bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and proteomic analyses highlight the importance of ubiquitination for the stress resistance, metabolic adaptation, morphogenetic regulation and virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: Leach Michelle D. , Stead David A. , Argo Evelyn , MacCallum Donna M. , Brown Alistair J. P. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryPost‐translational modifications of proteins play key roles in eukaryotic growth, differentiation and environmental adaptation. In model systems the ubiquitination of specific proteins contributes to the control of cell cycle progression, stress adaptation and metabolic reprogramming. We have combined molecular, cellular and proteomic approaches to examine the roles of ubiquitination in Candida albicans, because little is known about ubiquitination in this major fungal pathogen of humans. Independent null (ubi4/ubi4) and conditional (MET3p‐UBI4/ubi4) mutations were constructed at the C. albicans polyubiquitin‐encoding locus. These mutants displayed morphological and cell cycle defects, as well as sensitivity to thermal, oxidative and cell wall stresses. Furthermore, ubi4/ubi4 cells rapidly lost viability under starvation conditions. Consistent with these phenotypes, proteins with roles in stress responses (Gnd1, Pst2, Ssb1), metabolism (Acs2, Eno1, Fba1, Gpd2, Pdx3, Pgk1, Tkl1) and ubiquitination (Ubi4, Ubi3, Pre1, Pre3, Rpt5) were among the ubiquitination targets we identified, further indicating that ubiquitination plays key roles in growth, stress responses and metabolic adaptation in C. albicans. Clearly ubiquitination plays key roles in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes that underpin the pathogenicity of this medically important fungus. This was confirmed by the observation that the virulence of C. albicans ubi4/ubi4 cells is significantly attenuated.
A Common Promoter Variant of TBX21 is Associated with Allele Specific Binding to Yin‐Yang 1 and Reduced Gene Expression
Authors: Li J.‐R. , Li J.‐G. , Deng G.‐H. , Zhao W.‐L. , Dan Y.‐J. , Wang Y.‐M. , Chen S. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractT‐bet is a key regulator for the lineage commitment in CD4 T helper (Th) 1 cells by activating the hallmark production of interferon‐γ, and its expression level is linked to autoimmune, infectious, and allergic diseases. A T to C base substitution has been identified at position ‐1993 in the TBX21 (encoding T‐bet) promoter and has been associated with asthma and systemic lupus erythematosus. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the influence of the T‐1993C polymorphism on transcription and its functional effect by luciferase reporter, EMSAs, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and flow cytometric analysis of intracellular T‐bet, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 expression in activated CD4+ T cells. The presence of a ‐1993T allele obviously increases promoter activity compared with that of a promoter with a ‐1993C allele. TBX21 promoter carrying ‐1993C allele possesses significantly stronger binding affinity to the Yin Yang 1 (YY1) transcription factor than that carrying ‐1993T allele. YY1 overexpression decreased TBX21 promoter function in a T cell line, demonstrating that this element functions as a repressor. The C to T base exchange relieves the repression mediated by YY1. The individuals carrying ‐1993C allele were determined to have significantly diminished expression of TBX21 and IFN‐γ and increased IL‐4 production in cells compared with the individuals carrying ‐1993T allele (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the TBX21 T‐1993C polymorphism represses TBX21 expression and Th1 cytokine production through control of YY1, which might result in the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses in autoimmune or allergic diseases.
Deltamethrin Increases Candida albicans Infection Susceptibility in Mice
Authors: Rehman H. , Mohan A. , Tabassum H. , Ahmad F. , Rahman S. , Parvez S. , Raisuddin S. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDeltamethrin, an alpha‐cyano type II synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, is used to control a wide range of insects on a variety of crops and vectors of diseases. Deltamethrin has been previously reported for its immunotoxic effects and therefore its exposure may affect the host resistance to infection and tumour challenge. Effect of exposure of deltamethrin on host resistance to Candida albicans infection was examined in Swiss albino mice. The objective of this study was to investigate the modulatory action of deltamethrin in C. albicans infected mice. The dose of deltamethrin was initially tested and selected from our previous study (18 mg/kg). Percentage of infection in deltamethrin treated animals increased faster when compared to that of the controls. Deltamethrin exposure along with C. albicans infection caused alteration of humoral immune response. The number of colony forming unit in liver and spleen were also found to be significantly increased in the treated group. The results from our present study suggest that deltamethrin exhibits an immunosuppressive effect and has a negative impact on host resistance to C. albicans infection.
