bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Origins of a Bioactive Peptide Buried within Preproalbumin
Authors: Elliott Alysha G. , Delay Christina , Liu Huanle , Phua Zaiyang , Rosengren K. Johan , Benfield Aurélie H. , Panero Jose L. , Colgrave Michelle L. , Jayasena Achala S. , Dunse Kerry M. , Anderson Marilyn A. , Schilling Edward E. , Ortiz-Barrientos Daniel , Craik David J. , Mylne Joshua S. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The de novo evolution of proteins is now considered a frequented route for biological innovation, but the genetic and biochemical processes that lead to each newly created protein are often poorly documented. The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) contains the unusual gene PawS1 (Preproalbumin with SFTI-1) that encodes a precursor for seed storage albumin; however, in a region usually discarded during albumin maturation, its sequence is matured into SFTI-1, a protease-inhibiting cyclic peptide with a motif homologous to unrelated inhibitors from legumes, cereals, and frogs. To understand how PawS1 acquired this additional peptide with novel biochemical functionality, we cloned PawS1 genes and showed that this dual destiny is over 18 million years old. This new family of mostly backbone-cyclic peptides is structurally diverse, but the protease-inhibitory motif was restricted to peptides from sunflower and close relatives from its subtribe. We describe a widely distributed, potential evolutionary intermediate PawS-Like1 (PawL1), which is matured into storage albumin, but makes no stable peptide despite possessing residues essential for processing and cyclization from within PawS1. Using sequences we cloned, we retrodict the likely stepwise creation of PawS1's additional destiny within a simple albumin precursor. We propose that relaxed selection enabled SFTI-1 to evolve its inhibitor function by converging upon a successful sequence and structure.
Discovery of a Chlorophyll Binding Protein Complex Involved in the Early Steps of Photosystem II Assembly in Synechocystis
Authors: Knoppová Jana , Sobotka Roman , Tichý Martin , Yu Jianfeng , Konik Peter , Halada Petr , Nixon Peter J. , Komenda Josef 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Efficient assembly and repair of the oxygen-evolving photosystem II (PSII) complex is vital for maintaining photosynthetic activity in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. How chlorophyll is delivered to PSII during assembly and how vulnerable assembly complexes are protected from photodamage are unknown. Here, we identify a chlorophyll and β-carotene binding protein complex in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 important for formation of the D1/D2 reaction center assembly complex. It is composed of putative short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase Ycf39, encoded by the slr0399 gene, and two members of the high-light-inducible protein (Hlip) family, HliC and HliD, which are small membrane proteins related to the light-harvesting chlorophyll binding complexes found in plants. Perturbed chlorophyll recycling in a Ycf39-null mutant and copurification of chlorophyll synthase and unassembled D1 with the Ycf39-Hlip complex indicate a role in the delivery of chlorophyll to newly synthesized D1. Sequence similarities suggest the presence of a related complex in chloroplasts.
A Cyanobacterial Chlorophyll Synthase-HliD Complex Associates with the Ycf39 Protein and the YidC/Alb3 Insertase
Authors: Chidgey Jack W. , Linhartová Markéta , Komenda Josef , Jackson Philip J. , Dickman Mark J. , Canniffe Daniel P. , Koník Peter , Pilný Jan , Hunter C. Neil , Sobotka Roman 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Macromolecular membrane assemblies of chlorophyll-protein complexes efficiently harvest and trap light energy for photosynthesis. To investigate the delivery of chlorophylls to the newly synthesized photosystem apoproteins, a terminal enzyme of chlorophyll biosynthesis, chlorophyll synthase (ChlG), was tagged in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) and used as bait in pull-down experiments. We retrieved an enzymatically active complex comprising ChlG and the high-light-inducible protein HliD, which associates with the Ycf39 protein, a putative assembly factor for photosystem II, and with the YidC/Alb3 insertase. 2D electrophoresis and immunoblotting also provided evidence for the presence of SecY and ribosome subunits. The isolated complex contained chlorophyll, chlorophyllide, and carotenoid pigments. Deletion of hliD elevated the level of the ChlG substrate, chlorophyllide, more than 6-fold; HliD is apparently required for assembly of FLAG-ChlG into larger complexes with other proteins such as Ycf39. These data reveal a link between chlorophyll biosynthesis and the Sec/YidC-dependent cotranslational insertion of nascent photosystem polypeptides into membranes. We expect that this close physical linkage coordinates the arrival of pigments and nascent apoproteins to produce photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes with minimal risk of accumulating phototoxic unbound chlorophylls.
