bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal susceptibility patterns of yeasts and filamentous fungi isolated from nail infection
Authors: Ataides F.S. , Chaul M.H. , El Essal F.E. , Costa C.R. , Souza L.K.H. , Fernandes O.F.L. , Silva M.R.R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Onychomycosis is the nail infection caused by a wide spectrum of fungi species, including yeasts, dermatophytes and filamentous fungi non‐dermatophytes (FFND). This fungal infection represents an important medical problem because it involves the patient′s life quality.Objective  The aim was to isolate and identify the fungal agents of onychomycosis, and to determine the in vitro susceptibility to antifungal agents.Methods  During the period of March 2008 to March 2009, 114 patients clinically suspected of having onychomycosis were examined. Demographic data, mainly age and gender were obtained from each patient. The nail samples collected (136) were submitted to direct examination with potassium hydroxide 20% and grown on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the method of broth microdilution, recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).Results  Onychomycosis was observed in 95 (83.3%) patients, including 16 men (16.8%) and 79 women (83.2%), with mean age of 48.1 years. Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton rubrum and Fusarium spp were the fungi most frequently isolated. The most of the isolated yeasts showed susceptibility to antifungal agents studied. Among filamentous fungi, high MIC values to itraconazole were found for T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, while Fusarium spp showed decreased susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole.Conclusion  C. parapsilosis was the most common fungal species isolated from patients with onychomycosis. The different response obtained by in vitro susceptibility testing to drugs shows the importance of these methods to assist clinicians in choosing the best therapeutic option.
Getting here from there: testing the genetic paradigm underpinning introduction histories and invasion success
Authors: Hardesty Britta Denise , Le Roux Johannes J. , Rocha Oscar J. , Meyer Jean‐Yves , Westcott David , Wieczorek Ania M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim To explore the potential of genetic processes and mating systems to influence successful plant invasions, we compared genetic diversity of the highly invasive tropical treelet,Miconia calvescens,in nine invasive populations and three native range populations. Specifically, we tested how genetic diversity is partitioned in native and invaded regions, which have different invasion histories (multiple vs. single introductions). Lastly, we infer how levels of inbreeding in different regions impact invasion success.Location Invaded ranges in the Pacific (Hawaii, Tahiti, New Caledonia) and Australia and native range in Costa Rica.Methods Genetic diversity was inferred by analysing variation at nine microsatellite loci in 273 individuals from 13 populations ofM. calvescens. Genetic structure was assessed usingamova, isolation by distance (IBD) within regions, a Bayesian clustering approach, and principal coordinates analysis.Results Microsatellite analysis revealed that invaded regions exhibit low levels of allelic richness and genetic diversity with few private alleles. To the contrary, in the native range, we observed high levels of allelic richness, high heterozygosity and 78% of all private alleles. Surprisingly, despite evident genetic bottlenecks in all invasive regions, similarly high levels of inbreeding were detected in both invasive and native ranges (FIS: 0.345 and 0.399, respectively). Bayesian clustering analysis showed a lack of geographical structure in the Pacific and evidence of differing invasion histories between the Pacific and Australia. While Pacific populations are derived from a single introduction to the region, multiple introductions have taken place in Australia from different source regions.Main conclusions Multiple introductions have not resulted in increased genetic diversity forM. calvescensinvasions. Moreover, similar inbreeding levels between native and invaded ranges suggests that there is no correlation between levels of inbreeding and levels of standing genetic diversity forM. calvescens.Overall, our results show that neither inbreeding nor low genetic diversity is an impediment to invasion success.
