bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do high doses of AT1-receptor blockers attenuate central sympathetic outflow in humans with chronic heart failure?
Authors: Ruzicka Marcel , Floras John S. , McReynolds Andrew J. G. , Coletta Elizabeth , Haddad Haissam , Davies Ross , Leenen Frans H. H. 
Published: November 2012

In patients with CHF (chronic heart failure) sympathetic activity increases as cardiac performance decreases and filling pressures increase. We hypothesized that in patients with mild-to-moderate CHF, higher than conventional doses of an AT1-receptor [AngII (angiotensin II) type 1 receptor] antagonist would achieve greater central AT1-receptor blockade, resulting in diminished MSNA (muscle sympathetic nerve activity) and augmented MSNA variability, two indices of central effects on sympathetic outflow. In total, 13 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy [NYHA (New York Heart Association) class II–III] were weaned off all pharmacological RAS (renin–angiotensin system) modifiers, and then randomized to receive a low (50 mg/day) or high (200 mg/day) dose of losartan. Central haemodynamics, MSNA and its variability, plasma catecholamines, AngI (angiotensin I) and AngII and aldosterone were assessed both before and 3 months after randomization. Neither dose altered BP (blood pressure), PCWP (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) or CI (cardiac index) significantly. Compared with 50 mg daily, losartan 200 mg/day decreased MSNA significantly (P&lt;0.05), by approximately 15 bursts/min, and increased MSNA variability within the 0.27–0.33 Hz high-frequency range by 0.11 units2/Hz (P=0.06). PNE [plasma noradrenaline (norepinephrine)] fell in parallel with changes in MSNA (r=0.62; P&lt;0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that higher than conventional doses of lipophilic ARBs (AT1-receptor blockers) can modulate the intensity and variability of central sympathetic outflow in patients with CHF. The efficacy and safety of this conceptual change in the therapeutic approach to heart failure merits prospective testing in clinical trials.
The crystal structures of Rubisco and opportunities for manipulating photosynthesis
Authors: Gutteridge Steven , Newman Janet , Herrmann Chuck , Rhoades Dan 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The crystal structures of four species of Rubisco in a number of complexes have been solved to high resolution. The data have been used with some success to rationalize mutagenesis strategies, identify residues involved in the reaction cycle and, of particular concern, understand the basis for the ability of these enzymes to discriminate differentially between CO2 and O2. However, a detailed comparison of these structures indicates that there are significant differences in the positions of critical regions of the protein that may influence the outcome of catalysis and have certainly influenced the conclusions of investigators. For example, the C-terminus of the L-subunit of the inactive dimeric enzyme from Rhodospirillum rubrum has a quite distinct motif compared to the same segment of the activated hexadecameric Rubisco from cyanobacteria or plants. It is plausible that this is yet one more region of the protein that adopts different conformations depending on whether the active site is vacant or occupied by co-factors, bisphosphate substrate or analogues.
Rubisco: the consequences of altering its expression and activation in transgenic plants
Authors: Andrews T. John , Hudson Graham S. , Mate Colleen J. , von Caemmerer Susanne , Evans John R. , Arvidsson Yvonne B.C. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum W38) hemizygous for a single antisense gene directed against Rubisco's small subunit had 35% of the Rubisco content of control leaves (15% when homozygous). CO2 assimilation (at 1000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 350 μbar CO2) by the hemizygous leaves was reduced to 40% of that of the controls without material effect on stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content or other photosynthetic components. Leaf soluble protein was reduced commensurately with the reduction in Rubisco. CO2 assimilation rate in the hemizygous leaves remained limited by Rubisco activity at all, even very high, CO2 concentrations. This led to a simple, hyperbolic response of photosynthesis to intraplastid CO2 concentration from which the in vivo catalytic properties of Rubisco were inferred and compared with those of isolated Rubisco in vitro.
