bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Leishmania stage‐specific mitochondrial membrane protein that enhances the activity of cytochrome c oxidase and its role in virulence
Authors: Dey Ranadhir , Meneses Claudio , Salotra Poonam , Kamhawi Shaden , Nakhasi Hira L. , Duncan Robert 
Published: May 2010

SummaryLeishmaniasis is caused by the dimorphic protozoan parasite Leishmania. Differentiation of the insect form, promastigotes, to the vertebrate form, amastigotes, and survival inside the vertebrate host accompanies a drastic metabolic shift. We describe a gene first identified in amastigotes that is essential for survival inside the host. Gene expression analysis identified a 27 kDa protein‐encoding gene (Ldp27) that was more abundantly expressed in amastigotes and metacyclic promastigotes than in procyclic promastigotes. Immunofluorescence and biochemical analysis revealed that Ldp27 is a mitochondrial membrane protein. Co‐immunoprecipitation using antibodies to the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) complex, present in the inner mitochondrial membrane, placed the p27 protein in the COX complex. Ldp27 gene‐deleted parasites (Ldp27−/−) showed significantly less COX activity and ATP synthesis than wild type in intracellular amastigotes. Moreover, the Ldp27−/− parasites were less virulent both in human macrophages and in BALB/c mice. These results demonstrate that Ldp27 is an important component of an active COX complex enhancing oxidative phosphorylation specifically in infectious metacyclics and amastigotes and promoting parasite survival in the host. Thus, Ldp27 can be explored as a potential drug target and parasites devoid of the p27 gene could be considered as a live attenuated vaccine candidate against visceral leishmaniasis.
Selective inactivation of SIDER2 retroposon‐mediated mRNA decay contributes to stage‐ and species‐specific gene expression in Leishmania
Authors: Müller Michaela , Padmanabhan Prasad K. , Papadopoulou Barbara 
Published: May 2010

SummaryDespite their high genomic synteny, the Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum species exhibit extensive differences in mRNA expression patterns throughout the parasite's development. Yet, the underlying mechanisms for this species‐specific differential gene expression are largely unknown. Here we report that Short Interspersed DEgenerated Retroposons of the SIDER2 subfamily, shown previously to promote rapid mRNA turnover, confer differential regulation of orthologous transcripts resulting in a stage‐ and species‐specific gene expression. We demonstrate that SIDER2‐mediated decay of two L. major transcripts encoding a hypothetical protein and an aminomethyltransferase to a similar extent in promastigote and amastigote developmental forms results in a constitutive low expression of the corresponding proteins. In contrast, their L. infantum orthologs are differentially expressed due to the selective inactivation of SIDER2 in intracellular amastigotes. Inactivation of the SIDER2 function blocks the SIDER2‐mediated deadenylation‐independent decay pathway, and stabilized transcripts are degraded by a slower, deadenylation‐dependent mechanism. Sequence variations in SIDER2 retroposons between orthologous transcripts do not contribute to SIDER2 inactivation. Our data suggest that SIDER2 inactivation is 3′‐untranslated region context‐dependent and that involves possibly species‐ and stage‐specific trans‐acting factor(s). These findings further emphasize the important contribution of SIDER retroposons in the control of gene expression across the Leishmania genus.
Cutaneous periocularHabronemainfection in a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Myers Debbie A. , Smith Chris D. , Greiner Ellis C. , Wiedner Ellen , Abbott Jeffrey , Marsella Rosanna , Nunnery Catherine 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA 6‐year‐old castrated dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) presented with a non‐healing, severely pruritic, ulcerative fibrotic plaque located at the medial canthus. Histological examination of surgical biopsies identified degenerating nematode larvae within eosinophilic granulomas. Treatment involved repeated debridement of the lesion, injectable ivermectin and anti‐inflammatory therapies, and injectable and topical antibiotics.A specially constructed mask with goggles to prevent the camel from continuing to self‐traumatize the eye and lesion was also placed. Full recovery occurred approximately 1 month after diagnosis. Because of the location of the lesion, time of year, the gross and microscopic characteristics of the lesion, the presence of a likely nematode larva and the response to treatment, a diagnosis of cutaneous habronemiasis was made.
