bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure vary along a Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) to black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) gradient?
Authors: Taniguchi Takeshi , Kanzaki Natsumi , Tamai Shigenobu , Yamanaka Norikazu , Futai Kazuyoshi 
Published: November 2006

Summary
In this study we examined the role of the nitrogen‐fixing tree, Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), in ectomycorrhizal (ECM) formation and ECM community of Pinus thunbergii (Japanese black pine) seedlings.
Two 200 m2 experimental plots were established at the border between a Japanese black pine‐ and a black locust‐dominated area in a coastal forest. The ECM fungal community of pine seedlings was examined by PCR‐RFLP and sequence analysis. We analyzed the relationship between ECM formation, ECM community, growth, and nutrient status of pine seedlings and environmental conditions using the Mantel test and structural equation model.
Percentages of ECM root tips, the number of ECM fungal species and ECM diversity on pine seedlings decreased in the black locust‐dominated area. Cenococcum geophilum and Russula spp. were dominant in the Japanese black pine‐dominated area, whereas Tomentella spp. were dominant in the black locust‐dominated area. Nitrogen (N) concentration in soils or pine seedlings strongly influenced the percentage of ECM root tips, the number of ECM fungal species and ECM fungal similarity.
These results imply the long‐term eutrophication caused by N‐fixing trees can change ECM formation and ECM community structure.
Lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans by complete removal of food
Authors: Kaeberlein Tammi L. , Smith Erica D. , Tsuchiya Mitsuhiro , Welton K. Linnea , Thomas James H. , Fields Stanley , Kennedy Brian K. , Kaeberlein Matt 
Published: November 2006

SummaryA partial reduction in food intake has been found to increase lifespan in many different organisms. We report here a new dietary restriction regimen in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, based on the standard agar plate lifespan assay, in which adult worms are maintained in the absence of a bacterial food source. These findings represent the first report in any organism of lifespan extension in response to prolonged starvation. Removal of bacterial food increases lifespan to a greater extent than partial reduction of food through a mechanism that is distinct from insulin/IGF‐like signaling and the Sir2‐family deacetylase, SIR‐2.1. Removal of bacterial food also increases lifespan when initiated in postreproductive adults, suggesting that dietary restriction started during middle age can result in a substantial longevity benefit that is independent of reproduction.
Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes are Sensitive In Vitro to Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin
Authors: Brest Patrick , Hofman Véronique , Lassalle Sandra , Césaro Annabelle , Ricci Vittorio , Selva Eric , Auberger Patrick , Hofman Paul 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Interactions between bacterial components and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) play a major pathogenic role in Helicobacter pylori‐associated diseases. Activation of PMNL can be induced by contact with whole bacteria or by different H. pylori products released in the extracellular space either by active secretion or by bacterial autolysis. Among these products, H. pylori VacA is a secreted toxin inducing vacuolation and apoptosis of epithelial cells.Methods and Results:  We found that non‐opsonic human PMNL were sensitive to the vacuolating effect of VacA+ broth culture filtrate (BCF) and of purified VacA toxin. PMNL incubated with VacA+ BCF showed Rab7‐positive large intracytoplasmic vacuoles. PMNL preincubation with H. pylori BCF of different phenotypes dramatically potentialized the oxidative burst induced by zymosan, increased phagocytosis of opsonized fluorescent beads, and up‐regulated CD11b cell surface expression, but independently of the BCF VacA phenotype. Moreover, by using purified VacA toxin we showed that vacuolation induced in PMNL did not modify the rate of spontaneous PMNL apoptosis measured by caspase 3 activity.Conclusions:  Taken together, these data showed that human PMNL is a sensitive cell population to H. pylori VacA toxin. However, activation of PMNL (i.e., oxidative burst, phagocytosis, CD11b up‐regulation) and PMNL apoptosis are not affected by VacA, raising question about the role of VacA toxin on PMNL in vivo.
