bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of NR1 splicing on NR1/NR3B-type excitatory glycine receptors
Authors: Cavara Nora A , Orth Angela , Hollmann Michael 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are the most complex of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). Subunits of this subfamily assemble into heteromers, which – depending on the subunit combination – may display very different pharmacological and electrophysiological properties. The least studied members of the NMDAR family, the NR3 subunits, have been reported to assemble with NR1 to form excitatory glycine receptors in heterologous expression systems. The heterogeneity of NMDARs in vivo is in part conferred to the receptors by splicing of the NR1 subunit, especially with regard to proton sensitivity.

Results
Here, we have investigated whether the NR3B subunit is capable of assembly with each of the eight functional NR1 splice variants, and whether the resulting receptors share the unique functional properties described for NR1-1a/NR3. We provide evidence that functional excitatory glycine receptors formed regardless of the NR1 isoform, and their pharmacological profile matched the one reported for NR1-1a/NR3: glycine alone fully activated the receptors, which were insensitive to glutamate and block by Mg2+. Surprisingly, amplitudes of agonist-induced currents showed little dependency on the C-terminally spliced NR1 variants in NR1/NR3B diheteromers. Even more strikingly, NR3B conferred proton sensitivity also to receptors containing NR1b variants – possibly via disturbing the "proton shield" of NR1b splice variants.

Conclusion
While functional assembly could be demonstrated for all combinations, not all of the specific interactions seen for NR1 isoforms with coexpressed NR2 subunits could be corroborated for NR1 assembly with NR3. Rather, NR3 abates trafficking effects mediated by the NR1 C terminus as well as the N-terminally mediated proton insensitivity. Thus, this study establishes that NR3B overrides important NR1 splice variant-specific receptor properties in NR1/NR3B excitatory glycine receptors.
Plastid chaperonin proteins Cpn60α and Cpn60β are required for plastid division in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Suzuki Kenji , Nakanishi Hiromitsu , Bower Joyce , Yoder David W , Osteryoung Katherine W , Miyagishima Shin-ya 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Plastids arose from a free-living cyanobacterial endosymbiont and multiply by binary division as do cyanobacteria. Plastid division involves nucleus-encoded homologs of cyanobacterial division proteins such as FtsZ, MinD, MinE, and ARC6. However, homologs of many other cyanobacterial division genes are missing in plant genomes and proteins of host eukaryotic origin, such as a dynamin-related protein, PDV1 and PDV2 are involved in the division process. Recent identification of plastid division proteins has started to elucidate the similarities and differences between plastid division and cyanobacterial cell division. To further identify new proteins that are required for plastid division, we characterized previously and newly isolated plastid division mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results
Leaf cells of two mutants, br04 and arc2, contain fewer, larger chloroplasts than those of wild type. We found that ARC2 and BR04 are identical to nuclear genes encoding the plastid chaperonin 60α (ptCpn60α) and chaperonin 60β (ptCpn60β) proteins, respectively. In both mutants, plastid division FtsZ ring formation was partially perturbed though the level of FtsZ2-1 protein in plastids of ptcpn60β mutants was similar to that in wild type. Phylogenetic analyses showed that both ptCpn60 proteins are derived from ancestral cyanobacterial proteins. The A. thaliana genome encodes two members of ptCpn60α family and four members of ptCpn60β family respectively. We found that a null mutation in ptCpn60α abolished greening of plastids and resulted in an albino phenotype while a weaker mutation impairs plastid division and reduced chlorophyll levels. The functions of at least two ptCpn60β proteins are redundant and the appearance of chloroplast division defects is dependent on the number of mutant alleles.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that both ptCpn60α and ptCpn60β are required for the formation of a normal plastid division apparatus, as the prokaryotic counterparts are required for assembly of the cell division apparatus. Since moderate reduction of ptCpn60 levels impaired normal FtsZ ring formation but not import of FtsZ into plastids, it is suggested that the proper levels of ptCpn60 are required for folding of stromal plastid division proteins and/or regulation of FtsZ polymer dynamics.
Factors associated with self-care activities among adults in the United Kingdom: a systematic review
Authors: Ryan Angela , Wilson Sue , Taylor Aliki , Greenfield Sheila 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
The Government has promoted self-care. Our aim was to review evidence about who uses self-tests and other self-care activities (over-the-counter medicine, private sector, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), home blood pressure monitors).

Methods
During April 2007, relevant bibliographic databases (Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Sociological Abstracts, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Arthritis and Complementary Medicine Database, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Pain Database) were searched, and potentially relevant studies were reviewed against eligibility criteria. Studies were included if they were published during the last 15 years and identified factors, reasons or characteristics associated with a relevant activity among UK adults. Two independent reviewers used proformas to assess the quality of eligible studies.

