bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAP kinase mediates silica‐induced fibrotic nodule formation and collagen accumulation in fibroblasts
Authors: Li Yunyuan , Kilani Ruhangiz T. , Hartwell Ryan , Ghahary Aziz 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIt is well known that silica generates fibrosis around them in animals and human. However, the pathogenesis and mechanism of silica‐induced fibrosis are still poorly understood. Here, we established a new strategy through which the effects of silica on fibrotic nodule formation, key extracellular matrix accumulation, and the mechanism involved were explored. To achieve this, human dermal fibroblasts were directly exposed to silica gel for various durations. Fibrotic nodule formation was evaluated by their microscopic appearance, type‐1 procollagen, and fibronection expression in cell lysate and MMP‐1 and‐3 in conditioned media were analyzed by Western blotting. The results show an easily formation of nodule‐like structures around silica gel in an in vitro‐cultured system. The findings further revealed that silica gel stimulates collagen and fibronectin expression, while down‐regulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐3 (MMP‐1 and MMP‐3) released in conditioned medium. To explore the mechanism involved, P38 and ERK1/2 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. Result showed that silica inhibits P38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) MAP kinase phosphorylation. The addition of ERK1/2 inhibitor increases silica‐stimulated type‐1 collagen expression, reduces MMP‐1 release and further enhances silica‐induced nodule formation in dermal fibroblasts. These findings indicate that the inhibition of ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway may contribute to silica‐caused fibrosis. In summary, our findings suggest that silica can directly cause fibrotic phenotype when fibroblasts contact with silica particles independent of any inflammation and other factors may exist in an in vivo condition. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 328–338, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activation of survival and apoptotic signaling pathways in lymphocytes exposed to palmitic acid
Authors: Takahashi Hilton Kenji , Cambiaghi Tavane David , Luchessi Augusto Ducati , Hirabara Sandro Massao , Vinolo Marco Aurelio Ramirez , Newsholme Philip , Curi Rui 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe toxicity of palmitic acid (PA) towards a human T‐lymphocyte cell line (Jurkat) has been previously investigated but the mechanism(s) of PA action were unknown. In the current study, Jurkat cells were treated with sub‐lethal concentrations of PA (50–150µM) and the activity of various signaling proteins was investigated. PA‐induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in a dose‐dependent manner as evaluated by DNA fragmentation assay and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, respectively. PA treatment provoked release of cytochrome c from the inner mitochondrial membrane to the cytosol, activated members of the MAPK protein family JNK, p38, ERK, activated caspases 3/9, and increased oxidative/nitrosative stress. Exposure of cells to PA for 12 h increased insulin receptor (IR) and GLUT‐4 levels in the plasma membrane. Insulin treatment (10 mU/ml/30 min) increased the phosphorylation of the IR β‐subunit and Akt. A correlation was found between DNA fragmentation and expression levels of both IR and GLUT‐4. Similar results were obtained for PA‐treated lymphocytes from healthy human donors and from mesenteric lymph nodes of 48‐h starved rats. PA stimulated glucose uptake by Jurkat cells (in the absence of insulin), stimulated accumulation of neutral lipids (triglyceride), and other lipid classes (phospholipids and cholesterol ester) but reduced glucose oxidation. Our results suggest that parameters of insulin signaling and non‐oxidative glucose metabolism are stimulated as part of a coordinated response to prompt survival in lymphocytes exposed to PA but at higher concentrations, apoptosis prevails. These findings may explain aspects of lymphocyte dysfunction associated with diabetes. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 339–350, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelial cell microparticles act as centers of matrix metalloproteinsase‐2 (MMP‐2) activation and vascular matrix remodeling
