bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure-Activity Relationships of Antimicrobial and Lipoteichoic Acid-Sequestering Properties in Polyamine Sulfonamides
Authors: Warshakoon Hemamali J. , Burns Mark R. , David Sunil A. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

We have recently confirmed that lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major constituent of the gram-positive bacterial surface, is the endotoxin of gram-positive bacteria that induces proinflammatory molecules in a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent manner. LTA is an anionic amphipath whose physicochemical properties are similar to those of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is found on the outer leaflet of the outer membranes of gram-negative organisms. Hypothesizing that compounds that sequester LPS could also bind to and inhibit LTA-induced cellular activation, we screened congeneric series of polyamine sulfonamides which we had previously shown effectively neutralized LPS both in vitro and in animal models of endotoxemia. We observed that these compounds do bind to and neutralize LTA, as reflected by the inhibition of TLR2-mediated NF-κB induction in reporter gene assays. Structure-activity studies showed a clear dependence of the acyl chain length on activity against LTA in compounds with spermine and homospermine scaffolds. We then sought to examine possible correlations between the neutralizing potency toward LTA and antimicrobial activity in
Staphylococcus aureus
. A linear relationship between LTA sequestration activity and antimicrobial activity for compounds with a spermine backbone was observed, while all compounds with a homospermine backbone were equally active against
S. aureus
, regardless of their neutralizing potency toward LTA. These results suggest that the number of protonatable charges is a key determinant of the activity toward the membranes of gram-positive bacteria. The development of resistance to membrane-active antibiotics has been relatively slower than that to conventional antibiotics, and it is possible that compounds such as the acylpolyamines may be useful clinically, provided that they have an acceptable safety profile and margin of safety. A more detailed understanding of the mechanisms of interactions of these compounds with LPS and LTA, as well as the gram-negative and -positive bacterial cell surfaces, will be instructive and should allow the rational design of analogues which combine antisepsis and antibacterial properties.
Role of Anthrax Toxins in Dissemination, Disease Progression, and Induction of Protective Adaptive Immunity in the Mouse Aerosol Challenge Model
Authors: Loving Crystal L. , Khurana Taruna , Osorio Manuel , Lee Gloria M. , Kelly Vanessa K. , Stibitz Scott , Merkel Tod J. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAnthrax toxins significantly contribute to anthrax disease pathogenesis, and mechanisms by which the toxins affect host cellular responses have been identified with purified toxins. However, the contribution of anthrax toxin proteins to dissemination, disease progression, and subsequent immunity after aerosol infection with spores has not been clearly elucidated. To better understand the role of anthrax toxins in pathogenesis in vivo and to investigate the contribution of antibody to toxin proteins in protection, we completed a series of in vivo experiments using a murine aerosol challenge model and a collection of in-frame deletion mutants lacking toxin components. Our data show that after aerosol exposure toBacillus anthracisspores, anthrax lethal toxin was required for outgrowth of bacilli in the draining lymph nodes and subsequent progression of infection beyond the lymph nodes to establish disseminated disease. After pulmonary exposure to anthrax spores, toxin expression was required for the development of protective immunity to a subsequent lethal challenge. However, immunoglobulin (immunoglobulin G) titers to toxin proteins, prior to secondary challenge, did not correlate with the protection observed upon secondary challenge with wild-type spores. A correlation was observed between survival after secondary challenge and rapid anamnestic responses directed against toxin proteins. Taken together, these studies indicate that anthrax toxins are required for dissemination of bacteria beyond the draining lymphoid tissue, leading to full virulence in the mouse aerosol challenge model, and that primary and anamnestic immune responses to toxin proteins provide protection against subsequent lethal challenge. These results provide support for the utility of the mouse aerosol challenge model for the study of inhalational anthrax.