N‐ACYLSUCCINIMIDES AS ACYLATING AGENTS FOR PROTEINS: SYNTHESIS, HYDROLYSIS AND AMINOLYSIS
Authors: Boyd Helen , Calder I. C. , Leach S. J. , Milligan B. 
Published: May 2010

N‐Acylsuccinimides have been examined as potential acylating agents. Three different methods used to synthesize a number of these reagents are described. The rates of hydrolysis of N‐acetyl, N‐propionyl, N‐n‐butyryl, N‐i‐butyryl and N‐n‐valeryl succinimides and the rates at which they react with n‐butylamine in aqueous solution are reported. These N‐acylsuccinimides are soluble in water, relatively slow to hydrolyse and yet sufficiently reactive to acylate amines in aqueous solution, even in weak acid solutions.The hydrolysis of N‐acetylsuccinimide follows two pathways, giving, as primary products, either N‐acetylsuccinamic acid or acetic acid and succinimide. The relative amounts of these hydrolysis products, which were determined by NMR spectroscopy, varies with the pH of hydrolysis.
THE EFFECT OF POLYHYDRIC AND MONOHYDRIC ALCOHOLS ON THE HEAT‐INDUCED REVERSIBLE DENATURATION OF LYSOZYME AND RIBONUCLEASE
Authors: Gerlsma Sicco Y. , Stuur Elzo R. 
Published: May 2010

The reversible thermal denaturation of lysozyme and ribonuclease was investigated in aqueous solutions of mono‐ and polyvalent alcohols.The polyvalent alcohols show a stabilizing influence whereas the monovalent alcohols destabilize the native conformation. The concentration of the monovalent alcohol proportionally lowers the transition temperature Tm with concentration.The increments of Tm of lysozyme and of ribonuclease, excerted by a polyvalent alcohol, are of the same magnitude. This was also found for chymotrypsinogen A (1). It is reasoned that these stabilizing effects may find their origin in the intensification of the intra‐hydrophobic interactions of the protein.The effects of the monovalent alcohols on the Tm of lysozyme as well as on the Tm of ribonuclease are enhanced with the increase of the hydrophobic character of the alcohol. These increments of Tm for lysozyme are slightly larger than those obtained for ribonuclease at 50–60°C, as could be expected from their amino acid compositions.
Environmental variation, hybridization, and phenotypic diversification in Cuatro Ciénegas pupfishes
Authors: TOBLER M. , CARSON E. W. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractHybridization can generate novel phenotypes, and in combination with divergent selection along environmental gradients, can play a driving role in phenotypic diversification. This study examined the influence of introgressive hybridization and environmental variation on the phenotypic diversity of two pupfish species (Cyprinodon atrorus and Cyprinodon bifasciatus) endemic to the Cuatro Ciénegas basin, Mexico. These species occupy opposite environmental extremes and are comprised of multiple, intraspecifically isolated populations. However, interspecific hybridization occurs to various degrees within connecting, intermediate environments. Using geometric morphometric analysis, extensive variation of body shape was observed between and within species, and phenotypic variation was strongly correlated with environmental conditions. Furthermore, some introgressed populations exhibited unique phenotypes not found in either of the parents, and overall morphospace occupation was significantly higher in introgressed populations when compared to the parentals. Overall, we find environmental variation and transgressive segregation both appear to have been important in shaping phenotypic variation in this system.
Conspicuousness is correlated with toxicity in marine opisthobranchs
Authors: CORTESI F. , CHENEY K. L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAposematism is defined as the use of conspicuous colouration to warn predators that an individual is chemically or otherwise defended. Mechanisms that drive the evolution of aposematism are complex. Theoretical and empirical studies show that conspicuousness can be either positively or negatively correlated with toxicity as once aposematism is established, species can allocate resources into becoming more conspicuous and/or increase secondary defences. Here, we investigated the evolution of conspicuousness and toxicity in marine opisthobranchs. Conspicuousness of colour signals was assessed using spectral reflectance measurements and theoretical vision models from the perspective of two reef fish signal receivers. The relative toxicity of chemicals extracted from each opisthobranch species was then determined using toxicity assays. Using a phylogenetic comparative analysis, we found a significant correlation between conspicuousness and toxicity, indicating that conspicuousness acts as an honest signal when signifying level of defence and provides evidence for aposematism in opisthobranchs.