Using a similar approach, the content of Rubisco activase was suppressed by incorporating a partial cDNA for activase into the tobacco genome in the antisense orientation with respect to a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. The progeny of a primary transformant with two anti-activase inserts had from &lt; 1% to 20% of the activase content of control plants. Quite severe suppression of activase, to less than 5% of the amount present in control leaves, was required before effects on photosynthesis and growth became apparent, indicating that one activase tetramer must be able to service, continuously, as many as 200 Rubisco octamers. Plants with lower activase contents could not grow unless the atmosphere was enriched with CO2. Their Rubisco was less carbamylated and they had lower CO2 assimilation rates than the controls. The rate of release of 2′-carboxyarabinitol-1-phosphate from Rubisco after illumination of the antiactivase leaves was also impaired. Older anti-activase plants accumulated increasing amounts of Rubisco in their younger leaves, but were unable to carbamylate it. The photosynthetic rate per carbamylated Rubisco active site in the strongly suppressed anti-activase leaves was only approximately 25% of that seen in control leaves, suggesting that activase may not only promote carbamytation of uncarbamylated Rubisco sites, but also accelerate turnover at carbamylated sites.
Manipulation of phosphoribulokinase and phosphate translocator activities in transgenic tobacco plants
Authors: Gray John C. , Paul Matthew J. , Barnes Simon A. , Knight Jacqueline S. , Loynes Andrew , Habash Dimah , Parry Martin A.J. , Lawlor David W. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Transgenic tobacco plants containing altered amounts of phosphoribulokinase (PRK) and the chloroplast phosphate translocator (PT) have been produced by transformation with tobacco cDNAs in the sense or antisense orientation expressed from a tobacco rbcS promoter. Plants expressing antisense PRK RNA contained a range of PRK activities from wild type to less than 5% of wild type. CO2 assimilation rate was not inhibited until more than 85% of PRK activity had been removed. With reduction in PRK activity between 85% and 95%, assimilation rates were reduced by up to half compared to wild type. It is estimated that changes in amounts of Ru5P, RuBP, ATP, ADP, and 3-PGA would have altered the fine control of PRK in vivo, to realize the assimilation rates observed. Amounts of hexoses and starch, in particular, were reduced in plants expressing the lowest PRK activities; amounts of sucrose were little affected. Transgenic plants expressing sense or antisense PT cDNAs showed a 15-fold range of PT activity, from 20% to 300% of wild-type activity, but there were no consistent differences in photo-synthetic rates between transformants. Starch content was increased by 20% and total soluble sugars decreased by 20% in leaves of antisense transformants compared to sense transformants. The 40% change in the ratio of starch to soluble sugars in these plants indicates that partitioning of assimilate between starch and sugars had been altered.
Isolation of a gene expressed during sucrose accumulation in leaves of Lolium temulentum L.
Authors: Winters A.L. , Gallagher J. , Pollock C.J. , Parrar J.F. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A 1620 base pair cDNA clone showing increased expression during sucrose accumulation in leaves of Lolium temulentum has been isolated by differential screening. Comparison of the DNA sequence of the open reading frame with published sequences has revealed extensive homology with sequences coding for ATP: L-methionme S-adenosylmethionine synthe-tase, EC 2.5.1.6 (SAM synthetase) (79.6% with Arabidopsis thaliana and 81.6% with Dianthus cary-ophyllus). Increased expression was observed in both intact seedling leaves and detached mature leaves during sucrose accumulation. Expression decreased during sucrose mobilization in leaves of intact seedlings. The significance of increased expression of a gene coding for SAM synthetase during sucrose accumulation is discussed in relation to the involvement of sucrose in the regulation of plant metabolism.
