bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downward Mobility of Women from White‐Collar Employment: Determinants and Timing by Race
Authors: Wilson George
Published: April 2009

This study uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to assess the minority vulnerability thesis, which maintains there are racial differences among women in the determinants of, and timing to, downward mobility from white‐collar employment. In accord with the theory, a racialized continuum emerges along both issues. The route to downward mobility for African Americans is relatively broad based and unstructured by traditional stratification‐based causal factors, that is, human capital, background socioeconomic status, and job/labor‐market characteristics, and they are quickest to experience downward movement. The route to downward mobility for whites is relatively narrow and structured by stratification‐based causal actors, and they are the slowest to experience downward movement. Along both issues, Latinas occupy an intermediate position between African Americans and whites. Implications of the findings for understanding of racial inequality in white‐collar employment are discussed.
Brown Suits Need Not Apply: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Class in Institutional Network Building1
Authors: Damaske Sarah
Published: April 2009

Using ethnographic data, this study investigates network building and the transition from school to work in a career center at a nonprestigious university. Now that disadvantaged students have increased their participation in higher education, it is important to investigate the role of the university in these students’ transition from school to work. I found competing forces of stratification at work in the college career center and while the center mitigated inequality for some, it reproduced inequality for others. The Career Center staff faced pressures to recruit corporations to build job networks, but disinterest from the hiring organizations. Through their interactions with recruiters, the staff saw that African Americans and Latinos were not the standard for the labor market. Although network building ruled the overarching organizational goals, intersections of race, gender, and nationality became the defining logic of the hiring process. Staff members turned away both qualified and unqualified African‐American and Latino men and women, while increasing access for white women and international male students, regardless of their qualifications.
Si se puede! Working for Obama at K and A
Authors: Larson Magali Sarfatti
Published: April 2009

In recent issues, Sociological Forum has had much to say on issues such as politics and voting (see, e.g., Burstein and Hirsh, 2007; Fullerton and Borsch, 2008; Peoples, 2008; Prasad et al., 2009; Ruane and Cerulo, 2008). The journal has featured several ethnographic accounts as well (see, e.g., Anderson, 2009; Auyero and Swistun, 2009; Gamson, 2007). In this essay, I combine theme and method, yielding a personal account of my experiences as a volunteer for the Obama campaign.
My Life‐Long Involvement with Games
Authors: Gamson William A.
Published: April 2009

This essay draws on my own personal research and teaching experience with games to illustrate the many ways game simulations can further the sociological enterprise. Examples include the usefulness of games in research, teaching, negotiation, and conflict management, and as a resource for social change.
Digital Sociology: Emergent Technologies in the Field and the Classroom
Authors: Wynn Jonathan R.
Published: April 2009

In this essay, I use my own research experiences to address a critical intersection between technology and sociology. I suggest that thinking reflexively about technology might enhance both how sociologists do research and how they teach about it.
Dimensional changes of the ridge contour after socket preservation and buccal overbuilding: an animal study
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Schneider David , Zuhr Otto , Hinze Marc , Ender Andreas , Jung Ronald E. , Hürzeler Markus B.
Published: April 2009

Objectives: The aim of the study was to volumetrically assess alterations of the ridge contour after socket preservation and buccal overbuilding.

Material and Methods: In five beagle dogs, four extraction sites were subjected to one of the following treatments:

Tx 1: The socket was filled with BioOss Collagen® and covered with a free gingival autograft from the palate (SP).

Tx 2: The buccal bone plate was forced into a buccal direction using a manual bone spreader and SP was performed.

Tx 3: The buccal bone plate was forced into a buccal direction using a manual bone spreader; SP was performed.

Tx 4: The socket was filled with BioOss Collagen and a combined free gingival/connective tissue graft was used to cover the socket and for buccal tissue augmentation.

Impressions were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 months post‐operatively. Casts were optically scanned and superimposed in one common coordinate system. Using digital image analysis, the volumetric differences per area among the different treatment time points and among the treatment groups were calculated.

Results: Four months after tooth extraction, no statistically significant differences with regard to the buccal volume per area could be assessed among the treatment groups.

Conclusion: Overbuilding the buccal aspect in combination with socket preservation is not a suitable technique to compensate for the alterations after tooth extraction.
Lack of short‐term adjunctive effect of systemic neridronate in non‐surgical periodontal therapy of advanced generalized chronic periodontitis: an open label‐randomized clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Cei Silvia , Guerrero Adrian , La Ferla Fabio , Vano Michele , Tonetti Maurizio , Gabriele Mario
Published: April 2009

Aim: To determine if the adjunctive use of intra‐muscular neridronate (NE) during non‐surgical periodontal treatment (PT) provides, in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP), adjunctive benefits as compared with PT alone 3 months after the completion of a 3‐month NE therapy.

Material and Methods: Sixty GCP healthy patients were randomly assigned to control (CG) or test group (TG). CG patients received PT only. Thirty subjects in TG also received adjunctive NE (12.5 mg in an i.m. injection/week for 3 months). Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, at the end of NE treatment (3 months after PT) and 3 months after the completion of NE treatment (6 months after the beginning of PT).

