bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetrathionate stimulated growth of Campylobacter jejuni identifies a new type of bi‐functional tetrathionate reductase (TsdA) that is widely distributed in bacteria
Authors: Liu Yang‐Wei , Denkmann Kevin , Kosciow Konrad , Dahl Christiane , Kelly David J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTetrathionate (S4O62−) is used by some bacteria as an electron acceptor and can be produced in the vertebrate intestinal mucosa from the oxidation of thiosulphate (S2O32−) by reactive oxygen species during inflammation. Surprisingly, growth of the microaerophilic mucosal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni under oxygen‐limited conditions was stimulated by tetrathionate, although it does not possess any known type of tetrathionate reductase. Here, we identify a dihaem cytochrome c (C8j_0815; TsdA) as the enzyme responsible. Kinetic studies with purified recombinant C. jejuni TsdA showed it to be a bifunctional tetrathionate reductase/thiosulphate dehydrogenase with a high affinity for tetrathionate. A tsdA null mutant still slowly reduced, but could not grow on, tetrathionate under oxygen limitation, lacked thiosulphate‐dependent respiration and failed to convert thiosulphate to tetrathionate microaerobically. A TsdA paralogue (C8j_0040), lacking the unusual His–Cys haem ligation of TsdA, had low thiosulphate dehydrogenase and tetrathionate reductase activities. Our data highlight a hitherto unrecognized capacity of C. jejuni to use tetrathionate and thiosulphate in its energy metabolism, which may promote growth in the host. Moreover, as TsdA represents a new class of tetrathionate reductase that is widely distributed among bacteria, we predict that energy conserving tetrathionate respiration is far more common than currently appreciated.
Diagnostic testing for dyssynergic defecation in chronic constipation: meta‐analysis
Authors: Videlock E. J. , Lembo A. , Cremonini F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDyssynergic defecation (DD) results from inadequate relaxation of the pelvic floor on attempted defecation. The prevalence of DD in patients with chronic constipation (CC) is not certain. Aims of this study are to estimate the prevalence of abnormal findings associated with DD across testing modalities in patients referred for physiological testing for CC.MethodsSystematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PUBMED databases were conducted. We included full manuscripts reporting DD prevalence in CC, and specific findings at pelvic floor diagnostic tests. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled DD prevalences (with 95% CI) according to individual tests and specific findings.Key ResultsA total of 79 studies on 7581 CC patients were included. The median prevalence of any single abnormal finding associated with DD was 37.2%, ranging from 14.9% (95% CI 7.9–26.3) for absent opening of the anorectal angle (ARA) on defecography to 52.9% (95% CI 44.3–61.3) for a dyssynergic pattern on ultrasound. The prevalence of a dyssynergic pattern on manometry was 47.7% (95% CI 39.5–56.1). The prevalence of DD was similar across specialty and geographic area as well as when restricting to studies using Rome criteria to define constipation.Conclusions & InferencesDyssynergic defecation is highly prevalent in CC and is commonly detected across testing modalities, type of patient referred, and geographical regions. We believe that the lower prevalence of findings associated with DD by defecography supports use of manometry and balloon expulsion testing as an initial evaluation for CC.
Efficient xylem transport and phloem remobilization of Zn in the hyperaccumulator plant species Sedum alfredii
Authors: Lu Lingli , Tian Shengke , Zhang Jie , Yang Xiaoe , Labavitch John M. , Webb Samuel M. , Latimer Matthew , Brown Patrick H. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Sedum alfredii is one of a few species known to hyperaccumulate zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd). Xylem transport and phloem remobilization of Zn in hyperaccumulating (HP) and nonhyperaccumulating (NHP) populations of S. alfredii were compared.

Micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) images of Zn in the roots of the two S. alfredii populations suggested an efficient xylem loading of Zn in HP S. alfredii, confirmed by the seven‐fold higher Zn concentrations detected in the xylem sap collected from HP, when compared with NHP, populations. Zn was predominantly transported as aqueous Zn (> 55.9%), with the remaining proportion (36.7–42.3%) associated with the predominant organic acid, citric acid, in the xylem sap of HP S. alfredii.

