bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection and characterisation of fungal heat shock protein 60
Authors: Raggam Reinhard B. , Salzer Helmut J. F. , Marth Egon , Heiling Bettina , Paulitsch Astrid H. , Buzina Walter 
Published: July 2010

SummaryHeat shock proteins (Hsp) are highly conserved molecules, which are both constitutively expressed and up‐regulated in response to various stress conditions. In particular, fungal Hsp60 can act as immunodominant antigens and facilitate powerful immunological properties. A possible cellular heat shock response was investigated in eight fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Scedosporium apiospermum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Fully automated RNA extraction was followed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR targeting fungus‐specific Hsp60 mRNA and sequencing of the amplicon. Levels of temperature‐dependent gene expression were evaluated and rates of similarity and identity were compared. While Hsp60 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all the samples tested, a temperature‐dependent induction was not shown in C. cladosporioides. In the 80‐amino acid fragment from the hypothetical protein, 66% of the amino acids were identical, 20% showed a conserved and 8% a semi‐conserved substitution. Our findings should contribute to a better understanding of host–pathogen relationship and suggest that fungal Hsp60 under temperature‐related stress conditions might act as an immunogenic trigger in orchestrating fungi‐related diseases.
Board Monitoring, Regulation, and Performance in the Banking Industry: Evidence from the Market for Corporate Control
Authors: Hagendorff Jens , Collins Michael , Keasey Kevin 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: The specific monitoring effect of boards of directors versus industry regulation is unclear. In this paper, we examine how the interaction between bank‐level monitoring and regulatory regimes influences the announcement period returns of acquiring banks in the US and twelve European economies.Research Findings/Insights: We study three board monitoring mechanisms – independence, CEO‐chair duality, and diversity – and analyze their effectiveness in preventing underperforming merger strategies under bank regulators of varying strictness. Only under strict banking regulation regimes, do board independence and diversity improve acquisition performance. In less strict regulatory environments, corporate governance is virtually irrelevant in improving the performance outcomes of merger activities.Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our results indicate a complementary role between monitoring by boards and bank regulation. This study is the first to report evidence consistent with complementarity by investigating the effectiveness (rather than the prevalence) of governance arrangements across regulatory regimes.Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our work offers insights to policymakers charged with improving the quality of decision‐making at financial institutions. Attempts to improve the ability of bank boards to critically assess managerial initiatives are most likely to be successful if internal governance is accompanied by strict industry regulation.
Health‐related quality of life and marital quality of vitiligo patients in China
Authors: Wang K‐Y , Wang K‐H , Zhang Z‐P 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground Vitiligo can adversely affect the quality of life and sexual relationships of patients. Combination of the DLQI with the generic SF‐36 and ENRICH may give further insight in the evaluation of the burden in vitiligo patients.Objective We sought to assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and marital quality of Chinese vitiligo patients and to identify the relevant clinical and socio‐demographic determinants.Methods A total of 101 vitiligo patients and 126 healthy controls completed the questionnaires. HRQoL was measured using DLQI and SF‐36, and marital quality was measured using the ENRICH marital inventory.Results Patients with vitiligo experienced significantly impaired health‐related quality of life and unstable marital relationships. Gender, distribution pattern of vitiligo and disease severity were independent predictors of DLQI, SF‐36 and ENRICH in this cohort.Conclusions Vitiligo is associated with impairment of HRQoL and marital quality among Chinese patients. Alongside the medical interventions, the psychological and sociocultural assessment and intervention should be an essential part of the management of these cases.
