bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MyD88 and Trif Signaling Play Distinct Roles in Cardiac Dysfunction and Mortality during Endotoxin Shock and Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Feng Yan , Zou Lin , Zhang Ming , Li Yan , Chen Chan , Chao Wei 
Published: July 2011

Background
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) such as TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 contribute to the pathogenesis of polymicrobial sepsis. These TLRs signal via the common myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent pathways. TLR4 also signals through MyD88-independent but TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β-mediated transcription factor (Trif)-dependent pathway. The role of the two signaling pathways in cardiac dysfunction during polymicrobial sepsis and endotoxin shock is unknown.

Methods
Sepsis was generated by cecum ligation and puncture. Mice were divided into sham and cecum ligation and puncture groups or subjected to saline or endotoxin. Left ventricular function was assessed in a Langendorff apparatus or by echocardiography. Cytokines were examined using a multiplex immunoassay. Neutrophil migratory and phagocytic functions were assessed using flow cytometry.

Results
In comparison with wild-type mice, MyD88(-/-) but not Trif(-/-) mice had markedly improved cardiac function and survival after cecum ligation and puncture. In comparison, both MyD88(-/-) and Trif(-/-) mice were protected from cardiac depression and mortality during endotoxin shock. Septic MyD88(-/-) but not Trif(-/-) mice had diminished cytokine production in serum and in peritoneal space in comparison with wild-type mice after cecum ligation and puncture. In contrast, both MyD88(-/-) and Trif(-/-) mice had attenuated serum cytokines in comparison with wild-type mice after endotoxin challenge. Neither MyD88(-/-) nor Trif(-/-) signaling had any effect on neutrophil phagocytic function or bacterial clearance at 24 h of polymicrobial sepsis.

Conclusions
These studies establish that MyD88 but not Trif signaling plays a critical role in mediating cardiac dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and mortality during polymicrobial sepsis. Both MyD88 and Trif are essential for cardiac depression and mortality during endotoxin shock.
Free Cortisol and Accuracy of Total Cortisol Measurements in the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency in Brain-dead Patients
Authors: Nicolas-Robin Armelle , Barouk Jérome D. , Darnal Elsa , Riou Bruno , Langeron Olivier 
Published: July 2011

Background
After brain death, adrenal insufficiency (AI) is very common and may be one of the mechanisms that contributes to hemodynamic instability and loss of potential organ donors. However, when diagnosed by total cortisol measurement, critically ill patients may be overdiagnosed as having AI. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of AI when diagnosed using free cortisol measurement and the accuracy of total cortisol measurement to diagnose AI in brain-dead patients.

Methods
All consecutive brain-dead patients were included in this single-center noninterventional clinical observation study. Assessment of adrenocorticotropin, corticosteroid-binding globulin, baseline and tetracosactin-stimulated serum free and total cortisol concentrations were performed. AI was defined as a baseline free cortisol concentration ≤ 55 nM(-1) and/or Δ free cortisol ≤ 55 nM(-1). Patients were considered to have a low albumin concentration if less than 25 g · L(-1) and a low corticosteroid-binding globulin concentration if less than 27 mg · L(-1) in men or 31 mg · L(-1) in women.

