bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The auxiliary protein complex SaePQ activates the phosphatase activity of sensor kinase SaeS in the SaeRS two‐component system of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jeong Do‐Won , Cho Hoonsik , Jones Marcus B. , Shatzkes Kenneth , Sun Fei , Ji Quanjiang , Liu Qian , Peterson Scott N. , He Chuan , Bae Taeok 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn bacterial two‐component regulatory systems (TCSs), dephosphorylation of phosphorylated response regulators is essential for resetting the activated systems to the pre‐activation state. However, in the SaeRS TCS, a major virulence TCS of Staphylococcus aureus, the mechanism for dephosphorylation of the response regulator SaeR has not been identified. Here we report that two auxiliary proteins from the sae operon, SaeP and SaeQ, form a protein complex with the sensor kinase SaeS and activate the sensor kinase's phosphatase activity. Efficient activation of the phosphatase activity required the presence of both SaeP and SaeQ. When SaeP and SaeQ were ectopically expressed, the expression of coagulase, a sae target with low affinity for phosphorylated SaeR, was greatly reduced, while the expression of alpha‐haemolysin, a sae target with high affinity for phosphorylated SaeR, was not, demonstrating a differential effect of SaePQ on sae target gene expression. When expression of SaePQ was abolished, most sae target genes were induced at an elevated level. Since the expression of SaeP and SaeQ is induced by the SaeRS TCS, these results suggest that the SaeRS TCS returns to the pre‐activation state by a negative feedback mechanism.
The biofilm formation defect of a Bacillus subtilis flotillin‐defective mutant involves the protease FtsH
Authors: Yepes Ana , Schneider Johannes , Mielich Benjamin , Koch Gudrun , García‐Betancur Juan‐Carlos , Ramamurthi Kumaran S. , Vlamakis Hera , López Daniel 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBiofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis requires the differentiation of a subpopulation of cells responsible for the production of the extracellular matrix that structures the biofilm. Differentiation of matrix‐producing cells depends, among other factors, on the FloT and YqfA proteins. These proteins are present exclusively in functional membrane microdomains of B. subtilis and are homologous to the eukaryotic lipid raft‐specific flotillin proteins. In the absence of FloT and YqfA, diverse proteins normally localized to the membrane microdomains of B. subtilis are not functional. Here we show that the absence of FloT and YqfA reduces the level of the septal‐localized protease FtsH. The flotillin homologues FloT and YqfA are occasionally present at the midcell in exponentially growing cells and the absence of FloT and YqfA negatively affects FtsH concentration. Biochemical experiments indicate a direct interaction between FloT/YqfA and FtsH. Moreover, FtsH is essential for the differentiation of matrix producers and hence, biofilm formation. This molecular trigger of biofilm formation may therefore be used as a target for the design of new biofilm inhibitors. Accordingly, we show that the small protein SpoVM, known to bind to and inhibit FtsH activity, inhibits biofilm formation in B. subtilis and other distantly related bacteria.
Measured and modelled leaf and stand‐scale productivity across a soil moisture gradient and a severe drought
Authors: WRIGHT J. K. , WILLIAMS M. , STARR G. , MCGEE J. , MITCHELL R. J. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTEnvironmental controls on carbon dynamics operate at a range of interacting scales from the leaf to landscape. The key questions of this study addressed the influence of water and nitrogen (N) availability on Pinus palustris (Mill.) physiology and primary productivity across leaf and canopy scales, linking the soil‐plant‐atmosphere (SPA) model to leaf and stand‐scale flux and leaf trait/canopy data. We present previously unreported ecophysiological parameters (e.g. Vcmax and Jmax) for P. palustris and the first modelled estimates of its annual gross primary productivity (GPP) across xeric and mesic sites and under extreme drought. Annual mesic site P. palustris GPP was ∼23% greater than at the xeric site. However, at the leaf level, xeric trees had higher net photosynthetic rates, and water and light use efficiency. At the canopy scale, GPP was limited by light interception (canopy level), but co‐limited by nitrogen and water at the leaf level. Contrary to expectations, the impacts of an intense growing season drought were greater at the mesic site. Modelling indicated a 10% greater decrease in mesic GPP compared with the xeric site. Xeric P. palustris trees exhibited drought‐tolerant behaviour that contrasted with mesic trees' drought‐avoidance behaviour.
