bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP99A3: functional identification of a diterpene oxidase from the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster in rice
Authors: Wang Qiang , Hillwig Matthew L. , Peters Reuben J. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryRice (Oryza sativa) produces momilactone diterpenoids as both phytoalexins and allelochemicals. Strikingly, the rice genome contains a biosynthetic gene cluster for momilactone production, located on rice chromosome 4, which contains two cytochrome P450 (CYP) mono‐oxygenases, CYP99A2 and CYP99A3, with undefined roles; although it has been previously shown that RNA interference double knock‐down of this pair of closely related CYPs reduced momilactone accumulation. Here we attempted biochemical characterization of CYP99A2 and CYP99A3, which was ultimately achieved by complete gene recoding, enabling functional recombinant expression in bacteria. With these synthetic gene constructs it was possible to demonstrate that while CYP99A2 does not exhibit significant activity with diterpene substrates, CYP99A3 catalyzes consecutive oxidations of the C19 methyl group of the momilactone precursor syn‐pimara‐7,15‐diene to form, sequentially, syn‐pimaradien‐19‐ol, syn‐pimaradien‐19‐al, and syn‐pimaradien‐19‐oic acid. These are presumably intermediates in momilactone biosynthesis, as a C19 carboxylic acid moiety is required for formation of the core 19,6‐γ‐lactone ring structure. We further were able to detect syn‐pimaradien‐19‐oic acid in rice plants, which indicates physiological relevance for the observed activity of CYP99A3. In addition, we found that CYP99A3 also oxidized syn‐stemod‐13(17)‐ene at C19 to produce, sequentially, syn‐stemoden‐19‐ol, syn‐stemoden‐19‐al, and syn‐stemoden‐19‐oic acid, albeit with lower catalytic efficiency than with syn‐pimaradiene. Although the CYP99A3 syn‐stemodene‐derived products were not detected in planta, these results nevertheless provide a hint at the currently unknown metabolic fate of this diterpene in rice. Regardless of any wider role, our results strongly indicate that CYP99A3 acts as a multifunctional diterpene oxidase in momilactone biosynthesis.
The Burden of Motherhood: The Effect of Reproductive Load on Female Lizard Locomotor, Foraging, and Social Behavior
Authors: Johnson Michele A. , Caton Jessica L. , Cohen Rachel E. , Vandecar Joseph R. , Wade Juli 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe costs of reproduction, involving demands associated with both current and future reproductive efforts, may place a substantial burden on females. However, animals may minimize these costs by modifying their behavior across the reproductive cycle. We examined the effects of reproductive load on three types of behavior (locomotion, foraging, and social displays) in green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) by comparing egg, follicle, and oviduct mass and volume with field observational data. We found that female locomotor and social display behaviors decreased as reproductive load increased, suggesting behavioral modification in these traits, but we detected no relationship between foraging and reproductive load. We also examined these relationships across eight Anolis species using a phylogenetically informed analysis and found no associations between the evolution of reproductive load and any of the three behaviors. These results suggest that the evolution of increased reproductive load is not associated with the interspecific variation in behavior across the anoles and may result from varying life history traits or selective ecological pressures across species.
Autoimmune pancreatitis: an important diagnostic consideration in obstructive jaundice due to a pancreatic mass lesion
Authors: Swan M. P. , Bourke M. J. , Hopper A. D. , Kwan V. , Williams S. J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAutoimmune or immunoglobulin G subtype (IgG4) pancreatitis is a newly recognised clinical entity and is an important differential diagnosis for patients presenting with obstructive jaundice. Knowledge of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) continues to evolve both for pathogenesis and management; however diagnosis is often not straightforward or even considered, therefore a high index of suspicion remains an important tool for the treating physician. The six cases presented illustrate both the difficulties in diagnosis as well as management of this condition.
