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| | 1. |
2009 Dec 3 |
Giant aneurysm of Valsalva's sinus: diagnosis and preoperative planning using 64-slice computed tomography.
Palumbo AA, Maffei E, Martini C, Reverberi C, Agostinelli A, Nicolini F, Budillon AM, Borrello B, Beghi C, Gherli T, Cademartiri F
J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2009 Dec 3; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
We describe a giant unruptured acquired aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva, which was detected incidentally in a 30-year-old rugby player with clinical suspicion of dermatomyositis. Sixty-four-slice cardiac computed tomography showed a giant aneurysm (diameters: 91 x 78 x 100 mm) of noncoronary sinus of Valsalva compressing both atrial chambers. The patient underwent cardiac surgery according to the Tirone David technique based on the information provided by cardiac computed tomography.
[Pubmed: 19966574]
| | 2. |
2009 Oct 13 |
Ocotea quixos Lam. essential oil: In vitro and in vivo investigation on its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ballabeni V, Tognolini M, Giorgio C, Bertoni S, Bruni R, Barocelli E
Fitoterapia. 2009 Oct 13; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Here we investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Ocotea quixos essential oil and of its main components, trans-cinnamaldehyde and methyl cinnamate, in in vitro and in vivo models. Ocotea essential oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde but not methyl cinnamate significantly reduced LPS-induced NO release from J774 macrophages at non-toxic concentrations, inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 expression and increased forskolin-induced cAMP production. The essential oil (30-100mg/kg os) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (10mg/kg os) in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema showed anti-inflammatory effect without damaging gastric mucosa. In conclusion we provide the first evidence of a significant anti-inflammatory gastro-sparing activity of O.quixos essential oil.
[Pubmed: 19825398]
| | 3. |
2010 Jan 19 |
Hypothalamic-Specific Manipulation of Fto, the Ortholog of the Human Obesity Gene FTO, Affects Food Intake in Rats
Tung, Ayuso, Shan, Bosch, O'Rahilly, Coll, Yeo
PLoS One 2010 Jan 19;5(1). published online before print
Abstract
Sequence variants in the first intron of FTO are strongly associated with human obesity and human carriers of the risk alleles show evidence for increased appetite and food intake. Mice globally lacking Fto display a complex phenotype characterised by both increased energy expenditure and increased food intake. The site of action of FTO on energy balance is unclear. Fasting reduces levels of Fto mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, a site where Fto expression is particularly high. In this study, we have extended this nutritional link by demonstrating that consumption of a high fat diet (45%) results in a 2.5 fold increase in Arc Fto expression. We have further explored the role of hypothalamic Fto in the control of food intake by using stereotactic injections coupled with AAV technology to bi-directionally modulate Fto expression. An over expression of Fto protein by 2.5-fold in the ARC results in a 14% decrease in average daily food intake in the first week. In contrast, knocking down Arc Fto expression by 40% increases food intake by 16%. mRNA levels of Agrp, Pomc and Npy, ARC-expressed genes classically associated with the control of food intake, were not affected by the manipulation of Fto expression. However, over expression of Fto resulted in a 4-fold increase in the mRNA levels of Stat3, a signalling molecule critical for leptin receptor signalling, suggesting a possible candidate for the mediation of Fto's actions. These data provide further support for the notion that FTO itself can influence key components of energy balance, and is therefore a strong candidate for the mediation of the robust association between FTO intronic variants and adiposity. Importantly, this provide the first indication that selective alteration of FTO levels in the hypothalamus can influence food intake, a finding consistent with the reported effects of FTO alleles on appetite and food intake in man.
[Pubmed: 20098739]
| | 4. |
2010 |
Increase in markers of airway inflammation after ozone exposure can be observed also in stable treated asthmatics with minimal functional response to ozone
Vagaggini, Bartoli, Cianchetti, Costa, Bacci, Dente, Di Franco, Malagrinò, Paggiaro
Respir Res 2010;11(1):5.
Abstract
The discrepancy between functional and inflammatory airway response to ozone has been reported in normal subjects, but few data are available for stable asthmatics regularly treated with inhaled corticosteroids.
[Pubmed: 20085630]
| | 5. |
2010 Feb 5 |
Replication, Pathogenesis and Transmission of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus in Non-Immune Pigs
Brookes, Núñez, Choudhury, Matrosovich, Essen, Clifford, Slomka, Kuntz-Simon, Garcon, Nash, Hanna, Heegaard, Quéguiner, Chiapponi, Bublot, Garcia, Gardner, Foni, Loeffen, Larsen, Van Reeth, Banks, Irvine, Brown
PLoS One 2010 Feb 5;5(2). published online before print
Abstract
The declaration of the human influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (H1N1/09) raised important questions, including origin and host range [1], [2]. Two of the three pandemics in the last century resulted in the spread of virus to pigs (H1N1, 1918; H3N2, 1968) with subsequent independent establishment and evolution within swine worldwide [3]. A key public and veterinary health consideration in the context of the evolving pandemic is whether the H1N1/09 virus could become established in pig populations [4]. We performed an infection and transmission study in pigs with A/California/07/09. In combination, clinical, pathological, modified influenza A matrix gene real time RT-PCR and viral genomic analyses have shown that infection results in the induction of clinical signs, viral pathogenesis restricted to the respiratory tract, infection dynamics consistent with endemic strains of influenza A in pigs, virus transmissibility between pigs and virus-host adaptation events. Our results demonstrate that extant H1N1/09 is fully capable of becoming established in global pig populations. We also show the roles of viral receptor specificity in both transmission and tissue tropism. Remarkably, following direct inoculation of pigs with virus quasispecies differing by amino acid substitutions in the haemagglutinin receptor-binding site, only virus with aspartic acid at position 225 (225D) was detected in nasal secretions of contact infected pigs. In contrast, in lower respiratory tract samples from directly inoculated pigs, with clearly demonstrable pulmonary pathology, there was apparent selection of a virus variant with glycine (225G). These findings provide potential clues to the existence and biological significance of viral receptor-binding variants with 225D and 225G during the 1918 pandemic [5].