Volcanic perturbations of the marine environment in South China preceding the latest Permian mass extinction and their biotic effects
Authors: SHEN J. , ALGEO T. J. , ZHOU L. , FENG Q. , YU J. , ELLWOOD B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe Dongpan section in southern Guangxi Province records the influence of local volcanic activity on marine sedimentation at intermediate water depths (∼200–500 m) in the Nanpanjiang Basin (South China) during the late Permian crisis. We analyzed ∼100 samples over a 12‐m‐thick interval, generating palynological, paleobiological, and geochemical datasets to investigate the nature and causes of environmental changes. The section records at least two major volcanic episodes that culminated in deposition of approximately 25‐ to 35‐cm‐thick ash layers (bentonites) and that had profound effects on conditions in both the Dongpan marine environment and adjacent land areas. Intensification of eruptive activity during each volcanic cycle resulted in a shift toward conifer forests, increased wildfire intensity, and elevated subaerial weathering fluxes. The resulting increase in nutrient fluxes stimulated marine productivity in the short term but led to a negative feedback on productivity in the longer term as the OMZ of the Nanpanjiang Basin expanded, putting both phytoplankton and zooplankton communities under severe stress. Radiolarians exhibit large declines in diversity and abundance well before the global mass extinction horizon, demonstrating the diachroneity of the marine biotic crisis. The latest Permian crisis, which was probably triggered by the Siberian Traps flood basalts, intensified the destructive effects of the earlier local eruptions on terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the South China craton.
A new role for laminins as modulators of protein toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jensen Louise T. , Møller Tine H. , Larsen Simon A. , Jakobsen Helle , Olsen Anders 
Published: November 2011

SummaryProtein misfolding is a common theme in aging and several age‐related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The processes involved in the development of these diseases are many and complex. Here, we show that components of the basement membrane (BM), particularly laminin, affect protein integrity of the muscle cells they support. We knocked down gene expression of epi‐1, a laminin α‐chain, and found that this resulted in increased proteotoxicity in different Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic models, expressing aggregating proteins in the body wall muscle. The effect could partially be rescued by decreased insulin‐like signaling, known to slow the aging process and the onset of various age‐related diseases. Our data points to an underlying molecular mechanism involving proteasomal degradation and HSP‐16 chaperone activity. Furthermore, epi‐1‐depleted animals had altered synaptic function and displayed hypersensitivity to both levamisole and aldicarb, an acetylcholine receptor agonist and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, respectively. Our results implicate the BM as an extracellular modulator of protein homeostasis in the adjacent muscle cells. This is in agreement with previous research showing that imbalance in neuromuscular signaling disturbs protein homeostasis in the postsynaptic cell. In our study, proteotoxicity may indeed be mediated by the neuromuscular junction which is part of the BM, where laminins are present in high concentration, ensuring the proper microenvironment for neuromuscular signaling. Laminins are evolutionarily conserved, and thus the BM may play a much more causal role in protein misfolding diseases than currently recognized.
Apigenin, a plant‐derived flavone, activates transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 cation channel
Authors: Ma Xin , He Dongxu , Ru Xiaochen , Chen Yun , Cai Yanfei , Bruce Iain C , Xia Qiang , Yao Xiaoqiang , Jin Jian 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+‐permeable channel with multiple modes of activation. Apigenin is a plant‐derived flavone, which has potential preventive effects on the development of cardiovascular disease. We set out to explore the effects of apigenin on TRPV4 channel activity and its role in vasodilatation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of apigenin (0.01–30 µM) on TPRV4 channels were investigated in HEK293 cells over‐expressing TRPV4, rat primary cultured mesenteric artery endothelial cells (MAECs) and isolated small mesenteric arterial segments using whole‐cell patch clamp, fluorescent Ca2+ imaging, intracellular recording and pressure myography.KEY RESULTS Whole‐cell patch clamp and fluorescent Ca2+ imaging in HEK cells over‐expressing TRPV4 showed that apigenin concentration‐dependently stimulated the TRPV4‐mediated cation current and Ca2+ influx. In MAECs, apigenin stimulated Ca2+ influx in a concentration‐dependent manner. These increases in cation current and Ca2+ influx were markedly inhibited by TRPV4‐specific blockers and siRNAs. Furthermore, pressure myography and intracellular recording in small third‐order mesenteric arteries showed that apigenin dose‐dependently evoked smooth muscle cell membrane hyperpolarization and subsequent vascular dilatation, which were significantly inhibited by TRPV4‐specific blockers. TRPV4 blocker or charybdotoxin (200 nM) plus apamin (100 nM) diminished the apigenin‐induced dilatation.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first study to demonstrate the selective stimulation of TRPV4 by apigenin. Apigenin was found to activate TRPV4 channels in a dose‐dependent manner in HEK cells over‐expressing TRPV4 and in native endothelial cells. In rat small mesenteric arteries, apigenin acts on TRPV4 in endothelial cells to induce EDHF‐mediated vascular dilatation.
