bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functions of the Clostridium acetobutylicium FabF and FabZ proteins in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Zhu Lei , Cheng Juanli , Luo Biao , Feng Saixiang , Lin Jinshui , Wang Shengbin , Cronan John E , Wang Haihong 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The original anaerobic unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathway proposed by Goldfine and Bloch was based on in vivo labeling studies in Clostridium butyricum ATCC 6015 (now C. beijerinckii) but to date no dedicated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic enzyme has been identified in Clostridia. C. acetobutylicium synthesizes the same species of unsaturated fatty acids as E. coli, but lacks all of the known unsaturated fatty acid synthetic genes identified in E. coli and other bacteria. A possible explanation was that two enzymes of saturated fatty acid synthesis of C. acetobutylicium, FabZ and FabF might also function in the unsaturated arm of the pathway (a FabZ homologue is known to be an unsaturated fatty acid synthetic enzyme in enterococci).

Results
We report that the FabF homologue located within the fatty acid biosynthetic gene cluster of C. acetobutylicium functions in synthesis of both unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids. Expression of this protein in E. coli functionally replaced both the FabB and FabF proteins of the host in vivo and replaced E. coli FabB in a defined in vitro fatty acid synthesis system. In contrast the single C. acetobutylicium FabZ homologue, although able to functionally replace E. coli FabZ in vivo and in vitro, was unable to replace FabA, the key dehydratase-isomerase of E. coli unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in vivo and lacked isomerase activity in vitro.

Conclusion
Thus, C. acetobutylicium introduces the double of unsaturated fatty acids by use of a novel and unknown enzyme.
Identification and expression analysis of WRKY transcription factor genes in canola (Brassica napus L.) in response to fungal pathogens and hormone treatments
Authors: Yang Bo , Jiang Yuanqing , Rahman Muhammad H , Deyholos Michael K , Kav Nat NV 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundMembers of plant WRKY transcription factor families are widely implicated in defense responses and various other physiological processes. For canola (Brassica napusL.), no WRKY genes have been described in detail. Because of the economic importance of this crop, and its evolutionary relationship toArabidopsis thaliana, we sought to characterize a subset of canolaWRKYgenes in the context of pathogen and hormone responses.ResultsIn this study, we identified 46WRKYgenes from canola by mining the expressed sequence tag (EST) database and cloned cDNA sequences of 38BnWRKYs. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the conserved WRKY domain amino acid sequences, which demonstrated that BnWRKYs can be divided into three major groups. We further comparedBnWRKYsto the 72WRKYgenes fromArabidopsisand 91WRKYfrom rice, and we identified 46 presumptive orthologs ofAtWRKYgenes. We examined the subcellular localization of four BnWRKY proteins using green fluorescent protein (GFP) and we observed the fluorescent green signals in the nucleus only.The responses of 16 selectedBnWRKYgenes to two fungal pathogens,Sclerotinia sclerotiorumandAlternaria brassicae, were analyzed by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR). Transcript abundance of 13BnWRKYgenes changed significantly following pathogen challenge: transcripts of 10WRKYs increased in abundance, twoWRKYtranscripts decreased after infection, and one decreased at 12 h post-infection but increased later on (72 h). We also observed that transcript abundance of 13/16BnWRKYgenes was responsive to one or more hormones, including abscisic acid (ABA), and cytokinin (6-benzylaminopurine, BAP) and the defense signaling molecules jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). We compared these transcript expression patterns to those previously described for presumptive orthologs of these genes inArabidopsisand rice, and observed both similarities and differences in expression patterns.ConclusionWe identified a set of 13BnWRKYgenes from among 16BnWRKYgenes assayed, that are responsive to both fungal pathogens and hormone treatments, suggesting shared signaling mechanisms for these responses. This study suggests that a large number of BnWRKY proteins are involved in the transcriptional regulation of defense-related genes in response to fungal pathogens and hormone stimuli.
Mediated, moderated and direct effects of country of residence, age, and gender on the cognitive and social determinants of adolescent smoking in Spain and the UK: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Markham Wolfgang A , Lopez Maria Luisa , Aveyard Paul , Herrero Pablo , Bridle Christopher , Comas Angel , Charlton Anne , Thomas Hywel 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
European trans-national adolescent smoking prevention interventions based on social influences approaches have had limited success. The attitudes-social influences-efficacy (ASE) model is a social cognition model that states smoking behaviour is determined by smoking intention which, in turn, is predicted by seven ASE determinants; disadvantages, advantages, social acceptance, social norms, modelling, perceived pressure, self-efficacy. Distal factors such as country of residence, age and gender are external to the model. The ASE model is, thus, closely related to the Theory of Planned Behaviour. This study assessed the utility of the ASE model using cross-sectional data from Spanish and UK adolescents.

