bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of VanB‐type vancomycin resistance by Bacillus subtilis: the impact on gene expression, cell wall composition and morphology
Authors: Bisicchia Paola , Bui Nhat Khai , Aldridge Christine , Vollmer Waldemar , Devine Kevin M. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe vancomycin resistance operons from Enterococci, Staphylococci and Actinomycetes encode a VanRS two‐component signal transduction system (TCS) and a suite of enzymes to modify the peptidoglycan biosynthetic precursor lipid II and to eliminate the d‐Ala‐d‐Ala from the cell. Commingling of these regulatory and enzymatic activities with host functions has the potential to significantly impact host gene expression and cell wall metabolism. Here we report the effects of individually expressing the VanRBSB TCS and the VanYBWHBBXB resistance proteins in Bacillus subtilis. VanYBWHBBXB expression confers resistance to 2 µg ml−1 of vancomycin with concomitant reduced Van‐FL staining and leads to a cell division defect. In contrast to E. faecalis and S. aureus, VanSB is active in B. subtilis without vancomycin addition. Individual expression of the VanRBSB TCS and the VanYBWHBBXB resistance proteins repress and increase, respectively, expression of PhoPR regulon genes in the phosphate‐limited state. When vancomycin‐resistant cells are exposed to elevated vancomycin levels, mutant strains with increased resistance to vancomycin and a growth dependency on vanYBWHBBXB expression frequently arise. Mutation of the endogenous Ddl ligase is the necessary and sufficient cause of both phenotypes. We discuss how these effects may influence establishment of van operons in new host bacteria.
Effects of immunization with the rNfa1 protein on experimental Naegleria fowleri‐PAM mice
Authors: LEE Y. J. , KIM J. H. , SOHN H. J. , LEE J. , JUNG S. Y. , CHWAE Y. J. , KIM K. , PARK S. , SHIN H. J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryFree‐living Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans and animals. To examine the effect of immunization with Nfa1 protein on experimental murine PAM because of N. fowleri, BALB/c mice were intra‐peritoneally or intra‐nasally immunized with a recombinant Nfa1 protein. We analysed Nfa1‐specific antibody and cytokine induction, and the mean survival time of infected mice. Mice immunized intra‐peritoneally or intra‐nasally with rNfa1 protein developed specific IgG, IgA and IgE antibodies; the IgG response was dominated by IgG1, followed by IgG2b, IgG2a and IgG3. High levels of the Th1 cytokine, IFN‐γ, and the regulatory cytokine, IL‐10, were also induced. The mean survival time of mice immunized intra‐peritoneally with rNfa1 protein was prolonged compared with controls, (25·0 and 15·5 days, respectively). Similarly, the mean survival time of mice immunized intra‐nasally with rNfa1 protein was 24·7 days, compared with 15·0 days for controls.
Reactive oxygen species‐dependent necroptosis in Jurkat T cells induced by pathogenic free‐living Naegleria fowleri
Authors: SONG K.‐J. , JANG Y. S. , LEE Y. A. , KIM K. A. , LEE S. K. , SHIN M. H. 
Published: May 2011

Summary Naegleria fowleri, a free‐living amoeba, is the causative pathogen of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans and experimental mice. N. fowleri is capable of destroying tissues and host cells through lytic necrosis. However, the mechanism by which N. fowleri induces host cell death is unknown. Electron microscopy indicated that incubation of Jurkat T cells with N. fowleri trophozoites induced necrotic morphology of the Jurkat T cells. N. fowleri also induced cytoskeletal protein cleavage, extensive poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase hydrolysis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Although no activation of caspase‐3 was observed in Jurkat T cells co‐incubated with amoebae, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were strongly generated by NADPH oxidase (NOX). Pretreating cells with necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin‐1 or NOX inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) strongly inhibited amoeba‐induced ROS generation and Jurkat cell death, whereas pan‐caspase inhibitor z‐VAD‐fmk did not. N. fowleri‐derived secretory products (NfSP) strongly induced intracellular ROS generation and cell death. Necroptotic effects of NfSP were effectively inhibited by pretreating NfSP with proteinase K. Moreover, NfSP‐induced LDH release and intracellular ROS accumulation were inhibited by pretreating Jurkat T cells with DPI or necrostatin‐1. These results suggest that N. fowleri induces ROS‐dependent necroptosis in Jurkat T cells.