Anatomic Assessment of Variations in Myocardial Approaches to the Atrioventricular Node
Authors: MATSUYAMA TAKA‐AKI , HO SIEW YEN , MCCARTHY KAREN P. , UEDA AKIKO , MAKIMOTO HISAKI , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , KAMAKURA SHIRO , INOUE SHIN , ISHIBASHI‐UEDA HATSUE 
Published: November 2011

Atrial Septum, Coronary Sinus, and Atrioventricular Node.
Introduction:
The tissues in the posteroinferior atrioventricular (AV) junction around the AV node are important in procedures for ablating and manipulation of catheters in and around the coronary sinus (CS). However, information with regard to the histological arrangement of perinodal myocardium relative to the CS is lacking.
Methods and Results:
We examined 21 postmortem human hearts without any abnormalities (9 women; mean age 68.8 ± 14.3 years). After making measurements, the posteroinferior AV junction was removed and processed for histology. Sections were cut parallel to the septum. We assessed the myocardial arrangements from the atrial septum and the CS toward the AV nodal tissue, including the transitional cell zone, and measured the dimensions between the compact AV node and the CS, and the circumference of the CS. We observed 3 patterns of myocardial approaches to the AV node: extension of myocardium from the atrial septum (Group A; n = 6); extension of CS musculature (Group B; n = 6); and both septal and CS musculature (Group C; n = 9). The distance between the AV node and the CS in Group A was significantly longer than in the other groups (mean 11.5 ± 3.1 mm, 1.7 ± 0.6 mm, 3.8 ± 1.5 mm, respectively; P < 0.0001), and the circumference of the CS in Group B was longer than in Group A (mean 31.1 ± 7.9 mm*, 44.4 ± 8.4 mm*, 33.7 ± 6.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The myocardial approaches including the transitional cell zone toward the AV node are variable in normal hearts. The location and size of the CS can affect the myocardial arrangements and the area of transitional cells around the AV node.
Risk for Permanent Pacemaker After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature
Authors: ERKAPIC DAMIR , DE ROSA SALVATORE , KELAVA AUGUSTIN , LEHMANN RALF , FICHTLSCHERER STEPHAN , HOHNLOSER STEFAN H. 
Published: November 2011

Risk for Permanent Pacemaker After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.Background: Permanent pacemaker (PM) requirement is a known complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There are, however, no systematic data concerning this complication.Objective: To determine the incidence and potential predictors of permanent PM requirement after TAVI based on published literature.Methods: We conducted a MEDLINE search to identify potentially relevant literature dealing with PM requirement after TAVI. Data were collected on paper extraction forms by 2 independent investigators.Results: There were 32 relevant published studies comprising data of 5,258 patients without an implanted PM before TAVI. An Edwards‐Sapiens® prosthesis (ESP) was implanted in 2,887 patients, whereas 2,371 patients received a CoreValve® prosthesis (CVP). The crude incidence of PM implantation after TAVI was 15%. Six hundred and fourteen of 2,371 (25.8%) CVP patients and 189 of the 2,887 (6.5%) ESP patients had to receive a permanent PM (odds ratio [OR] 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.12–5.86, P < 0.001). Presence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) before TAVI was a significant predictor for development of complete atrioventricular (AV) block and subsequent PM need (OR 1.358, 95% CI 1.001–1.841, P = 0.02). More than 90% of all AV‐block requiring PM implantation occurred immediately or within 7 days after TAVI.Conclusion: Patients undergoing TAVI with implantation of CVP are at significantly higher risk for development of AV block and subsequent need for permanent PM, particularly if RBBB preexists. Since AV block occurs in >90% within the first week after the procedure, careful monitoring should be performed for at least 7 days after TAVI.