Participation of Inkt Cells in the Early and Late Components of Tc1‐Mediated DNFB Contact Sensitivity: Cooperative Role of γδ‐T Cells
Authors: Askenase P. W. , Majewska‐Szczepanik M. , Kerfoot S. , Szczepanik M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPrior studies of classical 24 h responses in TNP‐Cl (picryl chloride) allergic contact sensitivity (CS), showed mediation by Th1 cells in CBA mice, and established that 24 h elicitation of responses requires an early 2 h CS‐initiating component dependent on iNKT cells, IL‐4 and B‐1 B cells. Here, we studied the other form of cytotoxic T cell (Tc1) CS in DNFB sensitized BALB/c mice and determined that similar CS‐initiation also is required. We systematically tested each step of the initiation pathway in this model. Thus, DNFB Tc1 CS was significantly impaired in iNKT cell deficient CD1d−/− and Jα18−/− mice, IL4Rα−/− and STAT‐6−/− mice, and also in pan B‐cell deficient JH−/− mice. Further, the Tc1 DNFB CS‐initiating component, like Th1 response to TNP‐Cl, was elicited by only 1‐day after immunization, due to B‐1 cells. In summary, we show that CS‐Initiation also is required in Tc1 CS. Further, we have newly determined regulatory support of both the early and late components of DNFB induced Tc1 CS by iNKT cells and γδ‐T cells. In summary, both iNKT cells and assisting γδ‐T cells are involved in initiating and effector phases of DNFB induced CS.
Slow and steady. Reducing thrombotic events in renal transplant recipients treated with IVIg for antibody‐mediated rejection
Authors: HUANG LOUIS , KANELLIS JOHN , MULLEY WILLIAM 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy for antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is increasing and is associated with a small but significant incidence of thrombosis. We determined thrombosis rates in patients treated with high‐dose IVIg for AMR before and after alteration of an infusion protocol. The newer protocol introduced routine administration of aspirin 300 mg, enoxaparin 1 mg/kg, intravenous hydration and a maximum infusion rate of 100 mg/kg per hour (previously 200 mg/kg per hour). Nine thromboses in 275 infusions occurred before the protocol alteration (event rate 3.3%). Two were arterial thromboses including an acute myocardial infarct and a renal transplant artery thrombosis, which resulted in infarction of 2/3 of the graft. Seven venous thromboses occurred, six in arteriovenous fistulae and one case with bilateral above knee deep venous thromboses. Significant associations with thromboses were seen with higher IVIg dose and male sex. In the 6 months since the introduction of the new infusion protocol, 74 infusions have been administered with no thrombotic events. There have been no significant bleeding or fluid overload side‐effects. Infusion times, however, have been doubled. A slower rate of infusion combined with antiplatelet and anticoagulation has thus far eliminated the small but significant IVIg‐related thrombosis rate previously observed in our patients treated for AMR without resulting in significant side‐effects. Further study is now required to define which elements of this protocol are essential.