Methods
In 1997, questionnaires were simultaneously administered to Spanish (n = 3716) and UK adolescents (n = 3715) who were considered at high risk of smoking. Participants' age, gender, smoking intentions and ASE determinant scores were identified and linear regression analysis was used to examine the mediated, moderated and direct effects of country of residence, age and gender on participants' smoking intentions.

Results
All UK participants were aged 12 or 13 and most Spanish participants were aged between 12 and 14 (range 12–16 years). Amongst 12 and 13 year olds, regular smoking was more common in Spain. Almost half the participants were female (47.2% in Spain; 49.9% in the UK). Gender did not vary significantly according to age.
The distribution of ASE determinant scores varied by country and predicted intention. The influence of each ASE determinant on intention was moderated by country. Country had a large direct influence on intention (1.72 points on a 7 point scale) but the effects of age and gender were mediated by the ASE determinants.
The findings suggest resisting peer pressure interventions could potentially influence smoking amongst UK adolescents but not Spanish adolescents. Interventions that promote self-efficacy, on the other hand, would possibly have a greater influence on smoking amongst Spanish adolescents.

Conclusion
The ASE model may not capture important cultural factors related to adolescent smoking and the relative contribution of particular ASE determinants to adolescent smoking intentions may differ between countries. Future European trans-national adolescent smoking prevention programmes may benefit from greater undestanding of country-level cultural norms.
Factors associated with low bone mass in the hemodialysis patients – a cross-sectional correlation study
Authors: Huang Guey-Shiun , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Lou Meei-Fang , Hwang Shiow-Li , Yang Rong-Sen 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Low bone mass is common in end-stage renal disease patients, especially those undergoing hemodialysis. It can lead to serious bone health problems such as fragility fractures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors of low bone mass in the hemodialysis patients.

Methods
Sixty-three subjects on hemodialysis for at least 6 months were recruited from a single center for this cross-sectional study. We collected data by questionnaire survey and medical records review. All subjects underwent a bone mineral density (BMD) assay with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and right hip. Data were statistically analyzed by means of descriptive analysis, independent t test and one way analysis of variance for continuous variables, Pearson product-moment correlation to explore the correlated factors of BMD, and stepwise multiple linear regression to identify the predictors of low bone mass.

Results
Using WHO criteria as a cutoff point, fifty-one subjects (81%) had a T-score lower than -1, of them 8 subjects (13%) had osteoporosis with the femoral neck most commonly affected. Regarding risk factors, age, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level had significant negative correlations with the femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. On the other hand, serum albumin level, effective exercise time, and body weight (BW) had significant positive correlations with the femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. Age, effective exercise time, and serum albumin level significantly predicted the femoral neck BMD (R2 × 0.25), whereas BW and the ALP level significantly predicted the lumbar spine BMD (R2 × 0.20).

