bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostanoid receptors in anagen human hair follicles
Authors: Colombe Laurent , Michelet Jean‐François , Bernard Bruno Alain
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Prostanoid pathway in hair follicle gained closer attention since trichogenic side‐effects on hair growth has been observed concomitantly with prostaglandin F2α receptor (FP) agonist treatment of intraocular pressure. We thus investigated prostanoid receptor distribution in anagen hair follicle and different cell types from hair and skin. Using RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found that all receptors were present in hair follicle. This data shed new light on an underestimated complex network involved in hair growth control. Indeed most of these receptors showed a wide spectrum of expression in cultured cells and the whole hair follicle. Using IHC, we observed that expression of prostaglandin E2 receptors (EP2, EP3, EP4), prostaglandin D2 receptor (DP2), prostanoid thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) and to a lesser extent EP1 involved several hair follicle compartments. On the opposite, Prostaglandin I2 receptor (IP) and DP1 were more specifically expressed in hair cuticle layer and outer root sheath (ORS) basal layer, respectively. FP expression was essentially restricted to ORS companion layer and dermal papilla (DP). Although extracting a clear functional significance from this intricate network remains open challenge, FP labelling, i.e. could explain the biological effect of PGF2α on hair regrowth, by directly modulating DP function.
Effect of seasonality and trophic group on energy acquisition in Amazonian fish
Authors: Neves dos Santos R. , Ferreira E. J. G. , Amadio S.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  The influence of hydrologic cycle and trophic groups on the energy content of food was investigated for five fish species from a Central Amazonian floodplain area. Sampling was carried out monthly using gillnets of different mesh sizes immersed in water for 24 h. We examined the presence and absence of food in fish stomachs and those with food were analysed and their energy content determined. Amongst the trophic groups studied, the piscivores Acestrorhynchus falcirostris and Pygocentrus nattereri showed high numbers of empty stomachs throughout the sampling period and very high levels of energy density in their food, which may explain why they take food less frequently. On the other hand the invertivorous species Hemiodus sp. and Hoplosternum littorale and the herbivore Rhytiodus microlepis, need to take food very frequently. The energy of the piscivorous species’ stomach contents was not significantly different during the hydrologic cycle, whereas the invertivore and herbivore varied significantly, showing a general tendency of high levels of energy during high waters.
Reproductive costs, condition and carotenoid‐based colour in natural populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Sparkes T. C. , Rush V. , Foster S. A.
Published: November 2007

Abstract – Male threespine stickleback,Gasterosteus aculeatus, display an orange/red throat during the breeding season, which is carotenoid‐based colour. We examined the relationship between energy‐based costs of reproduction and colour in three lacustrine populations of threespine stickleback: two benthic (Willow and Big Beaver) and one limnetic (Lynne) ecotypes. In two lakes (Willow and Big Beaver) where benthic males defend nests against cannibalistic groups, males paid higher energy costs than in the third lake (Lynne) where cannibalistic groups are absent. We then examined colour variation within each population. Males from Lynne Lake did not change colour during the parental stage, whereas males from Willow and Big Beaver lakes became more intensely coloured. In addition, colour was typically independent of condition within stages. We propose that energy‐based reproductive costs could explain some of the observed variation in colour by altering the payoffs associated with signalling effort during current versus future reproduction.
A comparison of swimming capacity and energy use in seven European freshwater fish species
Authors: Tudorache C. , Viaene P. , Blust R. , Vereecken H. , De Boeck G.
Published: November 2007