Results
Among the 42 included patients, the incidence of AI was 83% (95% CI, 69-93%). Baseline total cortisol was correlated with baseline free cortisol, whatever the albumin or corticosteroid-binding globulin concentration. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of baseline total cortisol measurement to diagnose AI was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81-0.98). The optimal cutoff was 485 nM(-1), providing a sensitivity and a specificity of 89% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion
Total baseline cortisol measurement is accurate and sufficient to diagnose AI in brain-dead patients, even if albumin or corticosteroid-binding globulin concentrations are low.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Ecto-Apyrase, MP67, from Mimosa pudica
Authors: Okuhata Riku , Takishima Takeshi , Nishimura Naoaki , Ueda Shogo , Tsuchiya Takahide , Kanzawa Nobuyuki 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We have previously reported the presence of an apyrase in Mimosa pudica. However, only limited information is available for this enzyme. Thus, in this study, the apyrase was purified to homogeneity. The purified enzyme had a molecular mass of around 67 kD and was able to hydrolyze both nucleotide triphosphate and nucleotide diphosphate as substrates. The ratio of ATP to ADP hydrolysis velocity of the purified protein was 0.01 in the presence of calcium ion, showing extremely high substrate specificity toward ADP. Thus, we designated this novel apyrase as MP67. A cDNA clone of MP67 was obtained using primers designed from the amino acid sequence of trypsin-digested fragments of the protein. In addition, rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction was performed to clone a conventional apyrase (MpAPY2). Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences showed that MP67 is similar to ecto-apyrases; however, it was distinct from conventional apyrase based on phylogenetic classification. MP67 and MpAPY2 were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins were purified. The recombinant MP67 showed high substrate specificity toward ADP rather than ATP. A polyclonal antibody raised against the recombinant MP67 was used to examine the tissue distribution and localization of native MP67 in the plant. The results showed that MP67 was ubiquitously distributed in various tissues, most abundantly in leaves, and was localized to plasma membranes. Thus, MP67 is a novel ecto-apyrase with extremely high substrate specificity for ADP.
A comparison of pudendal block vs dorsal penile nerve block for circumcision in children: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Naja Z. , Al‐Tannir M. A. , Faysal W. , Daoud N. , Ziade F. , El‐Rajab M. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryWe compared the analgesic and anaesthetic efficacy of pudendal nerve block with that of dorsal penile nerve block in male patients aged 3–5 years of age, undergoing elective circumcision. Thirty patients had a nerve stimulator‐guided pudendal nerve block with two separate injection points 1.5–2 cm from the centre of the anus, and thirty patients received a dorsal penile nerve block. The same total anaesthetic volume of 0.3 ml.kg−1 was used in both groups. The pudendal nerve group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores than the dorsal group (SD) (p < 0.05), and significantly fewer patients consumed analgesics in the pudendal group than the dorsal group: 0 vs 5 (17%) at 0 and 6 h, respectively. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of pudendal nerve block in comparison to the dorsal nerve block, with improved postoperative outcomes in children undergoing circumcision.
The prevalence and association with transfusion, intensive care unit stay and mortality of pre‐operative anaemia in a cohort of cardiac surgery patients*
Authors: Hung M. , Besser M. , Sharples L. D. , Nair S. K. , Klein A. A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryAnaemia is increasingly prevalent in the United Kingdom. Despite recommendations to the contrary, many patients undergo cardiac surgery with undiagnosed and untreated anaemia. According to the World Health Organization definition, 1463/2688 (54.4%) patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2009 in our institution were anaemic. Compared with non‐anaemic patients, anaemia was significantly associated with transfusion (791 (54.1%) vs 275 (22.4%), p < 0.001, OR (95% CI) 3.4 (2.8–4.1)), death (45 (3.1%) vs 13 (1.1%), p = 0.0005, OR 2.4 (1.2–4.5)), and prolonged ICU stay (287 (19.6%) vs 168 (13.7%) p < 0.001, OR 1.3 (1.0–1.6)). The prevalence of anaemia in this cohort is much greater than that previously reported. The cause of this excess is not clear. Pre‐operative anaemia is a strong predictor of increased transfusion requirement, risk of ICU stay and death during cardiac surgery. The effect of increasing haemoglobin concentration therapeutically is not yet clear.
Con A‐binding protein Zn‐α2‐glycoprotein on human sperm membrane is related to acrosome reaction and sperm fertility
Authors: Liu Y. , Qu F. , Cao X. , Chen G. , Guo Q. , Ying X. , Guo W. , Lu L. , Ding Z. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryFertilization, the recognition and fusion between spermatozoa and oocyte, involves various molecules on the spermatozoa and oocyte membranes. Concanavalin A (ConA)‐binding proteins may be one of the molecules involved in mammal spermatozoa fertilization; however, their structure and function remain largely unknown. Here, we initially identified a ConA‐binding protein, Zn‐α2‐glycoprotein (ZAG), involved in regulating the acrosome reaction (AR) of human spermatozoa. ZAG is localized on the pre‐equatorial region covering the acrosome, neck and tail (some parts of middle piece and principal piece respectively) regions of the acrosome intact human spermatozoa, and disappears in the acrosomal region of the acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa. Polyclonal antibodies against human recombinant ZAG significantly reduced the AR and sperm capability binding to human zona pellucida or penetration into zona‐free hamster oocytes. Furthermore, assessment of the signaling pathways regulated by ZAG revealed that ZAG affects sperm AR through both the cAMP/PKA and PKC pathways. These results indicate that ZAG, which is present on the human sperm membrane, plays a critical role in the AR and subsequently, may be involved in sperm fertility.
Physicochemical properties, resistant starch content and enzymatic digestibility of unripe banana, edible canna, taro flours and their rice noodle products
Authors: Srikaeo Khongsak , Mingyai Sukanya , Sopade Peter A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryUnripe banana, edible canna and taro flours, which have been reported to contain significant amounts of fibre, were investigated for their physicochemical properties, resistant starch (RS) content and in vitro starch digestibility, and compared with commercial high‐fibre‐modified starches from corn and tapioca. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a single endothermic peak located around 70–83 °C for the samples except the modified starches, which exhibited no transition enthalpy. The samples showed different pasting behaviours in the Rapid Visco‐Analyser (RVA) ranging from full to restricted swelling. The RS content varied from 1–26 g per 100 g dry sample, and the estimated glycaemic indices (GIs) of the samples were from 67% to 99%. Generally, samples with high RS were low in GI values. The starches produced acceptable rice noodles but with reduced rate of starch digestion and GI. The effects of the unripe banana, edible canna and taro flours on starch digestibility were either comparable or better than the commercial modified starches. These flours can substitute commercial modified starches to lower GIs of noodles and identical foods.
The shifting nature of women’s experiences and perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Kennedy Fiona , Harcourt Diana , Rumsey Nichola 
Published: July 2011