Effect of the Folk Remedy, Bainiku‐ekisu, a Concentrate of Prunus mume Juice, on Helicobacter pylori Infection in Humans
Authors: Nakajima Shigemi , Fujita Kimie , Inoue Yumiko , Nishio Muneaki , Seto Yukio 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Bainiku‐ekisu, a concentrate of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) juice, is a traditional Japanese folk remedy for treatment of dyspepsia since more than a thousand years ago. Fujita et al. previously reported in vitro antibacterial effect of Bainiku‐ekisu to Helicobacter pylori. We conducted an in vivo pilot study to evaluate the possibility that Bainiku‐ekisu may have an antibacterial effect on H. pylori in the human stomach.Materials and Methods:  Consecutive 18 H. pylori‐positive subjects were included. Approximately 130 mL 1% Bainiku‐ekisu solution was ingested by the subjects twice a day for 12 weeks. Urea breath test (UBT) was performed before ingestion, and 2 and 12 weeks after starting ingestion of Bainiku‐ekisu, and UBT values were compared.Results:  Bainiku‐ekisu therapy resulted in a slight fall in UBT values after 2 weeks (from 30.1 ± 6 to 23.5 ± 6 in ITT analysis, p = .094; from 31.2 ± 6 to 24.7 ± 6 in PP analysis, p = .124) (data are shown with mean ± SE). In two instances (11%), the UBT values became negative. Fourteen subjects completed the trial for 12 weeks and there was no significant change in UBT values (from 30.1 ± 6 to 25.9 ± 6 in ITT analysis, p = .450; from 35.6 ± 6 to 31.4 ± 7 in PP analysis, p = .555).Conclusion:  Our results are consistent with the antibacterial effect of Bainiku‐ekisu on H. pylori in the human stomach. However, the bacteria were not successfully eradicated with 2‐ or 12‐week ingestion of a Bainiku‐ekisu solution. Subsequent studies will need to identify a clinically useful regimen.
Preservation of Existing Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Pump Mechanism During Scrotal Surgery
Authors: Tillett John , Issa Muta , Ritenour Chad 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is little reported regarding the feasibility of scrotal surgery in patients with an existing penile prosthesis. We report a series of two patients with existing inflatable penile prostheses who underwent scrotal surgery for unrelated indications in which the prosthesis pump mechanism and tubing were preserved. In both instances, damage to the prosthetic pump and tubing were avoided.

Aim
To demonstrate two instances where scrotal surgery was performed successfully in the setting of a pre-existing penile prosthesis.

Methods
Two cases of patients with existing penile implant who underwent scrotal surgery for pathology unrelated to the implant are reported.

Conclusions
It is possible to perform scrotal surgery in a patient who has an existing penile prosthesis without injuring or infecting the prosthesis.
Phosphorylation of Phenol by Phenylphosphate Synthase: Role of Histidine Phosphate in Catalysis
Authors: Narmandakh Ariun , Gad'on Nasser , Drepper Friedel , Knapp Bettina , Haehnel Wolfgang , Fuchs Georg 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

The anaerobic metabolism of phenol proceeds via carboxylation to 4-hydroxybenzoate by a two-step process involving seven proteins and two enzymes (“biological Kolbe-Schmitt carboxylation”). MgATP-dependent phosphorylation of phenol catalyzed by phenylphosphate synthase is followed by phenylphosphate carboxylation. Phenylphosphate synthase shows similarities to phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) synthase and was studied for the bacterium
Thauera aromatica
. It consists of three proteins and transfers the β-phosphoryl from ATP to phenol; the products are phenylphosphate, AMP, and phosphate. We showed that protein 1 becomes phosphorylated in the course of the reaction cycle by [β-
32
P]ATP. This reaction requires protein 2 and is severalfold stimulated by protein 3. Stimulation of the reaction by 1 M sucrose is probably due to stabilization of the protein(s). Phosphorylated protein 1 transfers the phosphoryl group to phenolic substrates. The primary structure of protein 1 was analyzed by nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry after CNBr cleavage, trypsin digestion, and online high-pressure liquid chromatography at alkaline pH. His-569 was identified as the phosphorylated amino acid. We propose a catalytic ping-pong mechanism similar to that of PEP synthase. First, a diphosphoryl group is transferred to His-569 in protein 1, from which phosphate is cleaved to render the reaction unidirectional. Histidine phosphate subsequently serves as the actual phosphorylation agent.
Uncovering a Large Set of Genes That Affect Surface Motility inSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium
Authors: Wang Qingfeng , Mariconda Susana , Suzuki Asaka , McClelland Michael , Harshey Rasika M. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTWe describe a large set of genes affecting motility inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. Identified in microarray experiments as displaying flagellar gene expression patterns or controlled by known flagellar regulators, we show that null mutations in these genes primarily affect swarming motility. Three genes function in chemotaxis.