Results: Groups were balanced at baseline and all clinical parameters showed improvement between baseline and follow‐ups. At 6 months improvements from baseline at sites with deep pocket depth (7 mm) were 3.2 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7–3.9] in CG and 3.0 mm (95% CI: 2.3–3.8) in TG with a non‐significant difference of 0.2 mm (95% CI: −1.0–0.5; ancova; p=0.549) between groups. Secondary outcomes did not show significant differences between groups. No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: The adjunctive use of NE during PT did not result in additional short‐term improvements in periodontal conditions of GCP patients when compared with PT.
The clinical course of chronic periodontitis: V. Predictive factors in periodontal disease
Authors: Schätzle Marc , Faddy Malcolm J. , Cullinan Mary P. , Seymour Gregory J. , Lang Niklaus P. , Bürgin Walter , Ånerud Åge , Boysen Hans , Löe Harald
Published: April 2009

Background: The factors associated with initial periodontitis are not well understood and cannot be identified by cross‐sectional studies.

Aim: To identify the factors associated with the initiation of chronic periodontitis using ante‐dependence modelling.

Material and Methods: A 26‐year longitudinal study of the natural history of periodontitis served as the basis for the study. In 1969, 565 Norwegian men aged 16–34 years were surveyed. Subsequent surveys were performed in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1988 and finally in 1995, with 223 remaining subjects. Plaque (PlI), gingival (GI) and calculus indices (CI) and loss of attachment (LoA) were recorded. Ante‐dependence modelling using a Markov chain enabled the results of this sequence of examinations to be analysed longitudinally, taking into account serial dependence, describing temporal changes in patients' levels of disease and allowing for both progression and regression between disease categories.

Results: With age, the rate of disease regression decreased. Increasing calculus accumulation and smoking increased the rate of disease progression, while increasing GI increased the rate of regression.

Conclusions: Increased mean CI and smoking were significant predictive covariates for progression, while increased mean GI and younger age predicted regression of initial periodontitis.
Mechanism and control of tooth eruption: overview and clinical implications
Authors: Proffit WR , Frazier‐Bowers SA
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Proffit WR, Frazier‐Bowers SA

Objectives –  To review pre‐ and post‐emergent eruption, with particular emphasis on distinguishing isolated molar ankylosis from primary failure of eruption (PFE) and genetic considerations in eruption problems.

Material and Methods –  Radiographic review of eruption failure patients; animal and human experiments; high precision observations of movements of erupting teeth.

Results –  In pre‐emergent tooth eruption, the controlling element is the rate of resorption of overlying structures. A path is cleared, and then the erupting tooth moves along it. This has clinical importance in recognizing the cause of eruption problems, particularly PFE, in which all teeth distal to the most mesial involved tooth do not erupt or respond to orthodontics. In our study of by far the largest sample of PFE cases yet reported, familial cases of PFE accounted for approximately ¼ of all cases examined. Candidate genes now are being evaluated. In post‐emergent eruption, control seems to be light forces of long duration that oppose eruption, rather than heavy forces of short duration such as those during mastication. Studies of human premolars in their passage from gingival emergence to the occlusal plane show that in this phase eruption occurs only during a few hours in the early evening. The critical hours for eruption parallel the time that growth hormone levels are highest in a growing child. In this stage intermittent force does not affect the rate of eruption, but changes in periodontal blood flow do affect it.
Genetic analysis of familial non‐syndromic primary failure of eruption
Authors: Frazier‐Bowers SA , Simmons D , Koehler K , Zhou J
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Frazier‐Bowers SA, Simmons D, Koehler K, Zhou J

Objectives –  While some eruption disorders occur as part of a medical syndrome, primary failure of eruption (PFE) – defined as a localized failure of secondary tooth eruption – exists without systemic involvement. Recent studies support that heredity may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PFE. The objective of our human genetic study is to investigate the genetic contribution to PFE.

Materials and Methods –  Four candidate genes POSTN, RUNX2, AMELX, and AMBN) were investigated because of their relationship to tooth eruption or putative relationship to each other. Families and individuals were ascertained based on the clinical diagnosis of PFE. Pedigrees were constructed and analyzed by inspection to determine the mode of inheritance in four families. The candidate genes were directly sequenced for both unrelated affected individuals and unaffected individuals. A genome wide scan using 500 microsatellite markers followed by linkage analysis was carried out for one family.

Results –  Pedigree analysis of families suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. Sequence analysis revealed two non‐functional polymorphisms in the POSTN gene and no other sequence variations in the remaining candidate genes. Genotyping and linkage analysis of one family yielded a LOD score of 1.51 for markers D13S272; D15S118 and D17S831 on chromosomes 13, 15 and 17 respectively.

Conclusions –  While LOD scores were not significant evidence of linkage, extension of current pedigrees and novel SNP chip technology holds great promise for identification of a causative locus for PFE.
Conventional wisdom and the surgical exposure of impacted teeth
Authors: Becker A. , Casap N. , Chaushu S.
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Becker A, Casap N, Chaushu S

Objectives –  To provide evidence against the notion that direct contact between the crown of an impacted tooth and alveolar bone is an impediment to orthodontically assisted eruption of teeth.