Substrains of 129 Mice Are Resistant to
Yersinia pestis
KIM5: Implications for Interleukin-10-Deficient Mice
Authors: Turner Joshua K. , Xu John L. , Tapping Richard I. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Interleukin-10 (IL-10)-deficient mice are resistant to several pathogens, including
Yersinia pestis
. Surprisingly, we observed that heterozygous IL-10
+/−
mice also survive high-dose intravenous infection with
Y. pestis
KIM5 (Pgm
−
). Analysis of commercial IL-10
−/−
mice revealed that at least 30 cM of genomic DNA from the original 129 strain remains, including a functional Slc11a1 (Nramp1) gene. Interestingly, two substrains of 129 mice were resistant to high-dose
Y. pestis
KIM5. Resistance does not appear to be recessive, as F
1
mice (C57BL/6J × 129) also survived a high-dose challenge. A QTL-based genetic scan of chromosome 1 with 35 infected F
1
backcrossed mice revealed that resistance to KIM5 maps to a region near IL-10. Two novel IL-10
+/+
mouse strains which each possess most of the original 30-cM stretch of 129 DNA maintained resistance to high-dose infection with
Y. pestis
KIM5 even in a heterozygous state. Conversely, a novel IL-10
−/−
mouse strain in which most of the 129 DNA has been crossed out exhibited intermediate resistance to KIM5, while the corresponding IL-10
+/−
strain was completely susceptible. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 129-derived genomic DNA near IL-10 confers resistance to
Yersinia pestis
KIM5 and contributes to the observed resistance of IL-10
−/−
mice.
Effet d’un assèchement édaphique sur la croissance, l’allocation de biomasse et les relations hydriques chez Casuarina glauca
Authors: Béjaoui Zoubeir , Albouchi Ali , Lamhamedi Mohammed S. , El Aouni Mohamed Hédi 
Published: October 2008

Tunisia has vast land tracts that are marginal, arid, semiarid, or desert (about three quarters of the surface of the country). Reforestation of these regions is one of the methods being used to rehabilitate degraded areas. Casuarina glauca Sieber, a fast-growing tree species that is widely used outside of its native range, was tested in the present study with respect to its degree of acclimatization and hardening in response to drought. Three water regimes, simulating the conditions of the reforestation sites, were applied to C. glauca seedlings. These regimes included a control treatment (T : predawn water potential Ψb = –0.2 MPa), a moderate stress treatment (M : Ψb = –0.5 MPa), and a severe stress treatment (S : Ψb = –1.0 MPa). Water relations parameters, estimated by pressure–volume curves through a repeat pressurization method, as well as accumulated dry mass were measured at the beginning of the experiment and 2, 4, and 6 months following treatment imposition. The total dry mass of M and S plants was significantly affected by the treatments. However, water stress favoured dry mass allocation to roots and decreased the shoot turgid mass / dry mass ratio (TM/DM). The evolution of water relations parameters under M or S regimes revealed an adaptive capacity of C. glauca seedlings, as expressed by a significant decrease of the osmotic potentials at full turgor (Ψπ100) and at the turgor loss point (Ψπ0), an osmotic adjustment in water-stressed plants reaching 0.31 and 0.56 MPa, and a significant increase in εmax reaching 26 % and 68 % of that of the control plants, respectively, at the end of the drought period. A reduction in shoot TM/DM combined with increases in εmax during water stress suggests the presence of a cell wall adjustment. These effects were more pronounced under the severe stress. Our results suggest that preconditioning seedlings to drought under nursery conditions by applying a moderate or severe stress, depending on the conditions of the planting site, for 4 months prior to outplanting, possibly will allow the seedlings to adapt morphologically and physiologically and improve their chance of survival in arid and semiarid zones.
Relationships between leaf life span, leaf mass per area, and leaf nitrogen cause different altitudinal changes in leaf δ13C between deciduous and evergreen species
Authors: Takahashi K. , Miyajima Y. 