kennedy f., harcourt d. & rumsey n. (2011) The shifting nature of women’s experiences and perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 856–867.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive qualitative study of the evolution of women’s perceptions and experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ from the period near to diagnosis to 1 year later.Background.  Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non‐invasive breast condition where cancer cells are detected but confined to the ducts of the breast. With treatment, the condition has a positive prognosis but ironically patients undergo treatment similar to that for invasive breast cancer. There is a lack of longitudinal qualitative research studying women’s experiences of ductal carcinoma in situ, especially among newly diagnosed patients, and how experiences change over time.Methods.  Forty‐five women took part in an initial interview following a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ and 27 took part in a follow‐up interview 9–13 months later. Data were collected between January 2007 and October 2008. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid approach to thematic analysis.Findings.  Women’s early perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ merged and sometimes conflicted with their lay beliefs of breast cancer. Perceptions and experiences of the condition shifted over time. These overriding aspects were evident in four themes identified across the interviews: (i) perceptions of ductal carcinoma in situ vs. breast cancer, (ii) from paradox to acceptance, (iii) personal impact, and (iv) support and interactions with others.Conclusion.  This study represents one of the few longitudinal qualitative studies with newly diagnosed patients, capturing women’s initial and shifting experiences and perceptions of the condition. The issues identified need to be recognized in clinical practice and supported appropriately.
A larger transcript is required for the synthesis of the smaller isoform of ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase
Authors: Omairi‐Nasser Amin , de Gracia Adrienne Gomez , Ajlani Ghada 
Published: July 2011

