bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel amidotransferase required for lipoic acid cofactor assembly in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Christensen Quin H. , Martin Natalia , Mansilla Maria C. , de Mendoza Diego , Cronan John E. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryIn the companion paper we reported that Bacillus subtilis requires three proteins for lipoic acid metabolism, all of which are members of the lipoate protein ligase family. Two of the proteins, LipM and LplJ, have been shown to be an octanoyltransferase and a lipoate : protein ligase respectively. The third protein, LipL, is essential for lipoic acid synthesis, but had no detectable octanoyltransferase or ligase activity either in vitro or in vivo. We report that LipM specifically modifies the glycine cleavage system protein, GcvH, and therefore another mechanism must exist for modification of other lipoic acid requiring enzymes (e.g. pyruvate dehydrogenase). We show that this function is provided by LipL, which catalyses the amidotransfer (transamidation) of the octanoyl moiety from octanoyl‐GcvH to the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. LipL activity was demonstrated in vitro with purified components and proceeds via a thioester‐linked acyl‐enzyme intermediate. As predicted, ΔgcvH strains are lipoate auxotrophs. LipL represents a new enzyme activity. It is a GcvH:[lipoyl domain] amidotransferase that probably uses a Cys‐Lys catalytic dyad. Although the active site cysteine residues of LipL and LipB are located in different positions within the polypeptide chains, alignment of their structures show these residues occupy similar positions. Thus, these two homologous enzymes have convergent architectures.
The mechanism of action and clinical benefits of soy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation
Authors: Leyden James , Wallo Warren 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  Hyperpigmentation disorders are common and diverse conditions that may require treatment for medical and/or cosmetic reasons. Hyperpigmented lesions can reduce patients’ quality of life, self‐perception, and social and vocational functioning. The most commonly used treatments for hyperpigmentation include topical agents, such as hydroquinone, retinoids and azelaic acid.Objectives  Current topical treatments have significant limitations; they often do not produce adequate results and may be limited by adverse effects, such as dermatitis. Soy and soy‐based products have demonstrated a wide range of potential benefits for health and nutrition, including a range of dermatological effects.Methods  Research from the last decade has identified multiple mechanisms by which soy‐derived products may affect skin pigmentation, as well as photodamage and photoaging, overall skin health, and even the risk for and progression of skin cancer.Results  Preclinical evidence has demonstrated that soy‐derived serine protease inhibitors affect skin pigmentation by inhibiting protease‐activated receptor‐2‐mediated phagocytosis of melanosomes by keratinocytes.Conclusion  Soy‐based products containing these serine protease inhibitors may represent a new therapeutic option for dermatological treatment. Indeed, recent evidence from randomized clinical studies supports the safe and effective use of soy products for the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Food allergy: Riding the second wave of the allergy epidemic
Authors: Prescott Susan , Allen Katrina J. 
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Prescott S, Allen KJ. Food allergy: Riding the second wave of the allergy epidemic. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 155–160.AbstractFood allergy is a substantial and evolving public health issue, recently emerging over the last 10–15 yr as a ‘second wave’ of the allergy epidemic. It remains unclear why this new phenomenon has lagged decades behind the ‘first wave’ of asthma, allergic rhinitis and inhalant sensitization. In regions like Australia, which lead the respiratory epidemic, challenge‐proven IgE‐mediated food allergy now affects up to 10% of infants. Although their parents were among the first generation to experience the large‐scale rise in allergic diseases, disorders of oral tolerance were previously uncommon. Of further concern, this new generation appears less likely to outgrow food allergy than their predecessors with long‐term implications for disease burden. Allergic disease has been linked to the modern lifestyle including changing dietary patterns, changing intestinal commensal bacteria and vehicular pollution. It is not yet known whether the rise in food allergy is a harbinger of earlier and more severe effects of these progressive environmental changes or whether additional or unrelated lifestyle factors are implicated. New studies suggest environmental factors can produce epigenetic changes in gene expression and disease risk that may be potentially heritable across generations. The rising rates of maternal allergy, a strong direct determinant of allergic risk, could also be amplifying the effect of environmental changes. Preliminary evidence that non‐Caucasian populations may be even more susceptible to the adverse effects of ‘westernisation’ has substantial global implications with progressive urbanization of the more populous regions in the developing world. Unravelling the environmental drivers is critical to curtail a potential tsunami of allergic disease.