Conclusion
This study showed that advanced age, low BW, low serum albumin level, and high ALP and iPTH levels were associated with a low bone mass in the hemodialysis patients. We suggest that regular monitoring of the femoral neck BMD, maintaining an adequate serum albumin level and BW, and undertaking an exercise program are important to improve bone health in the patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Identification of ERβ1 and ERβ2 in human seminoma, in embryonal carcinoma and in their adjacent intratubular germ cell neoplasia
Authors: Rago Vittoria , Romeo Francesco , Giordano Francesca , Ferraro Aurora , Andò Sebastiano , Carpino Amalia 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Estrogens exert a role on germ cell physiology of normal human testis through the mediation of the estrogen receptor (ER) beta subtypes. Epidemiological studies evidenced an increased incidence of testicular germ cell cancer after elevated pre-natal estrogen exposure but the expression of estrogen receptors in these testicular neoplasms has not been well elucidated.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the expression of three distinct ER isoforms, ERalpha, ERbeta1, and ERbeta2 in paraffin-embedded tissues from seminomas and embryonal carcinomas, which are the most common testicular germ cell tumours.

Results
Neoplastic cells of all specimens revealed a positive ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 immunoreactivity, while the ERalpha signal was undetectable. A similar pattern of estrogen receptor immunostaining was also observed in the malignant germ cells of intratubular germ cell neoplasia, adjacent to testicular cancers. Western blot analysis of tumour extracts revealed two immunoreactive bands, a 59 kDa band for ERbeta1 and a 53 kDa band for ERbeta2.

Conclusion
A variable ERbeta expression was previously reported in testicular germ cell tumours and, particularly, an ERbeta down-regulation was evidenced in seminoma and embryonal carcinoma. Conversely, the current study has clearly identified ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 in the neoplastic cells of seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, as well as in the malignant cells of their common pre-invasive precursor, intratubular germ cell neoplasia. Therefore, our findings suggest that ERbeta1, together with a possible ERbeta2 contribute, can mediate estrogen action in both early and late neoplastic testicular germ cells, not confirming the previously hypothesized antiproliferative effect of ERbeta on male gonadal cells.
Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of the Acetylcystein for Contrast-Induced nephropaThy (ACT) Trial: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of acetylcysteine for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy
Authors:   The ACT Trial Investigators
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Aceltylcysteine has been evaluated in several small trials as a means of reducing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), however systematic reviews of these studies do not provide conclusive answers. Therefore, a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) is needed to provide a reliable answer as to whether acetylcysteine is effective in decreasing the risk of CIN in high-risk patients undergoing angiographic procedures.

Methods
ACT is a RCT of acetylcysteine versus placebo in 2,300 patients at-risk for CIN undergoing an intravascular angiographic procedure. The randomization list will be concealed. Participants, health care staff, investigators and outcome assessors will be blinded to whether patients receive acetylcysteine or placebo. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. The study drugs (acetylcysteine 1200 mg or placebo) will be administered orally twice daily for two doses before and two doses after the procedure. The primary outcome is the occurrence of CIN, defined as a 25% elevation of serum creatinine above baseline between 48 and 96 hours after angiography.

Discussion
The first patient entered the trial on September, 2008. Up to April 7, 2009, 810 patients had been included in 35 centers. The mean age was 69 (Standard deviation: 10), 18% had a baseline serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL, 57% were diabetics and 13% had a history of heart failure. The ongoing ACT Trial is the largest multicentre RCT that will determine whether acetylcysteine is effective in decreasing the risk of CIN in patients at risk undergoing angiography.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00736866
A multicenter review of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis practice patterns for blunt hepatic trauma
Authors: Datta Indraneel , Ball Chad G , Rudmik Lucas R , Paton-Gay Damian , Bhayana Deepak , Salat Peter , Schieman Colin , Smith Dean F , vanWijngaarden-Stephens Mary , Kortbeek John B 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Non-operative management of blunt hepatic trauma is successful in the majority of hemodynamically stable patients. Due to the risk of recurrent hemorrhage, pharmacologic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is often delayed. The optimal timing of prophylaxis is unclear. A multi-centre, retrospective review of patients with blunt hepatic injuries presenting between 2000 and 2004 was performed. All patients had an ISS ≥ 12 and a CT scan confirming hepatic trauma. Patients were categorized into: (1) early DVT prophylaxis (≤ 48 hrs of admission), (2) delayed prophylaxis (>48 hrs), and (3) no prophylaxis.

