bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moonlighting enzymes in parasitic protozoa
Authors: COLLINGRIDGE PETER W. , BROWN ROBERT W. B. , GINGER MICHAEL L. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYEnzymes moonlight in a non-enzymatic capacity in a diverse variety of cellular processes. The discovery of these non-enzymatic functions is generally unexpected, and moonlighting enzymes are known in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Importantly, this unexpected multi-functionality indicates that caution might be needed on some occasions in interpreting phenotypes that result from the deletion or gene-silencing of some enzymes, including some of the best known enzymes from classic intermediary metabolism. Here, we provide an overview of enzyme moonlighting in parasitic protists. Unequivocal and putative examples of moonlighting are discussed, together with the possibility that the unusual biological characteristics of some parasites either limit opportunities for moonlighting to arise or perhaps contribute to the evolution of novel proteins with clear metabolic ancestry.
Thermodynamic formalism for a family of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes and the unstable Jacobian
Authors: LEPLAIDEUR RENAUD 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this article we prove the existence and uniqueness of equilibrium states for the potential $\phi _{t}= -t\logju \ (t\in \R )$ and the class of non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes which was introduced in Rios [Unfolding homoclinic tangencies inside horseshoes: hyperbolicity, fractal dimensions and persistent tangencies. Nonlinearity14 (2001), 431–462]. We show that the pressure t↦𝒫(t) for −tlog Ju is real-analytic on $\R $. We give the exact equations of the two asymptotes to the graph of 𝒫(t) at ±∞ and we prove that these non-uniformly hyperbolic horseshoes do not have measures which minimize the unstable Lyapunov exponent.
Professional judgements of risk and capacity in situations of self-neglect among older people
Authors: MCDERMOTT SHANNON 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTOver the past 50 years, self-neglect among older people has been conceptualised in both social policy and the academy as a social problem which is defined in relation to medical illness and requires professional intervention. Few authors, however, have analysed the concept of self-neglect in relation to critical sociological theory. This is problematic because professional judgements, which provide the impetus for intervention, are inherently influenced by the social and cultural context. The purpose of this article is to use critical theory as a framework for interpreting the findings from a qualitative study which explored judgements in relation to older people in situations of self-neglect made by professionals. Two types of data were collected. There were 125 hours of observations at meetings and home assessments conducted by professionals associated with the Community Options Programme in Sydney, Australia, and 18 professionals who worked with self-neglecting older people in the community gave in-depth qualitative interviews. The findings show that professional judgements of self-neglect focus on risk and capacity, and that these perceptions influence when and how interventions occur. The assumptions upon which professional judgements are based are then further analysed in relation to critical theory.
PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATORS 9, 7, and 5 Are Transcriptional Repressors in the Arabidopsis Circadian Clock
Authors: Nakamichi Norihito , Kiba Takatoshi , Henriques Rossana , Mizuno Takeshi , Chua Nam-Hai , Sakakibara Hitoshi 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
An interlocking transcriptional-translational feedback loop of clock-associated genes is thought to be the central oscillator of the circadian clock in plants. TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1 (also called PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR1 [PRR1]) and two MYB transcription factors, CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), play pivotal roles in the loop. Genetic studies have suggested that PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 also act within or close to the loop; however, their molecular functions remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 act as transcriptional repressors of CCA1 and LHY. PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 each suppress CCA1 and LHY promoter activities and confer transcriptional repressor activity to a heterologous DNA binding protein in a transient reporter assay. Using a glucocorticoid-induced PRR5-GR (glucorticoid receptor) construct, we found that PRR5 directly downregulates CCA1 and LHY expression. Furthermore, PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 associate with the CCA1 and LHY promoters in vivo, coincident with the timing of decreased CCA1 and LHY expression. These results suggest that the repressor activities of PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 on the CCA1 and LHY promoter regions constitute the molecular mechanism that accounts for the role of these proteins in the feedback loop of the circadian clock.
