bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of Helicobacter pylori MinE, a cell division topological specificity factor
Authors: Kang Gil Bu , Song Hye‐Eun , Kim Mun‐Kyoung , Youn Hyung‐Seop , Lee Jung‐Gyu , An June Yop , Chun Jang‐Soo , Jeon Hyesung , Eom Soo Hyun 
Published: April 2010

SummaryIn Gram‐negative bacteria, proper placement of the FtsZ ring, mediated by nucleoid occlusion and the activities of the dynamic oscillating Min proteins MinC, MinD and MinE, is required for correct positioning of the cell division septum. MinE is a topological specificity factor that counters the activity of MinCD division inhibitor at the mid‐cell division site. Its structure consists of an anti‐MinCD domain and a topology specificity domain (TSD). Previous NMR analysis of truncated Escherichia coli MinE showed that the TSD domain contains a long α‐helix and two anti‐parallel β‐strands, which mediate formation of a homodimeric α/β structure. Here we report the crystal structure of full‐length Helicobacter pylori MinE and redefine its TSD based on that structure. The N‐terminal region of the TSD (residues 19–26), previously defined as part of the anti‐MinCD domain, forms a β‐strand (βA) and participates in TSD folding. In addition, H. pylori MinE forms a dimer through the interaction of anti‐parallel βA‐strands. Moreover, we observed serial dimer–dimer interactions within the crystal packing, resulting in the formation of a multimeric structure. We therefore redefine the functional domain of MinE and propose that a multimeric filamentous structure is formed through anti‐parallel β‐strand interactions.
An antisense RNA that governs the expression kinetics of a multifunctional virulence gene
Authors: Lee Eun‐Jin , Groisman Eduardo A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryGenome‐wide transcriptome analyses of several bacterial species have recently uncovered a hitherto unappreciated amount of antisense transcription. However, the physiological role, regulation and significance of such antisense transcripts are presently unclear. We now report the identification of a cis‐encoded 1.2 kb long antisense RNA – termed AmgR – that is complementary to the mgtC portion of the mgtCBR polycistronic message from Salmonella enterica. The mgtCBR mRNA specifies the MgtC protein, which is necessary for survival within macrophages, virulence in mice and growth in low Mg2+; the Mg2+ transporter MgtB with no apparent role in virulence; and the membrane peptide MgtR mediating MgtC degradation. Expression of AmgR dimished both MgtC and MgtB protein levels in a process requiring RNase E but independent of RNase III, the RNA chaperone Hfq, and the regulatory peptide MgtR. Inactivation of the chromosomal amgR promoter increased MgtC and MgtB protein levels and enhanced Salmonella virulence. Surprisingly, AmgR transcription is governed by the regulatory protein PhoP, which also directs transcription of the sense mgtCBR mRNA. AmgR may function as a timing device that alters MgtC and MgtB levels after the onset of PhoP‐inducing conditions.
Elongator function in tRNA wobble uridine modification is conserved between yeast and plants
Authors: Mehlgarten Constance , Jablonowski Daniel , Wrackmeyer Uta , Tschitschmann Susan , Sondermann David , Jäger Gunilla , Gong Zhizhong , Byström Anders S. , Schaffrath Raffael , Breunig Karin D. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryBased on studies in yeast and mammalian cells the Elongator complex has been implicated in functions as diverse as histone acetylation, polarized protein trafficking and tRNA modification. Here we show that Arabidopsis mutants lacking the Elongator subunit AtELP3/ELO3 have a defect in tRNA wobble uridine modification. Moreover, we demonstrate that yeast elp3 and elp1 mutants expressing the respective Arabidopsis Elongator homologues AtELP3/ELO3 and AtELP1/ELO2 assemble integer Elongator complexes indicating a high degree of structural conservation. Surprisingly, in vivo complementation studies based on Elongator‐dependent tRNA nonsense suppression and zymocin tRNase toxin assays indicated that while AtELP1 rescued defects of a yeast elp1 mutant, the most conserved Elongator gene AtELP3, failed to complement an elp3 mutant. This lack of complementation is due to incompatibility with yeast ELP1 as coexpression of both plant genes in an elp1 elp3 yeast mutant restored Elongator's tRNA modification function in vivo. Similarly, AtELP1, not ScELP1 also supported partial complementation by yeast–plant Elp3 hybrids suggesting that AtElp1 has less stringent sequence requirements for Elp3 than ScElp1. We conclude that yeast and plant Elongator share tRNA modification roles and propose that this function might be conserved in Elongator from all eukaryotic kingdoms of life.
Colonization of Cauliflower Blossom (Brassica oleracea) by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, via Flies (Calliphora vomitoria) Can Result in Seed Infestation
Authors: Van Der Wolf Jan M , Van Der Zouwen Patricia S 
Published: April 2010