Ovarian Steroid Regulation of Endometrial Phospholipase A2 Isoforms in Horses
Authors: Ababneh MM , Troedsson MHT 
Published: August 2012

ContentsReal‐time PCR was used to investigate the role of progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) in regulation of endometrial cytosolic, secretory and calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4A, PLA2G2A and PLA2G6, respectively) gene expression. Ovariectomized mares underwent 6 days of E2 pre‐treatment followed by 14 days of P4 supplementation. At the start of P4 treatment (Day 1), mares were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive either E2 or vehicle starting on Day 11 and endometrial biopsy collection on either Day 14 when P4 concentrations remained high (>4 ng/ml) or Day 16 when P4 concentrations had declined (0.5–2 ng/ml). Additional biopsies were collected from ovariectomized mares on Day 8, which served as control. Blood samples were collected for P4 determination. PLA2G4A expression was higher (p < 0.05) on Day 14 compared with Day 8. In contrast, PLA2G2A did not change significantly (p < 0.12). PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression increased (p < 0.05), as P4 concentration dropped, on Day 16. In contrast, PLA2G6 gene expression did not show differences between days. Treatment with oestradiol did not increase PLA2 isoforms expression when compared to treatment with the vehicle. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with P4 concentrations. In conclusion, P4 withdrawal upregulated PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A gene expression, and this was not affected by E2. PLA2G4A and PLA2G2A but not PLA2G6 gene expression may be involved in controlling prostaglandin F2 alpha synthesis and luteolysis.
Enhanced recovery after surgery versus conventional care in colonic and rectal surgery
Authors: Keane Celia , Savage Stephanie , McFarlane Kim , Seigne Richard , Robertson Greg , Eglinton Tim 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntroductionEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been shown to improve outcomes after colonic surgery. However, there is less evidence supporting ERAS in rectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of conventional perioperative care with those of an ERAS pathway including both colonic and rectal surgery patients.MethodsOutcomes of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at Christchurch Hospital within the ERAS pathway were compared with patients receiving conventional perioperative care over a 2‐year period. A retrospective analysis was conducted, including primary and total length of stay (LOS), readmission, complication and mortality rate.ResultsA total of 240 patients undergoing colorectal surgery were included; 160 patients received conventional perioperative care and 80 patients were managed within the ERAS pathway. Primary and total LOS were shorter in the ERAS group (6 versus 7 days, P = 0.0004, 7 versus 10 days, P = 0.0003, respectively). Re‐admission and complication rates were not significantly different between the groups. There was one death (in the conventional care group) within 30 days. Patients undergoing rectal surgery within the ERAS pathway did not show any difference in primary LOS, readmission or complication rate although median total LOS was significantly reduced (7 versus 10 days, P = 0.0457).ConclusionPatients undergoing elective colorectal surgery managed within the ERAS pathway had shorter hospital stays without increased morbidity or mortality. Differences were less pronounced in the rectal surgery subgroup and further research is needed to investigate the use of ERAS pathways for patients undergoing elective rectal surgery.
Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus standard medical management in obese patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK
Authors: Pollock R. F. , Muduma G. , Valentine W. J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) versus standard medical management (SMM) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes from a UK healthcare payer perspective.MethodsA validated computer model of diabetes was used to project outcomes reported from a randomized clinical trial of LAGB versus SMM in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Two‐year follow‐up data from the trial were projected over a 40‐year time horizon and cost‐effectiveness was assessed from the perspective of the National Health Service. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 3.5% annually and all costs were reported in 2010 pounds sterling. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsLAGB was associated with benefits in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and serum lipid concentrations, which led to significant increases in discounted life expectancy (an increase of 0.64 years) and quality‐adjusted life expectancy (an increase of 0.92 quality‐adjusted life years, QALYs) and reduced incidence of diabetes complications relative to SMM. Treatment costs in the LAGB arm increased by 4552 Great British Pounds (GBP), but this was partially offset by cost savings resulting from a reduction in the incidence of all modelled diabetes complications. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of GBP 3602 per QALY in the base case fell well below commonly quoted willingness‐to‐pay thresholds in the UK setting.ConclusionsOn the basis of data from a recent randomized controlled trial, LAGB is likely to be considered cost‐effective from the healthcare payer perspective when compared with SMM of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK setting.
