bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agar from the red seaweed, Laurencia flexilis (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from northern Philippines
Authors: Villanueva Ronald D. , Romero Jumelita B. , Ragasa Anita Linda R. , Montaño Marco Nemesio E. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYThe worldwide production of the gelling agent agar mainly rely on the red algae of the order Gracilariales and Gelidiales for raw material. We investigate here the potential of a species from another red algal order, Ceramiales as an agar source. The agar from Laurencia flexilis collected in northern Philippines was extracted using native and alkali treatment procedures and the properties of the extracts were determined using chemical, spectroscopic and physical methods. The native agar, 26% dry weight basis, forms a gel with moderate gel strength (200 g cm−2). Alkali‐treatment did not enhance the gel strength, indicating insignificant amounts of galactose‐6‐sulfate residue, the precursor of the gel‐forming 3,6‐anhydrogalactose (3,6‐AG) moieties. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared and chemical analysis showed low sulfate and high 3,6‐AG levels, not affected significantly by the alkali treatment. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis revealed 3‐linked 6‐O‐methyl‐D‐galactose and 4‐linked 3,6‐anhydro‐L‐galactose as the major repeating unit of the native extract, with minor sulfation at 4‐position of the 3‐linked galactose residues. The native and alkali treated agars have comparably high gelling and melting temperatures, whereas the former exhibits higher gel syneresis. Laurencia flexilis could be a good source of agar that possesses physico‐chemical and rheological qualities appropriate for food applications. Due to the inability of alkali treatment to enhance the key gel qualities of the native extract, it is recommended that commercial agar extraction from this seaweed would be done without pursuing this widely‐used industrial procedure.
Retrovesical cystic lesions in female patients with unilateral renal agenesis or dysplasia
Authors: Shimada Kenji , Matsumoto Fumi , Matsui Futosi , Obara Takasi 
Published: March 2010

Objectives:  To review our experience with female children who have unilateral renal agenesis or renal dysplasia associated with cystic lesions in the reproductive system.Methods:  Between 1991 and 2007, we treated 26 patients with unilateral renal agenesis or renal dysplasia associated with pelvic, retrovesical or interlabial cystic lesions. In 16 patients, an abnormality either of the kidney or a cystic lesion was detected during the perinatal period. Another 10 patients presented clinical symptoms, including urinary incontinence in five, urinary tract infection in one, and vaginal discharge in four.Results:  Based on clinical features and imaging findings, the patients were divided into four groups: those with Gartner's duct cyst (Group 1, n = 9); those with uterovaginal duplication with obstructed hemivagina (Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome [HWW]; Group 2, n = 3); those with both Gartner's duct cyst and HWW syndrome (Group 3, n = 3); and those without definitive diagnosis (Group 4, n = 11). In Group 1, leakage completely stopped after nephrectomy in three patients, whereas six patients continued to be incontinent despite the removal of dysgenetic kidneys. In Group 2, after the excision of a vaginal septum, no patient presented urinary incontinence. In patients in Group 3, both the mesonephric remnant and mullerian structures were confirmed on imaging or through endoscopy.Conclusions:  Because of the high coincidence of genital and renal anomalies, it is recommended that genital systems in female patients with renal anomalies associated with cystic lesions behind the lower urinary tract be investigated. The best imaging modality to use remains under scrutiny. It is importantt to follow the patients until the age of puberty. The importance of a long‐term follow‐up in these patients needs to be emphasized.
Fenofibrate concomitantly decreases serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and very‐low‐density lipoprotein particle concentrations in statin‐treated type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Chan D. C. , Hamilton S. J. , Rye K. A. , Chew G. T. , Jenkins A. J. , Lambert G. , Watts G. F. 
