bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Bluetongue virus outer capsid protein VP2 and vimentin is necessary for virus egress
Authors: Bhattacharya Bishnupriya , Noad Rob J , Roy Polly 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
The VP2 outer capsid protein Bluetongue Virus (BTV) is responsible for receptor binding, haemagglutination and eliciting host-specific immunity. However, the assembly of this outer capsid protein on the transcriptionally active viral core would block transcription of the virus. Thus assembly of the outer capsid on the core particle must be a tightly controlled process during virus maturation. Earlier studies have detected mature virus particles associated with intermediate filaments in virus infected cells but the viral determinant for this association and the effect of disrupting intermediate filaments on virus assembly and release are unknown.

Results
In this study it is demonstrated that BTV VP2 associates with vimentin in both virus infected cells and in the absence of other viral proteins. Further, the determinants of vimentin localisation are mapped to the N-terminus of the protein and deletions of aminio acids between residues 65 and 114 are shown to disrupt VP2-vimentin association. Site directed mutation also reveals that amino acid residues Gly 70 and Val 72 are important in the VP2-vimentin association. Mutation of these amino acids resulted in a soluble VP2 capable of forming trimeric structures similar to unmodified protein that no longer associated with vimentin. Furthermore, pharmacological disruption of intermediate filaments, either directly or indirectly through the disruption of the microtubule network, inhibited virus release from BTV infected cells.

Conclusion
The principal findings of the research are that the association of mature BTV particles with intermediate filaments are driven by the interaction of VP2 with vimentin and that this interaction contributes to virus egress. Furthermore, i) the N-terminal 118 amino acids of VP2 are sufficient to confer vimentin interaction. ii) Deletion of amino acids 65–114 or mutation of amino acids 70–72 to DVD abrogates vimentin association. iii) Finally, disruption of vimentin structures results in an increase in cell associated BTV and a reduction in the amount of released virus from infected cells.
Angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist losartan, reduces MPTP-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra
Authors: Grammatopoulos Tom N , Jones Susan M , Ahmadi Ferogh A , Hoover Brian R , Snell Lawrence D , Skoch Jesse , Jhaveri Vimal V , Poczobutt Andy M , Weyhenmeyer James A , Zawada W Michael 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundRecent attention has focused on understanding the role of the brain-renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Direct evidence of a role for the brain-RAS in Parkinson's disease (PD) comes from studies demonstrating the neuroprotective effect of RAS inhibitors in several neurotoxin based PD models. In this study, we show that an antagonist of the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor, losartan, protects dopaminergic (DA) neurons against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity both in primary ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures as well as in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of C57BL/6 mice (Fig. 1).ResultsIn the presence of exogenous Ang II, losartan reduced MPP+(5 μM) induced DA neuronal loss by 72%in vitro. Mice challenged with MPTP showed a 62% reduction in the number of DA neurons in the SNpc and a 71% decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining of the striatum, whereas daily treatment with losartan lessened MPTP-induced loss of DA neurons to 25% and reduced the decrease in striatal TH+immunostaining to 34% of control.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the brain-RAS plays an important neuroprotective role in the MPTP model of PD and points to AT1receptor as a potential novel target for neuroprotection.
Somatic sequence alterations in twenty-one genes selected by expression profile analysis of breast carcinomas
Authors: Chanock Stephen J , Burdett Laurie , Yeager Meredith , Llaca Victor , Langerød Anita , Presswalla Shafaq , Kaaresen Rolf , Strausberg Robert L , Gerhard Daniela S , Kristensen Vessela , Perou Charles M , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Genomic alterations have been observed in breast carcinomas that affect the capacity of cells to regulate proliferation, signaling, and metastasis. Re-sequence studies have investigated candidate genes based on prior genetic observations (changes in copy number or regions of genetic instability) or other laboratory observations and have defined critical somatic mutations in genes such as TP53 and PIK3CA.