Developing a food allergy curriculum for parents
Authors: Vargas Perla A. , Sicherer Scott H. , Christie Lynn , Keaveny Maureen , Noone Sally , Watkins Debra , Carlisle Suzanna K , Jones Stacie M. 
Published: February 2011

To cite this article: Vargas PA, Sicherer SH, Christie L, Keaveny M, Noone S, Watkins D, Carlisle SK, Jones SM, CoFAR. Developing a food allergy curriculum for parents. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011; 22: 575–582.AbstractBackground:  Food allergy (FA) is potentially severe and requires intensive education to master allergen avoidance and emergency care. There is evidence suggesting the need for a comprehensive curriculum for food allergic families.Methods:  This paper describes the results of focus groups conducted to guide the development of a curriculum for parents of food allergic children. The focus groups were conducted using standard methodology with experienced parents of food allergic children.Results:  Participants were parents (n = 36) with experience managing FA recruited from allergy clinics at two academic centers. Topics identified by parents as key for successful management included as expected: (i) early signs/symptoms, (ii) ‘cross‐contamination’, (iii) label‐reading, (iv) self‐injectable epinephrine; and (v) becoming a teacher and advocate. Participants also recommended developing a ‘one page‐road map’ to the information, and to provide the information early and be timed according to developmental stages/needs. Suggested first points for curriculum dissemination were emergency rooms, obstetrician and pediatrician offices. Participants also recommended targeting pediatricians, emergency physicians, school personnel, and the community‐at‐large in educational efforts. Parents often sought FA information from non‐medical sources such as the Internet and support groups. These resources were also accessed to find ways to cope with stress. Paradoxically, difficulties gaining access to resources and uncertainty regarding reliability of the information added to the stress experience.Discussion:  Based on reports from experienced parents of food allergic children, newly diagnosed parents could benefit from a comprehensive FA management curriculum. Improving access to clear and concise educational materials would likely reduce stress/anxiety and improve quality of life.
Begging at high level simultaneously impairs growth and immune response in southern shrike (Lanius meridionalis) nestlings
Authors: MORENO‐RUEDA G. , REDONDO T. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTheoretical models suggest that begging should be costly in order to be evolutionarily stable. However, evidence for such a cost is contradictory (e.g. for growth costs) or scant (e.g. for immunological costs). Here, we experimentally test the existence of both costs in southern shrike (Lanius meridionalis) nestlings. Nestlings were paired by nest of origin and similar body mass. In each pair, a nestling was forced to beg for about 30 s h−1, whereas the other begged for only 2 s, both nestlings receiving the same quantity of food. At the same time, the nestling response to an antigen (phytohaemagglutinin) was measured. Nestlings forced to beg for longer showed a reduction in growth rate and in immunocompetence when compared to control chicks. The two costs occurred independently of each other and were negatively correlated to time begging. These results strongly support models of honest signalling as well as scramble competition, which predict that begging should be costly in order to be evolutionarily stable.
