bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of continuous light on diurnal rhythms in Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142
Authors: Elvitigala Thanura , Stöckel Jana , Ghosh Bijoy K , Pakrasi Himadri B 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundLife on earth is strongly affected by alternating day and night cycles. Accordingly, many organisms have evolved an internal timekeeping system with a period of approximately 24 hours. Cyanobacteria are the only known prokaryotes with robust rhythms under control of a central clock. Numerous studies have been conducted to elucidate components of the circadian clock and to identify circadian-controlled genes. However, the complex interactions between endogenous circadian rhythms and external cues are currently not well understood, and a direct and mathematical based comparison between light-mediated and circadian-controlled gene expression is still outstanding. Therefore, we combined and analyzed data from two independent microarray experiments, previously performed under alternating light-dark and continuous light conditions inCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142, and sought to classify light responsive and circadian controlled genes.ResultsFourier Score-based methods together with random permutations and False Discovery Rates were used to identify genes with oscillatory expression patterns, and an angular distance based criterion was applied to recognize transient behaviors in gene expression under constant light conditions. Compared to previously reported mathematical approaches, the combination of these methods also facilitated the detection of modified amplitudes and phase-shifts of gene expression. Our analysis showed that the majority of diurnally regulated genes, essentially those genes that are maximally expressed during the middle of the light and dark period, are in fact light responsive. In contrast, most of the circadian controlled genes are up-regulated during the beginning of the dark or subjective dark, and are greatly enriched for genes associated with energy metabolism. Many of the circadian controlled and light responsive genes are found in gene clusters within theCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142 genome. Interestingly, in addition to cyclic expression patterns with a period of 24 hours, we also found several genes that oscillate with an ultradian period of 12 hours, a novel finding among cyanobacteria.ConclusionWe demonstrate that a combination of different analytical methods significantly improved the identification of cyclic and transient gene expression inCyanothecesp. ATCC 51142. Our analyses provide an adaptable and novel analytical tool to study gene expression in a variety of organisms with diurnal, circadian and ultradian behavior.
Bioaccumulation and toxicity of selenium compounds in the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda
Authors: Umysová Dáša , Vítová Milada , Doušková Irena , Bišová Kateřina , Hlavová Monika , Čížková Mária , Machát Jiří , Doucha Jiří , Zachleder Vilém 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Selenium is a trace element performing important biological functions in many organisms including humans. It usually affects organisms in a strictly dosage-dependent manner being essential at low and toxic at higher concentrations. The impact of selenium on mammalian and land plant cells has been quite extensively studied. Information about algal cells is rare despite of the fact that they could produce selenium enriched biomass for biotechnology purposes.

Results
We studied the impact of selenium compounds on the green chlorococcal alga Scenedesmus quadricauda. Both the dose and chemical forms of Se were critical factors in the cellular response. Se toxicity increased in cultures grown under sulfur deficient conditions. We selected three strains of Scenedesmus quadricauda specifically resistant to high concentrations of inorganic selenium added as selenite (Na2SeO3) – strain SeIV, selenate (Na2SeO4) – strain SeVI or both – strain SeIV+VI. The total amount of Se and selenomethionine in biomass increased with increasing concentration of Se in the culturing media. The selenomethionine made up 30–40% of the total Se in biomass. In both the wild type and Se-resistant strains, the activity of thioredoxin reductase, increased rapidly in the presence of the form of selenium for which the given algal strain was not resistant.

Conclusion
The selenium effect on the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda was not only dose dependent, but the chemical form of the element was also crucial. With sulfur deficiency, the selenium toxicity increases, indicating interference of Se with sulfur metabolism. The amount of selenium and SeMet in algal biomass was dependent on both the type of compound and its dose. The activity of thioredoxin reductase was affected by selenium treatment in dose-dependent and toxic-dependent manner. The findings implied that the increase in TR activity in algal cells was a stress response to selenium cytotoxicity. Our study provides a new insight into the impact of selenium on green algae, especially with regard to its toxicity and bioaccumulation.
Current practice of abdominal wall closure in elective surgery – Is there any consensus?