Abstract – Migrating fish species with different swimming capacities and energy use show different capacities for passing obstacles between habitats, such as culverts and fish ladders. Here, we present an integrated study on swimming capacity and energetic use in seven European freshwater fish species with different ranges of migration (brown troutSalmo truttaL., European perchPerca fluviatilisL., roachRutilus rutilusL., common carpCyprinus carpioL., gudgeonGobio gobioL., bullheadCottus gobioL. and stone loachBarbatula barbatulaL.). Critical (Ucrit), optimal (Uopt) and maximum (Umax) swimming speed and oxygen consumption (MO2) were analysed and showed values correlated to migration capacity with highest swimming capacities in trout and roach and lowest in stone loach and bullhead. The resulting data can be used to make estimates of maximum passable water speeds in culverts. In conclusion, long‐distance migrators show higher swimming capacities and can potentially clear obstacles easier than short distance migrators with lower swimming capacities. Even small obstacles (<25 cm) could be a barrier for genetic exchange between populations in short‐distance migrators.
Adverse outcomes of dental trauma splinting as related to displacement injury and pulpal blood flow level
Authors: Emshoff R. , Moschen I. , Strobl H.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  Splinting of traumatically displaced permanent teeth has been described as an effective modality in the treatment of patients with dental injuries. The purpose of this study was to (i) investigate whether dental injury diagnosis may predict adverse outcomes occurring 96 weeks after splint removal, and (ii) evaluate whether the severity of adverse outcome is related to laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) measurements of pulpal blood flow (PBF). In 206 trauma patients, 273 permanent maxillary incisors treated by repositioning and splinting, and the respective contralateral homologous control teeth were investigated clinically and radiographically, and by LDF to assess local PBF values. Dental displacement injuries were classified as grade I (subluxation), grade II (lateral or extrusive luxation) and grade III (avulsion or intrusive luxation). Outcomes were classified as ‘absence of loss of sensitivity, periapical radiolucency, and/or grey discolouration of crown’, type I (loss of sensitivity), type II (loss of sensitivity and periapical radiolucency or grey discoloration of crown) and type III (loss of sensitivity, periapical radiolucency and grey discoloration of crown). An adverse outcome was defined as the presence of ‘periapical radiolucency and/or grey discoloration’. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compute the odds ratio (OR) for dental displacement injury for adverse outcome (n = 69) vs non‐adverse outcome (n = 168). An ordinal stepwise regresssion was completed to assess the degree of association between PBF measurements and outcome groups. Significant increase in risk of an adverse outcome occurred with a grade II dental displacement injury (OR 14.3) (P = 0.000) and a grade III dental displacement injury (OR 19.9) (P = 0.000). PBF measurements that were significantly associated with more severe outcome were PBF levels of ≤3 perfusion units (PU) (OR 399.4) (P = 0.000), those of >3 PU and ≤6 PU (OR 100.5) (P = 0.000), and those of >6 PU and ≤9PU (OR 6.2) (P = 0.000). Diagnoses of displaced teeth predicted dental injury patients who went on to show adverse treatment outcomes of splinting. PBF measurements were related to the severity of adverse outcome.
Evaluation of mouthguards for the prevention of orofacial injuries during United States Army basic military training
Authors: Dela Cruz Georgia G. , Knapik Joseph J. , Birk Marcella G.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  Beginning in January 2000, all individuals participating in basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, were issued boil‐and‐bite mouthguards. From January 2000 to March 2001, trainees were required to wear mouthguards only for a single activity, pugil stick training. After March 2001, mouthguards were required for four activities including pugil stick training, unarmed combat, rifle/bayonet training, and the confidence/obstacle course. Dentists systematically tracked trainees who reported to the dental clinic with orofacial injuries during three periods: January 2000–March 2001 (phase 1), April–September 2001 (phase 2) and September 2002–June 2003 (phase 3). Orofacial injury rates were 3.35, 1.89 and 1.91 cases/10 000 person‐years in phases 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The overall risk of an orofacial injury was 1.76 (95% confidence interval = 1.03–3.02) times higher in phase 1 compared with the combined phases 2 and 3 (P = 0.006). Thus, orofacial injury rates were lower when mouthguards were required for four training activities as opposed to one training activity. Mouthguards are now required at all five Army basic training sites when trainees are performing any of the four training activities.
Replantation of an avulsed permanent maxillary incisor with an immature apex: report of a case
Authors: Goldbeck Andrew Paul , Haney Kevin Lee
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  A case is reported of the replantation of a maxillary incisor with an immature apex following a traumatic avulsion. A 14‐month follow‐up clinical examination revealed the patient to be asymptomatic, the tooth to be still functional, and a recall radiograph showed no evidence of renewed periradicular breakdown. The indications for, and limitations of, replantation of an avulsed permanent incisor with an immature apex are discussed.
Post‐traumatic development of a peripheral giant cell granuloma in a child
Authors: Grand Emmanuel , Burgener Emmanuel , Samson Jacky , Lombardi Tommaso
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  The peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a benign hyperplastic gingival lesion of unknown aetiology occurring mostly in adults. A few cases have been described in children where a more aggressive clinical behaviour has been observed. In this paper, we report a case of PGCG localized in the anterior region of the maxilla of a 6‐year‐old boy which developed 6 months following a traumatic event. Early detection and treatment of PGCG is important to reduce possible dento‐alveolar complications such as bone loss or displacement of dental germs or teeth.
Spontaneously healed root fractures: two case reports
Authors: Görduysus Melahat , Avcu Nihal , Görduysus Ömer
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  We report on two undiagnosed horizontal root fractures of two maxillary right central incisors in two different patients caused by dental trauma which occurred several years ago. These fractures were discovered during a routine full‐mouth radiographic examination. While, in case one, the fracture was located in the middle‐third of the root, it was in the cervical‐third of the root in case two. The fractured teeth were observed to have healed spontaneously without any sign or symptom, and tested as vital to electric pulp test.
African tick bite fever – Papulovesicular exanthem with fever after staying in South Africa
Authors: Schuster Jan , Tantcheva‐Poor Iliana , Wickenhauser Claudia , Chemnitz Jens‐Marcus , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Krieg Thomas , Hartmann Karin
Published: November 2007