Tamsulosin versus transurethral resection of the prostate: Effect on nocturia as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Simaioforidis Vasileios , Papatsoris Athanasios G , Chrisofos Michael , Chrisafis Manolis , Koritsiadis Sotirios , Deliveliotis Charalambos 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOur objective was to compare the effect of tamsulosin versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the management of nocturia in previously untreated men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and no other predisposing factors for nocturia. The study group included 66 patients (mean age 68.9 years, range 52–81) randomized to receive either tamsulosin 0.4 mg per os daily (n = 33) or TURP (n = 33). Nocturia was assessed at baseline, after 3 months and after 1 year, by the number of nocturnal awakenings and hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS) obtained from a 72‐h Frequency Volume Chart (FVC). Furthermore, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ‐N) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia Quality of Life (ICIQ‐NQoL) were recorded. At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. ICIQNQoL and ICIQ‐N scores correlated with the number of awakenings and HUS, respectively. Both tamsulosin and TURP improved all examined parameters during the follow up. TURP was associated with a statistically significant improvement in the number of nocturnal awakenings and in the IPSS, ICIQ‐N and ICIQ‐NQol scores in comparison with tamsulosin. HUS increased in both groups, but without any statistically significant difference. In conclusion, TURP is superior in comparison with tamsulosin for the management of BPH‐related nocturia.
Prostate cancer gene 3 urine assay for prostate cancer in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Ochiai Atsushi , Okihara Koji , Kamoi Kazumi , Iwata Tsuyoshi , Kawauchi Akihiro , Miki Tsuneharu , Fors Zephyr 
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  To examine the clinical utility of the prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) urine test in predicting prostate cancer in Japanese men undergoing prostate biopsy.Method:  The study group included 105 men who underwent extended prostate biopsy based on an elevated serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). In all cases, the patients' race was Asian. Urine specimens were collected after digital rectal examination, and PCA3 score (PCA3/PSA mRNA) was determined in the urine using the APTIMA PCA3 assay. PCA3 score was investigated for a correlation with serum PSA, prostate volume (PV), PSA density and biopsy outcome.Results:  All urine samples collected were successfully analyzed (i.e. the informative specimen rate was 100%). Biopsy showed prostate cancer in 38 men (36%). The PCA3 score was not associated with serum PSA nor PV. The median PCA3 score in prostate cancer was significantly higher than that in negative biopsy (59.5 vs 14.2 P < 0.0001). The probability of prostate cancer was 69% at a PCA3 score of more than 50 and 5% at a PCA3 score of less than 20. On multivariable logistic regression, PSA density (P < 0.05) and PCA3 score (P < 0.0001) were the independent predictors for prostate cancer. There was no significant difference in AUC between PCA3 score and PSA density. The combination of PCA3 score and PSA density increased the AUC from 0.72 for PSA alone to 0.88.Conclusion:  The specificity of the PCA3 urine assay for prostate cancer was excellent in Japanese men undergoing biopsy. PCA3 score could improve the prediction for prostate cancer and help to better select men who might benefit from prostate biopsy.
Stent failure in the management of malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction: Risk factors
Authors: Kamiyama Yoshihiro , Matsuura Shinobu , Kato Masanori , Abe Yuko , Takyu Shunichi , Yoshikawa Kazuyuki , Arai Yoichi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThere is still controversy surrounding the indications for performing either a retrograde ureteral stent or percutaneous nephrostomy to manage malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction (MEUO). We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients who underwent a decompression of MEUO using retrograde ureteral stent. Ureteral stent failure occurred in 18 of 53 patients (34%). Multivariate analysis showed that gastrointestinal cancer as the primary disease, poor preoperative performance status and severe preoperative hydronephrosis were independent predictors of stent failure. Based on the present data, we propose an algorithm for the management of MEUO.
