bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The p53 cofactor Strap exhibits an unexpected TPR motif and oligonucleotide-binding (OB)–fold structure
Authors: Adams Cassandra J. , Pike Ashley C. W. , Maniam Sandra , Sharpe Timothy D. , Coutts Amanda S. , Knapp Stefan , La Thangue Nicholas B. , Bullock Alex N. 
Published: February 2012

Activation of p53 target genes for tumor suppression depends on the stress-specific regulation of transcriptional coactivator complexes. Strap (stress-responsive activator of p300) is activated upon DNA damage by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and Chk2 kinases and is a key regulator of the p53 response. In addition to antagonizing Mdm2, Strap facilitates the recruitment of p53 coactivators, including JMY and p300. Strap is a predicted TPR-repeat protein, but shows only limited sequence identity with any protein of known structure. To address this and to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Strap activity we determined the crystal structure of the full-length protein at 2.05 Å resolution. The structure of Strap reveals an atypical six tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) protein that also contains an unexpected oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold domain. This previously unseen domain organization provides an extended superhelical scaffold allowing for protein-protein as well as protein-DNA interaction. We show that both of the TPR and OB-fold domains localize to the chromatin of p53 target genes and exhibit intrinsic regulatory activity necessary for the Strap-dependent p53 response.
Effects of Freezing on the Bactericidal Activity of Human Milk
Authors: Takci Sahin , Gulmez Dolunay , Yigit Sule , Dogan Ozlem , Dik Kezban , Hascelik Gulsen 
Published: February 2012

Objectives:Storage of human milk by freezing has been recommended for long‐term storage. The present study analyzed the bactericidal activity of human milk on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and determined the changes in bactericidal activity following freezing at −20°C and −80°C for 1 month and 3 months.Methods:Forty‐eight milk samples were collected from 48 lactating mothers. Each sample was divided into 10 aliquots. Two of the samples were processed immediately and the others were stored at both −20°C and −80°C until analysis after 1 month and 3 months of freezing.Results:All of the fresh milk samples showed bactericidal activity against E coli and P aeruginosa. Freezing at −20°C for 1 month did not cause statistically significant alteration in bactericidal activity (P > 0.017), whereas storage for 3 months lowered the degree of bactericidal activity significantly (P < 0.017) against E coli. Bactericidal activity was protected when the samples were stored at −80°C. There was no statistically significant difference in the bactericidal activity of human milk against E coli between freezing at −20°C and −80°C for 1 month (P > 0.017); however, when milk was stored for 3 months, −80°C was significantly more protective (P < 0.017). Freezing at −20°C and −80°C for 1 month and 3 months did not cause any significant change in bactericidal activity against P aeruginosa (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Storage by freezing at −80°C is more appropriate to keep bactericidal capacity of stored human milk >1 month if affordable and available, especially in intensive care settings.
Endoscopic Diagnosis of Pediatric Acute Gastrointestinal Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Sultan Mutaz , Ramprasad Jonathan , Jensen M. Kyle , Margolis David , Werlin Steven 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives:Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the first 100 days following allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor stem cell transplant. The best diagnostic endoscopic strategy for gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD is a matter of debate. Our aim in the present study was to compare the relative contribution of the endoscopic appearance and biopsies from upper endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy in children with suspected acute GVHD.Methods:The present study was designed as single‐center retrospective chart review cohort study. We reviewed the charts of all of the patients younger than 18 years with suspected acute GI GVHD who had endoscopic evaluation within the first 100 days after stem cell transplant between 1999 and 2009.Results:A total of 48 patients were included. The most common symptoms prompting endoscopic evaluation were diarrhea (70%) and a combination of nausea and vomiting (67%). GVHD was diagnosed in at least 1 biopsy site in 40 of 48 patients (83%). Twenty‐two of 40 (55%) patients with GVHD had simultaneous upper and lower endoscopic biopsies, 11 patients had only upper endoscopy, and 7 had only lower endoscopy. The most common endoscopic finding was normal mucosa. The sensitivity for diagnosing GVHD was 77% for both rectosigmoid and upper endoscopic biopsies. Thirty‐three of 40 patients had upper endoscopy with biopsies; 28 (85%) had GVHD. The sensitivities and negative predictive value of gastric biopsies were 85% and 63%, whereas for duodenal biopsies they were 50% and 57%, respectively.Conclusions:Rectosigmoid and combined upper endoscopic biopsies are equally sensitive for the diagnosis of acute GI GVHD in children. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be done unsedated in appropriate patients at the bedside without anesthesia; it can be performed first to identify GI GVHD.
