bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP703 Is an Ancient Cytochrome P450 in Land Plants Catalyzing in-Chain Hydroxylation of Lauric Acid to Provide Building Blocks for Sporopollenin Synthesis in Pollen
Authors: Morant Marc , Jørgensen Kirsten , Schaller Hubert , Pinot Franck , Møller Birger Lindberg , Werck-Reichhart Danièle , Bak Søren 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCYP703 is a cytochrome P450 family specific to land plants. Typically, each plant species contains a single CYP703. Arabidopsis thaliana CYP703A2 is expressed in the anthers of developing flowers. Expression is initiated at the tetrad stage and restricted to microspores and to the tapetum cell layer. Arabidopsis CYP703A2 knockout lines showed impaired pollen development and a partial male-sterile phenotype. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy of pollen from the knockout plants showed impaired pollen wall development with absence of exine. The fluorescent layer around the pollen grains ascribed to the presence of phenylpropanoid units in sporopollenin was absent in the CYP703A2 knockout lines. Heterologous expression of CYP703A2 in yeast cells demonstrated that CYP703 catalyzes the conversion of medium-chain saturated fatty acids to the corresponding monohydroxylated fatty acids, with a preferential hydroxylation of lauric acid at the C-7 position. Incubation of recombinant CYP703 with methanol extracts from developing flowers confirmed that lauric acid and in-chain hydroxy lauric acids are the in planta substrate and product, respectively. These data demonstrate that in-chain hydroxy lauric acids are essential building blocks in sporopollenin synthesis and enable the formation of ester and ether linkages with phenylpropanoid units. This study identifies CYP703 as a P450 family specifically involved in pollen development.
TIME FOR COFFEEEncodes a Nuclear Regulator in theArabidopsis thalianaCircadian Clock
Authors: Ding Zhaojun , Millar Andrew J. , Davis Amanda M. , Davis Seth J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe plant circadian clock is required for daily anticipation of the diurnal environment. Mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana TIME FOR COFFEE (TIC) affects free-running circadian rhythms. To investigate how TIC functions within the circadian system, we introduced markers for the evening and morning phases of the clock into tic and measured evident rhythms. The phases of evening clock genes in tic were all advanced under light/dark cycles without major expression level defects. With regard to morning-acting genes, we unexpectedly found that TIC has a closer relationship with LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) than with CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1, as tic has a specific LHY expression level defect. Epistasis analysis demonstrated that there were no clear rhythms in double mutants of tic and evening-acting clock genes, although double mutants of tic and morning-acting genes exhibited a similar free-running period as tic. We isolated TIC and found that its mRNA expression is continuously present over the diurnal cycle, and the encoded protein appears to be strictly localized to the nucleus. Neither its abundance nor its cellular distribution was found to be clock regulated. We suggest that TIC encodes a nucleus-acting clock regulator working close to the central oscillator.
The Two AGPase Subunits Evolve at Different Rates in Angiosperms, yet They Are Equally Sensitive to Activity-Altering Amino Acid Changes When Expressed in Bacteria
Authors: Georgelis Nikolaos , Braun Edward L. , Shaw Janine R. , Hannah L. Curtis 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe rate of protein evolution is generally thought to reflect, at least in part, the proportion of amino acids within the protein that are needed for proper function. In the case of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), this premise led to the hypothesis that, because the AGPase small subunit is more conserved compared with the large subunit, a higher proportion of the amino acids of the small subunit are required for enzyme activity compared with the large subunit. Evolutionary analysis indicates that the AGPase small subunit has been subject to more intense purifying selection than the large subunit in the angiosperms. However, random mutagenesis and expression of the maize (Zea mays) endosperm AGPase in bacteria show that the two AGPase subunits are equally predisposed to enzyme activity-altering amino acid changes when expressed in one environment with a single complementary subunit. As an alternative hypothesis, we suggest that the small subunit exhibits more evolutionary constraints in planta than does the large subunit because it is less tissue specific and thus must form functional enzyme complexes with different large subunits. Independent approaches provide data consistent with this alternative hypothesis.