Authors: Rahbari Nuh N , Knebel Phillip , Diener Markus K , Seidlmayer Christoph , Ridwelski Karsten , Stöltzing Hartmut , Seiler Christoph M 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundDevelopment of incisional hernia after open abdominal surgery remains a major cause of post-operative morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the current practice of surgeons in terms of access to and closure of the abdominal cavity in elective open surgery.MethodsTwelve surgical departments of the INSECT-Trial group documented the following variables for 50 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal surgery: fascial closure techniques, applied suture materials, application of subcutaneous sutures, subcutaneous drains, methods for skin closure. Descriptive analysis was performed and consensus of treatment variables was categorized into four levels: Strong consensus >95%, consensus 75–95%, overall agreement 50–75%, no consensus <50%.Results157 out of 599 patients were eligible for analysis (85 (54%) midline, 54 (35%) transverse incisions). After midline incisions the fascia was closed continuously in 55 patients (65%), using slowly absorbable (n = 47, 55%), braided (n = 32, 38%) sutures with a strength of 1 (n = 48, 57%). In the transverse setting the fascia was closed continuously in 39 patients (72%) with slowly absorbable (n = 22, 41%) braided sutures (n = 27, 50%) with a strength of 1 (n = 30, 56%).ConclusionIn the present evaluation midline incision was the most frequently applied access in elective open abdominal surgery. None of the treatments for abdominal wall closure (except skin closure in the midline group) is performed on a consensus level.
The interaction between the measles virus nucleoprotein and the Interferon Regulator Factor 3 relies on a specific cellular environment
Authors: Colombo Matteo , Bourhis Jean-Marie , Chamontin Celia , Soriano Carine , Villet Stéphanie , Costanzo Stéphanie , Couturier Marie , Belle Valérie , Fournel André , Darbon Hervé , Gerlier Denis , Longhi Sonia 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The genome of measles virus consists of a non-segmented single-stranded RNA molecule of negative polarity, which is encapsidated by the viral nucleoprotein (N) within a helical nucleocapsid. The N protein possesses an intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain (aa 401–525, NTAIL) that is exposed at the surface of the viral nucleopcapsid. Thanks to its flexible nature, NTAIL interacts with several viral and cellular partners. Among these latter, the Interferon Regulator Factor 3 (IRF-3) has been reported to interact with N, with the interaction having been mapped to the regulatory domain of IRF-3 and to NTAIL. This interaction was described to lead to the phosphorylation-dependent activation of IRF-3, and to the ensuing activation of the pro-immune cytokine RANTES gene.

Results
After confirming the reciprocal ability of IRF-3 and N to be co-immunoprecipitated in 293T cells, we thoroughly investigated the NTAIL-IRF-3 interaction using a recombinant, monomeric form of the regulatory domain of IRF-3. Using a large panel of spectroscopic approaches, including circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we failed to detect any direct interaction between IRF-3 and either full-length N or NTAIL under conditions where these latter interact with the C-terminal X domain of the viral phosphoprotein. Furthermore, such interaction was neither detected in E. coli nor in a yeast two hybrid assay.

Conclusion
Altogether, these data support the requirement for a specific cellular environment, such as that provided by 293T human cells, for the NTAIL-IRF-3 interaction to occur. This dependence from a specific cellular context likely reflects the requirement for a human or mammalian cellular co-factor.
Clinical audit of foot problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Rome Keith , Gow Peter J , Dalbeth Nicola , Chapman Jonathan M 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundAt diagnosis, 16% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may have foot joint involvement, increasing to 90% as disease duration increases. This can lead to joint instability, difficulties in walking and limitation in functional ability that restricts activities of daily living. The podiatrist plays an important role in the multidisciplinary team approach to the management of foot problems. The aim of this study was to undertake a clinical audit of foot problems in patients with RA treated at Counties Manukau District Health Board.MethodsPatients with RA were identified through rheumatological clinics run within CMDHB. 100 patients were eligible for inclusion. Specific foot outcome tools were used to evaluate pain, disability and function. Observation on foot lesions were noted and previous history of foot assessment, footwear/insoles and foot surgery were evaluated.ResultsThe median age of the cohort was 60 (IQR: 51–64) years old with median disease duration of 15 (IQR: 7.3–25) years. Over 85% presented with foot lesions that included corns and callus over the forefoot region and lesser toe deformities. Moderate to high disability was noted. High levels of forefoot structural damage were observed. 76% had not seen a podiatrist and 77% reported no previous formal foot assessment. 40% had been seen at the orthotic centre for specialised footwear and insoles. 27% of RA patients reported previous foot surgery. A large proportion of patients wore inappropriate footwear.ConclusionThis clinical audit suggests that the majority of RA patients suffer from foot problems. Future recommendations include the provision of a podiatrist within the current CMDHB multidisciplinary rheumatology team to ensure better services for RA patients with foot problems.