Methods
We have extended the paradigm and analyzed 21 genes primarily identified by expression profiling studies, which are useful for breast cancer subtyping and prognosis. This study conducted a bidirectional re-sequence analysis of all exons and 5', 3', and evolutionarily conserved regions (spanning more than 16 megabases) in 91 breast tumor samples.

Results
Eighty-seven unique somatic alterations were identified in 16 genes. Seventy-eight were single base pair alterations, of which 23 were missense mutations; 55 were distributed across conserved intronic regions or the 5' and 3' regions. There were nine insertion/deletions. Because there is no a priori way to predict whether any one of the identified synonymous and noncoding somatic alterations disrupt function, analysis unique to each gene will be required to establish whether it is a tumor suppressor gene or whether there is no effect. In five genes, no somatic alterations were observed.

Conclusion
The study confirms the value of re-sequence analysis in cancer gene discovery and underscores the importance of characterizing somatic alterations across genes that are related not only by function, or functional pathways, but also based upon expression patterns.
Case report: quantification of methadone-induced respiratory depression using toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic relationships
Authors: Mégarbane Bruno , Declèves Xavier , Bloch Vanessa , Bardin Christophe , Chast François , Baud Frédéric J 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Methadone, the most widely delivered maintenance therapy for heroin addicts, may be responsible for life-threatening poisonings with respiratory depression. The toxicokinetics and the toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic (TK/TD) relationships of methadone enantiomers have been poorly investigated in acute poisonings. The aim of this study was to describe the relationships between methadone-related respiratory effects and their corresponding concentrations.

Methods
We report a 44-year-old methadone-maintained patient who ingested a 240-mg dose of methadone. He was found comatose with pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression. He was successfully treated with intravenous naloxone infusion over the course of 31 hours at a rate adapted to maintain normal consciousness and respiratory rate. We performed a TK/TD analysis of the naloxone infusion rate needed to maintain his respiratory rate at more than 12 breaths per minute (as toxicodynamics parameter) versus plasma R,S- and R-methadone concentrations (as toxicokinetics parameter), determined using an enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography assay.

Results
Initial plasma R,S-methadone concentration was 1,204 ng/ml. Decrease in plasma R- and S-methadone concentrations was linear and demonstrated a first-order pharmacokinetics (maximal observed concentrations 566 and 637 ng/ml, half-lives 16.1 and 13.2 hours, respectively). TK/TD correlation between naloxone infusion rate and R,S- and R- methadone concentrations fitted well a sigmoidal E
max
model (concentration associated with a half-maximum effect [EC50] 334 and 173 ng/ml, Hill coefficient 10.0 and 7.8, respectively). In our chronically treated patient, EC50 values were in the range of previously reported values regarding methadone analgesic effects, suggesting that plasma methadone concentrations to prevent withdrawal are lower than those associated with methadone analgesic effects.

Conclusion
After the ingestion of a toxic dose of a racemic mixture, plasma R- and S-enantiomer concentrations decreased in parallel. Despite large inter-individual variability in methadone toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, TK/TD relationships would be helpful for providing quantitative data regarding the respiratory response to methadone in poisonings. However, further confirmatory TK/TD data are needed.
Prediction of effective genome size in metagenomic samples
Authors: Raes Jeroen , Korbel Jan O , Lercher Martin J , von Mering Christian , Bork Peer 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe introduce a novel computational approach to predict effective genome size (EGS; a measure that includes multiple plasmid copies, inserted sequences, and associated phages and viruses) from short sequencing reads of environmental genomics (or metagenomics) projects. We observe considerable EGS differences between environments and link this with ecologic complexity as well as species composition (for instance, the presence of eukaryotes). For example, we estimate EGS in a complex, organism-dense farm soil sample at about 6.3 megabases (Mb) whereas that of the bacteria therein is only 4.7 Mb; for bacteria in a nutrient-poor, organism-sparse ocean surface water sample, EGS is as low as 1.6 Mb. The method also permits evaluation of completion status and assembly bias in single-genome sequencing projects.