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer detection
Authors: Morote Juan , Ropero Jordi , Planas Jacques , Bastarós Juan M. , Delgado Gueisy , Placer José , Celma Anna , de Torres Inés M. , Carles Joan , Reventós Jaume , Doll Andreas 
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
Metabolic syndrome can identify patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide and is associated with increased age, obesity and hypogonadism. The association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer development has not been studied comprehensively, and published studies report divergent results.
This study indicates that tumours detected in men with metabolic syndrome are more aggressive than those detected in men without this condition.
Objective
To further examine the association between metabolic syndrome (MS), prostate cancer (PC) detection risk and tumour aggressiveness.
Patients and Methods
From 2006 to 2010, 2408 men not receiving 5α‐reductase inhibitors were scheduled for prostatic biopsy due to PSA above 4 ng/mL and/or abnormal digital rectal examination.
MS was evaluated according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults, Adult Treatment Panel III definition.
Tumour aggressiveness was evaluated through biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage and risk of biochemical recurrence after primary treatment.
Results
The rates of PC detection were 34.5% and 36.4% respectively in men with and without MS, P = 0.185. High grade PC rates (Gleason score 8–10) were 35.9% and 23.9% respectively, P < 0.001. The advanced disease rates (cT3–4 N0–1 M0–1) were 17% and 12.7% respectively, P = 0.841.
The high risk PC rates (cT2c–4 or Gleason score 8–10 or PSA > 20) were 38.5% and 33.0% respectively, P = 0.581.
Multivariate analysis confirmed that MS was not associated with the risk of PC detection but it was associated with an increased risk of high grade tumours (odds ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.26–2.41), P < 0.001.
Conclusion
MS seems not be associated with an increased risk of PC detection but it is associated with an increased risk of more aggressive tumours.
Looking Back at Zoffany
Authors: Cole Georgina 
Published: August 2012

Johan Zoffany RA: Society Observed, New Haven: Yale Center for British Art, 27 October 2011–12 February 2012; London: Royal Academy of Arts, 10 March–10 June 2012Johan Zoffany RA: Society Observed edited by Martin Postle, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2011, 320 pp., 225 col. and 5 b. & w. illus., £40.00 hdbk
Resuscitating Gérôme?
Authors: Kaina Philippa 
Published: August 2012

Reconsidering Gérôme edited by Scott Allan and Mary Morton, Los Angeles, CA: Getty Publications, 2010, 168 pp., 8 col. and 27 b. & w. illus., £18.99The Spectacular Art of Jean‐Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) edited by Laurence de Cars, Dominique de Font‐Réaulx and Édouard Papet, Paris: Skira, 2010, 384 pp., 101 col. and 130 b. & w. illus., £50.00The Spectacular Art of Jean‐Léon Gérôme (1824–1904), Los Angeles, CA: The J. Paul Getty Museum, 15 June–12 September 2010; Paris: Musée d'Orsay, 19 October 2010–23 January 2011; Madrid: Museo Thyssen‐Bornemisza, 1 March–22 May 2011
Postmitotic neurons develop a p21‐dependent senescence‐like phenotype driven by a DNA damage response
Authors: Jurk Diana , Wang Chunfang , Miwa Satomi , Maddick Mandy , Korolchuk Viktor , Tsolou Avgi , Gonos Efstathios S. , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Jill Saffrey M. , Cameron Kerry , von Zglinicki Thomas 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIn senescent cells, a DNA damage response drives not only irreversible loss of replicative capacity but also production and secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bioactive peptides including pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This makes senescent cells a potential cause of tissue functional decline in aging. To our knowledge, we show here for the first time evidence suggesting that DNA damage induces a senescence‐like state in mature postmitotic neurons in vivo. About 40–80% of Purkinje neurons and 20–40% of cortical, hippocampal and peripheral neurons in the myenteric plexus from old C57Bl/6 mice showed severe DNA damage, activated p38MAPkinase, high ROS production and oxidative damage, interleukin IL‐6 production, heterochromatinization and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. Frequencies of these senescence‐like neurons increased with age. Short‐term caloric restriction tended to decrease frequencies of positive cells. The phenotype was aggravated in brains of late‐generation TERC−/− mice with dysfunctional telomeres. It was fully rescued by loss of p21(CDKN1A) function in late‐generation TERC−/−CDKN1A−/− mice, indicating p21 as the necessary signal transducer between DNA damage response and senescence‐like phenotype in neurons, as in senescing fibroblasts and other proliferation‐competent cells. We conclude that a senescence‐like phenotype is possibly not restricted to proliferation‐competent cells. Rather, dysfunctional telomeres and/or accumulated DNA damage can induce a DNA damage response leading to a phenotype in postmitotic neurons that resembles cell senescence in multiple features. Senescence‐like neurons might be a source of oxidative and inflammatory stress and a contributor to brain aging.
