bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE MESSAGES OF HUMAN CREATION AND UNIVERSE PERSPECTIVE OF QUR'AN AND HADITH
Authors: Muhajir Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Humans as one of the creations of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, have an important role in the existence of life on this earth. Nature is a sign of Allah, as evidence of the existence of the Supreme Creator, and also as a source of knowledge about the wisdom of Allah. The development of faith in religion and the advancement of science and technology should not be in opposition to each other. This research is a literature analysis that uses qualitative descriptive data to explore Educational Values in the Context of Human Creation and the Universe according to the views of the Quran and Hadith. The sources of the research come from various references such as books, journals, and other sources that discuss this theme. humans were first created from the ground and did not undergo an evolutionary process in the sense of change from primate forms. Allah SWT did not just create humans, but also provided a place for them to live and reproduce. It is undeniable that religion mandates every Muslim, regardless of gender, age, or position, to pursue knowledge as taught in the Quran and hadith. In the Quran and hadith, three types of human creation are described. First, the creation of Adam (peace be upon him). Second, the creation of Eve, and third, the creation of Adam's descendants. God created the entire universe, including the heavens, the earth and everything in it, in six periods of time. Every religion in the world encourages its adherents to seek and develop knowledge, including Islam.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Employment of People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Multiple Methods Study
Authors: De Dios Perez Blanca , Pritchard Charlotte , Powers Katie , das Nair Roshan , Evangelou Nikos , Ford Helen , Tallantyre Emma , Dobson Ruth , Radford Kathryn
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic led to approximately half of the working population in the United Kingdom being unable to work temporarily. This study aims to understand the employment needs and experiences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the UK during this period.

METHODS:

Multiple methods were used, including an online survey and follow-up interviews with people with MS who were employed prior to the start of the pandemic restrictions in March 2020.

RESULTS:

The online survey was completed by 101 eligible participants and we interviewed 15 of them for qualitative data in the follow-up. Survey data indicated that the work experience of people with MS improved during the pandemic because they were allowed to work from home. However, participants experienced increased feelings of anxiety and loneliness. From the interviews, we extracted 5 themes: (1) the benefits of working from home; (2) the challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) the relevance of managers; (4) returning to “normal”; and (5) the need for vocational support.

CONCLUSIONS:

The pandemic showed that MS symptom management was improved by work flexibility (eg, working from home, breaks, flexible working hours); for people with MS, these accommodations improved both their ability to work and their self-perceived productivity. Future research should explore the support needs of people with MS who work remotely and determine whether pandemic-influenced work accommodations are sustainable over time.
Ethnic Kurdistan in the context of 21st century Geopolitics
Authors: Baravi Melina Vladimirovna , Kretov Andrei Dmitrievich , Tarasova Daria Aleksandrovna
Published: January 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the Kurdish issue from the perspective of its development prospects in the geopolitical aspect. The material contains the author's analysis of possible solutions to the Kurdish issue from the perspective of different states and supranational blocs, as well as factors that contribute to and hinder the resolution of the Kurdish issue in the foreseeable future. The material contains information about what factors influence the positions of the largest regional and international players on the analyzed issue. The creation of a Kurdish state seems unlikely; the alternative is, at a maximum, granting Kurdish communities maximum autonomy, at a minimum, changing their legal status in countries, primarily in Turkey, where their position is most vulnerable. The constant deterioration of the situation of the Kurds and their exclusion from the legal agenda in Turkey is called a possible cause of the civil war. The Kurdish issue cannot be resolved militarily, and possible solutions are individual for all affected countries, which, however, themselves suffer from internal crises (Syria, Iraq), and Iran, which lives under Sharia law, also suffers from sanctions pressure. In addition, there is no unity within the Kurdish communities themselves, which further complicates the political struggle. At the moment it is possible to distinguish long-term and short-term prospects for resolving the Kurdish issue, both from the position of the people themselves and other interested actors. The authors also analyze the complicating circumstances, which include the interest of external actors (such as the United States and NATO as a whole) to use the Kurds to solve their own geopolitical problems in the region; internal contradictions among the Kurdish leaders themselves, which does not allow reaching a consensus on a number of organizational issues, and a difficult economic situation.
Genetic basis of Arabidopsis thaliana responses to infection by naïve and adapted isolates of turnip mosaic virus
Authors: Butkovic Anamarija , Ellis Thomas James , Gonzalez Ruben , Jaegle Benjamin , Nordborg Magnus , Elena Santiago F
Published: January 2024

