bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Function of Tryptophans in the Arabidopsis UV-B Photoreceptor UVR8
Authors: O’Hara Andrew , Jenkins Gareth I. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Arabidopsis thaliana UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) is a photoreceptor specifically for UV-B light that initiates photomorphogenic responses in plants. UV-B exposure causes rapid conversion of UVR8 from dimer to monomer, accumulation in the nucleus, and interaction with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1), which functions with UVR8 in UV-B responses. Studies in yeast and with purified UVR8 implicate several tryptophan amino acids in UV-B photoreception. However, their roles in UV-B responses in plants, and the functional significance of all 14 UVR8 tryptophans, are not known. Here we report the functions of the UVR8 tryptophans in vivo. Three tryptophans in the β-propeller core are important in maintaining structural stability and function of UVR8. However, mutation of three other core tryptophans and four at the dimeric interface has no apparent effect on function in vivo. Mutation of three tryptophans implicated in UV-B photoreception, W233, W285, and W337, impairs photomorphogenic responses to different extents. W285 is essential for UVR8 function in plants, whereas W233 is important but not essential for function, and W337 has a lesser role. Ala mutants of these tryptophans appear monomeric and constitutively bind COP1 in plants, but their responses indicate that monomer formation and COP1 binding are not sufficient for UVR8 function.
Analysis of HLA‐G Polymorphisms in Couples with Implantation Failure
Authors: Nardi Fabiola da Silva , Slowik Renata , Wowk Pryscilla Fanini , da Silva José Samuel , Gelmini Geórgia Fernanda , Michelon Tatiana Ferreira , Neumann Jorge , Bicalho Maria da Graça 
Published: September 2012

ProblemHLA‐G expression is related as an immune modulator of fetal–maternal tolerance, and its levels was correlated with pregnancy outcome. In a case–control study, we investigate the association between the genetic variability of the HLA‐G gene and serum levels of soluble HLA‐G in cases of embryo implantation failure.Method of StudyForty couples with at least two unsuccessful fresh embryo transfers (implantation failure; IF) and 83 fertile couples with at least two successful pregnancies was genotyped by sequencing‐based typing. HLA‐G alleles were defined by nucleotide sequence variations at exon 2, 3, and 4, and the quantification of soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) was performed by ELISA.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the HLA‐G allelic distributions between IF couples and the control couples. The HLA‐G*01:03:01 allele was increased in the IF couples. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of sHLA‐G in the IF and control groups.ConclusionThe results suggest that the distribution of HLA‐G products may play a significant role in the modulation of maternal–fetal immune response.
Early risk predictors for impaired numerical skills in 5‐year‐old children born before 32 weeks of gestation
Authors: Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Ralser Elisabeth , Pupp Peglow Ulrike , Pehboeck‐Walser Nicola , Fussenegger Barbara 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo unravel risk predictors for impaired numerical skills at 5 years of age in a population‐based cohort of very preterm infants.MethodsBetween January 2003 and August 2006, we prospectively enrolled all infants born in Tyrol with <32 weeks of gestation. A total of 161 of 223 preterm infants (participation rate 72.2%) had a detailed examination at 5 years of age including cognitive assessment (Hannover‐Wechsler Intelligence Test for preschool children, third edition (HAWIVA‐III) or Snijders‐Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON‐R)). In 135 children, numerical abilities were assessed with the dyscalculia test TEDI‐MATH. The association between pre‐ and postnatal factors and impaired numerical skills was analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis.ResultsDyscalculia test showed delayed numerical skills (TEDI‐MATH Sum T‐score <40) in 27 of 135 children tested (20.0%). In half of the children tested, delayed numerical abilities were related to lower IQ scores. Smoking in pregnancy, intracerebral haemorrhage and chronic lung disease were predictive of delayed numerical skills at 5 years of age in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionThis study identified risk predictors for impaired numerical skills in preterm infants. Our data support the role of both pre‐ and perinatal factors in the evolution of mathematical deficits.