Assessment of Ventricular Electrophysiological Characteristics at Periinfarct Zone of Postmyocardial Infarction in Rabbits following Stellate Ganglion Block
Authors: GU YONGWEI , WANG LONG , WANG XI , TANG YANHONG , CAO FENG , FANG YONGYOU 
Published: August 2012

Assessment of Ventricular Electrophysiological Characteristics. Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of ventricular electrophysiology following stellate ganglion block (SGB) at periinfarct zone in rabbits with myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods and Results:
Sixty‐four rabbits were randomly assigned to 2 groups: MI (n = 32), ligation of the anterior descending coronary and sham operation (SO) (n = 32), without coronary ligation. Both MI and SO groups were divided into 4 subgroups according to right or left SGB and corresponding control (n = 8, each). After 8 weeks, 90% of monophasic action potential duration (MAPD90) of epicardium, midmyocardium and endocardium, transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR), effective refractory period (ERP), and ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) were measured at the infarct border zone (MI group) and corresponding zone (SO group) following SGB. For SGB, 0.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine was used. Compared with the corresponding control group, in both the MI and SO groups, left SGB (LSGB) prolonged the MAPD90 of the 3 layers, reduced TDR, and increased ERP and VFT (P < 0.05). However, right SGB (RSGB) shortened MAPD90, increased TDR, and reduced ERP and VFT (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The results of this study demonstrate that LSGB can increase the electrophysiological stability of ventricular myocardium. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. S24‐S28, November 2012)
Model of Functional Performance in Obese Elderly People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ade‐Oshifogun Jochebed Bosede 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose: To test a theoretically and empirically supported model of the relationships among percent truncal fat (truncal obesity); disease severity (carbon monoxide diffusing capacity [DLCO]); symptoms (dyspnea); functional capacity (6‐min walk test distance); and functional performance (functional performance index) of elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Design and Method: A model of functional performance was proposed using a multidimensional framework as expounded by Leidy, and incorporating Wilson and Cleary's model for the relationship between symptoms and functional status. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships among variables. The researchers used a descriptive, cross‐sectional design. Subjects were phone screened and completed electrocardiography, physical examination, spirometry testing, and a 4‐min walk test as part of initial screening. Enrolled subjects completed a whole‐body dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan to measure truncal obesity, 6‐min walk test, upper body functional performance test, and questionnaires. Subjects were grouped into normal weight, overweight, or obese according to body mass index.Results: The sample consisted of 76 people 55 years of age and older with mild to severe COPD. Percent truncal fat (truncal obesity) did not affect functional performance directly, but did affect it indirectly through dyspnea. The 6‐min walk test distance, dyspnea, and DLCO accounted for 29% of the variability in functional performance.Conclusions: We believe that the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation will be enhanced when nurses consider weight loss as a controllable factor for overweight and obese clients. The increasing prevalence of obesity in this population may dictate collaboration between dieticians and pulmonary rehabilitation nurses for effective rehabilitation programs.Clinical Relevance: These findings suggest that percent truncal fat (truncal obesity) may be an indirect factor in the performance of daily activities of people with COPD. We anticipate that clinicians will use knowledge derived from this study to develop interventions to reduce or minimize truncal fat (truncal obesity) and its effects on people with COPD.Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2012; 00:0, 1–10. ©2012 Sigma Theta Tau International.
