bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up‐regulation of BMP‐2 antagonizes TGF‐β1/ROCK‐enhanced cardiac fibrotic signalling through activation of Smurf1/Smad6 complex
Authors: Wang Shijun , Sun Aijun , Li Lei , Zhao Gang , Jia Jianguo , Wang Keqiang , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRho‐associated kinase (ROCK) plays a critical role in pressure overload‐induced left ventricular remodelling. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we reported that TGF‐β1‐induced ROCK elevation suppressed BMP‐2 level and strengthened fibrotic response. Exogenous BMP‐2 supply effectively attenuated TGF‐β1 signalling pathway through Smad6‐Smurf‐1 complex activation. In vitro cultured cardiomyocytes, mechanical stretch up‐regulated cardiac TGF‐β1, TGF‐β1‐dependent ROCK and down‐regulated BMP‐2, but BMP‐2 level could be reversed through blocking TGF‐β1 receptor by SB‐431542 or inhibition of ROCK by Y‐27632. TGF‐β1 could also activate ROCK and suppress endogenous BMP‐2 level in a dose‐dependent manner. Knock‐down BMP‐2 enhanced TGF‐β1‐mediated PKC‐δ and Smad3 signalling cascades. In contrast, treatment with Y‐27632 or SB‐431542, respectively suppressed ROCK‐dependent PKC‐δ and Smad3 activation, but BMP‐2 was only up‐regulated by Y‐27632. In addition, BMP‐2 silencing abolished the effect of Y‐27632, but not SB‐431542 on suppression of TGF‐β1 pathway. Further experiments showed that Smad6 Smurf1 interaction were required for BMP‐2‐evoked antagonizing effects. Smad6 overexpression attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced activation of PKC‐δ and Smad3, promoted TGF‐β RI degradation in BMP‐2 knock‐down cardiomyocytes, and could be abolished after knocking‐down Smurf‐1, in which Smad6/Smurf1 complex formation was critically involved. In vivo data showed that pressure overload‐induced collagen deposition was attenuated, cardiac function was improved and TGF‐β1‐dependent activation of PKC‐δ and Smad3 was reduced after 2 weeks treatment with rhBMP‐2(0.5 mg/kg) or Y‐27632 (10 mg/kg) in mice that underwent surgical transverse aortic constriction. In conclusion, we propose that BMP‐2, as a novel fibrosis antagonizing cytokine, may have potential beneficial effect in attenuating pressure overload‐induced cardiac fibrosis.
Diabetes screening at the periodontal visit: patient and provider experiences with two screening approaches
Authors: Rosedale MT , Strauss SM 
Published: January 2012

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene10, 2012; 250–258  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00542.xRosedale MT, Strauss SM. Diabetes screening at the periodontal visit: patient and provider experiences with two screening approaches.Abstract:  Objectives: This study examined patient and dental provider experiences during the periodontal visit of diabetes screening approaches involving the collection of gingival crevicular blood (GCB) and finger stick blood (FSB) for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing. Methods: At a large, urban, US periodontics and implant clinic, FSB samples from 120 patients and GCB samples from 102 of these patients were collected on special blood collection cards and sent to a laboratory for HbA1c testing, with test results sent to the patients from the laboratory. Quantitative and qualitative data from patients and qualitative data from providers were collected and analysed. Results: Quantitative and qualitative data support the feasibility and acceptability of the approaches described. Themes that arose from the interviews with providers and patients include ‘a good chance to check’, ‘patient choice’, ‘FSB versus GCB testing’ and ‘a new way of interacting and viewing the dental visit’. Conclusions: Periodontal patients and dental providers believe that the dental visit is an opportune site for diabetes screening and generally prefer GCB to FSB collection. HbA1c testing is well tolerated, convenient and acceptable to patients, and GCB testing reduces time and liability obstacles for dental providers to conduct diabetes screening.
