bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of the Vibrio cholerae ferric uptake regulator (Fur) reveals insights into metal co‐ordination
Authors: Sheikh Md. Arif , Taylor Garry L. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe ferric uptake regulator (Fur) is a metal‐dependent DNA‐binding protein that acts as both a repressor and an activator of numerous genes involved in maintaining iron homeostasis in bacteria. It has also been demonstrated in Vibrio cholerae that Fur plays an additional role in pathogenesis, opening up the potential of Fur as a drug target for cholera. Here we present the crystal structure of V. cholerae Fur that reveals a very different orientation of the DNA‐binding domains compared with that observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Fur. Each monomer of the dimeric Fur protein contains two metal binding sites occupied by zinc in the crystal structure. In the P. aeruginosa study these were designated as the regulatory site (Zn1) and structural site (Zn2). This V. cholerae Fur study, together with studies on Fur homologues and paralogues, suggests that in fact the Zn2 site is the regulatory iron binding site and the Zn1 site plays an auxiliary role. There is no evidence of metal binding to the cysteines that are conserved in many Fur homologues, including Escherichia coli Fur. An analysis of the metal binding properties shows that V. cholerae Fur can be activated by a range of divalent metals.
Genes regulating molecular and cellular functions in noninfectious nonallergic rhinitis
Authors: Cardell L. O. , Andersson M. , Cervin A. , Davidsson Å. , Hellgren J. , Holmström M. , Lundblad L. , Stierna P. , Stjärne P. , Adner M. ,   the SRFA study group
Published: April 2009

Background:  Chronic noninfectious, nonallergic rhinitis (NINAR) is a complex syndrome with a principally unknown pathophysiology. New technology has made it possible to examine differentially expressed genes and according to network theory, genes connected by their function that might have key roles in the disease.Methods:  Connectivity analysis was used to identify NINAR key genes. mRNA was extracted from nasal biopsies from 12 NINAR patients and 12 healthy volunteers. Microarrays were performed using Affymetrix chips with 54 613 genes. Data were analysed with the Ingenuity Pathway System for organization of genes into annotated biological functions and, thereafter, linking genes into networks due to their connectivity. The regulation of key genes was confirmed with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results:  In all, 43 genes were differentially expressed. The functional analysis showed that these genes were primarily involved in cellular movement, haematological system development and immune response. Merging these functions, 10 genes were found to be shared. Network analysis generated three networks and two of these ‘shared genes’ in key positions, c‐fos and cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42). These genes were upregulated in both the array and the RT‐PCR analysis.Conclusion:  Ten genes were found to be of pathophysiological interest for NINAR and of these, c‐fos and Cdc42 seemed to be of specific interest due to their ability to interact with other genes of interest within this context. Although the role of c‐fos and Cdc42 in upper airway inflammation remains unknown, they might be used as potential disease markers.
High urgency liver transplantation in ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency presenting with acute liver failure
Authors: Teufel Ulrike , Weitz Jürgen , Flechtenmacher Christa , Prietsch Viola , Schmidt Jan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Kölker Stefan , Engelmann Guido 
Published: April 2009

Teufel U, Weitz J, Flechtenmacher C, Prietsch V, Schmidt J, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Engelmann G. High urgency liver transplantation in ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency presenting with acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: E110–E115. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  OTCD can present with ALF at any age. Under adequate therapy symptoms resolve quickly. We report a three‐yr‐old girl with the manifestation of an OTCD as ALF. Despite adequate pharmacotherapy and protein restriction, the patient deteriorated and developed hepatic encephalopathy. A high urgency liver transplantation was performed and the patient recovered completely. We conclude that in patients with ALF urea cycle defects in general and OTCD in particular should be considered as differential diagnosis. Patients should be managed in a center that has the capacity for an emergency liver transplantation.
Mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplantation: A single center experience
Authors: Raheem Omer A. , Kamel Mohamed H. , Daly Padraiq J. , Mohan Ponnusamy , Little Dilly M. , Awan Atif , Hickey David P. 
Published: April 2009