Estimating hourly anaesthetic and surgical reimbursement from private medical insurers’ benefit maxima: implications for pricing services and for incentives
Authors: Stubbs D. , Ward M. E. , Pandit J. J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryWhile some speculation surrounds annual private practice incomes of anaesthetists, little is known of the hours of work needed to generate any presumed income (the hourly rate). The benefit maxima of five private medical insurers are published in fee schedules and data on the duration of common operations are now also known. In this study we combined these to generate estimates for hourly rates of reimbursement across 78 common operations in eight surgical subspecialties, for anaesthetists and surgeons. We expected to find significant differences between insurers as a result of market competition, and we expected differences between anaesthetists and surgeons. The median (IQR [range]) rate of reimbursement for anaesthetists was £167 (132–211 [68–570]).h−1 with significant variation across subspecialties (p < 0.001); for example, cardiac surgery was best reimbursed at £283 (257–308 [229–398]).h−1 and orthopaedics the least at £146 (133–159 [81–246]).h−1. Contrary to expectations, the rates of payment to anaesthetists by insurers were similar (p > 0.17). Patterns of reimbursement for surgeons were similar to those for anaesthetists, except that surgeons were reimbursed at about twice the rate. We conclude there is a confluence of insurer reimbursement levels and we discuss potential implications of this finding. Our results also have implications for how incentives between the NHS and private practice, or within a private practice group, might be optimally managed.
A comparison between the GlideScope® Video Laryngoscope and direct laryngoscope in paediatric patients with difficult airways – a pilot study
Authors: Karsli C. , Armstrong J. , John J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe GlideScope® Video Laryngoscope may improve the view seen at laryngoscopy in adults who have a difficult airway. Manikin studies and case reports suggest it may also be useful in children, although prospective studies are limited in number. We hypothesised that the paediatric GlideScope will result in an improved view seen at laryngoscopy in children with a known difficult airway, compared to direct laryngoscopy. Eighteen children with a history of difficult or failed intubation were prospectively recruited. After inhalational induction, each patient had laryngoscopy performed using a standard blade followed by GlideScope videolaryngoscopy. The GlideScope yielded a significantly improved laryngoscopic view, both with (p = 0.003) and without (p = 0.004) laryngeal pressure. The mean (SD) time taken to achieve the optimal view was 20 (8)s using conventional laryngoscopy and 26 (22)s using the GlideScope® (p = 0.5). The GlideScope® significantly improves the laryngoscopic view obtained in children with a difficult airway.
Promoter methylation of sFRP5 in patients with ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ho Chih‐Ming , Lai Hung‐Cheng , Huang Shih‐Hung , Chien Tsai‐Yen , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Chang Shwu‐Fen 
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 310–318AbstractBackground  Specific tumour suppressor genes with promoter methylation in ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma (OCCA) can be one important epigenetic mark distinguishing OCCA from ovarian serous adenocarcinoma (OSA), benign endometriotic cysts and normal ovarian epitheliums.Materials and methods  Five OCCA cell lines, 63 cancer tissues (48 OCCA and 15 OSA), 10 benign endometriotic cysts and five normal ovarian epitheliums were analysed by methylation‐specific PCR using pooled DNAs to determine the methylation status of the promoter of the target genes, including genes for secreted frizzled‐related proteins (sFRP1 to 5), adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), retinoblastoma protein 1 (Rb1), breast cancer 1 gene (BRCA1), p14ARF, p15INK4b, p16INK4a and survivin. Methylation frequencies of identified targets were further analysed with individual DNA samples.Results  The sFRP5 promoter was significantly methylated in all OCCA cell lines, with 64·6% in OCCA tissues compared with 13·3% in OSA, and 0% in benign endometriotic cysts and normal ovarian epitheliums (P < 0·0001). With a median follow‐up of 44 months, the expected 5‐year overall survival (OS) for patients with methylated sFRP5 promoter were significantly worse than for those with unmethylated sFRP5 (52% vs. 88%, P = 0·03). After adjusting for age, stage, and residual disease after primary surgery, patients with unmethylated sFRP5 promoter had an independent good prognostic factor in OS (P = 0·017).Conclusion  The high percentage of promoter methylation in the sFRP5 gene in OCCA indicates its importance in the development of OCCA and is a potential useful marker for prognoses and target for treatment of OCCA.