Porphyromonas gingivalis and its lipopolysaccharide differentially regulate the expression of cathepsin B in endothelial cells
Authors: Huck O. , Elkaim R. , Davideau J.L. , Tenenbaum H. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPorphyromonas gingivalis infection and cathepsins protease upregulation are independently implicated in atherosclerosis worsening. In this study, we evaluated the effects of P. gingivalis infection and P. gingivalis ‐purified lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS) stimulation on the expression of cathepsin B (CATB) in endothelial cells (ECs). Analysis of the enzymatic activity and expression of CATB were investigated at the messenger RNA, protein and protein‐phosphorylation levels. Effects of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 blocking on CATB activity were also analysed. Our results showed that P. gingivalis and Pg‐LPS significantly increased the activity of CATB but with different kinetics. The peak of CATB activity was observed 3 h after P. gingivalis infection but it appeared 48 h after Pg‐LPS stimulation. The increase of CATB activity was related to its rapid tyrosine‐dephosphorylation during P. gingivalis infection, whereas the levels of CATB messenger RNAs and proteins did not vary after P. gingivalis infection or Pg‐LPS stimulation. Inhibition of Toll‐like‐receptors 2 and 4 differentially decreased P. gingivalis and Pg‐LPS CATB activations. These results showed for the first time that P. gingivalis infection rapidly affects ECs and modulates CATB activity, whereas Pg‐LPS effects appear to be delayed. This study suggests that direct infection of ECs by P. gingivalis may worsen atherosclerotic plaque formation via activation of the CATB pathway.
Survival and Virulence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Filaments Induced by Reduced Water Activity
Authors: Stackhouse Robert R. , Faith Nancy G. , Kaspar Charles W. , Czuprynski Charles J. , Wong Amy C. Lee 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis strain E40 filaments were developed under conditions of a reduced water activity (a
w
) of 0.95 in tryptic soy broth (TSB) or tryptic soy agar (TSA) supplemented with 8% or 7% NaCl, respectively. Filament formation was accompanied by an increase of biomass without an increase in CFU and was affected by incubation temperature and the physical milieu. The greatest amount of filaments was recovered from TSA with 7% NaCl and incubation at 30°C. Within 2 h of transfer to fresh TSB, filaments started to septate into normal-sized cells, resulting in a rapid increase in CFU.
S
. Enteritidis E40 filaments were not more tolerant of low- or high-temperature stresses than nonfilamented control cells. However, there was greater survival of filaments in 10% bile salts after 24 to 48 h of incubation, during pH 2.0 acid challenge for 10 min, and under desiccation on stainless steel surfaces at 25°C and 75.5% relative humidity for 7 days.
S
. Enteritidis E40 filaments invaded and multiplied within Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells to a similar degree as control cells when a comparable CFU of filaments and control cells was used.
S
. Enteritidis E40 filaments established a successful infection in mice via intragastric inoculation. The filaments colonized the gastrointestinal tract and disseminated to the spleen and liver at levels comparable to those attained by control cells, even when animals were inoculated with 10- to 100-fold fewer CFU. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of virulence of stress-induced
Salmonella
filaments
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Formation of filaments by
Salmonella
in food products and food processing environments is significant to food safety, because detection and quantitation of the pathogen may be compromised. The finding that these filaments are virulent further enhances their potential public health impact.
Dry Collection and Culture Methods for Recovery of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Indoor Home Environments
Authors: Davis Meghan F. , Baron Patrick , Price Lance B. , Williams D'Ann L. , Jeyaseelan Selvi , Hambleton Ian R. , Diette Gregory B. , Breysse Patrick N. , McCormack Meredith C. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
in home environments may serve as a reservoir for human colonization, making sampling of indoor surfaces relevant to exposure assessment. Using laboratory experiments and application to homes of asthmatic children in Barbados, we characterize microbiological methods adapted for settings with transportation delays between sampling and initiation of culture.
