bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Vacuolar Arsenite Transporter Necessary for Arsenic Tolerance in the Arsenic Hyperaccumulating Fern Pteris vittata Is Missing in Flowering Plants
Authors: Indriolo Emily , Na GunNam , Ellis Danielle , Salt David E. , Banks Jo Ann 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The fern Pteris vittata tolerates and hyperaccumulates exceptionally high levels of the toxic metalloid arsenic, and this trait appears unique to the Pteridaceae. Once taken up by the root, arsenate is reduced to arsenite as it is transported to the lamina of the frond, where it is stored in cells as free arsenite. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of two P. vittata genes, ACR3 and ACR3;1, which encode proteins similar to the ACR3 arsenite effluxer of yeast. Pv ACR3 is able to rescue the arsenic-sensitive phenotypes of yeast deficient for ACR3. ACR3 transcripts are upregulated by arsenic in sporophyte roots and gametophytes, tissues that directly contact soil, whereas ACR3;1 expression is unaffected by arsenic. Knocking down the expression of ACR3, but not ACR3;1, in the gametophyte results in an arsenite-sensitive phenotype, indicating that ACR3 plays a necessary role in arsenic tolerance in the gametophyte. We show that ACR3 localizes to the vacuolar membrane in gametophytes, indicating that it likely effluxes arsenite into the vacuole for sequestration. Whereas single-copy ACR3 genes are present in moss, lycophytes, other ferns, and gymnosperms, none are present in angiosperms. The duplication of ACR3 in P. vittata and the loss of ACR3 in angiosperms may explain arsenic tolerance in this unusual group of ferns while precluding the same trait in angiosperms.
The silencing suppressor P25 of Potato virus X interacts with Argonaute1 and mediates its degradation through the proteasome pathway
Authors: CHIU MENG‐HSUEN , CHEN I‐HSUAN , BAULCOMBE DAVID C. , TSAI CHING‐HSIU 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYPrevious evidence has indicated that the P25 protein encoded by Potato virus X (PVX) inhibits either the assembly or function of the effector complexes in the RNA silencing‐based antiviral defence system (Bayne et al., Cell‐to‐cell movement of Potato Potexvirus X is dependent on suppression of RNA silencing. Plant J.44, 471–482). This finding prompted us to investigate the possibility that P25 targets the Argonaute (AGO) effector nuclease of RNA silencing. Co‐immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis indicated that there is a strong interaction between P25 and AGO1 of Arabidopsis when these proteins are transiently co‐expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. P25 also interacts with AGO1, AGO2, AGO3 and AGO4, but not with AGO5 and AGO9. As an effective suppressor, the amount of AGO1 accumulated in the presence of P25 was dramatically lower than that infiltrated with HcPro, but was restored when treated with a proteasome inhibitor MG132. These findings are consistent with the idea that RNA silencing is an antiviral defence mechanism and that the counter‐defence role of P25 is through the degradation of AGO proteins via the proteasome pathway. Further support for this idea is provided by the observation that plants treated with MG132 are less susceptible to PVX and its relative Bamboo mosaic virus.
The Xanthomonas citri effector protein PthA interacts with citrus proteins involved in nuclear transport, protein folding and ubiquitination associated with DNA repair
Authors: DOMINGUES MARIANE NORONHA , DE SOUZA TIAGO ANTONIO , CERNADAS RAÚL ANDRÉS , DE OLIVEIRA MARIA LUIZA PEIXOTO , DOCENA CÁSSIA , FARAH CHUCK SHAKER , BENEDETTI CELSO EDUARDO 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARY Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri utilizes the type III effector protein PthA to modulate host transcription to promote citrus canker. PthA proteins belong to the AvrBs3/PthA family and carry a domain comprising tandem repeats of 34 amino acids that mediates protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. We show here that variants of PthAs from a single bacterial strain localize to the nucleus of plant cells and form homo‐ and heterodimers through the association of their repeat regions. We hypothesize that the PthA variants might also interact with distinct host targets. Here, in addition to the interaction with α‐importin, known to mediate the nuclear import of AvrBs3, we describe new interactions of PthAs with citrus proteins involved in protein folding and K63‐linked ubiquitination. PthAs 2 and 3 preferentially interact with a citrus cyclophilin (Cyp) and with TDX, a tetratricopeptide domain‐containing thioredoxin. In addition, PthAs 2 and 3, but not 1 and 4, interact with the ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme complex formed by Ubc13 and ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme variant (Uev), required for K63‐linked ubiquitination and DNA repair. We show that Cyp, TDX and Uev interact with each other, and that Cyp and Uev localize to the nucleus of plant cells. Furthermore, the citrus Ubc13 and Uev proteins complement the DNA repair phenotype of the yeast Δubc13 and Δmms2/uev1a mutants, strongly indicating that they are also involved in K63‐linked ubiquitination and DNA repair. Notably, PthA 2 affects the growth of yeast cells in the presence of a DNA damage agent, suggesting that it inhibits K63‐linked ubiquitination required for DNA repair.