Pleural function and lymphatics
Authors: Negrini D. , Moriondo A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe pleural space plays an important role in respiratory function as the negative intrapleural pressure regimen ensures lung expansion and in the mean time maintains the tight mechanical coupling between the lung and the chest wall. The efficiency of the lung–chest wall coupling depends upon pleural liquid volume, which in turn reflects the balance between the filtration of fluid into and its egress out of the cavity. While filtration occurs through a single mechanism passively driving fluid from the interstitium of the parietal pleura into the cavity, several mechanisms may co‐operate to remove pleural fluid. Among these, the pleural lymphatic system emerges as the most important one in quantitative terms and the only one able to cope with variable pleural fluid volume and drainage requirements. In this review, we present a detailed account of the actual knowledge on: (a) the complex morphology of the pleural lymphatic system, (b) the mechanism supporting pleural lymph formation and propulsion, (c) the dependence of pleural lymphatic function upon local tissue mechanics and (d) the effect of lymphatic inefficiency in the development of clinically severe pleural and, more in general, respiratory pathologies.
Effective treatment of mouse experimental colitis by alpha 2 integrin antibody: comparison with alpha 4 antibody and conventional therapy
Authors: Gillberg L. , Berg S. , de Verdier P. J. , Lindbom L. , Werr J. , Hellström P. M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the therapeutic effect of α2 and α4 integrin‐blocking antibodies to conventional inflammatory bowel disease drugs methotrexate, 5‐aminosalicylic acid and azathioprine in the dextran sulphate sodium mouse colitis model.MethodsColitis was induced in balb/c mice with 2.5–3.0% dextran sulphate sodium. Treatment was given daily for 7 days after the onset of colitis, by rectal installation. Clinical signs of disease were assessed daily using a disease activity index. After 19 days, all animals were killed and colon samples collected for histological grading and mRNA/protein analysis. All treatment groups were compared with an untreated control group and a treatment group receiving dextran sulphate sodium alone to monitor the potential degree of clinical remission.ResultsTreatment with anti‐α2 antibodies and methotrexate reduced the body weight loss. At the end of treatment, anti‐α2 antibodies reduced rectal bleeding, while methotrexate reduced the disease activity index score. Histological evaluation showed that anti‐α2 antibodies, methotrexate, 5‐aminosalicylic acid and azathioprine treatment reduced the acute inflammation; methotrexate was the only treatment with effect on the crypt score. Compared with the dextran sulphate sodium alone group, the methotrexate group showed down‐regulation of IL‐1β at the mRNA level, while the anti‐α2 antibody group displayed decreased protein expression of iNOS and IL‐1β.ConclusionsSpecific blocking of extravascular trafficking of leucocytes with α2‐antibodies could be a new beneficial drug target in inflammatory bowel disease.
The effects of varying acidity on Helicobacter pylori growth and the bactericidal efficacy of ampicillin
Authors: Marcus E. A. , Inatomi N. , Nagami G. T. , Sachs G. , Scott D. R. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundPenicillins inhibit cell wall synthesis; therefore, Helicobacter pylori must be dividing for this class of antibiotics to be effective in eradication therapy. Identifying growth responses to varying medium pH may allow design of more effective treatment regimens.AimTo determine the effects of acidity on bacterial growth and the bactericidal efficacy of ampicillin.MethodsH. pylori were incubated in dialysis chambers suspended in 1.5‐L of media at various pHs with 5 mM urea, with or without ampicillin, for 4, 8 or 16 h, thus mimicking unbuffered gastric juice. Changes in gene expression, viability and survival were determined.ResultsAt pH 3.0, but not at pH 4.5 or 7.4, there was decreased expression of ~400 genes, including many cell envelope biosynthesis, cell division and penicillin‐binding protein genes. Ampicillin was bactericidal at pH 4.5 and 7.4, but not at pH 3.0.ConclusionsAmpicillin is bactericidal at pH 4.5 and 7.4, but not at pH 3.0, due to decreased expression of cell envelope and division genes with loss of cell division at pH 3.0. Therefore, at pH 3.0, the likely pH at the gastric surface, the bacteria are nondividing and persist with ampicillin treatment. A more effective inhibitor of acid secretion that maintains gastric pH near neutrality for 24 h/day should enhance the efficacy of amoxicillin, improving triple therapy and likely even allowing dual amoxicillin‐based therapy for H. pylori eradication.