SummaryFerredoxin:NADP oxidoreductases (FNRs) constitute a family of flavoenzymes that catalyse the exchange of electrons between ferredoxin and NADP(H). In cyanobacteria FNR provides NADPH for photoautotrophic metabolism, but the enzyme is also capable of oxidizing NADPH providing reduced ferredoxin. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803, the unique petH gene has two translation products depending on growth conditions. As a consequence two isoforms of the FNR accumulate – FNRL and FNRS. In the present work, analysis of petH expression reveals that different transcriptional start points (tsp) are responsible for this differential translation initiation. Under standard conditions (where FNRL accumulates), two tsps were found at −52 and −34 relative to the first translation start site. Under nitrogen‐starvation conditions (where FNRS accumulates) a tsp was mapped at −126 relative to the first translation start site. Therefore, the transcript responsible for FNRS translation is longer than that producing FNRL. In addition, expression of the short or long transcript in E. coli resulted in the accumulation of FNRL or FNRS respectively. This result demonstrates that translation can initiate at two different sites, 336‐bases apart (ATG‐1 to ATG‐113), depending only on the 5′UTR structure.
The Polymorphisms of C‐Reactive Protein Gene Modify the Association Between Central Obesity and Lung Function in Taiwan Asthmatics
Authors: Wang T.‐N. , Wu C.‐C. , Huang M.‐S. , Wang C.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. , Wang T.‐H. , Lien T.‐C. , Ko Y.‐C. , Lin M.‐C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractHigh‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentrations and obesity are proposed to have a significant relationship with impairment of lung function, but little has been reported to date on the association between CRP gene and lung function. We studied the association of three tagSNPs (tag single nucleotide polymorphisms) of CRP gene and their interactions with central obesity on lung function. A total of 384 asthmatic adults and 384 controls who were 1:1 matched by sex and age were recruited for this study. Three tagSNPs polymorphisms for CRP rs1417938, rs1800947 and rs1205 were selected from HapMap data and genotyping by using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. A questionnaire interview, body composition and pulmonary function tests were performed. CRP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) did not increase the risk of asthma, but CRP rs1205 CC genotype significantly decreased the predictive value of forced vital capacity (FVC) in the asthma group (adjusted mean change = −7.54%, 95% CI = −13.82 to −1.25%). Waist‐to‐hip ratio, not body mass index, also decreased the predictive value of FVC in asthmatics. The subjects with central obesity who carried CRP SNPs have a significant reduction effect in lung function. The current results suggest that central obesity may play a major role in lung function, and these effects were modified significantly by the polymorphisms for CRP gene.
Tumour Necrosis Factor Gene Polymorphism and Disease Prevalence
Authors: Qidwai T. , Khan F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTumour necrosis factor (TNF), an important proinflammatory cytokine, plays a role in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation and death, as well as in inflammation, innate and adaptive immune responses, and also implicated in a wide variety of human diseases. The presence of DNA sequence variations in regulatory region might interfere with transcription of TNF gene, influencing the circulating level of TNF and thus increases the susceptibility to human diseases (infectious, cancer, autoimmune, neurodegenerative and other diseases). In this review, we have comprehensively analysed various published case–control studies of different types of human diseases, in which TNF gene polymorphism played a role, and computationally predicted several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) lie in transcription factor–binding sites (TFBS) of transcription factors (TFs). It has been observed that TNF enhancer polymorphism is implicated in several diseases, and TNF rs1800629 and rs361525 SNPs are the most important in human disease susceptibility as these might influence the transcription of TNF gene. Thirty‐two SNPs lies in TFBS of 20 TFs have been detected in the TNF upstream region. It has been found that TNF enhancer polymorphism influences the serum level of TNF in different human diseases and thus affects the susceptibility to diseases. The presence of DNA sequence variation in TNF gene causes the modification of transcriptional regulation and thus responsible for association of susceptibility/resistance with human diseases.
Combined activity of LACS1 and LACS4 is required for proper pollen coat formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jessen Dirk , Olbrich Andrea , Knüfer Jessica , Krüger Antje , Hoppert Michael , Polle Andrea , Fulda Martin 
Published: July 2011