Increasing Plasma Membrane Phosphatidylinositol(4,5)Bisphosphate Biosynthesis Increases Phosphoinositide Metabolism inNicotiana tabacum
Authors: Im Yang Ju , Perera Imara Y. , Brglez Irena , Davis Amanda J. , Stevenson-Paulik Jill , Phillippy Brian Q. , Johannes Eva , Allen Nina S. , Boss Wendy F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA genetic approach was used to increase phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] biosynthesis and test the hypothesis that PtdInsP kinase (PIPK) is flux limiting in the plant phosphoinositide (PI) pathway. Expressing human PIPKIα in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells increased plasma membrane PtdIns(4,5)P2 100-fold. In vivo studies revealed that the rate of 32Pi incorporation into whole-cell PtdIns(4,5)P2 increased &gt;12-fold, and the ratio of [3H]PtdInsP2 to [3H]PtdInsP increased 6-fold, but PtdInsP levels did not decrease, indicating that PtdInsP biosynthesis was not limiting. Both [3H]inositol trisphosphate and [3H]inositol hexakisphosphate increased 3-and 1.5-fold, respectively, in the transgenic lines after 18 h of labeling. The inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] binding assay showed that total cellular Ins(1,4,5)P3/g fresh weight was &gt;40-fold higher in transgenic tobacco lines; however, even with this high steady state level of Ins(1,4,5)P3, the pathway was not saturated. Stimulating transgenic cells with hyperosmotic stress led to another 2-fold increase, suggesting that the transgenic cells were in a constant state of PI stimulation. Furthermore, expressing Hs PIPKIα increased sugar use and oxygen uptake. Our results demonstrate that PIPK is flux limiting and that this high rate of PI metabolism increased the energy demands in these cells.
The use of single‐use devices in anaesthesia: balancing the risks to patient safety*
Authors: Rowley E. , Dingwall R. 
Published: May 2007

SummarySingle‐use devices are designed, manufactured and sold to be used once and then discarded. This paper addresses growing concerns about the quality of some devices. Single‐use devices, manufactured at a lower cost to justify their disposal, are perceived to have a lesser efficacy, which may threaten patient safety through iatrogenic harm. There is, in addition, growing scepticism about the actual risk of contracting variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease and other blood‐borne diseases from reused surgical instruments. Interview data suggests that when choosing to use a single‐use device, clinicians balance concerns about the risk of infection against those about the risk of injury. However, despite reservations about induced harm and the unknown risk of an iatrogenic disease, most clinicians would want single‐use devices used on themselves and their family if they were patients.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Perinatal alcohol exposure enhances nocistatin levels in adulthood
Authors: Tekes Kornélia , Hantos Mónika , Gyenge Melinda , Csaba Gyorgy 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTIn earlier experiments perinatal hormonal imprinting by alcohol decreased the hormone content of immune cells for life. In the present study, both a single day (15% on the third postnatal day) and a long‐term treatment schedule of alcohol exposure (3% for 21 days) of dams during lactation significantly (P < 0.01) enhanced endogenous levels of nocistatin in the blood plasma as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid of the offspring, measured in 3‐month‐old rats. Our data suggest that alcohol consumption during lactation can cause a life‐long influence on nocistatin levels in the offspring and most likely modify nocistatin‐related functions such as pain tolerance.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Effect of cannabinoids on platelet serotonin uptake
Authors: Velenovská Marie , Fišar Zdeněk 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTSerotonin is involved in many of the same processes affected by cannabinoids; therefore, we investigated in vitro and in vivo effects of these drugs on the function of serotonin transporter. The effect of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), endocannabinoid anandamide and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212‐2 on platelet serotonin uptake and membrane microviscosity was examined in 19 marijuana smokers and 20 controls. (1) Serotonin uptake was inhibited at higher doses of Δ9‐THC (IC50 = 139 µmol/l), anandamide (IC50 = 201 µmol/l) or WIN 55,212‐2 (IC50 = 17.4 µmol/l); the inhibition was found non‐competitive. Δ9‐THC, anandamide and WIN 55,212‐2 produced different effects on the membrane microviscosity. (2) Maximal velocity of platelet serotonin uptake was significantly increased in a group of chronic marijuana smokers suffering impairment of cognitive functions when compared with controls. Opposite effect of marijuana smoking on the serotonin uptake efficiency was observed in males beside females. In summary, this study provides evidence that (1) Activity of serotonin transporter is acutely affected by cannabinoids at relatively high drug concentrations; this effect is indirect and can be partially accounted for the changes in the membrane microviscosity. (2) Increase of maximal velocity of the serotonin uptake could be understood as adaptation change in the serotonergic system induced by chronic cannabis use. A hypothesis was supported that lowered serotonin uptake may reflect a gender‐related differences in effects of psychoactive cannabinoids.