Invasion success and impact of an invasive fish, round goby, in Great Lakes tributaries
Authors: Kornis Matthew S. , Sharma Sapna , Jake Vander Zanden M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimEnvironmental and biological characteristics interact in complex ways to determine ecosystem susceptibility to invasive species, and a greater understanding of their relative roles in invader spread and impact is needed. We evaluated relationships between environmental characteristics, biodiversity of indigenous species, and the abundance and ecological impact of an invasive fish, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).LocationTributaries to Lake Michigan, WI, USA.MethodsWe assessed the distribution and abundance of round gobies and native fishes in tributaries via electrofishing. We compared fish community composition and diversity in streams with (n = 30) and without (n = 52) round gobies and examined how trends in round goby abundance from 2007 to 2010 correlated with changes in abundance of five native benthic fishes. We used redundancy analysis to determine how indigenous stream communities related to environmental characteristics and round goby abundance.ResultsRound goby abundance was best explained by environmental characteristics, with watershed area and temperature explaining 22.4% of the variation. Species richness and Shannon diversity only explained 6.9% of the variation in round goby abundance and only an additional 2.3% after considering environmental characteristics. Round goby abundance was not a significant predictor of fish community composition, which was best explained by seven environmental variables (30.3% of the variation). Invaded communities had significantly higher indigenous species richness than uninvaded communities (8.38 vs. 6.54). Round goby abundance was low compared with estimates from other studies, but showed an increasing trend in many tributaries (average 10.8‐fold increase from 2007 to 2010). Surprisingly, there were no temporal trends in native benthic fish abundance despite increases in round goby abundance.Main conclusionsEnvironmental characteristics favouring high fish diversity (e.g. resource availability and warm water temperature) were positively associated with round goby abundance. However, round goby density and impact are relatively low in most tributaries at present, emphasizing the importance of considering heterogeneity in an invader's abundance when assessing invasion success.
A direct comparison of the pharmacodynamic properties of insulin detemir and neutral protamine lispro insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Korsatko S. , Glettler K. , Olsen K. J. , Wutte A. , Bock G. , Koehler G. , Mader J. K. , Semlitsch B. , Pieber T. R. 
Published: September 2012

AimsTo compare the pharmacodynamic properties of insulin detemir (detemir) and neutral protamine lispro (NPL) insulin using a euglycaemic glucose clamp.MethodsIn a double‐blind, crossover study, 30 patients with C‐peptide negative type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to a single dose (0.4 U/kg) of detemir and NPL. Plasma glucose (PG) was normalized with a variable insulin infusion and then decreased stepwise, followed by a euglycaemic clamp at 5.5 mmol/l over 32 h. Duration of action was defined as time from dosing until PG exceeded 8.3 mmol/l for at least 30 min.ResultsDuration of action was similar for detemir [23.0 (range 2.25–32) h] and NPL [22.0 (9.5–32) h], p = 0.55. Using glucose infusion rate (GIR) parameters, detemir showed a flatter pharmacodynamic profile versus NPL: area under the curve, AUCGIR(0–32) = 1326 vs. 1841 mg/kg, p < 0.01 (detemir vs. NPL, respectively); AUCGIR(0–12) = 784 vs. 1392 mg/kg, p < 0.05; AUCGIR(12–32) = 455 vs. 274 mg/kg, p = 0.051; GIRlate(12–32)/GIRearly(0–12) ratio = 0.33 vs. 0.04, p < 0.001. Detemir also showed a lower and later peak of action than NPL [GIRmax 2.0 vs. 3.2 mg/kg/min, p < 0.01; Tmax 9.1 (95% confidence interval: 3.0–14.7) vs. 7.0 h (1.8–15.2)].ConclusionsDetemir and NPL had similar duration of action of approximately 24 h in patients with type 1 diabetes. Compared with NPL, detemir had a flatter profile with a more even distribution of metabolic effect over 24 h.