Calcium scores and matrix Gla protein levels: association with vitamin K status
Authors: Rennenberg Roger J. M. W. , De Leeuw Peter W. , Kessels Alphons G. H. , Schurgers Leon J. , Vermeer Cees , Van Engelshoven Jos M. A. , Kemerink Gerrit J. , Kroon Abraham A. 
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 344–349AbstractBackground  Vascular calcification in humans is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Carboxylated matrix Gla protein (cMGP) inhibits vascular calcification. Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the activation of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP). It has been suggested that patients on long‐term treatment with vitamin K antagonists develop aortic valve calcifications because of lower levels of circulating MGP. We therefore hypothesized that arterial calcification and a low vitamin K status are associated with ucMGP. To that aim, we measured arterial calcium scores, the osteocalcin ratio (OCR), as a proxy for vitamin K status, and ucMGP.Materials and methods  In 36 hypertensive patients, we determined the Agatston score with computer tomography scans of the abdominal aorta, carotid and coronary arteries. The total calcium score was calculated as the sum of the separate Z‐scores.Results  The total calcium Z‐score was significantly correlated to age (r = 0·683, P < 0·001), smoking (r = 0·372, P = 0·026), total cholesterol (r = 0·353, P = 0·034), LDL cholesterol (r = 0·490, P = 0·003), triglycerides (r = 0·506, P = 0·002), fasting glucose (r = 0·454, P = 0·005), systolic blood pressure (r = 0·363, P = 0·029) and pulse pressure (r = 0·685, P < 0·001). In multivariate regression analyses, OCR and total calcium score were significantly associated with ucMGP.Conclusions  We found a positive association of total arterial calcium score and a high OCR (reflecting low vitamin K status) with ucMGP serum levels. This warrants further studies to explore the pathophysiological background of this phenomenon.
Regulation of CD4 T‐cell receptor diversity by vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Baumgartner Christina K. , Malherbe Laurent P. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryNew vaccines based on soluble recombinant antigens (Ags) require adjuvants to elicit long‐lasting protective humoral and cellular immunity. Despite the importance of CD4 T helper cells for the generation of long‐lived memory B and CD8 T cells, the impact of adjuvants on CD4 T‐cell responses is still poorly understood. Adjuvants are known to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation and migration to secondary lymphoid organs where they present foreign peptides bound to class II major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCII) to naïve CD4 T cells. Random and imprecise rearrangements of genetic elements during thymic development ensure that a vast amount of T‐cell receptors (TCRs) are present in the naïve CD4 T‐cell repertoire. Ag‐specific CD4 T cells are selected from this vast pre‐immune repertoire based on the affinity of their TCR for pMHCII. Here, we review the evidence demonstrating a link between the adjuvant and the specificity and clonotypic diversity of the CD4 T‐cell response, and consider the potential mechanisms at play.
Genetic diversity and origin of Gayal and cattle in Yunnan revealed by mtDNA control region and SRY gene sequence variation
Authors: Gou X. , Wang Y. , Yang S. , Deng W. , Mao H. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThere are hump, humpless cattle and gayal distributed in Yunnan province, south‐west China, but their genetic background remains unclear. To determine the origin and genetic diversity of Yunnan gayal and cattle (Diqing, Nujiang and Wenshan cattle), we analysed mtDNA control region sequences of 71 samples and SRY gene sequences of 39 samples, together with the available sequences in GenBank. The neighbour‐joining phylogeny and the reduced median network analysis showed that Yunnan gayal originated from the hybridization between male Bos frontalis and female Bos taurus or Bos indicus, and that Yunnan cattle mostly originated from B. indicus, also containing some hybrids of male B. indicus and female B. taurus. The phylogenetic pattern of Yunnan cattle was consistent with the recently described cattle matrilineal pool from China and indicated more contribution to the Yunnan cattle from B. indicus than from B. taurus.