Social involvement of children with autism spectrum disorders in elementary school classrooms
Authors: Rotheram‐Fuller Erin , Kasari Connie , Chamberlain Brandt , Locke Jill 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are increasingly included in general education classrooms in an effort to improve their social involvement.Methods:  Seventy‐nine children with ASD and 79 randomly selected, gender‐matched peers (88.6% male) in 75 early (K‐1), middle (2nd–3rd), and late (4th–5th) elementary classrooms across 30 schools completed social network surveys examining each child’s reciprocal friendships, peer rejection, acceptance, and social involvement.Results:  Across grade levels, peers less frequently reciprocated friendships with children with ASD than students in the matched sample. While children with ASD were not more likely to be rejected by peers, they were less accepted and had fewer reciprocal friendships than matched peers at each grade level. Although 48.1% of children with ASD were involved in the social networks of their classrooms, children with ASD were more likely to be isolated or peripheral to social relationships within the classroom across all grade levels, and this difference is even more dramatic in later elementary grades.Conclusions:  In inclusive classrooms, children with ASD are only involved in peers’ social relationships about half of the time, and appear to be even less connected with increasing grade level. Promoting children with ASD’s skills in popular activities to share with peers in early childhood may be a key preventive intervention to protect social relationships in late elementary school grades.
Effects of Osmolality and Ionic Strength on Secretion from Adrenal Chromaffin Cells Permeabilized with Digitonin
Authors: Holz Ronald W. , Senter Ruth A. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract:Hyperosmotic solutions inhibit exocytosis of catecholamine from adrenal chromaffin cells at a step after Ca2+ entry into the cells. The possibility that the inhibition resulted from an inability of shrunken secretory granules to undergo exocytosis was investigated in cells with plasma membranes permeabilized by digitonin. The osmoticants and salts used in this study rapidly equilibrated across the plasma membrane and bathed the intracellular organelles. When sucrose was the osmoticant, secretion was not significantly inhibited unless the osmolality was raised above 1,000 mOs. When the osmolality was raised with the tetrasaccharide stachyose or a low‐molecular‐weight maltodextrin fraction (average size a tetrasaccharide), one‐half maximal inhibition occurred at 900–1,000 mOs. Prior treatment of permeabilized cells with Ca2+ in hyperosmotic solution did not result in enhanced secretion when cells were restored to normal osmolality. Increased concentrations of potassium glutamate or sodium isethionate were more potent than carbohydrate in inhibiting secretion. Half‐maximal inhibition occurred at 600–700 mOs or when the ionic strength was approximately doubled. The inhibition by elevated potasium glutamate also occurred when the osmolality was kept constant with sucrose. Increasing the ionic strength did not alter the Ca2+ sensitivity of the secretory response. Reducing the ionic strength by substituting sucrose for salt reduced the Ca2+ concentration required for half‐maximal stimulated secretion from approximately 1.2 μM. Chromaffin granules, the secretory granules, are known to shrink in hyperosmotic solution. The experiments indicate that shrunken chromaffin granules can undergo exocytosis and suggest that in intact cells elevated ionic strength rather than chromaffin granule shrinkage contributes to the inhibition of secretion by hyperosmotic solutions. The experiments place limits on the possible osmotic mechanisms that could be involved in exocytosis.
Metals accelerate production of the aberrant splicing isoform of the presenilin‐2
Authors: Matsuzaki Shinsuke , Manabe Takayuki , Katayama Taiichi , Nishikawa Atsuko , Yanagita Takeshi , Okuda Hiroaki , Yasuda Yuichi , Miyata Shingo , Meshitsuka Shunsuke , Tohyama Masaya 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOxidative stress is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Metals are known to be one of the factors that contribute to oxidative stress. Recently, we reported that the aberrant splicing isoform (PS2V) generated by skipping exon5 of the presenilin‐2 (PS2) gene is a diagnostic feature of sporadic AD (SAD). PS2V is inducible by exposure of human neuroblastoma to hypoxia. We examined whether this aberrant splicing was caused by metal‐induced oxidative stress, such as exposure to aluminum. As a result, we demonstrated that exposure to aluminum accelerated PS2V production induced by hypoxia. This acceleration of the production of PS2V to hypoxia was caused by chronic aluminum exposure, but was not related to the intracellular content of aluminum. HMGA1a is a mediator of PS2V production, and it was induced by aluminum as well as by hypoxia. Induction of HMGA1a was increased by chronic exposure to aluminum, and a nuclear extract containing HMGA1a bound to a specific sequence on exon5 of PS2 pre‐mRNA, as reported previously. Finally, the acceleration of PS2V production induced by aluminum under hypoxic conditions reflected, but has not yet been directly shown to cause, vulnerability to endoplasmic reticulum stress. These results suggest that exposure to some metals can accelerate and enhance PS2V generation, and that hypoxia plus chronic exposure to metals may promote the development of AD.