Oxidized LDL Receptor 1 gene polymorphism in patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Palmieri Vincenzo O. , Coppola Brigida , Grattagliano Ignazio , Casieri Valentina , Cardinale Giovanna , Portincasa Piero , Palasciano Giuseppe , Di Serio Francesca 
Published: September 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012AbstractAims  The lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1), encoded by the OLR1 gene, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We therefore evaluated the genotyping of OLR1 gene in a sample of 55 patients with Metabolic Syndrome, a clinical condition characterized by a high cardiovascular risk.Methods and Patients  The genotyping of the LOX‐1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the IVS4‐14 A>G OLR1 polymorphism embedded within the OLR1 Linkage Disequilibrium block. Patients were assessed for routine serum parameters, microalbuminuria, insulin resistance (HOMA) and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARs and thioredoxin).Results  The allele or genotype distribution of the OLR1 IVS4‐14 A>G was not statistically different between MS and controls subjects. A positive association was found between IVS4‐14 GG genotype, microalbuminuria and fasting glycaemia as well as a higher frequency of type 2 diabetes, elevated microalbuminuria, fasting serum glucose and HOMA index in the same subjects. Thioredoxin values were higher in patients with MS but did not differ in relation to OLR1 IVS4‐14 A>G genotype. The TBARs/Cholesterol ratio was higher in MS both in IVS4‐14 GG and in IVS4‐14 AG.Conclusion  IVS4‐14 GG genotype seems to be related to glucose metabolism disturbance, elevated insulin level and lipid peroxidation in patients with MS.
Methanotrophy in a Paleoproterozoic oil field ecosystem, Zaonega Formation, Karelia, Russia
Authors: Qu Y. , Črne A. E. , Lepland A. , van Zuilen M. A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOrganic carbon rich rocks in the c. 2.0 Ga Zaonega Formation (ZF), Karelia, Russia, preserve isotopic characteristics of a Paleoproterozoic ecosystem and record some of the oldest known oil generation and migration. Isotopic data derived from drill core material from the ZF show a shift in δ13Corg from c. −25‰ in the lower part of the succession to c. −40‰ in the upper part. This stratigraphic shift is a primary feature and cannot be explained by oil migration, maturation effects, or metamorphic overprints. The shift toward 13C‐depleted organic matter (δ13Corg < −25‰) broadly coincides with lithological evidence for the generation of oil and gas in the underlying sediments and seepage onto the sea floor. We propose that the availability of thermogenic CH4 triggered the activity of methanotrophic organisms, resulting in the production of anomalously 13C‐depleted biomass. The stratigraphic shift in δ13Corg records the change from CO2‐fixing autotrophic biomass to biomass containing a significant contribution from methanotrophy. It has been suggested recently that this shift in δ13Corg reflects global forcing and progressive oxidation of the Earth. However, the lithologic indication for local thermogenic CH4, sourced within the oil field, is consistent with basinal methanotrophy. This indicates that regional/basinal processes can also explain the δ13Corg negative isotopic shift observed in the ZF.
Prothrombotic state and impaired fibrinolysis in bullous pemphigoid, the most frequent autoimmune blistering disease
Authors: Marzano A V , Tedeschi A , Polloni I , Crosti C , Cugno M 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease that is burdened with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In BP, there is an interplay between inflammation and coagulation both locally, which contributes to skin damage, and systemically, which leads to a prothrombotic state. Fibrinolysis is an important defence mechanism against thrombosis, but has only been studied locally in BP and no systemic data are available. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate systemic fibrinolysis and coagulation activation in patients with BP. We measured parameters of fibrinolysis and coagulation by immunoenzymatic methods in plasma from 20 patients with BP in an active phase and during remission after corticosteroid treatment. The controls were 20 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) antigen, PAI-1 activity and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen were significantly higher in the BP patients with active disease than in healthy controls (P = 0·0001 for all), as were the plasma levels of the fibrin fragment d-dimer and prothrombin fragment F1+2 (P = 0·0001 for both). During remission after treatment, levels of PAI-1 antigen and PAI-1 activity decreased significantly (P = 0·008 and P = 0·006, respectively), and there was also a significant decrease in plasma levels of d-dimer (P = 0·0001) and F1+2 (P = 0·0001). Fibrinolysis is inhibited in patients with active BP, due mainly to an increase in plasma levels of PAI-1. Corticosteroids not only induce the regression of BP lesions, but also reduce the inhibition of fibrinolysis, which may contribute to decreasing thrombotic risk.