Plant viruses account for enormous agricultural losses worldwide, and the most effective way to combat them is to identify genetic material conferring plant resistance to these pathogens. Aiming to identify genetic associations with responses to infection, we screened a large panel of Arabidopsis thaliana natural inbred lines for four disease-related traits caused by infection by A. thaliana-naïve and -adapted isolates of the natural pathogen turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). We detected a strong, replicable association in a 1.5 Mb region on chromosome 2 with a 10-fold increase in relative risk of systemic necrosis. The region contains several plausible causal genes as well as abundant structural variation, including an insertion of a Copia transposon into a Toll/interleukin receptor (TIR-NBS-LRR) coding for a gene involved in defense, that could be either a driver or a consequence of the disease-resistance locus. When inoculated with TuMV, loss-of-function mutant plants of this gene exhibited different symptoms than wild-type plants. The direction and severity of symptom differences depended on the adaptation history of the virus. This increase in symptom severity was specific for infections with the adapted isolate. Necrosis-associated alleles are found worldwide, and their distribution is consistent with a trade-off between resistance during viral outbreaks and a cost of resistance otherwise, leading to negative frequency-dependent selection.
Tmem263 deletion disrupts the GH/IGF-1 axis and causes dwarfism and impairs skeletal acquisition
Authors: Sarver Dylan C , Garcia-Diaz Jean , Saqib Muzna , Riddle Ryan C , Wong G William
Published: January 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of candidate genes believed to affect longitudinal bone growth and bone mass. One of these candidate genes, TMEM263, encodes a poorly characterized plasma membrane protein. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in TMEM263 are associated with bone mineral density in humans and mutations are associated with dwarfism in chicken and severe skeletal dysplasia in at least one human fetus. Whether this genotype-phenotype relationship is causal, however, remains unclear. Here, we determine whether and how TMEM263 is required for postnatal growth. Deletion of the Tmem263 gene in mice causes severe postnatal growth failure, proportional dwarfism, and impaired skeletal acquisition. Mice lacking Tmem263 show no differences in body weight within the first 2 weeks of postnatal life. However, by P21 there is a dramatic growth deficit due to a disrupted growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis, which is critical for longitudinal bone growth. Tmem263-null mice have low circulating IGF-1 levels and pronounced reductions in bone mass and growth plate length. The low serum IGF-1 in Tmem263-null mice is associated with reduced hepatic GH receptor (GHR) expression and GH-induced JAK2/STAT5 signaling. A deficit in GH signaling dramatically alters GH-regulated genes and feminizes the liver transcriptome of Tmem263-null male mice, with their expression profile resembling wild-type female, hypophysectomized male, and Stat5b-null male mice. Collectively, our data validates the causal role for Tmem263 in regulating postnatal growth and raises the possibility that rare mutations or variants of TMEM263 may potentially cause GH insensitivity and impair linear growth.
Acetylcholine modulates the precision of prediction error in the auditory cortex
Authors: Pérez-González David , Lao-Rodríguez Ana Belén , Aedo-Sánchez Cristian , Malmierca Manuel S
Published: January 2024

A fundamental property of sensory systems is their ability to detect novel stimuli in the ambient environment. The auditory brain contains neurons that decrease their response to repetitive sounds but increase their firing rate to novel or deviant stimuli; the difference between both responses is known as stimulus-specific adaptation or neuronal mismatch (nMM). Here, we tested the effect of microiontophoretic applications of ACh on the neuronal responses in the auditory cortex (AC) of anesthetized rats during an auditory oddball paradigm, including cascade controls. Results indicate that ACh modulates the nMM, affecting prediction error responses but not repetition suppression, and this effect is manifested predominantly in infragranular cortical layers. The differential effect of ACh on responses to standards, relative to deviants (in terms of averages and variances), was consistent with the representational sharpening that accompanies an increase in the precision of prediction errors. These findings suggest that ACh plays an important role in modulating prediction error signaling in the AC and gating the access of these signals to higher cognitive levels.
Trapdoor proof of work
Authors: Capocasale Vittorio
Published: January 2024

Consensus algorithms play a crucial role in facilitating decision-making among a group of entities. In certain scenarios, some entities may attempt to hinder the consensus process, necessitating the use of Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus algorithms. Conversely, in scenarios where entities trust each other, more efficient crash fault-tolerant consensus algorithms can be employed. This study proposes an efficient consensus algorithm for an intermediate scenario that is both frequent and underexplored, involving a combination of non-trusting entities and a trusted entity. In particular, this study introduces a novel mining algorithm, based on chameleon hash functions, for the Nakamoto consensus. The resulting algorithm enables the trusted entity to generate tens of thousands blocks per second even on devices with low energy consumption, like personal laptops. This algorithm holds promise for use in centralized systems that require temporary decentralization, such as the creation of central bank digital currencies where service availability is of utmost importance.
Validity and reliability of a repeated multi-changes of direction agility test in senior soccer players
Authors: Brahim Mehdi Ben , García-Valverde Adrián , Yasin Hussain , Sal-de-Rellán Alejandro
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of repeated multi-changes of direction agility test (rMCOD) compared to a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability (S-RSA) and repeated sprint ability test (RSA).

Methods

Thirty-five healthy male soccer players (age: 18.4 ± 1.3 years) from Tunisan national soccer league (elite and sub-elite) took part in this study. They performed the tests in a randomized order over five sessions interspaced by at least 72 h. The construct, predictive and discriminant validity, relative and absolute reliability, and sensitivity of the tests were analyzed. The total and best time of the test (the sum for all trials and the trial with the lowest duration on nine, six, and seven attempts for rMCOD, RSA, and S-RSA, respectively), fatigue index, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactate concentration were recorded.