Constructing the collective unconscious
Authors: Gullatz Stefan 
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Innovative attempts at collating Jungian analytical psychology with a range of ‘post‐modern’ theories have yielded significant results. This paper adopts an alternative strategy: a Lacanian vantage point on Jungian theory that eschews an attempt at reconciling Jung with post‐structuralism. A focused Lacanian gaze on Jung will establish an irreducible tension between Jung's view of archetypes as factors immanent to the psyche and a Lacanian critique that lays bare the contingent structures and mechanisms of their constitution, unveiling the supposed archetypes’a posteriori production through the efficacy of a discursive field. Theories of ideology developed in the wake of Lacan provide a powerful methodological tool allowing to bring this distinction into focus.An assembly of Lacan's fragmentary accounts of Jung will be supplemented with an approach to Jungian theory via Žižek's Lacan‐oriented theory of the signifying mechanism underpinning ‘ideology’. Accordingly, the Jungian archetype of the self, which is considered in some depth, can begin to be seen in a new light, namely as a ‘master signifier’, not only of Jung's academic edifice, but also —and initially—of the discursive strategies that establish his own subjectivity. A discussion of Jung's approach to mythology reveals how the ‘quilting point’ of his discourse comes to be coupled with a correlate in the Real, a non‐discursive ‘sublime object’ conferring upon archetypes their fascinating aura.
Impaired neoangiogenesis in β2–adrenoceptor gene‐deficient mice: restoration by intravascular human β2–adrenoceptor gene transfer and role of NFκB and CREB transcription factors
Authors: Ciccarelli Michele , Sorriento Daniela , Cipolletta Ersilia , Santulli Gaetano , Fusco Anna , Zhou Rui‐Hai , Eckhart Andrea D. , Peppel Karsten , Koch Walter J. , Trimarco Bruno , Iaccarino Guido 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThere is much evidence supporting the role of β2‐adrenoceptors (β2AR) in angiogenesis but the mechanisms underlying their effects have not been elucidated. Hence, we studied post‐ischaemic angiogenesis in the hindlimb (HL) of β2AR knock‐out mice (β2AR−/−) in vivo and explored possible molecular mechanisms in vitro.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFemoral artery resection (FAR) was performed in wild‐type and β2AR−/− mice and adaptive responses to chronic HL ischaemia were explored; blood flow was measured by ultrasound and perfusion of dyed beads, bone rarefaction, muscle fibrosis and skin thickness were evaluated by immunoflourescence and morphometric analysis. Intrafemoral delivery of an adenovirus encoding the human β2AR (ADβ2AR) was used to reinstate β2ARs in β2AR−/− mice. Molecular mechanisms were investigated in mouse‐derived aortic endothelial cells (EC) in vitro, focusing on NFκB activation and transcriptional activity.RESULTSAngiogenesis was severely impaired in β2AR−/− mice subjected to FAR, but was restored by gene therapy with ADβ2AR. The proangiogenic responses to a variety of stimuli were impaired in β2AR−/− EC in vitro. Moreover, removal of β2ARs impaired the activation of NFκB, a transcription factor that promotes angiogenesis; neither isoprenaline (stimulates βARs) nor TNFα induced NFκB activation in β2AR−/− EC. Interestingly, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor that counter regulates NFκB, was constitutively increased in β2AR−/− ECs. ADβ2AR administration restored β2AR membrane density, reduced CREB activity and reinstated the NFκB response to isoprenaline and TNFα.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur results suggest that β2ARs control angiogenesis through the tight regulation of nuclear transcriptional activity.
