bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological role of NHERF1 protein expression in breast cancer
Authors: Mangia Anita , Chiriatti Annalisa , Bellizzi Antonia , Malfettone Andrea , Stea Baldassarre , Zito Francesso Alfredo , Reshkin Stephen Joel , Simone Giovanni , Paradiso Angelo 
Published: November 2009

Aims:  To determine the role of Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF1) in breast cancerogenesis and progression.Methods and results:  NHERF1 expression was examined in normal tissue, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive carcinoma (IBC), synchronous metastatic lymph node and metachronous distant metastases of a retrospective series of breast cancers. Fifty‐one IBC, 42 DCIS and normal tissues were examined immunohistochemically, and the colocalization between NHERF1 and HER2/neu was studied by immunofluorescence. NHERF1 showed a different localization and pattern of expression in the different compartments of the breast. The mean value of cytoplasmic NHERF1 expression in paired samples was significantly higher in DCIS, IBC, distant metastases and metastatic lymph nodes with respect to normal tissues. Moreover, in metastatic lymph nodes NHERF1 was exclusively cytoplasmic. In the membrane NHERF1 was colocalized with overexpressed HER2/neu in DCIS, IBC and distant metastases.Conclusions:  Breast cancerogenesis is characterized by increased cytoplasmic expression of NHERF1 as the tumour progresses, suggesting a role in this process. The switch from apical membranous to cytoplasmic expression is compatible with a dual role for NHERF1 as a tumour suppressor or tumour promoter dependent on its subcellular localization.
Importance of mowing and flood frequency in promoting species richness in restored floodplains
Authors: Gerard Marian , El Kahloun Mohssine , Rymen Joke , Beauchard Olivier , Meire Patrick 
Published: November 2009

Summary

In recent years, European water management policies have promoted floodplain rehabilitation for flood mitigation purposes. This could provide opportunities for the restoration of valuable floodplain meadows. However, during restoration projects, it is essential to understand the effects of the measures undertaken. In this study, we focus on the interaction between flood frequency and mowing in determining species composition of temperate lowland floodplain meadows. We hypothesized that the interaction of regular flooding with annual mowing would result in higher species richness than annual mowing or regular flooding alone.
We compared the composition of annually mown and non‐mown vegetation located in floodplain sites differing in flood frequencies. The presence of different plant growth forms and functional types was investigated in order to explain the mechanisms underlying the differences found.
Both flood frequency and mowing affected species composition. However, flood regime was less important than mowing regime.
Mowing was shown to strongly affect species composition by reducing productivity and competitiveness and offering opportunities for weak competitors. Annually mown sites harboured higher numbers of smaller species compared to non‐mown sites which supported higher populations of tall graminoid species. CSR strategists (where C is competitiveness, S is stress‐tolerance and R is ruderality) were most common in mown sites, demonstrating that mowing imposes a moderate degree of disturbance and nutrient stress.
Only the combination of frequent flooding with annual mowing clearly increased species richness. This can be attributed to the fact that mowing provides the necessary gaps for germination of flood imported seeds.
Synthesis and applications. Apart from focusing on the restoration of flood dynamics, managers should pay attention to the implementation and maintenance of extensive land management practices to ensure sustainable restoration results. Note that many European riparian sites have been abandoned during the last 20 years as a result of changes in policies and agricultural markets, yet annual disturbance and/or the creation of open vegetation gaps through annual mowing are necessary in order to maintain species‐rich vegetations in these systems. The evaluation of possible administrative options bringing together the interests of farmers and conservationists is an important challenge in determining the restoration and preservation of these valuable floodplain habitats.