CLINICAL STUDY: Physical health problems among patients seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders: a study in six European cities
Authors: Gossop Michael , Neto Domingos , Radovanovic Mirjana , Batra Anil , Toteva Sonya , Musalek Michael , Skutle Arvid , Goos Cees 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe present study investigates physical health problems among patients with alcohol use disorders at alcohol treatment agencies in six European cities. The sample comprised 315 patients with a primary alcohol use disorder. Data were collected at admission to treatment using a structured research protocol, and ratings were made by a medically qualified physician subsequent to a physical examination of the patient. Physical health problems were extremely common: 79% of the sample had at least one problem, and 59% had two or more problems. Health problems were often serious, and 60% had at least one health problem that required treatment. The most common problems were gastrointestinal and liver disorders, but about a quarter of the sample had cardiovascular or neurological problems. Frequency of drinking, duration of alcohol use disorder, and severity of alcohol dependence were associated with increased physical morbidity. Current smoking status and age were also associated with poorer physical health. Older drinkers had more physical health problems although they were less severely alcohol dependent than their younger counterparts. The high prevalence of physical health problems among problem drinkers provides opportunities of screening for alcohol use disorders not only in specialist alcohol treatment services but also in other health‐care settings. It is recommended that alcohol treatment agencies should provide a full routine health screen of patients at admission to treatment with provision or referral to appropriate treatment.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Morphine withdrawal decreases responding reinforced by sucrose self‐administration in progressive ratio
Authors: Zhang Dengke , Zhou Xuhui , Wang Xuyi , Xiang Xiaojun , Chen Hongxian , Hao Wei 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown that withdrawal from psychostimulant drugs such as d‐amphetamine or methamphetamine decreases motivation to work for a natural reinforcement, which is thought to be associated with the withdrawal‐induced depressive state and hypofunction of the mesolimbic dopamine system. However, to our knowledge, studies exploring the effect of morphine withdrawal on motivation for a natural reinforcement are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether motivation to work for a natural reinforcement changes during morphine withdrawal. Three groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to respond on a nose poke for a 4% sucrose solution under a progressive ratio schedule and were subsequently administered a 10‐day regimen of injection of high or low dose of morphine or saline. Their duration of break point and withdrawal symptoms were assessed. The finding showed that break points were significantly reduced on day 1 and persisted to at least day 10 of withdrawal without change in locomotor activity. There were hardly any differences bear mentioning when comparing the magnitude of the decrease between the high‐ and the low‐dose group, whereas the withdrawal scales were significant greater in the high‐dose group than in the low‐dose group. The results suggest that the morphine withdrawal resulted in decreased motivation to obtain the natural reinforcement. The progressive ratio procedure may be a useful technique for evaluation of changes in motivation for natural reinforcing stimuli following withdrawal from opiates.
Modulation of eicosanoid and histamine release from human dispersed lung cells by terfenadine
Authors: Campbell A. M. , Chanez P. , Marty‐Ané C. , Albat B. , Bloom M. , Michel F. B. , Godard P. , Bousquet J. 