Molecular prospecting for cryptic species in Phyllodistomum lacustri (Platyhelminthes, Gorgoderidae)
Authors: Rosas‐Valdez Rogelio , Choudhury Anindo , De León Gerardo Pérez‐Ponce 
Published: February 2011

Rosas‐Valdez, R., Choudhury, A. & Pérez‐Ponce de León, G. (2011). Molecular prospecting for cryptic species in Phyllodistomum lacustri (Platyhelminthes, Gorgoderidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 296–305.Partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes were compared among populations of a widely distributed and morphologically uniform digenean species in North America, Phyllodistomum lacustri, a parasite characteristically associated with ictalurid catfishes. Specimens were collected from the urinary bladder of ictalurid hosts in six localities of North America, spanning most of the latitudinal range of this freshwater fish group. Sequences of other congeneric species, including a potentially close relative, P. staffordi, were also obtained and used for comparison. Analyses of both molecular markers show very low or no intrapopulation variation within each sampling site. However, samples of P. lacustri from different hosts and regions exhibit varying levels of interpopulation genetic differences. Such differences are explained by the wide geographical distribution and host range of the ictalurids they parasitize, particularly in ictalurids distributed in Mexican freshwaters where they experienced a diversification process. Variation in both nuclear and mitochondrial genes and phylogenetic analyses, in conjunction with geographical and host information (drainage isolation and endemicity of the host species), indicate that at least three populations show potential as cryptic species.
Molecular evolution of Cinetochilum and Sathrophilus (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea), two genera of ciliates with morphological affinities to scuticociliates
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Miao Miao , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Song Weibo 
Published: February 2011

Zhang, Q., Miao, M., Strüder‐Kypke, M. C., Al‐Rasheid, K. A. S., Al‐Farraj, S. A. & Song, W. (2011). Molecular evolution of Cinetochilum and Sathrophilus (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea), two genera of ciliates with morphological affinities to scuticociliates. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 317–325.The ciliate order Loxocephalida sensu Li et al. (2006) has been considered to be systematically uncertain within the subclass Scuticociliatia. Loxocephalids display mixed morphological features and morphogenetic patterns that are found in two different oligohymenophorean subclasses: scuticociliates and hymenostomes. To reveal their phylogenetic positions, molecular information on this group is urgently needed but still inadequate. In the present study, we have sequenced the small subunit rRNA gene of two newly described loxocephalids, Cinetochilum ovale Gong & Song 2008; and Sathrophilus planus Fan et al. 2010; which have never been discussed based on molecular analysis. Results show: (i) all phylogenetic trees are nearly identical in placing Cinetochilum closest to the subclass Apostomatia and form a monophyletic group divergent from the typical scuticociliates, (ii) the genus Sathrophilus, together with Anoplophrya, a poorly known Astomatia, forms a peripheral branch separated from the scuticociliatian assemblage and (iii) the affiliation of the loxocephalid genera sensu Li et al. (2006) is not confirmed due to a dispersion in four deeply diverged clades. In addition, the polyphyly of the genus Cyclidium, shown in previous studies, is confirmed by our phylogenetic analyses and supported by the approximately unbiased test based on the new database in this work.
The Greek Debt Crisis: Likely Causes, Mechanics and Outcomes
Authors: Arghyrou Michael G. , Tsoukalas John D. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe use insights from the literature on currency crises to offer an analytical treatment of the crisis in the market for Greek government bonds. We argue that the crisis itself and its escalating nature are very likely to be the result of: (i) steady deterioration of Greek macroeconomic fundamentals over 2001–09 to levels inconsistent with long‐term EMU participation; and (ii) a double shift in markets’ expectations, from a regime of credible commitment to future EMU participation under an implicit EMU/German guarantee of Greek fiscal liabilities, to a regime of non‐credible EMU commitment without fiscal guarantees, respectively occurring in November 2009 and February/March 2010. We argue that the risk of contagion to other periphery EMU countries is significant; and that without extensive structural reforms, the sustainability of the EMU is in question.
Conceivability and De Re Modal Knowledge
Authors: Roca‐Royes Sonia 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe paper presents a dilemma for both epistemic and non‐epistemic versions of conceivability‐based accounts of modal knowledge. On the one horn, non‐epistemic accounts do not elucidate the essentialist knowledge they would be committed to. On the other, epistemic accounts do not elucidate everyday lifede remodal knowledge. In neither case, therefore, do conceivability accounts elucidatede remodal knowledge.