[Pubmed: 20140096]
| | 6. |
2010 Feb 11 |
The zebrafish genome encodes the largest vertebrate repertoire of functional aquaporins with dual paralogy and substrate specificities similar to mammals.
Tingaud-Sequeira A, Calusinska M, Finn RN, Chauvigne F, Lozano J, Cerda J
BMC Evol Biol. 2010 Feb 11;10(1):38. Epub 2010 Feb 11.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Aquaporins are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. These proteins are vital for maintaining water homeostasis in living organisms. In mammals, thirteen aquaporins (AQP0-12) have been characterized, but in lower vertebrates, such as fish, the diversity, structure and substrate specificity of these membrane channel proteins are largely unknown. RESULTS: The screening and isolation of transcripts from the zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome revealed eighteen sequences structurally related to the four subfamilies of tetrapod aquaporins, i.e., aquaporins (AQP0, -1 and -4), water and glycerol transporters or aquaglyceroporins (Glps; AQP3 and AQP7-10), a water and urea transporter (AQP8), and two unorthodox aquaporins (AQP11 and -12). Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences demonstrated dual paralogy between teleost and human aquaporins. Three of the duplicated zebrafish isoforms have unlinked loci, two have linked loci, while DrAqp8 was found in triplicate across two chromosomes. Genomic sequencing, structural analysis, and maximum likelihood reconstruction, further revealed the presence of a putative pseudogene that displays hybrid exons similar to tetrapod AQP5 and -1. Ectopic expression of the cloned transcripts in Xenopus laevis oocytes demonstrated that zebrafish aquaporins and Glps transport water or water, glycerol and urea, respectively, whereas DrAqp11b and -12 were not functional in oocytes. Contrary to humans and some rodents, intrachromosomal duplicates of zebrafish AQP8 were water and urea permeable, while the genomic duplicate only transported water. All aquaporin transcripts were expressed in adult tissues and found to have divergent expression patterns. In some tissues, however, redundant expression of transcripts encoding two duplicated paralogs seems to occur. CONCLUSION: The zebrafish genome encodes the largest repertoire of functional vertebrate aquaporins with dual paralogy to human isoforms. Our data reveal an early and specific diversification of these integral membrane proteins at the root of the crown-clade of Teleostei. Despite the increase in gene copy number, zebrafish aquaporins mostly retain the substrate specificity characteristic of the tetrapod counterparts. Based upon the integration of phylogenetic, genomic and functional data we propose a new classification for the piscine aquaporin superfamily.
[Pubmed: 20149227]
| | 7. |
2010 |
Association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentration and risk of colorectal cancer in European populations:a nested case-control study
Jenab, Bueno-de-Mesquita, Ferrari, van Duijnhoven, Norat, Pischon, Jansen, Slimani, Byrnes, Rinaldi, Tjønneland, Olsen, Overvad, Boutron-Ruault, Clavel-Chapelon, Morois, Kaaks, Linseisen, Boeing, Bergmann, Trichopoulou, Misirli, Trichopoulos, Berrino, Vineis, Panico, Palli, Tumino, Ros, van Gils, Peeters, Brustad, Lund, Tormo, Ardanaz, Rodríguez, Sánchez, Dorronsoro, Gonzalez, Hallmans, Palmqvist, Roddam, Key, Khaw, Autier, Hainaut, Riboli
BMJ 2010;340.
Abstract
Objective To examine the association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentration, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, and the risk of colorectal cancer in European populations.
[Pubmed: 20093284]
| | 8. |
2010 Feb 22 |
Polymerized and PEG-conjugated hemoglobins: a globin-based calibration curve for dynamic light scattering analysis.
Faggiano S, Ronda L, Bruno S, Jankevics H, Mozzarelli A
Anal Biochem. 2010 Feb 22; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a technique capable of determining the hydrodynamic radius of proteins. From this parameter, a molecular weight can be assessed, provided that an appropriate calibration curve is available. To this goal, a globin-based calibration curve was used to determine the polymerization state of a recombinant hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier and to assess the equivalent molecular weight of hemoglobins conjugated with polyethylene glycol molecules. The good agreement between DLS values and those obtained from gel filtration chromatography is a consequence of the high similarity in structure, shape and density within the globin superfamily. Moreover, globins and heme proteins in general share similar spectroscopic properties, thus reducing possible systematic errors associated to the absorption of the probe radiation by the chromophore.
[Pubmed: 20184856]
| | 9. |
2010 Mar 1 |
Individuals with mutations in XPNPEP3, which encodes a mitochondrial protein, develop a nephronophthisis-like nephropathy
O’Toole, Liu, Davis, Westlake, Attanasio, Otto, Seelow, Nurnberg, Becker, Nuutinen, Kärppä, Ignatius, Uusimaa, Pakanen, Jaakkola, van den Heuvel, Fehrenbach, Wiggins, Goyal, Zhou, Wolf, Wise, Helou, Allen, Murga-Zamalloa, Ashraf, Chaki, Heeringa, Chernin, Hoskins, Chaib, Gleeson, Kusakabe, Suzuki, Isaac, Quarmby, Tennant, Fujioka, Tuominen, Hassinen, Lohi, van Houten, Rotig, Sayer, Rolinski, Freisinger, Madhavan, Herzer, Madignier, Prokisch, Nurnberg, Jackson, Khanna, Katsanis, Hildebrandt
J Clin Invest 2010 Mar 1;120(3):791-802.