A Revised Architecture of Primary Cell Walls Based on Biomechanical Changes Induced by Substrate-Specific Endoglucanases
Authors: Park Yong Bum , Cosgrove Daniel J. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Xyloglucan is widely believed to function as a tether between cellulose microfibrils in the primary cell wall, limiting cell enlargement by restricting the ability of microfibrils to separate laterally. To test the biomechanical predictions of this “tethered network” model, we assessed the ability of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) hypocotyl walls to undergo creep (long-term, irreversible extension) in response to three family-12 endo-β-1,4-glucanases that can specifically hydrolyze xyloglucan, cellulose, or both. Xyloglucan-specific endoglucanase (XEG from Aspergillus aculeatus) failed to induce cell wall creep, whereas an endoglucanase that hydrolyzes both xyloglucan and cellulose (Cel12A from Hypocrea jecorina) induced a high creep rate. A cellulose-specific endoglucanase (CEG from Aspergillus niger) did not cause cell wall creep, either by itself or in combination with XEG. Tests with additional enzymes, including a family-5 endoglucanase, confirmed the conclusion that to cause creep, endoglucanases must cut both xyloglucan and cellulose. Similar results were obtained with measurements of elastic and plastic compliance. Both XEG and Cel12A hydrolyzed xyloglucan in intact walls, but Cel12A could hydrolyze a minor xyloglucan compartment recalcitrant to XEG digestion. Xyloglucan involvement in these enzyme responses was confirmed by experiments with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) hypocotyls, where Cel12A induced creep in wild-type but not in xyloglucan-deficient (xxt1/xxt2) walls. Our results are incompatible with the common depiction of xyloglucan as a load-bearing tether spanning the 20- to 40-nm spacing between cellulose microfibrils, but they do implicate a minor xyloglucan component in wall mechanics. The structurally important xyloglucan may be located in limited regions of tight contact between microfibrils.
Habitat restoration will help some functional plant types persist under climate change in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Renton Michael , Shackelford Nancy , Standish Rachel J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn the next century, global climate change is predicted to have large influences on species' distributions. Much of the research in this area has focused on predicting the areas where conditions will be suitable for the species in future, and thus the potential distribution of the species. However, it is equally important to predict the relative abilities of species to migrate into new suitable areas as conditions shift, while accounting for dynamic processes, such as dispersal, maturation, mortality, and reproduction, as well as landscape characteristics, such as level of habitat fragmentation and connectivity. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit individual‐based model that addresses these factors. As a motivating case study, we based aspects of the model on southwest Australia, a global biodiversity hotspot, but stress that the results obtained are generalizable beyond this region. Using the model, we enhanced current understanding of climate change impacts by investigating how and to what extent the functional traits of plant species affect their ability to move with climate change across landscapes with various levels of fragmentation. We also tested the efficacy of strategic restoration, such as planting corridors to increase connectivity among fragments. We found that even if the landscape is fully intact, only an average of 34.2% of all simulated functional groups had a good chance of successfully tracking climate change. However, our study highlights the power of strategic restoration as a tool for increasing species persistence. Corridors linking fragments increased species persistence rates by up to 24%. The lowest persistence rates were found for trees, a functional group with high dispersal but also long generation times. Our results indicate that for trees intervention techniques, such as assisted migration might be required to prevent species losses.
Mesiobuccal root resection in endodontic–periodontal combined lesions
Authors: Oh S.‐L. 
Published: February 2012

Oh S‐L. Mesiobuccal root resection in endodontic–periodontal combined lesions. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 660–669, 2012.AbstractAim  To present two successful cases involving management of endodontic–periodontal combined lesions with root resection and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy.Summary  Mesiobuccal resection surgery was performed concomitant with GTR therapy to manage endodontic–periodontal combined lesions on teeth 17 and 26. The increased mobility after the periodontal surgery gradually decreased during the healing period. At 15 and 20 month follow‐ups, respectively, the teeth showed no mobility, 2–3 mm pocket depths and no further bone loss.Key learning points  • Treatment of periodontally involved maxillary teeth creates unique challenges, given the presence of furcations, root proximities and the maxillary sinus.• Root resection combined with GTR therapy can enable tooth maintenance with a good long‐term prognosis.