Altruistic self‐removal of health‐compromised honey bee workers from their hive
Authors: RUEPPELL O. , HAYWORTH M. K. , ROSS N. P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSocial insect colonies represent distinct units of selection. Most individuals evolve by kin selection and forgo individual reproduction. Instead, they display altruistic food sharing, nest maintenance and self‐sacrificial colony defence. Recently, altruistic self‐removal of diseased worker ants from their colony was described as another important kin‐selected behaviour. Here, we report corroborating experimental evidence from honey bee foragers and theoretical analyses. We challenged honey bee foragers with prolonged CO2 narcosis or by feeding with the cytostatic drug hydroxyurea. Both treatments resulted in increased mortality but also caused the surviving foragers to abandon their social function and remove themselves from their colony, resulting in altruistic suicide. A simple model suggests that altruistic self‐removal by sick social insect workers to prevent disease transmission is expected under most biologically plausible conditions. The combined theoretical and empirical support for altruistic self‐removal suggests that it may be another important kin‐selected behaviour and a potentially widespread mechanism of social immunity.
The usefulness of liver stiffness measurement using FibroScan in chronic hepatitis C in South Korea: A multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Kim Seung Up , Jang Hui Won , Cheong Jae Youn , Kim Ja Kyung , Lee Myung Hee , Kim Dong Joon , Yang Jin Mo , Cho Sung Won , Lee Kwan Sik , Choi Eun Hee , Park Young Nyun , Han Kwang‐Hyub 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim:  We investigated the accuracy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in a multicenter, prospective study in South Korea.Methods:  Between June 2005 and July 2009, 91 CHC patients without a previous history of antiviral treatment, clinical evidences of cirrhosis, coinfection with other viruses, and heavy alcohol consumption and with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 5x upper limit of normal, total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL, sufficient liver biopsy quality (≥ 15 mm and more than six portal tracts), interquartile range to median liver stiffness (LS) value ratio ≤ 0.21, and more than 10 valid measurements, were recruited. The Batts and Ludwig scoring system was used for histologic assessment. Age–platelet index (API), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)–to–platelet ratio index (APRI), and age–spleen–platelet ratio index (ASPRI) were calculated. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of LSM and other noninvasive models.Results:  The mean age was 47.9 years, and the mean LS value was 7.7 kPa (44 men and 47 women). LS value was highly correlated to the fibrosis stages (r = 0.835, P < 0.001). The AUROCs of LSM were 0.909 for ≥ F2, 0.993 for ≥ F3, and 0.970 for F = 4 and were superior to those of API (0.72, 0.858, and 0.948, respectively), APRI (0.780, 0.887, and 0.904, respectively), and ASPRI (0.713, 0.862, and 0.957, respectively). The optimal cutoff LS values were 6.2 kPa for ≥ F2, 7.7 kPa for ≥ F3, and 11.0 kPa for F = 4.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that LSM can accurately assess liver fibrosis in patients with CHC and be applied in South Korea.
Berberine inhibits angiogenic potential of Hep G2 cell line through VEGF down‐regulation in vitro
Authors: Jie Shenghua , Li Huiyu , Tian Yuan , Guo Dongmei , Zhu Jiang , Gao Shaoyang , Jiang Li 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim: Berberine, an herbal alkaloid, has been reported to have promotion potential of apoptosis and anticancer effect on a variety of human tumor cells. To obtain more specific understanding of those consequences of berberine on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the tumor microenvironment, we conductedin vitroexperiments to investigate the inhibitory effect of berberine on tumor‐induced angiogenesis using HCC cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth was quantified with the CCK‐8 cell proliferation assay; cell migration was observed with a Boyden chamber (Transwell, Corning, Lowell, MA, USA), and angiogenesis was assessed by endothelial tube formation in Matrigelin vitro. In addition, VEGF level was determined by ELISA and VEGF mRNA expression by RT‐PCR.Results: Berberine inhibited the capacity of HCC to stimulate HUVEC's proliferation, migration and endothelial tube formation, suggesting that berberine could influence the cross‐talk between the HCC cell and vascular endothelial cells. These results demonstrate berberine's antiangiogenesis property and its clinical potential as an inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis. Subsequently analyses reveal that berberine prevents secretion of VEGF from HCC and down‐regulates VEGF mRNA expression.Conclusion: These findings strongly suggest that berberine is a potential antiangiogenic agent and a promising antitumor drug for HCC.
