bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoproteins inhibit the innate immunity activated by necrotic cells or bacterial endotoxin
Authors: Cho Nam‐Hyuk , Seong Seung‐Yong 
Published: December 2008

SummaryWe suggested earlier that the hydrophobic portions (Hyppos) of molecules, which are normally embedded in the membranes of cells or the core of molecular structures so as to be separated from the aqueous environment, might serve as evolutionarily ancient alarm signals of injury or stress to initiate innate immune responses when they are exposed on the surface. Under normal physiological conditions, the Hyppos released from endogenous or exogenous sources might be handled by ‘Hyppo‐quenchers’in vivo to maintain the tissue homeostasis and immune modulation. To test this idea, we selected apolipoproteins, which have been known to transport blood lipids and play a role in a number of pathological inflammatory conditions. We examined their role as Hyppo‐quenchers in early immune responses and found that apolipoproteins showed significant inhibition of the nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent gene expression in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and dendritic cells stimulated by necrotic cells or bacterial endotoxin. In addition, our results indicate that apolipoproteins could dramatically abrogate complement fixation on the surface of necrotic cells. These findings suggest that apolipoproteins, besides having known functions in lipid metabolism, also have a role in preventing the initiation of innate immunity, potentially through neutralizing Hyppos from injured cells or exogenous endotoxin.
Differential gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients may discriminate immunogenetic, pathogenic and treatment features
Authors: Junta Cristina Moraes , Sandrin‐Garcia Paula , Fachin‐Saltoratto Ana Lúcia , Mello Stephano Spanó , Oliveira Renê D. R. , Rassi Diane Meyre , Giuliatti Silvana , Sakamoto‐Hojo Elza Tiemi , Louzada‐Junior Paulo , Donadi Eduardo Antonio , Passos Geraldo A. S. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the association between the differential gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients with their immunogenetic (human leucocyte antigen shared‐epitope, HLA‐SE), autoimmune response [anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies], disease activity score (DAS‐28) and treatment (disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and tumour necrosis factor blocker) features. Total RNA samples were copied into Cy3‐labelled complementary DNA probes, hybridized onto a glass slide microarray containing 4500 human IMAGE complementary DNA target sequences. The Cy3‐monocolour microarray images from patients were quantified and normalized. Analysis of the data using the significance analysis of microarrays algorithm together with a Venn diagram allowed the identification of shared and of exclusively modulated genes, according to patient features. Thirteen genes were exclusively associated with the presence of HLA‐SE alleles, whose major biological function was related to signal transduction, phosphorylation and apoptosis. Ninety‐one genes were associated with disease activity, being involved in signal transduction, apoptosis, response to stress and DNA damage. One hundred and one genes were associated with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies, being involved in signal transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Twenty‐eight genes were associated with tumour necrosis factor blocker treatment, being involved in intracellular signalling cascade, phosphorylation and protein transport. Some of these genes had been previously associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis, whereas others were unveiled for future research.
A proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐32β promotes the production of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10
Authors: Kang Jeong‐Woo , Choi Seung‐Chul , Cho Min‐Chul , Kim Hee‐Jong , Kim Jae‐Hwa , Lim Jong‐Seok , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Han Jae‐Yong , Yoon Do‐Young 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA new proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐32 (IL‐32) has six isoforms. Although IL‐32 can be detected in sera from patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis, it is unclear which isoforms are involved. To this end, we investigated the functions of the most abundant IL‐32β by generating K562‐IL‐32β stable cell lines. This report confirms, using IL‐32 small interfering RNA, that IL‐32β induces an anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in K562‐IL‐32β cells and U937 promonocytic cells, which express endogenous IL‐32β upon phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) treatment, and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC) upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Interleukin‐32β was induced in monocyte‐derived macrophages by LPS and in monocyte‐derived DC by LPS, poly(I:C), or anti‐CD40 antibody, but was not induced by PMA. We showed that IL‐32β expression was increased in a time‐dependent manner in monocyte‐derived DC upon LPS treatment and peaked at 24 hr. Production of IL‐10 was exactly coincident with IL‐32β expression, but IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α production peaked at 6 hr after LPS treatment, then steeply declined. Interleukin‐12 p40 was induced at 9 hr and gradually increased until 48 hr, at which time IL‐32β and IL‐10 were no longer increased. Knock‐down of IL‐32β by IL‐32 small interfering RNA led to the decrease of IL‐10, but the increase of IL‐12 in monocyte‐derived DC, which means that IL‐32β promotes IL‐10 production, but limits IL‐12 production. We also showed that IL‐10 neutralization increases IL‐12, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α production, which implies that IL‐10 suppresses such proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our results suggest that IL‐32β upregulates the production of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, and then IL‐10 suppresses proinflammatory cytokines.