Blackcurrant seed oil for prevention of atopic dermatitis in newborns: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Linnamaa P. , Savolainen J. , Koulu L. , Tuomasjukka S. , Kallio H. , Yang B. , Vahlberg T. , Tahvonen R. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
The present increased incidence of atopic diseases has been associated with an altered intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The composition of blackcurrant seed oil (BCSO) corresponds to the recommended dietary intake of EFAs, and as a dietary supplement could, in small doses, modify the imbalance of EFAs in an efficient way.Objective
To assess the effect of dietary supplementation with BCSO on the prevalence of atopy at 12 months of age.Methods
Three hundred and thirteen pregnant mothers were randomly assigned to receive BCSO (151) or olive oil as placebo (162). The first doses were administered at 8th–16th weeks of pregnancy and were continued until the cessation of breastfeeding, followed by supplementation to the infants until the age of 2 years. Atopic dermatitis and its severity (SCORAD index) were evaluated, serum total IgE was measured and skin tests were performed at the age of 3, 12 and 24 months.Results
Parental atopy was common (81.7%) among study subjects, making them infants with increased atopy risk. There was a significantly lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the BCSO group than in the olive oil group at the age of 12 months (33.0% vs. 47.3%, P=0.035). SCORAD was also lower in the BCSO group than in the olive oil group at 12 months of age (P=0.035). No significant differences in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis were observed between the groups at the age of 24 months (P=0.18).Conclusion
Dietary supplementation with BCSO was well tolerated and it transiently reduced the prevalence of atopic dermatitis. It could therefore be one potential tool in the prevention of atopic symptoms when used at an early stage of life.(Registration number SRCTN14869647, http://www.controlled‐trials.com) Cite this as: P. Linnamaa, J. Savolainen, L. Koulu, S. Tuomasjukka, H. Kallio, B. Yang, T. Vahlberg and R. Tahvonen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1247–1255.
Effect of an immunotoxin to folate receptor β on bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Nagai T , Tanaka M , Hasui K , Shirahama H , Kitajima S , Yonezawa S , Xu B , Matsuyama T 
Published: June 2010

Summary
It has been suggested that alveolar and interstitial macrophages play a key role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by producing proinflammatory and/or fibrogenic cytokines. We showed that inflammatory macrophages expressed folate receptor β (FRβ) while resident macrophages in normal tissues expressed no or low levels of FRβ. In the present study, we examined the distribution of FRβ-expressing macrophages in the lungs of patients with usual idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (UIP) and mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and tested whether the depletion of FRβ-expressing macrophages could suppress bleomycin-induced PF in mice. Immunostaining with anti-human or -mouse FRβ monoclonal antibody (mAb) revealed that FRβ-expressing macrophages were present predominantly in fibrotic areas of the lungs of patients with UIP and mice with bleomycin-induced PF. Intranasal administration of a recombinant immunotoxin, consisting of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain Fv portions of an anti-mouse FRβ mAb and truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin A, increased survival significantly and reduced levels of total hydroxyproline and fibrosis in bleomycin-induced PF. In immunohistochemical analysis, decreased numbers of tumour necrosis factor-α-, chemokines CCL2- and CCL12-producing cells were observed in the immunotoxin-treated group. These findings suggest a pathogenic role of FRβ-expressing macrophages in IPF. Thus, targeting FRβ-expressing macrophages may be a promising treatment of IPF.