Results

rMCOD correlated with both, S-RSA and RSA in total time (r = 0.85 and r = 0.52, respectively) and fatigue index (r = 0.74 and r = 0.83, respectively). Receiver operator characteristics were not able to discriminate between group levels (elite and sub-elite). When comparing training levels, only the fatigue index in S-RSA showed a difference between groups. Fatigue index, total time, and the best time in rMCOD showed excellent reliability, as well as the minimal change detectable (MCD = 0.89, MCD = 0.63, and MCD = 0.11, respectively) was higher than the standard error of the mean (SEM = 0.32, SEM = 0.23, and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

rMCOD showed large to very large predictive validity compared with the S-RSA and RSA, being a reliable test for the following parameters: the best time and total time to perform the test. Nevertheless, this study design cannot ensure whether or not this test is able to detect real changes in performance in response to training since it did not include a training intervention; besides, rMCOD could not distinguish between elite and sub-elite players, which is a limitation.
Nitrogen addition enhances seed yield by improving soil enzyme activity and nutrients
Authors: Mi Wenbo , Luo Feng , Liu Wenhui , Qin Yan , Zhang Yongchao , Liu Kaiqiang , Li Wen
Published: January 2024

Nitrogen (N) addition is a simple and effective field management approach to enhancing plant productivity. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms governing nitrogen concentrations and their effect on soil enzyme activity, nutrient levels, and seed yield in theFestuca kirilowiiseed field have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of N fertilizer application on soil enzyme activities, soil nutrients, and seed yield ofF. kirilowiiSteud cv. Huanhu, the only domesticated variety in theFestucagenus of the Poaceae family, was investigated based on two-year field experiments in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). Results showed that N input significantly affected soil nutrients (potential of hydrogen, total nitrogen, organic matter, and total phosphorus). In addition, soil enzyme activities (urease, catalase, sucrase, and nitrate reductase) significantly increased in response to varying N concentrations, inducing changes in soil nutrient contents. Introducing N improved both seed yield and yield components (number of tillers and number of fertile tillers). These findings suggest that the introduction of different concentrations of N fertilizers can stimulate soil enzyme activity, thus hastening nutrient conversion and increasing seed yield. The exhaustive evaluation of the membership function showed that the optimal N fertilizer treatment was N4 (75 kg·hm−2) for both 2022 and 2023. This finding provides a practical recommendation for improving the seed production ofF. kirilowiiin QTP.
The significance of information variables in polydrug use by adolescents: insights from a cross-sectional study in Tarragona (Spain)
Authors: de Andrés-Sánchez Jorge , Belzunegui-Eraso Angel , Valls-Fonayet Francesc
Published: January 2024

Substance use, especially among adolescents, is a significant public health concern, with profound implications for physical and psychological development. This study aimed to evaluate the quantity and sources of information available to adolescents regarding polydrug use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Tarragona involving adolescents with an average age of 16.44 years. This study assessed the number of substances used (alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis) in the past month, along with information sources related to substance use. Monitored sources (e.g., schools, parents, and mass media) and unmonitored sources (e.g., peers, siblings, internet) were distinguished. In addition, four individual and four environmental control variables were considered. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that incorporating variables related to adolescents’ substance use information and its sources enhanced the explanatory model, surpassing control variables. The degree of information about substance use did not significantly explain consumption patterns, but the number of information sources, both monitored and unmonitored, did. The unmonitored sources were associated with increased polydrug use. Conversely, greater reliance on supervised sources for information was linked to reduced single-substance and polydrug use. This protective effect increased with an increase in the number of substances used. In conclusion, information obtained from monitored sources acts as a deterrent to substance consumption, consistent with findings suggesting that greater health literacy among adolescents discourages substance use. Conversely, this study suggests that information from more informal sources may encourage heavier polydrug use, aligning with reports indicating that adolescents with a more comprehensive understanding of substance use consequences tend to engage in heavier drug use.
Case of Ray Fungus Presenting with Abdominal Distension
Authors: Sankaran Trisha , Vasugi Gramani Arumugam , Senthil Raja , Sundaram Sandhya
Published: January 2024