Anthocyanin‐rich sweet potato lacto‐pickle: production, nutritional and proximate composition
Authors: Panda Smita Hasini. , Panda Satarupa , Sethuraman Sivakumar P. , Ray Ramesh C. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryAnthocyanin pigment‐rich sweet potato (SP) cubes were pickled by lactic fermentation by brining the cut and blanched cubes in common salt (NaCl, 2–10%) solution. They were then inoculated with a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (MTCC 1407) and incubated for 28 days. Treatment with 8–10% brine solution was found to be organoleptically most acceptable. The final product with 8% and 10% brine solutions had a pH (2.5–2.8), titratable acidity (TA) (1.5–1.7 g kg−1), lactic acid (LA) (1.0–1.3 g kg−1), starch (56–58 g kg−1) and anthocyanin content (390 mg kg−1) on fresh weight basis. Sensory evaluation rated the anthocyanin‐rich SP lacto‐pickle acceptable based on texture, taste, aroma, flavour and after taste. Principal component analyses reduced the eleven original analytical and proximate variables (pH, TA, LA, starch, total sugar, anthocyanin, organic mater, ash, fat, protein and calories) to three independent components (factors), which accounted for 91% of the total variations.
Fructo‐oligosaccharide changes during the storage of dehydrated commercial garlic and onion samples
Authors: Cardelle‐Cobas Alejandra , Costo Rocío , Corzo Nieves , Villamiel Mar 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe composition of fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS), together with glucose, fructose and sucrose, has been determined in commercial dehydrated samples of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.). No qualitative differences were detected among the FOS identified in both onion and garlic. Results show a lower FOS content in garlic than in onion in all samples analysed. In garlic samples, FOS with degree of polymerisation from 3 to 7 were identified and quantified for the first time. In addition, a study on the effect of the storage in these carbohydrates has been carried out under controlled conditions (50 °C, aw 0.44). The storage seemed to promote important changes in the content of glucose and fructose, which could participate in the Maillard reaction and in the composition of sucrose and FOS, whose hydrolysis was noticeable during the storage time. Therefore, all these chemical changes should be considered to evaluate the quality of these foods.