Pharmacology of structural changes at the GABAA receptor transmitter binding site
Authors: Akk Gustav , Li Ping , Bracamontes John , Wang Mengya , Steinbach Joe Henry 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The binding of transmitter to specialized binding pockets leads to rearrangements in the structure of the receptor eventually resulting in channel opening. We used voltage‐clamp fluorometry to investigate the pharmacological basis and biophysical processes that underlie structural changes at the transmitter binding site of the rat α1β2γ2L GABAA receptor.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Simultaneous electrophysiological and site‐specific fluorescence measurements were conducted on receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes and labelled with an environmentally‐sensitive fluorophore, Alexa 546 maleimide, at the α1L127C site.KEY RESULTS Receptors activated by GABA demonstrate a concentration‐dependent increase in fluorescence intensity, indicating that the environment surrounding the fluorophore becomes less polar upon activation. Qualitatively similar responses were observed with other GABA site ligands such as piperidine‐4‐sulphonic acid, muscimol, β‐alanine and 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridin‐3‐ol. Fluorescence changes were not affected by the direction of current flow. During long applications of GABA significant desensitization developed, which was not accompanied by additional changes in fluorescence. Pentobarbital was an efficacious agonist of the labelled mutant receptor but did not cause changes in fluorescence. Direct activation by etomidate or the steroid allopregnanolone also did not result in fluorescence changes. Functional potentiation of GABA‐activated receptors by allopregnanolone or etomidate enhanced both the GABA‐elicited functional response and the fluorescence change. In contrast, potentiation by pentobarbital was not accompanied by an enhanced fluorescence response.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The data indicate that there is no direct correlation between current flow or position of the activation gate and the structural changes as detected by Alexa 546‐labelled α1L127Cβ2γ2L GABAA receptors. Channel potentiation by pentobarbital qualitatively differs from potentiation by etomidate or allopregnanolone.
Ramipril retards development of aortic valve stenosis in a rabbit model: mechanistic considerations
Authors: Ngo Doan TM , Stafford Irene , Sverdlov Aaron L , Qi Weier , Wuttke Ronald D , Zhang Yuan , Kelly Darren J , Weedon Helen , Smith Malcolm D , Kennedy Jennifer A , Horowitz John D 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAortic valve stenosis (AVS) is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To date, no therapeutic modality has been shown to be effective in retarding AVS progression. We evaluated the effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition with ramipril on disease progression in a recently developed rabbit model of AVS.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe effects of 8 weeks of treatment with either vitamin D2 at 25 000 IU for 4 days a week alone or in combination with ramipril (0.5 mg·kg−1) on aortic valve structure and function were examined in New Zealand white rabbits. Echocardiographic aortic valve backscatter (AVBS) and aortic valve : outflow tract flow velocity ratio were utilized to quantify changes in valve structure and function.KEY RESULTSTreatment with ramipril significantly reduced AVBS and improved aortic valve : outflow tract flow velocity ratio. The intravalvular content of the pro‐oxidant thioredoxin‐interacting protein was decreased significantly with ramipril treatment. Endothelial function, as measured by asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations and vascular responses to ACh, was improved significantly with ramipril treatment.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSRamipril retards the development of AVS, reduces valvular thioredoxin‐interacting protein accumulation and limits endothelial dysfunction in this animal model. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of AVS development and an impetus for future human studies of AVS retardation using an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the fertility of patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected relatives
Authors: Bundy H. , Stahl D. , MacCabe J. H. 
Published: October 2010

Bundy H, Stahl D, MacCabe JH. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the fertility of patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected relatives.Objective: We aimed to systematically evaluate the empirical evidence for the commonly held view that the reduced reproductive output in patients with schizophrenia is compensated for by an increased fitness in unaffected relatives. Secondary aims were to quantify the magnitude of the fertility disadvantage and the apparent gender difference in fertility of patients with schizophrenia.Method: We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies investigating the fertility of patients with schizophrenia, their siblings, their parents and the general population.Results: Patients with schizophrenia had reduced fertility compared with the general population, [Fertility Ratio (FR) = 0.39 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.35–0.44)]. Siblings of patients with schizophrenia had somewhat fewer offspring than the general population (FR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93–1.00). Parents of patients with schizophrenia had fertility similar to the general population (FR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.94–1.46). Men had a greater impairment in fertility than women, both in patients (FR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.50–0.57) and in their unaffected siblings (FR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71–0.92).Conclusion: Compensatory fitness advantage in siblings and parents cannot explain the maintenance of schizophrenia in the population. Alternative explanations include mutation‐selection balance and the role of quantitative traits.
