bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidative folding of small Tims is mediated by site‐specific docking onto Mia40 in the mitochondrial intermembrane space
Authors: Sideris Dionisia P. , Tokatlidis Kostas 
Published: August 2007

SummaryOxidative folding in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS) is crucial for the import of certain cysteine‐rich IMS proteins. The essential proteins Mia40 and Erv1 are key components for this mechanism functioning as a disulphide protein cascade that is functionally linked to the respiratory chain by shuttling electrons onto CytC. The subunits of the chaperone complex Tim9–Tim10 require Mia40 for their biogenesis. Previously, it was shown that the four cysteines of Tim10 are crucial for folding and assembly, that they are connected intramolecularly into an inner and an outer disulphide bridge, and that the inner disulphide has a more prominent role in these processes. Here we show that interaction with Mia40 is a site‐specific event: (i) the N‐terminal first cysteine of the precursor is crucial for docking onto Mia40 via a mixed disulphide; (ii) release is triggered by disulphide pairing of the C‐terminal cysteine onto the N‐terminal one; and (iii) formation of the inner disulphide between the second and third cysteines apparently precedes the release reaction and is critical for assembly with Tim9. The Tim10–Mia40 interaction is independent of divalent cations, any other mitochondrial proteins or membranes, and is shown to occur efficiently in organello and in vitro.
A huge filamentary structure at z= 0.55 and star formation histories of galaxies at z &lt; 1
Authors: Tanaka Masayuki , Hoshi Takako , Kodama Tadayuki , Kashikawa Nobunari 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
We report a definitive confirmation of a large-scale structure around the super rich cluster CL0016+1609 at z= 0.55. We made spectroscopic follow-up observations with Faint Object Camera and Spectrograph (FOCAS) on Subaru along the large filamentary structure identified in our previous photometric studies, including some subclumps already found by other authors. We have confirmed the physical connection of the huge filament extending over 20h−170 Mpc in the north–south (NS) direction hosting the main cluster and several clumps aligned in a chain-like structure. We have also confirmed a physical association of a new filament extending from the main cluster to the east, which was newly discovered by us. Based on a simple energy argument, we show that it is likely that most of the clumps are bound to the main CL0016 cluster. Given its spatial extent and richness, this structure is surely one of the most prominent confirmed structures ever identified in the distant Universe, which then serves as an ideal laboratory to examine the environmental variation of galaxy properties. We draw star formation histories of galaxies from the composite spectra of red galaxies in field, group and cluster environments. Combining the results from our previous studies, we find that red galaxies in groups at z∼ 0.8 and red field galaxies at z∼ 0.5 show strong Hδ absorption lines for their D4000 indices. These are the environments in which we observed the on-going build-up of the colour–magnitude relation in our previous photometric analyses. The strong Hδ absorption lines observed in their composite spectra imply that their star formation is truncated on a relatively short time-scale in these relatively low density environments. We suggest that galaxy–galaxy interactions are the most likely physical driver of the truncation of star formation and thus responsible for the build-up of the colour–magnitude relation since z∼ 1.
Identification of a 150 bp cis‐acting element of the AtNRT2.1 promoter involved in the regulation of gene expression by the N and C status of the plant
Authors: GIRIN THOMAS , LEJAY LAURENCE , WIRTH JUDITH , WIDIEZ THOMAS , PALENCHAR PETER M , NAZOA PATRICIA , TOURAINE BRUNO , GOJON ALAIN , LEPETIT MARC 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThe Arabidopsis thaliana AtNRT2.1 gene, which encodes a NO3‐ transporter involved in high‐affinity uptake by the roots, is a molecular target of several mechanisms responsible for the regulation of root NO3‐ acquisition by the N status of the plant. All levels of AtNRT2.1 expression (promoter activity, transcript level, protein accumulation, transport activity) are coordinately up‐regulated in the presence of NO3‐, and repressed by downstream N metabolites. Transgenic plants expressing the GUS reporter gene under the control of upstream sequences of AtNRT2.1 have been studied to identify elements targeted by these two regulatory mechanisms. A 150 bp sequence located upstream of the TATA box that is required for both stimulation by NO3‐ and repression by N metabolites of the promoter has been identified. This sequence is able to confer these two regulations to a minimal promoter. Split‐root experiments indicate that the stimulation of the chimaeric promoter by NO3‐ occurs only at the local level, whereas its repression by N metabolites is mediated by a systemic signal spread to the whole plant. The activity of the cis‐acting 150 bp element is also regulated by sucrose supply to the roots, suggesting a possible interaction between N and C signalling within this short region. Accordingly, multiple motifs potentially involved in regulations by N and/or C status are identified within this sequence by bioinformatic approaches. This is the first report of such a cis‐acting element in higher plants.