Authors: Lozito Thomas P. , Tuan Rocky S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEndothelial cell (EC)‐derived microparticles (MPs) are small membrane vesicles associated with various vascular pathologies. Here, we investigated the role of MPs in matrix remodeling by analyzing their interactions with the extracellular matrix. MPs were shown to bind preferentially to surfaces coated with matrix molecules, and MPs bound fibronectin via integrin αV. MPs isolated from EC‐conditioned medium (Sup) were significantly enriched for matrix‐altering proteases, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MPs lacked the MMP inhibitors TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 found in the Sup and, while Sup strongly inhibited MMP activities but MPs did not. In fact, MPs were shown to bind and activate both endogenous and exogenous proMMP‐2. Taken together, these results indicate that MPs interact with extracellular matrices, where they localize and activate MMP‐2 to modify the surrounding matrix molecules. These findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms of vascular matrix remodeling and identify new targets of vascular pathologies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 534–549, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of dairy industry wastewater by EC and EF processes using hybrid FeAl plate electrodes
Authors: Yavuz Yusuf , Öcal Eren , Koparal Ali Savaş , Öğütveren Ülker Bakır 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: In this study electrochemical treatment of dairy industry wastewater (DW) was investigated using a combined electrode system consisting of iron and aluminum as sacrificial electrodes. The dairy industry generates strong wastewaters characterized by high biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand concentrations. Dairy industry waste effluents are concentrated in nature, and the main contributors of organic load to these effluents are carbohydrates, proteins and fats originating from the milk. Since dairy waste streams contain high concentrations of organic matter, these effluents may cause serious environmental problems.RESULTS: A pole changer device was employed to change polarization in given time intervals to generate iron and aluminum based coagulants respectively. The effects of current density, initial pH, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) and H2O2 concentrations on the removal efficiency were investigated. The best experimental conditions obtained in electrochemical studies were as follows: current density = 15 mA cm−2, natural pH, without supporting electrolyte addition, H2O2 concentration = 3 × 1000 mg L−1. Under these conditions, 79.2% COD removal from DW was achieved.CONCLUSION: According to the results, 20 min electrolysis is enough, since insignificant variations in COD removal were observed after this time. These methods were found to be successful for the treatment of DW. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐time estimation of biogas and methane potentials from municipal solid wastes
Authors: Ponsá Sergio , Gea Teresa , Sánchez Antoni 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBiogas (GB) and methane (BMP) potentials are important parameters for the energy potential of the anaerobic digestion of municipal solid wastes (MSW) and to design full‐scale facilities. However, no standard protocol has been defined for this measure. Several samples of mixed MSW and the source‐selected organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) obtained at different stages of their mechanical‐biological treatment were analyzed. GB and BMP values obtained at different times were correlated. Biogas potentials calculated at 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, 50 and 100 days correlated well for the OFMSW samples. In the case of the MSW samples, only GB values obtained at times of 14 or more days correlated well with the ultimate biogas production (considered at 100 days). The biogas potential analyzed at 21 days (as proposed in some standard methods) accounted for 77% of the total biogas potential in OFMSW samples and for 71% in the MSW samples. These results are useful for the correct design and operation of anaerobic digestion plants in terms of retention time estimation and expected biogas and methane production. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced biodegradation of 2‐chloronitro‐benzene using a coupled zero‐valent iron column and sequencing batch reactor system