Setting and Sample Population –  The Department of Orthodontics at the Hebrew University‐Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, in Jerusalem, Israel, and the private practices of the authors.

Materials and Methods –  Patients reported were those affected by impacted teeth, including individuals who were normal healthy patients, with and without resorption of the adjacent incisor roots, as well as individuals suffering from Cleidocranial dysplasia and increased bone density, and individuals with autogenous and synthetic bone grafts. A closed eruption surgical technique was used in which only a small window was opened into the dental follicle of the impacted tooth, leaving a maximum amount of bone covering much of the crown surface. Orthodontic extrusion forces were then applied.

Results –  For all teeth, enamel‐to‐bone contact did not prevent a rapid response to the extrusive forces.

Conclusion –  Radical removal of bone during the exposure of an impacted tooth is unnecessary and potentially may be harmful in terms of the periodontal prognosis of an otherwise successfully treated outcome.
Regulation of mechanical signals in bone
Authors: Judex S , Gupta S , Rubin C
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Judex S, Gupta S, Rubin C

Objectives –  Response of the skeleton to application and removal of specific mechanical signals is discussed. Anabolic effects of high‐frequency, low‐magnitude vibrations, a mechanical intervention with a favorable safety profile, as well as the modulation of bone loss by genetic and epigenetic factors during disuse are highlighted.

Methods –  Review.

Results –  Bone responds to a great variety of mechanical signals and both high‐ and low‐magnitude stimuli can be sensed by the skeleton. The ability of physical signals to influence bone morphology is strongly dependent on the signal’s magnitude, frequency, and duration. Loading protocols at high signal frequencies (vibrations) allow a dramatic reduction in the magnitude of the signal. In the axial skeleton, these signals can be anabolic and anti‐catabolic and increase the structural strength of the tissue. They further have shown potential in maxillofacial applications to accelerate the regeneration of bone within defects. Bone's sensitivity to the application and removal of mechanical signals is heavily under the control of the genome. Bone loss modulated by the removal of weight‐bearing from the skeleton is profoundly influenced by factors such as genetics, gender, and baseline morphology.

Conclusions –  Adaptation of bone to functional challenges is complex but it is clear that more is not necessarily better and that even very low‐magnitude mechanical signals can be anabolic. The development of effective biomechanical interventions in areas such as orthodontics, craniofacial repair, or osteoporosis will require the identification of the specific components of bone's mechanical environment that are anabolic, catabolic, or anti‐catabolic.
Osteoclast polarization and orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Holliday LS , Ostrov DA , Wronski TJ , Dolce C
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Holliday LS, Ostrov DA, Wronski TJ, Dolce C

Introduction –  Osteoclasts polarize when they contact activation signals that are associated with bone. Polarization is required for bone resorption and involves highly specialized mechanisms that represent attractive targets for the development of osteoclast‐specific therapeutic agents. One potential use of such agents is to block tooth movement in spatially discrete locations to provide orthodontic anchorage.

Materials and methods –  Our group’s research was directed toward the development of agents that inhibited the polarization of osteoclasts, and efforts were underway to develop means to experimentally modulate orthodontic tooth movement. We performed ‘proof‐in‐principle’ experiments demonstrating pharmacological blockades of orthodontic tooth movement using integrin and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors in a rat model.

Results –  We identified novel mechanisms underlying osteoclast bone resorption. Interactions between vacuolar H+‐ATPase and the microfilament cytoskeleton that were unique to osteoclasts were described and characterized. Our group is now seeking to make use of this new knowledge, coupled with an emerging technique, supercomputer‐based molecular modeling for the rational development of novel, osteoclast‐specific therapeutic agents.

Conclusion –  Fresh insight into the molecular details of osteoclastic bone resorption provides new opportunities for identifying agents to selectively modulate osteoclast activity. Such agents may contribute to evolution of the practice of orthodontics.
Strains in periodontal ligament and alveolar bone associated with orthodontic tooth movement analyzed by finite element
Authors: Cattaneo PM , Dalstra M , Melsen B
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Cattaneo PM, Dalstra M, Melsen B

Introduction –  Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is achieved by applying an orthodontic force system to the brackets. The (re)modeling processes of the alveolar support structures are triggered by alterations in the stress/strain distribution in the periodontium. According to the classical OTM theories, symmetric zones of compression and tension are present in the periodontium, but these do not consider the complex mechanical properties of the PDL, the alveolar structures’ morphology, and the magnitude of the force applied.

Materials and Methods –  Human jaws segments obtained from autopsy were microCT‐scanned and sample‐specific finite element (FE) models were generated. The material behavior of the PDL was considered to be nonlinear and non‐symmetric and the alveolar bone was modeled according to its actual morphology. A series of FE‐analyzes investigated the influence of the moment‐to‐force ratio, force magnitude, and chewing forces on the stress/strain in the alveolar support structures and OTM.

Results –  Stress/strain findings were dependent on alveolar bone’s morphology. Because of the nonlinear behavior of the PDL, distinct areas of tension, and compression could not be detected. Secondary load transfer mechanisms were activated and the stress/strain distribution in the periodontium was concealed by occlusal forces.