Actinomycosis is a rare infection caused by filamentous, non acid fast staining and gram positive bacteria. The diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively, and only histopathological examination can confirm it, as the condition presents with varied clinical manifestations, often resembling a malignant lesion on radiographic images. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 67-year-old female, who was admitted for evaluation of an abdominal mass. Radiologically, the mass resembled a desmoplastic fibroma, and clinically, it was suspected to be the same. The mass was excised and sent for histopathological examination. Grossly, two specimens were received. The first consisted of adherent bowel loops, including the ileum, appendix, caecum and descending colon, with the mass arising from mesentery involving the bowel, measuring 11.5x9.5x6 cm. The second specimen was a partial cystectomy specimen, with the abdominal wall mass infiltrating the bladder anteroposteriorly, measuring 11x10x8 cm. Microscopic examination revealed extensive areas of inflammation with actinomycotic organisms exhibiting the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, along with numerous multinucleated giant cells and acute on chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Surrounding areas showed dense collagen bundles. The prognosis after complete surgical resection is good, along with the administration of broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics.
Effect of Routine Vitamin D Supplementation on the Physical Growth of Exclusively Breastfed Infants at Six Months of Age: An Observational Study
Authors: Tiwari Ved Pratap , Dahake Aboli , Nakade Srushti , Bendale Purva
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Vitamin D is essential for bone mineral metabolism and for the growth and development of the skeleton. The American Academy of Paediatrics and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommend the administration of 400 IU per day of oral Vitamin D to all infants in the first year of life. The authors hypothesised that routine supplementation of 400 IU of Vitamin D to exclusively breastfed infants would result in better physical growth. Aim: To examine the effect of routine vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) on the weight, length, and head circumference of term, exclusively breastfed infants at six months of age. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted at Department of Paediatrics, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from November 2018 to March 2020, comparing the weight, length, and head circumference at birth and at six months of age for 111 exclusively breastfed term, appropriate for gestational age, healthy infants who were not supplemented with oral Vitamin D (Group-I) with 111 infants who were supplemented with 400 IU of oral Vitamin D daily (Group-II). Infants who presented at the Paediatric Out-Patient Department of SKNMC, Pune at around six months of age were enrolled in the study. Birth data and anthropometry at birth were recorded from available medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Quantitative data were presented with the mean and standard deviation. Comparison among the study groups was done using an unpaired t-test as per the results of the normality test. Association among the study groups was assessed with the help of a Student's t-test. A p-value of <0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean birth weight, length, and head circumference of infants who were not supplemented with vitamin D (Group-I) were 2907.57±250.18 gm, 53.34±1.47 cm, 35.99±1.067 cm, respectively, and those who were supplemented (Group-II) were 2901.08±231.63 gm, 53.75±1.51 cm, and 35.85±1.09 cm, which were comparable in both groups. At six months, the mean weight, length, and head circumference in Group-I and Group-II were 7211.08±626.39 gm, 70.25±1.58 cm, 43.82±1.19 cm, and 7973.87±532.31 gm, 70.90±1.75 cm, and 45.01±1.34 cm, respectively. There was an increase in anthropometric parameters in both groups. The increase was greater in GroupII than in Group-I and was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Infants supplemented with vitamin D (400 IU/ day) demonstrated better physical growth in terms of higher anthropometric values.
Economics of Mundu Chilli Cultivation in Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kiruthika N.
Published: January 2024

Globally Indian chillies dominates the international chilli market. India holds the title for being the world's biggest producer, consumer, and exporter of chili. Indian chilli is considered to be world-famous for important commercial qualities of colour and pungency levels. In Tamil Nadu chilli is being cultivated as rainfed and irrigated conditions in many of the districts. In 2021-22 Tamil Nadu cultivated chilli in 0.5 lakh ha and produced 26,380 MT. In Tamil Nadu Ramanthapuram district alone cultivate Mundu type chilli which is unique in nature. In this study, economics of ramanathapuram mundu chilli is analyzed and discussed. The study uses both primary data and secondary data. Primary data collected from chillies cultivators in Ramanthapuram district during 2019-20. Based on the secondary data Kadaladi, Paramakudi and Ramnad blocks were purposively selected based on the area cultivated. The primary data with respect to costs and returns, marketing cost were collected using pre tested schedule through personnel interview method. Data pertaining to traders, processors retailers and exporters were also collected. The study says that chilli farmers incurs Rs.84,550 per hectare to cultivate mundu chilli in Ramanathapuram district and Rs.55,450 as net return and the BCR is 1.65.
Cardiac Thyrotoxicosis Mimicking an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ouarrak Safia , Badr Abdalani , Esther Ovaga Brigitte , Malick Njie , Patrick Mulendele Mayanga , Altimimi Alaa , Benouna El Ghali , Drighil Abdenasser , Habbal Rachida
Published: January 2024

This case report details the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management of a 68-year-old man with cardiac thyrotoxicosis mimicking an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The patient presented with persistent anginal chest pain, systemic symptoms, and electrocardiographic abnormalities suggestive of ACS. Despite presenting with persistent chest pain and ACS-like symptoms, a thorough examination, including the calculation of the thyrotoxicosis storm (StPRM) score, revealed thyrotoxicosis-induced dilated cardiomyopathy, challenging the initial diagnosis. This specific scoring for thyrotoxicosis severity played a crucial role in accurately identifying the thyrotoxic crisis. The case highlights the intricate relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular manifestations, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach. Management included standard ACS protocols, careful titration of antithyroid medications, and the transition from intravenous to oral heart failure medications. Follow-up assessments demonstrated the success of personalized treatment strategies, with the normalization of thyroid function and complete resolution of the patient's symptoms. Nevertheless, the enduring impairment of left ventricular function following treatment prompts intriguing inquiries into the lasting impact of cardiac thyrotoxicosis on myocardial recovery. However, the persistence of impaired left ventricular function post-treatment raises intriguing questions about the lingering effects of cardiac thyrotoxicosis on myocardial recovery. This case underscores the importance of considering diverse cardiac presentations in hyperthyroid patients and the effectiveness of individualized management approaches in navigating the complexities of thyroid-cardiac interactions.
Isolation and properties of PS II membrane fragments depleted of the non heme iron center
Authors: Kurreck J. , Garbers A. , Reifarth F. , Andréasson L.-E. , Parak F. , Renger G.
Published: April 2003