Association of common polymorphisms in known susceptibility genes with rheumatoid arthritis in a Slovak population using osteoarthritis patients as controls
Authors: Stark Klaus , Rovenský Jozef , Blažičková Stanislava , Grosse-Wilde Hans , Ferencik Stanislav , Hengstenberg Christian , Straub Rainer H 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common and complex autoimmune disease. As well as the major susceptibility gene HLA-DRB1, recent genome-wide and candidate-gene studies reported additional evidence for association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the PTPN22, STAT4, OLIG3/TNFAIP3 and TRAF1/C5 loci with RA. This study was initiated to investigate the association between defined genetic markers and RA in a Slovak population. In contrast to recent studies, we included intensively-characterized osteoarthritis (OA) patients as controls.

Methods
We used material of 520 RA and 303 OA samples in a case-control setting. Six SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan assays. HLA-DRB1 alleles were determined by employing site-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

Results
No statistically significant association of TRAF1/C5 SNPs rs3761847 and rs10818488 with RA was detected. However, we were able to replicate the association signals between RA and HLA-DRB1 alleles, STAT4 (rs7574865), PTPN22 (rs2476601) and OLIG3/TNFAIP3 (rs10499194 and rs6920220). The strongest signal was detected for HLA-DRB1*04 with an allelic P = 1.2*10-13 (OR = 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.18 – 3.91). Additionally, SNPs rs7574865
STAT4
(P = 9.2*10-6; OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.35 – 2.18) and rs2476601
PTPN22
(P = 9.5*10-4; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23 – 2.26) were associated with susceptibility to RA, whereas after permutation testing OLIG3/TNFAIP3 SNPs rs10499194 and rs6920220 missed our criteria for significance (Pcorr = 0.114 and Pcorr = 0.180, respectively).

Conclusions
In our Slovak population, HLA-DRB1 alleles as well as SNPs in STAT4 and PTPN22 genes showed a strong association with RA.
Targeted Gene Knockdown in Zebrafish Reveals Distinct Intraembryonic Functions for Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Signaling
Authors: White Yvonne A. R. , Kyle Joshua T. , Wood Antony W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIGF-II is the predominant IGF ligand regulating prenatal growth in all vertebrates, including humans, but its central role in placental development has confounded efforts to fully elucidate its functions within the embryo. Here we use a nonplacental model vertebrate (zebrafish) to interrogate the intraembryonic functions of IGF-II signaling. The zebrafish genome contains two coorthologs of mammalian IGF2 (igf2a, igf2b), which exhibit distinct patterns of expression during embryogenesis. Expression of igf2a mRNA is restricted to the notochord, primarily during segmentation/neurulation. By contrast, igf2b mRNA is expressed in midline tissues adjacent to the notochord, with additional sites of expression in the ventral forebrain, and the pronephros. To identify their intraembryonic functions, we suppressed the expression of each gene with morpholino oligonucleotides. Knockdown of igf2a led to defects in dorsal midline development, characterized by delayed segmentation, notochord undulations, and ventral curvature. Similarly, suppression of igf2b led to defects in dorsal midline development but also induced ectopic fusion of the nephron primordia, and defects in ventral forebrain development. Subsequent onset of severe body edema in igf2b, but not igf2a morphants, further suggested a distinct role for igf2b in development of the embryonic kidney. Simultaneous knockdown of both genes increased the severity of dorsal midline defects, confirming a conserved role for both genes in dorsal midline development. Collectively, these data provide evidence that the zebrafish orthologs of IGF2 function in dorsal midline development during segmentation/neurulation, whereas one paralog, igf2b, has evolved additional, distinct functions during subsequent organogenesis.
