bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Networks controlling mRNA decay in the immune system
Authors: Schott Johanna , Stoecklin Georg 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe active control of mRNA degradation has emerged as a key regulatory mechanism required for proper gene expression in the immune system. An adenosine/uridine (AU)‐rich element (ARE) is at the heart of a first regulatory system that promotes the rapid degradation of a multitude of cytokine and chemokine mRNAs. AREs serve as binding sites for a number of regulatory proteins that either destabilize or stabilize the mRNA. Several kinase pathways regulate the activity of ARE‐binding proteins and thereby coordinate the expression of their target mRNAs. Small regulatory micro (mi)‐RNAs represent a second system that enhances the degradation of several mRNAs encoding important components of signal transduction cascades that are activated during adaptive and innate immune responses. Specific miRNAs are important for the differentiation of T helper cells, class switch recombination in B cells, and the maturation of dendritic cells. Excitement in this area of research is fueled by the discovery of novel RNA elements and regulatory proteins that exert control over specific mRNAs, as exemplified by an endonuclease that was found to directly cleave interleukin‐6 mRNA. Together, these systems make up an extensive regulatory network that controls decay rates of individual mRNAs in a precise manner and thereby orchestrates the dynamic expression of many factors essential for adaptive and innate immune responses. In this review, we provide an overview of relevant factors regulated at the level of mRNA stability, summarize RNA‐binding proteins and miRNAs that control their degradation rates, and discuss signaling pathways operating within this regulatory network Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
West Nile virus impacts in American crow populations are associated with human land use and climate
Authors: LaDeau Shannon L. , Calder Catherine A. , Doran Patrick J. , Marra Peter P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWest Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the western hemisphere during the summer of 1999, reawakening US public awareness of the potential severity of vector‐borne pathogens. Since its New World introduction, WNV has caused disease in human, avian, and mammalian communities across the continent. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are a highly susceptible WNV host and when modeled appropriately, changes in crow abundances can serve as a proxy for the spatio‐temporal presence of WNV. We use the dramatic declines in abundance of this avian host to examine spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in WNV intensity across the northeastern US, where WNV was first detected. Using data from the Breeding Bird Survey, we identify significant declines in crow abundance after WNV emergence that are associated with lower forest cover, more urban land use, and warmer winter temperatures. Importantly, we document continued declines as WNV was present in an area over consecutive years. Our findings support the urban‐pathogen link that human WNV incidence studies have shown. For each 1% increase in urban land cover we expect an additional 5% decline in the log crow abundance beyond the decline attributed to WNV in undeveloped areas. We also demonstrate a significant relationship between above‐average winter temperatures and WNV‐related declines in crow abundance. The mechanisms behind these patterns remain uncertain and hypotheses requiring further research are suggested. In particular, a strong positive relationship between urban land cover and winter temperatures may confound mechanistic understanding, especially when a temperature‐sensitive vector is involved.
Serous Cystadenomas of the Pancreas: Long-term Follow-up Measurement of Growth Rate
Authors: Menard Alexandre , Tomlinson George , Cleary Sean , Wei Alice , Gallinger Steven , Haider Masoom A. 
Published: May 2010

Purpose To measure the growth rate of microcystic subtype serous adenomas of the pancreas diagnosed by imaging. Methods For this retrospective study, 241 imaging studies were reviewed from 1998 to 2005. Thirty-one patients met our strict diagnostic imaging inclusion criteria and had at least 18 months of imaging follow-up. Patient demographics and lesion imaging characteristics were tested as predictors of growth. Results Growth was measured over a mean period of 42 months. There was a significant ( P = .0004) linear growth of tumour for the population. There was significant clustering ( P = .001) of the population into 2 growth rates: 0.50 mm/y ( n = 23) and 5.5 mm/y ( n = 8). The diameter of the lesion at presentation was significantly correlated with growth (r = 0.45; P = .01). Conclusion The microcystic subtype of serous cystadenomas of the pancreas diagnosed with imaging criteria demonstrates 2 distinct and slow growth rates. The size of the lesion at presentation is correlated with growth rate.
