani Kabilan , Salgaonkar Bhakti B , Braganca Judith M 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Goa is a coastal state in India and salt making is being practiced for many years. This investigation aimed in determining the culturable haloarchaeal diversity during two different phases of salt production in a natural solar saltern of Ribandar, Goa. Water and sediment samples were collected from the saltern during pre-salt harvesting phase and salt harvesting phase. Salinity and pH of the sampling site was determined. Isolates were obtained by plating of the samples on complex and synthetic haloarchaeal media. Morphology of the isolates was determined using Gram staining and electron microscopy. Response of cells to distilled water was studied spectrophotometrically at 600nm. Molecular identification of the isolates was performed by sequencing the 16S rRNA.

Results
Salinity of salt pans varied from 3-4% (non-salt production phase) to 30% (salt production phase) and pH varied from 7.0-8.0. Seven haloarchaeal strains were isolated from water and sediment samples during non-salt production phase and seventeen haloarchaeal strains were isolated during the salt production phase. All the strains stained uniformly Gram negative. The orange-red acetone extract of the pigments showed similar spectrophotometric profile with absorption maxima at 393, 474, 501 and 535 nm. All isolates obtained from the salt dilute phase were grouped within the genus Halococcus. This was validated using both total lipid profiling and 16S rRNA data sequencing. The isolates obtained from pre-salt harvesting phase were resistant to lysis. 16S rRNA data showed that organisms belonging to Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halococcus genera were obtained during the salt concentrated phase. The isolates obtained from salt harvesting phase showed varied lysis on suspension in distilled water and /or 3.5% NaCl.

Conclusion
Salterns in Goa are transiently operated during post monsoon season from January to May. During the pre-salt harvesting phase, all the isolates obtained belonged to Halococcus sp. During the salt harvesting phase, isolates belonging to Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Haloferax and Halococcus genera were obtained. This study clearly indicates that Halococcus sp. dominates during the low salinity conditions.
Symptomatic remission in psychosis and real-life functioning
Authors: Oorschot M. , Lataster T. , Thewissen V. , Lardinois M. , van Os J. , Delespaul P. A. E. G. , Myin-Germeys I. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundIn 2005 Andreasen proposed criteria for remission in schizophrenia. It is unclear whether these criteria reflect symptom reduction and improved social functioning in daily life.AimsTo investigate whether criteria for symptomatic remission reflect symptom reduction and improved functioning in real life, comparing patients meeting remission criteria, patients not meeting these criteria and healthy controls.MethodThe Experience Sampling Method (ESM), a structured diary technique, was used to explore real-life symptoms and functioning in 177 patients with (remitted and non-remitted) schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 148 controls.ResultsOf 177 patients, 70 met criteria for symptomatic remission. These patients reported significantly fewer positive and negative symptoms and better mood states compared with patients not in remission. Furthermore, patients in remission spent more time in goal-directed activities and had less preference for being alone when they were with others. However, the patient groups did not differ on time spent in social company and doing nothing, and both the remission and non-remission groups had lower scores on functional outcome measures compared with the control group.ConclusionsThe study provides an ecological validation for the symptomatic remission criteria, showing that patients who met the criteria reported fewer positive symptoms, better mood states and partial recovery of reward experience compared with those not in remission. However, remission status was not related to functional recovery, suggesting that the current focus on symptomatic remission may reflect an overly restricted goal.
Sequential Release of Single-stranded DNAs from Gold Nanorods Triggered by Near-infrared Light Irradiation
Authors: Fukushima Hiromitsu , Yamashita Shuji , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki , Niidome Takuro 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Gold nanorods were modified with two types of double-stranded DNAs (dsDNA) with different melting temperatures. Irradiated by near-infrared laser light, the modified gold nanorods were heated, and single-stranded DNAs were released faster from the dsDNA with the lower melting temperature. Such combinations of different kinds of dsDNA allow us to construct a two-step release system of different types of oligonucleotides.
SO42−/CexZr1−xO2-catalyzed Synthesis of N-tert-Butylamides from Various Nitriles under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Kahandal Sandeep S , Kale Sandip R , Disale Shamrao T , Jayaram Radha V 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The synthesis of N-tert-butylamides using SO42−/CexZr1−xO2 catalysts under solvent-free conditions is reported. The methodology has several advantages such as reusability of the catalyst, solvent-free conditions, easy workup, and comparable yield of N-tert-butylamides. A variety of aliphatic, aromatic, and acid-sensitive substrates give high to moderate yields of the corresponding N-tert-butylamides. Surface acidities of the catalysts were correlated with the results obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a modified Ritter reaction on SO42−/CexZr1−xO2 using tert-butyl acetate as carbocationic source.