Abstract
The autosomal recessive kidney disease nephronophthisis (NPHP) constitutes the most frequent genetic cause of terminal renal failure in the first 3 decades of life. Ten causative genes (NPHP1–NPHP9 and NPHP11), whose products localize to the primary cilia-centrosome complex, support the unifying concept that cystic kidney diseases are “ciliopathiesâ€. Using genome-wide homozygosity mapping, we report here what we believe to be a new locus (NPHP-like 1 [NPHPL1]) for an NPHP-like nephropathy. In 2 families with an NPHP-like phenotype, we detected homozygous frameshift and splice-site mutations, respectively, in the X-prolyl aminopeptidase 3 (XPNPEP3) gene. In contrast to all known NPHP proteins, XPNPEP3 localizes to mitochondria of renal cells. However, in vivo analyses also revealed a likely cilia-related function; suppression of zebrafish xpnpep3 phenocopied the developmental phenotypes of ciliopathy morphants, and this effect was rescued by human XPNPEP3 that was devoid of a mitochondrial localization signal. Consistent with a role for XPNPEP3 in ciliary function, several ciliary cystogenic proteins were found to be XPNPEP3 substrates, for which resistance to N-terminal proline cleavage resulted in attenuated protein function in vivo in zebrafish. Our data highlight an emerging link between mitochondria and ciliary dysfunction, and suggest that further understanding the enzymatic activity and substrates of XPNPEP3 will illuminate novel cystogenic pathways.
[Pubmed: 20179356]
| | 10. |
2010 Mar |
Exonic remnants of whole-genome duplication reveal cis-regulatory function of coding exons
Dong, Navratilova, Fredman, Drivenes, Becker, Lenhard
Nucleic Acids Res 2010 Mar;38(4):1071-1085.
Abstract
Using a comparative genomics approach to reconstruct the fate of genomic regulatory blocks (GRBs) and identify exonic remnants that have survived the disappearance of their host genes after whole-genome duplication (WGD) in teleosts, we discover a set of 38 candidate cis-regulatory coding exons (RCEs) with predicted target genes. These elements demonstrate evolutionary separation of overlapping protein-coding and regulatory information after WGD in teleosts. We present evidence that the corresponding mammalian exons are still under both coding and non-coding selection pressure, are more conserved than other protein coding exons in the host gene and several control sets, and share key characteristics with highly conserved non-coding elements in the same regions. Their dual function is corroborated by existing experimental data. Additionally, we show examples of human exon remnants stemming from the vertebrate 2R WGD. Our findings suggest that long-range cis-regulatory inputs for developmental genes are not limited to non-coding regions, but can also overlap the coding sequence of unrelated genes. Thus, exonic regulatory elements in GRBs might be functionally equivalent to those in non-coding regions, calling for a re-evaluation of the sequence space in which to look for long-range regulatory elements and experimentally test their activity.
[Pubmed: 19969543]
| | 11. |
2010 |
Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Technique Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Compare the Proteomic Response to Cadmium Stress in Plants
Visioli, Marmiroli, Marmiroli
J Biomed Biotechnol 2010;2010.
Abstract
Plants are useful in studies of metal toxicity, because their physiological responses to different metals are correlated with the metal exposure dose and chemical state. Moreover a network of proteins and biochemical cascades that may lead to a controlled homeostasis of metals has been identified in many plant species. This paper focuses on the global protein variations that occur in a Populus nigra spp. clone (Poli) that has an exceptional tolerance to the presence of cadmium. Protein separation was based on a two-dimensional liquid chromatography technique. A subset of 20 out of 126 peaks were identified as being regulated differently under cadmium stress and were fingerprinted by MALDI-TOF. Proteins that were more abundant in the treated samples were located in the chloroplast and in the mitochondrion, suggesting the importance of these organelles in the response and adaptation to metal stress.
[Pubmed: 20204056]
| | 12. |
2010 Mar 18 |
IgA anti-Actin antibodies in children with celiac disease: comparison of immunofluorescence with Elisa assay in predicting severe intestinal damage.
Bazzigaluppi E, Parma B, Tronconi GM, Corsin P, Albarello L, Mora S, Barera G
Ital J Pediatr. 2010 Mar 18;36(1):25. Epub 2010 Mar 18.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of serum IgA antibodies against actin filaments (AAA) in patients with celiac disease (CD) is strongly associated with mucosal damage and severe degrees of villous atrophy. The aims of the present study were (1) to verify the effectiveness of IgA-AAA in newly diagnosed CD patients in a clinical setting (2) to compare the immunofluorescence assay with ELISA assay; (3) to compare the correlation of our IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-Ab) class with mucosal intestinal lesions. METHODS: 90 patients underwent endoscopy and multiple biopsies for suspected CD on the basis of symptoms, in presence of positive tTG-Ab tests. Twenty biopsied and 25 not-biopsied subjects with negative tTG-Ab were tested as control groups. IgA-AAA assays were performed by indirect immunofluorescence using rat epithelial intestinal cells, and by ELISA with a commercial kit. tTG-Ab assay was a radio-binding assay. Intestinal specimens were collected by upper endoscopy and the histological study was done according to the Marsh's classification modified by Oberhuber (M/O). Auto-antibodies assays and histological evaluation have been performed blindly by skilled operators. RESULTS: CD diagnosis was confirmed in 82 patients (type I M/O in 2 patients, IIIA in 18 patients, IIIB in 29 patients and IIIC in 33 patients). Two patients with type 1 lesion in presence of positive tTG-Ab and abdominal complaints, started a gluten free diet. The rate of IgA-AAA positivity (sensitivity) by IFI and ELISA in histologically proven celiac disease patients, were 5.5% and 25% patients in IIIA, 27.5% and 34.4% patients in IIIB, 78.8% and 75% in IIIC patients, respectively. Patients with normal or nearly normal mucosa, regardless of tTG-Ab status, presented negative IgA-AAA IFI assay. On the other hand, 1 patient with normal mucosa but positive tTG-Ab, also presented positive IgA-AAA ELISA. All healthy non biopsied controls had negative IgA-AAA. tTG-Ab serum concentration was significantly correlated with more severe intestinal lesion (IIIB, IIIC M/O). CONCLUSIONS: IgA-AAA may be undetectable in presence of severe mucosal damage. Histology is still necessary to diagnose celiac disease and IgA-AAA cannot be included in usual screening tests, because it has little to offer if compared to the well-established tTG-Ab. IgA-AAA could be an adjunctive, very useful tool to support the diagnosis of CD in case of suboptimal histology, when the biopsy is to be avoided for clinical reasons, or in case of negative parents' consensus.