Age and historical biogeography of the pantropically distributed Spathelioideae (Rutaceae, Sapindales)
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Keßler Paul J.A. , Smets Erik , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Janssens Steven B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  The family Rutaceae (rue family) is the largest within the eudicot order Sapindales and is distributed mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions of both the New World and the Old World, with a few genera in temperate zones. The main objective of this study is to present molecular dating and biogeographical analyses of the subfamily Spathelioideae, the earliest branching clade (which includes eight extant genera), to interpret the temporal and spatial origins of this group, ascertaining possible vicariant patterns and dispersal routes and inferring diversification rates through time.Location  Pantropics.Methods  A dataset comprising a complete taxon sampling at generic level (83.3% at species level) of Spathelioideae was used for a Bayesian molecular dating analysis (beast). Four fossil calibration points and an age constraint for Sapindales were applied. An ancestral area reconstruction analysis utilizing the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model and diversification rate analyses was conducted.Results  Dating analyses indicate that Rutaceae and Spathelioideae are probably of Late Cretaceous origin, after which Spathelioideae split into a Neotropical and a Palaeotropical lineage. The Palaeotropical taxa have their origin inferred in Africa, with postulated dispersal events to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Madagascar and Southeast Asia. The lineages within Spathelioideae evolved at a relatively constant diversification rate. However, abrupt changes in diversification rates are inferred from the beginning of the Miocene and during the Pliocene/Pleistocene.Main conclusions  The geographical origin of Spathelioideae probably lies in Africa. The existence of a Neotropical lineage may be the result of a dispersal event at a time in the Late Cretaceous when South America and Africa were still quite close to each other (assuming that our age estimates are close to the actual ages), or by Gondwanan vicariance (assuming that our age estimates provide minimal ages only). Separation of land masses caused by sea level changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene may have been triggers for speciation in the Caribbean genus Spathelia.
Environment versus dispersal in the assembly of western Amazonian palm communities
Authors: Kristiansen Thea , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Pedersen Dennis , Brix Hans , Munch Kristiansen Søren , Knadel Maria , Grández César , Balslev Henrik 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim It is a central issue in ecology and biogeography to understand what governs community assembly and the maintenance of biodiversity in tropical rain forest ecosystems. A key question is the relative importance of environmental species sorting (niche assembly) and dispersal limitation (dispersal assembly), which we investigate using a large dataset from diverse palm communities.Location Lowland rain forest, western Amazon River Basin, Peru.Methods We inventoried palm communities, registering all palm individuals and recording environmental conditions in 149 transects of 5 m × 500 m. We used ordination, Mantel tests and indicator species analysis (ISA) to assess compositional patterns, species responses to geographical location and environmental factors. Mantel tests were used to assess the relative importance of geographical distance (as a proxy for dispersal limitation) and environmental differences as possible drivers of dissimilarity in palm species composition. We repeated the Mantel tests for subsets of species that differ in traits of likely importance for habitat specialization and dispersal (height and range size).Results We found a strong relationship between compositional dissimilarity and environmental distance and a weaker but also significant relationship between compositional dissimilarity and geographical distance. Consistent with expectations, relationships with environmental and geographical distance were stronger for understorey species than for canopy species. Geographical distance had a higher correlation with compositional dissimilarity for small‐ranged species compared with large‐ranged species, whereas the opposite was true for environmental distance. The main environmental correlates were inundation and soil nutrient levels.Main conclusions The assembly of palm communities in the western Amazon appears to be driven primarily by species sorting according to hydrology and soil, but with dispersal limitation also playing an important role. The importance of environmental characteristics and geographical distance varies depending on plant height and geographical range size in agreement with functional predictions, increasing our confidence in the inferred assembly mechanisms.
Changes in natural killer cell subsets in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Pham Betty , Piard‐Ruster Karine , Silva Richard , Gallo Amy , Esquivel Carlos O. , Martinez Olivia M. , Krams Sheri M. 
Published: February 2012

Pham B, Piard‐Ruster K, Silva R, Gallo A, Esquivel CO, Martinez OM, Krams SM. Changes in natural killer cell subsets in pediatric liver transplant recipients.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 176–182. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  NK cells are important in the immune response against tumors and virally infected cells. A balance between inhibitory and activating receptors controls the effector functions of NK cells. We examined the fate of circulating NK cells and the expression of the NK cell‐activating receptors in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Blood specimens were collected from 38 pediatric liver transplant recipients before transplant, and at one wk, one, three, six, and nine months, and one yr post‐transplant. PBMCs were isolated and analyzed for the levels of NK cell activation receptors NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2D in the CD56dimCD16+ and CD56brightCD16+/− subsets of NK cells. We demonstrated that there is a significant decrease in the percentage of circulating NK cells post‐transplant (pretransplant 7.69 ± 1.54 vs. one wk post‐transplant 1.73 ± 0.44) in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Interestingly, NKp30 expression is significantly increased, while NKp46 and NKG2D levels remain stable on the NK cells that persist at one wk post‐transplant. These data indicate that the numbers and subsets of circulating NK cells are altered in children after liver transplantation.