Individualisation of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Teoh Narci C , Farrell Geoffrey C , Chan Henry L‐Y 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe combination of pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin is currently the standard of care antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but optimal results require an individual approach. Key issues are to deliver doses that confer optimal antiviral efficacy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) for a time sufficient to minimise relapse. Viral monitoring during therapy guides the subsequent treatment course, particularly HCV RNA results at 4 weeks (rapid viral response [RVR]) and 12 weeks (complete early viral response [cEVR]). There is strong evidence that for most patients with genotypes 2 or 3 HCV infection, RVR allows truncation of treatment to 16 weeks, provided ribavirin dose is weight‐based. However, those patients with cirrhosis, insulin resistance/diabetes or older than 50 years need 6–12 months treatment. For “difficult‐to‐treat” CHC (genotypes 1 and 4), RVR is infrequent (∼15% in European studies), but allows treatment to be truncated from 48 to 24 weeks. Without RVR, there is some evidence that longer treatment (72 weeks) improves sustained viral response (SVR). However, “induction dosing” first 12 weeks of PEG‐IFN clearly does not improve SVR. To prevent dose reductions and complete therapy, it is critical to detect and treat depression and other disabling side‐effects, including judicious use of growth factors for severe anemia or neutropenia and possibly, thrombocytopenia. Another potentially important aspect may be attempts to counter central obesity and insulin resistance, which confer suboptimal antiviral response with any HCV genotype. Treatment partnerships with specialist nurses, psychological therapists and other healthcare workers are also essential for optimal individual management of patients with CHC.
What nephrologists need to know about diagnostic test accuracy articles
Authors: WILLIAMS GABRIELLE J , CRAIG JONATHAN C 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTSystematic reviews of randomized controlled trials are well‐recognized as the best evidence for an intervention and are also becoming more available for diagnostic test evaluation. In the absence of a well‐conducted and well‐reported systematic review clinicians must rely on primary studies to determine how best to interpret and understand diagnostic test information. Diagnostic test studies are abundant in the published literature; however, there are considerable limitations to the information provided in many of these papers and careful appraisal is required before the findings can be applied to individual patients. The current paper provides a framework for determining bias, clinical applicability and erroneous findings within a paper, allowing greater efficiency in selecting studies and deciding on the value of the information reported in them.
Nasal foreign bodies: the experience of the Buenos Aires pediatric otolaryngology clinic
Authors: Chinski Alberto , Foltran Francesca , Gregori Dario , Passali Desiderio , Bellussi Luisa 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjective:  The aim of the present paper is to present nasal foreign cases observed at the Children's Hospital Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina, over a 4‐year period and to compare the main findings with data from other case series.Methods:  A prospective study was undertaken on children having inhaled/aspired a foreign body (FB), with regard to age and sex distribution, FB type, dimensions and consistency, FB location, clinical presentation, removal and occurrence of complications.Results:  A total of 1559 cases of foreign body inhalation were observed. The mean age of the children was 3.48 years (SD 1.60). Injuries frequently occurred during recreational activities: in 1154 cases (74.1%) the child was playing, while in 52 cases the accident occurred during a party. In 1417 cases (90.9%) adults were present. Children frequently (1123 cases) insert small objects with a rigid consistency in their noses, like pearls or little metal objects. In the majority of cases nasal FB injuries are due to insertion of inorganic objects (72.7%).Conclusion:  Injuries are frequently due to the incorrect manipulation of objects not conceived for children use, including pins, nails, screws and floats. Batteries and magnets deserve particular mention because they require immediate treatment, as they can cause septal necrosis and perforation within hours. Unfortunately, an adult being present does not seem to be sufficient to prevent injuries, and parents are frequently unaware of the danger. The dissemination of information regarding safe behaviors could be fundamental in preventing injuries and need to be promoted by family pediatricians and health practitioners.