Nowcasting the Mood of the Nation
Authors: Lansdall-Welfare Thomas , Lampos Vasileios , Cristianini Nello 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Vast data-streams from social networks like Twitter and Facebook contain a people's opinions, fears and dreams. Thomas Lansdall-Welfare, Vasileios Lampos and Nello Cristianini exploit a whole new tool for social scientists.
Comparative mode of action of novel hybrid peptide CS‐1a and its rearranged amphipathic analogue CS‐2a
Authors: Joshi Seema , Bisht Gopal S. , Rawat Diwan S. , Maiti Souvik , Pasha Santosh 
Published: August 2012

Cell selective, naturally occurring, host defence cationic peptides present a good template for the design of novel peptides with the aim of achieving a short length with improved antimicrobial potency and selectivity. A novel, short peptide CS‐1a (14 residues) was derived using a sequence hybridization approach on sarcotoxin I (39 residues) and cecropin B (35 residues). The sequence of CS‐1a was rearranged to enhance amphipathicity with the help of a Schiffer–Edmundson diagram to obtain CS‐2a. Both peptides showed good antibacterial activity in the concentration range 4–16 μg·mL−1 against susceptible as well as drug‐resistant bacterial strains, including the clinically relevant pathogens Acenatobacter sp. and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The major thrust of these peptides is their nonhaemolytic activity against human red blood cells up to a high concentration of 512 μg·mL−1. Compared to CS‐1a, amphipathic peptide CS‐2a showed a more pronounced α‐helical conformation, along with a better membrane insertion depth in bacterial mimic 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine/1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐(1′‐rac‐glycerol) small unilamellar vesicles. With equivalent lipid‐binding affinity, the two peptides assumed different pathways of membrane disruption, as demonstrated by calcein leakage and the results of transmission electron microscopy on model bacterial mimic large unilamellar vesicles. Extending the work from model membranes to intact Escherichia coli cells, differences in membrane perturbation were visible in microscopic images of peptide‐treated E. coli. The present study describes two novel short peptides with potent activity, cell selectivity and divergent modes of action that will aid in the future design of peptides with better therapeutic potential.
INTEGRAL and Swift/XRT observations of IGR J18179−1621
Authors: Li J. , Zhang S. , Torres D. F. , Papitto A. , Chen Y. P. , Wang J. M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
IGR J18179−1621 is a hard X-ray binary transient discovered recently by INTEGRAL. Here we report on detailed timing and spectral analysis of IGR J18179−1621 in X-rays based on available INTEGRAL and Swift data. From the INTEGRAL analysis, IGR J18179−1621 is detected with a significance of 21.6σ in the 18–40 keV band by ISGRI and 15.3σ in the 3–25 keV band by JEM-X, between 2012 February 29 and 2012 March 1. We analyse two quasi-simultaneous Swift ToO observations. A clear 11.82-s pulsation is detected above the white noise at a confidence level larger than 99.99 per cent. The pulse fraction is estimated as 22 ± 8 per cent at 0.2–10 keV. No sign of pulsation is detected by INTEGRAL/ISGRI in the 18–40 keV band. With Swift and INTEGRAL spectra combined in soft and hard X-rays, IGR J18179−1621 could be fitted by an absorbed power law with a high-energy cut-off plus a Gaussian absorption line centred at 21.5 keV. An additional absorption intrinsic to the source is found, while the absorption line is evidence for a most probable origin from cyclotron resonant scattering and suggests a magnetic field in the emitting region of ∼2.4 × 1012 G.