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Lin Haizhuan , Zhu Liang , Yang Yanni , Feng Jiqin 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: This study focused on the effectiveness of the zero‐valent iron (ZVI) pre‐treatment for enhancing the biodegradability of 2‐chloronitrobenzene (2‐ClNB), and further to evaluate the performance and mechanism of a coupled ZVI column–sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system treating 2‐ClNB contained wastewater.RESULTS: 2‐ClNB was readily transformed into 2‐chloroaniline (2‐ClAn) with the efficiency over 99.9% by ZVI column, and its biodegradability was significantly enhanced via ZVI pretreatment. The transformed effluent was subsequently fed into the SBR followed by 2‐ClAn loading of 3.4–117.2 g m−3 d−1 and COD loading around 1000 g m−3 d−1. A 2‐ClAn removal efficiency over 99.9% and COD removal efficiency of 82.0–98.1% were obtained. Moreover, 91.9 ± 0.1% TOC removal efficiency and 107.1 ± 6.0% chloride recovery efficiency during one cycle confirmed the complete biodegradation of 2‐ClAn in the coupled system. 16S rDNA PCR‐DGGE analysis suggested that ZVI pretreatment enhanced the diversity of the microbial community and promoted enrichment of the functional microorganisms degrading 2‐ClAn in the following SBR.CONCLUSION: ZVI pretreatment significantly enhanced the biodegradability of 2‐ClNB, and the coupled ZVI–SBR system demonstrated excellent performance when treating wastewater containing 2‐ClNB. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Adhesive compatibility of cribellar and viscous prey capture threads and its implication for the evolution of orb‐weaving spiders
Authors: Opell Brent D. , Tran Andrew M. , Karinshak Shannon E. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEvolution of orb‐weaving spiders that comprise the Orbiculariae clade involved a transition in the composition of prey capture thread that has been challenging to explain. The primitive cribellar threads spun by members of the Deinopoidea subclade resemble the capture threads of their non‐orb‐web‐weaving ancestors and are formed of thousands of fine, dry, protein cribellar fibrils. In contrast, the derived viscous capture threads spun by members of the Araneoidea subclade have regularly spaced, aqueous adhesive droplets. When second instar deinopoid spiderlings emerge from egg sacs they are unable to spin cribellar threads, and, therefore, do not construct orb‐webs; whereas second instar araneoids spin capture threads and construct orb‐webs. If, as we hypothesize, viscous material evolved to enable second instar spiderlings to construct orb‐webs, early araneoids may have spun composite cribellar–viscous capture threads. To examine the functional feasibility of such intermediate capture threads, we compared the adhesion of cribellar threads, viscous threads, and combined cribellar–viscous threads. The stickiness of these combined threads was greater than that of native cribellar or viscous threads alone. The viscous material of Araneus marmoreus threads exhibited a substantial increase in stickiness when combined with cribellar fibrils and that of Argiope aurantia threads a small increase in stickiness when combined with cribellar fibrils. Thus, if early araneoids retained their ability to spin cribellar threads after having evolved glands that produced viscous material, their composite threads could have formed a functional adhesive system that achieved its stickiness at no loss of material economy. J. Exp. Zool. 315:376–384, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of 1,3‐thiazoline derivatives bearing nitrophenyl group on the 2‐position
Authors: Zhao Qiuying , Li Jing , Yan Xiaojing , Yuan Huizhu , Qin Zhaohai , Fu Bin 
Published: March 2011

AbstractOrtho‐, meta‐, or para‐nitro benzoic acid were refluxed with excess SOCl2 to give acyl chloride, which condensed with β‐amino alcohol in the presence of Et3N in dichloromethane to afford β‐hydroxyamide; finally, sulphonation and cyclization were simultaneously conducted to afford 1,3‐thiazoline derivatives. Fungicidal activity of these new thiazolines against eight agrocultural fungi were evaluated, and two of this type of compounds displayed good fungicidal activity comparable or superior to commercial fungicide chlorothalonil against two fungi at a concentration of 50 mg/L. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Phylogenetic‐affiliation, antimicrobial potential and PKS gene sequence analysis of moderately halophilic Streptomyces sp. inhabiting an Indian saltpan
Authors: Arul Jose P. , Satheeja Santhi V. , Jebakumar Solomon R. D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA Gram‐positive, moderately halophilic Streptomyces strain, designated JAJ06, was isolated from saltpan soil collected at Tuticorin, India, and subjected to a polyphasic characterization with an insight into their biotechnological importance. Growth characteristics and antimicrobial com‐pound producing capabilities of Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 were observed on various International Streptomyces Project (ISP) media and production media. Optimum growth was observed on modified ISP 4 medium supplemented with 4% NaCl (w/v) at 29 °C incubated for 7 days. Maximum antibacterial compound production with good mycelial growth