Differential allocation and deployment of direct and indirect defences by Vicia sepium along elevation gradients
Authors: Rasmann Sergio , Buri Aline , Gallot‐Lavallée Marie , Joaquim Jessica , Purcell Jessica , Pellissier Loïc 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Dissecting drivers of plant defence investment remains central for understanding the assemblage of communities across different habitats. There is increasing evidence that direct defence strategies against herbivores, including secondary metabolites production, differ along ecological gradients in response to variation in biotic and abiotic conditions. In contrast, intraspecific variation in indirect defences remains unexplored.

Here, we investigated variation in herbivory rate, resistance to herbivores and indirect defences in ant‐attracting Vicia species along the elevation gradient of the Alps. Specifically, we compared volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ant attraction in high‐ and low‐elevation ecotypes.

Consistent with adaptation to the lower herbivory conditions that we detected at higher elevations in the field, high‐elevation plants were visited by fewer ants and were more susceptible to herbivore attack. In parallel, constitutive volatile organic compound production and subsequent ant attraction were lower in the high‐elevation ecotypes.

We observed an elevation‐driven trade‐off between constitutive and inducible production of VOCs and ant attraction along the environmental cline. At higher elevations, inducible defences increased, while constitutive defence decreased, suggesting that the high‐elevation ecotypes compensate for lower indirect constitutive defences only after herbivore attack.

Synthesis. Overall, direct and indirect defences of plants vary along elevation gradients. Our findings show that plant allocation to defences are subject to trade‐offs depending on local conditions, and point to a feedback mechanism linking local herbivore pressure, predator abundance and the defence investment of plants.
Distinct regulation of tonsillar immune response in virus infection
Authors: Jartti T. , Palomares O. , Waris M. , Tastan O. , Nieminen R. , Puhakka T. , Rückert B. , Aab A. , Vuorinen T. , Allander T. , Vahlberg T. , Ruuskanen O. , Akdis M. , Akdis C. A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe relationships between tonsillar immune responses, and viral infection and allergy are incompletely known.ObjectiveTo study intratonsillar/nasopharyngeal virus detections and in vivo expressions of T‐cell‐ and innate immune response‐specific cytokines, transcription factors, and type I/II/III interferons in human tonsils.MethodsPalatine tonsil samples were obtained from 143 elective tonsillectomy patients. Adenovirus, bocavirus‐1, coronavirus, enteroviruses, influenza virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus were detected using PCR. The mRNA expression levels of IFN‐α, IFN‐β, IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐28, IL‐29, IL‐37, TGF‐β, FOXP3, GATA3, RORC2, and Tbet were directly analyzed by quantitative RT‐PCR.ResultsFifty percentage of subjects reported allergy, 59% had ≥1 nasopharyngeal viruses, and 24% had ≥1 intratonsillar viruses. Tonsillar virus detection showed a strong negative association with age; especially rhinovirus or parainfluenza virus detection showed positive association with IFN‐γ and Tbet expressions. IL‐37 expression was positively associated with atopic dermatitis, whereas IFN‐α, IL‐13, IL‐28, and Tbet expressions were negatively associated with allergic diseases. Network analyses demonstrated strongly polarized clusters of immune regulatory (IL‐10, IL‐17, TGF‐β, FOXP3, GATA3, RORC2, Tbet) and antiviral (IFN‐α, IFN‐β, IL‐28, IL‐29) genes. These two clusters became more distinctive in the presence of viral infection or allergy. A negative correlation between antiviral cytokines and IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐37, FOXP3, and RORC2 was observed only in the presence of viruses, and interestingly, IL‐13 strongly correlated with antiviral cytokines.ConclusionsTonsillar cytokine expression is closely related to existing viral infections, age, and allergic illnesses and shows distinct clusters between antiviral and immune regulatory genes.
Paraneoplastic anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: have you checked the ovaries?
Authors: Cleverly Kirsty , Gambadauro Pietro , Navaratnarajah Ramesan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAnti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that can occur as a paraneoplastic phenomenon related to ovarian teratomas. It is a serious but reversible condition with improved outcomes following prompt tumor removal. We report two cases from our recent experience. In the first case a small poorly described lesion, confirmed as a teratoma only at histology, was managed by laparoscopic oopohorectomy. In the second case a large teratoma was managed by laparoscopic cystectomy. Postoperatively both women made a good recovery. Gynecologists may be called upon to perform ovarian surgery outside of normal surgical indications, in young women who will often lack capacity to consent. Fertility‐sparing ovarian cystectomy is possible in some cases, but will be challenging for small deeply buried tumors. Blind bilateral oophorectomy has been performed successfully in extreme cases. Information of the benefit of ovarian surgery will be essential to the surgeon during preoperative counseling.