Improving plant production by selection for survival at low CO2 concentrations
Authors: Medrano Hipolito , Keys Alfred J. , Lawlor David W. , Parry Martin A.J. , Azcon-Bieto Joaquim , Delgado Esteban 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Attempts to select C3 plants with slow rates of photo-respiration and increased rates of net photosynthesis have met with little success. This review analyses the properties of mutant genotypes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin), derived from selection of haploid plants (produced by in vitro mutagenesis of anthers) which survived in CO2 concentrations close to the compensation point. Survivors were diploidized and doubled-haploid plants were self-pollinated to obtain seeds (the selected genotypes). Several glasshouse and field experiments showed that the method of selection at low CO2 concentrations gave genotypes with increased capacity for total dry matter accumulation; increases were similar (mean 24%; range 14–36%) in different conditions for two selected genotypes (SP422 and SP451) when compared to the parental genotype Wisconsin-38. This increase was related to a greater leaf area per plant (mean increase 19%; range 9–43%), to faster photosynthetic rates in mature and old leaves and to similar rates of dark respiration per unit leaf area, but smaller rates per unit dry matter. These changes were related to a greater number of mesophyll cells of smaller size in the selected genotypes. However, the increased productivity could not be related to reduced photorespiration rate or CO2 compensation point nor to improved Rubisco properties (e.g. increased specificity factor) which the selection method was designed to achieve. Selection by survival at low CO2 produced genotypes able to invest more assimilate in growing larger leaves and to maintain a better leaf carbon balance than the parent genotype. These features improved light capture and carbon accumulation and thus increased dry matter production.
Evaluation of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions with Amino Acids and Glycerol in a Rat Model
Authors: Faict D. , Lameire N. , Kesteloot D. , Peluso F. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In this study a simple rat model for evaluating the ultrafiltration by peritoneal dialysis solutions is described. Anaesthetised male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with dialysis solutions. Zero, 1, 3, or 6 h later, the dialysate volume was determined directly: the abdomen was carefully opened, the intraperitoneal liquid was withdrawn with a syringe and its volume was measured. Good recovery of dialysate, highly reproducible results, and the similarity between the ultrafiltration profiles in rats and published profiles in CAPD patients for control solutions, indicate that the model is valid.
The model was then used to evaluate peritoneal dialysis solutions containing a mixture of glycerol and amino acids. Both osmotic agents are chemically compatible and these mixtures provide amino acids and carbohydrates in a single solution. For three mixtures, intraperitoneal dialysate volumes were determined as a function of dwell time and the formulation with the desired ultrafiltration could be selected.
Transcriptional control of lipid metabolism by the MarR‐like regulator FamR and the global regulator GlxR in the lipophilic axilla isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium K411
Authors: Barzantny Helena , Guttmann Sarah , Lässig Charlotte , Brune Iris , Tauch Andreas 
Published: November 2012

SummaryCorynebacterial fatty acid metabolism has been associated with human body odour, and is therefore discussed as a potential target for the development of new deodorant additives. For this reason, the transcription levels of fad genes associated with lipid metabolism in the axilla isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium were analysed during growth on different lipid sources. The transcription of several fad genes was induced two‐ to ninefold in the presence of Tween 60, including the acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase gene fadE6. DNA affinity chromatography identified the MarR‐like protein FamR as candidate regulator of fadE6. DNA band shift assays and in vivo reporter gene fusions confirmed the direct interaction of FamR with the mapped fadE6 promoter region. Moreover, DNA affinity chromatography and DNA band shift assays detected the binding of GlxR to the promoter regions of fadE6 and famR, revealing a hierarchical control of fadE6 transcription by a feed‐forward loop. Binding of GlxR and FamR to additional fad gene regions was demonstrated in vitro by DNA band shift assays, resulting in the co‐regulation of fadA, fadD, fadE and fadH genes. These results shed first light on the hierarchical transcriptional control of lipid metabolism in C. jeikeium, a pathway associated with the development of human axillary odour.
Pseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaedetection in kiwifruit plant tissue and bleeding sap
Authors: Biondi E. , Galeone A. , Kuzmanović N. , Ardizzi S. , Lucchese C. , Bertaccini A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe rapid spreading of the disease during last few years highlighted the need of a quick, sensitive and reliable method forPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae(Psa) detection, to find possible inoculum sources and limit the pathogen spreading. APCRmethod, using new primers designed on the gene encoding a putative outer membrane proteinP1, was developed to detect Psa in symptomatic and asymptomatic tissue; a nested‐PCRwas also applied. Bleeding sap samples, collected in early spring from orchards with symptomatic and asymptomatic trees, were used both forPCRassays and for pathogen isolation and identification. ThePCRand nestedPCRmethods were able to detect Psa presence at very low concentration from plant and pollen extracts;RFLPanalyses withBclI on PCR and nested PCR amplicons confirmed the assay specificity, while the digestion withBfmI andAluI allowed to discriminate Psa strains isolated before 2008 from those isolated after 2008. Furthermore, the PCR and nested PCR on crude bleeding sap samples detected the presence of the pathogen in 3 and 5 of the 15 assayed samples, respectively. Direct isolation from the same samples and bacterial identification confirmed the results of molecular analysis.
Assessing the Influence of Insulation on Intravenous Fluid Infusion Temperature
Authors: Studnek Jonathan R. , Watts John A. , Vandeventer Steven , Pearson David 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesInducing therapeutic hypothermia using chilled saline in resuscitated cardiac arrest patients has been shown to be feasible and effective. Limited research exists assessing the efficiency of this cooling method. The objective of this study was to assess the change in temperature of 4°C saline upon exiting an infusion set in the laboratory setting while varying conditions of fluid delivery.MethodsEfficiency was studied by assessing change in fluid temperature (°C) during the infusion under four laboratory conditions. Each condition was performed four times using 1‐L bags of normal saline. Fluid was infused into a 1000‐mL beaker through 10 gtt/mL tubing. Flow rate was controlled using a tubing clamp and in‐line transducer with a flow meter, while temperature was continuously monitored in a side port at the terminal end of the intravenous (IV) tubing using a digital thermometer. The four conditions included different insulation methods. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were performed to assess changes in fluid temperature.ResultsThe mean (±SD) fluid temperature at time 0 was 3.2°C (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.0 to 3.4 °C) with no significant difference in starting temperature between groups (p = 0.45). When flow rate was constant, it was determined that fluid temperatures were significantly cooler when infused using a chilled, gel‐filled sleeve around the saline bag (p < 0.006).ConclusionsIn a laboratory setting, the most efficient method of infusing cold fluid appears to be a method that both keeps the bag of fluid insulated and infused at a faster rate.
Single Rescuer Exertion Using a Mechanical Resuscitation Device: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Study
Authors: Fischer Henrik , Zapletal Bernhard , Neuhold Stephanie , Rützler Kurt , Fleck Tatjana , Frantal Sophie , Theiler Lorenz , Stumpf Dominik , Havel Christof , Greif Robert 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe goal of this experimental study was to investigate rescuer exertion when using “Animax,” a manually operated hand‐powered mechanical resuscitation device (MRD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), compared to standard basic life support (BLS).MethodsThis was a prospective, open, randomized, crossover simulation study. After being trained, 80 medical students with substantial knowledge in BLS performed one‐rescuer CPR using either the MRD or the standard BLS for 12‐minute intervals in random order. The main outcome parameter was the heart rate pressure product (RPP) as an index of cardiac work. Secondary outcome parameters were physical exhaustion quantified by the Borg scale (measurement of perceived exertion), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT; measurement of fine motor skills), and capillary lactate concentration during testing.ResultsWhile no significant difference could be found for the RPP, a significantly increased mean heart rate during the final minute of standard BLS compared to the MRD was found (139 ± 22 beats/min vs. 135 ± 26 beats/min, p = 0.027). By contrast, subjective exertion using the MRD was rated significantly higher on the Borg scale (15.1 ± 2.4 vs. 14.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.027). Mean serum lactate concentration was significantly higher when the MRD was used compared to standard BLS (3.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L vs. 2.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsUse of the MRD leads to a RPP of the rescuers comparable to standard BLS. These findings suggest that there is no clinically relevant reduction of exertion if this MRD is used by a single rescuer. If this kind of MRD is used for CPR, frequent changeovers with a second rescuer should be considered as the guidelines suggest for standard CPR.