Reflection and Reasoning in Moral Judgment
Authors: Paxton Joseph M. , Ungar Leo , Greene Joshua D. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWhile there is much evidence for the influence of automatic emotional responses on moral judgment, the roles of reflection and reasoning remain uncertain. In Experiment 1, we induced subjects to be more reflective by completing the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) prior to responding to moral dilemmas. This manipulation increased utilitarian responding, as individuals who reflected more on the CRT made more utilitarian judgments. A follow‐up study suggested that trait reflectiveness is also associated with increased utilitarian judgment. In Experiment 2, subjects considered a scenario involving incest between consenting adult siblings, a scenario known for eliciting emotionally driven condemnation that resists reasoned persuasion. Here, we manipulated two factors related to moral reasoning: argument strength and deliberation time. These factors interacted in a manner consistent with moral reasoning: A strong argument defending the incestuous behavior was more persuasive than a weak argument, but only when increased deliberation time encouraged subjects to reflect.
Cell‐derived microparticles in atherosclerosis: biomarkers and targets for pharmacological modulation?
Authors: Baron Morgane , Boulanger Chantal M. , Staels Bart , Tailleux Anne 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIntroductionMicroparticle formation, structure and compositionMicroparticle isolation, preparation and measurementMicroparticles as markers of cardiovascular diseasesMicroparticles as actors in cardiovascular diseasesPharmacological modulation of plasma MP concentrationsConclusionCardiovascular diseases remain an important cause of morbi‐mortality. Atherosclerosis, which predisposes to cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction and stroke, develops silently over several decades. Identification of circulating biomarkers to evaluate cardiovascular event risk and pathology prognosis is of particular importance. Microparticles (MPs) are small vesicles released from cells upon apoptosis or activation. Microparticles are present in blood of healthy individuals. Studies showing a modification of their concentrations in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and after cardiovascular events identify MPs as potential biomarkers of disease. Moreover, the pathophysiological properties of MPs may contribute to atherosclerosis development. In addition, pharmacological compounds, used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, can reduce plasma MP concentrations. Nevertheless, numerous issues remain to be solved before MP measurement can be applied as routine biological tests to improve cardiovascular risk prediction. In particular, prospective studies to identify the predictive values of MPs in pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases are needed to demonstrate whether MPs are useful biomarkers for the early detection of the disease and its progression.
Amelanotic melanoma: a detailed morphologic analysis with clinicopathologic correlation of 75 cases
Authors: Cheung Wang L. , Patel Rishi R. , Leonard Aimee , Firoz Bahar , Meehan Shane A. 
Published: November 2011

Amelanotic melanoma can have a varied appearance both clinically and microscopically. Here, we present our experiences with 75 cases of amelanotic melanoma defined clinically as a non‐pigmented lesion and histopathologically as a tumor lacking significant melanization. We evaluated microscopic features such as morphology, mitotic count, nuclear atypia and presence of solar elastosis. Our amelanotic melanomas exhibited the following morphology: epitheloid (72%), spindled (18.7%) or desmoplastic (5.3%). In addition, we obtained patient information and clinical presentations on most of the cases (74/75; 98.7%) and follow‐up data on 40% (30/75) of the cases. The majority of amelanotic melanomas in men were found on the trunk (13/45; 29%), head and neck (12/45; 26.7%), and lower limb (13/45; 29%) and in women were found on the lower limb (12/30; 40%), upper limb (10/30; 33.3%) and head and neck (6/30; 20%). In addition, we found that an increase in mitotic index correlated with worse survival (p < 0.026), whereas there were no differences in survival for other pathological features, such as nuclear atypia or solar elastosis. Furthermore, in cases with available tissue, all amelanotic melanoma expressed microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor and tyrosinase, suggesting that the tumor cells retained melanocytic lineage and an enzyme in melanin formation, respectively. As the occurrence of amelanotic melanoma and the expression melanoma markers were similar to pigmented melanoma, we favor that amelanotic melanoma represents a subtype of melanoma rather than poorly differentiated or de‐differentiated melanoma.Cheung WL, Patel RR, Leonard A, Firoz B, Meehan SA. Amelanotic melanoma: a detailed morphologic analysis with clinicopathologic correlation of 75 cases.