Inborn errors of metabolism in a neonatology unit: Impact and long‐term results
Authors: Couce Ma Luz , Baña Ana , Bóveda Ma Dolores , Pérez‐Muñuzuri Alejandro , Fernández‐Lorenzo José Ramón , Fraga José Ma 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) have greater repercussions in neonatology units. The goal of our study was to evaluate the impact of IEM in a neonatology unit and the outcome of these neonates.Methods:  All patients with IEM admitted in our unit were evaluated during an 8‐year period for specific diagnosis, clinical features, therapy and long‐term neurodevelopment.Results:  The study group was comprised of 31 infants, 18 of which required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (1.63% of income) due to severe symptoms. Twenty‐two of the 31 had an earlier diagnosis and treatment due to expanded newborn screening, made from the third day of life. The most frequent diagnosis in the NICU, representing 66.66% (12/18), was diseases that cause an endogenous intoxication. Despite the diagnosis by tandem mass spectrometry, many of these patients had severe clinical symptoms prior to the screening results. Aggressive support was often necessary (extracorporeal removal therapy, mechanical ventilation). Death occurred generally in the first year of life (5/6). The death rate in the NICU was 10.3%. The survivors presented higher scores on the Psychomotor Development Index if the diagnosis of the disease was either made or helped by screening. This also depends on the type of disease.Conclusion:  Earlier diagnosis by expanded newborn screening and earlier treatment is essential in order to be able to prevent neurological sequelae.
Infratemporal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour with orbital extension
Authors: Chow Sing‐Pey , Nastri Alf , Hardy Thomas 
Published: May 2010

AbstractInflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare distinctive neoplasm of intermediate biological potential with a predilection for the abdominopelvic region and lung of children and young adults. It is histologically composed of spindle cells (myofibroblasts) in a myxoid to collagenous stroma with a prominent inflammatory infiltrate composed primarily of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Its pathogenesis is controversial. Arising most commonly in the lungs, only two cases of histopathologically confirmed IMT originating from the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae have been documented in the literature. Neither had orbital involvement. We now report the first case of IMT originating from the infratemporal fossa with orbital extension in a previously well 31‐year‐old woman. The patient presented with a 5‐month history of intermittent right‐sided headaches, progressive trismus and right lower lid swelling. She then developed right proptosis, diplopia and paraesthesia in the ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of her trigeminal nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft tissue mass occupying most of the right infratemporal fossa with extension into pterygopalatine fossa and orbit. Provisional diagnosis from an open biopsy was nodular fasciitis. She underwent surgical debulking of the infratemporal fossa and lateral orbit through a coronal and trans‐oral approach with trans‐zygomatic access via total zygomatic osteotomy. Review of intraoperative specimens revised the diagnosis to IMT. Further management included systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant radiotherapy.
Double peel using triamcinolone acetonide and trypan blue in the management of myopic macular hole with retinal detachment: a case–control study
Authors: Li Kenneth KW , Tang Emily WH , Li Patrick SH , Wong David 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of double peel using triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and trypan blue (TB) in removing epiretinal tissues in vitrectomy for myopic macular hole with retinal detachment (MHRD).Methods:  Prospective interventional case control study. Patients with myopic MHRD underwent vitrectomy with TA‐assisted adherent cortical vitreous (ACV) removal followed by TB‐assisted internal‐limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade. The results were compared with historical control group without the use of any vital dye or TA.Results:  Ten eyes of 10 study cases were compared with nine eyes of nine control cases. Mean axial length was 28.3 ± 1.4 mm and 29.6 ± 2.4 mm and mean follow‐up period was 15 months and 42 months for the study group and the control group, respectively. Reattachment rate was 70% in the study group and 44% in the control group. Mean logMAR visual acuity improvement was 0.02 at 6 months and 0.01 at 12 months for the study group (P < 0.05). Transient intraocular pressure rise was observed in seven eyes in the study group and five eyes in the control group. No other complication was noted.Conclusion:  Double peel using TA and TB appeared safe and effective in facilitating removal of ACV and ILM in MHRD. It has higher surgical success rate compared with conventional vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane peeling and gas tamponade.