The stable isotope 68Zn was used to trace Zn remobilization from mature leaves to new growing leaves for both populations. Remobilization of 68Zn was seven‐fold higher in HP than in NHP S. alfredii. Subsequent analysis by μ‐XRF, combined with LA‐ICPMS (laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), confirmed the enhanced ability of HP S. alfredii to remobilize Zn and to preferentially distribute the metal to mesophyll cells surrounding phloem in the new leaves.

The results suggest that Zn hyperaccumulation by HP S. alfredii is largely associated with enhanced xylem transport and phloem remobilization of the metal. To our knowledge, this report is the first to reveal enhanced remobilization of metal by phloem transport in hyperaccumulators.
Sexual polyploidization in plants – cytological mechanisms and molecular regulation
Authors: De Storme Nico , Geelen Danny 
Published: February 2013

SummaryIn the plant kingdom, events of whole genome duplication or polyploidization are generally believed to occur via alterations of the sexual reproduction process. Thereby, diploid pollen and eggs are formed that contain the somatic number of chromosomes rather than the gametophytic number. By participating in fertilization, these so‐called 2n gametes generate polyploid offspring and therefore constitute the basis for the establishment of polyploidy in plants. In addition, diplogamete formation, through meiotic restitution, is an essential component of apomixis and also serves as an important mechanism for the restoration of F1 hybrid fertility. Characterization of the cytological mechanisms and molecular factors underlying 2n gamete formation is therefore not only relevant for basic plant biology and evolution, but may also provide valuable cues for agricultural and biotechnological applications (e.g. reverse breeding, clonal seeds). Recent data have provided novel insights into the process of 2n pollen and egg formation and have revealed multiple means to the same end. Here, we summarize the cytological mechanisms and molecular regulatory networks underlying 2n gamete formation, and outline important mitotic and meiotic processes involved in the ectopic induction of sexual polyploidization.

Contents

Summary
670

I.
Introduction
670

II.
General mechanisms of 2n gamete formation
671

III.
Cytological processes leading to meiotic restitution
672

IV.
Genetic control of 2n gamete formation
675

V.
Conclusions and future directions
680

Acknowledgements
680

References
680
The jasmonic acid signaling pathway is linked to auxin homeostasis through the modulation of YUCCA8 and YUCCA9 gene expression
Authors: Hentrich Mathias , Böttcher Christine , Düchting Petra , Cheng Youfa , Zhao Yunde , Berkowitz Oliver , Masle Josette , Medina Joaquín , Pollmann Stephan 
Published: February 2013

SummaryInteractions between phytohormones play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development, but knowledge of the networks controlling hormonal relationships, such as between oxylipins and auxins, is just emerging. Here, we report the transcriptional regulation of two Arabidopsis YUCCA genes, YUC8 and YUC9, by oxylipins. Similar to previously characterized YUCCA family members, we show that both YUC8 and YUC9 are involved in auxin biosynthesis, as demonstrated by the increased auxin contents and auxin‐dependent phenotypes displayed by gain‐of‐function mutants as well as the significantly decreased indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) levels in yuc8 and yuc8/9 knockout lines. Gene expression data obtained by qPCR analysis and microscopic examination of promoter‐reporter lines reveal an oxylipin‐mediated regulation of YUC9 expression that is dependent on the COI1 signal transduction pathway. In support of these findings, the roots of the analyzed yuc knockout mutants displayed a reduced response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The similar response of the yuc8 and yuc9 mutants to MeJA in cotyledons and hypocotyls suggests functional overlap of YUC8 and YUC9 in aerial tissues, while their function in roots shows some specificity, probably in part related to different spatio‐temporal expression patterns of the two genes. These results provide evidence for an intimate functional relationship between oxylipin signaling and auxin homeostasis.
Novel Combinations of Vancomycin plus Ceftaroline or Oxacillin against Methicillin-Resistant Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and Heterogeneous VISA
Authors: Werth B. J. , Vidaillac C. , Murray K. P. , Newton K. L. , Sakoulas G. , Nonejuie P. , Pogliano J. , Rybak M. J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

We demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between vancomycin and beta-lactam susceptibilities in vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) and heterogeneous VISA (hVISA) isolates. Using time-kill assays, vancomycin plus oxacillin or ceftaroline was synergistic against 3 of 5 VISA and 1 of 5 hVISA isolates or 5 of 5 VISA and 4 of 5 hVISA isolates, respectively. Beta-lactam exposure reduced overall vancomycin-Bodipy (
dipy
rromethene
bo
ron difluoride [4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-
s
-indacene] fluorescent dye) binding but may have improved vancomycin-cell wall interactions to improve vancomycin activity. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism behind vancomycin and beta-lactam synergy.
Temporal lobe epilepsy exacerbation during pharmacological inhibition of endogenous neurosteroid synthesis
Authors: Pugnaghi Matteo , Monti Giulia , Biagini Giuseppe , Meletti Stefano 
Published: February 2013

We report the case of a woman who presented cryptogenic temporal lobe seizures from the age of 43 years. Antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment with carbamazepine was able to control seizures for 1 year, but seizures relapsed and an add-on treatment with lamotrigine was started without achieving seizures control. The patient's medical history was unremarkable except for a mild hirsutism for which she was taking finasteride since 45 years of age. In view of the possible relationship between finasteride, a known inhibitor of neurosteroids synthesis, and patient's seizures exacerbation, we stopped finasteride resulting in prompt recovery of seizures control. It is know that 5α-dihydrosteroids are precursors of powerful positive modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A inhibitory currents and exert antiseizure effects in animal epilepsy models. This case supports the hypothesis that endogenous neurosteroids can modulate seizure susceptibility and response to AEDs also in humans, suggesting their possible use as a new therapeutic option.
Lipid infusion in the management of poisoning: a report of 6 canine cases
Authors: Bates N. , Chatterton J. , Robbins C. , Wells K. , Hughes J. , Stone M. , Campbell A. 
Published: February 2013

Intravenous administration of lipid is a relatively new treatment in the management of toxicity from lipophilic compounds. It is used in human medicine in the treatment of toxicity from lipophilic local anaesthetics and cardiotoxic drugs and can result in dramatic improvement in clinical status. We present six cases of poisoning in dogs successfully treated with lipid infusion after ingestion of ivermectin (3), moxidectin (2) and baclofen (1). The dogs ranged in age from eight weeks to 14 years, and weighed 4–30 kg. Intravenous lipid therapy was started between six and eight hours and 22 hours after ingestion, and all the dogs responded well. In four dogs, there was clinical improvement within one hour; one had improved within two hours and the other within 4.5 hours of lipid administration. The only adverse effect of lipid infusion reported was mild swelling and pain after extravasation in one case which resolved with conservative management. All the dogs were discharged within 24–52 hours after exposure (7–46 hours after the start of lipid administration), and none developed any apparent sequelae.
Field relations, geochemistry and origin of the Upper Cretaceous volcaniclastic Kannaviou Formation in western Cyprus: evidence of a southerly Neotethyan volcanic arc
Authors: Gilbert Matthew F. , Robertson Alastair H. F. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Kannaviou Formation (up to 750 m thick) accumulated in a deep-sea setting in west Cyprus during Campanian–Early(?) Maastrichtian time. The formation depositionally overlies Upper Cretaceous ophiolitic lavas, including those associated with serpentinite-hosted arcuate lineaments. The Kannaviou Formation locally overlies ophiolitic serpentinite, indicating that mantle rocks were exposed on the seafloor prior to sediment deposition. Geochemical analyses of basalts that depositionally underlie the Kannaviou Formation, within the arcuate lineaments, indicate close similarities with the boninitic lavas of the South Troodos Transform Fault Zone in south Cyprus. Abundant volcanogenic and minor terrigenous and pelagic sedimentary rock material is present within the Kannaviou Formation, while kaolinite is common within interbedded red clays. Suitable terrigenous source lithologies are present in the deformed continental margin/deep-sea sedimentary rocks of the Mamonia Complex in west Cyprus. Whole-rock chemical analysis of sandstones of predominantly volcaniclastic origin indicates an intermediate arc-like composition. Electron microprobe analysis shows that glass is silicic, with a tholeiitic fractionation trend. Similar arc-like volcanic rocks of Late Cretaceous age are exposed in the western Kyrenia (Girne) Range, north Cyprus. The provenance of the Kannaviou Formation provides evidence of Late Cretaceous northwards subduction of the South Neotethys beneath a continental margin to the north.