Preventing breast cancer in women with schizophrenia
Authors: Seeman M. V. 
Published: October 2010

Seeman MV. Preventing breast cancer in women with schizophrenia.Objective:  To record risk factors for breast cancer in women with schizophrenia and recommend preventive actions.Method:  A PubMed literature search (from 2005 to 2010) was conducted, using the search terms ‘schizophrenia’, ‘antipsychotics’, ‘breast cancer’ and ‘risk factors’.Results:  Several risk factors of relevance to schizophrenia were identified: obesity, elevated prolactin levels, low participation in mammography screening, high prevalence of diabetes, comparatively low parity, low incidence of breastfeeding, social disadvantage, high levels of smoking and alcohol consumption, low activity levels.Conclusion:  Awareness of breast cancer risk should lead to more accurate risk ascertainment, stronger linkage with primary care, regular monitoring and screening, judicious choice and low dose of antipsychotic treatment, concomitant use of adjunctive cognitive and psychosocial therapies, referral to diet and exercise programmes as well as smoking and drinking cessation programmes, avoidance of hormonal treatment and discussion with patient and family about the pros and cons of preventive measures in high‐risk women. Psychiatrists are in a position to reverse many of the identified risk factors.
The impact of coupled dark energy cosmologies on the high-redshift intergalactic medium
Authors: Baldi M. , Viel M. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
We present an analysis of high-resolution hydrodynamical N-body simulations of coupled dark energy cosmologies which focuses on the statistical properties of the transmitted Lyman α flux in the high-redshift intergalactic medium (IGM). In these models the growth of the diffuse cosmic web differs from the standard ΛCDM case: the density distribution is skewed towards underdense regions and the matter power spectra are typically larger (in a scale-dependent way). These differences are also appreciable in the Lyman α flux and are larger than 5 per cent (10 per cent) at z= 2–4 in the flux probability distribution function (pdf) for high-transmissivity regions and for values of the coupling parameter β= 0.08 (β= 0.2). The flux power spectrum is also affected at the ∼2 per cent (∼5–10 per cent) level for β= 0.08 (β= 0.2) in a redshift-dependent way. We infer the behaviour of flux pdf and flux power for a reasonable range of couplings and present constraints using present high- and low-resolution data sets. We find an upper limit β≲ 0.15 (at 2σ confidence level), which is obtained using only IGM data and is competitive with those inferred from other large-scale structure probes.
EFFECT OF PRE‐EXPOSURE TO SODIUM CHLORIDE ON THE RESISTANCE OF PATHOGENS TO THERMAL AND ACID STRESSES
Authors: BAE YOUNG‐MIN , LEE SUN‐YOUNG 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT This study determined the effects of pre‐exposures to sodium chloride (NaCl) on the survival of three pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes) when the organisms were subsequently treated with moderate heat (55C) or an organic acid (acetic acid). Pre‐exposure to 5% NaCl especially increased the thermal resistance of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes, whereas there was no significant increase in thermal resistance for S. Typhimurium. Pre‐exposure to 10% NaCl reduced the resistance of the three pathogens to 1% acetic acid, and similar reductions in acidic resistance were observed in S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes samples that were pre‐exposed to 5% NaCl. These results indicate that prior exposure to NaCl can affect the resistance of pathogens to environmental stresses.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSubsequent stress responses of pathogens by stress‐adaptation should be addressed to develop the effective techniques for controlling pathogens in foods and environment. It is because that environmental stresses can provide varying results as some bacteria may become more resistant or even more virulent under such circumstances through stress reactions. Although salt does not have great effectiveness to inactivate populations of pathogens, it could affect the stress reactions of pathogens or the antimicrobial action of other preservation hurdles. In fact, the result of this study showed that pre‐exposure to NaCl resulted in difference stress responses of pathogens depending on the type of environmental stress subsequently applied. Therefore, this report could provide important information for developing control or preservative methods to improve the microbial safety of foods.