In the wake of expanding international tourism, rickettsioses are increasingly observed also in central Europe. African tick bite fever is a recently described, acute febrile illness with characteristic skin lesions.It is caused by Rickettsia africae, which is transmitted to humans by ticks of the Amblyomma genus. A 60‐year‐old woman presented with a papulovesic‐ular exanthem, fever, and headache after returning from South Africa. A purple nodule with central necrosis (“tache noire”or “inoculation eschar”) was noticed on the lower leg. Antibodies against rickettsia of the spotted fever group were detected serologically. Oral doxycycline led to clearance of the disease after few days of treatment.
Installation of a network for patients with congenital melanocytic nevi in German‐speaking countries
Authors: Krengel Sven , Breuninger Helmut , Hauschild Axel , Höger Peter , Merl Volker , Hamm Henning
Published: November 2007

In 2005, an Internet‐based network for the support of patients with congenital melanocytic nevi in German‐speaking countries was started (http://www.naevus‐netzwerk.de). Along with detailed information for patients and parents, the home‐page includes a nevus registry which is based on an electronic questionnaire and which aims at providing data on the long‐term course of nevi estimated to reach > 10 cm in largest diameter. In the past, congenital melanocytic nevi have been subject to various mythological interpretations (“Tierfellnävus”, lit.”animal coat nevus”;”Muttermal”). Today an increasing body of reliable scientific data allows a differentiated reflection of the risk of malignant transformation and has led to progress in the diagnostic and therapeutic management. Recent findings from the literature and considerations from scientific meetings are reviewed.
Telemedicine and teledermatology: Past, present and future
Authors: Wurm Elisabeth M.T. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Wurm Robert , Soyer Hans Peter
Published: November 2007

Telemedicine is an emerging field within medicine with potential to revolutionize the delivery of health care.It is defined as the use of telecommunication technologies to transfer medical information.Teledermatology is a category of telemedicine. Early experiments were already made at the beginning of the 20th century, the breakthrough happened in the nineties because of the rapid progress of telecommunication technology. The latest advance is mobile telemedicine which is characterized by the use of mobile devices such as mobile phone and PDA (personal digital assistant).Advantages of telemedicine are the possibility of remote patient‐care as well as the easy and fast access to expert opinions and education.This can either happen through exchange of previously stored data/images (store‐and‐forward method) or in real time.Since our society is increasingly becoming interconnected via technical advances, it is essential that medicine also has an objective understanding of the topic.
A Study of Dentists’ Preferred Maxillary Anterior Tooth Width Proportions: Comparing the Recurring Esthetic Dental Proportion to Other Mathematical and Naturally Occurring Proportions
Authors: WARD DANIEL H.
Published: November 2007

Statement of the Problem:  Presently, there are no generally accepted standards for designing smiles using tooth proportion relationships.

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to determine whether North American dentists prefer smile designs created using the recurring esthetic dental (RED) proportion, other mathematically defined tooth proportion relationships, or naturally occurring tooth‐to‐tooth width proportions previously reported to occur in the North American population.

Materials and Methods:  Three hundred and one North American dentists were surveyed to determine their preferences of imaged smiles exhibiting different anterior tooth width proportions and the primary proportion influencing their decision. One‐sample t‐tests were used to compare preferences of constructed smiles. Pearson’s Chi‐square test was used to assess the independence of the relationship between the subjects’ demographic attributes and the factors reported as being instrumental in their decision processes.

Results:  Fifty‐seven percent of dentists surveyed preferred the smiles with the 70% RED proportion over the smiles with the naturally occurring maxillary anterior tooth width proportions in normal‐length teeth. Dentists preferred the smiles of the naturally occurring maxillary tooth proportions (70%) and the 70% RED proportion (75%) over the golden proportion. In smiles with tall teeth, the golden proportion was preferred by 58% of the surveyed dentists over the naturally occurring tooth‐to‐tooth width proportions as previously defined by Preston. Sixty‐two percent of dentists cited the overall balance as the primary factor affecting their selection. Twenty‐three percent made their selection based on the size of the maxillary central incisors, whereas 15% used other teeth or factors.

Conclusion:  Smiles created using the principles of the RED proportion were preferred by a majority of dentists surveyed. The majority of dentists reported that overall balance was the primary factor affecting their selection.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The RED proportion may be useful in creating smiles preferred by North American dentists. Seventy‐five percent of North American dentists preferred using the RED proportion when designing smiles with normal‐length teeth over using the golden proportion, which has been a pseudostandard in esthetic dentistry. Applying the golden proportion universally in smile design should be reconsidered as it was found to be the least pleasing and accepted in this study for normal‐length teeth.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 19:324–339, 2007)
Evaluation of Side Effects and Patients’ Perceptions during Tooth Bleaching
Authors: LEONARD RALPH H. , SMITH LYNN R. , GARLAND GLENN E. , TIWANA KAREN K. , ZAIDEL LYNETTE A. , PUGH GEORGE , LIN NORA C.
Published: November 2007

Objective:  The objective of this nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) study was to compare tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation (GIr), and other side effects, as well as patients’ perceptions during tooth bleaching, from treatment with experimental 5 and 7% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching solutions with those of a commercially available 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) product.