Results
206 potentially relevant papers were identified, 157 were excluded, and 49 papers related to 46 studies were included: 37 studies were, or used data from questionnaire surveys, 36 had quality scores of five or more out of 10, and 27 were about CAM. Available evidence suggests that users of CAM and over-the-counter medicine are female, middle-aged, affluent and/or educated with some measure of poor health, and that people who use the private sector are affluent and/or educated.

Conclusion
People who engage in these activities are likely to be affluent. Targeted promotion may, therefore, be needed to ensure that use is equitable. People who use some activities also appear to have poorer measures of health than non-users or people attending conventional services. It is, therefore, also important to ensure that self-care is not used as a second choice for people who have not had their needs met by conventional services.
Postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis show different ultrastructural characteristics of trabecular bone of the femoral head
Authors: Shen Yun , Zhang Zi-Ming , Jiang Sheng-Dan , Jiang Lei-Sheng , Dai Li-Yang 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundOsteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) are public health diseases affecting the quality of life of the elderly, and bring about a heavy burden to the society and family of patients. It has been debated whether or not there is an inverse relationship between these two disorders.MethodsTo compare the exact difference in bone tissue structure between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, we observed the ultrastructure of trabecular bone from the femoral heads using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 15 femoral head specimens from postmenopausal women were collected during the procedures of total or hemi hip replacement (OP, n = 8; OA, n = 7). The morphologic structure of the trabecular bone, collagen fibers, resorption lacuna and osteoblasts were observed.ResultsUnder SEM, osteoporotic trabeculae appeared to be thinning, tapering, breaking and perforating. A number of resorption lacunae of various shapes were seen on the surface of the trabeculum. The collagen fibers of lacuna were resorbed. On occasion, naked granular bone crystals could be found. In the OA group, the trabecular bone looked thick with integrated structure. Reticular and granular new bone could be found. The trabeculum was covered by well-arranged collagen fibers around the resorption lacuna. In the OP group, under TEM, marginal collagen fibers were observed to be aligned loosely with enlarged spaces. A few inactive osteoblasts and no inflammatory cells were seen. In the OA group, the collagen fibers inside the trabeculum were arranged in a dense manner with many active osteoblasts and inflammatory cells infiltrating the matrix.ConclusionWe found significant differences in the trabecular bone, collagen fibers, lacunae and osteoblasts between postmenopausal women with OP and OA. These findings support the hypothesis that there is an inverse relationship between OP and OA.
Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and in neonate: status of art of epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention
Authors: Anzivino Elena , Fioriti Daniela , Mischitelli Monica , Bellizzi Anna , Barucca Valentina , Chiarini Fernanda , Pietropaolo Valeria 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the most common viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. The first time infection of the mother may lead to severe illness in pregnancy and may be associated with virus transmission from mother to foetus/newborn.Since the incidence of this sexually transmitted infection continues to rise and because the greatest incidence of herpes simplex virus infections occur in women of reproductive age, the risk of maternal transmission of the virus to the foetus or neonate has become a major health concern.On these purposes the Authors of this review looked for the medical literature and pertinent publications to define the status of art regarding the epidemiology, the diagnosis, the therapy and the prevention of HSV in pregnant women and neonate. Special emphasis is placed upon the importance of genital herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy and on the its prevention to avoid neonatal HSV infections.
Molecular characterization and the effect of salinity on cyanobacterial diversity in the rice fields of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Bhargava Poonam , Kumar Arvind , Rai Lal Chand , Neilan Brett A 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Salinity is known to affect almost half of the world's irrigated lands, especially rice fields. Furthermore, cyanobacteria, one of the critical inhabitants of rice fields have been characterized at molecular level from many different geographical locations. This study, for the first time, has examined the molecular diversity of cyanobacteria inhabiting Indian rice fields which experience various levels of salinity.

Results
Ten physicochemical parameters were analyzed for samples collected from twenty experimental sites. Electrical conductivity data were used to classify the soils and to investigate relationship between soil salinity and cyanobacterial diversity. The cyanobacterial communities were analyzed using semi-nested 16S rRNA gene PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Out of 51 DGGE bands selected for sequencing only 31 which showed difference in sequences were subjected to further analysis. BLAST analysis revealed highest similarity for twenty nine of the sequences with cyanobacteria, and the other two to plant plastids. Clusters obtained based on morphological and molecular attributes of cyanobacteria were correlated to soil salinity. Among six different clades, clades 1, 2, 4 and 6 contained cyanobacteria inhabiting normal or low saline (having EC < 4.0 ds m-1) to (high) saline soils (having EC > 4.0 ds m-1), however, clade 5 represented the cyanobacteria inhabiting only saline soils. Whilst, clade 3 contained cyanobacteria from normal soils. The presence of DGGE band corresponding to Aulosira strains were present in large number of soil indicating its wide distribution over a range of salinities, as were Nostoc, Anabaena, and Hapalosiphon although to a lesser extent in the sites studied.