Reconstructing unpredictability: experiences of living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over time
Authors: Morken Ingvild Margreta , Severinsson Elisabeth , Karlsen Bjørg 
Published: November 2009

Background.  The experience of living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over time is still poorly understood. Few qualitative studies have investigated this phenomenon.Aims.  To explore implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients’ experiences of living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over time.Design.  Qualitative.Methods.  Semi‐structured interviews were performed with 16 persons living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The constant comparative method of grounded theory was used for data collection and analysis.Results.  The core category was defined as ‘Reconstructing the unpredictability of living with an ICD’ and illustrated by four categories: ‘losing control’; ‘regaining control’; ‘lacking support’; and ‘seeking support’. The category ‘losing control’ encompassed experiences of unpredictability leading to uncertainty as a result of the triggering of the device. Reduced activity to avoid shocks played a major role. In the category ‘regaining control’, wellbeing increased as time elapsed after the shock and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients reconstructed the unpredictability by adapting to life changes, trusting the implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a life saver and accepting uncertainty. The category labelled ‘lacking support’ highlighted the implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients’ experiences of lack of appropriate support and advice from health care professionals. The final category ‘seeking support’ illustrates the implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients’ attempts to obtain guidance and support from family members and health care professionals and the importance of these aspects for the recovery process.Conclusion.  Living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator over time was characterised by unpredictability and uncertainty associated with the triggering of the device. Despite coping with uncertainty by means of several strategies, a new onset of arrhythmia could reinforce the feeling of losing control. An important finding was the reduced activity level.Relevance for clinical practice.  The results provide knowledge that can aid the design of an intervention programme aimed at reducing patient insecurity and enhancing physical activity. Nurses are in a key position to implement such strategies.
Exploring the profiles of nurses’ job satisfaction in Macau: results of a cluster analysis
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Leong Sok Man , Luk Andrew Leung , Yeung Siu Ming , Van Iat Kio 
Published: November 2009

Aims.  To determine whether definable subtypes exist within a cohort of nurses with regard to factors associated with nurses’ job satisfaction patterns and to compare whether these factors vary between nurses in groups with different profiles.Background.  Globally, the health care system is experiencing major changes and influence nurses’ job satisfaction and may ultimately affect the quality of nursing care for patients.Design.  A descriptive survey.Methods.  Data were collected using a self‐reported structured questionnaire. Nurses were recruited in two hospitals in Macao. Two main outcome variables were collected: Predisposing characteristics and five components on job satisfaction outcomes.Results.  A cluster analysis yielded two clusters (n = 649). Cluster 1 consisted of 60·6% (n = 393) and Cluster 2 of 39·4% (n = 256) of the nurses. Cluster 1 nurses were younger, more educated and had less work experience and more intention to change their career than nurses in Cluster 2. Cluster 2 nurses had more work experiences, were of more senior grade and were more satisfied with their current job in terms of peer supports, autonomy and professional opportunities, scheduling and relationships with team members than nurses in Cluster 1.Conclusions.  Findings might help by providing important information for health care managers to identify strategies/methods to target a specific group of nurses in hopes of increasing their job satisfaction levels.Relevance to clinical practice.  As a long‐term investment, hospital management has to promote work environments that support job satisfaction to attract nurses and thereby improve the quality of nursing care. The results of this study might provide hospital managers with a model to design specified interventions to improve nurses’ job satisfaction.
DNA relaxation‐dependent phase biasing of the fim genetic switch in Escherichia coli depends on the interplay of H‐NS, IHF and LRP
Authors: Corcoran Colin P. , Dorman Charles J. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryReversible inversion of the DNA element fimS is responsible for the phase variable expression of type 1 fimbriae in Escherichia coli. The FimB tyrosine integrase site‐specific recombinase inverts fimS in the on‐to‐off and off‐to‐on directions with approximately equal efficiencies. However, when DNA supercoiling is relaxed, fimS adopts predominantly the on orientation. This orientational bias is known to require binding of the nucleoid‐associated protein LRP within fimS. Here we show that binding of the IHF protein to a site immediately adjacent to fimS is also required for phase‐on orientational bias. In the absence of both LRP and IHF binding, fimS adopts the off orientation and the H‐NS protein is required to maintain this alternative orientational bias. Thus, fimS has three Recombination Directionality Factors, H‐NS, IHF and LRP. The relevant H‐NS binding site straddles the left inverted repeat in phase‐off fimS and this site is disrupted when fimS inverts to the on orientation. The inversion of fimS with the associated creation and removal of an H‐NS binding site required for DNA inversion biasing represents a novel mechanism for modulating the interaction of H‐NS with a DNA target and for influencing a site‐specific recombination reaction.