Reduced total testosterone concentrations in young healthy South Asian men are partly explained by increased insulin resistance but not by altered adiposity
Authors: Biswas Mousumi , Hampton David , Turkes Atilla , Newcombe Robert G. , Aled Rees D. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryObjective  To compare ethnic differences in total, free and bioavailable testosterone amongst young healthy South Asian and Caucasian men.Design and subjects  Cross‐sectional study of 134 healthy men (age 20–40 years) of South Asian (n = 67) or Caucasian (n = 67) origin, recruited from hospital staff and students working in Newport, UK. Subjects were excluded if they had a fasting plasma glucose >5·9 mmol/l, central obesity [waist circumference ≥94 cm (Caucasian) or ≥90 cm (South Asian)] or significant other disease.Measurements  Fasting plasma glucose, total testosterone (determined by immunoassay and mass spectrometry), albumin, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin were measured. Free and bioavailable testosterone were calculated using Vermeulen’s formula, and insulin resistance was estimated by HOMA‐IR.Results  The South Asians were slightly older (P = 0·04), shorter (P < 0·001), lighter (P < 0·001), more insulin resistant (P = 0·006), and had a lower body mass index BMI (P = 0·012), waist circumference (P = 0·043) and SHBG (P = 0·001) than the Caucasians. Total testosterone was significantly lower in South Asians (mass spectrometry: geometric mean 16·3 nmol/l; 95% reference interval 9·3–28·6 nmol/l) compared with Caucasians (mass spectrometry: geometric mean 18·4 nmol/l; 95% reference interval 10·6–31·9 nmol/l; P = 0·015), but calculated free and bioavailable testosterone were not different between groups. Adjusting for HOMA‐IR, but not BMI or waist circumference, partly attenuated the differences in total testosterone.Conclusions  Total, but not free, testosterone concentrations are lower in healthy South Asian men than in Caucasians. These differences are apparent at a young age and may be partly attributable to alterations in insulin sensitivity.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Should short children born small for gestational age with a distance to target height <1 standard deviation score be excluded from growth hormone treatment?
Authors: Lem Annemieke J. , De Kort Sandra W. K. , De Ridder Maria A. J. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryContext  The criteria for starting growth hormone (GH), an approved treatment for short children born small for gestational age (SGA), differ between Europe and the USA. One European requirement for starting GH, a distance to target height (DTH) of ≥1 standard deviation score (SDS), is controversial.Objective  To investigate the influence of DTH on growth during GH treatment in short SGA children and to ascertain whether it is correct to exclude children with a DTH <1 SDS from GH.Patients  A large group of short prepubertal SGA children (baseline n = 446; 4 years GH n = 215).Measurements  We analysed the prepubertal growth response during 4 years of GH. We investigated the influence of the continuous variable DTH SDS on growth response and a possible DTH SDS cut‐off level below which point the growth response is insufficient.Results  Height gain SDS during 4 years of GH showed a wide variation at every DTH SDS level. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that, after correction for other significant variables, an additional DTH of 1 SDS resulted in 0·13 SDS more height gain during 4 years of GH. We found no significant differences in height gain below and above certain DTH SDS cut‐off levels.Conclusions  DTH SDS had a weak positive effect on height gain during 4 years of GH, while several other determinants had much larger effects. We found no support for using any DTH cut‐off level. Based on our data, excluding children with a DTH <1 SDS from GH treatment is not justified.