A Search to Identify Genetic Risk Factors for Endometriosis
Authors: Rotman Carlos , Fischel Larry , Cortez Gabriela , Greiss Hisham , Rana Nasiruddin , Rinehart John , Coulam Carolyn B. 
Published: November 2012

ProblemTo search for molecular markers of endometriosis the following polymorphisms: p53 codon 72 Pro (apoptosis), TNF alpha‐308 (inflammation), VEGF‐1164AA (angiogenesis), and SOD2 (oxidative stress) were investigated.Method of studyForty‐two women—24 with surgically proven endometriosis and 18 with no endometriosis found at the time of laparoscopy–had buccal swabs taken for DNA analyses of 4 gene polymorphisms including p53codon72, TNF‐308 G/A, VEGF‐1154G/A, SOD Ala16Val DNA. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles of these polymorphisms were compared between women with and without endometriosis.ResultsNo specific gene mutation differences for the four genes tested nor differences in the frequencies of heterozygous and homozygous mutations were found between patients with endometriosis and controls. In addition, no differences in allelic frequencies of the four genetic polymorphisms were observed between patients with endometriosis and control.ConclusionEndometriosis is not associated with gene mutations for p53codon72, TNF‐308 G/A, VEGF‐1154G/A, SOD Ala16Val.
Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation
Authors: Loÿs Claire‐Marie , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Guy Brigitte , Putet Guy , Picaud Jean‐Charles , Haÿs Stéphane 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth.MethodWe compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early 2006) and group B (born 2009) stayed in a French neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for at least 7 weeks. Optimal energy and protein intakes were 120 and 3.5 g/kg/day, respectively, and used to calculate cumulative deficits. Delta z‐scores for weight, length and head circumference were calculated between birth and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). The improved nutritional policy focused on earlier and higher parenteral intake of lipids and proteins, earlier and higher human milk fortification and earlier transition to preterm formula.ResultsThe two groups did not differ in gestational age and birthweight. However, protein and energy deficits were significantly reduced in group B. Between birth and 36 weeks of PMA, delta z‐scores were significantly reduced for length (p = 0.012) but not for weight (p = 0.09) or head circumference (p = 0.83).ConclusionHigher parenteral intake and close attention to enteral feeding reduced nutritional deficits and linear growth restriction in infants admitted to a French NICU.
Meta‐analysis: Barrett's oesophagus and the risk of colonic tumours
Authors: Andrici J. , Tio M. , Cox M. R. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryBackgroundBarrett's oesophagus (BO) is a premalignant condition associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although speculation exists, it is currently unclear if BO is associated with an increased risk of colonic tumours.AimTo conduct a meta‐analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of colonic tumours in patients with BO vs. controls and thus quantify the risk of colonic tumours associated with BO.MethodsA search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect to 7 October 2012. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effects model for the risk of all colonic tumours associated with BO, as well as for the subgroups of colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign adenomatous tumours.ResultsIn total, 11 studies, with 2580 BO cases, met our inclusion criteria. BO was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumours (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.56–2.46). BO was associated with an increased risk of benign adenomatous tumours (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.20–2.39), as well as an increased risk of CRC (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35–2.67). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed. Publication bias was not present.ConclusionsBarrett's oesophagus was associated with an increased risk of both benign adenomatous colonic tumours and colorectal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus had a stronger association with colorectal cancer than with benign colonic tumours. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the relationship.