AbstractInoculation of cauliflower blossom with Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), by brush or pollination with blue bottle flies (Calliphora vomitoria) as a vector, can result in seed infestation. Two years of poly‐tunnel experiments with fly inoculation of cauliflower has shown that in approximately 30% of seed batches of a breeding line, high densities of Xcc (>10 000 CFU/g) were found both before and after seed treatment with warm water. The presence of Xcc in seed derived from fly‐inoculated plants was confirmed in a grow‐out test. After brush‐inoculation, on average 45% of seed batches were contaminated with high densities of Xcc before disinfection and 40% after seed disinfection. A grow‐out test, however, did not confirm the presence of internally infected seed. In a 1‐year trial, no seed infections were found in warm water‐treated seed derived from cv. Opaal, an open pollinated cultivar. No indication of internal seed infection was found after blossom inoculation with X. c. pv. armoraciae (Xca). To obtain contaminated flies as a vector for Xcc, flies were fed on agar‐grown bacteria. Initial populations of Xcc per fly were 105 CFU, but population densities decreased rapidly and survived for 5 days maximum. During the same period, populations of other bacteria associated with flies increased slightly. The implications of blossom infection and the role of pollinating insects in dissemination and transmission of Xcc are discussed.
Distribution of microbial populations and their relationship with environmental parameters in the coastal waters of Qingdao, China
Authors: Wang Min , Liang Yantao , Bai Xiaoge , Jiang Xuejiao , Wang Fang , Qiao Qian 
Published: April 2010

SummaryIn order to understand the large‐scale distribution of microbial populations simultaneously and their relationship with environmental parameters, flow cytometry was used to analyse samples collected from 46 stations in the coastal waters of Qingdao in spring, 2007. The distribution of virus was significantly and positively correlated with heterotrophic bacteria. Two groups of picophytoplankton (Synechococcus and picoeukaryotes) were detected; however, Prochlorococcus was not found. Picoeukaryotes and nanophytoplankton were abundant in the near‐shore waters, whereas Synechococcus was abundant in the off‐shore areas. No variation was found in vertical distribution of virus, heterotrophic bacteria, Synechococcus and nanophytoplankton abundances, except picoeukaryotes abundance in the bottom layer was dramatically lower than that in the upper layers. Correlation analyses indicated that the relationship between abiotic variables and heterotrophic bacteria, pico‐ and nanophytoplankton was closer than that between abiotic variables and virioplankton. Temperature and nutrients were the synchronous factors controlling the growth of heterotrophic bacteria, pico‐ and nanophytoplankton in the coastal waters of Qingdao in spring. The results suggested that synergistic and antagonistic effects existed among microbial groups.
The PhaD regulator controls the simultaneous expression of the pha genes involved in polyhydroxyalkanoate metabolism and turnover in Pseudomonas putida KT2442
Authors: De Eugenio Laura Isabel , Galán Beatriz , Escapa Isabel F. , Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M. , García José Luis , Prieto María A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe promoters of the pha gene cluster encoding the enzymes involved in the metabolism of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in the model strain Pseudomonas putida KT2442 have been identified and compared. The pha locus is composed by five functional promoters upstream the phaC1, phaZ, phaC2, phaF and phaI genes (PC1, PZ, PC2, PF and PI respectively). PC1 and PI are the most active promoters of the pha cluster allowing the transcription of phaC1ZC2D and phaIF operons. All promoters with the sole exception of PF are carbon source‐dependent. Their transcription profiles explain the simultaneous production of PHA depolymerase and synthases to maintain the metabolic balance and PHA turnover. Mutagenesis analyses demonstrated that PhaD, a TetR‐like transcriptional regulator, behaves as a carbon source‐dependent activator of the pha cluster. The phaD gene is mainly transcribed as part of the phaC1ZC2D transcription unit and controls its own transcription and that of phaIF operon. The ability of PhaD to bind the PC1 and PI promoters was analysed by gel retardation and DNase I footprinting assays, demonstrating that PhaD interacts with a region of 25 bp at PC1 promoter (named OPRc1) and a 29 bp region at PI promoter (named OPRi). These operators contain a single binding site formed by two inverted half sites of 6 bp separated by 8 bp which overlap the corresponding promoter boxes. The 3D model structure of PhaD activator predicts that the true effector might be a CoA‐intermediate of fatty acid β‐oxidation.
Parents’ Experiences of the Provision of Community‐Based Family Support and Therapy Services Utilizing the Strengths Approach and Natural Learning Environments
Authors: Carlson Glenys , Armitstead Clare , Rodger Sylvia , Liddle Gwen 
Published: April 2010