SummaryVery long chain lipids are important components of the plant cuticle that establishes the boundary surface of aerial organs. In addition, these lipids were detected in the extracellular pollen coat (tryphine), where they play a crucial role in appropriate pollen‐stigma communication. As such they are involved in the early interaction of pollen with the stigma. A substantial reduction in tryphine lipids was shown to compromise pollen germination and, consequently, resulted in male sterility. We investigated the role of two long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetases (LACSs) in Arabidopsis with respect to their contribution to the production of tryphine lipids. LACS was shown to provide CoA‐activated very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA‐CoAs) to the pathways of wax biosynthesis. The allocation of sufficient quantities of VLCFA‐CoA precursors should therefore be relevant to the generation of tryphine lipids. Here, we report on the identification of lacs1 lacs4 double knock‐out mutant lines that were conditionally sterile and showed significant reductions in pollen coat lipids. Whereas the contributions of both LACS proteins to surface wax levels were roughly additive, their co‐operation in tryphine lipid biosynthesis was clearly more complex. The inactivation of LACS4 resulted in increased levels of tryphine lipids accompanied by morphological anomalies of the pollen grains. The additional inactivation of LACS1 neutralized the morphological defects, decreased the tryphine lipids far below wild‐type levels and resulted in conditionally sterile pollen.
Pollen:ovule ratio and its relationship with other floral traits in Papilionoideae (Leguminosae): an evaluation with Argentine species
Authors: Etcheverry A. V. , Alemán M. M. , Figueroa‐Fleming T. , López‐Spahr D. , Gómez C. A. , Yáñez C. , Figueroa‐Castro D. M. , Ortega‐Baes P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe pollen:ovule ratio (P/O) has traditionally been used as a rough estimator of plant breeding systems. It has been shown that plant breeding systems are associated with particular floral traits. In this study, we determined the P/O in 21 Leguminosae species from Argentina and explored relationships between P/O and taxonomic position, flower size, floral rewards, pollen presentation and pollination mechanisms. According to the results, 15 out of the 21 species classified were obligate xenogamous, although some of them have been recorded as facultative xenogamous in previous studies. There was a significant effect of taxonomic position (genus), reward type and pollination mechanism on P/O. Species offering only nectar as a floral reward (which were species with a brush mechanism) had a significantly lower P/O than species offering pollen or pollen and nectar. Species with the brush pollination mechanism had the lowest P/O, while species with valvular and pump mechanism had the highest P/O. However, pollen presentation (primary and secondary) and flower size did not have a significant effect on P/O. Our results demonstrate that P/O variability is determined by taxonomic position and pollination mechanism in this plant group.
Evaluation of serological tests for diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection in adolescents and adults
Authors: MIYASHITA NAOYUKI , KAWAI YASUHIRO , YAMAGUCHI TETSUYA , OUCHI KAZUNOBU 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Bacterial agglutination antibodies against Bordetella pertussis, Yamaguchi and Tohama strains, are frequently measured for serodiagnosis of pertussis infection in Japan. To determine the serological criteria, the comparative titres of bacterial agglutination antibody and anti‐pertussis toxin (PT) antibody were evaluated.Methods:  Antibody titres were analysed in 36 definitive (fourfold increase in agglutination antibody) and 137 presumptive (high titre of single‐antibody) cases of B. pertussis infection among adolescents and adults, and in a control group of 318 healthy volunteers.Results:  When a single Yamaguchi agglutinin titre of ≥1:1280 (> three SD above the geometric mean for the control group) was taken as diagnostic, the sensitivity and specificity at 4–5 weeks after onset of cough were 58% and 98%, respectively. Using this criterion, the clinical findings in presumptive cases were almost identical to those in definitive cases. When the two tests were compared using 318 control sera, there was no association between the Tohama agglutinin titre and the anti‐PT antibody titre, whereas a weak association between the Yamaguchi agglutinin titre and the anti‐PT antibody titre was observed. When the numbers of pertussis cases with high antibody titres in the two tests were compared, 60% of cases with a Yamaguchi agglutinin titre of ≥1:1280 showed an anti‐PT antibody titre of ≥100 EU/mL.Conclusions:  These results indicate that the bacterial agglutination test is a method with low sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of B. pertussis infection. Therefore, to yield an accurate diagnosis, anti‐PT antibody levels should be measured instead of bacterial agglutination antibody.