[Pubmed: 20298549]
| | 13. |
2010 Mar 19 |
Review: Rhabdomyolysis: historical background, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features.
Cervellin G, Comelli I, Lippi G
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2010 Mar 19; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Abstract Rhabdomyolysis, a term used to describe the rapid breakdown of striated muscle, is characterized by rupture and necrosis of muscle fibers. This process results in the release of cell breakdown products into the bloodstream and extracellular space. Although direct muscle injury remains the most common cause of muscle injury, additional causes include hereditary enzyme disorders, drugs, toxins, endocrinopathies, malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, heatstroke, hypothermia, electrolyte alterations, diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma, severe hypo- or hyperthyroidism and bacterial or viral infections. The classic triad of symptoms includes muscle pain, weakness and dark urine, although more than 50% of the patients do not complain of muscle pain or weakness. Additional systemic symptoms include fever, general malaise, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. The laboratory diagnosis is based essentially on the measurement of creatine kinase in serum or plasma. Plasma and urine myoglobin measurement might be useful in the early stages of the syndrome and for identifying a subset of patients with minor skeletal muscle injury. Patient monitoring is pivotal (the mortality rate is as high as 8%), and should be focused on preventing the detrimental consequences, that often include renal disease and coagulopathy. In the pre-hospital setting, forced hydration with 1.5-2 L of sterile saline solution should be started immediately, followed by 1.5-2 L/h. Following hospital admission, continuous hydration should be ensured, alternating the saline solution with a 5% glucose solution. In the presence of myoglobinuria, urine should be alkalinized by use of sodium bicarbonate solution. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48.
[Pubmed: 20298139]
| | 14. |
2010 Mar 15 |
Analyses of bifidobacterial prophage-like sequences.
Ventura M, Turroni F, Foroni E, Duranti S, Giubellini V, Bottacini F, van Sinderen D
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2010 Mar 15; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
The genomes of 22 putative prophages (bifidoprophages), previously identified in bifidobacterial genomes, were analyzed to detect the presence and organization of functional modules. Bifidoprophages were shown to display a classical modular genomic organization in which the DNA lysogeny module and the DNA packaging regions are the most highly conserved. Furthermore, single phage gene as well as multiple phage gene-based phylogenetic analyses clearly revealed the chimeric make-up of the genomes of bifidoprophages.
[Pubmed: 20229290]
| | 15. |
2010 Mar |
aMAZe-ing tools for mosaic analysis in zebrafish.
Blackburn JS, Langenau DM
Nat. Methods. 2010 Mar;7(3):188-90.
[Pubmed: 20195251]
| | 16. |
2010 Jan 29 |
Emotions, narratives and empathy in clinical communication
Finset
Int J Integr Care 2010 Jan 29;10(Suppl). published online before print
[Pubmed: 20228917]
| | 17. |
2010 Mar 24 |
Effect of naloxone on the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the release of arginine-vasopressin induced by physical exercise in man.
Coiro V, Volpi R, Maffei ML, Volta E, Melani A, Chiodera P
Regul Pept. 2010 Mar 24; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
This study was performed in order to establish whether endogenous opioids play a role in the inhibitory effect of melatonin on arginine-vasopressin (AVP) response to physical exercise. Seven healthy men underwent three bicycle ergometer tests until exhaustion [exercise control test, exercise plus naloxone (2mg injected plus 5mg infused intravenously), exercise plus melatonin (6mg), exercise plus melatonin plus naloxone]. Plasma AVP concentrations, non endocrine physiological parameters (NEPP) and biochemical parameters were evaluated during all tests. NEPP and biochemical values had a similar pattern during all tests. Physical exercise significantly increased the AVP levels during physical exercise. The pre-treatment with melatonin inhibited the AVP response to physical exercise. In contrast, naloxone had no effect on AVP rise during exercise, when given alone, whereas it abolished the negative effect of melatonin on AVP response to physical exercise. Our data indicate that naloxone sensitive endogenous opiates mediate the inhibitory modulation exerted by melatonin on the AVP response to physical exercise.
[Pubmed: 20346989]
| | 18. |
2010 Apr 1 |
Functional characterization of gefitinib uptake in non small cell lung cancer cell lines.
Galetti M, Alfieri RR, Cavazzoni A, La Monica S, Bonelli M, Fumarola C, Mozzoni P, De Palma G, Andreoli R, Mutti A, Mor M, Tiseo M, Ardizzoni A, Petronini PG
Biochem Pharmacol. 2010 Apr 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Gefitinib, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, has been developed and approved for treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the uptake of gefitinib in gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC cell lines. The transport system was temperature-dependent, indicative of an active process and sodium- and potential-independent. Moreover, high cell densities and low extracellular pH significantly reduced the uptake of gefitinib. Inhibitors of the human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1) significantly decreased gefitinib uptake; however, gefitinib was not a substrate for hOCT1 or hOCT2 in overexpressing HEK293 cells. Interestingly, gefitinib significantly reduced uptake of the hOCT prototypical substrate MPP suggesting that gefitinib may exert an inhibitory effect on the intracellular accumulation of drugs transported by hOCT1 and hOCT2. After 15min of treatment at 1muM (the maximum plasma concentration of gefitinib obtained at the clinically relevant dose) gefitinib accumulated within the cell in resistant cell lines at concentrations similar or even higher than in gefitinib-sensitive cells tending to rule out an alteration in drug uptake as a mechanism of resistance to gefitinib treatment. Moreover, our results suggest that the extrusion of lactate by crowded cells may contribute in decreasing the pH, which in turn can influence the uptake of gefinitib and as a result the inhibition of EGFR autophosphorylation.