The functional properties and the content of non heme iron and cytochrome b559 were investigated by measuring flash induced transient changes of the relative fluorescence quantum yield and applying Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was found that untreated PS II membrane fragments contain a heterogeneous population of two types of non heme iron centers and about 2 cytochrome b559 per PS II. Twofold treatment of these samples with a recently described ‘iron depletion’ procedure (MacMillan, F., Lendzian, F., Renger, G. and Lubitz, W. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 3144–8156) leads to a complete loss (below the detection limit of Mössbauer spectroscopy) of the non heme iron center while more than 50% of the PS II complexes retain the functional integrity for light induced formation of the ‘stable’ radical pair YZ
OX P680Pheo QA
−.. This sample type deprived of virtually all non heme iron in PS II provides a most suitable material for magnetic resonance studies that require an elimination of the interaction between Fe2+ and nearby radicals.
Asp‐59 is not important for the catalytic activity of the restriction endonuclease EcoRI
Authors: Grabowski Gabriele , Maass Günter , Alves Jürgen
Published: April 2003

The amino acid Asp‐59 was proposed to be involved in EcoRI catalyzed DNA cleavage (Cheng et al., EMBO J. 13, 3927‐35, 1994). We have tested this hypothesis by site directed mutagenesis experiments. The four mutants D59A, D59E, D59G, and D59N bind with similar stability to the specific recognition sequence as wild type EcoRI. The D59E mutant cleaves DNA as fast as the wild type enzyme. Specific activities of the other three mutants are five to tenfold lower. Therefore, we conclude that Asp‐59 is not involved in catalysis of the EcoRI restriction endonuclease. Consequences for catalytic mechanisms of EcoRI and other restriction enzymes are discussed.
Formation of disulfide bonded dimer of mutated heat‐labile enterotoxin in vivo
Authors: Hedges Peter A. , Hardy Simon J.S.
Published: April 2003

One of the two cysteines in the B subunit of heatlabile enterotoxin has been changed to a serine by site‐directed mutagenesis so that the internal disulfide bond cannot form. The mutant protein, like the wild‐type protein synthesised in the presence of the reducing agent dithiothreitol, does not form pentamers in the periplasm but binds to available membranes. Binding to membranes is disrupted by chaotropic agents but not by salt. More than half the molecules of mutant protein form disulfide‐bonded dimers when exported to the periplasm but no dimer is detected when the protein is exported to the medium by spheroplasts.
Role of retinoic acid and oxidative stress in embryonic stem cell death and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Castro-Obregón S. , Covarrubias L.
Published: April 2003

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a suitable system to study events occurring during development. In the present work we show that the apoptotic program was activated in ES cells, either by simple removal of the reducing agent 2‐mercapthoethanol (2‐ME), or by addition of all trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) to embryoid bodies. In these two conditions, there was an increase in reactive oxygen species and antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase or phenol prevented ATRA‐induced cell death. Neuronal differentiation was observed when undifferentiated ES cells were treated with ATRA in the absence of serum and the presence of 2‐ME.
The sequence of a small subunit of cytochrome c oxidase from Crithidia fasciculata which is homologous to mammalian subunit IV
Authors: Speijer Dave , Breek Cornelis K.D. , Muijsers Anton O. , Groenevelt Paulette X. , Dekker Henk , de Haan Annett , Benne Rob
Published: April 2003

The sequence of subunit 8 of cytochrome c oxidase from Crithidia fasciculata was determined by sequencing cDNA and N‐terminus of the mature protein (M

r
= 15.7 kDa). The (inferred) protein is homologous to mammalian cox IV and the corresponding cox subunits from yeast, Neurospora crassa and Dictyostelium discoideum, which is reflected in a very similar hydropathy profile. Elements that are conserved in the C. fasciculata sequence include (i) an N‐terminal (D/E)‐(K/R)‐X‐K‐(X2)‐W‐(X2)‐(I/L) motif, (ii) a putative membrane‐spanning region in the middle portion of the protein, and (iii) a C‐terminal W‐(X13)‐(N/D)‐P motif. The C. fasciculata protein is synthesized with a cleavable presequence.
Importance of the first external loop for substrate recognition as revealed by chimeric Chlorella monosaccharide/H+ symporters
Authors: Will Andreas , Tanner Widmar
Published: April 2003

It had been shown previously by heterologous expression in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, that the two monosaccharide/H+ symporters HUP1 and HUP2 of Chlorella kessleri differ significantly concerning their substrate specificity: HUP1 transports predominantly d‐glucose while HUP2 prefers d‐galactose. Several chimeric transporters were constructed and their substrate specificities determined. Surprisingly, it is sufficient to replace the first part of the external loop 1 of the HUP1 symporter by the corresponding portion of HUP2 to improve transport and also to decrease the K

m
value for d‐galactose. Additional data indicating the importance of the first loop for substrate recognition and binding are discussed.
Arachidonic acid activatable electrogenic H+ transport in the absence of cytochrome b558 in human T lymphocytes
Authors: Káldi Krisztina , Szászi Katalin , Koncz Gábor , Suszták Katalin , Ligeti Erzsébet
Published: April 2003