Conclusions –  We could not confirm the classical ideas of distinct and symmetrical compressive and tensile areas in the periodontium in relation to different OTM scenarios. Light continuous orthodontics forces will be perceived as intermittent by the periodontium. Because roots and alveolar bone morphology are patient‐specific, FE‐analysis of orthodontic loading regime should not be based on general models.
IL‐1 gene polymorphisms, secretion in gingival crevicular fluid, and speed of human orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Iwasaki LR , Chandler JR , Marx DB , Pandey JP , Nickel JC
Published: April 2009

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Iwasaki LR, Chandler JR, Marx DB, Pandey JP, Nickel JC

Objectives –  To investigate genetic, biologic, and mechanical factors that affect speed of human tooth movement.

Setting and Sample Population –  Sixty‐six maxillary canines in 33 subjects were translated distally for 84 days.

Material and Methods –  Distal compressive stresses of 4, 13, 26, 52, or 78 kPa were applied to maxillary canines via segmental mechanics. Dental casts and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected nine to 10 times/subject over 84 days at 1‐ to 14‐day intervals. Three‐dimensional tooth movements were measured using a microscope and each subject’s series of dental casts. GCF samples were analyzed for total protein, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA). Cheek‐wipe samples from 18 subjects were typed for IL‐1 gene cluster polymorphisms.

Results –  Average speeds of distal translation were 0.028 ± 0.012, 0.043 ± 0.019, 0.057 ± 0.024, 0.062 ± 0.015, and 0.067 ± 0.024 mm/day for 4, 13, 26, 52, and 78 kPa, respectively. Most teeth moved showed no lag phase (63/66). Three factors significantly affected speed (p = 0.0391) and provided the best predictive model (R2 = 0.691): Activity index [AI = experimental (IL‐1β/IL‐1RA)/control (IL‐1β/IL‐1RA)], IL‐1RA in GCF, and genotype at IL‐1B.

Conclusions –  Increased AI and decreased IL‐1RA in GCF plus having ≥1 copy of allele 2 at IL‐1B(+3954) were associated with faster tooth movement in humans.
A novel plant protein disulfide isomerase family homologous to animal P5 – molecular cloning and characterization as a functional protein for folding of soybean seed‐storage proteins
Authors: Wadahama Hiroyuki , Kamauchi Shinya , Nakamoto Yumi , Nishizawa Keito , Ishimoto Masao , Kawada Teruo , Urade Reiko
Published: April 2009

The protein disulfide isomerase is known to play important roles in the folding of nascent polypeptides and in the formation of disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we cloned a gene of a novel protein disulfide isomerase family from soybean leaf (Glycine max L. Merrill. cv Jack) mRNA. The cDNA encodes a protein called GmPDIM. It is composed of 438 amino acids, and its sequence and domain structure are similar to that of animal P5. Recombinant GmPDIM expressed in Escherichia coli displayed an oxidative refolding activity on denatured RNase A. The genomic sequence of GmPDIM was also cloned and sequenced. Comparison of the soybean sequence with sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa showed significant conservation of the exon/intron structure. Consensus sequences within the promoters of the GmPDIM genes contained a cis‐acting regulatory element for the unfolded protein response, and other regulatory motifs required for seed‐specific expression. We observed that expression of GmPDIM was upregulated under ER‐stress conditions, and was expressed ubiquitously in soybean tissues such as the cotyledon. It localized to the lumen of the ER. Data from co‐immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that GmPDIM associated non‐covalently with proglycinin, a precursor of the seed‐storage protein glycinin. In addition, GmPDIM associated with the α′ subunit of β‐conglycinin, a seed‐storage protein in the presence of tunicamycin. These results suggest that GmPDIM may play a role in the folding of storage proteins and functions not only as a thiol‐oxidoredactase, but also as molecular chaperone.
Helix mobility and recognition function of the rat thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain – hints from 15N‐NMR relaxation studies
Authors: Gümral Devrim , Nadalin Luana , Corazza Alessandra , Fogolari Federico , Damante Giuseppe , Viglino Paolo , Esposito Gennaro
Published: April 2009