Published: May 2007

Terfenadine is an H1‐blocker that may have antiallergic properties. A study was carried out to examine the ability of terfenadine to inhibit the release of histamine and arachidonic‐acid‐derived mediators from human lung cells. Cells were dispersed from fresh human lung tissue obtained from tour accident victims whose hearts were donated for transplantation and four lung cancer resections. Cells were dispersed by enzymatic digestion with type XIV protease and chymopapain, and this resulted in a cell population containing approximately 5% mast cells. The remaining cells were mainly macrophages. The cells were challenged with anti‐IgE at a 1/1000 dilution. Cells were challenged without terfenadine and after a preincubation of 0.1, 1, and 10 umol terfenadine. The release of PGD2 and LTC4/D4 was assessed with an EIA. Histamine was assayed by RIA with a monoclonal antibody against acylated histamine.A release of both eicosanoids and histamine was observed m all experiments. An inhibition of eicosanoids was observed at both 1 and 10 μmol terfenadine (median percentage of inhibition of PGD2: 38.00 ± 15.65 and 56,00 ± 13,12; median percentage of inhibition of LTC4/D4: 37.5 ± 19,80 and 52.5 ± 26.8). On the other hand, histamine release was not blocked by terfenadine.Terfenadine inhibits, in a dose‐dependent manner, the release of eicosanoids after challenge of dispersed lung cells by anti‐IgE, and this effect may have some clinical relevance.
Localized periorbital edema induced by aspirin
Authors: Katz Y. , Goldberg N. , Kivity S. 
Published: May 2007

We documented localized periorbital edema in two patients with aspirin sensitivity without underlying chronic urticaria. The reaction developed 30 min after ingestion of 62.5 and 125 mg of aspirin, respectively. No systemic symptoms were observed. Other NSAIDs did not induce symptoms. These patients were able to tolerate doses of aspirin after pretreatment with terfenadine.These observations suggest that histamine plays a central role in aspirin‐induced skin reaction. Despite the fact that terfenadine blocks the drug‐induced reaction, this protocol should be used with caution and only where there is no feasible alternative to aspirin.
Topical sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom®) relieves ongoing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis within 2 minutes
Authors: Montan P. , Zetterström O. , Eliasson E. , Strömquist L.‐H. 
Published: May 2007

Montan P, Zetterström O, Eliasson E, Strömquist L‐H. Topical sodium cromoglycate (Opticrom®) relieves ongoing symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis within 2 minutes.Twelve patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis caused by either birch or timothy grass pollen were challenged out of season in both eyes, with the relevant allergen. Itching, redness, swelling, and tearing were assessed on a 0–3 scale. When a positive reaction, i.e., at least 4 points, had occurred in both eyes, one drop of 2% sodium cromoglycate was administered to one eye and one drop of placebo to the other eye in each patient, in a double‐blind, randomized fashion. Symptoms were then assessed after 2, 10, 30, and 60 min. Sodium cromoglycate was statistically better than placebo in reducing the symptoms at 2, 10, and 30 min after the treatment had been administered, showing that topical application of 2% sodium cromoglycate can quickly relieve ongoing symptoms of allergic inflammation in the eve.
Prevalence of childhood asthma in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Öneş Ü. , Sapan N. , Somer A. , Dişç R. , Salman N. , Güler N. , Yalçm I. 
Published: May 2007

ÖneşÜ. Sapan N, Somer A, Dişçi R, Salman N, Güler N, Yalçm I. Prevalence of childhood asthma in Istanbul, Turkey.In order to determine the asthma prevalence in 6–12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Istanbul, we issued 2350 questionnaires, according to ISAAC criteria, in six randomly selected city primary schools to be completed at home by parents. A total of 2232 of the questionnaires were completed, an overall response rate of 94.9%, and 2216 questionnaires were taken into consideration. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 9.8% and wheezing 15.1%. To investigate the effect of socioeconomic status on the prevalence of asthma, we evaluated the heating system at home, the place of residence, the educational levels of the mother and father, the number of people living in the house, the sharing of bedrooms, and the annual family income. In conclusion, the prevalence of childhood asthma was not affected by any of these factors. Atopic family history, food allergy, eczema, and frequent otitis media and sinusitis attacks were evaluated and found to be significant in asthma prevalence.
House‐dust‐mite allergen (Der p 1) levels in university colleges
Authors: Mahmic A. , Tovey E. R. 