Novel Sinorhizobium meliloti quorum sensing positive and negative regulatory feedback mechanisms respond to phosphate availability
Authors: McIntosh Matthew , Meyer Stefan , Becker Anke 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe Sin quorum sensing system of Sinorhizobium meliloti depends upon at least three genes, sinR, sinI and expR, and N‐acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signals to regulate multiple processes in its free‐living state in the rhizosphere and in the development towards symbiosis with its plant host. In this study, we have characterized novel mechanisms of transcription control through which the system regulates itself. At low AHL levels a positive feedback loop activates expression of sinI (AHL synthase), resulting in amplification of AHL levels. At high AHL levels, expression of sinI is reduced by a negative feedback loop. These feedback mechanisms are mediated by the LuxR‐type regulators ExpR and SinR. Expression of sinR and expR is regulated by ExpR in the presence of AHLs. A novel ExpR binding site in the promoter of sinR is responsible for the reduction of expression of this gene. In addition, expression of sinR, upon which sinI expression is dependent, is induced by phoB during growth under phosphate‐limiting conditions. This indicates that this response ensures quorum sensing in phosphate‐restricted growth.
Pyoverdine and PQS mediated subpopulation interactions involved in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
Authors: Yang Liang , Nilsson Martin , Gjermansen Morten , Givskov Michael , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: November 2009

SummaryUsing flow chamber‐grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms as model system, we show in the present study that formation of heterogeneous biofilms may occur through mechanisms that involve complex subpopulation interactions. One example of this phenomenon is expression of the iron‐siderophore pyoverdine in one subpopulation being necessary for development of another subpopulation that does not itself express the pyoverdine synthesis genes. Another example is quorum sensing‐controlled DNA release in one subpopulation being necessary for development of another subpopulation that does not itself express the quorum‐sensing genes.
Two proteolytic modules are involved in regulated intramembrane proteolysis of Bacillus subtilis RsiW
Authors: Heinrich Janine , Hein Kerstin , Wiegert Thomas 
Published: November 2009

SummaryStress‐induced degradation of the Bacillus subtilis anti‐sigma factor RsiW results in the induction of genes controlled by the extracytoplasmic function sigma factor σW. RsiW is cleaved by the mechanism of regulated intramembrane proteolysis at site‐1 and ‐2 by PrsW and RasP respectively, and is then further degraded by cytoplasmic Clp peptidases. In a reconstituted Escherichia coli system, PrsW removes 40 amino acids from RsiW by cleaving between Ala168 and Ser169 of the extracytoplasmic domain, thereby generating RsiW‐S1. Further trimming of RsiW‐S1's C‐terminus by the periplasmic tail‐specific protease Tsp is crucial for subsequent RasP‐catalysed clipping. In B. subtilis, mutation of RsiW at Ala168 severely impairs site‐1 processing. RsiW‐S1 is undetectable in wild‐type B. subtilis and knockout strains lacking various extracytoplasmic proteases. While it can be stabilized by C‐terminal tagging, even this fusion protein is still attacked. Thus, several peptidases seem to be involved in trimming of RsiW downstream of PrsW and upstream of RasP in B. subtilis. Overall, the RsiW degradation pathway can be subdivided into two modules each consisting of a site‐specific peptidase that prepares RsiW for further degradation by downstream proteases.