Low‐dose computed tomography versus plain abdominal radiography in the investigation of an acute abdomen
Authors: Nguyen Long K. , Wong Daniel D. , Fatovich Daniel M. , Yeung Justin M. , Persaud Jennifer , Wood Christopher J. , de Vos David , Mendelson Richard M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground:  To compare low‐dose abdominal computed tomography (LDCT) with plain abdominal radiography (AR) in the primary investigation of acute abdominal pain to determine if there is a difference in diagnostic yield, the number of additional investigations required and hospital length of stay (LOS).Methods:  This randomized controlled trial was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained. Patients presenting to the emergency department with an acute abdomen and who would normally be investigated with AR were randomized to either AR or LDCT. The estimated radiation dose of the LDCT protocol was 2–3 mSv compared to 1.1 mSv for AR. Pearson's chi‐square and the independent samples t‐test were used for the statistical analysis.Results:  A total of 142 patients were eligible, and after exclusions and omitting those with incomplete data, 55 patients remained for analysis in the AR arm and 53 in the LDCT arm. A diagnosis could be obtained in 12 (21.8%) patients investigated with AR compared to 34 (64.2%) for LDCT (P < 0.001). Twenty‐eight (50.9%) patients in the AR group required further imaging during their admission compared to 14 (26.4%) in the LDCT group (P= 0.009). There was no difference in the median hospital LOS (3.84 days for AR versus 4.24 days for LDCT, P= 0.83).Conclusion:  LDCT demonstrates a superior diagnostic yield over AR and reduces the number of subsequent imaging tests for a minimal cost in radiation exposure. However, there is no difference in the overall hospital LOS between the two imaging strategies.
Lysophospholipids improve skin moisturization by modulating of calcium‐dependent cell differentiation pathway
Authors: Yahagi S. , Koike M. , Okano Y. , Masaki H. 
Published: January 2011

SynopsisRecent studies have demonstrated that lysophospholipids (LPL) play critical roles in several biological signal transduction pathways to maintain the homoeostasis of cells, tissues and organs. Among them, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been identified as a lipid mediator that induces morphological improvement in the epidermis in mice. In this study, we examined the effects of LPL (soybean‐derived phospholipids modified with phospholipase A2 and C) compared with LPA. We initially examined the effects of LPA on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) focusing on the expression of profilaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNAs. LPA enhanced the expression of profilaggrin and SPT mRNAs via the modulation of Ca2+ influx. Based on those results, the influence of LPL on NHEK was examined and was expanded to analyse the expression of two tight junction–related proteins, occludin and claudin‐1. LPL had similar effects to increase profilaggrin and SPT mRNA expression and also stimulated the expression of occludin and claudin‐1 at the mRNA and protein levels. In accordance with these results, LPL elicited significant improvements in surface water content in human skin. These findings indicate that LPL has the potential to strengthen the skin moisturizing capability by up‐regulating the expression of mRNAs encoding components important to skin barrier function and skin hydration.
Investigating the gap between citizens' sustainability attitudes and food purchasing behaviour: empirical evidence from Brazilian pork consumers
Authors: de Barcellos Marcia Dutra , Krystallis Athanasios , de Melo Saab Maria Stela , Kügler Jens Oliver , Grunert Klaus G. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractConsumers worldwide are increasingly concerned with sustainable production and consumption. Recently, a comprehensive study ranked 17 countries in regard to their environmentally friendly behaviour among consumers. Brazil was one of the top countries in the list. Yet, several studies highlight significant differences between consumers' intentions to consume ethically, and their actual purchase behaviour: the so‐called ‘Attitude‐Behaviour Gap’. In developing countries, few studies have been conducted on this issue. The objective of this study is therefore to investigate the gap between citizens' sustainability‐related attitudes and food purchasing behaviour using empirical data from Brazil. To this end, Brazilian citizens' attitudes towards pig production systems were mapped through conjoint analysis and their coexistence with relevant pork product‐related purchasing behaviour of consumers was investigated through cluster analysis. The conjoint experiment was carried out with empirical data collected from 475 respondents surveyed in the South and Center‐West regions of Brazil. The results of the conjoint analysis were used for a subsequent cluster analysis in order to identify clusters of Brazilian citizens with diversified attitudes towards pig production systems, using socio‐demographics, attitudes towards sustainability‐related themes that are expected to influence the way they evaluate pig production systems, and consumption frequency of various pork products as clusters' background information. Three clusters were identified as ‘indifferent’, ‘environmental conscious’ and ‘sustainability‐oriented’ citizens. Although attitudes towards environment and nature had indeed an influence on citizens' specific attitudes towards pig farming at the cluster level, the relationship between ‘citizenship’ and consumption behaviour was found to be weak. This finding is similar to previous research conducted with European consumers: what people (in their role of citizens) think about pig production systems does not appear to significantly influence their pork consumption choices. Improvements in the integrated management of this chain would better meet consumers' sustainability‐related expectations towards pig production systems.