Conclusion
Low salinity favored the presence of heterocystous cyanobacteria, while very high salinity mainly supported the growth of non-heterocystous genera. High nitrogen content in the low salt soils is proposed to be a result of reduced ammonia volatilization compared to the high salt soils. Although many environmental factors could potentially determine the microbial community present in these multidimensional ecosystems, changes in the diversity of cyanobacteria in rice fields was correlated to salinity.
Prolonged treatment with N-acetylcystine delays liver recovery from acetaminophen hepatotoxicity
Authors: Yang Runkuan , Miki Keita , He Xin , Killeen Meaghan E , Fink Mitchell P 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the US and Europe. Massive hepatocyte necrosis is the predominant feature of APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI). Liver regeneration is a vital process for survival after a toxic insult, it occurs at a relative late time point after the injurious phase. Currently, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. However, NAC is effective only for patients who present within hours of an acute overdose, and is less effective for late-presenting patients. It is possible that in delayed patients, previously reduced endogenous glutathione (GSH) level has restored and prolonged treatment with NAC might be toxic and impair liver regeneration. Therefore, we hypothesize that prolonged treatment with NAC impairs liver regeneration in ALI induced by APAP.

Methods
ALI was induced in C57BL/6 male mice by a single dose of APAP (350 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. After two hours of APAP challenge, the mice were given 100 mg/kg NAC dissolved in 0.6 mL saline, or saline treatment every 12 hours for a total of 72 hours.

Results
Seventy-two hours after APAP challenge, compared with saline treatment, NAC treatment significantly increased serum transaminases (alanine transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase), induced evident hepatocyte vacuolation in the periportal area and delayed liver regeneration seen in histopathology. This detrimental effect was associated with reduced hepatic nuclear factor (NF)-κB DNA binding and decreased expression of cell cycle protein cyclin D1, two important factors in liver regeneration.