GIGYF2 is present in endosomal compartments in the mammalian brains and enhances IGF‐1‐induced ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Higashi Shinji , Iseki Eizo , Minegishi Michiko , Togo Takashi , Kabuta Tomohiro , Wada Keiji 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 423–437.Abstract GIGYF2 has been reported as a candidate gene for PARK11‐linked Parkinson’s disease (PD). Heterozygous knockout of GIGYF2 results in neurodegeneration, suggesting important roles for GIGYF2 (Grb10 interacting GYF protein 2) in the CNS. In this study, we used novel GIGYF2 antibodies to clarify the distribution and function of GIGYF2. GIGYF2 was widely expressed, most highly in the pancreas and testis, and moderately in brain, lung, liver, kidney and spleen. In the brain, GIGYF2 was tightly associated with membrane in the S3 fraction, and localised in neuronal perikarya and proximal dendrites. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated sites of GIGYF2 localisation throughout the mouse brain, with high levels in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, olfactory bulb and brainstem nuclei, but low levels in the substantia nigra and striatum. GIGYF2 was present in endosomes immunopositive for Rab4 and Grb10. Expression of GIGYF2 altered insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) receptor trafficking and enhanced IGF‐1‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, but not IGF‐1 receptor or serine/threonine protein kinase Akt phosphorylation. There were no significant differences in signalling activation between cells expressing wild‐type and putative PD‐associated mutant GIGYF2. In PD brains, GIGYF2 did not localise to Lewy bodies. Our findings indicate a role for GIGYF2 in the regulation of signalling at endosomes, but no contribution of GIGYF2 to the pathogenesis of PD.
Phosphorus fertilizer form affects phosphorus loss to waterways: a paired catchment study
Authors: McDowell R. W. , Littlejohn R. P. , Blennerhassett J. D. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTwo catchments were used to test the hypothesis that using reactive phosphate rock (RPR), a low water soluble fertilizer, instead of superphosphate, could decrease phosphorus (P) export in streams. The sheep‐grazed catchments, each ca. 12 ha in size, received 20–25 kg P/ha either as RPR or superphosphate for 3 yr. Filterable (<0.45 μm) reactive P (FRP) and total P (TP) in stream samples were then compared against two subsequent years when both catchments received 20 kg P/ha as superphosphate. On average, during the 5‐yr study, loads of FRP and TP in stream flow were low (110 g FRP/ha and 358 g TP/ha), typical of dry sheep‐grazed hill country. However, FRP (58%) and TP (38%) in stream flow were significantly less when RPR was applied instead of superphosphate. Where appropriate climatic and soil conditions exist to maintain agronomic targets, RPR could be used to decrease P export in streams.
Aquagenic pruritus: associated diseases and clinical pruritus characteristics
Authors: Heitkemper Tina , Hofmann Tanja , Phan Ngoc Quan , Ständer Sonja 
Published: July 2010

Summary Background: Aquagenic pruritus (AP) can be induced by systemic diseases. The distribution of underlying diseases in a representative patient collective has not been investigated. This retrospective study aimed to determine the frequency and pruritus‐specific parameter of systemic diseases in a series of patients. Patients and methods: Data of 39 patients with AP (24 f, 15 m; mean age: f: 51.3 ± 20.1, m: 57.2 ± 15.0 years) were obtained and statistically evaluated as follows: demographic data, pruritus characteristics, underlying diseases, family history. Results: 30.8 % of patients exhibited polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis (Group 1: G1), in 69.2 % (G2) no underlying disease was found. 25.6 % had lactose intolerance as possible contributing factor. Women were significantly more common in G2 (p < 0.01), with a lower mean age (p < 0.01) and longer duration of AP (18.9 years, p < 0.01). Conclusions: AP occurs frequently with polycythemia vera. Other underlying diseases are rare; in over half of the patients no cause can be detected. In 25 % lactose intolerance is present which possibly acts as co‐factor. Demographic parameters (age, gender) allow estimation of the possible underlying disease in AP. Pruritus characteristics are similar in all groups and not helpful in determining the origin of AP.