Background  In recent years, community based therapy service providers have explored different service delivery models to optimize child and family outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to explore parents’ experiences of one particular service team that adopted a strengths approach, utilizing natural learning environments.Materials and methods  Nine parents undertook in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews that were taped, transcribed, and examined using thematic content analysis. Rigour was ensured through peer and member checking, field journals and an audit trail.Results  Several key themes emerged including; families’ initial experiences of the service, their views of their child with a disability, their hopes for the future, and their experiences of receiving intervention from the team.Conclusions  Parents were generally positive about the adoption of a strengths approach. ‘Working together’, ‘being positive’ and ‘information exchange’ were the main themes that parents’ attributed to their positive experiences with the service.
Interrater reliability and agreement of the Care Dependency Scale in the home care setting in the Netherlands
Authors: Kottner Jan , Halfens Ruud , Dassen Theo 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 56–61

Interrater reliability and agreement of the Care Dependency Scale in the home care setting in the Netherlands The care dependency scale (CDS) aims at determining nursing care needs in a holistic way, at providing standardized and meaningful descriptions of the type and intensity of nursing care needs and the degree of independence. Assessment results support appropriate care planning for individuals and they provide epidemiological data about care dependency. Although the CDS is used worldwide in various healthcare settings, data quality in the home care setting has not been examined yet. The interrater reliability and agreement of CDS scores were investigated within two large prevalence surveys of care problems in the Netherlands in the home care setting. Three hundred and thirty‐five (year 2007) and 337 (year 2008) home care clients were independently assessed twice by trained nurses. Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC(1,1)] for CDS sum scores were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.95) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92–0.95), and corresponding standard errors of measurement were 3.2 and 3.3. The items mobility, day/night pattern and learning ability contained the largest amounts of measurement error and the lowest interrater reliability. Results indicate that CDS sum scores are reproducible estimates characterizing the care dependency in the home care setting. Interrater agreement is too low to make clinical decisions on individual level.
Randomized clinical trial of musical distraction with and without headphones for adolescents’ immunization pain
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Ólöf , Kristjánsdóttir Guðrún 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 19–26

Randomized clinical trial of musical distraction with and without headphones for adolescents’ immunization pain Distraction has shown to be a helpful pain intervention for children; however, few investigations have studied the effectiveness of this method with adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an easy and practical musical distraction in reducing adolescents’ immunization pain. Furthermore, to examine whether musical distraction techniques (with or without headphones) used influenced the pain outcome. Hundred and eighteen 14‐year‐old adolescents, scheduled for polio immunization, participated. Adolescents were randomly assigned to one of three research groups; musical distraction with headphones (n = 38), musical distraction without headphones (n = 41) and standard care control (n = 39). Results showed adolescents receiving musical distraction were less likely to report pain compared to the control group, controlling for covariates. Comparing musical distraction techniques, eliminating headphone emerged as a significant predictor of no pain. Results suggest that an easy and practical musical distraction intervention, implemented without headphones, can give some pain relief to adolescents during routine vaccination.
The quest for well‐being: self‐identified needs of women in chronic pain
Authors: Skuladottir Hafdis , Halldorsdottir Sigridur 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 81–91