was observed on starch‐yeast extract‐peptone medium prepared with seawater (90%, v/v). The 16S rRNA gene based phylogenetic affiliation was determined by using various bioinformatics tools and the strain was identified as Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 with 99% sequence similarity to Streptomyces radiopugnansT. An antimicrobial assay of antimicrobial compound derived from Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 against a set of bacteria and a yeast strain revealed antimicrobial activity with significant minimal inhibitory concentrations. The potential antimicrobial compound produced by Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 was found to be polyketide in nature. Cloning and sequence analysis of 613‐bp fragment of ketosynthase gene from the type‐II polyketide operon revealed that Streptomyces sp. JAJ06 has the KSα gene with 91% sequence similarity to the type II polyketide synthase gene of Streptomyces peucetius. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Starvation survival of Candida albicans in various water microcosms
Authors: Chaieb Kamel , Kouidhi Bochra , Zmantar Tarek , Mahdouani Kacem , Bakhrouf Amina 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCandida is a major Human pathogen causing a variety of infections and can survive for extended period of time in aquatic environment including marine and fresh water. In this study we compared a colorimetric XTT assay to colony forming units (CFU) count to evaluate the survival potential of Candida albicans incubated in water microcosms. Our results showed that cells maintain cultivability within a long period followed by a decline in cultivability and a drop of plate counts to less than 20 cell ml–1 after 150 days in tap water, 190 days in rain water and 200 days in seawater. In addition we noted that 10% of cells viability was reached after 150 days in seawater, 180 days in rain water and 210 days in tap water. Molecular method confirms the persistence of C. albicans cells in water during long time starvation period. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of a hydrophobin of the ascomycete Paecilomyces farinosus
Authors: Lunkenbein Stefan , Takenberg Meike , Nimtz Manfred , Berger Ralf G. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe entomopathogenic ascomycete Paecilomyces farinosus (alternative name Isaria farinosa) synthesized a hydrophobin, irrespective of being grown in submerged or surface culture. The protein was extracted using trifluoroacetic acid and purified using preparative HPLC and SDS‐PAGE. Partial sequences were obtained using ESI‐MS/MS. The peptides were used as a start to apply a ‘template switching oligo' protocol to elucidate the complete open reading frame of P. farinosus hydrophobin 1 (pfah1). The deduced protein sequence comprised 107 amino acids (10.7 kDa) including a 16 amino acid long hydrophobic signal peptide, showed a calculated pI of 4.56, and was interrupted by one intron. Phylogenetic analyses revealed relationships to hydrophobins of the ascomycetes Magnaporthe grisea and Metarhizium anisopliae. Based on solubility, hydropathy pattern and phylogeny PfaH1 was assigned to the class Ia hydrophobins. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for studying Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC BAA‐894 pathogenesis
Authors: Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Ganguli Abhijit , Kumar Mukesh , Bhaviya Sheker , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCronobacter sakazakii is occasionally associated with food‐borne illness seen in neonates and infants with weakened immune system. It can cause meningitis, local necrotizing enterocolitis and systemic bacteremia leading to infant mortality rates upto 33–80%. With the aim of investigating whether C. sakazakii is also a pathogen of the model organism C. elegans, we have performed killing assays and monitored the mortality of host fed with pathogen. C. elegans fed with C. sakazakii die over the course of several days, as a consequence of an accumulation of bacteria in the host intestine. Further, the rate of C. sakazakii mediated infection in C. elegans depends on the accumulation of the bacterial load inside the host. C. sakazakii killed C. elegans with an LT50 (time for half to die) of 134 ± 2.8 h in liquid assay conditions, whereas the mortality of C. elegans infected with C. sakazakii was less pronounced during solid assays. We found that 24 h of C. sakazakii infection is enough to cause gametogenesis defects and increased cell damage in intestinal tract of host. To monitor the immune regulations during C. sakazakii infection in C. elegans at molecular level, total RNA was isolated and few candidate genes (lys‐7, clec‐60 and clec‐87) were kinetically analyzed by using the semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. The level of expression of lys‐7, clec‐60 and clec‐87 mRNAs isolated from C. elegans infected with C. sakazakii was significantly higher when compared to C. elegans exposed to E. coli OP50 control. This is the first report in which physiological changes and an induction of host immunity mediated antimicrobial genes by C. sakazakii are shown in C. elegans. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Detection of OXA‐type carbapenemases and integrons among carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobactor baumannii in a Teaching Hospital in China