The backbone dynamics of the 15N‐labeled homeodomain of the rat thyroid transcription factor 1 has been studied by 2D NMR spectroscopy. Longitudinal (R1) and transverse (R2) 15N relaxation rate constants and steady‐state {1H}–15N NOEs were measured at 11.7 T. These data were analyzed by both the model‐free formalism and the reduced spectral density mapping (RSDM) approaches. The global rotational correlation time, τm, of the thyroid transcription factor 1 homeodomain in aqueous solution at 286 K was found to be 10.51 ± 0.05 ns by model‐free formalism and 9.85 ± 1.79 ns by RSDM calculation. The homogeneity of the values of the overall correlation time calculated from the individual (R2/R1) ratios suggested a good degree of isotropy of the global molecular motion, consistent with the similar global τm results obtained with the two different methods. Tyr25 was found to undergo slow conformational exchange by both methods, whereas this contribution was identified also for Lys21, Gln22, Ile38 and His52 only by RSDM. With both methods, the C‐terminal fragment of helix III was found to be more flexible than the preceding N‐terminal portion, with slightly different limits between rigid and mobile moieties. Additionally, Arg53 appeared to be characterized by an intermediate motional freedom between the very flexible N‐terminal and C‐terminal residues and the structured core of the molecule, suggesting the occurrence of a hinge point. Finally, slow‐time‐scale motions observed at the end of helix I, at the end of helix II and within helix III appear to be consistent with typical fraying transitions at helical C‐termini.
Structural insights into the substrate specificity and activity of ervatamins, the papain‐like cysteine proteases from a tropical plant, Ervatamia coronaria
Authors: Ghosh Raka , Chakraborty Sibani , Chakrabarti Chandana , Dattagupta Jiban Kanti , Biswas Sampa
Published: April 2009

Multiple proteases of the same family are quite often present in the same species in biological systems. These multiple proteases, despite having high homology in their primary and tertiary structures, show deviations in properties such as stability, activity, and specificity. It is of interest, therefore, to compare the structures of these multiple proteases in a single species to identify the structural changes, if any, that may be responsible for such deviations. Ervatamin‐A, ervatamin‐B and ervatamin‐C are three such papain‐like cysteine proteases found in the latex of the tropical plant Ervatamia coronaria, and are known not only for their high stability over a wide range of temperature and pH, but also for variations in activity and specificity among themselves and among other members of the family. Here we report the crystal structures of ervatamin‐A and ervatamin‐C, complexed with an irreversible inhibitor 1‐[l‐N‐(trans‐epoxysuccinyl)leucyl]amino‐4‐guanidinobutane (E‐64), together with enzyme kinetics and molecular dynamic simulation studies. A comparison of these results with the earlier structures helps in a correlation of the structural features with the corresponding functional properties. The specificity constants (kcat/Km) for the ervatamins indicate that all of these enzymes have specificity for a branched hydrophobic residue at the P2 position of the peptide substrates, with different degrees of efficiency. A single amino acid change, as compared to ervatamin‐C, in the S2 pocket of ervatamin‐A (Ala67→Tyr) results in a 57‐fold increase in its kcat/Km value for a substrate having a Val at the P2 position. Our studies indicate a higher enzymatic activity of ervatamin‐A, which has been subsequently explained at the molecular level from the three‐dimensional structure of the enzyme and in the context of its helix polarizibility and active site plasticity.
Study of synthetic peptides derived from the PKI55 protein, a protein kinase C modulator, in human neutrophils stimulated by the methyl ester derivative of the hydrophobic N‐formyl tripeptide for‐Met‐Leu‐Phe‐OH
Authors: Selvatici Rita , Falzarano Sofia , Franceschetti Lara , Mollica Adriano , Guerrini Remo , Siniscalchi Anna , Spisani Susanna
Published: April 2009

Elucidation of the involvement of protein kinase C subtypes in several diseases is an important challenge for the future development of new drug targets. We previously identified the PKI55 protein, which acts as a protein kinase C modulator, establishing a feedback loop of inhibition. The PKI55 protein is able to penetrate the cell membrane of activated human T‐lymphocytes and to inhibit the activity of α, β1 and β2 protein kinase C isoforms. The present study aimed to identify the minimal amino acid sequence of PKI55 that is able to inhibit the enzyme activity of protein kinase C. Peptides derived from both C‐ and N‐terminal sequences were synthesized and initially assayed in rat brain protein kinase C to identify which part of the entire protein maintained the in vitro effects described for PKI55, and then the active peptides were tested on the isoforms α, β1, β2, γ, δ, ε and ζ to identify their specific inhibition properties. Specific protein kinase C isoforms have been associated with the activation of specific signal transduction pathways involved in inflammatory responses. Thus, the potential therapeutic role of the selected peptides has been studied in polymorphonuclear leukocytes activated by the methyl ester derivative of the hydrophobic N‐formyl tripeptide for‐Met‐Leu‐Phe‐OH to evaluate their ability to modulate chemotaxis, superoxide anion production and lysozyme release. These studies have shown that only chemotactic function is significantly inhibited by these peptides, whereas superoxide anion production and lysozyme release remain unaffected. Western blotting experiments also demonstrated a selective reduction in the levels of the protein kinase C β1 isoform, which was previously demonstrated to be associated with the polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic response.
A cysteine residue near the propionate side chain of heme is the radical site in ascorbate peroxidase
Authors: Kitajima Sakihito , Kurioka Miyo , Yoshimoto Tadashi , Shindo Mayumi , Kanaori Kenji , Tajima Kunihiko , Oda Kenji
Published: April 2009