[Pubmed: 20363215]
| | 19. |
2010 Apr |
The Extracellular Matrix Glycoprotein Elastin Microfibril Interface Located Protein 2: A Dual Role in the Tumor Microenvironment12
Mongiat, Marastoni, Ligresti, Lorenzon, Schiappacassi, Perris, Frustaci, Colombatti
Neoplasia 2010 Apr;12(4):294-304.
Abstract
We have recently reported that elastin microfibril interface located protein 2 (EMILIN2), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, triggers cell death through a direct binding to death receptors. EMILIN2 thus influences cell viability through a mechanism that is unique for an ECM molecule. In the present work, we report an additional function for this molecule. First, we identify the region responsible for the proapoptotic effects, a 90-amino acid residue-long coiled-coil fragment toward the N-terminus of the molecule. The fragment recapitulates EMILIN2 proapoptotic mechanisms. In addition, using either the full molecule or the active fragment, for the first time, we demonstrate a significant antitumoral effect in vivo, likely due to a decrease in tumor cell viability. Unexpectedly, tumors treated with EMILIN2 or the deletion mutant display a significant increase of tumor angiogenesis. In view of this novel finding, the cotreatment of the growing tumors with an antiangiogenic drug led, in most cases, to a complete regression of tumor growth. These results grant further support to recent findings that pinpoint the microenvironment as an important regulator of cell fate under both physiological and pathological conditions and disclose the possibility of using EMILIN2 fragments as potent antineoplastic tools for cancer treatment.
[Pubmed: 20360940]
| | 20. |
2010 Mar 22 |
Embryonic, Larval, and Juvenile Development of the Sea Biscuit Clypeaster subdepressus (Echinodermata: Clypeasteroida)
Vellutini, Migotto
PLoS One 2010 Mar 22;5(3). published online before print
Abstract
Sea biscuits and sand dollars diverged from other irregular echinoids approximately 55 million years ago and rapidly dispersed to oceans worldwide. A series of morphological changes were associated with the occupation of sand beds such as flattening of the body, shortening of primary spines, multiplication of podia, and retention of the lantern of Aristotle into adulthood. To investigate the developmental basis of such morphological changes we documented the ontogeny of Clypeaster subdepressus. We obtained gametes from adult specimens by KCl injection and raised the embryos at 26C. Ciliated blastulae hatched 7.5 h after sperm entry. During gastrulation the archenteron elongated continuously while ectodermal red-pigmented cells migrated synchronously to the apical plate. Pluteus larvae began to feed in 3 d and were 20 d old at metamorphosis; starved larvae died 17 d after fertilization. Postlarval juveniles had neither mouth nor anus nor plates on the aboral side, except for the remnants of larval spicules, but their bilateral symmetry became evident after the resorption of larval tissues. Ossicles of the lantern were present and organized in 5 groups. Each group had 1 tooth, 2 demipyramids, and 2 epiphyses with a rotula in between. Early appendages consisted of 15 spines, 15 podia (2 types), and 5 sphaeridia. Podial types were distributed in accordance to Lovén's rule and the first podium of each ambulacrum was not encircled by the skeleton. Seven days after metamorphosis juveniles began to feed by rasping sand grains with the lantern. Juveniles survived in laboratory cultures for 9 months and died with wide, a single open sphaeridium per ambulacrum, aboral anus, and no differentiated food grooves or petaloids. Tracking the morphogenesis of early juveniles is a necessary step to elucidate the developmental mechanisms of echinoid growth and important groundwork to clarify homologies between irregular urchins.
[Pubmed: 20339592]
| | 21. |
2010 Mar 11 |
An instrument to assess quality of life in relation to nutrition: item generation, item reduction and initial validation
Schünemann, Sperati, Barba, Santesso, Melegari, Akl, Guyatt, Muti
Health Qual Life Outcomes 2010 Mar 11;8:26. published online before print
Abstract
It is arguable that modification of diet, given its potential for positive health outcomes, should be widely advocated and adopted. However, food intake, as a basic human need, and its modification may be accompanied by sensations of both pleasure and despondency and may consequently affect to quality of life (QoL). Thus, the feasibility and success of dietary changes will depend, at least partly, on whether potential negative influences on QoL can be avoided. This is of particular importance in the context of dietary intervention studies and in the development of new food products to improve health and well being. Instruments to measure the impact of nutrition on quality of life in the general population, however, are few and far between. Therefore, the aim of this project was to develop an instrument for measuring QoL related to nutrition in the general population.
[Pubmed: 20222983]
| | 22. |
2010 Apr 1 |
Inhibition of mTOR by Rapamycin Abolishes Cognitive Deficits and Reduces Amyloid-β Levels in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Spilman, Podlutskaya, Hart, Debnath, Gorostiza, Bredesen, Richardson, Strong, Galvan
PLoS One 2010 Apr 1;5(4). published online before print
Abstract
Reduced TOR signaling has been shown to significantly increase lifespan in a variety of organisms [1], [2], [3], [4]. It was recently demonstrated that long-term treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR pathway[5], or ablation of the mTOR target p70S6K[6] extends lifespan in mice, possibly by delaying aging. Whether inhibition of the mTOR pathway would delay or prevent age-associated disease such as AD remained to be determined.
[Pubmed: 20376313]
| | 23. |
2010 |
Genetic Risk for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review
Zaffanello, Malerba, Cataldi, Antoniazzi, Franchini, Monti, Fanos
J Biomed Biotechnol 2010;2010.