Reform der Hartz IV-Hinzuverdienstregelungen: Ein verfehlter Ansatz
Authors: Peichl Andreas , Pestel Nico , Schneider Hilmar , Siegloch Sebastian 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn Germany, both policy makers and researchers have been searching for solutions to overcome the disincentives on labor supply generated by income allowances for welfare recipients (Unemployment Benefit II). Taking proposals of the German Economic Institute (IW) and the governing Liberal Party (FDP) as a starting point, the German Federal Government has intensely discussed this topic during fall 2010 and finally proposed a reform in legislation. In this study, we analyze the potential labor supply effects of the legislated reform and the preceding proposals. In a second step, we augment the different scenarios with a working hours requirement to ensure that only those are subsidized, whose earned income is low due to low hourly wages rather than few working hours. Our simulations confirm the well-known trade-off of in-work benefits: Without working time requirement they tend to create incentives for welfare recipients to increase their labor supply, such that overall labor supply rises. However, the more generous the allowable income regulation, the more expensive the reform gets for the government budget. This comes mainly from the increasing incentive to reduce working hours for those located around the phasing-out level of income. This predominantly affects secondary earners. A working hours requirement reduces these effects and causes more favorable labor market effects and consequently much lower fiscal costs.
Unprotecting the rare species: a niche‐based gap analysis for odonates in a core Cerrado area
Authors: Nóbrega Caroline C. , De Marco Paulo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  We evaluated Odonata distribution data and predicted the compositional resemblance based on niche‐based species distribution models to analyse the following questions: (1) How is estimated species richness distributed, and how can it be preserved under the actual network of conservation units (a gap analysis approach)? (2) How is the estimated odonate beta diversity distributed, and is there a better distribution of conservation units (a priority setting approach)? (3) Is the probability of being under protection a function of the potential species range size? and (4) Will the current conservation network proposals protect odonate taxa?Location  Central Brazil in a core Cerrado area.Methods  We generated odonate species distribution predictions based on MaxEnt and maps derived from estimated species richness, beta diversity and gap analysis for all species predicted to occur in the study area. Then, we compared these maps with current conservation units, land‐use patterns and proposals for the establishment of conservation units.Results  Raw odonate species records provided limited utility for setting conservation priorities without the use of niche‐based models. However, area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) values were characterized by substantial variation that was related to the number of records. No current conservation units overlapped the areas with higher predicted richness and beta diversity, and in general, conservation units were not preserving restricted/rare species. There was a direct linear correlation between species range size and the proportion of its range protected in the current network of conservation units. Finally, we identified three areas with high odonate beta diversity where conservationist actions should be implemented.Main conclusions  Current conservation units and future suggested areas do not overlap regions with high conservation values for odonates. Conservation units protect species at random, and the level of protection has a direct relationship with species range size; thus, wide‐range species are expected to be more protected than restricted or threatened species.
Photoaging under recreational sunbeds
Authors: Quatresooz Pascale , Henry Frédérique , Paquet Philippe , Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Artificial sources of restricted light wavelength, particularly tanning beds, are progressively gaining importance in photoaging.Objective: To assess the kinetics and the long‐term evolution of skin pigmentation and tensile functions in sunbed worshippers over a period of 8 years.Methods: Photoaging was explored in women who were both sunshine and sunbed worshippers. A series of 65 phototype III women aged 31–46 years completed a 100‐month survey. Quarterly assessments were performed on the forearms to measure (a) the skin color individual typology angle (ITA°), (b) the extent in mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM) using the ultraviolet light‐enhanced visualization method and (c) the rheological properties of skin.Results: A progressive increase in both skin extensibility and hysteresis was observed, contrasting with a decrease in biologic elasticity. These rheological changes were correlated with the ITA° changes, but not with the MSM extent. The kinetics of evolution of each test variable were distinct over time.Discussion: This work is the first attempt at evaluating the kinetics of changes in physical parameters during a long period of frequent exposures to tanning sunbeds and sunshine for lifestyle purposes. The alterations were quite important in the color, MSM and rheological functions of the skin.