Identification of Cellulose-Responsive Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Geographically and Edaphically Different Soils by Using Stable Isotope Probing
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Kuske Cheryl R. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTMany bacteria and fungi are known to degrade cellulose in culture, but their combined response to cellulose in different soils is unknown. Replicate soil microcosms amended with [13C]cellulose were used to identify bacterial and fungal communities responsive to cellulose in five geographically and edaphically different soils. The diversity and composition of the cellulose-responsive communities were assessed by DNA-stable isotope probing combined with Sanger sequencing of small-subunit and large-subunit rRNA genes for the bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. In each soil, the13C-enriched, cellulose-responsive communities were of distinct composition compared to the original soil community or12C-nonenriched communities. The composition of cellulose-responsive taxa, as identified by sequence operational taxonomic unit (OTU) similarity, differed in each soil. When OTUs were grouped at the bacterial order level, we found that members of theBurkholderiales,Caulobacteriales,Rhizobiales,Sphingobacteriales,Xanthomonadales, and the subdivision 1Acidobacteriawere prevalent in the13C-enriched DNA in at least three of the soils. The cellulose-responsive fungi were identified as members of theTrichocladium,Chaetomium,Dactylaria, andArthrobotrysgenera, along with two novelAscomycotaclusters, unique to one soil. Although similarities were identified in higher-level taxa among some soils, the composition of cellulose-responsive bacteria and fungi was generally unique to a certain soil type, suggesting a strong potential influence of multiple edaphic factors in shaping the community.
Dynamic Localization of Trypanosoma brucei Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase ID
Authors: Concepción-Acevedo Jeniffer , Luo Juemin , Klingbeil Michele M. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTTrypanosomes contain a unique form of mitochondrial DNA called kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) that is a catenated network composed of minicircles and maxicircles. Several proteins are essential for network replication, and most of these localize to the antipodal sites or the kinetoflagellar zone. Essential components for kDNA synthesis include three mitochondrial DNA polymerases TbPOLIB, TbPOLIC, and TbPOLID). In contrast to other kDNA replication proteins, TbPOLID was previously reported to localize throughout the mitochondrial matrix. This spatial distribution suggests that TbPOLID requires redistribution to engage in kDNA replication. Here, we characterize the subcellular distribution of TbPOLID with respect to theTrypanosoma bruceicell cycle using immunofluorescence microscopy. Our analyses demonstrate that in addition to the previously reported matrix localization, TbPOLID was detected as discrete foci near the kDNA. TbPOLID foci colocalized with replicating minicircles at antipodal sites in a specific subset of the cells during stages II and III of kDNA replication. Additionally, the TbPOLID foci were stable following the inhibition of protein synthesis, detergent extraction, and DNase treatment. Taken together, these data demonstrate that TbPOLID has a dynamic localization that allows it to be spatially and temporally available to perform its role in kDNA replication.
Interactions of Sen1, Nrd1, and Nab3 with Multiple Phosphorylated Forms of the Rpb1 C-Terminal Domain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chinchilla Karen , Rodriguez-Molina Juan B. , Ursic Doris , Finkel Jonathan S. , Ansari Aseem Z. , Culbertson Michael R. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

The
Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEN1
gene codes for a nuclear, ATP-dependent helicase which is embedded in a complex network of protein-protein interactions. Pleiotropic phenotypes of mutations in
SEN1
suggest that Sen1 functions in many nuclear processes, including transcription termination, DNA repair, and RNA processing. Sen1, along with termination factors Nrd1 and Nab3, is required for the termination of noncoding RNA transcripts, but Sen1 is associated during transcription with coding and noncoding genes. Sen1 and Nrd1 both interact directly with Nab3, as well as with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. It has been proposed that Sen1, Nab3, and Nrd1 form a complex that associates with Rpb1 through an interaction between Nrd1 and the Ser
5
-phosphorylated (Ser
5
-P) CTD. To further study the relationship between the termination factors and Rpb1, we used two-hybrid analysis and immunoprecipitation to characterize
sen1-R302W
, a mutation that impairs an interaction between Sen1 and the Ser
2
-phosphorylated CTD. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicates that the impairment of the interaction between Sen1 and Ser
2
-P causes the reduced occupancy of mutant Sen1 across the entire length of noncoding genes. For protein-coding genes, mutant Sen1 occupancy is reduced early and late in transcription but is similar to that of the wild type across most of the coding region. The combined data suggest a handoff model in which proteins differentially transfer from the Ser
5
- to the Ser
2
-phosphorylated CTD to promote the termination of noncoding transcripts or other cotranscriptional events for protein-coding genes.