Materials and Methods:  Sixty‐one participants completed the study wearing a scalloped maxillary treatment tray without reservoirs with the different concentrations of bleaching gels for 30 minutes twice a day for 7 days. Parameters evaluated were changes in gingival index (GI), nonmarginal gingival index, nongingival oral mucosal index, and tooth vitality. Participants were seen pretreatment, after 7 treatment days, and 1 week post‐treatment. A daily log form to record TS and GIr was completed by each participant as well as a sensitivity questionnaire at each appointment. Additionally, at 10 months post‐treatment, a questionnaire was sent to the participants concerning TS and GIr relative to the treatment process.

Results:  Data from end‐of‐treatment questionnaires, daily log forms, and clinical examination revealed a statistical difference (p≤ 0.05) in the patients’ ranking of and days of TS and GIr between group S (7% HP) and group T (10% CP, control group) at the end of active treatment. There also existed a statistical clinical change in the GI levels for groups R and S compared with the control group T. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in any of the parameters evaluated among the three products at 7 days or 10 months post‐treatment.

Conclusions:  Participants in group S reported significantly more TS, GIr, and days of each compared with the control. There also existed a significant clinical change in the GI levels for groups R and S compared with the control group T. There was no significant difference among the three products at 7 days post‐treatment. After ending treatment, TS/GIr was resolved in 2 to 3 days and did not recur during the 10 months post‐treatment.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The experimental HP bleaching solutions, as described in this study, can be used in NGVB with no long‐term side effects as evaluated in this study for up to 10 months post‐treatment.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 19:355–366, 2007)
Tertiary structure in 7.9 m guanidinium chloride − the role of Glu53 and Asp287 in Pyrococcus furiosus endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase
Authors: Chiaraluce Roberta , Florio Rita , Angelaccio Sebastiana , Gianese Giulio , van Lieshout Johan F. T. , van der Oost John , Consalvi Valerio
Published: November 2007

The thermodynamic stability of family 16 endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus is decreased upon single (D287A, E53A) and double (E53A/D287A) mutation of Asp287 and Glu53. In accordance with the homology model prediction, both carboxylic acids are involved in the composition of a calcium binding site, as shown by titration of the wild‐type and the variant proteins with a chromophoric chelator. The present study shows that, in P. furiosus, endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase residues Glu53 and Asp287 also make up a calcium binding site in 7.9 m guanidinium chloride. The persistence of tertiary structure in 7.9 m guanidinium chloride, a feature of the wild‐type enzyme, is observed also for the three variant proteins. The ΔGH2O values relative to the guanidinium chloride‐induced equilibrium unfolding of the three variants are approximatelty 50% lower than that of the wild‐type. The destabilizing effect of the combined mutations of the double mutant is non‐additive, with an energy of interaction of 24.2 kJ·mol−1, suggesting a communication between the two mutated residues. The decrease in the thermodynamic stability of D287A, E53A and E53A/D287A is contained almost exclusively in the m‐values, a parameter which reflects the solvent‐exposed surface area upon unfolding. The decrease in m‐value suggests that the substitution with alanine of two evenly charged repulsive side chains induces a stabilization of the non‐native state in 7.9 m guanidinium chloride comparable to that induced by the presence of calcium on the wild‐type. These results suggest that the stabilization of a compact non‐native state may be a strategy for P. furiosus endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase to thrive under adverse environmental conditions.
Molecular cloning of the ecdysone receptor and the retinoid X receptor from the scorpion Liocheles australasiae
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Sakai Atsushi , Magata Fumie , Ogura Takehiko , Miyashita Masahiro , Miyagawa Hisashi
Published: November 2007

cDNAs of the ecdysone receptor and the retinoid X receptor were cloned from the Japanese scorpion Liocheles australasiae, and the amino acid sequences were deduced. The full‐length cDNA sequences of the L. australasiae ecdysone receptor and the L. australasiae retinoid X receptor were 2881 and 1977 bp in length, respectively, and the open reading frames encoded proteins of 560 and 414 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the L. australasiae ecdysone receptor was similar to that of the ecdysone receptor‐A of the soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata (68%) and to that of the ecdysone receptor‐A1 of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (66%), but showed lower similarity to the ecdysone receptors of Orthoptera and Coleoptera (53–57%). The primary sequence of the ligand‐binding region of the L. australasiae ecdysone receptor was highly homologous to that of ticks (85–86%). The amino acid sequence of the L. australasiae retinoid X receptor was also homologous to the amino acid sequence of ultraspiracles of ticks (63%) and insects belonging to the orders Orthoptera and Coleoptera (60–64%). The identity of both the L. australasiae ecdysone receptor and the L. australasiae retinoid X receptor to their lepidopteran and dipteran orthologs was less than 50%. The cDNAs of both the L. australasiae ecdysone receptor (L. australasiae ecdysone receptor‐A) and the L. australasiae retinoid X receptor were successfully translated in vitro using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. An ecdysone analog, ponasterone A, bound to L. australasiae ecdysone receptor‐A (KD = 4.2 nm), but not to L. australasiae retinoid X receptor. The L. australasiae retinoid X receptor did not enhance the binding of ponasterone A to L. australasiae ecdysone receptor‐A, although L. australasiae retinoid X receptor was necessary for the binding of L. australasiae ecdysone receptor‐A to ecdysone response elements.
Biochemical characterization and structural prediction of a novel cytosolic leucyl aminopeptidase of the M17 family from Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Herrera‐Camacho Irma , Rosas‐Murrieta Nora H. , Rojo‐Domínguez Arturo , Millán Lourdes , Reyes‐Leyva Julio , Santos‐López Gerardo , Suárez‐Rendueles Paz
Published: November 2007