Conclusions
Prolonged treatment with NAC impairs liver regeneration in ALI induced by APAP.
Structural characterization of (Cu2+,Na+)- and (Cu2+, )-exchanged bentonites upon thermal treatment
Authors: Seiffarth Torsten , Kaps Christian 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBentonites are excellent materials for sequestering various metal cations because of the cation fixation ability of the constituent montmorillonite layers, but sometimes, such as in the case of Cu2+, the exact location of cation fixation with respect to the clay layers is difficult to determine. Na-montmorillonite was prepared from the <2 µm fraction of the bentonite Calcigel (from Bavaria, Germany) and exchanged by Cu2+ and Na+ or by Cu2+ and NH4+\$\end{document} cations. The resulting materials (bi-ionic Cu-Na and Cu-NH4 samples, respectively, as well as homo-ionic forms with Cu2+, Na+ and NH4+\$\end{document}) were heated for 24 h at temperatures of 300 and 450°C and the structural evolution characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.The XRD patterns showed that the Cu sample and the Cu-Na sample have basal spacings of 12.5 Å. Upon heating at 300 and 450°C, the layers collapsed to 9.5 Å. In contrast, the d001 value in the NH4 sample and Cu-NH4 sample decreased to 10.0 Å and 10.2 Å, respectively, during the heat treatment. The Cu2+ ions migrated irreversibly into the montmorillonite structure.For the NH4 and the Cu-NH4 samples, DSC analyses show that NH3 evolved at between 300 and 400°C though the octahedral sheet was not altered substantially by the H+ generated. Infrared spectra show that the bands of the Si-O and OH vibrations of all samples were changed upon heating due to the movement of the dehydrated cations into the hexagonal holes of the tetrahedral sheet. Apparently no Cu2+ was trapped in the octahedral sheet. In the case of the Cu-NH4 form, both Cu2+ fixation and de-ammonization occurred during the heat treatment. Other than maintaining the basal spacing, no effect of the presence of NH4+\$\end{document} on the Cu2+ fixation could be found for the montmorillonite studied.
Cystatin C for Enhancement of Risk Stratification in Non–ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with an Increased Troponin T
Authors: Windhausen Fons , Hirsch Alexander , Fischer Johan , van der Zee P Marc , Sanders Gerard T , van Straalen Jan P , Cornel Jan Hein , Tijssen Jan G P , Verheugt Freek W A , de Winter Robbert J ,   for the Invasive versus Conservative Treatment in Unstable Coronary Syndromes (ICTUS) Investigators
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Background: We assessed the value of cystatin C for improvement of risk stratification in patients with non–ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (nSTE-ACS) and increased cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and we compared the long-term effects of an early invasive treatment strategy (EIS) with a selective invasive treatment strategy (SIS) with regard to renal function.
Methods: Patients (n = 1128) randomized to an EIS or an SIS in the ICTUS trial were stratified according to the tertiles of the cystatin C concentration at baseline. The end points were death within 4 years and spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) within 3 years.
Results: Mortality was 3.4%, 6.2%, and 13.5% in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively, of cystatin C concentration (log-rank P &lt; 0.001), and the respective rates of spontaneous MI were 5.5%, 7.5%, and 9.8% (log-rank P = 0.03). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the cystatin C concentration in the third quartile remained independently predictive of mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 2.04; 95% CI, 1.02–4.10; P = 0.04] and spontaneous MI (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.05–3.63; P = 0.04). The mortality rate in the second tertile was lower with the EIS than with the SIS (3.8% vs 8.7%). In the third tertile, the mortality rates with the EIS and the SIS were, respectively, 15.0% and 12.2% (P for interaction = 0.04). Rates of spontaneous MI were similar for the EIS and the SIS within cystatin C tertiles (P for interaction = 0.22).
Conclusions: In patients with nSTE-ACS and an increased cTnT concentration, mild to moderate renal dysfunction is associated with a higher risk of death and spontaneous MI. Use of cystatin C as a serum marker of renal function may improve risk stratification.
Distribution and Correlation of Tributyltin and Organic Matter in the Sediments of Hakata Bay, Japan
Authors: Ohtsubo M. , Higashi T. , Kanayama M. , Inoue S. , Oshima Y. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT) is used as effective antifouling agents in boat paints and has been found to be present in marine and freshwaters ecosystem at concentrations exceeding acute and chronic toxicity levels. In the present study, horizontal and vertical TBT distributions in the sediment of Hakata Bay, Japan, have been investigated. Basic properties of the sediment such as clay mineralogy, particle size and organic matter content were also determined, and their relations with TBT concentrations in the sediment were discussed, focusing on organic matter. Sediments in the study sites consist mostly of clay soil with clay fraction of 21 % to 35 %, and major clay minerals in the sediments were smectite, followed by vermiculite, illite, and kaolinite. TBT concentration in overlying water ranged from 13 to 94 ng⋅L−1 at locations within the harbor, and from 13 to 32 ng⋅L−1 at locations outside of the harbor. TBT concentration in top 3 cm sediment varied from 0.018 to 1.101 mg⋅kg−1. Sorption coefficient was in a range of 1.03 to 5.7×103 (L kg−1) for sediments at most stations, and on the order of 104 for sediments with higher organic matter content. The organic matter content and TBT concentration in sediments changed with depth in a similar pattern at all stations. The organic matter decreased with depth up to 12 cm and was almost constant below 12 cm. TBT concentrations appeared to be higher at depth above 12 cm than below 12 cm. A positive correlation was observed between TBT concentration and organic matter content for all core samples data. According to other researchers, an increase in TBT concentration due to increase in organic matter appears to be the results of sorption of TBT+ on negatively charged surfaces of organic matter as well as hydrophobic sorption of TBT compounds on organic matter.
A Materials Science-Based Approach to Characterizing Fire Resistive Materials
Authors: Bentz Dale P. , White Christopher C. , Prasad Kuldeep R. , Flynn Daniel R. , Hunston Donald L. , Tan Kar Tean 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
While ASTM E119-07a is commonly employed to establish a fire rating for a fire resistive material (FRM)/steel assembly, the test method provides little quantitative information on either the thermophysical or adhesion properties of the FRM, beyond indicating that they are sufficient to achieve the measured rating. As part of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) Structural Performance Under Multi-hazards program, a materials science-based approach is being applied to develop new methodologies and test methods for characterizing these complex dynamic materials. These quantitative characterizations can then be used as inputs to thermal/mechanical performance models and also for obtaining a better understanding of how these materials perform their intended role and how they could be improved. Thermophysical properties that must be characterized as a function of temperature include density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and heats of reactions and phase changes. For example, for high temperature thermal conductivity, a new measurement technique based on the use of a slug calorimeter has been developed and standardized in the ASTM E37 Thermal Measurements committee. In addition to adequate thermophysical properties, adhesion properties are critical to ensure that the FRM continues to protect its substrate during a fire exposure. Research on developing new test methods for both laboratory and field evaluations of adhesion will be presented. Like thermal properties, adhesion has also been observed to be strongly influenced by exposure to elevated temperatures. Finally, capabilities developed at NIST to obtain quantitative descriptions of the three-dimensional microstructures of FRMs and relate them to thermal properties such as thermal conductivity will be demonstrated. Much of this research has been completed as part of the ongoing NIST/industry consortium on “Performance Assessment and Optimization of Fire Resistive Materials.”