A Novel Gene Involved in Regulating the Flagellar Gene Cascade inProteus mirabilis
Authors: Stevenson Lindsay G. , Rather Philip N. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTIn this study, we identified a transposon insertion in a novel gene, designateddisA, that restored swarming motility to a putrescine-deficientspeAmutant ofProteus mirabilis.A null allele indisAalso increased swarming in a wild-type background. The DisA gene product was homologous to amino acid decarboxylases, and its role in regulating swarming was investigated by examining the expression of genes in the flagellar cascade. In adisAmutant background, we observed a 1.4-fold increase in the expression offlhDC, which encodes FlhD2C2, the master regulator of the flagellar gene cascade. However, the expressions of class 2 (fliA,flgM) and class 3 (flaA) genes were at least 16-fold higher in thedisAbackground during swarmer cell differentiation. Overexpression of DisA on a high-copy-number plasmid did not significantly decreaseflhDCmRNA accumulation but resulted in a complete block in mRNA accumulation for bothfliAandflaA. DisA overexpression also blocked swarmer cell differentiation. ThedisAgene was regulated during the swarming cycle, and a single-copydisA::lacZfusion exhibited a threefold increase in expression in swarmer cells. Given that DisA was similar to amino acid decarboxylases, a panel of decarboxylated amino acids was tested for effects similar to DisA overexpression, and phenethylamine, the product of phenylalanine decarboxylation, was capable of inhibiting both swarming and the expression of class 2 and class 3 genes in the flagellar regulon. A DisA-dependent decarboxylated amino acid may inhibit the formation of active FlhD2C2heterotetramers or inhibit FlhD2C2binding to DNA.
Role of DNA Polymerase IV in
Escherichia coli
SOS Mutator Activity
Authors: Kuban Wojciech , Banach-Orlowska Magdalena , Schaaper Roel M. , Jonczyk Piotr , Fijalkowska Iwona J. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Constitutive expression of the SOS regulon in
Escherichia coli recA730
strains leads to a mutator phenotype (SOS mutator) that is dependent on DNA polymerase V (
umuDC
gene product). Here we show that a significant fraction of this effect also requires DNA polymerase IV (
dinB
gene product).
Nongenotoxic p53 Activation Protects Cells against S-Phase–Specific Chemotherapy
Authors: Kranz Dominique , Dobbelstein Matthias 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 represent the most frequent genetic difference between tumor cells and normal cells. Here, we have attempted to turn this difference into an advantage for normal cells during therapy. Using the Mdm2 antagonist nutlin-3, we first activated p53 in U2OS and HCT116 cells to induce cell cycle arrest. These arrested cells were found to be resistant to subsequent transient treatment with the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine, as revealed by clonogenic assays following drug removal. In contrast, isogenic cells lacking functional p53 continued to enter S phase regardless of nutlin-3 pretreatment and remained highly susceptible to gemcitabine-mediated cytotoxicity. The sequential treatment with nutlin-3 alone, followed by transient exposure to nutlin-3 plus gemcitabine, efficiently compromised the clonogenicity of tumor cells with deletions or mutations of p53 but largely spared the proliferation of nontransformed human keratinocytes. Nutlin-3 pretreatment also conferred protection of p53-proficient cells against cytosine arabinoside but not against doxorubicin or cisplatin. We propose that the cell cycle arrest function of p53 can be used to convert p53 from a killer to a protector of cells, with the potential to reduce unwanted side effects of chemotherapy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10274-80)
The Urinary Metabolite Profile of the Dietary Carcinogen 2-Amino-1-Methyl-6-Phenylimidazo[4,5-b]Pyridine Is Predictive of Colon DNA Adducts after a Low-Dose Exposure in Humans
Authors: Malfatti Michael A. , Dingley Karen H. , Nowell-Kadlubar Susan , Ubick Esther A. , Mulakken Nisha , Nelson David , Lang Nicholas P. , Felton James S. , Turteltaub Kenneth W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEpidemiologic evidence indicates that exposure to heterocyclic amines in the diet is an important risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Well-done cooked meats contain significant levels of heterocyclic amines, which have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. To better understand the mechanisms of heterocyclic amine bioactivation in humans, the most mass abundant heterocyclic amine, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), was used to assess the relationship between PhIP metabolism and DNA adduct formation. Ten human volunteers where administered a dietary relevant dose of [14C]PhIP 48 to 72 hours before surgery