Selective fine needle aspiration of parotid masses. FNA should be performed in all patients older than 60 years
Authors: Kieran S M , McKusker M , Keogh I , Timon C 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives:The exact role of fine needle aspiration in the pre-operative assessment of patients presenting with parotid masses is controversial. Some surgeons propose that fine needle aspiration be performed only selectively in those patients with likely malignant disease, whilst others recommend it for all patients presenting with such a mass. Intuitively, one would expect older patients to be more likely to suffer from primary malignant parotid tumours and secondary deposits of malignant skin tumours. Therefore, we hypothesised that older patients with a parotid mass should undergo fine needle aspiration regardless of their medical history.Design:We retrospectively reviewed 197 consecutive parotidectomies to test this hypothesis.Results:One hundred and twenty-one patients (61.4 per cent) were diagnosed with benign disease, whilst 76 (38.6 per cent) were diagnosed with malignant disease. Eighty-three per cent of patients aged 60 years or younger had benign disease, as opposed to 35.6 per cent of patients aged more than 60 years. Malignant disease occurred more commonly in patients older than 60 years (odds ratio 8.962, 95 per cent confidence interval 4.607–17.434).Conclusion:In patients with a parotid mass, fine needle aspiration should be performed on all those aged 60 years or older.
Involvement of Silicon Influx Transporter OsNIP2;1 in Selenite Uptake in Rice
Authors: Zhao Xue Qiang , Mitani Namiki , Yamaji Naoki , Shen Ren Fang , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa) as a staple food, provides a major source of dietary selenium (Se) for humans, which essentially requires Se, however, the molecular mechanism for Se uptake is still poorly understood. Herein, we show evidence that the uptake of selenite, a main bioavailable form of Se in paddy soils, is mediated by a silicon (Si) influx transporter Lsi1 (OsNIP2;1) in rice. Defect of OsNIP2;1 resulted in a significant decrease in the Se concentration of the shoots and xylem sap when selenite was given. However, there was no difference in the Se concentration between the wild-type rice and mutant of OsNIP2;1 when selenate was supplied. A short-term uptake experiment showed that selenite uptake greatly increased with decreasing pH in the external solution. Si as silicic acid did not inhibit the Se uptake from selenite in both rice and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at low pHs. Expression of OsNIP2;1 in yeast enhanced the selenite uptake at pH 3.5 and 5.5 but not at pH 7.5. On the other hand, defect of Si efflux transporter Lsi2 did not affect the uptake of Se either from selenite or selenate. Taken together, our results indicate that Si influx transporter OsNIP2;1 is permeable to selenite.
NFκB, cytokines, TLR 3 and 7 expression in human end‐stage HCV and alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Stärkel Peter , De Saeger Christine , Strain Alastair J. , Leclercq Isabelle , Horsmans Yves 
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 575–584AbstractBackground/aims Conflicting observations exist concerning the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in animal models. To date no studies have examined this aspect in human liver tissue. We here assessed cytokines and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) expressions in conjunction with NFκB activation in non‐active end‐stage human ALD compared with normal livers and hepatitis C virus (HCV) related end‐stage disease.Methods mRNA and protein expression were examined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting, DNA‐binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and NFκB sub‐cellular localization by immunofluorescent staining of livers.Results NFκB mRNA and protein expression as well as strong DNA‐binding were preserved in ALD but significantly down‐regulated in HCV compared with normal livers. P50 immunofluorescence was found in hepatocytes and bile ducts in ALD and normal livers, whereas a shift was observed in p65 staining from non‐parenchymal cells in normal livers to hepatocytes in ALD. NFκB responsive genes mRNA levels IkBα and interleukin 6 were significantly higher in ALD compared with HCV. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), TLRs 3 and 7 mRNA were up‐regulated in ALD and HCV compared with normal liver with TNFα and TLR7 being the highest in HCV. Strong induction of interferon beta was found in HCV but not in ALD or normal liver tissue.Conclusions Persistent NFκB activation together with high pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression and upregulation of TLR3 and TLR7 is associated with end‐stage ALD in humans and could contribute to disease progression even in absence of alcohol intake.
Facing up to ‘challenging behaviour’: a model for training in staff–client interaction
Authors: Farrell Gerald A. , Shafiei Touran , Salmon Peter 
Published: May 2010

farrell g.a., shafiei t. & salmon p. (2010) Facing up to ‘challenging behaviour’: a model for training in staff–client interaction.Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(7), 1422–1434.AbstractTitle. Facing up to ‘challenging behaviour’: a model for training in staff‐client interactionAim. This paper draws on theory and evidence to develop a conceptual staff training model for the management of ‘challenging behaviour’.Background. Staff working with clients who are experienced as challenging commonly report negative feelings such as anxiety, anger, guilt, fear, self‐blame and powerlessness, as well as dissatisfaction with their jobs. Current training programmes in challenging behaviour offer a ‘smorgasbord’ of content, without a clearly defined conceptual framework.Data sources. Medline and PsychInfo were searched for papers in English from 1998 to 2008, linking ‘nurs*’ to ‘challenging behavio*’ and its related terms. Additional hand‐searching identified informative papers from disciplines outside nursing older than the search period.Discussion. We developed an applied model for training educators in respect of challenging behaviours. The model directs educators to consider: the influence of the nurse, including their values, emotional processes and behavioural skills; features of the client; and features of the situation in which the behaviour occurs, including its culture and working practices and physical environment.Implications for nursing. The most striking implication of the model is that it explicitly recognizes the importance of domains of learning other than skill. This enables educators to find educationally appropriate responses to resource limitations that inevitably constrain training.Conclusion. Challenging behaviour should be considered as a product of several intertwined factors: the actors involved – nurses, clients and others – and the situation in which the behaviour occurs, including its culture and working practices and physical environment.