Outcomes of Dialysis Initiated During the Neonatal Period for Treatment of End-Stage Renal Disease: A North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies Special Analysis
Authors: Carey William A. , Talley Lynya I. , Sehring Sally A. , Jaskula Janet M. , Mathias Robert S. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine the outcomes of initiating long-term dialysis of neonates and children aged &gt;1 to 24 months with end-stage renal disease.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. By querying the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies database, we obtained information on 193 neonates (≤1 month of age) and 505 children (&gt;1–24 months of age) with a presumptive diagnosis of end-stage renal disease who initiated long-term dialysis. Dialysis characteristics and likelihood of hospitalization were compared using the χ2 test, and duration of hospitalization was compared using the Wilcoxon 2-sample test. Product limit methods were implemented, and the log rank test was used to compare time-to-event analyses. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards models.
RESULTS. Neonates with end-stage renal disease were more likely to receive peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis than older children with end-stage renal disease. Moreover, neonates who initiated dialysis during the first month of life were just as likely to terminate dialysis as were the older children. Rates of renal transplantation were significantly lower in the neonates compared with the older children, but neonates were more likely to recover function of the native kidney. Although neonates were more often hospitalized, their overall risk of mortality was similar to that observed in older children.
CONCLUSIONS. Neonates with a presumptive diagnosis of end-stage renal disease may initiate long-term dialysis during the first month of life with outcomes comparable to those of patients who initiate dialysis later in infancy.
Provocation of Neurocardiogenic Syncope During Head-up Tilt Testing in Children: Comparison Between Isoproterenol and Nitroglycerin
Authors: Vlahos Antonios P. , Tzoufi Meropi , Katsouras Christos S. , Barka Theodora , Sionti Irene , Michalis Lampros K. , Siamopoulou Antigoni , Kolettis Theofilos M. 
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE. Although nitroglycerin- and isoproterenol-augmented tilt tests are of equal value in the diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope in adults, no data exist in children. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the 2 tests in a pediatric population.PATITENS AND METHODS. We studied 85 patients (33 boys; mean age: 11.6 ± 2.9 years). Of them, 56 had a diagnostic history of neurocardiogenic syncope, whereas 29 served as controls. After a negative passive phase, they were randomly assigned to either intravenous isoproterenol or sublingual nitroglycerin, and tilt was continued for 20 minutes.RESULTS. Sensitivity was 0.78 for the isoproterenol test and 0.79 for the nitroglycerin test, but specificity was significantly higher for isoproterenol test compared with nitroglycerin test. In patients with a positive test, the duration of the recovery period was significantly longer after nitroglycerin (8.4 ± 2.7 minutes) than after isoproterenol (5.1 ± 1.6 minutes).CONCLUSIONS. Nitroglycerin- and isoproterenol-augmented tilt tests are associated with equal sensitivity in the diagnosis of neurocardiogenic syncope in children and adolescents. However, nitroglycerin results in more false-positive tests and produces more prolonged vasovagal symptoms. Our data do not support the routine use of nitroglycerin in the evaluation of syncope in this age group.
Prey Supply and Predator Demand in a Reservoir of the Southeastern United States
Authors: Raborn Scott W. , Miranda Leandro E. , Driscoll M. Todd 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe estimated annual prey supply and predator demand distributions for the fish assemblage of Norris Reservoir, Tennessee, to assess potential prey deficiencies. Prey supply was defined as the surplus biomass that could be removed without affecting future prey generations and was limited to cohorts consumed by predators. Demand was represented by the annual consumption by the predator community (piscivorous fishes) and was estimated with bioenergetics models. Our demand estimates were conservative because predators may have greater demand for prey than what they actually consume. Together, clupeids (gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum, threadfin shad D. petenense, and alewife Alosa pseudoharengus) and Lepomis spp. accounted for 80% of overall prey fishes consumed. Median annual demand for clupeids and Lepomis spp. combined was 271 kg/ha (90% confidence interval = 183–552 kg/ha) from August 1996 to July 1997 and 182 kg/ha (92–509 kg/ha) from August 1997 to July 1998. Median supply during these times was 848 kg/ha (103–18,989 kg/ha) and 413 kg/ha (317–540 kg/ha). Dividing supply values by demand values yielded supply–demand ratio distributions with medians of 2.9:1 (0.3:1–67.5:1) and 2.3:1 (0.8:1–4.8:1) for the two periods. Using a historical area–density data set (coves sampled with rotenone; N = 22 years), we found the median annual supply to be 167 kg/ha (49–982 kg/ha), demand to be 109 kg/ha (51–239 kg/ha), and the supply–demand ratio to be 1.5:1 (0.4:1–10.4:1). Historical values of the supply–demand ratio were less than 1:1 (i.e., supply was insufficient to meet demand) 32% of the time. The latter estimate is minimal because the threshold supply–demand ratio (the ratio below which predators are forage limited) was probably greater than 1:1, as predators cannot capture all prey with 100% efficiency and our definition of demand was conservative. We suggest adjusting demand to equal the median historical supply.