Methods and results
Thirty-seven (25%) and 45 (42%) patients received early and delayed DVT prophylaxis respectively. The remainder (32%) received none. Mean hepatic injury grades were lower in the early prophylaxis group (II) compared to the delayed and no prophylaxis cohorts (III)(p = 0.002). The number of patients requiring post-admission blood transfusions was highest in the delayed group (44%) compared to the early (26%) and no prophylaxis (6%) groups (p = 0.03). No patient in the early prophylaxis cohort developed a DVT or required delayed angiographic or operative intervention. Two patients in the delayed group failed non-operative management. Eight (18%) patients in the delayed group developed a clinically significant DVT; 1 (2%) progressed to a PE.

Conclusion
Practice patterns indicate that chemical DVT prophylaxis initiated within 48 hours of admission may be safe in patients with significant blunt hepatic trauma. Delays in prevention result in venothromboembolic events, but not in fewer blood transfusions or a decreased need for subsequent angiographic or operative therapies.
Molecular prognostic markers for adult acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics
Authors: Gregory Tara K , Wald David , Chen Yichu , Vermaat Johanna M , Xiong Yin , Tse William 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous disorder that results from a block in the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells along with uncontrolled proliferation. In approximately 60% of cases, specific recurrent chromosomal aberrations can be identified by modern cytogenetic techniques. This cytogenetic information is the single most important tool to classify patients at their initial diagnosis into three prognostic categories: favorable, intermediate, and poor risk. Currently, favorable risk AML patients are usually treated with contemporary chemotherapy while poor risk AML patients receive allogeneic stem cell transplantation if suitable stem cell donors exist. The largest subgroup of AML patients (~40%) have no identifiable cytogenetic abnormalities and are classified as intermediate risk. The optimal therapeutic strategies for these patients are still largely unclear. Recently, it is becoming increasingly evident that it is possible to identify a subgroup of poorer risk patients among those with normal cytogenic AML (NC-AML). Molecular risk stratification for NC-AML patients may be possible due to mutations of NPM1, FLT3, MLL, and CEBPα as well as alterations in expression levels of BAALC, MN1, ERG, and AF1q. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm if poorer risk NC-AML patients have improved clinical outcomes after more aggressive therapy.
Effect of silver ring splints on hand dexterity and grip strength in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: an observational pilot study
Authors: Spicka Caroline , Macleod Christina , Adams Jo , Metcalf Cheryl 
Published: June 2009

Background Deformities of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJ) of the hand are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Three-point ring splints are one of several conservative options for treating such deformities. Methods This observational pilot study assessed the impact of PIPJ silver ring splints (SRS) on dexterity and handgrip strength in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Dexterity and handgrip were measured using two standardized outcome tools, the Nine Hole Peg Test and the MIE digital grip analyser. Eight individuals who routinely wore individually tailored SRS from one rheumatology occupational therapy department were recruited into the study. Hand dexterity and grip strength was tested with and without the SRS in situ. Results Although differences in bilateral dexterity and handgrip strength results did not reach statistical significance ( P > 0.05) in this sample, there was a trend for dexterity and grip strength to slightly improve when SRS were worn. Conclusions Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of SRS on hand function especially its long-term effect on deformities.
The Adherence Support Gap: The ‘Ideal' Versus ‘Reality’ of Antiretroviral Adherence Support Provided by HIV Health Providers in Clinical Practice
Authors: Park-Wyllie Laura Y , Kam Derek , Bayoumi Ahmed M 
Published: June 2009