The radical scavenger 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy (TEMPO•) and the spin trap 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO) were used in conjunction with mass spectrometry to identify the protein‐based radical sites of the H2O2‐tolerant ascorbate peroxidase (APX) of the red alga Galdieria partita and the H2O2‐sensitive stromal APX of tobacco. A cysteine residue in the vicinity of the propionate side chain of heme in both enzymes was labeled with TEMPO• and DMPO in an H2O2‐dependent manner, indicating that these cysteine residues form thiyl radicals through interaction of APX with H2O2. TEMPO• bound to the cysteine thiyl radicals, and sulfinylated and sulfonylated them. Other oxidized cysteine residues were found in both APXs. Experiments with a cysteine‐to‐serine point mutation showed that formation of TEMPO adducts and subsequent oxidation of the cysteine residue located near the propionate group of heme leads to loss of enzyme activity, in particular in the Galdieria APX. When treated with glutathione and H2O2, both cysteine residues in both enzymes were glutathionylated. These results suggest that, under oxidative stress in vivo, cysteine oxidation is involved in the inactivation of APXs in addition to the proposed H2O2‐mediated crosslinking of heme to the distal tryptophan residue [Kitajima S, Shimaoka T, Kurioka M & Yokota A (2007) FEBS J274, 3013–3020], and that glutathione protects APX from irreversible oxidation of the cysteine thiol and loss of enzyme activity by binding to the cysteine thiol group.
Mapping of the 45M1 epitope to the C‐terminal cysteine‐rich part of the human MUC5AC mucin
Authors: Lidell Martin E. , Bara Jacques , Hansson Gunnar C.
Published: April 2009

Mucins are large glycoproteins protecting mucosal surfaces throughout the body. Their expressions are tissue‐specific, but in disease states such as cystic fibrosis, inflammation and cancer, this specificity can be disturbed. MUC5AC is normally expressed in the mucous cells of the epithelia lining the stomach and the trachea, where it constitutes a major component of the gastric and respiratory mucus. A number of mAbs have been raised against the gastric M1 antigen, an early marker for colonic carcinogenesis. Several of these mAbs recognize epitopes present on MUC5AC, suggesting that MUC5AC is the antigen. However, some of the mAbs raised against the gastric M1 antigen are widely used as antibodies against MUC5AC, despite the fact that their specificity for MUC5AC has not been clearly shown. In this study, we have tested the reactivity of the latter antibodies against a recombinantly expressed C‐terminal cysteine‐rich part of human MUC5AC. We demonstrate for the first time that the widely used mAb 45M1, as well as 2‐12M1 and 166M1, are true antibodies against MUC5AC, with epitopes located in the C‐terminal cysteine‐rich part of the mucin.
Xenopus Rbm9 is a novel interactor of XGld2 in the cytoplasmic polyadenylation complex
Authors: Papin Catherine , Rouget Christel , Mandart Elisabeth
Published: April 2009

During early development, control of the poly(A) tail length by cytoplasmic polyadenylation is critical for the regulation of specific mRNA expression. Gld2, an atypical poly(A) polymerase, is involved in cytoplasmic polyadenylation in Xenopus oocytes. In this study, a new XGld2‐interacting protein was identified: Xenopus RNA‐binding motif protein 9 (XRbm9). This RNA‐binding protein is exclusively expressed in the cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes and interacts directly with XGld2. It is shown that XRbm9 belongs to the cytoplasmic polyadenylation complex, together with cytoplasmic polyadenylation element‐binding protein (CPEB), cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) and XGld2. In addition, tethered XRbm9 stimulates the translation of a reporter mRNA. The function of XGld2 in stage VI oocytes was also analysed. The injection of XGld2 antibody into oocytes inhibited polyadenylation, showing that endogenous XGld2 is required for cytoplasmic polyadenylation. Unexpectedly, XGld2 and CPEB antibody injections also led to an acceleration of meiotic maturation, suggesting that XGld2 is part of a masking complex with CPEB and is associated with repressed mRNAs in oocytes.
Lpx1p is a peroxisomal lipase required for normal peroxisome morphology
Authors: Thoms Sven , Debelyy Mykhaylo O. , Nau Katja , Meyer Helmut E. , Erdmann Ralf
Published: April 2009

Lpx1p (systematic name: Yor084wp) is a peroxisomal protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) and a lipase motif. Using mass spectrometry, we have identified Lpx1p as present in peroxisomes, and show that Lpx1p import is dependent on the PTS1 receptor Pex5p. We provide evidence that Lpx1p is piggyback‐transported into peroxisomes. We have expressed the Lpx1p protein in Escherichia coli, and show that the enzyme exerts acyl hydrolase and phospholipase A activity in vitro. However, the protein is not required for wild‐type‐like steady‐state function of peroxisomes, which might be indicative of a metabolic rather than a biogenetic role. Interestingly, peroxisomes in deletion mutants of LPX1 have an aberrant morphology characterized by intraperoxisomal vesicles or invaginations.
Kinetic characterization of methionine γ‐lyases from the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica against physiological substrates and trifluoromethionine, a promising lead compound against amoebiasis
Authors: Sato Dan , Yamagata Wataru , Harada Shigeharu , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: April 2009