Published: May 2007

Background In coastal Australia, mean house‐dust‐mite allergen concentration is 20‐40 times higher in homes than in public buildings. Allergen concentrations in university colleges, which share some eharacteristics of both homes and public buildings, are not known. The study aimed to compare bed mite‐allergen concentration in colleges with local homes. Methods Mattress dust was collected from three colleges (n = 60 m each) and local homes (N=68) during summer, Der p 1 was measured by ELISA. Information was collected on the floor plan of the colleges, cleaning practices, age of building, and orientation of room. Results Most college mattresses (94%) had Der p 1 concentrations less than the mean of homes in the same climate. The geometric means of Der p 1 m the mattresses of the colleges were as follows: A, 8.9 pg Der p 1/g fme dust (95% CI 6.9,11.5); B, 1.9 (1.5,2.3); and C, 1.5 (1.2,2.0), compared to homes, 22,5 (17.6, 28.7). The percentages of college mattresses with less than 2 jig/ g were 7%, 48%, and 58%, respectively, compared to 4% for homes. Higher Der p 1 concentrations were weakly associated with age of building in college A, and orientation in college B, Der p 1 concentrations were independent of floor level and age of mattress. Conclusions These findings indicate that low allergen concentrations are achievable without extreme hygiene and cleaning measures in a climate which supports mite proliferation in homes.
Role of nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in children with chronic urticaria
Authors: Ehlers I. , Niggemann B. , Binder C. , Zuberbier T. 
Published: May 2007

Background IgE‐independent (pseudoallergic) reactions to food and food ingredients are common in a subgroup of adult patients with chronic urticaria, who have daily spontaneous occurrence of wheals. However, for children with chronic urticaria (duration longer than 6 weeks, no physical influence), no data on the importance of pseudoallergen‐induced chronic urticaria are available. Therefore, we investigated the role of nonallergic hypersensitivity to food in all children seen with chronic continuous urticaria i n our two clinics over the last 2 years (n = 16). Methods All patients were given a low‐pseudoallergen diet for 3 weeks followed by provocation with food rich in pseudoallergens. To identify the main eliciting agents, a subgroup of responders was exposed to food additives by double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenges. Results Pseudoallergen‐induced urticaria was diagnosed in 12 cases (75%). Reactions occurred mainly to coloring agents and preservatives, but also to monosodium glutamate and a sweetener (saccharin/cyclamate). Conclusions TTiese results confirm that nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions play a role in children with chronic urticaria, although the latter disease is rare at that age. In children, food additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives, appear to play a more important role in eliciting nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions than in adult patients, where naturally occurring pseudoallergens in fruits and vegetables are mainly responsible.
Environmental priming influences allergen‐specific nasal reactivity
Authors: Toth J. , Schultze‐Werninghaus C. , Marks B. , Temmel A. F. P. , Stübner P. , Jäger S. , Horak F. 
Published: May 2007

Background Preceding mucosal response to one allergen leads to the priming of the nasal mucosal response to another allergen. This study aimed t o determine whether environmental allergens, especially ubiquitous animal dander, can induce nasal priming. Methods We investigated 26 grass‐pollen‐allergic subjects with additional sensitization to other aeroallergens. We performed continuous allergen challenge for 2 h with 1500 Dactylis glomerata pollen/m3 in the Vienna challenge chamber. The nasal flow at 150 Pa was examined, and subjective scores were obtained every 15 min. Statistical analysis was calculated from the area under curve of nasal flow reduction by Student's f‐test and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Alpha was 0.05. Results In subjects with positive cat‐dander RAST (class of ≥ 3), besides grass‐pollen allergy, the specific nasal allergic reaction to Dactylis challenge was significantly pronounced (P <0.01). and an earlier onset of reaction was evident. TTie same results were obtained with additional sensitization to dog dander (P<0.05). Concomitant sensitization to mugwort also led to escalating symptoms (P<0.05). Conclusions These results indicate that a specific nasal allergic reaction is augmented by environmental priming caused by ubiquitous animal dander and possibly is influenced by the daily use of spices.