Chemicals affecting the feeding preference of the Solanaceae‐feeding lady beetle Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Hori M. , Nakamura H. , Fujii Y. , Suzuki Y. , Matsuda K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe phytophagous lady beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, feeds mainly on potato, tomato, and eggplant leaves. The methanol extracts of tomato and eggplant leaves stimulated feeding activity in the adult beetles. The feeding stimulants from the lipid‐soluble fractions of tomato and eggplant leaves were found to be same compounds, identified as methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate. The feeding stimulants in the aqueous fractions of tomato leaves were identified as three sugars – fructose, glucose, and sucrose – and in eggplant leaves, the feeding stimulant was one sugar, sucrose. Although methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate were inactive without sugars, they acted synergistically with sugars, and the amounts of methyl linoleate, methyl linolenate, and sugars contained in tomato and eggplant leaves were adequate to stimulate feeding activity in the beetles. It is suggested that the synergisms of methyl esters of unsaturated fatty acid and sugars play important roles in host selection of this insect. Solanaceae species are often rich in alkaloids, which act as feeding deterrents for many insect species. Leaves of potato, Chinese wolfberry, and black nightshade, which are suitable hosts of H. vigintioctomaculata, contain α‐solanine and α‐chaconine as the main alkaloids. A mixture of α‐solanine and α‐chaconine showed neither feeding stimulant nor inhibitory activity at a concentration of 1 g leaf equivalents of the above plants. α‐Solanine and tomatine contained in tomato did not inhibit the beetle’s feeding at a concentration of 0.5%. On the contrary, nicotine and capsaicin contained in non‐hosts (tobacco and red pepper, respectively) showed feeding deterrent activities at a concentration of 0.1%. It is thought that adaptation of the beetles to alkaloids contained in solanaceous hosts also plays an important role in their host selection.
Sexual dimorphism and sexual selection in a montane scincid lizard (Eulamprus leuraensis)
Authors: DUBEY SYLVAIN , CHEVALLEY MAYA , SHINE RICHARD 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSex‐based divergences in body sizes and/or shapes within a species imply that selective forces act differently on morphological features in malesversusfemales. That prediction can be tested with data on the relationship between morphology and reproductive output in females, and between morphology and realized paternity (based on genetic assignment tests) in males. In a sample of 81 field‐collected adult Blue Mountains water skinks (Eulamprus leuraensis), males and females averaged similar overall body sizes (snout–vent lengths (SVLs)). Reproductive success (based on 105 progeny produced by the females) increased with SVL at similar rates in both sexes (as expected from the lack of sexual size dimorphism). Multiple paternity was common. Males had larger heads than females of the same body size, and (as predicted) reproductive success increased with relative head size in males but not in females. Males also had relatively longer limbs and shorter trunks than females, but we did not detect significant sex differences in selection on those traits. Reproductive success in both sexes was increased by relatively longer hind limbs. Our data clarify mating systems in this endangered species, and suggest that mating systems are diverse within the genusEulamprus.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Danish school children
Authors: Krue S. , Coolidge J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryIn 14 Danish municipalities physicians have gathered weight and height data from 7541 9th grade students (86.7% of all students in 9th grade participating). Overall 25.2% of the population were overweight (body mass index > 90th percentile). Boys were more frequently overweight than girls (29.3% vs. 21.1%) (P < 0.05). 14.1% of the boys and 8.2% of the girls were obese (body mass index > 97th percentile). Categorizing the participating municipalities by socioeconomic status students in municipalities with low status had a significantly higher prevalence of overweight than students in municipalities with high status. Overweight and obesity among Danish school children is a major concern and there are significant social differences in the prevalence of overweight.