Persistent Mortality of Brook Trout in Episodically Acidified Streams of the Southwestern Adirondack Mountains, New York
Authors: Baldigo Barry P. , Lawrence Gregory , Simonin Howard 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWater chemistry, discharge, and mortality of caged brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis were characterized in six headwater streams in the southwestern Adirondack Mountains of New York during spring 2001–2003. Results were compared with mortality recorded during similar tests during 1984–1985, 1988–1990, and 1997 to assess contemporary relations between stream acidification and brook trout mortality, the effects of exposure duration on mortality, and the effects of decreased rates of acidic deposition on water quality and fish mortality. Water quality and mortality of caged, young‐of‐the‐year brook trout were evaluated during 30‐d exposure periods from mid‐April to late May during the most recent tests. In 2001–2003, mortality ranged from 0% to 100% and varied among streams and years, depending on the timing of toxicity tests in relation to the annual snowmelt and on the ability of each watershed to neutralize acids and prevent acutely toxic concentrations of inorganic monomeric aluminum (Alim) during high‐flow events. Mortality rates in 2001–2003 tests were highly variable but similar to those observed during earlier tests. This similarity suggests that stream water quality in the southwestern Adirondack Mountains has not changed appreciably over the past 20 years. Concentrations of Alim greater than 2.0 and 4.0 μmol/L were closely correlated with low and high mortality rates, respectively, and accounted for 83% of the variation in mortality. Two to four days of exposure to Alim concentrations greater than 4.0 μmol/L resulted in 50–100% mortality. The extended periods (as long as 6 months) during which Alim concentrations exceeded 2.0 and 4.0 μmol/L in one or more streams, combined with the low tolerance of many other fish species to acid and elevated Alim concentrations, indicate a high potential for damage to fish communities in these and other poorly buffered streams of the Northeast.
Intercept Telemetry of the Hudson River Striped Bass Resident Contingent: Migration and Homing Patterns
Authors: Wingate Rebecca L. , Secor David H. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHudson River striped bass Morone saxatilis show highly variable migration patterns, as observed through past tagging studies and otolith microchemical analyses. Recent studies have shown resident, estuarine, and ocean migratory contingents in the Hudson River. We undertook a directed study to more precisely characterize the seasonal migrations of the resident contingent. Remote biotelemetry was conducted on 12 resident striped bass during a 14‐month period in 2004–2005. All tagged striped bass migrated downriver from October 2004 to January 2005 and returned upriver from March to May 2005. Observed seasonal migration patterns were similar to those expected from previous tagging and otolith microchemistry studies: Directed downriver emigration to brackish‐water overwintering habitats was followed by upriver migration to spring–summer freshwater feeding and spawning habitats. Eight of 12 fish showed directed spring migrations upriver to their original tagging site and were repeatedly located there, indicating strong homing behavior and residence. These very specific patterns of homing indicate that local‐scale effects (e.g., fishing, pollution) can have persistent effects on components of the Hudson River striped bass population.