Prostate cancer – friend or enemy. Part two, the daughter
Authors: Bruun Poul , Pedersen Birthe , Osther Palle , Wagner Lis 
Published: October 2010

This study is part two in an investigation of the daily life experiences of adult children following the prostate cancer diagnosis. Research in this field is lacking. Only one personal narrative was found through a literature review describing the daughter's experience in life following the father's cancer diagnosis. This study assumes a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach, using Ricoeur's theories of narratives and text interpretation. The participants were seven daughters of men diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. The daughters were interviewed 3 and 10 months after the fathers were informed of the cancer diagnosis. Data analysis was performed in three stages; naïve reading, followed by a structured analysis, and concluded with critical interpretation and discussion. Results showed that throughout the period life was experienced full of worries and dilemmas, characterized by a lasting sorrow and an incipient experience of suffering as a consequence.Sorrow was seen in the whole period in different forms of expression. Nurses need to be very aware of the need of support and intervention to alleviate the daughters' sorrow.
Complete caecal bypass without ileal transection for caecal impaction in horses: seven clinical cases (1997–2007)
Authors: Quinteros DD , García‐López JM , Provost PJ 
Published: October 2010

Objectives To report the clinical outcome in seven horses following use of a newly described surgical technique for treating caecal impaction.Methods The medical records of seven horses with caecal impaction treated surgically using a stapling technique to create a complete caecal bypass without ileal transection were reviewed. Data were obtained from the records and through telephone interviews with case‐associated personnel.Results The mean age was 10 years (range 2–22 years) and duration of colic ranged from 24 h to 2 weeks. Five horses had type II motility dysfunction and the remaining two had type I. Mean surgical time was 185 min (range 146–245 min) and the horses were hospitalised for a mean of 12.4 days (range 9–22 days); 71% (5/7) were discharged from hospital and all five were alive 60 days from the surgery date. One horse was lost to follow‐up. The four (66.7%) available remaining horses were alive ≥ 1 year (long‐term survivors).Conclusions Complete caecal bypass without ileal transection for clinical cases of caecal impaction had comparable outcomes to complete bypass with ileal transection. The technique is easy to perform, has the potential to reduce surgical time, compared with traditional bypass techniques, and may reduce the risk of intraoperative abdominal contamination. It is recommended for use in clinical cases in which caecal bypass is desirable.
A survey of aged horses in Queensland, Australia. Part 1: management and preventive health care
Authors: McGowan TW , Pinchbeck G , Phillips CJC , Perkins N , Hodgson DR , McGowan CM 
Published: October 2010

Objective To describe management practices and routine preventive care of aged horses in Queensland, Australia, including effects of owner characteristics, affiliation to an equestrian group and retirement of the horse.Methods Owners of horses were contacted via Equestrian Australia (EA) and asked to complete a questionnaire about their aged horses (e.g. age, breed, sex and colour); their use and management, including preventive health care; and use of equine healthcare providers.Results Horses aged 15 years or greater represented one‐third of the total horses owned in the population sample. The median age of the horses was 20.7 years (range 15–44 years). Basic husbandry and preventive health care varied depending on demographic region, age of the horse and its use. Affiliation with EA was associated with the breed and use of the horse, but not with management or preventive health care other than frequency of hoof care visits. Retired horses had reduced basic husbandry and preventive health care compared with non‐retired horses. There was reduced preventive health care in rural compared with urban areas. The majority (61%) of horses in the current study had not been visited by a veterinarian in the previous 12 months.Conclusion Aged horses constitute a large subgroup of the Australian horse population. Although basic management is at a high level for most aged horses, it appears to be reduced following the horse's retirement and in the more rural areas. There was limited veterinary involvement in preventive healthcare strategies for aged horses, especially in rural areas.