Stable isotope analysis of archaeological oak charcoal from eastern Anatolia as a marker of mid‐Holocene climate change
Authors: Masi A. , Sadori L. , Baneschi I. , Siani A. M. , Zanchetta G. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractComparison between modern trees and archaeological charred wood is an under‐explored method to study climate change, which may help to infer past environmental changes. The stable carbon content of deciduous oak charcoals was analysed for five periods covering more than a 1000 years (3350–2000 BC) at the site of Arslantepe, Turkey, together with modern deciduous oak specimens from five rare arboreal patches still present in the area (17–64 km from the site). In studies of past climate change it is difficult to distinguish human‐induced changes from independent variations, such as the impact of past populations on the landscape and their relationship with climate changes in the mid‐Holocene. Archaeology can evaluate climate signals preserved in fossil plants in light of past human life. This paper will contribute to understanding environmental changes that can be attributed to climate variation and those linked to human activities. We compared 13C/12C of modern and fossil oaks in order to correlate the 13C‐content to environmental features of Arslantepe, both today and between 3350 and 2000 BC. At present, this area is semi‐arid. The results show important similarities to palaeoenvironmental records for the rest of the Near East. The climate trend can be divided in three main phases: instability phase from ca. 3200 to 2900 BC; a phase of relative stability (until 2350 BC); and a final increase in aridity. The comparison of Δ13C values between fossil and modern plants shows that present climate is more arid than that between the end of the fourth and the whole third millennium BC.
Intraspecific variation in life history traits of Viola brevistipulata (Violaceae) in Hokkaido
Authors: Hayamizu Masato , Hosokawa Ichijitsu , Kimura Osamu , Ohara Masashi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntraspecific life‐history variations of Viola brevistipulata var. brevistipulata were examined with special reference to reproductive features based on quantitative and qualitative monitoring of chasmogamous (CH) and cleistogamous (CL) flowers. We selected 10 populations in southwestern Hokkaido in common deciduous forests, and marked 40–70 individual plants at each population. Marked individuals were monitored every 1–2 weeks. The expression of CH and CL flowers was distinct among the populations. That is, there were populations consisting of plants with only CH flowers, while other populations produced CL flowers after CH flowers with greater shoot longevity This phenomenon was observed even in populations located at the same site. The results suggest that V. brevistipulata var. brevistipulata shows distinct life‐history variations among the populations.
Single‐incision versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Huang Xinyu , Zheng Qi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundConventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) is now accepted as the gold standard surgical treatment for gallbladder stone disease. Single‐incision laparoscopic technology has recently been introduced into laparoscopic clinical practice in order to reduce the invasiveness of this procedure. A meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SICL) and CLC.MethodsMedline, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge CPCI‐S and the Cochrane Library were searched and the methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated. Outcomes evaluated were adverse events, conversion rate, post‐operative hospital stay, blood loss, post‐operative pain, total wound length, operative time and wound satisfaction score. Results were pooled in meta‐analyses as odds ratio and weighted mean differences (WMD).ResultsFive RCTs on 264 patients qualified for the meta‐analysis, 139 being allocated to SILC and 125 to CLC. There was no significant difference between SICL and CLC for adverse events, conversion rate, post‐operative hospital stay, blood loss, post‐operative pain and total wound length; however, operative time was significantly longer in SICL than in CLC (WMD 7.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–14.07) min; P = 0.02, χ2 P = 0.02, I2 = 69%). Furthermore, wound satisfaction score was significantly higher in SICL than in CLC (WMD 1.40 (95% CI: 1.19–1.61) min; P < 0.00001, χ2 P = 0.19, I2 = 42%).ConclusionSILC may be superior to CLC in terms of cosmetic outcome, but not in operative time. Currently, SILC is a safe procedure for proper patients in experienced surgeons.