Published: October 2008

We examined the variability in stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) in leaves of two deciduous broad-leaved species and two evergreen conifer species along an altitudinal gradient in central Japan. The δ13C of the two deciduous species decreased with altitude, except near the upper distribution limit. The two evergreen species, however, showed no clear altitudinal trends for δ13C. The δ13C of the two deciduous species was positively correlated with leaf mass per area (LMA), indicating that the altitudinal variation in δ13C was controlled by LMA. Leaf nitrogen per mass (as a proxy of assimilation capacity, Nmass) was negatively correlated with LMA for the two deciduous species, while it was not correlated with LMA for the two evergreen species. Leaf life span of the two deciduous species decreased with altitude, whereas that of the two evergreen species increased. Thus, the two deciduous species had shorter-lived thinner leaves with higher Nmass at higher altitudes, and the two evergreen species had longer-lived leaves. These changes contribute to the positive carbon balance at higher altitudes. Therefore, the different changes in δ13C with altitude between the deciduous and evergreen species are ascribed to the different altitudinal changes in the leaf traits for carbon balance.
Optimizing Crop Insurance under Climate Variability
Authors: Liu Juan , Men Chunhua , Cabrera Victor E. , Uryasev Stan , Fraisse Clyde W. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
This paper studies the selection of optimal crop insurance under climate variability and fluctuating market prices. A model was designed to minimize farmers’ expected losses (including insurance costs) while using the conditional-value-at-risk measure to acquire the risk-aversion level. The application of the model was illustrated by studying a farm with two crops (cotton and peanut) in Jackson County, Florida. The climate variability was caused by ENSO phenomenon. Crop-insurance contracts with minimized losses were 75% actual production history (APH) during El Niño and neutral years and 65% APH during La Niña years for peanut and 75% APH in all ENSO phases for cotton. In addition, risk-averse farmers could select 75% APH for peanut during La Niña years as a means of attaining less expected loss.
Both primitive and definitive blood cells are derived from Flk-1+ mesoderm
Authors: Lugus Jesse J. , Park Changwon , Ma Yunglin D. , Choi Kyunghee 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that all hematopoietic and endothelial cells originate from Flk-1+ mesoderm in the mouse. However, this concept has not been completely proven, especially for the origin of blood cells. Using either Flk1+/Cre;Rosa26R-EYFP or Flk1+/Cre;Rosa26R-LacZ mice, we permanently marked Flk-1+ cells and their progenies to determine the relationship between hematopoietic tissues and cells that express Flk-1. In embryos, all blood cells within the yolk sac and aorta were of Flk-1+ origin. In addition, nearly all CD45+ cells in bone marrow and circulating blood in adults were of Flk-1+ origin. These results provide clear evidence that all blood cells, primitive and definitive, in mice are derived from Flk-1+ mesodermal cells.
Long-term correction of inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs treated with liver-directed AAV2-mediated factor IX gene therapy
Authors: Niemeyer Glenn P. , Herzog Roland W. , Mount Jane , Arruda Valder R. , Tillson D. Michael , Hathcock John , van Ginkel Frederik W. , High Katherine A. , Lothrop Clinton D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPreclinical studies and initial clinical trials have documented the feasibility of adenoassociated virus (AAV)–mediated gene therapy for hemophilia B. In an 8-year study, inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs (n = 2) treated with liver-directed AAV2 factor IX (FIX) gene therapy did not have a single bleed requiring FIX replacement, whereas dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene therapy (n = 3) had a bleed frequency similar to untreated FIX-deficient dogs. Coagulation tests (whole blood clotting time [WBCT], activated clotting time [ACT], and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]) have remained at the upper limits of the normal ranges in the 2 dogs that received liver-directed gene therapy. The FIX activity has remained stable between 4% and 10% in both liver-treated dogs, but is undetectable in the dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene transfer. Integration site analysis by linear amplification–mediated polymerase chain reaction (LAM-PCR) suggested the vector sequences have persisted predominantly in extrachromosomal form. Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistries, bile acid profile, hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and liver biopsy were normal with no evidence for tumor formation. AAV-mediated liver-directed gene therapy corrected the hemophilia phenotype without toxicity or inhibitor development in the inhibitor-prone null mutation dogs for more than 8 years.