Mineral trioxide aggregate in paediatric dentistry
Authors: SRINIVASAN VIDYA , WATERHOUSE PAULA , WHITWORTH JOHN 
Published: December 2008

Objective.  The aim of this study was to present a review of the reported literature on: (i) the physical and chemical properties; and (ii) clinical applications of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in the practice of paediatric dentistry.Method.  Electronic literature search of scientific papers from January 1993 to June 2008 was carried out on the MEDLINE, Embase, Entrez Pubmed, and Scopus databases using specific key words. The search yielded 448 papers, out of which 100 were identified as conforming to the applied criteria. These papers formed the basis of the review and the clinical scenarios presented which demonstrate the application of MTA in the practice of paediatric dentistry.Conclusion.  Paediatric dentists have successfully employed MTA in a variety of endodontic/restorative applications since the late 1990s. Clinical impressions have generally been favourable and support the findings of laboratory and animal‐based investigations. Very few clinical studies have been reported so far in humans, and although these have been positive, the body of research is currently insufficient to enable a meaningful systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Becoming a nurse: a meta‐study of early professional socialization and career choice in nursing
Authors: Price Sheri L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTitle.  Becoming a nurse: a meta‐study of early professional socialization and career choice in nursing. Aim.  This paper is a report of a meta‐study of early professional socialization and career choice in nursing.Background.  The current and growing shortage of nurses is a global issue, and nursing recruitment and retention are recognized priorities internationally. The future of nursing will lie in the ability to recruit and retain the next generation to the profession.Data sources.  Studies were identified through a search of the CINAHL, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, PubMed; Medline and Embase databases from 1990 to 2007.Review methods.  Studies were included if they gave insight into the experience of choosing nursing as a career, used qualitative methodology and methods, and were published in English. Analysis was undertaken using Paterson et al.’s framework for qualitative meta‐synthesis.Results.  Ten primary studies were included in the review. Their methodologies included: ethnography (4); descriptive qualitative (3); grounded theory (2); and phenomenology (1). The location of the research was Canada (3), United Kingdom (2), United States of America (2), Australia (1), Japan (1) and Sweden (1). Three main themes were identified: influence of ideals; paradox of caring and role of others.Conclusion.  Career choice and early professional socialization are influenced by multiple factors. In future recruitment and retention strategies to address the critical nursing shortage, it is important to consider the role of mentors, peers and role models in the formulation of career expectations, and career choice decisions. It is also necessary to consider the role of mentors, peers and role models in the formulation of career expectations, and career choice decisions.
Controlled degradation by ClpXP protease tunes the levels of the excision repair protein UvrA to the extent of DNA damage
Authors: Pruteanu Mihaela , Baker Tania A. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryUV irradiation damages DNA and activates expression of genes encoding proteins helpful for survival under DNA stress. These proteins are often deleterious in the absence of DNA damage. Here, we investigate mechanisms used to regulate the levels of DNA‐repair proteins during recovery by studying control of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) protein UvrA. We show that UvrA is induced after UV irradiation and reaches maximum levels between ∼20 and 120 min post UV. During post‐UV recovery, UvrA levels decrease principally as a result of ClpXP‐dependent protein degradation. The rate of UvrA degradation depends on the amount of unrepaired pyrimidine dimers present; this degradation rate is initially slow shortly after UV, but increases as damage is repaired. This increase in UvrA degradation as repair progresses is also influenced by protein–protein interactions. Genetic and in vitro experiments support the conclusion that UvrA–UvrB interactions antagonize degradation. In contrast, Mfd appears to act as an enhancer of UvrA turnover. Thus, our results reveal that a complex network of interactions contribute to tuning the level of UvrA in the cell in response to the extent of DNA damage and nicely mirror findings with excision repair proteins from eukaryotes, which are controlled by proteolysis in a similar manner.
A Candida albicans‐specific region of the α‐pheromone receptor plays a selective role in the white cell pheromone response
Authors: Yi Song , Sahni Nidhi , Pujol Claude , Daniels Karla J. , Srikantha Thyagarajan , Ma Ning , Soll David R. 
Published: December 2008

Summary Candida albicans strains homozygous at the mating type locus can switch from white to opaque, and must do so to mate. Opaque cells then secrete mating pheromones that stimulate opaque cells of opposite mating type to undergo mating. These same pheromones stimulate mating‐incompetent white cells to become cohesive and adhesive, and enhance white cell biofilm development, a pathogenic trait. Stimulation is mediated through the same receptor, G protein complex and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Here we present evidence that a C. albicans‐specific 55‐amino‐acid region of the first intracellular loop, IC1, of the α‐pheromone receptor Ste2p, is required for the α‐pheromone response of white cells, but not that of opaque cells. This represents a unique regulatory configuration in which activation of a common pathway by the same ligand, the same receptor and the same signal transduction pathway is dependent on a unique region of an intracellular loop of the common receptor in one of the two responding phenotypes.