Methionine γ‐lyase (MGL) (EC 4.4.1.11), which is present in certain lineages of bacteria, plants, and protozoa but missing in mammals, catalyzes the single‐step degradation of sulfur‐containing amino acids (SAAs) to α‐keto acids, ammonia, and thiol compounds. In contrast to other organisms possessing MGL, anaerobic parasitic protists, namely Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis, harbor a pair of MGL isozymes. The enteric protozoon En. histolytica shows various unique aspects in its metabolism, particularly degradation of SAAs. Trifluoromethionine (TFM), a halogenated analog of Met, has been exploited as a therapeutic agent against cancer as well as against infections by protozoan organisms and periodontal bacteria. However, its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. In addition, the physiological significance of the presence of two MGL isozymes in these protists remains unclear. In this study, we compared kinetic parameters of the wild‐type and mutants, engineered by site‐directed mutagenesis, of the two MGL isotypes from En. histolytica (EhMGL1 and EhMGL2) for various potential substrates and TFM. Intracellular concentrations of l‐Met and l‐Cys suggested that these SAAs are predominantly metabolized by EhMGL1, not by EhMGL2. It is unlikely that O‐acetyl‐l‐serine is decomposed by EhMGLs, given the kinetic parameters of cysteine synthase reported previously. Comparison of the wild‐type and mutants revealed that the contributions of several amino acids implicated in catalysis differ between the two isozymes, and that the degradation of TFM is less sensitive to alterations of these residues than is the degradation of physiological substrates. These results support the use of TFM to target MGL.
Restriction of lipid motion in membranes triggered by β‐sheet aggregation of the anti‐apoptotic BH4 domain
Authors: Sani Marc‐Antoine , Castano Sabine , Dufourc Erick J. , Gröbner Gerhard
Published: April 2009

The regulative BH4 domain of human Bcl‐2 protein exerts its anti‐apoptic activity via the mitochondrion. In the present study, we investigated the molecular interactions of this domain with negatively charged liposomes mimicking the outer mitochondrial membrane. To model the overproduction of Bcl‐2 found in cancer processes, we studied the impact of elevated concentrations of its regulative BH4 segment on these mitochondrial membranes from the peptide and lipid perspective. Combined solid state 2H‐NMR and differential scanning calorimetry revealed the coexistence of small sized fluid and rigid membrane domains over a large temperature range, which is confirmed by 31P‐NMR at 30 °C. The latter are stabilized, in a cholesterol‐like manner, by the presence of a BH4 peptide. In the same time scale, the reduction of the headgroup order is seen in the static 14N and 31P‐NMR spectra when BH4 inserts into the bilayers. Indeed, attenuated total reflection spectroscopy indicated a dominant aggregated β‐sheet secondary structure of BH4 with a 42° tilt relative to the membrane surface. These results are discussed in terms of membrane stabilization versus apoptotic mechanisms at the outer mitochondrial membrane location.
Characterization of the glutamyl endopeptidase from Staphylococcus aureus expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Nemoto Takayuki K. , Ohara‐Nemoto Yuko , Ono Toshio , Kobayakawa Takeshi , Shimoyama Yu , Kimura Shigenobu , Takagi Takashi
Published: April 2009

V8 protease, a member of the glutamyl endopeptidase I family, of Staphylococcus aureus V8 strain (GluV8) is widely used for proteome analysis because of its unique substrate specificity and resistance to detergents. In this study, an Escherichia coli expression system for GluV8, as well as its homologue from Staphylococcus epidermidis (GluSE), was developed, and the roles of the prosegments and two specific amino acid residues, Val69 and Ser237, were investigated. C‐terminal His6‐tagged proGluSE was successfully expressed from the full‐length sequence as a soluble form. By contrast, GluV8 was poorly expressed by the system as a result of autodegradation; however, it was efficiently obtained by swapping its preprosegment with that of GluSE, or by the substitution of four residues in the GluV8 prosequence with those of GluSE. The purified proGluV8 was converted to the mature form in vitro by thermolysin treatment. The prosegment was essential for the suppression of proteolytic activity, as well as for the correct folding of GluV8, indicating its role as an intramolecular chaperone. Furthermore, the four amino acid residues at the C‐terminus of the prosegment were sufficient for both of these roles. In vitro mutagenesis revealed that Ser237 was essential for proteolytic activity, and that Val69 was indispensable for the precise cleavage by thermolysin and was involved in the proteolytic reaction itself. This is the first study to express quantitatively GluV8 in E. coli, and to demonstrate explicitly the intramolecular chaperone activity of the prosegment of glutamyl endopeptidase I.
The myeloid leukemia factor interacts with COP9 signalosome subunit 3 in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sugano Wakana , Ohno Katsuhito , Yoneda‐Kato Noriko , Kato Jun‐ya , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: April 2009