A new leucyl aminopeptidase activity has been identified in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The enzyme, which has been purified and named leucyl aminopeptidase yspII (LAP yspII), had a molecular mass of 320 and 54 kDa by gel filtration and SDS/PAGE, respectively, suggesting a homohexameric structure. The enzyme cleaved synthetic aminoacyl‐4‐nitroanilides at an optimum of pH 8.5, and preferred leucine and methionine as N‐terminal amino acids. A clear dependence on Mn2+ concentration for activity was found, and an apparent association constant of 0.33 mm was calculated for the metal ion. Bestatin behaved as a competitive inhibitor of LAP yspII (Ki = 0.14 µm), while chelating agents such as chloroquine, EDTA and 1,10‐phenanthroline also reduced enzyme activity. A MALDI‐MS analysis, followed by sequencing of two of the resulting peptides, showed that LAP yspII undoubtedly corresponds to the putative aminopeptidase C13A11.05 identified in the S. pombe genome project. The protein exhibited nearly 40% sequence identity to fungal and mammalian aminopeptidases belonging to the M17 family of metallopeptidases. Catalytic residues (Lys292 and Arg366), as well as those involved in coordination with the cocatalytic metal ions (Lys280, Asp285, Asp303, Asp362 and Glu364) and those forming the hydrophobic pocket for substrate binding (Met300, Asn360, Ala363, Thr390, Leu391, Ala483 and Met486), were perfectly conserved among all known aminopeptidases. The S. pombe enzyme is predicted to be formed two clearly distinguished domains with a well conserved C‐terminal catalytic domain showing a characteristic topology of eight β‐sheets surrounded by α‐helical segments in the form of a saddle.
Monitoring the prevention of amyloid fibril formation by α‐crystallin
Authors: Rekas Agata , Jankova Lucy , Thorn David C. , Cappai Roberto , Carver John A.
Published: November 2007

The molecular chaperone, α‐crystallin, has the ability to prevent the fibrillar aggregation of proteins implicated in human diseases, for example, amyloid β peptide and α‐synuclein. In this study, we examine, in detail, two aspects of α‐crystallin's fibril‐suppressing ability: (a) its temperature dependence, and (b) the nature of the aggregating species with which it interacts. First, the efficiency of α‐crystallin to suppress fibril formation in κ‐casein and α‐synuclein increases with temperature, despite their rate of fibrillation also increasing in the absence of α‐crystallin. This is consistent with an increased chaperone ability of α‐crystallin at higher temperatures to protect target proteins from amorphous aggregation [GB Reddy, KP Das, JM Petrash & WK Surewicz (2000) J Biol Chem275, 4565–4570]. Second, dual polarization interferometry was used to monitor real‐time α‐synuclein aggregation in the presence and absence of αB‐crystallin. In contrast to more common methods for monitoring the time‐dependent formation of amyloid fibrils (e.g. the binding of dyes like thioflavin T), dual polarization interferometry data did not reveal any initial lag phase, generally attributed to the formation of prefibrillar aggregates. It was shown that αB‐crystallin interrupted α‐synuclein aggregation at its earliest stages, most likely by binding to partially folded monomers and thereby preventing their aggregation into fibrillar structures.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis membrane protein Rv2560 − biochemical and functional studies
Authors: Plaza David F. , Curtidor Hernando , Patarroyo Manuel A. , Chapeton‐Montes Julie A. , Reyes Claudia , Barreto Jose , Patarroyo Manuel E.
Published: November 2007