PutativeMalasseziadermatitis in six goats
Authors: Eguchi‐Coe Yuko , Valentine Beth A. , Gorman Elena , Villarroel Aurora 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHistopathology submissions from 28 goats with dermatological disease were identified in an archival search of pathology files. Microscopic sections of skin biopsy specimens were examined for the presence ofMalasseziaspp. organisms. Six cases with manyMalasseziayeasts were identified histopathologically. Based on the extent of clinical disease, three cases were regarded as localized and three were generalized infections. Clinical findings included alopecia with dry seborrhoea (four cases), greasy seborrhoea (one case), and no clinical findings specific to localizedMalasseziainfection when concurrent bacterial infection was present (one case). Mild pruritus was reported in two cases of generalized infection. No breed predilection was apparent. Three cases were male and three were female.Malasseziadermatitis occurred in goats from 10 months to 13 years of age. Three of six cases had concurrent bacterial infection. Skin lesions resolved following topical antifungal therapy in the two goats that were treated. Histopathological findings in all cases were severe follicular and epidermal orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with minimal epithelial change and mild superficial perivascular to interstitial nonsuppurative inflammation. Numerous budding yeasts were visible within the stratum corneum of all cases; however,Malasseziawas not isolated in the three cases in which culture was attempted. Based upon these findings, the authors suggest that the diagnosisMalasseziadermatitis in goats is most likely to be made by cytological examination of skin impressions or by examination of skin biopsy samples.
Intraspecific divergence in the lateral line system in the nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius)
Authors: TROKOVIC N. , HERCZEG G. , SCOTT McCAIRNS R. J. , IZZA AB GHANI N. , MERILÄ J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe mechanosensory lateral line system of fishes is an important organ system conveying information crucial to individual fitness. Yet, our knowledge of lateral line diversity is almost exclusively based on interspecific studies, whereas intraspecific variability and possible population divergence have remained largely unexplored. We investigated lateral line system variability in four marine and five pond populations of nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius). We found significant differences in neuromast number between pond and marine fish. In particular, three of seventeen lateral line regions (viz. caudal peduncle superficial neuromasts; canal neuromasts from the anterior trunk and caudal peduncle) showed strong divergence between habitats. Similar results were obtained with laboratory‐reared individuals from a subset of populations, suggesting that the patterns found in nature likely have a genetic basis. Interestingly, we also found habitat‐dependent population divergence in neuromast variability, with pond populations showing greater heterogeneity than marine populations, although only in wild‐caught fish. A comparison of neutral genetic (FST) and phenotypic (PST) differentiation suggested that natural selection is likely associated with habitat‐dependent divergence in neuromast counts. Hence, the results align with the conclusion that the mechanosensory lateral line system divergence among marine and pond nine‐spined sticklebacks is adaptive.
Attitudes and practices of healthcare providers regarding gestational diabetes: results of a survey conducted at the 2010 meeting of the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG)
Authors: Ogunyemi D. A. , Fong A. , Rad S. , Fong S. , Kjos S. L. 
Published: May 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 976–986 (2011)AbstractObjective  To investigate the attitudes and practices of healthcare providers regarding gestational diabetes mellitus and to identify differences between provider types and geographical locations.Research design and methods  A survey was distributed to participants at the 2010 GDM Pasadena II: International Conference regarding management of gestational diabetes.Results  Of 250 distributed surveys, there was a 60.8% (n = 152) response rate. Most responders believed it was cost beneficial to treat and screen for gestational diabetes. Approximately 2/3 accepted that the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes could be made in pregnancy. For the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, c. 60% opted for a one‐step screen while 30% opted for a two‐step screen. Most responders were comfortable treating a non‐pregnant woman with Type 2 diabetes. Ninety per cent of responders initiated antenatal testing at 32–34 weeks for medication‐treated gestational diabetes, with a wider variation for diet‐treated gestational diabetes. Obstetricians were less comfortable than other providers in treating a non‐pregnant woman with Type 2 diabetes, but were more likely to prescribe glyburide. Providers in the USA, compared with those from other countries, were more likely to perform a Caesarean section based on fetal weight, use glibenclamide (glyburide), initiate exercise post‐delivery and less likely to check 2‐h postprandial glucose levels. At least 80% of responders routinely screened for Type 2 diabetes at 6–12 weeks post‐delivery.Conclusion  There are differences internationally and by provider types in attitudes and management regarding gestational diabetes. These findings may be useful in developing strategies for implementing the recent guidelines by the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups.