Analgesic Effects of Ethanol Are Influenced by Family History of Alcoholism and Neuroticism
Authors: Ralevski Elizabeth , Perrino Albert , Acampora Gregory , Koretski Julia , Limoncelli Diana , Petrakis Ismene 
Published: May 2010

Background:  Although personality factors and family history of substance abuse influence how individuals experience pain and respond to analgesics, the combined effects of those factors have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to consider the possible role of personality trait of neuroticism and family history of alcoholism on the experience of pain and their role in the analgesic response to an ethanol challenge.Methods:  Forty‐eight healthy subjects participated in this study; thirty‐one had a positive family history of alcoholism (FHP), seventeen had a negative family history of alcoholism (FHN). They were also categorized based on their neuroticism (N) scores (low N = 28, and high N = 20). This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, within‐subject design study of intravenous administration of three doses of ethanol. The testing consisted of 3 separate test days scheduled at least 3 days apart. Test days included a placebo day (saline solution), low‐exposure ethanol day (targeted breathalyzer = 0.040 g/dl), and high‐exposure ethanol day (targeted breathalyzer = 0.100 g/dl). Noxious electrical stimulation and pain assessments were performed prior to start of infusion and at the 60‐minute infusion mark.Results:  The analgesic effect of ethanol was mediated by an interaction between the personality trait of neuroticism and family history. Individuals with family history of alcoholism and high N scores reported significantly more analgesia on low dose of ethanol than those with low N scores. There was no difference in the analgesic response to ethanol among FHNs with low and high N scores.Conclusion:  These findings support the conclusion that neuroticism and family history of alcoholism both influence the analgesic response of alcohol. Individuals with high N scores and FHP have the strongest response to ethanol analgesia particularly on the low exposure to alcohol.
Comparison of A2E Cytotoxicity and Phototoxicity with all‐trans‐Retinal in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells†
Authors: Wielgus Albert R. , Chignell Colin F. , Ceger Patricia , Roberts Joan E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAll‐trans‐retinal is the precursor of A2E, a fluorophore within lipofuscin, which accumulates in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells and contributes to age‐related macular degeneration. Here we have compared the in vitro dark cytotoxicity and visible‐light‐mediated photoreactivity of all‐trans‐retinal and A2E in hRPE cells. All‐trans‐retinal caused distinct cytotoxicity in hRPE cells measured with cell metabolic activity (MTS) and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. Significant increases in intracellular oxidized glutathione (GSSG), extracellular GSH and GSSG levels and lipid hydroperoxide production were observed in cells incubated in the dark with 25 and 50 μm all‐trans‐retinal. Light modified all‐trans‐retinal’s harmful action and decreased extracellular glutathione and hydroperoxide levels. A2E (<25 μm) did not affect cell metabolism or cytoplasmic membrane integrity in the dark or when irradiated. 25 μm A2E raised the intracellular GSSG level in hRPE cells to a much smaller extent than 25 μm all‐trans‐retinal. A2E did not induce glutathione efflux or hydroperoxide generation in the dark or after irradiation. These studies support our previous conclusions that although A2E may be harmful at high concentrations or when oxidized, its phototoxic properties are insignificant compared to those of all‐trans‐retinal. The endogenous production of A2E may serve as a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the retina by free all‐trans‐retinal.
Shrimp polyculture: a potentially profitable, sustainable, but uncommon aquacultural practice
Authors: Martínez‐Porchas Marcel , Martínez‐Córdova Luis R. , Porchas‐Cornejo Marco A. , López‐Elías José A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractShrimp polyculture is not yet a common practice among farmers; however, this activity represents an important alternative to solving and/or minimizing some of the problems that shrimp aquaculture has faced in the past two decades (environmental pollution, diseases and decreasing prices). In this context, many benefits have been achieved with some polyculture practices. Several species from diverse trophic levels have the potential to be co‐cultured with shrimps. A good knowledge of the species that are candidates for polyculture and an adequately designed culture system are the most important points to consider when co‐culturing shrimp with other species. The present paper is a review of the past, present and future of shrimp polyculture with other organisms.