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in a population of complete denture wearers
Authors: Dallanora Andressa Franceschi , Grasel Cláudia Elisa , Heine Caroline Pereira , Demarco Flávio Fernando , Pereira‐Cenci Tatiana , Presta Andréia Antoniuk , Boscato Noéli 
Published: November 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00574.x Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in a population of complete denture wearersBackground: Complete tooth loss among the elderly is still frequent in developing countries and the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a common finding in complete denture wearers.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a population of complete denture wearers.Materials and Methods: The data were collected by four examiners for the diagnosis of use and need for complete dentures followed by the World Health Organization standards and interviews for TMD signs and symptoms evaluation. Exploratory variables included demographic, socio‐economic status and TMD prevalence.Results: The prevalence of TMD among denture wearers was 55.12%. Chi‐squared test showed no statistical difference between subjects with or without TMD for gender, geographical location and skin colour (p < 0.05). The number of subjects with TMD increased as the period of complete denture wear increased, although no statistical difference between groups were found (p < 0.05).Conclusions: There is a need of educational programmes aiming at the importance of health care and periodical change of a complete denture, and strategies with a preventive approach to quality general dental care.
Investigation by site‐directed mutagenesis of the role of cytochrome P450 2B4 non‐active‐site residues in protein–ligand interactions based on crystal structures of the ligand‐bound enzyme
Authors: Wilderman P. Ross , Gay Sean C. , Jang Hyun‐Hee , Zhang Qinghai , Stout C. David , Halpert James R. 
Published: November 2011

Residues located outside the active site of cytochromes P450 2B have exhibited importance in ligand binding, structural stability and drug metabolism. However, contributions of non‐active‐site residues to the plasticity of these enzymes are not known. Thus, a systematic investigation was undertaken of unique residue–residue interactions found in crystal structures of P450 2B4 in complex with 4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)imidazole (4‐CPI), a closed conformation, or in complex with bifonazole, an expanded conformation. Nineteen mutants distributed over 11 sites were constructed, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Most mutants showed significantly decreased expression, especially in the case of interactions found in the 4‐CPI structure. Six mutants (H172A, H172F, H172Q, L437A, E474D and E474Q) were chosen for detailed functional analysis. Among these, the Ks of H172F for bifonazole was ∼ 20 times higher than for wild‐type 2B4, and the Ks of L437A for 4‐CPI was ∼ 50 times higher than for wild‐type, leading to significantly altered inhibitor selectivity. Enzyme function was tested with the substrates 7‐ethoxy‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)coumarin, 7‐methoxy‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)coumarin and 7‐benzyloxyresorufin (7‐BR). H172F was inactive with all three substrates, and L437A did not turn over 7‐BR. Furthermore, H172A, H172Q, E474D and E474Q showed large changes in kcat/KM for each of the three substrates, in some cases up to 50‐fold. Concurrent molecular dynamics simulations yielded distances between some of the residues in these putative interaction pairs that are not consistent with contact. The results indicate that small changes in the protein scaffold lead to large differences in solution behavior and enzyme function.Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited into the RCSB Protein Data Bank under accession number 3TK3. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) cytochrome P450 dependent monooxygenase 2B4, EC 1.14.14.1, UniProt #: P00178