Heavy metal contamination status of Japanese cranes (Grus japonensis) in east Hokkaido, Japan-extensive mercury pollution
Authors: Teraoka Hiroki , Kumagai Yoshihiro , Iwai Hisae , Haraguchi Kensaku , Ohba Takashi , Nakai Kunihiko , Satoh Hiroshi , Sakamoto Mineshi , Momose Kunikazu , Masatomi Hiroyuki , Hiraga Takeo 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
—Japanese cranes (Grus japonensis) of eastern Hokkaido, Japan, and migrants between the Amur River basin and the eastern China—Korea Peninsula, live around fresh and brackish wetlands. Only a few thousand cranes are confirmed to exist in the world, so they are under threat of extinction. To understand the adverse effects of metal accumulation, we measured concentrations of three heavy metals in the liver, kidney, and muscle of 93 Japanese cranes from Hokkaido. The cranes were classified into six categories according to their sex and three life stages. Cadmium and mercury (Hg: total mercury) showed age-dependent but not sex-dependent accumulation in the liver and kidney. Twenty cranes showed 30 μg/g or higher levels of Hg in dry tissue and five adult cranes had more than 100 μg/g in their livers or kidneys. Cadmium concentrations were generally lower in all samples. Two adult cranes showed extremely high lead levels of more than 30 μg/g in their livers, suggesting lead poisoning. These results have highlighted the widespread and high levels of Hg pollution in Japanese cranes in Hokkaido, Japan.
Agricultural intensity and landscape structure: Influences on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of small streams in northern Germany
Authors: Schriever Carola A. , Ball Maria Hansler , Holmes Chris , Maund Steve , Liess Matthias 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
—The present study aimed to relate aquatic macroinvertebrate community composition to agricultural intensity and landscape structure. A total of 360 streams were investigated within the Aller river basin in northern Germany. The study area is typical of central German arable agricultural regions, but the small streams were of low dilution potential. These streams were characterized for abiotic parameters (including modeled potential for diffuse inputs from agricultural sources) and macroinvertebrate communities, with data collected over a 17-year period. Spray drift potential did not correlate with community composition. In contrast, the relative index of runoff potential (RP) was negatively correlated with various measures of taxonomic richness and abundance. Community composition also was correlated with environmental parameters, including stream width, clay content of sediment, and presence of dead wood in sediment. The abundance of sensitive species decreased significantly during the main period of agrochemical use at sites of high RP but completely recovered by the following spring. Long-term decreased taxonomic richness and a shift to ecologically robust species also were observed at sites of high RP. The results suggest that long-term alterations in community measures probably were associated with factors related to runoff input. Nevertheless, the community composition remained reasonably rich and even. Landscape structure also appeared to influence community structure. Abundance of sensitive species remained significantly enhanced, even at sites of high RP, when forested reaches were present in upstream reaches. These probably provided a source of organisms for downstream recolonization and amelioration of effects at high RP.
Comparison of the estrogenic activities of seawater extracts from Suruga Bay, Japan, based on chemical analysis or bioassay
Authors: Hashimoto Shinya , Ueda Yasuhiro , Kurihara Ryo , Shiraishi Fujio 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
—The present study compared estrogenicity measured by in vitro bioassay and estrogenicity estimated by the chemical analysis of seawater from Suruga Bay, Japan. Nonylphenol, bisphenol A, estrone, 17β-estradiol, nonhydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which show estrogenic activity, were selected as the target compounds. The yeast two-hybrid system was used to evaluate the estrogenic activities of seawater and chemicals with or without rat liver S9. Concentrations of estrogenic compounds in seawater were measured by chemical analysis using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The main estrogenic compounds in seawater were estrone (≥9.2 ng/L), bisphenol A (≥l,070 ng/L), and nonylphenol (≥276 ng/L). The highest estrogenic activities in seawater were observed near a sewage treatment plant, but the predicted potencies based on the chemistry data were higher than those observed experimentally for the estrogenic activity in seawater. The estrogenicity measured by bioassay was raised considerably after S9 treatment; this observation was limited to the zone of freshwater immediately adjacent to the wastewater outfall.