Altered thyrotropic and lactotropic axes regulation in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Aziz N. A. , Pijl Hanno , Frölich Marijke , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Roos Raymund A. C. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground  Recently, a loss of hypothalamic dopamine D2 receptors was demonstrated in Huntington’s disease (HD). Activation of dopamine D2 receptors is known to inhibit the function of both thyrotropic and lactotropic axes.Objective  To assess whether the activity of the thyrotropic and lactotropic axes is disturbed in patients with HD, contributing to symptoms such as unintended weight loss.Participants and methods  In nine medication‐free patients with early‐stage HD (six men, three women) and nine age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched controls, we measured serum levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (men only) every 10 min for 24 h. Multiparameter auto‐deconvolution and approximate entropy analysis were applied to quantify basal, pulsatile and total TSH and prolactin secretion rates as well as the regularity of hormone release.Results  Compared with controls, TSH and prolactin secretion tended to be slightly, but not significantly, higher in patients with HD (TSH: 1·13 ±0·14 vs 0·91 ± 0·19 mU/l, P = 0·40; prolactin: 213 ± 18 vs 209 ± 11 pmol/l, P = 0·87). However, in patients with HD, total T3 levels were significantly higher (1·60 ± 0·05 vs 1·35 ± 0·09, P = 0·045), while T4 levels tended to be higher as well (91·9 ± 3·9 vs 81·3 ± 3·1, P = 0·085). Prolactin secretion was significantly more irregular in patients with HD (Approximate entropy (ApEn): 1·06 ± 0·08 vs 0·80 ± 0·09, P = 0·037). Total T3 levels were negatively associated with motor impairment (r = −0·72, P = 0·030), whereas increasing free T4 levels were associated with a larger mutant cytosine‐adenine‐guanine (CAG) repeat size (r = +0·68, P = 0·044). Conclusion: Our findings indicate a mild hyperactivity of the thyrotropic axis and a disturbed regulation of the lactotropic axis in patients with early‐stage HD.
Morbidity and mortality in patients with craniopharyngioma after surgery
Authors: Crowley R. K. , Hamnvik O. P. , O’Sullivan E. P. , Behan L. A. , Smith D. , Agha A. , Thompson C. J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryObjective  Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a benign tumour of the suprasellar region that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in comparison with other causes of hypopituitarism. We aimed to establish the rate and causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with CP who attended our centre.Design  We performed a retrospective case note audit of patients with CP who were managed by our service. We established the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for patients with CP. We compared obesity prevalence with two other hypopituitary groups who are managed by our service.Patients  We identified 70 patients with CP, 97% of whom had undergone surgery and 42% radiotherapy. We compared the prevalence of obesity with that of 89 patients with hypopituitarism secondary to surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma and 29 patients with post‐traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP).Measurements  Standardized mortality ratio for patients with CP was 8·75 (95% CI of 5·4–13·3); SMR for women was 10·51 (95% CI 5·04–19·3) and 7·55 (95% CI 3·77–13·52) for men. The rates of growth hormone (GH), gonadotrophin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and TSH deficiencies were 91%, 93·5%, 92% and 86%, respectively. The rate of diabetes insipidus (DI) was 81%; 7·1% had adipsic DI. Dyslipidaemia was present in 46·9% and diabetes mellitus in 11·5%. Obesity affected 66% of patients with CP, 47% of patients with nonfunctioning adenoma and 31% of those with PTHP (P < 0·001).Conclusions  Patients with CP suffer from high rates of mortality and morbidity. The underlying causes for mortality and for obesity in this population remain poorly understood.
Is acute supramaximal exercise capable of modulating lipoprotein profile in healthy men?
Authors: Lira Fabio Santos , Zanchi Nelo Eidy , Lima‐Silva Adriano Eduardo , Pires Flávio Oliveira , Bertuzzi Rômulo Cássio , Caperuto Erico Chagas , Kiss Maria Augusta , Seelaender Marília , Santos Ronaldo Vagner 
Published: June 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (8): 759–765AbstractBackground  This study examined the effects of acute supramaximal exercise (∼115% VO2max) on the blood lipid profile for three different carbohydrate (CHO) storage levels (control, low and high).Methods  Six male subjects were randomly divided into three different groups: control, low CHO and high CHO. These groups differed in the diet to which the subjects were submitted before each exercise session. The lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, TG/HDL‐C ratio and total cholesterol) was determined at rest, immediately after exercise and 1 h after exercise bouts.Results  The time to exhaustion was lower in the low CHO condition compared with the control and high CHO condition (3·59 ± 0·72; 2·91 ± 0·56; and 4·26 ± 0·69 min; P < 0·05). The energy expenditure (control: 251·1 ± 56·0 kJ; low CHO: 215·2 ± 28·6 kJ; and high CHO: 310·4 ± 64·9 kJ) was significantly different between the low and high CHO conditions (P < 0·05). There were no significant changes in the lipid profile for any of the experimental conditions (control, low and high; P < 0·05). Glucose and insulin levels did not show time‐dependent changes in any of the conditions (P > 0·05).Conclusions  These results indicate that a supramaximal exercise session has no significant effects on lipid metabolism.