Maternal Oct-4 is a potential key regulator of the developmental competence of mouse oocytes
Authors: Zuccotti Maurizio , Merico Valeria , Sacchi Lucia , Bellone Michele , Brink Thore C , Bellazzi Riccardo , Stefanelli Mario , Redi Carlo Alberto , Garagna Silvia , Adjaye James 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background
The maternal contribution of transcripts and proteins supplied to the zygote is crucial for the progression from a gametic to an embryonic control of preimplantation development. Here we compared the transcriptional profiles of two types of mouse MII oocytes, one which is developmentally competent (MIISN oocyte), the other that ceases development at the 2-cell stage (MIINSN oocyte), with the aim of identifying genes and gene expression networks whose misregulated expression would contribute to a reduced developmental competence.

Results
We report that: 1) the transcription factor Oct-4 is absent in MIINSN oocytes, accounting for 2) the down-regulation of Stella, a maternal-effect factor required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition and of which Oct-4 is a positive regulator; 3) eighteen Oct-4-regulated genes are up-regulated in MIINSN oocytes and are part of gene expression networks implicated in the activation of adverse biochemical pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Conclusion
The down-regulation of Oct-4 plays a crucial function in a sequence of molecular processes that leads to the developmental arrest of MIINSN oocytes. The use of a model study in which the MII oocyte ceases development consistently at the 2-cell stage has allowed to attribute a role to the maternal Oct-4 that has never been described before. Oct-4 emerges as a key regulator of the molecular events that govern the establishment of the developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
Changes induced by dietary energy intake and divergent selection for muscle fat content in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), assessed by transcriptome and proteome analysis of the liver
Authors: Kolditz Catherine-Ines , Paboeuf Gilles , Borthaire Maïena , Esquerré Diane , SanCristobal Magali , Lefèvre Florence , Médale Françoise 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Growing interest is turned to fat storage levels and allocation within body compartments, due to their impact on human health and quality properties of farm animals. Energy intake and genetic background are major determinants of fattening in most animals, including humans. Previous studies have evidenced that fat deposition depends upon balance between various metabolic pathways. Using divergent selection, we obtained rainbow trout with differences in fat allocation between visceral adipose tissue and muscle, and no change in overall body fat content. Transcriptome and proteome analysis were applied to characterize the molecular changes occurring between these two lines when fed a low or a high energy diet. We focused on the liver, center of intermediary metabolism and the main site for lipogenesis in fish, as in humans and most avian species.

Results
The proteome and transcriptome analyses provided concordant results. The main changes induced by the dietary treatment were observed in lipid metabolism. The level of transcripts and proteins involved in intracellular lipid transport, fatty acid biosynthesis and anti-oxidant metabolism were lower with the lipid rich diet. In addition, genes and proteins involved in amino-acid catabolism and proteolysis were also under expressed with this diet. The major changes related to the selection effect were observed in levels of transcripts and proteins involved in amino-acid catabolism and proteolysis that were higher in the fat muscle line than in the lean muscle line.

Conclusion
The present study led to the identification of novel genes and proteins that responded to long term feeding with a high energy/high fat diet. Although muscle was the direct target, the selection procedure applied significantly affected hepatic metabolism, particularly protein and amino acid derivative metabolism. Interestingly, the selection procedure and the dietary treatment used to increase muscle fat content exerted opposite effects on the expression of the liver genes and proteins, with little interaction between the two factors. Some of the molecules we identified could be used as markers to prevent excess muscle fat accumulation.