The human myeloid leukemia factor 1 (hMLF1) gene was first identified as an NPM–hMLF1 fusion gene produced by chromosomal translocation. In Drosophila, dMLF has been identified as a protein homologous to hMLF1 and hMLF2, which interacts with various factors involved in transcriptional regulation. However, the precise cellular function of dMLF remains unclear. To generate further insights, we first examined the behavior of dMLF protein using an antibody specific to dMLF. Immunostaining analyses showed that dMLF localizes in the nucleus in early embryos and cultured cells. Ectopic expression of dMLF in the developing eye imaginal disc using eyeless‐GAL4 driver resulted in a small‐eye phenotype and co‐expression of cyclin E rescued the small‐eye phenotype, suggesting the involvement of dMLF in cell‐cycle regulation. We therefore analyzed the molecular mechanism of interactions between dMLF and a dMLF‐interacting protein, dCSN3, a subunit of the COP9 signalosome, which regulates multiple signaling and cell‐cycle pathways. Biochemical and genetic analyses revealed that dMLF interacts with dCSN3 in vivo and glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assays revealed that the PCI domain of the dCSN3 protein is sufficient for this to occur, possibly functioning as a structural scaffold for assembly of the COP9 signalosome complex. From these data we propose the possibility that dMLF plays a negative role in assembly of the COP9 signalosome complex.
Case Study: Home Nursing Care for a 62‐Year‐Old Woman with Multiple Health Problems
Authors: Cirminiello Christine , Terjesen Margaret , Lunney Margaret
Published: April 2009

PURPOSE.  This case study illustrates the characteristics of, and challenges for, a woman in the United States with multiple health problems.

DATA SOURCES.  Data were obtained through the authors' experience and knowledge of community health nursing and from published literature.

DATA SYNTHESIS.  NANDA International, Nursing Interventions Classification, and Nursing Outcomes Classification were utilized to identify appropriate nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes for the client.

CONCLUSION.  This case study illustrates and provides appropriate nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes relevant to a woman with many health concerns. It provides guidance for nurses in community health settings when caring for patients with multiple health problems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  Utilizing the standardized nursing languages of NANDA International, Nursing Interventions Classification, and Nursing Outcomes Classification can provide the necessary framework for enhancing and improving the management of care for patients with many health concerns in the community setting.
Ectaquasperm‐like parasperm in an internally fertilizing gastropod
Authors: Winik Beatriz C. , Catalán Marta , Gamarra‐Luques Carlos , Castro‐Vazquez Alfredo
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Pomacea canaliculata is an internally fertilizing gastropod that produces, besides fertilizing sperm (=eusperm), a large number of unfertile sperm (=parasperm) that have no chromatin, are fusiform, and have three to five flagella. Here, we report that this snail also produces another type of parasperm, which results from a peculiar spermiogenesis including an anterior cytoplasmic migration. The mature oligopyrene parasperm has: (1) a rounded head including a partly lysed nucleus, (2) a conical mid‐piece with eight large mitochondrial structures, and (3) a single flagellum (∼20 μm). These characteristics, although not found in any other gastropod parasperm, are shared with the externally fertilizing “ectaquasperm” and with the early spermiogenic stages of internally fertilizing “introsperm” found among the Annelida and basal Mollusca. There are indications that this sperm type may be produced by a truncation of euspermiogenesis, as proposed by Buckland‐Nicks & Scheltema for the expression of ectaquasperm in bilaterian evolution.
Juxtaligamental system of the disc and oral frame of the ophiuroid Amphipholis kochii (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) and its role in autotomy
Authors: Charlina Natalia A. , Dolmatov Igor Yu. , Wilkie Iain C.
Published: April 2009

Abstract. The ophiuroid Amphipholis kochii is able to detach its central disc from the underlying oral frame in response to external stimuli. In this article we supply new observations on the microanatomy and ultrastructure of the autotomy plane, and of the juxtaligamental system which is believed to bring about connective tissue changes that underpin the detachment process. We correct previous confusion over the innervation of juxtaligamental nodes involved in disc autotomy, provide evidence that juxtaligamental cells are a population of specialized nerve cells, and present observations on changes in the ultrastructure of juxtaligamental cells during autotomy, which support the view that they are responsible for connective tissue disruption.
Anemia in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Drakos Stavros G. , Anastasiou‐Nana Maria I. , Malliaras Konstantinos G. , Nanas John N.
Published: April 2009

Anemia is frequently observed in patients with chronic heart failure and is increasingly recognized as an important and treatable condition. The present review will summarize the current knowledge of the prevalence, causative factors, and pathophysiologic correlates of anemia in chronic heart failure. Despite increasing knowledge of anemia there are very few evidence‐based recommendations for treatment. Potential benefits of therapy with supplemental hematinics such as iron, subcutaneous erythropoiesis–stimulating agents, or both will also be discussed.
The Impact of Smoking Status on the Health Status of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Conard Mark W. , Haddock C. Keith , Carlos Poston Walker S. , Spertus John A. ,   for the Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Consortium
Published: April 2009

Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). Yet, little is known about smoking’s effects on the health status of established HF patients. HF patients were recruited from outpatient clinics across North America. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) was used to assess disease‐specific health status. Smoking behaviors were classified as never having smoked, prior smoker, and as having smoked within the past 30 days. Risk‐adjusted multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association of smoking status with baseline and 1‐year KCCQ overall summary scores. Smoking was not associated with baseline health status. However, a significant effect was observed on 1‐year health status among outpatients with HF with current smokers reporting significantly lower KCCQ scores than never smokers or ex‐smokers. These findings highlight an additional adverse consequence of smoking in HF patients not previously discussed.