Molecular cloning and expression of a Relish gene in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Li F. , Wang L. , Zhang H. , Zheng P. , Zhao J. , Qiu L. , Zhang Y. , Song L. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryNF‐κB is a B‐cell specific transcription factor that plays crucial roles in inflammation, immunity, apoptosis, development and differentiation. In the present study, a novel NF‐κB‐like transcription factor Relish was cloned from Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis (designated as EsRelish) by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique based on expressed sequence tag (EST). The full‐length cDNA of EsRelish was of 5034 bp, consisting of a 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of 57 bp, a 3′ UTR of 1335 bp with two mRNA instability motifs (ATTTA), a polyadenylation signal sequence (AATAAA) and a poly (A) tail, and an open reading frame (ORF) of 3645 bp encoding a polypeptide of 1214 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 134.8 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.26. There were a typical Rel homology domain (RHD), two nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences (KR), an inhibitor κB (IκB)‐like domain with six ankyrin repeats, a PEST region and a death domain in the deduced amino acid sequence of EsRelish. Conserved domain, higher similarity with other Rel/NF‐κBs and phylogenetic analysis suggested that EsRelish was a member of the NF‐κB family. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR was employed to detect the mRNA transcripts of EsRelish in different tissues and its temporal expression in hemocytes of E. sinensis challenged with Pichia methanolica and Listonella anguillarum. The EsRelish mRNA was found to be constitutively expressed in a wide range of tissues. It could be mainly detected in the hemocytes, gonad and hepatopancreas, and less degree in the gill, muscle and heart. The expression level of EsRelish mRNA in hemocytes was up‐regulated from at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after P. methanolica challenge. In L. anguillarum challenge, it was up‐regulated at 9, 12 and 24 h. The results collectively indicated that EsRelish was potentially involved in the immune response against fungus and bacteria.
Problem-based learning for professionalism and scientific integrity training of biomedical graduate students: process evaluation
Authors: Jones Nancy L , Peiffer Ann M , Lambros Ann , Eldridge J Charles 
Published: July 2010

ObjectiveWe conducted a process evaluation to (a) assess the effectiveness of a new problem-based learning curriculum designed to teach professionalism and scientific integrity to biomedical graduate students and (b) modify the course to enhance its relevance and effectiveness. The content presented realistic cases and issues in the practice of science, to promote skill development and to acculturate students to professional norms of science.MethodWe used 5-step Likert-scaled questions, open-ended questions, and interviews of students and facilitators to assess curricular effectiveness.ResultsBoth facilitators and students perceived course objectives were achieved. For example, respondents preferred active learning over lectures; both faculty and students perceived that the curriculum increased their understanding of norms, role obligations and responsibilities of professional scientists. They also reported an increased ability to identify ethical situations and felt that they had developed skills in moral reasoning and effective group work.ConclusionsThese data helped to improve course implementation and instructional material. For example, to correct a negative perception that this was an ‘ethics’ course, we redesigned case debriefing activities to reinforce learning objectives and important skills. We refined cases to be more engaging and relevant for students, and gave facilitators more specific training and resources for each case. The problem-based learning small group strategy can stimulate an environment whereby participants are more aware of ethical implications of science, and increase their socialisation and open communication about professional behaviour.
A Cancer Detection Platform Which Measures Telomerase Activity from Live Circulating Tumor Cells Captured on a Microfilter
Authors: Xu Tong , Lu Bo , Tai Yu-Chong , Goldkorn Amir 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTC) quantified in cancer patients' blood can predict disease outcome and response to therapy. However, the CTC analysis platforms commonly used cannot capture live CTCs and only apply to tumors of epithelial origin. To address these limitations, we have developed a novel cancer detection platform which measures telomerase activity from live CTCs captured on a parylene-C slot microfilter. Using a constant low-pressure delivery system, the new microfilter platform was capable of cell capture from 1 mL of whole blood in less than 5 minutes, achieving 90% capture efficiency, 90% cell viability, and 200-fold sample enrichment. Importantly, the captured cells retained normal morphology by scanning electron microscopy and could be readily manipulated, further analyzed, or expanded on- or off-filter. Telomerase activity—a well-recognized universal cancer marker—was reliably detected by quantitative PCR from as few as 25 cancer cells added into 7.5 mL of whole blood and captured on the microfilter. Moreover, significant telomerase activity elevation was also measured from patients' blood samples and from single cancer cells lifted off of the microfilter. Live CTC capture and analysis is fast and simple yet highly quantitative, versatile, and applicable to nearly all solid tumor types, making this a highly promising new strategy for cancer detection and characterization. Cancer Res; 70(16); 6420–6. ©2010 AACR.