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of morbidity in children and adults and affect up to 10% of children; its recurrence rate is estimated at 30–40%. UTI may occur in up to 50% of all women in their lifetimes and frequently require medication. Recent advances have suggested that a deregulation of candidate genes in humans may predispose patients to recurrent UTI. The identification of a genetic component of UTI recurrences will make it possible to diagnose at-risk adults and to predict genetic recurrences in their offspring. Six out of 14 genes investigated in humans may be associated with susceptibility to recurrent UTI in humans. In particular, the HSPA1B, CXCR1 & 2, TLR2, TLR4, TGF-β1 genes seem to be associated with an alteration of the host response to UTIs at various levels.
[Pubmed: 20379347]
| | 24. |
2010 Apr 13 |
Sodium channel blockers for neuropathic pain.
Zuliani V, Rivara M, Fantini M, Costantino G
Expert Opin Ther Pat. 2010 Apr 13; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Importance of the field: The voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a fundamental role in controlling cellular excitability and their abnormal activity is related to several pathological processes, including cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, spasticity, chronic and neuropathic pain. In particular, neuropathic pain (e.g., postherpetic and trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy and spinal cord injury) is a serious clinical problem that affects a high percentage of the world population. Because an altered sodium channel isoform expression profile has been considered one reason for the changes in neuronal excitability, there is a continuous quest for new selective molecules targeting sodium channels for the treatment of chronic pain. Areas covered in this review: PubMed, http://www.sciencedirect.com/ , SciFinder((R)) Scholar and http://ep.espacenet.com/ were used as sources for this review and patents between 2007 and September 2009 were taken into account for the sodium channel blockers molecular classes reviewed and discussed herein. What the reader will gain: The sodium channel blockers reported in this review have been categorized into different molecular classes on the basis of their wide structural diversity. This classification, somewhat arbitrary, does not necessarily reflect the presence of pharmacophoric elements but offers a useful way to discuss and comment on structurally homogenous classes of chemotypes recently patented. Take home message: The continuous discoveries in the field of sodium channel blockers, highlighted by the increasing numbers of patent applications published in the last few years and by the numbers of compounds currently in clinical development, underline the importance of this target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The great difficulty in the design of new selective and active structures, not obtained from old VGSC blockers that are often associated with high risk of adverse effects, is a strong challenge for medicinal chemistry research.
[Pubmed: 20384535]
| | 25. |
2010 Apr |
Influence of a light meal on routine haematological tests
Lippi, Lima-Oliveira, Salvagno, Montagnana, Gelati, Picheth, Duarte, Franchini, Guidi
Blood Transfus 2010 Apr;8(2):94-99.
Abstract
Patient-related variables, such as physical exercise, stress and fasting status are important sources of variability in laboratory testing. However, no clear indications about fasting requirements exist for routine haematological tests, nor has the influence of meals been assessed.
[Pubmed: 20383302]
| | 26. |
2010 Apr 21 |
Cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease: Successful treatment and long term remission with infliximab.
Vincenzi F, Bizzarri B, Ghiselli A, De' Angelis N, Fornaroli F, De' Angelis GL
World J. Gastroenterol. 2010 Apr 21;16(15):1924-7.
Abstract
The association of cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease (CD) is well known, but to date, there are very few cases in the literature of patients suffering from mucoviscidosis who have required treatment with infliximab. We report the case of a 23-year-old patient suffering from cystic fibrosis and severe CD treated successfully with infliximab without any infective complications or worsening of the pulmonary disease and with a long term (2 years) complete remission.
[Pubmed: 20397273]
| | 27. |
2010 Apr |
A comparative method for processing immunological parameters: developing an "Immunogram"
Ortolani, Bellavite, Paiola, Martini, Marchesini, Veneri, Franchini, Chirumbolo, Tridente, Vella
Blood Transfus 2010 Apr;8(2):118-125.
Abstract
The immune system is a network of numerous cells that communicate both directly and indirectly with each other. The system is very sensitive to antigenic stimuli, which are memorised, and is closely connected with the endocrine and nervous systems. Therefore, in order to study the immune system correctly, it must be considered in all its complexity by analysing its components with multiparametric tools that take its dynamic characteristic into account.
[Pubmed: 20383306]
| | 28. |
2010 Apr 14 |
Molecular Gastronomy: A New Emerging Scientific Discipline
Barham, Skibsted, Bredie, Bom Frøst, Møller, Risbo, Snitkjær, Mortensen
Chem Rev 2010 Apr 14;110(4):2313-2365.
[Pubmed: 20170128]
| | 29. |
2010 Mar 26 |
Population dynamic of the extinct European aurochs: genetic evidence of a north-south differentiation pattern and no evidence of post-glacial expansion
Mona, Catalano, Lari, Larson, Boscato, Casoli, Sineo, Di Patti, Pecchioli, Caramelli, Bertorelle
BMC Evol Biol 2010 Mar 26;10:83. published online before print
Abstract
The aurochs (Bos primigenius) was a large bovine that ranged over almost the entirety of the Eurasian continent and North Africa. It is the wild ancestor of the modern cattle (Bos taurus), and went extinct in 1627 probably as a consequence of human hunting and the progressive reduction of its habitat. To investigate in detail the genetic history of this species and to compare the population dynamics in different European areas, we analysed Bos primigenius remains from various sites across Italy.
[Pubmed: 20346116]
| | 30. |
2010 Apr 28 |
Advances in Friedel-Crafts Acylation Reactions: Catalytic and Green Processes Advances in Friedel-Crafts Acylation Reactions: Catalytic and Green Processes . By Giovanni Sartori and Raimondo Maggi (both at University of Parma, Italy). CRC Press (an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group): Boca Raton, FL. 2009. xii + 209 pp. $149.95. ISBN 978-1-4200-6792-7 .