Background Guidelines suggest that clinicians should provide their patients with antiretroviral adherence support, but there is uncertainty about the types of adherence support clinicians think are important, the methods they use to provide adherence support, and the barriers they face in providing such support in clinical practice. Objective To study clinician perspectives on the importance of different antiretroviral adherence support activities and compare these with clinicians' self-reported actual adherence support practices. Methods From March to August 2005, surveys were mailed to physicians, pharmacists, and nurses who provide care to HIV patients in Ontario, Canada. The 84-item survey asked providers to rate how necessary it was to provide 30 types of adherence support activities and how frequently they actually provided each of the types of adherence support. From this, we assessed healthcare provider perceptions of best or ideal practices in supporting medication adherence and actual or usual care in adherence support provision. We also examined whether an adherence support gap existed between the provision of best practice adherence support and actual adherence support in clinical practice. Results One hundred sixty-nine of 300 mailed surveys were returned, for a response rate of 56%. Respondents were highly specialized in HIV care and nearly all practiced in urban settings. Respondents indicated that most of the surveyed adherence support activities should be provided to all patients. However, most clinicians did not actually provide these adherence supports to their patients to the extent that they desired. We calculated an adherence support gap that ranged from 31% to 75% across the different types of adherence support activities. Conclusions We observed important adherence support gaps between ideal best practices in the provision of adherence support and actual provision of adherence support in clinical practice.
Influence of Clinical and Demographic Variables on Mycophenolic Acid Pharmacokinetics in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Joy Melanie S , Hilliard Tandrea , Hu Yichun , Hogan Susan L , Wang Jinzhao , Falk Ronald J , Smith Philip C 
Published: June 2009

Background Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is used off-label to treat many forms of glomerulonephritis. Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of MPA and its glucuronide (MPAG) in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis patients with renal manifestations and to determine the effects of clinical (urinary protein excretion, serum albumin, creatinine clearance) and demographic (age, race, sex) variables on MPA and MPAG pharmacokinetics. Methods Twenty-three patients taking MPA at steady-state were evaluated. Plasma and urine samples were collected over 24 hours. Analyses included noncompartmental pharmacokinetics and statistics including Mann-Whitney U test and univariate/multiple regression. Results MPA clearance (Cl/F 288 ± 154 mL/min) was approximately 2-fold higher than previously reported from transplant patients and predicted by weight and race (ranked MPA Cl/F = −11.766 + 0.2035 [wt] + 4.9578 [race]: R2 41.8%; p = 0.005). Creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 60 mL/min resulted in higher MPA exposure, total area under the curve (AUC)0-12, and AUC6-12 as well as unbound AUC0-12. The metabolic ratio (MPAGAUC/MPAAUC) of 8.67 ± 5.57 was lower than that previously reported in renal transplant recipients. Conclusions Diminished kidney function (eg, CrCl <60 mL/min) demonstrated enhanced MPA and MPAG exposure in patients with ANCA vasculitis. However, unlike renal transplant recipients, patients with ANCA vasculitis had enhanced Cl/F and diminished metabolic ratio, suggesting the need to comprehensively evaluate the role of disease-specific factors on MPA pharmacokinetics.
Impact of Additional Disabilities on Adaptive Behavior and Support Profiles for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Harries Julia , Guscia Roma , Nettelbeck Ted , Kirby Neil 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Numerous researchers have reported a high incidence of additional disabilities coexisting with intellectual disabilities. Although an intuitive link can be made between the existence of multiple disabilities and greater need for support, little has been reported about this relationship. Using measures of adaptive functioning and support needs, we examined the extent to which adaptive and challenging behaviors and consequent support needs (including medical) were impacted by the presence and severity of additional disabilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Results show that adaptive behaviors and support needs were meaningfully related to the number and severity of additional disabilities present, whereas this was not so for challenging behaviors. Findings are discussed in terms of contemporary models of disability and functioning.