A prospective study of maternal carboxyhaemoglobin and pre‐eclampsia risk
Authors: Rudra Carole B. , Williams Michelle A. , Schiff Melissa A. , Koenig Jane Q. , Dills Russell , Yu Jianbo 
Published: November 2009

SummaryRudra CB, Williams MA, Schiff MA, Koenig JQ, Dills R, Yu J. A prospective study of maternal carboxyhaemoglobin and pre‐eclampsia risk. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 35–44.We aimed to measure the relationship between early‐pregnancy maternal carboxyhaemoglobin and subsequent pre‐eclampsia risk. A nested case–control analysis was conducted using data from a western Washington State cohort study (1996–2004). We measured maternal whole blood carboxyhaemoglobin in 128 women who developed pre‐eclampsia and 419 normotensive controls (mean gestational age at blood draw, 14.8 weeks). After adjustment for confounders, high (≥1%) vs. low (<0.7%) carboxyhaemoglobin odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were 4.09 [1.30, 12.9] in multiparous women, 0.53 [0.23, 1.26] in primiparae and 1.11 [0.55, 2.25] in the overall study population (parity interaction P = 0.01). The influence of parity on the association was unexpected. The association between high carboxyhaemoglobin and pre‐eclampsia risk in multiparae implicates hypoxia at the fetal‐maternal interface as a pathogenic mechanism. These results also suggest that the aetiology of the disease may differ according to parity.
Plant lipid‐associated fibrillin proteins condition jasmonate production under photosynthetic stress
Authors: Youssef Abir , Laizet Yec’han , Block Maryse A. , Maréchal Eric , Alcaraz Jean‐Pierre , Larson Tony R. , Pontier Dominique , Gaffé Joël , Kuntz Marcel 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe role of a subfamily of lipid globule‐associated proteins, referred to as plant fibrillins (FIB1a, ‐1b, ‐2), was determined using a RNA interference (RNAi) strategy. We show that Arabidopsis plants with reduced levels of these plastid structural proteins are impaired in long‐term acclimation to environmental constraint, namely photooxidative stress imposed by high light combined with cold. As a result, their photosynthetic apparatus is inefficiently protected. This leads to the prevalence of an abnormal granal and stromal membrane arrangement, as well as higher photosystem II photoinhibition under stress. The visible phenotype of FIB1‐2 RNAi lines also includes retarded shoot growth and a deficit in anthocyanin accumulation under stress. All examined phenotypic effects of lower FIB levels are abolished by jasmonate (JA) treatment. An atypical expression pattern of several JA‐induced genes was observed in RNAi plants. A JA‐deficient mutant was found to share similar stress phenotypic characteristics with FIB RNAi plants. We conclude a new physiological role for JA, namely acclimation of chloroplasts, and that light/cold stress‐related JA biosynthesis is conditioned by the accumulation of plastoglobule‐associated FIB1‐2 proteins. Consistent correlative data suggest that this FIB effect is mediated by plastoglobule (and triacylglycerol) accumulation as the potential site for initiating the chloroplast stress‐related JA biosynthesis.
Eccrine sweat response in children with asthma
Authors: Oflu A. , Soyer O. U. , Tuncer A. , Sackesen C. , Kalayci O. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Oflu A, Soyer OU, Tuncer A, Sackesen C, Kalayci O. Eccrine sweat response in children with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65: 645–648.AbstractBackground:  Even though there is a general conviction among parents of asthmatic children and pediatricians that asthmatic children sweat more than healthy ones, this has not been formally tested.Aim:  To determine sweating response and factors affecting this response in children with asthma and compare these findings with healthy children.Method:  Eighty‐two children with asthma and 51 healthy controls aged 6–18 years were enrolled in the study. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on palmar, volar, forehead, and back surfaces before and after exercise and was expressed as the difference between the measurements recorded before and after exercise.Results:  Transepidermal water loss measurements (after exercise – resting) on the palmar surface were higher in children with asthma [22.8 g/m2 h (15–34.3)] compared with healthy children [15.2 g/m2 h (6–22.2)] (P < 0.001). However, a gender stratified analysis showed that the TEWL measurements were higher on all surfaces only in boys but not in girls. Within the group of asthmatic children, TEWL measurements on the volar surface and back were lower in patients using anti‐inflammatory therapy compared with those who were on as needed bronchodilator therapy only.Conclusion:  Our results show that asthma is associated with a higher rate of sweating response to exercise in boys, and anti‐inflammatory treatment decreases the amount of sweating. The relationship of eccrine sweating with muscarinic receptor response and methacholine hyperresponsiveness remains to be determined.