IntrinsicQpseismic attenuation from the rise time of microearthquakes: a local scale application at Rio‐Antirrio, Western Greece
Authors: Tselentis G.‐Akis , Paraskevopoulos Paraskevas , Martakis Nikos 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTWe determine the attenuation structure of a three‐dimensional medium based on first pulse‐width measurements from microearthquake data. Ninety‐five microearthquakes from a seventy stations local network were considered in this study. Measurements of the first half cycle of the wave, the so‐called rise time τ were carried out on high quality velocity seismograms and inverted to estimate the P‐waves intrinsic quality factorQp. The results of this investigation indicate that first pulse width data from a local microearthquake network permit retrieval with sufficient accuracy of the heterogeneousQpstructure. The inferred attenuation variability corresponds to the known geological formations in the region.
Culling wildlife hosts to control disease: mountain hares, red grouse and louping ill virus
Authors: Harrison Annabel , Newey Scott , Gilbert Lucy , Haydon Daniel T , Thirgood Simon 
Published: June 2010

Summary 1. Culling wildlife hosts is often implemented as a management technique to control pathogen transmission from wildlife to domestic or other economically important animals. However, culling may have unexpected consequences, can be expensive and may have wider implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. 2. We assess the evidence that culling mountain hares Lepus timidus is an effective and practical way to control louping ill virus in red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. 3. Evidence from the available literature is limited, restricting our ability to reliably assess the effectiveness of culling mountain hares to control ticks, louping ill virus, or increase red grouse densities. Furthermore, the information required to assess the cost‐benefit of this management strategy is lacking. The population response of mountain hares to culling is not well understood and the possible effects on their conservation status and the upland ecosystem remain unexplored. 4. We conclude that there is no compelling evidence base to suggest culling mountain hares might increase red grouse densities. 5. Synthesis and applications. Widespread culling of wildlife is not necessarily effective in reducing disease or improving economic returns. The use of wildlife culls for disease control should be proposed only when: (i) the pathogen transmission cycle is fully understood with all host‐vector interactions considered; (ii) the response of wildlife populations to culling is known; and (iii) cost‐benefit analysis shows that increased revenue from reduced disease prevalence exceeds the cost of culling.
Intracellular localization of membrane‐bound ATPases in the compartmentalized anammox bacterium ‘Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis’
Authors: Van Niftrik Laura , Van Helden Mary , Kirchen Silke , Van Donselaar Elly G. , Harhangi Harry R. , Webb Richard I. , Fuerst John A. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Strous Marc 
Published: June 2010

SummaryAnaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria are divided into three compartments by bilayer membranes (from out‐ to inside): paryphoplasm, riboplasm and anammoxosome. It is proposed that the anammox reaction is performed by proteins located in the anammoxosome and on its membrane giving rise to a proton‐motive‐force and subsequent ATP synthesis by membrane‐bound ATPases. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the location of membrane‐bound ATPases in the anammox bacterium ‘Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis’. Four ATPase gene clusters were identified in the K. stuttgartiensis genome: one typical F‐ATPase, two atypical F‐ATPases and a prokaryotic V‐ATPase. K. stuttgartiensis transcriptomic and proteomic analysis and immunoblotting using antisera directed at catalytic subunits of the ATPase gene clusters indicated that only the typical F‐ATPase gene cluster most likely encoded a functional ATPase under these cultivation conditions. Immunogold localization showed that the typical F‐ATPase was predominantly located on both the outermost and anammoxosome membrane and to a lesser extent on the middle membrane. This is consistent with the anammox physiology model, and confirms the status of the outermost cell membrane as cytoplasmic membrane. The occurrence of ATPase in the anammoxosome membrane suggests that anammox bacteria have evolved a prokaryotic organelle; a membrane‐bounded compartment with a specific cellular function: energy metabolism.