Connecting Environment and Genome Plasticity in the Characterization of Transformation-Induced SOS Regulation and Carbon Catabolite Control of the Vibrio cholerae Integron Integrase
Authors: Baharoglu Zeynep , Krin Evelyne , Mazel Didier 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

The human pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
carries a chromosomal superintegron (SI). The SI contains an array of hundreds of gene cassettes organized in tandem which are stable under conditions when no particular stress is applied to bacteria (such as during laboratory growth). Rearrangements of these cassettes are catalyzed by the activity of the associated integron integrase. Understanding the regulation of integrase expression is pivotal to fully comprehending the role played by this genetic reservoir for bacterial adaptation and its connection with the development of antibiotic resistance. Our previous work established that the integrase is regulated by the bacterial SOS response and that it is induced during bacterial conjugation. Here, we show that transformation, another horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanism, also triggers integrase expression through SOS induction, underlining the importance of HGT in genome plasticity. Moreover, we report a new cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein (CRP)-dependent regulation mechanism of the integrase, highlighting the influence of the extracellular environment on chromosomal gene content. Altogether, our data suggest an interplay between different stress responses and regulatory pathways for the modulation of the recombinase expression, thus showing how the SI remodeling mechanism is merged into bacterial physiology.
A Clp/Hsp100 Chaperone Functions in Myxococcus xanthus Sporulation and Self-Organization
Authors: Yan Jinyuan , Garza Anthony G. , Bradley Michael D. , Welch Roy D. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

The Clp/Hsp100 proteins are chaperones that play a role in protein degradation and reactivation. In bacteria, they exhibit a high degree of pleiotropy, affecting both individual and multicellular phenotypes. In this article, we present the first characterization of a Clp/Hsp100 homolog in
Myxococcus xanthus
(MXAN_4832 gene locus). Deletion of MXAN_4832 causes defects in both swarming and aggregation related to cell motility and the production of fibrils, which are an important component of the extracellular matrix of a swarm. The deletion also affects the formation of myxospores during development, causing them to become sensitive to heat. The protein product of MXAN_4832 can act as a chaperone
in vitro
, providing biochemical evidence in support of our hypothesis that MXAN_4832 is a functional Clp/Hsp100 homolog. There are a total of 12 Clp/Hsp100 homologs in
M. xanthus
, including MXAN_4832, and, based on its mutational and biochemical characterization, they may well represent an important group.
Good Medical Practiceor CanMEDS for education?
Authors: Gray Trevor , Grant Janet 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe medical regulator in the UK, the General Medical Council, requires curricula and assessments for postgraduate training to be blueprinted to its regulatory statement,Good Medical Practice. A similar document,Tomorrow's Doctors (2009), covers undergraduate education and training.Good Medical Practice, originally designed to regulate medical practice, is not optimally worded as an educational document. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's physician competency framework known as CanMEDS is designed with education more centrally in mind.MethodsThe wordings ofGood Medical PracticeandTomorrow's Doctors (2009)were compared with CanMEDS using ‘word clouds’, a textual analysis tool which provides a display of word frequency, revealing the emphasis in the wording of documents.ResultsGood Medical Practiceplaces much greater emphasis on the regulatory rather than the educational aspects of medical practice when compared with CanMEDS and is therefore less suitable for blueprinting curricula, especially in disciplines with high science content such as pathology.ConclusionsGood Medical Practiceis less suitable for an educational role and the General Medical Council should consider developing a more specific educational document around these principles.
Trends in device-assisted aneurysm treatment at a single high-volume tertiary care center
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Hui Ferdinand K , Moskowitz Shaye I 
Published: January 2012

IntroductionDevice developments and evolution in technique over the past decade make the treatment of aneurysms which were previously considered poor candidates for coiling more feasible. The authors describe their experience treating aneurysms at a single high-volume tertiary care center, focusing particularly on the use of adjunctive devices.MethodsA retrospective review was undertaken of all the aneurysms treated at the Cleveland Clinic between 2003 and 2010.ResultsA total of 1455 aneurysms were treated (45% subarachnoid hemorrhage). In 2003, aneurysms were treated equally with clipping (49.6%) and coiling (50.4%). Over the 8-year period reviewed there was a decline in the percentage of aneurysms treated surgically. By 2010, 25.5% of aneurysms were treated surgically and 74.5% by endovascular coiling. Among aneurysms that were coiled there was an increase in the cases treated with adjuncts including balloon remodeling and stents. The most dramatic increase in the relative proportion of a single method was the more widespread use of the combined ‘balloon stent’ technique. Initially used in 12% of stent-assisted cases, it is currently employed in 35.4% of cases.ConclusionsSignificant changes in practice trends for aneurysm treatment have been observed at a single high-volume tertiary care center over the past decade. Although these changes are multifactorial, they are explained in part by institutional comfort level with the adoption of adjunctive techniques, with a growing number of aneurysms treated with balloon remodeling and the ‘balloon stent’ technique.