Dvl2 Promotes Intestinal Length and Neoplasia in the Apc
Min Mouse Model for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Metcalfe Ciara , Ibrahim Ashraf E.K. , Graeb Michael , de la Roche Marc , Schwarz-Romond Thomas , Fiedler Marc , Winton Douglas J. , Corfield Anthony , Bienz Mariann 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
APC mutations cause activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which invariably leads to colorectal cancer. Similarly, overexpressed Dvl proteins are potent activators of β-catenin signaling. Screening a large tissue microarray of different staged colorectal tumors by immunohistochemistry, we found that Dvl2 has a strong tendency to be overexpressed in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, in parallel to nuclear β-catenin and Axin2 (a universal transcriptional target of Wnt/β-catenin signaling). Furthermore, deletion of Dvl2 reduced the intestinal tumor numbers in a dose-dependent way in the ApcMin model for colorectal cancer. Interestingly, the small intestines of Dvl2 mutants are shortened, reflecting in part a reduction of their crypt diameter and cell size. Consistent with this, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is highly active in normal intestinal crypts in which Wnt/β-catenin signaling is active, and activated mTOR signaling (as revealed by staining for phosphorylated 4E-BP1) serves as a diagnostic marker of ApcMin mutant adenomas. Inhibition of mTOR signaling in ApcMin mutant mice by RAD001 (everolimus) reduces their intestinal tumor load, similarly to Dvl2 deletion. mTOR signaling is also consistently active in human hyperplastic polyps and has a significant tendency for being active in adenomas and carcinomas. Our results implicate Dvl2 and mTOR in the progression of colorectal neoplasia and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 70(16); 6629–38. ©2010 AACR.
Suppression of Neurotensin Receptor Type 1 Expression and Function by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Human Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Wang Xiaofu , Jackson Lindsey N. , Johnson Sara M. , Wang Qingding , Evers B. Mark 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Neurotensin, a gut peptide, stimulates the growth of colorectal cancers that possess the high-affinity neurotensin receptor (NTR1). Sodium butyrate (NaBT) is a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that induces growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis of colorectal cancers. Previously, we had shown that NaBT increases nuclear GSK-3β expression and kinase activity; GSK-3β functions as a negative regulator of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. The purpose of our current study was to determine: (a) whether HDACi alters NTR1 expression and function, and (b) the role of GSK-3β/ERK in NTR1 regulation. Human colorectal cancers with NTR1 were treated with various HDACi, and NTR1 expression and function were assessed. Treatment with HDACi dramatically decreased endogenous NTR1 mRNA, protein, and promoter activity. Overexpression of GSK-3β decreased NTR1 promoter activity (&gt; 30%); inhibition of GSK-3β increased NTR1 expression in colorectal cancer cells, indicating that GSK-3β is a negative regulator of ERK and NTR1. Consistent with our previous findings, HDACi significantly decreased phosphorylated ERK while increasing GSK-3β. Selective MAP/ERK kinase/ERK inhibitors suppressed NTR1 mRNA expression in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and reduced NTR1 promoter activity by ∼70%. Finally, pretreatment with NaBT prevented neurotensin-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 and c-myc expression and attenuated neurotensin-induced interleukin-8 expression. HDACi suppresses endogenous NTR1 expression and function in colorectal cancer cell lines; this effect is mediated, at least in part, through the GSK-3β/ERK pathway. The downregulation of NTR1 in colorectal cancers may represent an important mechanism for the anticancer effects of HDACi. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2389–98. ©2010 AACR.