Raheem OA, Kamel MH, Daly PJ, Mohan P, Little DM, Awan A, Hickey DP. Mycophenolate mofetil in pediatric renal transplantation: A single center experience. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:240–244. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  We assessed our long‐term experience with regards to the safety and efficacy of MMF in our pediatric renal transplant population and compared it retrospectively to our previous non‐MMF immunosuppressive regimen. Forty‐seven pediatric renal transplants received MMF as part of their immunosuppressive protocol in the period from January 1997 till October 2006 (MMF group). A previously reported non‐MMF group of 59 pediatric renal transplants was included for comparative analysis (non‐MMF group). The MMF group comprised 29 boys and 18 girls, whereas the non‐MMF group comprised 34 boys and 25 girls. Mean age was 11.7 and 12 yr in the MMF and non‐MMF groups, respectively. The incidence of acute rejection episodes was 11 (23.4%) and 14 (24%) in the MMF and non‐MMF group, respectively. Two (3.3%) grafts were lost in the non‐MMF group compared with one (2.1%) in the MMF group. Twenty‐one (44.68%) patients in the MMF group developed post‐transplant infections compared with 12 (20.33%) in the non‐MMF group (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the use of MMF in pediatric renal transplantation was not associated with a lower rejection rate or immunological graft loss. It did, however, result in a significantly higher rate of viral infections.
Ketamine attenuates post‐operative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery
Authors: HUDETZ J. A. , IQBAL Z. , GANDHI S. D. , PATTERSON K. M. , BYRNE A. J. , HUDETZ A. G. , PAGEL P. S. , WARLTIER D. C. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after cardiac surgery. Ketamine exerts neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia by anti‐excitotoxic and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms. We hypothesized that ketamine attenuates POCD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery concomitant with an anti‐inflammatory effect.Methods: Patients randomly received placebo (0.9% saline; n=26) or an i.v. bolus of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg; n=26) during anesthetic induction. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and fentanyl. A nonsurgical group (n=26) was also included as control. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed before and 1 week after surgery or a 1‐week waiting period for the nonsurgical controls. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined before surgery and on the first post‐operative day.Results: Baseline neurocognitive and depression scores were similar in the placebo, ketamine, and nonsurgical control groups. Cognitive performance after surgery decreased by at least 2 SDs (z‐score of 1.96) in 21 patients in the placebo group and only in seven patients in the ketamine group compared with the nonsurgical controls (P<0.001, Fisher's exact test). Cognitive performance was also significantly different between the placebo‐ and the ketamine‐treated groups based on all z‐scores (P<0.001, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Pre‐operative CRP concentrations were similar (P<0.33, Mann–Whitney U‐test) in the placebo‐ and ketamine‐treated groups. The post‐operative CRP concentration was significantly (P<0.01, Mann–Whitney U‐test) lower in the ketamine‐treated than in the placebo‐treated group.Conclusions: Ketamine attenuates POCD 1 week after cardiac surgery and this effect may be related to the anti‐inflammatory action of the drug.
International collaborative study to evaluate candidate reference reagents to standardize haemagglutination testing for anti‐A and anti‐B in normal intravenous immunoglobulin products
Authors: Thorpe S. J. , Fox B. , Sharp G. , Heath A. B. , Behr‐Gross M.‐E. , Terao E. , Virata‐Theimer M. L. , Yu M. W. 
Published: April 2009