The quest for well‐being: self‐identified needs of women in chronic pain Women suffer more chronic pain in most Western countries than men, with considerable consequences for the sufferers. The aim of this phenomenological research was to study self‐reported needs of women in chronic pain. The data consisted of ten in‐depth interviews, which lasted from 60 to 120 minutes each, with five women in chronic pain, aged 36–53. Twelve needs were identified in the study, which were categorized into three clusters of needs or major quests: The quest to learn to live with the pain, which involves the need for diagnosis; the need to find effective treatment and keep the pain tolerable; the need for helpful advice and information and the need to take care of self and for a different pace and a new life pattern. The quest for support, caring and connection which involves the need for someone close who cares; the need to be connected to others and have someone to care for; the need for practical support e.g. financial support and household assistance and the need for professional support and caring. Finally, the quest for normalcy which involves the need to avoid the sick role and maintain a sense of dignity; the need to focus on personal strengths and prevent discouragement and depression; the need to be involved in decision‐making regarding own care and treatment and the need to participate in family and social activities to fight isolation and loneliness. The overriding theme in all these quests is the quest for well‐being; physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Conflicting needs created five major dilemmas in the women’s lives. Women in chronic pain may be seen in any clinical setting and health professionals need to be able to recognize their needs in order to be able to give effective care, to cooperate with them and empower them.
UK‐414,495, a selective inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase, potentiates pelvic nerve‐stimulated increases in female genital blood flow in the anaesthetized rabbit
Authors: Wayman CP , Baxter D , Turner L , Van Der Graaf PH , Naylor AM 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Female sexual arousal consists of a number of physiological responses resulting from increased genital blood. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y and to a lesser extent nitric oxide are neurotransmitters found in the vasculature of the genitalia. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) modulates the activity of neuropeptides including VIP. The aim of this study was to investigate the control of genital blood flow by VIP and endogenous neuropeptides using a selective NEP inhibitor [UK‐414,495, ((R)‐2‐({1‐[(5‐ethyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl) carbamoyl]cyclopentyl}methyl) valeric acid)].Experimental approach:  Vaginal and clitoral blood flow (VBF and CBF) were monitored using laser Doppler in terminally anaesthetized New Zealand rabbits. Increases in VBF and CBF were induced by either electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve or by i.v. infusion of VIP.Key results:  Stimulation of the pelvic nerve increased VBF and CBF, compared with basal flow. Increases were mimicked by infusion of exogenous VIP. UK‐414,495 dose‐dependently potentiated pelvic nerve‐stimulated increases in VBF (EC50= 37 ± 9 nM; 3.6 × IC50 rabbit NEP). Nerve‐stimulated increases in VBF and CBF were both enhanced after UK‐414,495. UK‐414,495 increased the amplitude and duration of VIP‐induced increases in VBF. UK‐414,495 had no effect on basal VBF or cardiovascular parameters.Conclusions and implications:  Inhibition of NEP potentiates pelvic nerve‐stimulated increases in genital blood flow. This suggests that the endogenous neurotransmitter mediating genital blood flow is a substrate for NEP (most likely VIP). NEP inhibitors may restore sexual arousal in women adversely affected by female sexual arousal disorder.This article is commented on by Angulo, pp. 48–50 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00693.x
Performance Measures Predict Onset of Activity of Daily Living Difficulty in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Wennie Huang Wen‐Ni , Perera Subashan , VanSwearingen Jessie , Studenski Stephanie 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive value of five performance‐based measures for the onset of difficulty in activities of daily living (ADLs).DESIGN: A prospective cohort study; home visits every 6 months for 18 months.SETTING: Community‐based.PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling older adults, n=110, (mean age 80.3±7.0; range 67–98) who reported no difficulty in basic ADLs.MEASUREMENTS: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), grip strength, and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) were evaluated at baseline. Seven ADL items were assessed at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 months. The onset of ADL disability was self‐report of difficulty in any of the seven ADL items. Logistic regression models were fitted for each of the physical performance measures to predict onset of ADL difficulty at 6, 12, and 18 months.RESULTS: After controlling for age, comorbid conditions, and sex, the BBS was the most consistent and best predictor for the onset of ADL difficulty over an 18‐month period (6 months, c‐statistic=0.725, (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.60–0.85; 12 months, c‐statistic=0.840 95% CI=0.75, 0.93; 18 months, c‐statistic=0.821, 95% CI=0.71, 0.93). The SPPB showed excellent predictive value for the onset of difficulty at 12 months. Ninety‐five, 89, and 75 older adults completed the 6, 12, and 18‐month follow‐up visits, respectively.CONCLUSION: BBS, followed by SPPB, TUG, gait speed, and grip strength, were predictive of the onset of ADL difficulty over an 18‐month period in community‐dwelling older adults. Screening nondisabled older adults with simple performance tests could allow clinicians to identify those at risk for ADL difficulty and may help to detect early functional decline.
Supportive Networks: Life Ties for the Elderly
Authors: Pilisuk Marc , Minkler Meredith 
Published: April 2010