The prokineticin receptor agonist Bv8 decreases IL-10 and IL-4 production in mice splenocytes by activating prokineticin receptor-1
Authors: Franchi Silvia , Giannini Elisa , Lattuada Donatella , Lattanzi Roberta , Tian Hui , Melchiorri Pietro , Negri Lucia , Panerai Alberto E , Sacerdote Paola 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundBv8, prokineticin-1, or endocrine gland-vascular endothelial growth factor, and prokineticin-2 are recently isolated peptide agonists of two G protein-coupled receptors, prokineticin receptor-1 (PROKR 1) and PROKR 2, and have been described as affecting a number of myeloid cell functions. We evaluated the impact of Bv8 on lymphoid cells by investigating its ability to modulate T cell cytokine balance in mouse.ResultsThe production of T-helper1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-1β), the T-helper 2 cytokine IL-4, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by mouse splenocytes was evaluated after polyclonal stimulation or immunisation with the keyhole limpet hemocyanin protein antigen by measuring cytokine levels. When addedin vitroto Con-A-stimulated splenocytes, Bv8 significantly increased IL-1β and decreased IL-4 and IL-10; IL-2 and IFN-γ were not affected. Similar results were obtained when Bv8 was administeredin vivo. In KLH-immunised mice, splenocytes restimulatedin vitrowith KLH and Bv8 produced significantly smaller amounts of IL-4 and IL-10. KLH-induced IL-10 and IL-4 production was also significantly blunted in animals administered Bv8in vivoat the time of KLH immunisation or two weeks later. The Bv8-induced effects were lost in mice lacking the PROKR 1 gene, thus indicating that PROKR 1 is the receptor involved in the modulation of cytokines.ConclusionThese findings indicate that Bv8/prokineticin-1 is a novel modulator of lymphoid functions, and may be a suitable target for new immunopharmacological strategies.
Design of the BRISC study: a multicentre controlled clinical trial to optimize the communication of breast cancer risks in genetic counselling
Authors: Ockhuysen-Vermey Caroline F , Henneman Lidewij , van Asperen Christi J , Oosterwijk Jan C , Menko Fred H , Timmermans Daniëlle RM 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Understanding risks is considered to be crucial for informed decision-making. Inaccurate risk perception is a common finding in women with a family history of breast cancer attending genetic counseling. As yet, it is unclear how risks should best be communicated in clinical practice. This study protocol describes the design and methods of the BRISC (Breast cancer RISk Communication) study evaluating the effect of different formats of risk communication on the counsellee's risk perception, psychological well-being and decision-making regarding preventive options for breast cancer.

Methods and design
The BRISC study is designed as a pre-post-test controlled group intervention trial with repeated measurements using questionnaires. The intervention-an additional risk consultation-consists of one of 5 conditions that differ in the way counsellee's breast cancer risk is communicated: 1) lifetime risk in numerical format (natural frequencies, i.e. X out of 100), 2) lifetime risk in both numerical format and graphical format (population figures), 3) lifetime risk and age-related risk in numerical format, 4) lifetime risk and age-related risk in both numerical format and graphical format, and 5) lifetime risk in percentages. Condition 6 is the control condition in which no intervention is given (usual care). Participants are unaffected women with a family history of breast cancer attending one of three participating clinical genetic centres in the Netherlands.

Discussion
The BRISC study allows for an evaluation of the effects of different formats of communicating breast cancer risks to counsellees. The results can be used to optimize risk communication in order to improve informed decision-making among women with a family history of breast cancer. They may also be useful for risk communication in other health-related services.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14566836.
Anti-proliferative effects of Bifidobacterium adolescentis SPM0212 extract on human colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Lee Do Kyung , Jang Seok , Kim Mi Jin , Kim Jung Hyun , Chung Myung Jun , Kim Kyung Jae , Ha Nam Joo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are beneficial probiotic organisms that contribute to improved nutrition, microbial balance, and immuno-enhancement of the intestinal tract, as well as anti-tumor activity. The aim of the present work was to study the growth inhibition of tumor cells by butanol extract ofBifidobacterium adolescentisisolated from healthy young Koreans.MethodsThe anti-proliferative activity ofB. adolescentisisolates was assessed by XTT assays on three human colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29, and SW480). The effects ofB. adolescentisSPM0212 butanol extract on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production were tested using the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line.ResultsThe butanol extract ofB. adolescentisSPM0212 dose-dependently inhibited the growth of Caco-2, HT-29, and SW480 cells by 70%, 30%, and 40%, respectively, at 200 μg/mL. Additionally, the butanol extract ofB. adolescentisSPM0212 induced macrophage activation and significantly increased the production of TNF-α and NO, which regulate immune modulation and are cytotoxic to tumor cells.ConclusionThe butanol extract ofB. adolescentisSPM0212 increased activity of the host immune system and may improve human health by helping to prevent colon cancer as a biological response modifier.