Background and Objectives  The aim of the study was to evaluate, in an international collaboration, three lyophilized intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations for their suitability to standardize and control haemagglutination testing for anti‐A and anti‐B in IVIG products.Materials and Methods  Twenty‐three laboratories tested candidate IVIG reference reagents consisting of a Positive control (07/306), a Negative control (07/308), and a specifically formulated Limit preparation (07/310) to define the maximum (e.g. pharmacopoeial) limits of anti‐A and anti‐B in IVIG products, where limits are applicable. Laboratories performed direct haemagglutination using papain‐treated erythrocytes and/or indirect antiglobulin tests.Results  For both methods, there was up to 16‐fold variation in anti‐A and anti‐B titres, although there was good agreement over a two‐fold titre range for anti‐A and anti‐B between laboratories for both 07/306 and 07/310 using the direct method. Comparative titration data for 07/306 and 07/310 indicated that the use of a ‘Limit’ reference reagent would facilitate identification of higher titre batches when the direct haemagglutination method is used.Conclusions  The establishment of preparations 07/306, 07/308 and 07/310 as reference reagents by the World Health Organization will facilitate global standardization of haemagglutination tests for anti‐A and anti‐B, ensure that such tests are sufficiently sensitive and specific, and facilitate identification of batches that exceed maximum recommended levels of anti‐A and anti‐B. The Commission of the European Pharmacopoeia and the United States Food and Drug Administration have adopted the same reference reagents including the maximal specifications defined by preparation 07/310.
Histopathology of primary needles and mortality associated with white pine blister rust in resistant and susceptible Pinus strobus
Authors: Jacobs J. J. , Burnes T. A. , David A. J. , Blanchette R. A. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryWhite pine blister rust caused by Cronartium ribicola is a damaging non‐native disease of five‐needled pines in North America. Efforts to control the disease and mitigate damage to date have been only somewhat effective. Recent efforts to improve the health of eastern white pine and reestablish the tree as a dominant species in the North Central United States have focused on identification and propagation of disease‐free eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) growing in areas with a high incidence of blister rust. Many of these selections have been shown to resist infection following artificial inoculation with C. ribicola. In this study, 13 eastern white pine families derived from controlled pollination of selections previously determined to possess putative resistance as well as susceptible selections were inoculated with C. ribicola. Mortality data from inoculation studies show superior survivability in three families with over 60% of seedlings able to survive the 52 week post‐inoculation monitoring period compared to 0–10% survival of the most susceptible families. Primary needles were collected for histological analysis from all inoculated families 4 weeks after inoculation and from selected families 6.5 weeks and 38 weeks after inoculation. Histological observations of infection sites show distinct resistance reactions in the families more likely to survive infection based on mortality data. Analysis of the reactions in susceptible families revealed extensive hyphal colonization of the vascular bundle and adjacent mesophyll cells that appear uninhibited by tree responses. In resistant families, collapsed cells adjacent to infection sites, heavy deposition of phenolic compounds and abnormal cell growth were documented more frequently and appear to play an integral role in the ability of these eastern white pine families to impede growth of C. ribicola in primary needle tissue.
Mountain pine beetle‐associated blue‐stain fungi in lodgepole × jack pine hybrids near Grande Prairie, Alberta (Canada)
Authors: Rice A. V. , Langor D. W. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe mountain pine beetle (MPB), the most serious pest of lodgepole pine in mountainous western Canada, spread northeastward into lodgepole × jack pine hybrids in the boreal forest of Alberta in 2006. The MPB vectors three species of blue‐stain fungi, which contribute to the success of the beetles. These fungi were isolated from MPB larvae and galleries in several lodgepole × jack pine stands in the Grande Prairie region of northwestern Alberta in autumn 2006 and winter and spring 2007. Fungi were recovered from more than 95% of gallery systems. The three fungi were similarly prevalent but Ophiostoma montium was the most frequently isolated fungus at each sampling point, isolated from 72% to 90% of gallery systems compared with 63% to 78% for Grosmannia clavigera, and 61% to 