The characterization of membrane proteins having no identified function in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important for a better understanding of the biology of this pathogen. In this work, the biological activity of the Rv2560 protein was characterized and evaluated. Primers used in PCR and RT‐PCR assays revealed that the gene encoding protein Rv2560 is present in M. tuberculosis complex strains, but transcribed in only some of them. Sera obtained from rabbits inoculated with polymer peptides from this protein recognized a 33 kDa band in the M. tuberculosis lysate and a membrane fraction corresponding to the predicted molecular mass (33.1 kDa) of this protein. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis found this protein on the mycobacterial membrane. Sixteen peptides covering its entire length were chemically synthesized and tested for their ability to bind to A549 and U937 cells. Peptide 11024 (121VVALSDRATTAYTNTSGVSS140) showed high specific binding to both cell types (dissociation constants of 380 and 800 nm, respectively, and positive receptor–ligand interaction cooperativity), whereas peptide 11033 (284LIGIPVAALIHVYTYRKLSGG304) displayed high binding activity to A549 cells only. Cross‐linking assays showed the specific binding of peptide 11024 to a 54 kDa membrane protein on U937. Invasion inhibition assays, in the presence of shared high‐activity binding peptide identified for U937 and A549 cells, presented maximum inhibition percentages of 50.53% and 58.27%, respectively. Our work highlights the relevance of the Rv2560 protein in the M. tuberculosis invasion process of monocytes and epithelial cells, and represents a fundamental step in the rational selection of new antigens to be included as components in a multiepitope, subunit‐based, chemically synthesized, antituberculosis vaccine.
A knowledge‐based potential function predicts the specificity and relative binding energy of RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Zheng Suxin , Robertson Timothy A. , Varani Gabriele
Published: November 2007

RNA–protein interactions are fundamental to gene expression. Thus, the molecular basis for the sequence dependence of protein–RNA recognition has been extensively studied experimentally. However, there have been very few computational studies of this problem, and no sustained attempt has been made towards using computational methods to predict or alter the sequence‐specificity of these proteins. In the present study, we provide a distance‐dependent statistical potential function derived from our previous work on protein–DNA interactions. This potential function discriminates native structures from decoys, successfully predicts the native sequences recognized by sequence‐specific RNA‐binding proteins, and recapitulates experimentally determined relative changes in binding energy due to mutations of individual amino acids at protein–RNA interfaces. Thus, this work demonstrates that statistical models allow the quantitative analysis of protein–RNA recognition based on their structure and can be applied to modeling protein–RNA interfaces for prediction and design purposes.
Identification of differentially expressed genes of the Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigasexposed to prolonged thermal stress
Authors: Meistertzheim Anne‐Leila , Tanguy Arnaud , Moraga Dario , Thébault Marie‐Thérèse
Published: November 2007

Groups of oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were exposed to 25 °C for 24 days (controls to 13 °C) to explore the biochemical and molecular pathways affected by prolonged thermal stress. This temperature is 4 °C above the summer seawater temperature encountered in western Brittany, France where the animals were collected. Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to identify specific up‐ and downregulated genes in gill and mantle tissues after 7–10 and 24 days of exposure. The resulting libraries contain 858 different sequences that potentially represent highly expressed genes in thermally stressed oysters. Expression of 17 genes identified in these libraries was studied using real‐time PCR in gills and mantle at different time points over the course of the thermal stress. Differential gene expression levels were much higher in gills than in the mantle, showing that gills are more sensitive to thermal stress. Expression of most transcripts (mainly heat shock proteins and genes involved in cellular homeostasis) showed a high and rapid increase at 3–7 days of exposure, followed by a decrease at 14 days, and a second, less‐pronounced increase at 17–24 days. A slow‐down in protein synthesis occurred after 24 days of thermal stress.
Structural and functional investigations of Ureaplasma parvum UMP kinase – a potential antibacterial drug target
Authors: Egeblad‐Welin Louise , Welin Martin , Wang Liya , Eriksson Staffan
Published: November 2007

The crystal structure of uridine monophosphate kinase (UMP kinase, UMPK) from the opportunistic pathogen Ureaplasma parvum was determined and showed similar three‐dimensional fold as other bacterial and archaeal UMPKs that all belong to the amino acid kinase family. Recombinant UpUMPK exhibited Michaelis–Menten kinetics with UMP, with Km and Vmax values of 214 ± 4 µm and 262 ± 24 µmol·min−1·mg−1, respectively, but with ATP as variable substrate the kinetic analysis showed positive cooperativity, with an n value of 1.5 ± 0.1. The end‐product UTP was a competitive inhibitor against UMP and a noncompetitive inhibitor towards ATP. Unlike UMPKs from other bacteria, which are activated by GTP, GTP had no detectable effect on UpUMPK activity. An attempt to create a GTP‐activated enzyme was made using site‐directed mutagenesis. The mutant enzyme F133N (F133 corresponds to the residue in Escherichia coli that is involved in GTP activation), with F133A as a control, were expressed, purified and characterized. Both enzymes exhibited negative cooperativity with UMP, and GTP had no effect on enzyme activity, demonstrating that F133 is involved in subunit interactions but apparently not in GTP activation. The physiological role of UpUMPK in bacterial nucleic acid synthesis and its potential as target for development of antimicrobial agents are discussed.
Calcite‐specific coupling protein in barnacle underwater cement
Authors: Mori Youichi , Urushida Youhei , Nakano Masahiro , Uchiyama Susumu , Kamino Kei
Published: November 2007