Origin and Dissemination across the Colombian Andes Mountain Range of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Corredor Vladimir , Murillo Claribel , Echeverry Diego F. , Benavides Julie , Pearce Richard J. , Roper Cally , Guerra Angela P. , Osorio Lyda 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in treating uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria is unevenly distributed in Colombia. The Andes mountain range separates regions in the west where malaria is endemic from those in the east and constitutes a barrier against gene flow and the dispersal of parasite populations. The distribution of
dhfr
and
dhps
genotypes of 146
P. falciparum
samples from the eastern Amazon and Orinoco basins and Northwest and Southwest Pacific regions of Colombia was consistent with the documented levels of therapeutic efficacy of SP. The diversity of four
dhfr
- and
dhps
-linked microsatellites indicated that double- and triple-mutant alleles for both resistance loci have a single origin. Likewise, multilocus association genotypes, including two unlinked microsatellite loci, suggested that genetic exchanges between the eastern Orinoco and Northwest Pacific populations has taken place across the Andes, most probably via migration of infected people.
First Survey of Metallo-β-Lactamases in Clinical Isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in a German University Hospital
Authors: Valenza Giuseppe , Joseph Biju , Elias Johannes , Claus Heike , Oesterlein Anett , Engelhardt Kathrin , Turnwald Doris , Frosch Matthias , Abele-Horn Marianne , Schoen Christoph 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

A total of 489 clinical isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
was investigated for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production. Molecular analysis detected a
bla
VIM-1
gene in the chromosome of one isolate and a
bla
VIM-2
gene carried on the plasmid in seven isolates. Moreover, we showed that an initial screening by combined susceptibility testing of imipenem and ceftazidime followed by a confirmatory EDTA combination disk test represents a valid alternative to the molecular investigation of MBL genes, making MBL detection possible in routine diagnostic laboratories.
Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Replication by a Specific Inhibitor of Serine-Arginine-Rich Protein Kinase
Authors: Karakama Yuko , Sakamoto Naoya , Itsui Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Mina , Tasaka-Fujita Megumi , Nishimura-Sakurai Yuki , Kakinuma Sei , Oooka Masaya , Azuma Seishin , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Onogi Hiroshi , Hagiwara Masatoshi , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

Splicing of messenger RNAs is regulated by site-specific binding of members of the serine-arginine-rich (SR) protein family, and SR protein kinases (SRPK) 1 and 2 regulate overall activity of the SR proteins by phosphorylation of their RS domains. We have reported that specifically designed SRPK inhibitors suppressed effectively several DNA and RNA viruses
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Here, we show that an SRPK inhibitor, SRPIN340, suppressed in a dose-dependent fashion expression of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicon and replication of the HCV-JFH1 clone
in vitro
. The inhibitory effects were not associated with antiproliferative or nonspecific cytotoxic effects on the host cells. Overexpression of SRPK1 or SRPK2 resulted in augmentation of HCV replication, while small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of the SRPKs suppressed HCV replication significantly. Immunocytochemistry showed that SRPKs and the HCV core and NS5A proteins colocalized to some extent in the perinuclear area. Our results demonstrate that SRPKs are host factors essential for HCV replication and that functional inhibitors of these kinases may constitute a new class of antiviral agents against HCV infection.
In Vitro
System for Modeling Influenza A Virus Resistance under Drug Pressure
Authors: Brown Ashley N. , McSharry James J. , Weng Qingmei , Driebe Elizabeth M. , Engelthaler David M. , Sheff Kelly , Keim Paul S. , Nguyen Jack , Drusano George L. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT
One of the biggest challenges in the effort to treat and contain influenza A virus infections is the emergence of resistance during treatment. It is well documented that resistance to amantadine arises rapidly during the course of treatment due to mutations in the gene coding for the M2 protein. To address this problem, it is critical to develop experimental systems that can accurately model the selection of resistance under drug pressure as seen in humans. We used the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) system to examine the effect of amantadine on the replication of influenza virus, A/Albany/1/98 (H3N2), grown in MDCK cells. At 24 and 48 h postinfection, virus replication was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. At 72 and 96 h postinfection, virus replication was no longer inhibited, suggesting the emergence of amantadine-resistant virus. Sequencing of the M2 gene revealed that mutations appeared at between 48 and 72 h of drug treatment and that the mutations were identical to those identified in the clinic for amantadine-resistant viruses (e.g., V27A, A30T, and S31N). Interestingly, we found that the type of mutation was strongly affected by the dose of the drug. The data suggest that the HFIM is a good model for influenza virus infection and resistance generation in humans. The HFIM has the advantage of being a highly controlled system where multiplicity parameters can be directly and accurately controlled and measured.