86% for Leptographium longiclavatum. Ophiostoma montium and G. clavigera were isolated from more larvae than gallery samples, with the opposite true for L. longiclavatum. Most gallery systems contained multiple fungi with three fungi per gallery system being more common in autumn and winter and two fungi more common in the spring. The combination of G. clavigera and L. longiclavatum was less common among gallery systems with two fungi than either of the pairwise combinations containing O. montium. Fungal prevalence was the same above and below snow level. The prevalence of the three fungi did not differ significantly among stands sampled in the spring but stands with more G. clavigera tended to have less L. longiclavatum. The winter of 2006–2007 was colder than average throughout Alberta with temperatures below −30°C in November, January and February, and all three fungi were present after the cold winter while most larvae had died, suggesting that overwintering mortality of the fungi will not limit persistence and spread of MPB in the boreal forest.
Effects of breed, sex and halothane genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in pork longissimus muscle
Authors: Zhang S. , Knight T.J. , Stalder K.J. , Goodwin R.N. , Lonergan S.M. , Beitz D.C. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe objective of this study was to estimate the effects of breed, sex, and halothane (HAL‐1843TM) genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) extracted from porcine longissimus muscle (LM). Purebred Yorkshire (n = 131), Duroc (n = 136), Hampshire (n = 49), Spotted (n = 35), Chester White (n = 74), Poland China (n = 51), Berkshire (n = 169) and Landrace (n = 82) pigs (n = 727; 427 barrows and 300 gilts) from the 1994 and 2001 National Barrow Show Sire Progeny Tests were used. For statistical analyses, a mixed model was used that included fixed effects of breed, sex, HAL‐1843TM genotype, year, slaughter date within each year, interaction of breed × sex and random effects of sire and dam within breed. Breeds and sex were significantly associated with the percentages of the majority fatty acids in TAG. Duroc pigs had greater total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05) contents than did pigs of all other breeds except Berkshire (p > 0.05). The concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the greatest in Hampshire pigs (p < 0.05). The content of total SFA was greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentrations of total MUFA and PUFA were lower (p < 0.01) in barrows than those in gilts. The contents of major SFA in PL did not differ significantly among pigs from different breeds and sex groups. However, breed and sex significantly affected the concentrations of major MUFA and PUFA in PL and strong negative correlation between the total contents of MUFA and PUFA in PL was observed in the current study. Chester White pigs had greater total MUFA and lower total PUFA contents (p < 0.05) in PL than did pigs of all other breeds except Spotted (p > 0.05). In contrast to breed and sex effects, the concentrations of fatty acids in PL were more affected by HAL‐1843TM genotype than those in TAG. The content of C16:0, a major SFA in PL, differed significantly in pigs with different HAL‐1843TM genotypes. In conclusion, these results suggest that breed and sex are important sources of the variations for fatty acid composition of TAG and PL in LM.
Molecular mapping of a new red mutant gene (Rs) in upland cotton
Authors: Yin J. M. , Chen X. S. , Xiao S. H. , Xu N. Y. , Die J. C. , Liu J. G. , Wu Q. J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn recent years, there has been slow progress in improving cotton yield. It is known that the F1 generation from the cross of the new red mutant and the normal green leaf plant has high photosynthetic efficiency. Therefore, cloning the new red mutant gene and further introducing it into other crops through transgenic techniques is a promising approach for achieving high photosynthetic efficiency through breeding. To map this new mutant gene, tentatively named Rs, the authors constructed an F2 generation containing 1214 individual plants from mutant EH083 (Gossypium hirsutum) and Hai 7124 (Gossypium barbadense). Fifty‐five pairs of simple sequence repeats and sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) primers on chromosome 7 were selected to screen the two parents. Finally, the Rs gene was mapped at the 0.3 cM interval flanked by markers NAU3735 and NAU1048.
Effects of 1,8‐cineole on electrophysiological parameters of neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion
Authors: Ferreira‐da‐Silva Francisco W , Barbosa Roseli , Moreira‐Júnior Luiz , Dos Santos‐Nascimento Tiago , De Oliveira‐Martins Maria D , Coelho‐de‐Souza Andrelina N , Cavalcante Francisco SA , Ceccatto Vânia M , De Lemos Telma LG , Magalhães Pedro JC , Lahlou Saad , Leal‐Cardoso José H 
Published: April 2009