Sustained effect of SQ‐standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet on rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life
Authors: Frølund L. , Durham S. R. , Calderon M. , Emminger W. , Andersen J. S. , Rask P. , Dahl R. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Frølund L, Durham SR, Calderon M, Emminger W, Andersen JS, Rask P, Dahl R. Sustained effect of SQ‐standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet on rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life. Allergy 2010; 65: 753–757.AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis has increased significantly over the past decades with grass pollen being a common trigger. The impact of allergy on patient’s quality of life is substantial.Aim:  To investigate the sustained effect on quality of life during the grass pollen season 1 year after 3 years of treatment with the SQ‐standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet (AIT), Grazax® (Phleum pratense 75,000 SQ‐T/2800 BAU; ALK, Denmark).Methods:  The trial was a randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in adult subjects with a history of moderate‐severe grass pollen induced rhinoconjunctivitis inadequately controlled by symptomatic medications. Subjects received 3 years of grass AIT (n = 157) or placebo (n = 126), followed by 1 year of follow‐up. Quality of life assessments were based on the standardized rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ(S)); completed weekly during the entire grass pollen season.Results:  During follow‐up, the overall RQLQ(S) score for the entire grass pollen season was significantly improved in the active group (relative difference to placebo: 23%, P = 0.004). The improvement was higher during the peak pollen season (28%, P = 0.001). The treatment effect of grass AIT during the follow‐up year and the previous three treatment years was similar. Improvements were found in all seven RQLQ(S) domains. The RQLQ(S) as a function of the weekly average pollen counts showed a clear separation between the treatment groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  In subjects inadequately controlled by symptomatic medications, grass AIT provided sustained and clinically relevant improvements in rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life compared to placebo. The effect increased with increasing grass pollen exposure.
Histamine H4receptor antagonist ameliorates chronic allergic contact dermatitis induced by repeated challenge
Authors: Seike M. , Furuya K. , Omura M. , Hamada‐Watanabe K. , Matsushita A. , Ohtsu H. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article:Seike M, Furuya K, Omura M, Hamada‐Watanabe K, Matsushita A, Ohtsu H. Histamine H4receptor antagonist ameliorates chronic allergic contact dermatitis induced by repeated challenge.Allergy2010;65: 319–326.AbstractBackground: The present study observed effects of the histamine H4receptor on chronic allergic contact dermatitis induced by repeated challenge in mice.Methods: Acute contact dermatitis was induced by single epicutaneous challenge of 2,4,6‐trinitro‐1‐chlorobenzene (TNCB) to the ear. Chronic allergic contact dermatitis was developed by repeated epicutaneous challenge using TNCB on the dorsal back skin. H4receptor antagonist JNJ7777120 was administered to wild‐type mice, while H4receptor agonist 4‐methylhistamine was administered to histidine decarboxylase (HDC) (−/−) mice that synthesized no histamine.Results: HDC (−/−) mice did not differ phenotypically from HDC (+/+) mice, and H4receptor antagonist/agonist did not have clinical effects in terms of acute contact dermatitis reactions. H4receptor antagonist ameliorated skin eczematous lesions induced by repeated TNCB challenge in HDC (+/+) mice. On the contrary, H4receptor agonist exacerbated skin lesions exclusively in HDC (−/−) mice. Application of H4receptor agonist induced migration of mast cells and eosinophils in skin lesions, and H4receptor antagonist suppressed these changes. H4receptor was immunohistochemically detected on mast cells in eczematous lesions. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 in lesions were decreased, whereas levels of interferon‐γ and IL‐12 were increased by H4receptor antagonistic activity. Serum Immunoglobulin E levels rapidly increased with repeated challenge, but decreased with H4receptor antagonist.Conclusion: Because chronic allergic contact dermatitis is developed by H4receptor stimulation, H4receptor antagonists might represent new candidate drugs for treating chronic allergic contact dermatitis.