Maternal blood pressure and heart rate response to pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy
Authors: Ferreira Cristine H. , Naldoni Luciane M.V. , Ribeiro Juliana dos Santos , Meirelles Maria Cristina C.C. , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Bø Kari 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo assess whether maternal blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) change significantly in response to pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy.DesignLongitudinal exploratory study with repeated measurements.SampleTwenty‐seven nulliparous healthy women of mean age 23.3 years (range 18–36) and mean body mass index 23.4 (range 23.1–29.5).MethodsIndividual supervised pelvic floor muscle training from gestational week 20 till 36 with assessment of BP and HR at gestational weeks 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36.Main outcome measuresSystolic and diastolic BP was measured before and after each training session and HR was monitored during each session.ResultsPelvic floor muscle training did not change BP. 77% (n = 21) of participants exceeded 70% of estimated maximum HR during at least one session. The time for exceeding 70% of estimated maximum HR was between 2.2 and 3.2 % of the total exercise session. Increases in BP and HR from gestational weeks 20 till 36 were within normal limits for pregnant women.ConclusionsPelvic floor muscle training in nulliparous sedentary pregnant women does not increase BP. It significantly increases HR during the exercise sessions, but only for a limited period of time and with no negative long‐term effect on BP or HR.
Cardiovascular and metabolic responses to tap water ingestion in young humans: does the water temperature matter?
Authors: Girona M. , Grasser E. K. , Dulloo A. G. , Montani J. P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimDrinking water induces short‐term cardiovascular and metabolic changes. These effects are considered to be triggered by gastric distension and osmotic factors, but little is known about the influence of water temperature.MethodsWe determined, in a randomized crossover study, the acute cardiovascular and metabolic responses to 500 mL of tap water at 3 °C (cold), 22 °C (room) and 37 °C (body) in 12 young humans to ascertain an effect of water temperature. We measured continuous beat‐to‐beat haemodynamics, skin blood flux with laser‐Doppler flowmetry and resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry starting with a 30‐min baseline followed by a 4‐min drink period and a subsequent 90‐min post‐drink observation.ResultsIngestion of cold‐ and room‐tempered water led to decreased heart rate (P < 0.01) and double product (P < 0.01), and increased stroke volume (P < 0.05); these effects were not observed with body‐tempered water. Drinking cold‐ and room‐, but not body‐tempered water, led to increased high frequency power of heart rate variability (P < 0.05) and baroreflex sensitivity (P < 0.05). Cold‐ and room‐tempered water increased energy expenditure over 90 min by 2.9% (P < 0.05) and 2.3% (ns), respectively, accompanied by a diminished skin blood flux (P < 0.01), thereby suggesting that both small increases in heat production together with decreased heat loss contribute to warming up the ingested water to intra‐abdominal temperature levels.ConclusionsOverall, ingestion of cold‐ and room‐, but not body‐tempered water reduced the workload to the heart through a reduction in heart rate and double product which could be mediated by an augmented cardiac vagal tone.
The chequered history of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Jayakody Arachchillage Deepa , Greaves Mike 
Published: March 2014

SummaryConsideration of the chronology of advances in medical knowledge can provide useful insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The antiphospholipid syndrome is an enigmatic disorder and this is reinforced by the misleading associated terminology, the adoption of which results directly from early discoveries relating to the condition. Thus the target antigen of the causative autoantibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome does not reside on phospholipid, and the frequently associated lupus anticoagulant is not restricted to subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus and, paradoxically, despite causing prolongation of clotting times in vitro it is associated with a pronounced tendency to thrombosis. Recognition of the antiphospholipid syndrome has its origins in the identification of subjects with so‐called biological false‐positive serological reactions for syphilis in the middle years of the last century. Since that time there have been considerable advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and the clinical manifestations and associations, improved diagnostic accuracy and an evolving evidence base for optimal therapy. However many gaps in our knowledge remain.