A new selective medium for Burkholderia caryophylli, the causal agent of carnation bacterial wilt
Authors: Kawanishi T. , Uematsu S. , Nishimura K. , Otani T. , Tanaka‐Miwa C. , Hamamoto H. , Namba S. 
Published: December 2008

A new selective medium (APCA medium) was developed for the isolation of Burkholderia caryophylli, the causal agent of carnation bacterial wilt, from both plants and soil. The optimal concentration and combination of antibiotics was investigated to determine the most selective condition for growing B. caryophylli. The resultant composition of the medium per litre was: 0·79 g (NH4)2SO4, 1·0 g KH2PO4, 0·5 g MgSO4 · 7H2O, 0·2 g KCl, 2·0 g D‐arabinose, 5 mg crystal violet, 50 mg cycloheximide, 50 mg polymyxin B sulphate, 50 mg ampicillin sodium, 10 mg chloramphenicol, 25 mg blue tetrazolium, and 15 g agar. Plating efficiency ranged from 119 to 174% with an average of 141% compared to that of nutrient agar. The bacterium was successfully isolated from contaminated soil and plant tissues with this medium. Moreover, the medium almost completely inhibited the growth of other plant pathogenic bacteria and soil saprophytes. This selectivity was high enough to detect B. caryophylli in contaminated soil.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 38‐kDa Lipoprotein is Apoptogenic for Human Monocyte‐derived Macrophages
Authors: Sanchez A. , Espinosa P. , Esparza M. A. , Colon M. , Bernal G. , Mancilla R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main aetiologic agent of tuberculosis, a disease of great concern in less‐developed regions. Apoptosis is a conspicuous event in macrophages infected in vitro with mycobacteria, a phenomenon also observed in vivo in granulomas of patients with tuberculosis. To determine its significance, it is important to define the mycobacterial moieties involved and how they cause apoptosis. Here we show that the 38‐kDa lipoprotein induces macrophage caspase‐dependent apoptosis involving TNF‐α and FasL and, interestingly, with the upregulation of cell‐death receptors TNFR1, TNFR2 and Fas. A role for the Toll‐like receptor 2 was also demonstrated. In conclusion, the ability to induce apoptosis of host cells is another property of the 38‐kDa lipoprotein, a molecule that has focused attention for being an immunodominant antigen that participates in phosphate transport.
Protective Effect of Antagonist of High‐mobility Group Box 1 on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Gong Q. , Xu J.‐F. , Yin H. , Liu S.‐F. , Duan L.‐H. , Bian Z.‐L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe explored the effects of recombinant A‐box (rA‐box), a specific blockade for endogenous high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, on acute lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vivo. Acute lung injury (ALI) was produced successfully by intratracheal administration of LPS (10 μg/mouse) in male BALB/c mice. rA‐box (0.3, 0.6 mg/mouse, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to or 2 h after LPS exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained to measure chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, total cell counts and proteins at the indicated time points. It was found that rA‐box caused a significant reduction in the total cells and neutrophils in BALF, a significant reduction in the W/D ratio and protein leakage at 24 h after LPS challenge. In addition, rA‐box was also believed to have downregulated the expression of LPS‐induced chemokines (keratinocyte‐derived chemokine) and proinflammatory cytokines, including early mediator TNF‐a and late mediator HMGB1. These findings confirm the significant protection of rA‐box against LPS‐induced ALI, and the effect mechanism of rA‐box was associated with decreasing the expression of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines.
Rare earth elements in seep carbonates as tracers of variable redox conditions at ancient hydrocarbon seeps
Authors: Feng Dong , Chen Duofu , Peckmann Jörn 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMarine hydrocarbon seeps are dynamic systems, which are typically reflected in complex lithologies of limestones forming at these sites. In order to test if seep limestones with their multiple generations of carbonate phases reflect variable redox conditions, the rare earth element (REE) patterns of limestones from five ancient hydrocarbon‐seep localities, Hollard Mound (Middle Devonian), Iberg (Mississippian), Beauvoisin (Oxfordian), Canyon and Satsop River (Oligocene), and Marmorito (Miocene) have been investigated. The total REE contents vary widely (0.3–43.7 p.p.m.). Early microcrystalline phases tend to show higher contents than spatially associated later phases (microspar, sparite, and blocky cement). The shale‐normalized REE patterns of the carbonates show both negative and positive Ce anomalies even for individual deposits, suggesting that the redox conditions varied significantly. It is apparent that in addition to anoxic conditions, oxic conditions were common in some ancient seep environments. Intermittent oxygenation is presumed to have resulted from abrupt changes in fluid flow.