Supplementary material:

The sample locations, complete chemical analyses, electron probe data and x-ray diffraction results are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18579
RAS/MEK–Independent Gene Expression Reveals BMP2-Related Malignant Phenotypes in the Nf1-Deficient MPNST
Authors: Sun Daochun , Haddad Ramsi , Kraniak Janice M. , Horne Steven D. , Tainsky Michael A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in carriers of germline mutations in Nf1 gene as well as sporadically. Neurofibromin, encoded by the Nf1 gene, functions as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) whose mutation leads to activation of wt-RAS and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) patients' tumors. However, therapeutic targeting of RAS and MAPK have had limited success in this disease. In this study, we modulated NRAS, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (MEK)1/2, and neurofibromin levels in MPNST cells and determined gene expression changes to evaluate the regulation of signaling pathways in MPNST cells. Gene expression changes due to neurofibromin modulation but independent of NRAS and MEK1/2 regulation in MPNST cells indicated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) signaling as a key pathway. The BMP2-SMAD1/5/8 pathway was activated in NF1-associated MPNST cells and inhibition of BMP2 signaling by LDN-193189 or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to BMP2 decreased the motility and invasion of NF1-associated MPNST cells. The pathway-specific gene changes provide a greater understanding of the complex role of neurofibromin in MPNST pathology and novel targets for drug discovery. Mol Cancer Res; 11(6); 616–27. ©2013 AACR.
Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy in the Elderly
Authors: Rajamani Kumar , Kennedy Kevin F. , Ruggiero Nicholas J. , Rosenfield Kenneth , Spertus John , Chaturvedi Seemant 
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—
Benchmark trials of carotid endarterectomy often did not include elderly patients, and the results may not be easily extrapolated to the general population. Using the Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy registry, we sought to determine real-world outcomes of carotid endarterectomy in the elderly.

Methods—
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged >70 years. We compared outcomes stratified by age among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Results—
There were 4149 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy; 1376 (33.1%) were symptomatic. Overall mortality rate was 0.5%. The primary outcome of in-hospital death, stroke, and myocardial infarction showed a significant trend and was highest in the age >85 years group (5.6%). Among symptomatic patients, mortality and the primary outcome were not statistically different between those aged >75 years and those aged 70 to 74 years. Among asymptomatic elderly patients, mortality rate was significantly higher in age group >75 years compared with <75 years (0.7% vs 0.0%); however, the combined outcome of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction was not statistically different.