Published: March 2010

Aim: Diabetic dyslipidaemia, characterized by hypertriglyceridaemia as a result of elevated serum very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations, contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) may play a role in regulating VLDL metabolism. We investigated the effect of fenofibrate on serum PCSK9 and VLDL particle concentrations in T2DM patients already receiving statin therapy. Methods: In a double‐blind randomized crossover study, 15 statin‐treated T2DM patients (63 ± 8 years, body mass index (BMI) 29 ± 3 kg/m2) were treated with fenofibrate (145 mg/day) or matching placebo for 12 weeks. Serum PCSK9 concentrations were measured by immunoassay. VLDL particle concentration and size were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: Fenofibrate decreased serum triglycerides (−23%), VLDL‐triglycerides (−51%), total cholesterol (−11%), LDL‐cholesterol (−16%), apolipoprotein B‐100 (−16%), apolipoprotein C‐III (−20%) and PCSK9 (−13%) concentrations compared with placebo (p < 0.05). Fenofibrate also decreased serum concentrations of large (−45%), medium (−66%) and small VLDL (−67%) particles (p < 0.05), without altering VLDL particle size. Serum PCSK9 reduction correlated with decreases in total (r = 0.526, p = 0.044) and small (r = 0.629, p = 0.021) VLDL particle concentrations. Conclusions: Fenofibrate concomitantly decreased serum PCSK9 and VLDL particle concentrations in statin‐treated T2DM patients. These findings support a mechanistic link between PCSK9 and VLDL metabolism, possibly through an effect of PSK9 on VLDL receptor degradation.
NmDef02, a novel antimicrobial gene isolated from Nicotiana megalosiphon confers high‐level pathogen resistance under greenhouse and field conditions
Authors: Portieles Roxana , Ayra Camilo , Gonzalez Ernesto , Gallo Araiz , Rodriguez Raisa , Chacón Osmany , López Yunior , Rodriguez Mayra , Castillo Juan , Pujol Merardo , Enriquez Gil , Borroto Carlos , Trujillo Luis , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Borrás‐Hidalgo Orlando 
Published: March 2010

SummaryPlant defensins are small cysteine‐rich peptides that inhibit the growth of a broad range of microbes. In this article, we describe NmDef02, a novel cDNA encoding a putative defensin isolated from Nicotiana megalosiphon upon inoculation with the tobacco blue mould pathogen Peronospora hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina. NmDef02 was heterologously expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris, and the purified recombinant protein was found to display antimicrobial activity in vitro against important plant pathogens. Constitutive expression of NmDef02 gene in transgenic tobacco and potato plants enhanced resistance against various plant microbial pathogens, including the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, causal agent of the economically important potato late blight disease, under greenhouse and field conditions.
Transient focal cerebral ischemia significantly alters not only EAATs but also VGLUTs expression in rats: relevance of changes in reactive astroglia
Authors: Sánchez‐Mendoza Eduardo , Burguete María C. , Castelló‐Ruiz María , González María Pilar , Roncero Cesáreo , Salom Juan B. , Arce Carmen , Cañadas Sixta , Torregrosa Germán , Alborch Enrique , Oset‐Gasque María Jesús 
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)113, 1343–1355.AbstractThe involvement of plasma membrane glutamate transporters (EAATs – excitatory aminoacid transporters) in the pathophysiology of ischemia has been widely studied, but little is known about the role of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) in the ischemic process. We analyzed the expression of VGLUT1–3 in the cortex and caudate‐putamen of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed an increase of VGLUT1 signal in cortex and caudate‐putamen until 3 days of reperfusion followed by a reduction 7 days after the ischemic insult. By contrast, VGLUT2 and 3 were drastically reduced. Confocal microscopy revealed an increase in VGLUT2 and 3 immunolabelling in the reactive astrocytes of the ischemic corpus callosum and cortex. Changes in VGLUTs and EAATs expression were differently correlated to neurological deficits. Interestingly, changes in VGLUT1 and EAAT2 expression showed a significant positive correlation in caudate‐putamen. Taken together, these results suggest a contribution of VGLUTs to glutamate release in these structures, which could promote neuroblast migration and neurogenesis during ischemic recovery, and a possible interplay with EAATs in the regulation of glutamate levels, at least in the first stages of ischemic recovery.