to remove colon tumors. Urine was collected for 24 hours after dosing for metabolite analysis, and DNA was extracted from colon tissue and analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry for DNA adducts. All 10 subjects were phenotyped for cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2), N-acetyltransferase 2, and sulfotransferase 1A1 enzyme activity. Twelve PhIP metabolites were detected in the urine samples. The most abundant metabolite in all volunteers was N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide. Metabolite levels varied significantly between the volunteers. Interindividual differences in colon DNA adducts levels were observed between each individual. The data showed that individuals with a rapid CYP1A2 phenotype and high levels of urinary N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide had the lowest level of colon PhIP-DNA adducts. This suggests that glucuronidation plays a significant role in detoxifying N-hydroxy-PhIP. The levels of urinary N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide were negatively correlated to colon DNA adduct levels. Although it is difficult to make definite conclusions from a small data set, the results from this pilot study have encouraged further investigations using a much larger study group. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10541-7)
Tumorigenic Conversion of Primary Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells Using Oncogene Combinations in the Absence of Exogenous Ras
Authors: Kim Seok-Hyun , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Navaraj Arunasalam , Naomoto Yoshio , Klein-Szanto Andres J.P. , Rustgi Anil K. , El-Deiry Wafik S. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
To investigate pathways of human esophageal squamous cell transformation, we generated esophageal tumor cells using human telomerase– and SV40-immortalized primary esophageal epithelial cells (EPC2) by overexpression of selected combinations of oncogenes. H-Ras, c-Myc, or Akt, but not epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), induced transformed colonies in soft agar. By contrast, bioluminescence imaging of genetically altered immortalized esophageal cells revealed that Akt, EGFR, or H-Ras, but not c-Myc, resulted in tumor formation in immunodeficient mice. H-Ras-driven tumors showed highly tumorigenic phenotypes with 2.6 ± 0.6 days for doubling, whereas Akt and EGFR tumors doubled every 9.5 ± 1.6 and 6.1 ± 1.2 days, respectively. H-Ras-driven tumors expressed the hypoxia-inducible factor target Glut1, whereas Akt- or EGFR-driven tumors had evidence of angiogenesis and no detectable Glut1 expression. Proliferation rates among these tumors were similar, but there was reduced apoptosis in the more aggressive H-Ras-driven tumors that also developed aneuploidy and multiple centrosomes. c-Myc overexpression did not result in tumorigenic conversion but introduction of Bcl-XL into c-Myc-expressing cells generated tumors. Although cytokeratin expression was typical of squamous carcinoma, gene expression profiling was done to compare the four different types of engineered tumors with human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Interestingly, c-Myc plus Bcl-XL transformants mimicked squamous carcinomas, whereas H-Ras-, EGFR-, and Akt-driven tumors were similar to adenocarcinomas in their molecular profiles. These genetically engineered models may provide new platforms for understanding human esophagus cancer and may assist in the evaluation of new therapies. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10415-24)
Modulation of Oncogenic Transcription and Alternative Splicing by β-Catenin and an RNA Aptamer in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Hee Kyu , Choi Yong Seok , Park Young Ae , Jeong Sunjoo 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Activated β-catenin regulates the transcription of oncogenic target genes and is critical for tumorigenesis. Because nuclear functions are frequently coupled, we investigated whether it also has a role in alternative splicing of oncogenic genes. We showed that stabilized β-catenin caused alternative splicing of estrogen receptor-β pre-mRNA in colon cancer cells. To establish a direct role of β-catenin in regulated splicing, we selected a high-affinity RNA aptamer that associated with β-catenin in vivo. Nuclear localized aptamer inhibited β-catenin-dependent transcription of cyclin D1 and c-myc in colon cancer cells; thus, cells stably expressing the aptamer exhibited cell cycle arrest and reduced tumor forming potential. Most significantly, the aptamer prevented the alternative splicing induced by stabilized β-catenin. Taken together, our results establish that β-catenin has an important role in both transcription and splicing, and that its action can be modulated by a high-affinity RNA aptamer. The RNA aptamer could be further developed as a specific inhibitor for cancer therapeutics. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10560-6)