Summary

1,8‐Cineole is a non‐toxic small terpenoid oxide believed to have medicinal properties in folk medicine. It has been shown to have various pharmacological effects, including blockade of the compound action potential (AP). In the present study, using intracellular recording techniques, we investigated the effects of 1,8‐cineole on the electrophysiological parameters of neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) in rats.
1,8‐Cineole (0.1–6 mmol/L) showed reversible and concentration‐dependent effects on various electrophysiological parameters. At 3 and 6 mmol/L, but not at 0.1 and 1 mmol/L, 1,8‐cineole significantly diminished the input resistance (Ri) and altered the resting potential (Em) to more positive values. At 6 mmol/L, 1,8‐cineole completely blocked all APs within 2.7 ± 0.6 min (n = 12). In neurons exposed to 3 and 1 mmol/L 1,8‐cineole, the effects regarding excitability varied from complete AP blockade to minor inhibition of AP parameters. The depolarization of Em and the decrease in Ri induced by 6 mmol/L 1,8‐cineole were unaltered by 200 µmol/L niflumic acid, a well known blocker of Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents.
Significant correlations (Pearson correlation test) were found between changes in Em and decreases in AP amplitude (r = –0.893; P < 0.00282) and maximum ascendant inclination (r = –0.799; P < 0.0173), but not for maximum descendant inclination (r = 0.598; P < 0.117). Application of current to restore the transmembrane potential equal to control Em values in the presence of 6 mmol/L 1,8‐cineole resulted in the partial recovery of AP.
The present study shows that 1,8‐cineole effectively blocks the excitability of SCG neurons, probably through various mechanisms, one of which acts indirectly via depolarization of the neuronal cytoplasmatic membrane.
ATP‐sensitive potassium channels: A promising target for protecting neurovascular unit function in stroke
Authors: Sun Xiu‐Lan , Hu Gang 
Published: April 2009

Summary

Stroke is the second most common cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Despite increasing knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that occur in stroke, there are still large gaps in our understanding that are impeding therapeutic progress. In addition, there are no drugs yet that can be used effectively in stroke patients.
In recent years, it has been recognized that stroke is a brain dysfunction that involves multiple cell types and that a purely neurocentric focus or targeting a single point in a single pathway fails to yield sufficient protection. Thus, the concept of the ‘neurovascular unit’ has emerged as a new paradigm for stroke investigation and therapy.
ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are unique channel proteins that directly couple the metabolic state of a cell to its electrical activity. These channels are found throughout the brain, being found in neurons, glial cells and in the brain vasculature. It is well documented that KATP channels play multifactorial roles in protecting against brain injury induced by hypoxia, ischaemia or metabolic inhibition.
In the present review, we focus on the function of the neurovascular units in stroke and review current knowledge regarding KATP channels, with a focus on their potential role in the remodelling of the neurovascular units.
ROLE OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES IN THE CONTROL OF CYTOSOLIC Ca2+ LEVELS IN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS
Authors: Kwan HY , Huang Y , Yao XQ , Leung FP 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARY

Endothelial cells have a key role in the cardiovascular system. Most endothelial cell functions depend on changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) to some extent and Ca2+ signalling acts to link external stimuli with the synthesis and release of regulatory factors in endothelial cells. The [Ca2+]i is maintained by a well‐balanced Ca2+ flux across the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane.
Cyclic nucleotides, such as cAMP and cGMP, are very important second messengers. The cyclic nucleotides can affect [Ca2+]i directly or indirectly (via the actions of protein kinase (PK) A or PKG‐mediated phosphorylation) by regulating Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx. Fine‐tuning of [Ca2+]i is also fundamental to protect endothelial cells against damaged caused by the excessive accumulation of Ca2+.
Therapeutic agents that control cAMP and cGMP levels have been used to treat various cardiovascular diseases.
The aim of the present review is to discuss: (i) the functions of endothelial cells; (ii) the importance of [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells; (iii) the impact of excessive [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells; and (iv) the balanced control of [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells via involvement of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) and their general effectors.
Reduction of Aβ42 in brains of transgenic APPswe mice by 2‐3‐chlorophenylaminophenylacetate
Authors: Cohen Margo P , Shearman Clyde W 
Published: April 2009

Summary

Imbalanced generation of the Aβ42 peptide from the amyloid β protein precursor (APP) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
The present study is the first to evaluate the ability of 2‐[3‐chlorophenylamino]phenylacetic acid (GLY‐230), a new drug in clinical development for the treatment of vascular complications of diabetes, to modulate Aβ42 levels in transgenic mice expressing APP.
Oral administration of 7.5 mg/kg GLY‐230 twice a day for 14 days to APPswe transgenic mice aged 3 months significantly reduced brain Aβ42 and increased plasma Aβ42 levels by 50 and 20%, respectively.
GLY‐230 readily entered the brain after administration of a dose (7.5 mg/kg) that decreased brain Aβ42.
These results are the first to demonstrate that GLY‐230, which exhibits antiglycation but no cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitory properties, lowers brain Aβ42 levels in this experimental model of Alzheimer's disease.