Central nervous system involvement in patients with monoclonal gammopathy and polyneuropathy
Authors: Lehmann H. C. , Hoffmann F. R. , Meyer zu Hörste G. , Hartung H.‐P. , Kieseier B. C. 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  To evaluate clinical presentation of patients with the clinical triad of monoclonal gammopathy, polyneuropathy and signs of CNS involvement.Methods:  Nineteen patients with monoclonal protein (M‐protein, 9 IgM, 10 IgG) were studied. Clinical examination, MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and immune reactivity against myelin‐associated glycoprotein and gangliosides in serum were obtained. By immunohistochemistry, different binding patterns of M‐proteins to human CNS tissue were investigated.Results:  Nine out of 19 patients (four IgM, five IgG) showed one or more clinical signs of CNS involvement. Clinical features associated with signs of CNS pathology were disease duration and greater concentration of IgM paraprotein. The IgM M‐protein of two patients strongly stained the cortex/cerebellar neurons in human brain sections.Conclusion:  Our results complement previous reports that some patients with monoclonal gammopathy and polyneuropathy can develop solitary or disseminated signs of CNS involvement. It indicates that pathological effects of M‐proteins are not necessarily restricted to the peripheral nervous system. The specificity and affinity of circulating M‐protein to antigens in the CNS might be critical for the development of different clinical phenotypes.
Efficacy and tolerability of rasagiline in daily clinical use – a post‐marketing observational study in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Reichmann H. , Jost W. H. 
Published: March 2010

Background:  The MAO‐B inhibitor rasagiline is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD), and its use is supported by evidence from large‐scale, controlled clinical studies. The post‐marketing observational study presented here investigated the efficacy and tolerability of rasagiline treatment (monotherapy or combination therapy) in daily clinical practice.Methods:  The study included patients with idiopathic PD who received rasagiline (recommended dose 1 mg, once daily) as monotherapy or combination therapy. The treatment and observation period was approximately 4 months. Outcome measures included the change from baseline in the Columbia University Rating Scale (CURS), the Unified PD Rating Scale fluctuation subscale, daily OFF time (patient home diaries) and the PD Questionnaire‐39. Adverse drug reactions/adverse events (ADRs/AEs) and the physician’s global judgement of tolerability and efficacy were also examined.Results:  Overall, 754 patients received rasagiline during the study. Patients treated with rasagiline (monotherapy or combination therapy) showed significant improvements from baseline in symptom severity (including classical motor and non‐classical motor/non‐motor symptoms) and quality of life (QoL). Patients receiving combination therapy also experienced significant reductions in daily OFF time. Tolerability was rated as good/very good in over 90% of patients.Conclusions:  In daily clinical practice, monotherapy or combination therapy with rasagiline is able to improve PD symptoms, reduce OFF time, and improve QoL, whilst demonstrating favourable tolerability. In addition, rasagiline has a simple dosing schedule of one tablet, once daily, with no titration. These results are consistent with the pivotal rasagiline clinical studies (TEMPO, LARGO and PRESTO).
Dysfunctional kynurenine pathway metabolism in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Sathyasaikumar Korrapati V. , Stachowski Erin K. , Amori Laura , Guidetti Paolo , Muchowski Paul J. , Schwarcz Robert 
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1416–1425.AbstractElevated concentrations of neurotoxic metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation may play a causative role in Huntington’s disease (HD). The brain levels of one of these compounds, 3‐hydroxykynurenine (3‐HK), are increased in both HD and several mouse models of the disease. In the present study, we examined this impairment in greater detail using the R6/2 mouse, a well‐established animal model of HD. Initially, mutant and age‐matched wild‐type mice received an intrastriatal injection of 3H‐tryptophan to assess the acute, local de novo production of kynurenine, the immediate bioprecursor of 3‐HK, in vivo. No effect of genotype was observed between 4 and 12 weeks of age. In contrast, intrastriatally applied 3H‐kynurenine resulted in significantly increased neosynthesis of 3H‐3‐HK, but not other tritiated KP metabolites, in the R6/2 striatum. Subsequent ex vivo studies in striatal, cortical and cerebellar tissue revealed substantial increases in the activity of the biosynthetic enzyme of 3‐HK, kynurenine 3‐monooxygenase and significant reductions in the activity of its degradative enzyme, kynureninase, in HD mice starting at 4 weeks of age. Decreased kynureninase activity was most evident in the cortex and preceded the increase in kynurenine 3‐monooxygenase activity. The activity of other KP enzymes showed no consistent brain abnormalities in the mutant mice. These findings suggest that impairments in its immediate metabolic enzymes jointly account for the abnormally high brain levels of 3‐HK in the R6/2 model of HD.