To test the suggested structural relationship between the electrogenic H+ transporting system and the NADPH oxidase of phagocytes, the existence of the enzyme and the transport process was investigated in human tonsillar T lymphocytes. It is shown that tonsillar T cells possess an arachidonic acid activatable, Cd2+‐ and Zn2+‐sensitive electrogenic H+ efflux pathway with similar properties as reported earlier in various phagocytic cells. The presence of cytochrome b
558, the membrane component of the oxidase, could not be detected in tonsillar T lymphocytes either by immunoblot or by flow cytometric analysis. It is suggested that the electrogenic H+ transporting pathway is structurally independent of the NADPH oxidase complex.
A role of Lys614 in the sulfotransferase activity of human heparan sulfate N‐deacetylase/N‐sulfotransferase
Authors: Sueyoshi Tatsuya , Kakuta Yoshimitsu , Pedersen Lars C. , Wall Frances E. , Pedersen Lee G. , Negishi Masahiko
Published: April 2003

An active sulfotransferase (ST, residues 558–882) domain of the human heparan sulfate N‐deacetylase/N‐sulfotransferase (hHSNST) has been identified by aligning the amino acid sequence of hHSNST to that of mouse estrogen sulfotransferase (EST). The bacterially expressed ST domain transfers the 5′‐sulfuryl group of 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate (PAPS) to only deacetylated heparin with an efficiency similar to that previously reported for the purified rat HSNST. Moreover, the K
m
PAPS (2.1 μM) of the ST domain is also similar to that of the rat enzyme. Lys48 is a key residue in mEST catalysis. The residue corresponding to Lys48 is conserved in all known heparan sulfate sulfotransferases (Lys614 in the ST domain of hHSNST). Mutation of Lys614 to Ala abolishes N‐sulfotransferase activity, indicating an important catalytic role of Lys614 in the ST domain. Crystals of the ST domain have been grown (orthorhombic space group P21212) with diffraction to 2.5 A resolution.
Caenorhabditis elegans small heat‐shock proteins Hsp12.2 and Hsp12.3 form tetramers and have no chaperone‐like activity
Authors: Kokke Bas P.A. , Leroux Michel R. , Candido E.Peter M. , Boelens Wilbert C. , de Jong Wilfried W.
Published: April 2003

Four 12.2–12.6 kDa small heat‐shock proteins (sHSPs) of Caenorhabditis elegans are the smallest known members of the sHSP family. They essentially comprise the characteristic C‐terminal ‘α‐crystallin domain’ of the sHSPs, having a very short N‐terminal region, and lacking a C‐terminal tail. Recombinant Hsp12.2 and 12.3 are characterized here. FarUV CD spectra reveal, as for other sHSPs, predominantly a β‐sheet structure. By gel permeation and crosslinking, they are the first sHSPs shown to occur as tetramers, rather than forming the usual large multimeric complexes. Exceptionally, too, both appear devoid of in vitro chaperone‐like abilities. This supports the notion that tetramers are the building blocks of sHSP complexes, and that higher multimer formation, mediated through the N‐terminal domains, is a prerequisite for chaperone‐like activity.
Purification and characterization of leukotriene A4 hydrolase from Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Strömberg-Kull Filippa , Haeggström Jesper Z.
Published: April 2003

In mammals, leukotriene A4 hydrolase converts leukotriene A4 into the proinflammatory mediator leukotriene B4. We have purified and characterized a non‐mammalian leukotriene A4 hydrolase from Xenopus laevis oocytes. This enzyme contains one zinc atom and catalyzes an anion‐dependent peptidase activity, two key features of the mammalian enzymes. The amino acid sequence of an internal segment is 60% identical with human leukotriene A4 hydrolase but only 27% identical with rat aminopeptidase B. The Xenopus laevis enzyme is catalytically very efficient and, unlike the human enzyme, converts leukotriene A4 into two enzymatic metabolites, viz. leukotriene B4 and Δ
6‐trans‐Δ
8‐cis‐leukotriene B4.
Corceptins, new bioactive lipodepsipeptides from cultures of Pseudomonas corrugata
Authors: Emanuele M.C. , Scaloni A. , Lavermicocca P. , Jacobellis N.S. , Camoni L. , Di Giorgio D. , Pucci P. , Paci M. , Segre A. , Ballio A.
Published: April 2003

© 1998 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
Complex regulation of multiple cytohesin‐like genes in murine tissues and cells
Authors: Kim Heui-Soo , Chen Yali , Lonai Peter
Published: April 2003

Three cytohesin‐like cDNA molecules were isolated from murine ES cell derived embryoid bodies. The genomic structure of one of the three, CLM2, has been determined and transcriptional variants of each were isolated from a mouse brain cDNA library. The relative expression patterns of CLM1, 2, 3 and their transcriptional alternatives were determined by RT‐PCR, nucleotide sequencing and RNA blotting. Their broad distribution and cell and tissue specific expression patterns suggest complex regulation during development and in the adult.
Basal leptin concentrations in women with normal and dysfunctional ovarian conditions
Authors: Takeuchi T , Tsutsumi O
Published: April 2003