CB1 cannabinoid receptors promote oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and cell death in a murine nephropathy model
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha , Pan Hao , Rajesh Mohanraj , Bátkai Sándor , Patel Vivek , Harvey‐White Judith , Mukhopadhyay Bani , Haskó György , Gao Bin , Mackie Ken , Pacher Pál 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Accumulating recent evidence suggests that cannabinoid‐1 (CB1) receptor activation may promote inflammation and cell death and its pharmacological inhibition is associated with anti‐inflammatory and tissue‐protective effects in various preclinical disease models, as well as in humans.Experimental approach:  In this study, using molecular biology and biochemistry methods, we have investigated the effects of genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of CB1 receptors on inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress and cell death pathways associated with a clinically relevant model of nephropathy, induced by an important chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin.Results:  Cisplatin significantly increased endocannabinoid anandamide content, activation of p38 and JNK mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), apoptotic and poly (ADP‐ribose)polymerase‐dependent cell death, enhanced inflammation (leucocyte infiltration, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β) and promoted oxidative/nitrosative stress [increased expressions of superoxide‐generating enzymes (NOX2(gp91phox), NOX4), inducible nitric oxide synthase and tissue 4‐hydroxynonenal and nitrotyrosine levels] in the kidneys of mice, accompanied by marked histopathological damage and impaired renal function (elevated creatinine and serum blood urea nitrogen) 3 days following its administration. Both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of CB1 receptors with AM281 or SR141716 markedly attenuated the cisplatin‐induced renal dysfunction and interrelated oxidative/nitrosative stress, p38 and JNK MAPK activation, cell death and inflammatory response in the kidney.Conclusions and implications:  The endocannabinoid system through CB1 receptors promotes cisplatin‐induced tissue injury by amplifying MAPK activation, cell death and interrelated inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress. These results also suggest that inhibition of CB1 receptors may exert beneficial effects in renal (and most likely other) diseases associated with enhanced inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress and cell death.This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Vasorelaxation toN‐oleoylethanolamine in rat isolated arteries: mechanisms of action and modulation via cyclooxygenase activity
Authors: Wheal AJ , Alexander SPH , Randall MD 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: The endocannabinoid‐like moleculeN‐oleoylethanolamine (OEA) is found in the small intestine and regulates food intake and promotes weight loss. The principal aim of the present study was to evaluate the vascular effects of OEA.Experimental approach: Perfused isolated mesenteric arterial beds were pre‐contracted with methoxamine or high potassium buffers and concentration‐response curves to OEA were constructed. Combinations of inhibitors to block nitric oxide production, sensory nerve activity, cyclooxygenase activity, potassium channels, chloride channels and gap junctions, and a cannabinoid CB1receptor antagonist, were used during these experiments. The effects of OEA on caffeine‐induced contractions in calcium‐free buffer were also assessed. Isolated thoracic aortic rings were used as a comparison.Key results: OEA caused concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation in rat isolated mesenteric arterial beds and thoracic aortic rings, with a greater maximal response in mesenteric vessels. This relaxation was sensitive to inhibition of sensory nerve activity and endothelial removal in both preparations. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin reversed the effects of capsaicin pre‐treatment in perfused mesenteric arterial beds and indomethacin alone enhanced vasorelaxation to OEA. The OEA‐induced vasorelaxation was inhibited by a CB1receptor antagonist only in aortic rings. In mesenteric arteries, OEA suppressed caffeine‐induced contractions in calcium‐free buffer.Conclusions and implications: The vasorelaxant effects of OEA are partly dependent on sensory nerve activity and a functional endothelium in the vasculature. In addition, vasorelaxation to OEA is enhanced following cyclooxygenase inhibition. OEA may also interfere with the release of intracellular calcium in arterial preparations.This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