Intra‐household food distribution patterns and calorie inadequacy in South‐Western Nigeria
Authors: Akerele Dare 
Published: January 2011

AbstractUnequal distribution of food within household is one major factor that promotes the lingering under‐nourishment among household members in Nigeria. Consequently, the study examines the relative food calorie distribution pattern and food calorie adequacy level among members of households in South‐Western Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling techniques, data was collected from 80 households (comprising of 321 members) through a well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using nutrient estimation, calorie adequacy indices, t‐test and Ordinary Least Square Regression. Household appears to be nutritionally adequate but some members were under‐nourished. The male and female school‐age children were the most severely affected and would require additional 13.1% and 17.5% of their respective dietary (calorie) reference values. Adult male members are most favoured in terms of food calorie allocation relative to other members. Household income, gender cum age of household members and household farm production status, among others, are factors that would significantly influence relative distribution of food calorie. Encouragement of the school‐age meal subsidy programme, and development of strategies that would enhance agricultural production and efforts to raise the income or income generating potentials of households members are recommended to enhance equitable food distribution and improve nutritional status of the household members.
Effects of social demographic attributes, knowledge about credit cards and perceived lifestyle outcomes on credit card usage
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Gurugamage Anurudh 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to identify and assess the effects of credit card users' demographic and socio‐economic characteristics, knowledge about credit cards, and perceived lifestyle outcomes of the credit card usage on credit card usage practices. A sample of 177 individuals in Sri Lanka who possess Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards responded to the survey. The hypothesized relationships were examined by means of path analysis. The findings offer implications for research and practice.
Age‐related changes of glycine receptor at the rat hippocampus: from the embryo to the adult
Authors: Aroeira Rita I. , Ribeiro Joaquim A. , Sebastião Ana M. , Valente Cláudia A. 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 339–353.AbstractGlycinergic inhibitory transmission has been described in spinal cord, but rather disregarded in the brain. The spatial‐temporal characterization of glycine receptors (GlyR) in the hippocampus over development is herein reported. GlyR expression increases from late embryonic stage (E18) to 7 days postnatal (P7) and decreases from P7 on. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that GlyR subunit expression changes over neuronal maturation with a preponderance of α2 and α3, over α1 and β. In immature stages, GlyR delineate the cell body of neurons at the Dentate Gyrus and Cornus Ammonis 1 and 3 (CA1/CA3) and are composed of α2 and α3 subunits. At P7, synaptic GlyRα2β can already be observed in the dendritic areas of Dentate Gyrus and of CA1/CA3. In the mature hippocampus, synaptic GlyR decrease and, although a few synaptic GlyRα1β can still be detected in the dendritic layers, extrasynaptic α2/α3‐containing GlyR and somatic localized GlyRα3 are the most abundant. Our results point towards an important function of a slow tonic activation of extrasynaptic GlyR, over a fast phasic activation of synaptic GlyRα1β. We clearly show that GlyR are widely expressed in hippocampus and that their subcellular localization and subunit composition change over development.