Injection drug use, sexual risk, violence and STI/HIV among Moscow female sex workers
Authors: Decker Michele R , Wirtz Andrea L , Baral Stefan D , Peryshkina Alena , Mogilnyi Vladmir , Weber Rachel A , Stachowiak Julie , Go Vivian , Beyrer Chris 
Published: January 2012

Background/objectivesThe HIV prevalence in Eastern Europe and Central Asia continues to increase. While injection drug use (IDU) is leading factor, heterosexual transmission is on the rise. Little is known about female sex workers (FSWs) in the region despite the central role of commercial sex in heterosexual sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV transmission globally. The authors evaluated the prevalence of STI/HIV among Moscow-based FSWs and potential risk factors including IDU, sexual risks and violence victimisation.MethodsMoscow-based FSWs (n=147) completed a clinic-based survey and STI/HIV testing over an 8-month period in 2005.ResultsHIV prevalence was 4.8%, and 31.3% were infected with at least one STI including HIV. Sexual behaviours significantly associated with STI/HIV included anal sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.48), high client volume (three or more clients daily, AOR 2.71), recentsubbotnik(sex demanded by police; AOR 2.50) and regularly being presented with more clients than initially agreed to (AOR 2.45). Past year experiences of physical violence from clients and threats of violence from pimps were associated with STI/HIV (AOR 3.14 and AOR 3.65, respectively). IDU was not significantly associated with STI/HIV. Anal sex and high client volume partially mediated the associations of abuse with STI/HIV.ConclusionsFindings illustrate substantial potential for heterosexual STI/HIV transmission in a setting better known for IDU-related risk. Many of the STI/HIV risks observed are not modifiable by FSWs alone. STI/HIV prevention efforts for this vulnerable population will benefit from reducing coercion and abuse perpetrated by pimps and clients.
Why do condoms break? A study of female sex workers in Bangalore, south India
Authors: Bradley Janet , Rajaram S P , Moses Stephen , Boily Marie Claude , Ramesh B M , Isac Shajy , Lobo Anil , Gowda G Chandrashekhar , Pushpalatha R , Gurav Kaveri , Kumar Sunil , Washington Reynold , Pickles Michael , Alary Michel 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to obtain a better understanding of the relative importance of personal factors, male partner factors and situational factors, in determining condom breakage in a population of female sex workers (FSWs) in Bangalore.MethodsThe authors conducted a cross-sectional study that included a face-to-face interview and condom application test, with 291 randomly selected FSWs in Bangalore, India, in early 2011.ResultsNinety-seven per cent of respondents noted condom use at last sex; 34% reported a condom breakage in the last month. Combining individual, situational and partner aspects of condom breakage into one logistic regression model and also controlling for client load, the authors found that partner and situational factors were dominant since the only significant predictors of condom breakage included being a paying client (adjusted odds ratio 4.61, 95% CI 1.20 to 17.58, p=0.025), the condom being too small for the penis (adjusted odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 0.97 to 5.40, p=0.056) or too big for the penis (adjusted odds ratio 4.29, 95% CI 1.43 to 12.80, p=0.009) and rough sex (adjusted odds ratio 6.39 CI 3.55 to 11.52, p<0.001).ConclusionsCondom use among Bangalore FSWs is now very high. However, condom breakage is still a not uncommon event and puts women and their clients at unnecessary risk of infection. It may be difficult to eliminate the problem completely, but every effort should be made to discuss with sex workers the findings of this survey that point to possible personal markers of risk seen in the univariate analysis and to highlight the importance of avoiding rough sex and of ensuring the condom fits the client.