The barnacle relies for its attachment to underwater foreign substrata on the formation of a multiprotein complex called cement. The 20 kDa cement protein is a component of Megabalanus rosa cement, although its specific function in underwater attachment has not, until now, been known. The recombinant form of the protein expressed in bacteria was purified in soluble form under physiological conditions, and confirmed to retain almost the same structure as that of the native protein. Both the protein from the adhesive layer of the barnacle and the recombinant protein were characterized. This revealed that abundant Cys residues, which accounted for 17% of the total residues, were in the intramolecular disulfide form, and were essential for the proper folding of the monomeric protein structure. The recombinant protein was adsorbed to calcite and metal oxides in seawater, but not to glass and synthetic polymers. The adsorption isotherm for adsorption to calcite fitted the Langmuir model well, indicating that the protein is a calcite‐specific adsorbent. An evaluation of the distribution of the molecular size in solution by analytical ultracentrifugation indicated that the recombinant protein exists as a monomer in 100 mm to 1 m NaCl solution; thus, the protein acts as a monomer when interacting with the calcite surface. cDNA encoding a homologous protein was isolated from Balanus albicostatus, and its derived amino acid sequence was compared with that from M. rosa. Calcite is the major constituent in both the shell of barnacle base and the periphery, which is also a possible target for the cement, due to the gregarious nature of the organisms. The specificity of the protein for calcite may be related to the fact that calcite is the most frequent material attached by the cement.
Deliberate self‐poisoning with tiagabine: An unusual toxidrome
Authors: Forbes Richard A , Kalra Harish , Hackett L Peter , Daly Frank FS
Published: November 2007

Tiagabine is an anticonvulsant acting by selective inhibition of neuronal and glial gamma‐aminobutyric acid uptake, resulting in increased gamma‐aminobutyric acid‐mediated inhibition in the brain. Few reports in the literature describe the clinical course of severe tiagabine intoxication. A 44‐year‐old woman presented after deliberate self‐poisoning with 100 tiagabine 15 mg tablets (1500 mg; 25 mg/kg). Serum tiagabine level was 4600 µg/L (1725 mmol/L) at presentation, 20 times levels associated with therapeutic dosing. Intoxication was manifested by profuse vomiting, coma, myoclonus, generalized rigidity, bradycardia, hypertension, hypersalivation and generalized piloerection within 2 h of ingestion. The patient was intubated and management was supportive. Coma lasted until 10 h post‐ingestion, but recovery was complicated by severe agitated delirium lasting 12 h. The patient recovered fully within 26 h of ingestion. Tiagabine deliberate self‐poisoning was associated with the rapid onset of coma and an unusual toxidrome. Recovery, although complicated by agitated delirium, was complete within 26 h.
External validation of the Best Guess formulae for paediatric weight estimation
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree , Kerr Debra , Clooney Megan , Krieser David , Nguyen Kevin
Published: November 2007

Objective:  A new method for estimation of weight in children based on their age has been proposed. The present study aims to validate the Best Guess formulae in a new population of children.

Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of a database collected for a prospective, observational, cohort study conducted in the Paediatric ED of Sunshine Hospital. Children aged 1–11 years who presented to the ED between 18 August 2005 and 25 February 2006 were included. Actual weight, height, age and ethnicity were obtained. Agreement between estimated weight using the Best Guess formulae and measured weight is reported using mean bias, 95% limits of agreement and proportion within 20% of actual weight.

Results:  A total of 410 cases were included in the present study. Forty‐six per cent were female and median age was 4 years. The mean bias in the 1–5 year group was 0.9 kg, with 95% limits of agreement −3.5 to +5.3 kg. Seventy‐six per cent of estimations were within 20% of measured weight. The mean bias in the 5–11 year group was 0.4 kg, with 95% limits of agreement −14.4 to +15.2 kg. In this group, 64% of estimations were within 20% of measured weight.

Conclusion:  The Best Guess formulae performed moderately well in estimating children's weight, but had a tendency to overestimate weight, particularly in children with lower body mass index.
Adenosine‐induced complete heart block: Not so transient
Authors: Harvey Martyn G , Safih Shameem , Wallace Muir
Published: November 2007

Adenosine is a purine nucleoside widely used to terminate supraventricular tachycardias, and as a diagnostic adjunct in narrow complex regular tachycardia of uncertain origin. Atrioventricular blockade and bradyarrhythmias following administration are common but generally short‐lived. We report a case of prolonged complete heart block requiring intubation and temporary pacing, following adenosine administration in atrial flutter treated with combination metoprolol and diltiazem.
Meningococcal meningitis and a negative cerebrospinal fluid: Case report and its medicolegal implications
Authors: Huynh William , Lahoria Rajat , Beran Roy G , Cordato Dennis
Published: November 2007