Conclusions—
Elderly patients >85 years of age were at increased risk for death or perioperative complications of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction compared with those who were relatively younger. More elderly patients underwent carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis and had higher mortality than the younger counterparts, underlining need for caution in subjecting them to the procedure.
The Response of the Dines Anemometer to Gusts and Comparisons with Cup Anemometers
Authors: Miller Craig , Holmes John , Henderson David , Ginger John , Morrison Murray 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Dines pressure tube anemometer was the primary wind speed recording instrument used in Australia until it was replaced by Synchrotac cup anemometers in the 1990s. Simultaneous observations of the gust wind speeds recorded using both types of anemometers during tropical cyclones have, however, raised questions about the equivalency of the gust wind speeds recorded using the two instruments. An experimental study of the response of both versions of the Dines anemometer used in Australia shows that the response of the anemometer is dominated by the motion of the float manometer used to record the wind speed. The amplitude response function shows the presence of two resonant peaks, with the amplitude and frequency of the peaks depending on the instrument version and the mean wind speed. Comparison of the gust wind speeds recorded using Dines and Synchrotac anemometers using random process and linear system theory shows that, on average, the low-speed Dines anemometer records values 2%–5% higher than those recorded using a Synchrotac anemometer under the same conditions, while the high-speed Dines anemometer records values 3%–7% higher, depending on the mean wind speed and turbulence intensity. These differences are exacerbated with the adoption of the WMO-recommended 3-s moving average gust wind speed when reporting the Synchrotac anemometer gust wind speeds, rising to 6%–12% and 11%–19% for low- and high-speed Dines anemometers, respectively. These results are consistent with both field observations and an independent extreme value analysis of simultaneously observed gust wind speeds at seven sites in northern Australia.
A PET study with [11C]AZ10419369 to determine brain 5-HT1B receptor occupancy of zolmitriptan in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Varnäs Katarina , Jučaitė Aurelija , McCarthy Dennis J , Stenkrona Per , Nord Magdalena , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars , Kanes Stephen 
Published: February 2013

Aim To investigate the occupancy at brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1B receptors in human subjects after administration of the antimigraine drug zolmitriptan. Methods Positron emission tomography (PET) studies were undertaken using the radioligand [11C]AZ10419369 in eight control subjects at baseline and after administration of zolmitriptan orodispersible tablets. The subjects were examined after two consecutive administrations of 10 mg zolmitriptan, approximately 1 week apart. Two of the subjects were subsequently examined after administration of 5 mg zolmitriptan. One week after the last administration of zolmitriptan five of the subjects underwent additional PET measurements without drug pretreatment. Results After administration of 10 mg zolmitriptan, mean receptor occupancy was 4–5%. No consistent changes in 5-HT1B receptor binding were observed for subjects who received 5 mg zolmitriptan. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between binding potential ( BPND) and plasma concentration of zolmitriptan and the active metabolite 183C91, respectively. All of the five subjects who were examined 1 week after dosing with zolmitriptan showed higher BPND post drug administration compared with baseline. Conclusion This is the first demonstration of CNS 5-HT1B receptor occupancy of a triptan. The findings are consistent with the low receptor occupancy previously reported in PET studies with agonists at other G protein coupled receptors.
Violence in Adulthood and Mental Health
Authors: Alvarez-del Arco Debora , del Amo Julia , Garcia-Pina Rocio , Garcia-Fulgueiras Ana Maria , Rodriguez-Arenas M. Angeles , Ibañez-Rojo Vicente , Díaz-del Peral Domingo , Jarrin Inma , Fernandez-Liria Alberto , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Garcia-Ortuzar Visitación , Mazarrasa Lucia , Llacer Alicia 
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to describe perceived abuse in adult Spanish and Ecuadorian women and men and to assess its association with mental health. A population-based survey was conducted in Spain in 2006. Data were taken from a probabilistic sample allowing for an equal number of men and women, Spaniards and Ecuadorians. Mental disorder was measured with the General Health Questionnaire-28. The nine questions on exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during the previous year were self-administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between exposure to abuse and poor mental health, adjusting for potential confounders. The sample was composed of 1,059 individuals aged 18 to 54, 104 of whom reported physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Some 6% refused to answer the questions on abuse. Overall, reported abuse ranged from 13% in Ecuadorian women to 5% in Spanish men. Psychological abuse was the most frequent. Half the abused women, both Spanish and Ecuadorian, reported intimate partner violence (IPV), as did 22% of abused men. Poor mental health was found in 61% of abused Spanish women (adjusted Odds Ratio [ORa] = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.8-14.4), and 62% abused Ecuadorian women (ORa = 4; 95% CI: 2-7.9), in 36% of abused Spanish men (ORa = 3; 95% CI: 0.9-10.7) and in 30% abused Ecuadorian men (ORa = 2.8; 95% CI: 1-7.7). Interpersonal violence is frequent in relations with the partner, the family, and outside the family, and it seriously affects the mental health. Ecuadorian women stand out as the most vulnerable group.