The effect of Gal expression on pig cells on the human T‐cell xenoresponse
Authors: Wilhite Tyler , Ezzelarab Corin , Hara Hidetaka , Long Cassandra , Ayares David , Cooper David K.C. , Ezzelarab Mohamed 
Published: February 2012

Wilhite T, Ezzelarab C, Hara H, Long C, Ayares D, Cooper DKC, Ezzelarab M. The effect of Gal expression on pig cells on the human T cell xenoresponse. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 56–63. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Lack of Gal expression on pig cells is associated with a reduced primate humoral immune response as well as a reduction in cytokine production by human cells in vitro. We investigated whether lack of Gal expression is associated with reduced human T‐cell response in vitro.Methods:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from healthy humans and naïve baboons. Human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were isolated. Porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAECs) were isolated from wild‐type (WT) and α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pigs. WT pAECs were treated with α‐galactosidase, reducing Gal expression. Swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I and II expression on pAECs was measured, as was T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production in response to pAECs.Results:  Reduced Gal expression on WT pAECs after α‐galactosidase treatment was associated with reduced human PBMC proliferation (P < 0.005). SLA class I and II expression on WT and GTKO pAECs was comparable. Human CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation was less against GTKO pAECs before (P < 0.001) and after (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) activation. Human and baboon PBMC proliferation was less against GTKO pAECs before (P < 0.05) and after (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) activation. Human PBMCs produced a comparable cytokine/chemokine response to WT and GTKO pAECs. However, there was less production of IFN‐γ/TNF‐α by CD4+ and IFN‐γ/granzyme B/IP‐10 by CD8+ T cells in response to GTKO pAECs.Conclusions:  The absence of Gal on pig cells is associated with reduced human T‐cell proliferation (and possibly selected cytokine production). Adaptive primate T‐cell responses are likely to be reduced in GTKO xenograft recipients.
Cellular and physiological mechanisms of new‐onset diabetes mellitus after solid organ transplantation
Authors: Dong M. , Parsaik A. K. , Eberhardt N. L. , Basu A. , Cosio F. G. , Kudva Y. C. 
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e1–e12 (2012)AbstractNew‐onset diabetes after transplantation is recognized as one of the metabolic consequences which may increase the risk of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation. The pathophysiology of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation has not been clearly defined and may resemble that of Type 2 diabetes, characterized by predominantly insulin resistance or defective insulin secretion, or both. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the prevalence, consequences, pathogenesis, and management of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation, with a major focus on the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disorder. The aetiology of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation is multifactorial, with diabetogenic immunosuppressive drugs playing a major role. Multiple cellular and physiologic mechanisms are involved in the process. Selection of an appropriate maintenance immunosuppressive regimen should involve balancing the risk of patient and graft survival vs. the potential for new‐onset diabetes after transplantation.
Socioeconomic Implications of the Increasing Foreign Remittance to Nepal: Evidence from the Nepal Living Standard Survey
Authors: Wagle Udaya R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe period since the 1990s witnessed a strong economic performance and labour demand in many countries in the Middle East, East Asia, and West, which coincided with the major political turmoil in Nepal causing enormous increase in emigration and foreign remittance. Using micro‐data for 1996 and 2004, this paper examines foreign remittance to Nepal and its socioeconomic implications. Data indicate that foreign remittance has helped increase income sizably and reduce poverty and income inequality marginally. Various family and individual characteristics are used to test whether the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups such as those with low non‐remittance income and assets, low caste and ethnic backgrounds, and from rural areas and remote regions benefited equally from foreign remittance. Analytical strategy involved estimating regressions of foreign remittance using the Generalized Least Squares estimator for families with foreign remittance and Three Stage Least Squares estimator for all families to minimize self‐selection and simultaneous causality bias. Although non‐remittance income and some of the low caste, ethnic, and spatiality backgrounds showed less consistent relationships, findings suggest that smaller families particularly with low asset‐holding and socioeconomic backgrounds were likely to receive less remittance. These findings highlight an important progress that the Nepali society is making toward levelling the playing field in foreign employment and remittance with migration to the regions and countries other than India offering better remittance prospects. Yet, further policy efforts are needed to ensure that foreign employment and remittance do not exacerbate the increasingly polarizing economic structure leaving the bottom sections of the society further worse off.
Remittances and the Maintenance of Dual Social Worlds: The Transnational Working Lives of Migrants in Greater London
Authors: Batnitzky Adina , McDowell Linda , Dyer Sarah 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMost research on remittances focuses on economic motivations, with little emphasis on the social contexts in which the remittance economy operates. Through an analysis of in‐depth interviews with migrant workers in a London hotel and hospital, we examine how migrants’ familial and social relationships in both sending and receiving countries inform the decision to send remittances. We suggest that remittances are a mechanism through which migrants are able to fulfil multiple obligations to families and places of origin, while also enhancing their own economic status and future. First, satisfying the cultural expectation of sending remittances helps migrants maintain their social worlds at “home”. Second, we observed that both positive and negative changes in power and resources influence the decision to send remittances by motivating migrants to invest in their social position in either their home or receiving country. In sum, we argue that the migrants’ social experience in the United Kingdom might be just as predictive of remittance behaviour as their economic and social status in the country of origin. We, therefore, call for a need to move beyond the often one‐sided concern with development by concentrating on the overlapping social worlds of migrants.