Fyn kinase regulates the association between amyloid precursor protein and Dab1 by promoting their localization to detergent‐resistant membranes
Authors: Minami S. Sakura , Hoe Hyang‐Sook , Rebeck G. William 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 879–890.AbstractThe adaptor protein Disabled1 (Dab1) interacts with amyloid precursor protein (APP) and decreases its pathological processing, an effect mediated by Fyn tyrosine kinase. Fyn is highly enriched in lipid rafts, a major site of pathological APP processing. To investigate the role of Fyn in the localization and phosphorylation of APP and Dab1 in lipid rafts, we isolated detergent‐resistant membrane (DRM) fractions from wild‐type and Fyn knock‐out mice. In wild‐type mice, all of the Fyn kinase, 17% of total APP, and 33% of total Dab1 were found in DRMs. Nearly all of the tyrosine phosphorylated forms of APP and Dab1 were in DRMs. APP and Dab1 co‐precipitated both in and out of DRM fractions, indicating an association that is independent of subcellular localization. Fyn knock‐out mice had decreased APP, Dab1, and tyrosine‐phosphorylated Dab1 in DRMs but increased co‐immunoprecipitation of DRM APP and Dab1. Expression of phosphorylation deficient APP or Dab1 constructs revealed that phosphorylation of APP increases, whereas phosphorylation of Dab1 decreases, the interaction between APP and Dab1. Consistent with these observations, Reelin treatment led to increased Dab1 phosphorylation and decreased association between APP and Dab1. Reelin also caused increased localization of APP and Dab1 to DRMs, an effect that was not seen in Fyn knock‐out neurons. These findings suggest that Reelin treatment promotes the localization of APP and Dab1 to DRMs, and affects their phosphorylation by Fyn, thus regulating their interaction.
Retinoblastoma‐independent regulation of cell proliferation and senescence by the p53–p21 axis in lamin A /C‐depleted cells
Authors: Moiseeva Olga , Bourdeau Véronique , Vernier Mathieu , Dabauvalle Marie‐Christine , Ferbeyre Gerardo 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe expression of A‐type lamin is downregulated in several cancers, and lamin defects are the cause of several diseases including a form of accelerated aging. We report that depletion of lamin A/C expression in normal human cells leads to a dramatic downregulation of the Rb family of tumor suppressors and a defect in cell proliferation. Lamin A/C‐depleted cells exhibited a flat morphology and accumulated markers of cellular senescence. This senescent phenotype was accompanied by engagement of the p53 tumor suppressor and induction of the p53 target gene p21 and was prevented by small hairpin RNAs against p53, p21, or by the oncoprotein Mdm2. The expression of E2F target genes, normally required for cell cycle progression, was downregulated after lamin A/C depletion but restored after the inactivation of p53. A similar senescence response was observed in myoblasts from a patient with a lamin A mutation causing muscular dystrophy. We thus reveal a previously unnoticed mechanism of controlling cell cycle genes expression, which depends on p53 but does not require the retinoblastoma family of tumor suppressors and that can be relevant to understand the pathogenesis of laminopathies and perhaps aging.