Bandini M
J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Apr 28; [Epub ahead of print]
[Pubmed: 20426413]
| | 31. |
2010 Apr 29 |
Thermodynamics of Core Metal Replacement and Self-Assembly of Ca(2+) 15-Metallacrown-5 (dagger).
Tegoni M, Furlotti M, Tropiano M, Lim CS, Pecoraro VL
Inorg Chem. 2010 Apr 29; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
The equilibria for core Ca(2+) replacement by Ln(3+) in copper(II) 15-MC-5 complexes have been investigated using a series of visible spectrophotometric titrations of calcium(II) metallacrowns ({Ca(II)[15-MC(Cu(II)(N)(L))-5]}(2+)) with Ln(3+) ions (H(2)L = pheha, (S)-alpha-phenylalaninehydroxamic acid, or trpha, (S)-alpha-tryptophanhydroxamic acid). These studies allowed the determination of the equilibrium constants for the reaction {Ca(II)[15-MC(Cu(II)(N)(L))-5]}(2+) + Ln(3+) --> {Ln(III)[15-MC(Cu(II)(N)(L))-5]}(3+) + Ca(2+) in methanol/water 9:1 (Ln(3+) = La(3+), Gd(3+), Dy(3+), Er(3+)) or 99:1 (Ln(3+) = La(3+), Nd(3+), Gd(3+), Dy(3+), Er(3+), Yb(3+)), respectively. The log K for these reactions decreases with increasing atomic number of the lanthanide(III), ranging from 6.1 to 3.91 in methanol/water 9:1. The same behavior is observed in methanol/water 99:1, although the constants are uniformly lower (log K = 4.09-2.52). A significant thermodynamic selectivity was observed for the later lanthanides (Gd(3+)-Yb(3+)) while a smaller selectivity is present throughout the beginning of the series (La(3+)-Gd(3+)). This observation has been interpreted on the basis of the size correspondence between the metal ions and the metallacrown cavity. The overall stability of the {Ca(II)[15-MC(Cu(II)(N)(L))-5]}(2+) in methanol/water 9:1 has been determined by pH-spectrophotometric titrations with HCl. The resulting log K values are 63.46(12) and 65.05(13) for pheha and trpha, respectively (Ca(2+) + 5Cu(2+) + 5HL(-) = {Ca(II)[15-MC(Cu(II)(N)(L))-5]}(2+) +5H(+)). The stability of both the La(3+) and Ca(2+) 15-metallacrown-5 complexes in the presence of high Na(+) concentrations has also been demonstrated by spectophotometric studies. Based upon these observations, the preference of the 15-MC-5 for Ca(2+) complexation compared to crown ethers has been quantitatively demonstrated for the first time.
[Pubmed: 20429607]
| | 32. |
2010 Apr 22 |
Structural and Functional Characterization of Human Peripheral Nervous System Myelin Protein P2
Majava, Polverini, Mazzini, Nanekar, Knoll, Peters, Natali, Baumgärtel, Kursula, Kursula
PLoS One 2010 Apr 22;5(4). published online before print
Abstract
The myelin sheath is a tightly packed multilayered membrane structure insulating selected axons in the central and the peripheral nervous systems. Myelin is a biochemically unique membrane, containing a specific set of proteins. In this study, we expressed and purified recombinant human myelin P2 protein and determined its crystal structure to a resolution of 1.85 Å. A fatty acid molecule, modeled as palmitate based on the electron density, was bound inside the barrel-shaped protein. Solution studies using synchrotron radiation indicate that the crystal structure is similar to the structure of the protein in solution. Docking experiments using the high-resolution crystal structure identified cholesterol, one of the most abundant lipids in myelin, as a possible ligand for P2, a hypothesis that was proven by fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, electrostatic potential surface calculations supported a structural role for P2 inside the myelin membrane. The potential membrane-binding properties of P2 and a peptide derived from its N terminus were studied. Our results provide an enhanced view into the structure and function of the P2 protein from human myelin, which is able to bind both monomeric lipids inside its cavity and membrane surfaces.
[Pubmed: 20421974]
| | 33. |
2010 May 6 |
To me or to you? When the self is advantaged.
Ferri F, Campione GC, Dalla Volta R, Gianelli C, Gentilucci M
Exp Brain Res. 2010 May 6; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
The present study aimed at verifying whether and why sequences of actions directed to oneself are facilitated when compared to action sequences directed to conspecifics. In experiment 1, participants reached to grasp and brought a piece of food either to their own mouth for self-feeding or to the mouth of a conspecific for feeding. In control conditions, they executed the same sequence to place the piece of food into a mouth-like aperture in a flat container placed upon either their own mouth or the mouth of a conspecific. Kinematic analysis showed that the actions of reaching and bringing were faster when directed to the participant's own body, especially for self-feeding. The data support the hypothesis that reaching to grasp and bringing to one's own body and, in particular, one's own mouth for self-feeding, form an automatic sequence, because this is the result of more frequent execution and coordination between different effectors of one's own body, such as arm and mouth. In contrast, the same sequence directed toward a conspecific is not automatic and requires more accuracy probably because it is guided by social intentions. This hypothesis was supported by the results of control experiment 2 in which we compared the kinematics of reaching to grasp and placing the piece of food into the mouth of a conspecific (i.e. feeding) with those of reaching to grasp and placing the same piece of food into a mouth-like aperture in a human body shape (i.e. placing). Indeed, the entire sequence was slowed down during feeding when compared to placing.
[Pubmed: 20445966]
| | 34. |
2010 |
Development of a New Type of Incisal Table for Prosthetic Articulators
Tasora, Simeone
Int J Dent 2010;2010.