Regulation of α‐synuclein expression in cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Clough Richard Lee , Dermentzaki Georgia , Haritou Maria , Petsakou Afroditi , Stefanis Leonidas 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 275–285.AbstractAlpha‐synuclein (SNCA) is a predominantly neuronal protein involved in the control of neurotransmitter release. The levels of SNCA expression are closely linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease; however, the biochemical pathways and transcriptional elements that control SNCA expression are not well understood. We previously used the model system of neurotrophin‐mediated PC12 cell neuronal differentiation to examine these phenomena. Although these studies were informative, they were limited to the use of a cell line; therefore, in the current work, we have turned our attention to cultured primary rat cortical neurons. In these cultures, SNCA expression increased with time in culture, as the neurons mature. Luciferase assays based on transient transfections of fusion constructs encoding components of the transcriptional control region of SNCA identified various promoter areas that have a positive or negative effect on SNCA transcription. Intron 1, previously identified by us as an important regulatory region in the PC12 cell model, cooperates with regions 5′ to exon 1 to mediate gene transcription. Using selective pharmacological tools, we find that tyrosine kinase receptors and the phosphatidyl‐inositol 3 kinase signaling pathway are involved in mediating these effects. The exogenous application of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is sufficient on its own to promote the transcriptional activation of SNCA through this pathway, but a neutralizing antibody against BDNF failed to affect SNCA transcription in maturing cultures, suggesting that BDNF is not the main factor involved in maturation‐induced SNCA transcription in this model. Further in vivo studies are needed to establish the role of neurotrophin signaling in the control of SNCA transcription.
Cut‐off Frequencies Induced by the Length of Strain Gauges Measuring Impact Events
Authors: Othman R. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  The finite length of strain gauges may induce filtering effects when measuring impact events. In this study, we are interested in quantifying these effects. Precisely, we determined the cut‐off frequencies of strain gauges cemented on visco‐elastic bars and measuring impact‐induced strain waves. This study shows that the cut‐off frequencies increase with the bar’s wave velocity and decrease with the bar’s diameter. The asymptotic value, corresponding to an infinite bar diameter, is reached rapidly (bar diameter ≈ 15 mm). Moreover, we showed that the mode cut‐off frequencies are more severe (lower) than the gauge length cut‐off frequencies for bar diameters greater than 8 mm.
Prospective Randomized Clinical Study of Arterial Pumps Used for Routine on Pump Coronary Bypass Grafting
Authors: Keyser Andreas , Hilker Michael K. , Diez Claudius , Philipp Alois , Foltan Maik , Schmid Christof 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn a number of studies, centrifugal blood pumps—in comparison with roller pumps—have been shown to attenuate trauma to blood components. Nevertheless, the impact of these results on the postoperative course needs to be discussed controversially. In a prospective randomized study, 240 consecutive adult patients underwent elective myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass employing five different pumps (Roller, Avecor, Sarns, Rotaflow, Bio‐Medicus). We analyzed clinical course, blood loss, damage of blood components, and impairment of the hemostatic system. The study population was homogenous with respect to age, gender, myocardial function, and operative data. No differences were found with respect to time of ventilation, duration of intensive care stay, hospitalization, and laboratory data. The choice of arterial pump during standard extracorporeal bypass for elective coronary artery bypass grafting is no matter of concern.
Public Concern with Farm‐Animal Welfare: Religion, Politics, and Human Disadvantage in the Food Sector*
Authors: Deemer Danielle R. , Lobao Linda M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe welfare of farm animals has become a continuing source of controversy as states seek greater regulation over the livestock industry. However, empirical studies addressing the determinants of public concern for farm‐animal welfare are limited. Religion and politics, two institutional bases of attitudes, are rarely explored. Nor have sociologists responded systematically to the popular charge that people concerned with animal welfare care less about human well‐being. This study builds from sociology's stratification literature to address new questions about farm‐animal welfare. Using a range of animal‐welfare attitudes and samples drawn from a statewide and a national population in 2007, we find support for the religious and political bases of farm‐animal‐welfare attitudes. Frequent church attendance is related to less concern with animal welfare. However, we also find that religious beliefs can be a source of support for animal welfare. Political orientation as reflected by desire for more economic equality and greater tolerance of outgroups is also related to concern for farm‐animal welfare. Formal political partisanship and denomination have weaker effects. Concern with farm‐animal welfare is consistently related to greater concern with human welfare in the food sector.