Differential transcriptional profiles mediated by exposure to the cannabinoids cannabidiol and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in BV‐2 microglial cells
Authors: Juknat Ana , Pietr Maciej , Kozela Ewa , Rimmerman Neta , Levy Rivka , Coppola Giovanni , Geschwind Daniel , Vogel Zvi 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Apart from their effects on mood and reward, cannabinoids exert beneficial actions such as neuroprotection and attenuation of inflammation. The immunosuppressive activity of cannabinoids has been well established. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We previously showed that the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non‐psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) differ in their anti‐inflammatory signalling pathways.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To characterize the transcriptional effects of CBD and THC, we treated BV‐2 microglial cells with these compounds and performed comparative microarray analysis using the Illumina MouseRef‐8 BeadChip platform. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was performed to identify functional subsets of genes and networks regulated by CBD and/or THC.KEY RESULTS Overall, CBD altered the expression of many more genes; from the 1298 transcripts found to be differentially regulated by the treatments, 680 gene probe sets were up‐regulated by CBD and 58 by THC, and 524 gene products were down‐regulated by CBD and only 36 by THC. CBD‐specific gene expression profile showed changes associated with oxidative stress and glutathione depletion, normally occurring under nutrient limiting conditions or proteasome inhibition and involving the GCN2/eIF2α/p8/ATF4/CHOP‐TRIB3 pathway. Furthermore, CBD‐stimulated genes were shown to be controlled by nuclear factors known to be involved in the regulation of stress response and inflammation, mainly via the (EpRE/ARE)‐Nrf2/ATF4 system and the Nrf2/Hmox1 axis.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These observations indicated that CBD, but much less than THC, induced a cellular stress response in microglial cells and suggested that this effect could underlie its anti‐inflammatory activity.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
In VitroElution of Amikacin and Ticarcillin from a Resorbable, Self‐Setting, Fiber Reinforced Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Watts Ashlee E. , Nixon Alan J. , Papich Mark G. , Sparks Holly D. , Schwark Wayne S. 
Published: May 2011

Objective:To determinein vitroelution characteristics of amikacin and ticarcillin from fiber reinforced calcium phosphate beads (FRCP).Sample Population:Experimental.Methods:FRCP beads with water (A), amikacin (B), ticarcillin/clavulanate (C), or both amikacin and ticarcillin/clavulanate (D) were bathed in mL phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C, 5% CO2and 95% room air. PBS was sampled (eluent) and beads were placed in fresh PBS at time points 1 and 8 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days. Antibiotic concentration and antimicrobial activity of eluent againstEscherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, andKlebsiella pneumoniaewere determined.Results:Both antibiotics eluted in a bimodal pattern. Beads with a single antibiotic eluted 20.8 ± 2.5% of amikacin and 29.5 ± 0.8% of ticarcillin over 56 days. Coelution of the antibiotics resulted in a lower proportion (AUC0–∞) of antibiotics eluted for both amikacin (9.5 ± 0.2%) and ticarcillin (21.7 ± 0.09%). Bioassay of antimicrobial activity of the eluent (t=1, 8, and 24 hours) established reduced antimicrobial activity of amikacin from combination beads (D).Conclusions:FRCP beads with amikacin or ticarcillin/clavulanate, but not the combination, are suitable carriers for wound implantation.Clinical Relevance:Duration before complete resorption of FRCP beadsin vivoshould be determined before clinical use as a resorbable depot. The results of this study underscore the importance of testing drug combinations, despite success of the combination systemically, before their use in local applications.
Postoperative Mortality in Cats After Ureterolithotomy
Authors: Roberts Scott F. , Aronson Lillian R. , Brown Dorothy C. 
Published: May 2011

Objective:To identify preoperative risk factors associated with mortality before discharge in cats having a single or multiple ureterotomy procedures to treat a ureteral obstruction.Study Design:Case series.Animals:Cats (n=47).Methods:Data were obtained from the medical records (2002–2009) of cats that had undergone ureterolithotomy procedures. Multiple preoperative factors were evaluated for association of survival to discharge.Result:Survival to discharge after ureterolithotomy was 79% (37/47). Over 79% of cats were azotemic before surgery and 94% had chronic kidney disease changes at the time of ultrasonographic diagnosis. Six cats required an additional surgical procedure because of complications with ureterolithotomy. Overall prevalence of postoperative uroabdomen was 6% (3/47). On multivariate analysis, there were no preoperative variables significantly associated with survival to discharge.Conclusions:Ureterolithotomy in cats was associated with a 21% mortality rate before hospital discharge. No preoperative variables associated with mortality were identified; therefore, further studies are needed to identify more discriminating preoperative characteristics for mortality after ureterolithotomy in this population of cats.