A pilot study of plasma metabolomic patterns from patients treated with ketamine for bipolar depression: evidence for a response‐related difference in mitochondrial networks
Authors: Villaseñor A , Ramamoorthy A , Silva dos Santos M , Lorenzo M P , Laje G , Zarate C , Barbas C , Wainer I W 
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose(R,S)‐ketamine produces rapid and significant antidepressant effects in approximately 65% of patients suffering from treatment‐resistant bipolar depression (BD). The genetic, pharmacological and biochemical differences between ketamine responders and non‐responders have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to employ a metabolomics approach, a global, non‐targeted determination of endogenous metabolic patterns, to identify potential markers of ketamine response and non‐response.Experimental ApproachPlasma samples from 22 BD patients were analyzed to produce metabolomic patterns. The patients had received ketamine in a placebo‐controlled crossover study and the samples were obtained 230 min post‐administration at which time the patients were categorized as responders or non‐responders. Matching plasma samples from the placebo arm of the study were also analysed. During the study, the patients were maintained on either lithium or valproate.Key ResultsThe metabolomic patterns were significantly different between the patients maintained on lithium and those maintained on valproate, irrespective of response to ketamine. In the patients maintained on lithium, 18 biomarkers were identified. In responders, lysophosphatidylethanolamines (4) and lysophosphatidylcholines (9) were increased relative to non‐responders.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that the differences between patients who respond to ketamine and those who do not are due to alterations in the mitochondrial β‐oxidation of fatty acids. These differences were not produced by ketamine administration. The data indicate that pretreatment metabolomics screening may be a guide to the prediction of response and a potential approach to the individualization of ketamine therapy.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Recent advances in the pathophysiology and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Epstein J. , Warner J. O. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryEosinophilic oesophagitis is an increasingly recognized allergic gastrointestinal disease, which is becoming more common. Although the average age at diagnosis is 30–50 years, it often affects very young children and carries significant long‐term morbidity. While our understanding of its pathophysiology is accumulating, the precise pathways by which the disease arises remain unclear. There are inconsistencies in its diagnosis and definition, and a drive towards international standardization is underway. Current methods for diagnosis and monitoring are relatively invasive, and controversies surround their interpretation. Management strategies are imperfect and involve burdensome long‐term dietary exclusions, or drug treatments with uncertain efficacy or serious side‐effects. It is the focus of a rapidly increasing body of research, the latest insights from which are systematically presented in this review.
Grass pollen allergens globally: the contribution of subtropical grasses to burden of allergic respiratory diseases
Authors: Davies J. M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryGrass pollens of the temperate (Pooideae) subfamily and subtropical subfamilies of grasses are major aeroallergen sources worldwide. The subtropical Chloridoideae (e.g. Cynodon dactylon; Bermuda grass) and Panicoideae (e.g. Paspalum notatum; Bahia grass) species are abundant in parts of Africa, India, Asia, Australia and the Americas, where a large and increasing proportion of the world's population abide. These grasses are phylogenetically and ecologically distinct from temperate grasses. With the advent of global warming, it is conceivable that the geographic distribution of subtropical grasses and the contribution of their pollen to the burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma will increase. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current global knowledge of (i) regional variation in allergic sensitivity to subtropical grass pollens, (ii) molecular allergenic components of subtropical grass pollens and (iii) allergic responses to subtropical grass pollen allergens in relevant populations. Patients from subtropical regions of the world show higher allergic sensitivity to grass pollens of Chloridoideae and Panicoideae grasses, than to temperate grass pollens. The group 1 allergens are amongst the allergen components of subtropical grass pollens, but the group 5 allergens, by which temperate grass pollen extracts are standardized for allergen content, appear to be absent from both subfamilies of subtropical grasses. Whilst there are shared allergenic components and antigenic determinants, there are additional clinically relevant subfamily‐specific differences, at T‐ and B‐cell levels, between pollen allergens of subtropical and temperate grasses. Differential immune recognition of subtropical grass pollens is likely to impact upon the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy of patients who are primarily sensitized to subtropical grass pollens. The literature reviewed herein highlights the clinical need to standardize allergen preparations for both types of subtropical grass pollens to achieve optimal diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic respiratory disease in subtropical regions of the world.
Connectivity Conservation and Endangered Species Recovery: A Study in the Challenges of Defining Conservation‐Reliant Species
Authors: Carroll Carlos , Rohlf Daniel J. , Li Ya‐Wei , Hartl Brett , Phillips Michael K. , Noss Reed F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMany species listed under the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) face continuing threats and will require intervention to address those threats for decades. These species, which have been termed conservation‐reliant, pose a challenge to the ESA's mandate for recovery of self‐sustaining populations. Most references to conservation‐reliant species by federal agencies involve the restoration of population connectivity. However, the diverse threats to connectivity faced by different species have contrasting implications in the context of the ESA's mandate. For species facing long‐term threats from invasive species or climate change, restoration of natural dispersal may not be technically feasible in the foreseeable future. For other species, restoration of natural dispersal is feasible, but carries economic and political cost. Federal agencies have used a broad definition of conservation reliance to justify delisting of species in the latter group even if they remain dependent on artificial translocation. Distinguishing the two groups better informs policy by distinguishing the technical challenges posed by novel ecological stressors from normative questions such as the price society is willing to pay to protect biodiversity, and the degree to which we should grow accustomed to direct human intervention in species’ life cycles as a component of conservation in the Anthropocene Epoch.