The phospholipase C inhibitor U‐73122 inhibits Ca2+release from the intracellular sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+store by inhibiting Ca2+pumps in smooth muscle
Authors: MacMillan D , McCarron JG 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) releases Ca2+via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) in response to IP3‐generating agonists. Ca2+release subsequently propagates as Ca2+waves. To clarify the role of IP3production in wave generation, the contribution of a key enzyme in the production of IP3was examined using a phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) inhibitor, U‐73122.Experimental approach: Single colonic myocytes were voltage‐clamped in whole‐cell configuration and cytosolic Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]cyto) measured using fluo‐3. SR Ca2+release was evoked either by activation of IP3Rs (by carbachol or photolysis of caged IP3) or ryanodine receptors (RyRs; by caffeine).Key results: U‐73122 inhibited carbachol‐evoked [Ca2+]cytotransients. The drug also inhibited [Ca2+]cytoincreases, evoked by direct IP3R activation (by photolysis of caged IP3) and RyR activation (by caffeine), which do not require PI‐PLC activation. U‐73122 also increased steady‐state [Ca2+]cytoand slowed the rate of Ca2+removal from the cytoplasm. An inactive analogue of U‐73122, U‐73343, was without effect on either IP3R‐ or RyR‐mediated Ca2+release.Conclusions and implications: U‐73122 inhibited carbachol‐evoked [Ca2+]cytoincreases. However, the drug also reduced Ca2+release when evoked by direct activation of IP3R or RyR, slowed Ca2+removal and increased steady‐state [Ca2+]cyto. These results suggest U‐73122 reduces IP3‐evoked Ca2+transients by inhibiting the SR Ca2+pump to deplete the SR of Ca2+rather than by inhibiting PI‐PLC.This article is commented on by Hollywoodet al., pp. 1293–1294 of this issue. To view this commentary visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00795.x
The role of nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite in the anti‐arrhythmic effects of preconditioning and peroxynitrite infusion in anaesthetized dogs
Authors: Kiss Attila , Juhász László , Seprényi György , Kupai Krisztina , Kaszaki József , Végh Ágnes 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Both ischaemia preconditioning (PC) and the intracoronary infusion of peroxynitrite (PN) suppress ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R)‐induced arrhythmias and the generation of nitrotyrosine (NT, a marker of PN). However, it is still unclear whether this latter effect is due to a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) or superoxide (O2‐) production.Experimental approach:  Dogs anaesthetized with chloralose and urethane were infused, twice for 5 min, with either saline (control) or 100 nM PN, or subjected to similar periods of occlusion (PC), 5 min prior to a 25 min occlusion and reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Severities of ischaemia and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as changes in the coronary sinus nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels were assessed throughout the experiment. The production of myocardial NOx, O2‐ and NT was determined following reperfusion.Key results:  Both PC and PN markedly suppressed the I/R‐induced ventricular arrhythmias, compared to the controls, and increased NOx levels during coronary artery occlusion. Reperfusion induced almost the same increases in NOx levels in all groups, but superoxide production and, consequently, the generation of NT were significantly less in PC‐ and PN‐treated dogs than in controls.Conclusions and implications:  Since both PC and the administration of PN enhanced NOx levels during I/R, the attenuation of endogenous PN formation in these dogs is primarily due to a reduction in the amount of O2 produced. Thus, the anti‐arrhythmic effect of PC and PN can almost certainly be attributed to the preservation of NO availability during myocardial ischaemia.
Revisiting the Role of Ergots in the Treatment of Migraine and Headache
Authors: Baron Eric P. , Tepper Stewart J. 