Race, Punishment, and the Michael Vick Experience*
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Piquero Nicole Leeper , Gertz Marc , Baker Thomas , Batton Jason , Barnes J. C. 
Published: May 2011

Objective. The relationship between race and crime has been contentious, focusing primarily on offending and incarceration patterns among minorities. There has been some limited work on public perceptions of criminal punishment, and findings show that while minorities believe in the role and rule of law, they simultaneously perceive the justice system as acting in a biased and/or unfair manner. Two limitations have stalled this literature. First, research has focused mainly on criminal punishments to the neglect of noncriminal punishments. Second, most studies have not examined whether race remains salient after considering other demographic variables or discrimination and legitimacy attitudes.Methods. Using data from 400 adults, we examine how race affects perceptions of criminal punishment and subsequent reinstatement into the National Football League in the case of Michael Vick, a star professional quarterback who pled guilty to charges of operating an illegal dog‐fighting ring.Results. Findings show that whites are more likely to view Vick's punishment as too soft and that he should not be reinstated, while nonwhites had the opposite views. Race remained significant after controlling for other variables believed to be related to punishment perceptions.Conclusion. Attitudes toward both criminal punishment and NFL reinstatement vary across race such that there exists important divides in how individuals perceive the system meting out punishment and subsequently reintegrating offenders back into society. These results underscore that white and nonwhites perceive the law and its administration differently.
Comprehension of Argument Structure and Semantic Roles: Evidence from English‐Learning Children and the Forced‐Choice Pointing Paradigm
Authors: Noble Claire H. , Rowland Caroline F. , Pine Julian M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractResearch using the intermodal preferential looking paradigm (IPLP) has consistently shown that English‐learning children aged 2 can associate transitive argument structure with causal events. However, studies using the same methodology investigating 2‐year‐old children’s knowledge of the conjoined agent intransitive and semantic role assignment have reported inconsistent findings. The aim of the present study was to establish at what age English‐learning children have verb‐general knowledge of both transitive and intransitive argument structure using a new method: the forced‐choice pointing paradigm. The results suggest that young 2‐year‐olds can associate transitive structures with causal (or externally caused) events and can use transitive structure to assign agent and patient roles correctly. However, the children were unable to associate the conjoined agent intransitive with noncausal events until aged 3;4. The results confirm the pattern from previous IPLP studies and indicate that children may develop the ability to comprehend different aspects of argument structure at different ages. The implications for theories of language acquisition and the nature of the language acquisition mechanism are discussed.
Cellular diversity within embryonic stem cells: pluripotent clonal sublines show distinct differentiation potential
Authors: Martinez Yannick , Béna Frédérique , Gimelli Stefania , Tirefort Diderik , Dubois‐Dauphin Michel , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier 
Published: May 2011

AbstractEmbryonic stem cells (ESC), derived from the early inner cell mass (ICM), are constituted of theoretically homogeneous pluripotent cells. Our study was designed to test this concept using experimental approaches that allowed characterization of progenies derived from single parental mouse ESC. Flow cytometry analysis showed that a fraction of ESC submitted to neural differentiation generates progenies that escape the desired phenotype. Live imaging of individual cells demonstrated significant variations in the capacity of parental ESC to generate neurons, raising the possibility of clonal diversity among ESC. To further substantiate this hypothesis, clonal sublines from ESC were generated by limit dilution. Transcriptome analysis of undifferentiated sublines showed marked differences in gene expression despite the fact that all clones expressed pluripotency markers. Sublines showed distinct differentiation potential, both in phenotypic differentiation assays and with respect to gene expression in embryoid bodies. Clones generated from another ESC line also showed individualities in their differentiation potential, demonstrating the wider applicability of these findings. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that pluripotent ESC consist of individual cell types with distinct differentiation potentials. These findings identify novel elements for the biological understanding of ESC and provide new tools with a major potential for their future in vitro and in vivo use.