A normal result on the initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study has been traditionally used to exclude the potential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. However, there have been a number of case studies of bacterial meningitis confirmed by CSF culture, in which an initial lumbar puncture yielded completely normal parameters. A review of the literature reports the frequency of this scenario to arise in 0.5% to 12% of cases. This might result in the delay of appropriate treatment for this potentially fatal condition. We report a 21‐year‐old female patient who presented with a clinical picture compatible with bacterial meningitis but with a normal initial CSF result. Neisseria meningitidis was later cultured from her CSF. The medicolegal aspects surrounding such a scenario, and its implications towards clinical practice are discussed. We conclude that an abnormal initial CSF study might indicate a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis but a normal result does not exclude it and should not delay early institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
The Epidemiology of Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: DeRogatis Leonard R. , Burnett Arthur L.
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Epidemiology can be defined as the population study of the occurrence of health and disease. The knowledge of the rates of occurrence of sexual dysfunctions and the primary risk factors for these conditions is very important to assist in assessing the risk and planning treatment and prevention programs in sexual medicine.

Aim

Review modern studies of the prevalence and incidence of sexual dysfunction in an effort to establish a consensus concerning the frequency of occurrence of these conditions, and review the strengths and liabilities of design methodology in the field.

Main Outcome Measure

Review of peer-reviewed literature.

Results

The findings suggest that sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent in our society worldwide, and that the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions increases directly with age for both men and women. There is also a strong support for the finding that although the frequency of symptoms increases with age, personal distress about those symptoms appears to diminish as individuals become older. An additional uniform result was that specific medical conditions and health behaviors represent major risk factors for sexual disorders, and that many of these health conditions also have a strong positive relationship with age.

Conclusions

Progress has been made concerning both the number and quality of epidemiologic prevalence studies in sexual medicine; however, there is a paucity of studies of the incidence of these conditions. Because reliable incidence data are critical for prevention and treatment planning, the design and execution of the incidence trials should become a high priority for the field. In addition, repeated calls for the development of a new systematic and integrated diagnostic system in sexual medicine were also evident, because of the perception by many that the imprecision of our current diagnostic system represents the “rate-limiting step” for the epidemiology of the field. The review suggests that although much has been accomplished in the past 15–20 years, much remains to be done.
Genetic dissection of seminal root architecture in elite durum wheat germplasm
Authors: Sanguineti M.C. , Li S. , Maccaferri M. , Corneti S. , Rotondo F. , Chiari T. , Tuberosa R.
Published: November 2007

Although root architecture has been shown to play an important role in crop performance, particularly under drought conditions, no information is available on the genetic control of root traits in durum wheat, a crop largely grown in rainfed areas with low rainfall. In our study, a panel of 57 elite durum wheat accessions were evaluated under controlled conditions for root and shoot traits at the seedling stage. Significant genetic variability was detected for all the root and shoot traits that were investigated. Correlation analysis suggested that root and shoot features were only partially controlled by common sets of genes. The high linkage disequilibrium (up to 5 cM) present in the germplasm collection herein considered allowed us to use simple sequence repeat‐based association mapping to identify chromosome regions with significant effects on the investigated traits. In total, 15 chromosome regions showed significant effects on one or more root architectural features. A number of these regions also influenced shoot traits and, in some cases, plant height measured in field conditions. Major effects were detected on chromosome arms 2AL (atXgwm294), 7AL (atXcfa2257andXgwm332) and 7BL (atXgwm577andXcfa2040). The accessions with the most remarkable differences in root features will provide a valuable opportunity to assemble durum wheat mapping populations well suited for ascertaining the effects of root architecture on water use efficiency and grain yield.
Assessing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genetic diversity using quality traits, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, simple sequence repeats and proteome analysis
Authors: Eivazi A.R. , Naghavi M.R. , Hajheidari M. , Pirseyedi S.M. , Ghaffari M.R. , Mohammadi S.A. , Majidi I. , Salekdeh G.H. , Mardi M.
Published: November 2007

The genetic diversity among 10 Iranian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes was analysed using 12 quality traits, 320 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) polymorphic fragments, 491 simple sequence repeats (SSR) alleles and 294 proteome markers. The results revealed that the genotypes differed for quality traits, AFLP, SSR and proteome markers. The average genetic diversity based on quality traits (0.684 with a range of 0.266–0.997) was higher than AFLP (0.502 with a range of 0.328–0.717), SSR (0.503 with a range of 0.409–0.595) and proteome (0.464 with a range of 0.264–0.870) markers. Although there were apparent similarities between the groupings of particular genotypes, the overall correspondence between the distance matrices appeared to be rather low. In this study, the cluster analysis based on AFLP data showed the closest agreement with genotypes’ regions of origin or pedigree information. In addition to the genetic diversity assessment, specific proteins with known function were detected uniquely for the studied genotypes. Our results suggest that the classification based on quality traits and genotypic markers of these wheat genotypes will be useful for wheat breeders to plan crosses for positive traits.