Recent studies suggest that the increased vulnerability of the older person to physical and/or mental breakdown is related to loss or deficiency in the pattern of supportive ties.With increases in the geographical separation of adult children from their parents, and with greater longevity, the needs of the elderly are increasingly being transferred from the family either to public service settings or to voluntary associations. The resource needs depend in part on the individual's existing contacts and state of health, as well as upon the psychological history of the person.Various programs have addressed the differences in social support for older people in markedly different ways. Six different programs are examined to illustrate the importance of attention to health status, ethnicity, and style of life in the provision of social support. By evaluating the offerings of these programs against the concepts of network theory we are able to show how the needs for social support among the elderly are highly differentiated and deserving of equally differentiated forms of response.
The SPSSI Investigation, or Special Prosecutors for Stopping Soviet Infiltration
Authors: Kimmel Paul R. 
Published: April 2010

The SPSSI Investigation was presented at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., on August 21, 1986. It was produced and directed by Paul Kimmel with technical assistance by Ramona Rhoades. Music was arranged and provided by Phyllis Katz. The cast in order of appearance was as follows:RONALD MCDONALD Frances CulbertsonJUDGE #1 Sandra TangriJUDGE #2 Jacqueline GoodchildsJUDGE #3 Michele WittigCLERK Ronald FisherDR. STRETCH Paul KimmelDR. LIGHT Stuart OskampDR. RUIN John SeymourDR. DRIPPIT Edward KeltyDR. STARK Dalmas A. TaylorDR. ICEBERG Jeffrey RubinMS. LASTSTRAW Lois HoffmanDR. MOLE Valerie T. Dull
Association Between Mannose‐Binding Lectin Gene Polymorphisms and Pre‐eclampsia in Brazilian Women
Authors: Vianna Priscila , Da Silva Gabriela Kniphoff , Dos Santos Bruno Paiva , Bauer Moisés Evandro , Dalmáz Caroline Abrão , Bandinelli Eliane , Chies José Artur Bogo 
Published: April 2010

Citation Vianna P, da Silva GK, dos Santos BP, Bauer ME, Dalmáz CA, Bandinelli E, Chies JAB. Association between Mannose‐Binding Lectin gene polymorphisms and pre‐eclampsia in Brazilian Women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010Problem  Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is involved in the maintenance of an inflammatory environment in uterus. High MBL levels have been associated with successful pregnancies whereas low levels are involved in pre‐eclampsia (PE) development. Here, we evaluated MBL2 gene polymorphisms in the structural and promoter regions addressing their association with PE.Method of study  DNA samples from 162 control pregnant women and 157 pregnant PE women were genotyped and data compared with demographic and clinical characteristics.Results  High frequency of C and D alleles (related to low MBL levels) was observed in PE women when compared to controls (C: 0.08 versus 0.03, P = 0.006; D: 0.10 versus 0.05, P = 0.009). Grouping the MBL genotypes according to phenotype, a higher frequency of OO genotype was observed in PE women when compared to control women (0.15 versus 0.04, P = 0.007).Conclusion  Our data suggest that women with genotypes associated with low MBL levels could be potential PE developers.