NHE3 regulatory complexes
Authors: Donowitz Mark , Mohan Sachin , Zhu Cindy Xinjun , Chen Tian-E , Lin Rong , Cha Boyoung , Zachos Nicholas C. , Murtazina Rakhilya , Sarker Rafiquel , Li Xuhang 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe epithelial brush border Na/H exchanger NHE3 is active under basal conditions and functions as part of neutral NaCl absorption in the intestine and renal proximal tubule, where it accounts for the majority of total Na absorbed. NHE3 is highly regulated. Both stimulation and inhibition occur post-prandially. This digestion related regulation of NHE3 is mimicked by multiple extracellular agonists and intracellular second messengers. The regulation of NHE3 depends on its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, which acts as a scaffold to bind multiple regulatory proteins and links NHE3 to the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeletal association occurs by both direct binding to ezrin and by indirect binding via ezrin binding to the C-terminus of the multi-PDZ domain containing proteins NHERF1 and NHERF2. This is a review of the domain structure of NHE3 and of the scaffolding function and role in the regulation of NHE3 of the NHE3 C-terminal domain.
Vacuolar-type proton pumps in insect epithelia
Authors: Wieczorek Helmut , Beyenbach Klaus W. , Huss Markus , Vitavska Olga 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYActive transepithelial cation transport in insects was initially discovered in Malpighian tubules, and was subsequently also found in other epithelia such as salivary glands, labial glands, midgut and sensory sensilla. Today it appears to be established that the cation pump is a two-component system of a H+-transporting V-ATPase and a cation/nH+ antiporter. After tracing the discovery of the V-ATPase as the energizer of K+/nH+ antiport in the larval midgut of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta we show that research on the tobacco hornworm V-ATPase delivered important findings that emerged to be of general significance for our knowledge of V-ATPases, which are ubiquitous and highly conserved proton pumps. We then discuss the V-ATPase in Malpighian tubules of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster where the potential of post-genomic biology has been impressively illustrated. Finally we review an integrated physiological approach in Malpighian tubules of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti which shows that the V-ATPase delivers the energy for both transcellular and paracellular ion transport.
Validation of a Phosphoprotein Array Assay for Characterization of Human Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Downstream Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chergui Fadila , Chrétien Anne-Sophie , Bouali Sanae , Ramacci Carole , Rouyer Marie , Bastogne Thierry , Genin Pascal , Leroux Agnès , Merlin Jean-Louis 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) downstream signaling kinases have important effects on tumor response to anti-HER monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We validated an assay that uses phosphoprotein arrays for measurement of HER downstream signaling functionality in breast carcinomas.
Methods: Using the Bio-Plex® phosphoprotein array (BPA), we performed multiplex immunoanalysis to investigate the expression of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor and phosphorylated HER downstream signaling proteins (phosphorylated protein kinase B, phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase −3β, phosphorylated P70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 42/44) in 49 frozen specimens of ductal infiltrating breast carcinoma taken at diagnosis. BPA was cross-validated with Western blot analysis. Sample size, homogenicity, tumor content, protein extraction, and monoclonal antibody detection were in accordance with optimized standard operating procedures.
Results: Linear regression showed significant quantitative correlations between BPA and Western blot, with regression coefficient values of 0.71–0.87 (P &lt; 0.001). BPA intra- and interassay CVs were &lt;17% and 15%, respectively. Compared to limits of detection established by using the mean + 3SD of 10 blanks, large variations of phosphoprotein expression, up to several hundred-fold, were observed among the 49 tumor specimens.
Conclusions: Our results validate the use of the multiplex phosphoprotein array assay in human clinical tumor specimens. Further prospective evaluation is warranted to investigate the use of HER downstream signaling phosphoproteins as predictive and/or surrogate markers for clinical response to anti-HER targeted therapy. .