Authors: Hu Qiaojuan , Hu Zhidong , Li Jing , Tian Bin , Xu Hairu , Li Jin 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe increasing trend of carbapenem‐resistance (CR) and multi‐drug resistance (MDR) in A. baumannii worldwide has limited the therapeutic effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of carbapenemases and integrons among the isolates of imipenem‐resistant A. baumannii (IRAB). A total of 71 non‐repetitive imipenem‐ resistant A. baumannii isolates were collected and tested for susceptibility to 17 antimicrobials. The modified Hodge test and EDTA‐disc synergy test were performed for the screening of carbapenemases and metallo‐β ‐lactamases (MBLs) production, respectively. Isolates were then subjected to multiplex‐PCR targeting genes encoding for OXA‐type carbapenemase, MBLs and integrases. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genotyping was performed to assess genetic relatedness. All isolates exhibited multi‐drug resistant phenotype. Colistin was the most active antimicrobial agent tested. Seventy‐one isolates (100%) demonstrated positive in the modified Hodge test. Thirty‐nine isolates showed positive in the EDTA‐disc synergy test, however, no MBL genes were detected. All strains possessed a blaOXA‐51‐like gene. The co‐exis‐tence of blaOXA‐51‐like/blaOXA‐23‐like/intI1, blaOXA‐51‐like/blaOXA‐23‐like, blaOXA‐51‐like/blaOXA‐24‐like was detected in 91.6% (n = 65), 5.6% (n = 4), 2.8% (n = 2), respectively. Analysis of the genetic con‐text of blaOXA‐23 showed the presence of ISAba1 upstream of blaOXA‐23. No ISAba1 was detected upstream of blaOXA‐51. Two different gene cassettes were found in these strains, and a high prevalence of aacA4, aadA1 and catB8 genes was observed. RAPD of 71 isolates showed 7 genotypes. The strains were mainly recovered from patients in intensive care unit, neurosurgery and department of respiratory disease. These ﬁndings show that multi‐drug resistance in A. baumannii is a common problem. This study also shows a high distribution of blaOXA‐23‐like and intI1 genes in imipenem‐resistant A. baumannii isolates. The clonal spread played an important role in the increase of OXA‐23 producing IRABs in the hospital environment. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Composition and authentication of virgin olive oil from French PDO regions by chemometric treatment of Raman spectra
Authors: Korifi R. , Le Dréau Y. , Molinet J. , Artaud J. , Dupuy N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe search for the origin and the authentication of virgin olive oils (VOOs) is a problem of topical interest. VOOs with the protected designation of origin (PDO) label can be subject to fraudulent practices owing to high price commanded by these oils. This work evaluates the capability of confocal Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric treatments for determining the fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions of VOOs and for authenticating the PDO labels of six French VOOs. Fatty acid and TAG compositions were determined by chemometric analysis of the Raman spectra using the partial least square (PLS) algorithms. Predictions have provided good results on the high percentage compounds, but for the fatty acids at very low percentages the predicted results were very poor. The PLS‐discriminant analysis model on Raman spectra was able to correctly classify 92.3% of French PDOs and 100% of PDO samples made with only one principal cultivar. However, it was noticeable that the first regression coefficient (which explains the greatest amount of variation of the data) obtained for each PDO could be compared one by one with the first regression coefficient obtained for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids and TAGs. The first regression coefficients obtained for PDOs differed widely from each other. Their study allowed interpreting the PDOs according to their chemical composition. This work confirms that fatty acid and TAG percentages may be used to authenticate French VOOs into PDOs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.