Membrane Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase Confers Aneuploidy and Tumorigenicity on Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Golubkov Vladislav S. , Chekanov Alexey V. , Savinov Alexey Y. , Rozanov Dmitri V. , Golubkova Natalya V. , Strongin Alex Y. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
An elevated expression of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is closely associated with multiple malignancies. Recently, we discovered that recycled MT1-MMP was trafficked along the tubulin cytoskeleton into the centrosomal compartment and cleaved the integral centrosomal protein pericentrin-2. These events correlated with the induction of chromosome instability and aneuploidy in nonmalignant Madine-Darby canine kidney cells. Accordingly, we hypothesized that MT1-MMP is an oncogene that promotes malignant transformation of normal cells rather than just an enzyme that supports growth of preexisting tumors. To prove our hypothesis, we transfected normal 184B5 human mammary epithelial cells with MT1-MMP (184B5-MT1 cells). MT1-MMP was colocalized with pericentrin in the centrosomal compartment and especially in the midbody of dividing cells. 184B5-MT1 cells acquired the ability to activate MMP-2, to cleave pericentrin, and to invade the Matrigel matrix. 184B5-MT1 cells exhibited aneuploidy, and they were efficient in generating tumors in the orthotopic xenograft model in immunodeficient mice. Because of the absence of tumor angiogenesis and the resulting insufficient blood supply, the tumors then regressed with significant accompanying necrosis. Gene array studies confirmed a significant up-regulation of oncogenes and tumorigenic genes but not the angiogenesis-promoting genes in 184B5-MT1 cells. We believe that our data point to a novel function of MT1-MMP in the initial stages of malignant transformation and to new and hitherto unknown transition mechanism from normalcy to malignancy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10460-5)
Responding to children’s street work with alternative income-generation strategies
Authors: Ferguson Kristin M. 
Published: November 2006

English Empirical precedents indicate the positive impact of income-generating initiatives on the lives of vulnerable populations around the world. However, there is limited research on such interventions with street-working children. A social development model is proposed for street-working children and their parents as a means to curb child street migration. French L'expérience confirme l'impact positif des initiatives de production de revenus sur la vie des populations vulnérables dans le monde. Toutefois, il existe peu de recherche concernant de telles initiatives auprès des enfants qui travaillent dans la rue. Cette recherche propose un modèle de développement social à l'intention des enfants qui font du travail de rue et de leurs parents afin de faire fléchir la migration des enfants vers la rue. Spanish Precedentes empíricos indican que las iniciativas que generan ingresos tienen un impacto positivo en las vidas de poblaciones vulnerables de todo el mundo. Sin embargo se ha hecho poca investigación sobre tales intervenciones con niños que trabajan en la calle. Se propone un modelo de desarrollo social para estos niños y sus padres, al objeto de disminuir la migración de niños a la calle.
Increased aortic pulse wave velocity in middle aged women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bjarnegård N , Bengtsson C , Brodszki J , Sturfelt G , Nived O , Länne T 
Published: November 2006

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disease where inflammatory activity affects several organ systems. An increased risk of cardiovascular disease has been identified in these patients, even after correction for traditional risk factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics in women with SLE in comparison to controls. Arterial tonometry was used to measure aortic (carotid-femoral) and arm (carotid-radial) pulse wave velocity (PWV), reflected pressure waves, and aortic augmentation index (AIx) in 27 women with SLE (52 to 68 years) and 27 controls. Aortic PWV was higher in women with SLE than controls, 9.8 m/s versus 8.2 m/s ( P 0.01), after correction for mean arterial pressure and body mass index, 9.5 m/s versus 8.5 m/s ( P 0.05). Other parameters were similar, arm PWV, 8.4 versus 8.5 m/s, AIx 34 versus 33% and calculated central aortic pulse pressure 48 versus 43 mmHg, in SLE and controls, respectively (NS). Aortic PWV was positively associated to C-reactive protein (CRP) and complement factor 3 (C3). Women with SLE have increased stiffness of their elastic central arteries. This may be one factor contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk seen in this cohort.