Objective: To determine whether leptin is involved in ovarian function. Methods: Fasting serum samples were obtained from 20 women with normal menstrual cycles who were either obese or non‐obese: 12 non‐obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 8 obese patients with PCOS, 10 patients with stress‐related hypothalamic amenorrhea, and 8 patients with weight loss‐related hypothalamic amenorrhea. Results: Serum leptin levels were strongly related to body mass index (BMI) in each group, but there was no difference in the mean serum leptin levels among the BMI‐matched study groups. A significant difference in the mean serum leptin levels was found between the non‐obese and obese control groups (P<0.001) and between the non‐obese and obese PCOS groups (P<0.00 1). Conclusions: These findings indicate that circulating leptin levels in women with normal menstrual cycles and those with ovarian dysfunction are strongly related to BMI. Leptin does not appear to be primarily involved in regulating ovarian function.
Intracervical Foley catheter balloon vs. prostaglandin in preinduction cervical ripening
Authors: Niromanesh S. , Mosavi‐Jarrahi A. , Samkhaniani F.
Published: April 2003

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the intracervical Foley balloon catheter and 3 mg prostaglandin E2 tablet(s) in preinduction cervical ripening. Methods: Ninety women referred to the maternity clinic for induction of labor with a Bishop score of less than or equal to 5 were randomized to receive an intracervical Foley catheter or prostaglandin E2 tablets. The primary measured outcome was ripening of the cervix as measured with the Bishop score. Results: There were no differences in mean Bishop scores between the prostaglandin and the Foley catheter groups. Bishop scores (mean±S.D.) after ripening were 6.6±0.80 and 6.7±0.86 for the Foley catheter and prostaglandin groups, respectively (P=0.54). The Foley catheter group showed a statistically shorter time to ripening compared with the prostaglandin group (3.4±2.1 and 6.5±3.2 h, respectively (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in induction time (4.8±1.8 h and 5.3±2.4 h, respectively (P=0.36). Conclusions: There are no differences in preinduction cervical ripening efficacy between prostaglandin E2 and the Foley catheter, but the Foley catheter has the advantage of ripening an unfavorable cervix in a shorter time.
Integration of cervical screening in family planning clinics
Authors: Claeys P. , De Vuyst H. , Mzenge G. , Sande J. , Dhondt V. , Temmerman M.
Published: April 2003

Objectives: To assess the suitability of cervical cancer screening in family planning (FP) clinics and the relevance for women's health. Methods: A survey was done on clients visiting the clinics of the Family Planning Association of Kenya (FPAK). Client characteristics, age, screening status and PAP smear results were registered. In‐depth interviews were held with a limited number of staff and clients. Results: In 1999, 38 052 clients visited FPAK clinics, 43.5% were younger than 30 years old. More than 10 000 cervical smears were taken. A total of 4.5% of the smears were abnormal, including 1.5% high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and 0.2% invasive cancers. The clinics were well prepared to provide high quality screening services. Patients and staff had a positive view on screening. Conclusions: Providing cervical cancer screening in FP clinics is beneficial for the clients but is unlikely to have an impact on the epidemiology of cervical cancer morbidity as FP services reach only a small percentage of the women who are most at risk. Measures to reach more and older women could assure a larger impact.
Medical errors: legal and ethical responses
Authors: Dickens B.M.
Published: April 2003

Liability to err is a human, often unavoidable, characteristic. Errors can be classified as skill‐based, rule‐based, knowledge‐based and other errors, such as of judgment. In law, a key distinction is between negligent and non‐negligent errors. To describe a mistake as an error of clinical judgment is legally ambiguous, since an error that a physician might have made when acting with ordinary care and the professional skill the physician claims, is not deemed negligent in law. If errors prejudice patients’ recovery from treatment and/or future care, in physical or psychological ways, it is legally and ethically required that they be informed of them in appropriate time. Senior colleagues, facility administrators and others such as medical licensing authorities should be informed of serious forms of error, so that preventive education and strategies can be designed. Errors for which clinicians may be legally liable may originate in systemically defective institutional administration.
Laminaria and sulprostone in second trimester pregnancy termination for fetal abnormalities
Authors: Chung Y.P , Hwa H.L , Ko T.M
Published: April 2003

The efficacy and safety of intracervical placement of laminaria and intravenous prostaglandin E2 (sulprostone) infusion for termination of second‐trimester pregnancies with abnormal fetuses was investigated. One hundred and six pregnant women at 13–29 weeks' gestation with fetal anomalies underwent laminaria tent insertion into the cervical canal on admission. The next morning, Sulprostone infusion was started at a rate of 16 μg/h and increased by 16 μg/h every 30 min to induce uterine contractions. Induction‐to‐abortion time (IAT), success and complete abortion rates, and sulprostone‐related side effects were registered. The overall success and complete abortion rates within 24 h were 91.5 and 80.2%, respectively. The mean IAT was 12.1±7.6 h. The incidence of nausea and/or vomiting was 17.9%, with 1.7 episodes per case. Diarrhea and fever (9.5%) were not common. Laminaria tent insertion plus sulprostone infusion was an effective and safe regimen for second‐trimester termination of pregnancy with live fetuses.
Maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with transverse lie
Authors: Seffah J.D
Published: April 2003