Abstract
This study illustrates the effectiveness of an advanced incisal table surface, featuring adjustable curvature, in the sake of more accurate articulator kinematics in anterior teeth reconstruction. Prosthetic articulators, used by dental technicians in reconstructive dentistry, are adjustable instruments that simulate the motion of mastication between dental casts: usually, the forward motion (protrusion) of the mandible is guided by sliding a pin over a flat table in order to recreate those movements when incisal teeth are missing. However, such protrusion is an approximation of the exact motion, since flat incisal tables have a limited set of adjustments. Customized software has been developed in order to simulate the kinematics of articulators in three-dimensional space: animations and measures of the envelope of teeth profiles show the unfeasibility of reconstructing with good approximation the profile of incisive teeth, when a simple ‘flat' incisal table is used. A new incisal table with an adjustable curvature has been proposed, simulated, and built, and computer simulations demonstrated the superior precision of the new design when compared to a conventional articulator which uses a flat incisal table.
[Pubmed: 20445734]
| | 35. |
2010 May 12 |
The "Obamanomics": a revolution in laboratory diagnostics.
Lippi G, Plebani M
Clin Chem Lab Med. 2010 May 12; [Epub ahead of print]
[Pubmed: 20459355]
| | 36. |
2010 May 13 |
Luminescence Dynamics in Tb(3+)-Doped CaWO(4) and CaMoO(4) Crystals.
Cavalli E, Boutinaud P, Mahiou R, Bettinelli M, Dorenbos P
Inorg Chem. 2010 May 13; [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
Single crystals of CaWO(4) and CaMoO(4) doped with Tb(3+) have been grown by the flux growth method. Their luminescence properties have been investigated in the 10-600 K temperature range under different experimental conditions. In spite of very similar spectra at low temperature upon excitation at 365 nm, the crystals show a very different behavior as the temperature is raised or the excitation wavelength is changed. These differences have been accounted for on the basis of models that take into consideration the position of the energy levels of the rare earth relative to the bandgap of the host material.
[Pubmed: 20465246]
| | 37. |
2010 Jun 27 |
Multi-year evolutionary dynamics of West Nile virus in suburban Chicago, USA, 2005-2007.
Amore G, Bertolotti L, Hamer GL, Kitron UD, Walker ED, Ruiz MO, Brawn JD, Goldberg TL
Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., B, Biol. Sci. 2010 Jun 27;365(1548):1871-8.
Abstract
West Nile virus has evolved in concert with its expansion across North America, but little is known about the evolutionary dynamics of the virus on local scales. We analysed viral nucleotide sequences from mosquitoes collected in 2005, 2006, and 2007 from a known transmission 'hot spot' in suburban Chicago, USA. Within this approximately 11 x 14 km area, the viral envelope gene has increased approximately 0.1% yr(-1) in nucleotide-level genetic diversity. In each year, viral diversity was higher in 'residential' sites characterized by dense housing than in more open 'urban green space' sites such as cemeteries and parks. Phylodynamic analyses showed an increase in incidence around 2005, consistent with a higher-than-average peak in mosquito and human infection rates that year. Analyses of times to most recent common ancestor suggest that WNV in 2005 and 2006 may have arisen predominantly from viruses present during 2004 and 2005, respectively, but that WNV in 2007 had an older common ancestor, perhaps indicating a predominantly mixed or exogenous origin. These results show that the population of WNV in suburban Chicago is an admixture of viruses that are both locally derived and introduced from elsewhere, containing evolutionary information aggregated across a breadth of spatial and temporal scales.
[Pubmed: 20478882]
| | 38. |
2009 Oct 05 |
Ventral premotor and inferior parietal cortices make distinct contribution to action organization and intention understanding.
Bonini L, Rozzi S, Serventi FU, Simone L, Ferrari PF, Fogassi L
Cereb. Cortex. 2010 Jun;20(6):1372-85. Epub 2009 Oct 05.
Abstract
It is well known that ventral premotor area F5 codes the goal of executed and observed motor acts. This area is anatomically connected with part of the inferior parietal cortex (area PFG), which has been recently shown to play a role in action organization and intention understanding. The aims of the present study were 1) to assess whether the discharge of F5 motor neurons and mirror neurons (MNs) codes action goals and 2) to clarify the relative contribution of F5 and PFG in action organization and intention understanding. To this purpose, we first recorded from F5 motor neurons and MNs of 2 monkeys while performing a motor task constituted by 2 actions ("grasp-to-eat" and "grasp-to-place") or observing the same task done by an experimenter. Results showed that some F5 neurons code grasping according to the goal of the action in which it is embedded. Subsequently, we recorded from PFG motor neurons and MNs of the same monkeys, using the same tasks. The comparison between the neuronal properties of F5 and PFG motor neurons suggests that PFG plays a major role in organizing natural actions. Furthermore, the similarities between MNs properties of the 2 areas indicate that they constitute a functional circuit underlying others' intention understanding.
[Pubmed: 19805419]
| | 39. |
2010 May 7 |
Extranuclear Estrogen Receptors Mediate the Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen in the Rat Hippocampus
Yang, Zhang, Zhou, Yang, Zhang, Wang, Brann
PLoS One 2010 May 7;5(5). published online before print
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) has been implicated to exert neuroprotective effects in the brain following cerebral ischemia. Classically, E2 is thought to exert its effects via genomic signaling mediated by interaction with nuclear estrogen receptors. However, the role and contribution of extranuclear estrogen receptors (ER) is unclear and was the subject of the current study.
[Pubmed: 20479872]
| | 40. |
2010 May 12 |
Evidence for Emulation in Chimpanzees in Social Settings Using the Floating Peanut Task
Tennie, Call, Tomasello
PLoS One 2010 May 12;5(5). published online before print
Abstract
It is still unclear which observational learning mechanisms underlie the transmission of difficult problem-solving skills in chimpanzees. In particular, two different mechanisms have been proposed: imitation and emulation. Previous studies have largely failed to control for social factors when these mechanisms were targeted.
[Pubmed: 20485684]
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