Effect of Catechol on the Size and Shape of CTAB Micelles in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Meng Jun , Lu Yao , Li Ling , Wu Huijue , Zhang Xin 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The effects of catechol on the change of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles in aqueous solutions have been studied by Ultramicroelectrode (UME) cyclic voltammetry and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Quenching (TRFQ). It has been shown that the diffusion coefficient decreases and the micelle aggregation number increases with the addition of catechol. This indicates that catechol has influence on the size or shape of CTAB micelles. In order to analyze the change of the micelles, other micelle parameters like the effective radius (a), surface area of micelle (S), area of single CTAB molecule (A) and packing parameter (P) were calculated. The values of P which is relative to the shape of the micelles are consistent with the change of the diffusion coefficient. All the results show that catechol can accelerate the increase of the aggregate size and sphere-to-rod morphology change of CTAB micelles even with lower concentration of CTAB. This is because that hydrophobic force makes catechol insert into CTAB micelles between CTAB molecules, which leads to the increase of the radius of curvature. The increase of aggregate size and the sphere-to-rod morphology change are also promoted as a result.
Effect of the Oxidation Potential of the Metal Deposit on the Photocatalytic Activity of Metallized Titanium Dioxide Samples
Authors: Damm Cornelia , Israel G. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
A commercial anatase pigment was coated with copper, silver, palladium, platinum and gold, respectively. That means the oxidation potential of the deposit was varied from about +0.3 V (vs. NHE) to about +1.5 V (vs. NHE). The photocatalytic activity of the metallized titanium dioxide samples was evaluated using the degradation of methyl orange as a test reaction. In comparison to the neat titanium dioxide the metallized samples exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity. A longer lifetime of charge carriers in the surface region of the metallized samples is the reason for their better activity, as photo-EMF investigations reveal.The photocatalytic activity of the metallized samples, however, depends on the kind of metal used although the amount of metal on the titanium dioxide was the same and the particle sizes of the deposits were similar for all samples. This finding shows that the oxidation potential of the metal deposit plays a major role for the photocatalytic activity of the support material because it governs the depth of the electron traps.The best photocatalytic activity was observed for titanium dioxide coated with silver. That means under the conditions used an oxidation potential of +0.8 V (vs. NHE) of the deposit is most suitable for the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide.
Efficacy and safety of ezetimibe/simvastatin combination therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ábel Tatjána , Fehér János , Dinya Elek , Gamal Eldin Mohamed , Kovács Attila 
Published: May 2009

A nem alkoholos zsírmáj gyakran fordul elő a metabolikus szindrómához tartozó 2-es típusú diabetesben, dyslipidaemiában és obesitasban.
Célkitűzés:
Az ezetimib/simvastatin 10/20 mg kombinált kezelés hatékonyságának és biztonságosságának meghatározása 2-es típusú diabeteses és nem alkoholos zsírmájú betegek esetében.
Módszer:
Tizenkilenc 2-es típusú diabeteses és nem alkoholos zsírmájú beteget vizsgáltunk, akiket 2005 és 2008 között diagnosztizáltak és kezeltek a Budaörsi Egészségügyi Központban. Hat hónappal az ezetimib/simvastatin (10/20 mg naponta) kombinált kezelést követően minden betegnél megfigyeltük a szérum-alanin-aminotranszferáz- (ALT-), aszpartát-aminotranszferáz- (AST-), koleszterin-, LDL-koleszterin-, HDL-koleszterin- és trigliceridszint változását.
Eredmények:
Hat hónappal az ezetimib/simvastatin adását követően szignifikánsan csökkent az ALT (63,78±5,12 vs. 32,57±3,92 U/L; p < 0,0001), az AST (50,79±3,66 vs. 23,68±3,42 U/L; p < 0,0001), a koleszterin (6,26±0,46 vs. 4,02±0,31 mmol/L; p < 0,0001) és az LDL-koleszterin (4,24±0,37 vs. 2,22±0,1 mmol/L; p < 0,0001) koncentrációja. A kombinált kezelés szignifikánsan csökkentette a triglicerid szintjét (2,62±0,48 vs. 1,33±0,20 mmol/L; p < 0,0001) és növelte a HDL-koleszterin (1,02±0,12 vs. 1,18±0,07 mmol/L; p < 0,0001) koncentrációját.
Következtetések:
Vizsgálatunk eredményei azt mutatják, hogy az ezetimib/simvastatin kombinált kezelés biztonságos és hatékony 2-es típusú diabeteses, nem alkoholos zsírmájú betegek esetében.