A unique program for cell death in xylem fibers of Populus stem
Authors: Courtois‐Moreau Charleen L. , Pesquet Edouard , Sjödin Andreas , Muñiz Luis , Bollhöner Benjamin , Kaneda Minako , Samuels Lacey , Jansson Stefan , Tuominen Hannele 
Published: December 2008

SummaryMaturation of the xylem elements involves extensive deposition of secondary cell‐wall material and autolytic processes resulting in cell death. We describe here a unique type of cell‐death program in xylem fibers of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x P. tremuloides) stems, including gradual degradative processes in both the nucleus and cytoplasm concurrently with the phase of active cell‐wall deposition. Nuclear DNA integrity, as determined by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling) and Comet (single‐cell gel electrophoresis) assays, was compromised early during fiber maturation. In addition, degradation of the cytoplasmic contents, as detected by electron microscopy of samples fixed by high‐pressure freezing/freeze substitution (HPF‐FS), was gradual and resulted in complete loss of the cytoplasmic contents well before the loss of vacuolar integrity, which is considered to be the moment of death. This type of cell death differs significantly from that seen in xylem vessels. The loss of vacuolar integrity, which is thought to initiate cell degradative processes in the xylem vessels, is one of the last processes to occur before the final autolysis of the remaining cell contents in xylem fibers. High‐resolution microarray analysis in the vascular tissues of Populus stem, combined with in silico analysis of publicly available data repositories, suggests the involvement of several previously uncharacterized transcription factors, ethylene, sphingolipids and light signaling as well as autophagy in the control of fiber cell death.
The nucleotidase/phosphatase SAL1 is a negative regulator of drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wilson Pip B. , Estavillo Gonzalo M. , Field Katie J. , Pornsiriwong Wannarat , Carroll Adam J. , Howell Katharine A. , Woo Nick S. , Lake Janice A. , Smith Steven M. , Harvey Millar A. , Von Caemmerer Susanne , Pogson Barry J. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryAn Arabidopsis thaliana drought‐tolerant mutant, altered expression of APX2 (alx8), has constitutively increased abscisic acid (ABA) content, increased expression of genes responsive to high light stress and is reported to be drought tolerant. We have identified alx8 as a mutation in SAL1, an enzyme that can dephosphorylate dinucleotide phosphates or inositol phosphates. Previously identified mutations in SAL1, including fiery (fry1‐1), were reported as being more sensitive to drought imposed by detachment of rosettes. Here we demonstrate that alx8, fry1‐1 and a T‐DNA insertional knockout allele all have markedly increased resistance to drought when water is withheld from soil‐grown intact plants. Microarray analysis revealed constitutively altered expression of more than 1800 genes in both alx8 and fry1‐1. The up‐regulated genes included some characterized stress response genes, but few are inducible by ABA. Metabolomic analysis revealed that both mutants exhibit a similar, dramatic reprogramming of metabolism, including increased levels of the polyamine putrescine implicated in stress tolerance, and the accumulation of a number of unknown, potential osmoprotectant carbohydrate derivatives. Under well‐watered conditions, there was no substantial difference between alx8 and Col‐0 in biomass at maturity; plant water use efficiency (WUE) as measured by carbon isotope discrimination; or stomatal index, morphology or aperture. Thus, SAL1 acts as a negative regulator of predominantly ABA‐independent and also ABA‐dependent stress response pathways, such that its inactivation results in altered osmoprotectants, higher leaf relative water content and maintenance of viable tissues during prolonged water stress.