Published: March 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1353‐1361)The harmful side effects of the ergots described by early civilizations have been overcome with efficacious treatment for headaches including migraine, cluster, and chronic daily headache. Use of ergots contributed to initial theories of migraine pathogenesis and provided the substrate for development of the triptans. Triptans are very efficacious for many migraineurs, and since their widespread use, use of ergots has significantly declined. Unfortunately, there remain many migraineurs who benefit little from triptans, yet respond very well to ergots. Discoveries in migraine pathophysiology have given us better understanding of the complex processes involved, although there remain many unknown factors in migraine treatment. Additional, unrecognized therapeutic targets may exist throughout the neuronal connections of the brainstem, cortex, and cerebral vasculature. Ergots interact with a broader spectrum of receptors than triptans. This lack of receptor specificity explains potential ergot side effects, but may also account for efficacy. The role of ergots in headache should be revisited, especially in view of newer ergot formulations with improved tolerability and side effect profiles, such as orally inhaled dihydroergotamine. Redefining where in the headache treatment spectrum ergots belong and deciding when they may be the optimal choice of treatment is necessary.
Role of Residual Potentials Inside Circumferential Pulmonary Veins Ablation Lines in the Recurrence of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KIM YONG‐HYUN , LIM HONG EUY , PAK HUI‐NAM , KWAK JAE‐JIN , PARK JAE‐SEOK , CHOI JONG‐IL , PARK SANG‐WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON 
Published: March 2010

Residual Potentials After Pulmonary Vein Isolation. Background: Residual gaps due to incomplete ablation lines are known to be the most common cause of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation. We hypothesized that any residual potentials at the junction of the left atrium and pulmonary vein (PV), inside the circumferential PV ablation (CPVA) lines, would contribute to the recurrence of AF or post‐AF ablation atrial flutter (AFL); therefore, the elimination of these potentials increases AF‐/AFL‐free survival rates.
Methods and Results:
One hundred and two patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) were enrolled and prospectively randomized to a group with ablation of residual potentials as add‐on therapy to CPVA + PV electrical isolation (PVI) (group 1, n = 49), or a group without ablation of the residual potentials (group 2, n = 53). Post‐CPVA residual potentials, inside the ablation lines, were identified by contact bipolar electrode mapping catheter and a detailed 3‐dimensional voltage map. Twenty‐three patients in group 1 and 18 patients in group 2 had post‐CPVA residual potentials (46.9% vs 34.0%, P = 0.182). The AF‐/AFL‐free survival rate during follow‐up of 23.3 ± 7.9 months was not different in comparisons between the 2 groups (P = 0.818), and 79.6% and 81.1% of the patients in groups 1 and 2 maintained a sinus rhythm (P = 0.845), respectively.
Conclusions:
Residual potentials inside CPVA were commonly found in the patients with PAF after CPVA + PVI. Further ablation of residual potentials did not increase the efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with PAF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 959‐965, September 2010)
Cardiomyocyte precursors and telocytes in epicardial stem cell niche: electron microscope images
Authors: Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Popescu L. M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA highly heterogeneous population of stem and progenitor cells has been described by light immunohistochemistry in the mammalian adult heart, but the ultrastructural identity of cardiac stem cells remains unknown. Using electron microscopy, we demonstrate the presence of cells with stem features in the adult mouse heart. These putative cardiac stem cells are small (6–10 μm), round cells, with an irregular shaped nucleus, large nucleolus, few endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and mitochondria, but numerous ribosomes. Stem cells located in the epicardial stem cell niche undergo mitosis and apoptosis. Cells with intermediate features between stem cells and cardiomyocyte progenitors have also been seen. Moreover, electron microscopy showed that cardiomyocyte progenitors were added to the peripheral working cardiomyocytes. Telocytes make a supportive interstitial network for stem cells and progenitors in the stem cell niche. This study enhances the hypothesis of a unique type of cardiac stem cell and progenitors in different stages of differentiation. In our opinion, stem cells, cardiomyocyte progenitors and telocytes sustain a continuous cardiac renewal process in the adult mammalian heart.