Objective: The aim of this study of transverse lie in labor of patients admitted to Korle Bu Hospital between 1 January 1996 and 30 June 1998, was to identify the methods of delivery, the perinatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, and to provide recommendations to improve the outcome. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 152 patients who presented at the labor wards with transverse lie. The data sources of this study were the antenatal records, the labor wards delivery record books, the postnatal records and the admission books at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Results: One hundred and forty‐two cases (92.1%) had an emergency cesarean section. The rest had the external version followed by vaginal delivery. There were two maternal deaths resulting from hemorrhage, infections and difficult surgery. There were 25 stillbirths, and 37 of the neonates required hospital admission. Conclusion: Transverse lie carries a high rate of complications in labor. Delivery should be carried out without delay in a hospital well‐equipped for cesarean delivery and assisted vaginal delivery. The complications could be further reduced by early diagnosis during the antenatal period when associated risk factors, such as placenta previa could be diagnosed with the aid of the ultrasound scan. Elective deliveries could then be undertaken. © 1999 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
The routine use of cefazolin in cesarean section
Authors: Rouzi A.A , Khalifa F , Ba'aqeel H , Al‐Hamdan H.S , Bondagji N
Published: April 2003

Objective: To determine the effectiveness and safety of the routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis in women undergoing cesarean section. Method: Four hundred and forty‐one women undergoing cesarean sections were randomly assigned either to a single dose of 1 g intravenous cefazolin or placebo after clamping of the umbilical cord. The primary outcome was the development of post‐operative febrile morbidity and the secondary outcomes were infection‐related complications. Result: There were 211 emergency and 230 elective cesarean sections. In the emergency cesarean sections, 34 (30.6%) women developed post‐operative febrile morbidity in the placebo group compared to 11 (11%) women in the cefazolin group. This was a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). Similarly, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the development of wound infection (P<0.001), use of therapeutic antibiotics (P=0.001), and post‐operative days in hospital (P=0.003). No statistically significant differences were detected in the development of other infection‐related complications. In the elective cesarean sections, no statistically significant differences were found in post‐operative febrile morbidity and infection‐related complications. There were no serious side effects related to the use of cefazolin. Conclusion: The routine use of a single dose of cefazolin is safe and effective in emergency but not elective cesarean section.
Endometrial prolactin in hyperprolactinemic women
Authors: Arie M.H.A , Fonseca A.M , Arie W.M.Y , Carvalho F.M , Bagnoli V.R , Pinotti J.A
Published: April 2003

Objective: To observe the behavior of endometrial prolactin in hyper‐ and normoprolactinemic women. Method: Forty women were selected due to alterations in menstrual cycle and/or galactorrhea and/or sterility. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, 19 hyperprolactinemic women; and Group B, 21 normoprolactinemic women. Their mean age was 28.3 years. Laboratory assessments were carried out in the initial follicular phase (days 3–9), initial luteal phase (days 15–21), and late luteal phase (days 22–29) in menstruating women (samples 1, 2 and 3, respectively). In the non‐menstruating women, samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 21 after the initial appointment (samples 1, 2 and 3, respectively). LH, FSH, prolactin and estradiol were measured in sample 1, while prolactin and progesterone were measured in samples 2 and 3. All women were submitted to two biopsies of the endometrium for observing the menstrual cycle, dating, and immunohistochemical detection of endometrial prolactin. Biopsies were obtained simultaneously to samples 2 and 3. To compare the two groups, Student's t‐tests or Mann–Whitney statistics were performed. Result: Results showed that the mean percentage of endometrial prolactin were higher in the late luteal phase compared to the initial one in hyper‐ and normoprolactinemic women. Conclusion: The data allowed us to conclude that serum prolactin is not correlated to endometrial prolactin, and that the synthesis of the latter is directly correlated to the differentiation of stromal cells, that is induced by progesterone in a decidualized endometrium.
Transdermal methimazole treatment in cats with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Hoffmann G , Marks SL , Taboada J , Hosgood GL , Wolfsheimer KJ
Published: April 2003

The objectives of this study were to assess serum thyroxine concentrations and clinical response in hyperthyroid cats to treatment with transdermal methimazole, and to determine if further investigation is indicated.

Clinical and laboratory data from 13 cats with hyperthyroidism were retrospectively evaluated. Methimazole (Tapazole, Eli Lilly) was formulated in a pleuronic lecithin organogel (PLO)-based vehicle and was applied to the inner pinna of the ear at a dosage ranging from 2.5 mg/cat q 24 h to 10.0 mg/cat q 12 h. During the treatment period, cats were re-evaluated at a mean of 4.3 weeks (recheck-1), and again at a mean of 5.4 months (recheck-2).

Clinical improvement was observed, and significant decreases in thyroxine concentrations were measured at recheck-1 (mean: 39.57 nmol/L, SEM: 14.4, SD: 41.2) and recheck-2 (mean: 36.71 nmol/L, SEM: 13.9, SD: 45.56) compared to pretreatment concentrations (mean: 97.5 nmol/L, SEM: 11.42, SD: 39.5). No adverse effects were reported.