A red algal bloom in the aftermath of the Marinoan Snowball Earth
Authors: Elie Marcel , Nogueira Afonso C.R. , Nédélec Anne , Trindade Ricardo I.F. , Kenig Fabien 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOrganic matter from the cap dolostones overlying the Marinoan‐age glacigenic diamictites of the Araras Group, Amazon craton, has been studied to reconstruct the post‐glacial ecosystem. Molecular fossils indicate that the post‐Marinoan ecosystem was marked by an apparent decline in marine algal diversity. The proliferation of red algae may be explained by environmental changes, such as a massive nutrient input accompanying continental weathering after the ice thaw and a dimer light penetrating sea water due to the drowning of the platform. In addition, the presence of green sulphur bacteria indicates that sea water was stratified with an anoxic (possibly euxinic, i.e. sulphidic) layer at the water–sediment interface. Sulphur cycling probably occurred at the redox boundary as suggested by the recognition of active sulphate reduction. This observation supports a microbially induced model for the formation of the cap dolostones.
Carbon conversion efficiency and central metabolic fluxes in developing sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) embryos
Authors: Alonso Ana P. , Goffman Fernando D. , Ohlrogge John B. , Shachar‐Hill Yair 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe efficiency with which developing sunflower embryos convert substrates into seed storage reserves was determined by labeling embryos with [U‐14C6]glucose or [U‐14C5]glutamine and measuring their conversion to CO2, oil, protein and other biomass compounds. The average carbon conversion efficiency was 50%, which contrasts with a value of over 80% previously observed in Brassica napus embryos (Goffman et al., 2005), in which light and the RuBisCO bypass pathway allow more efficient conversion of hexose to oil. Labeling levels after incubating sunflower embryos with [U‐14C4]malate indicated that some carbon from malate enters the plastidic compartment and contributes to oil synthesis. To test this and to map the underlying pattern of metabolic fluxes, separate experiments were carried out in which embryos were labeled to isotopic steady state using [1‐13C1]glucose, [2‐13C1]glucose, or [U‐13C5]glutamine. The resultant labeling in sugars, starch, fatty acids and amino acids was analyzed by NMR and GC‐MS. The fluxes through intermediary metabolism were then quantified by computer‐aided modeling. The resulting flux map accounted well for the labeling data, was in good agreement with the observed carbon efficiency, and was further validated by testing for agreement with gas exchange measurements. The map shows that the influx of malate into oil is low and that flux through futile cycles (wasting ATP) is low, which contrasts with the high rates previously determined for growing root tips and heterotrophic cell cultures.
Epidemiology of rhinitis in Portugal: evaluation of the intermittent and the persistent types
Authors: Todo‐Bom A. , Loureiro C. , Almeida M. M. , Nunes C. , Delgado L. , Castel‐Branco G. , Bousquet J. 
Published: August 2007

Background:  The prevalence of rhinitis is rapidly increasing in recent years and has become a major public health problem in developed countries. A new classification of allergic rhinitis has been proposed by the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma group. In this study we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis, including different rhinitis subtypes and to describe the severity, rate of diagnosis and use of medication in this pathology.Methods:  A cross‐sectional, population‐based study including 6859 questionnaire responses was performed.Results:  The estimated prevalence of rhinitis was 26.1% (48% for intermittent vs 52% for persistent rhinitis). Only about one‐third of the rhinitis cases (31.9%) had done skin prick tests (35.3% for persistent rhinitis vs 21.5% for intermittent rhinitis: P < 0.001) or had medication prescribed in the last year (34%), (35.6% for persistent rhinitis vs 20.1% for intermittent rhinitis : P < 0.001). The prevalence of rhinitis was higher in women (28.2 vs 22.2%; P < 0.001). Intermittent/persistent rhinitis showed the following percentages : ≤25 years (65.6 vs 34.5, P = 0.001); 25–65 years (50.2 vs 49.5) ≥ 65 years (52.1vs 47.9).The estimated prevalence of rhino conjunctivitis was 18.4%. In a severity scale from 0 to 10, the mean value was 6.1 points (6.4 for persistent rhinitis vs 4.8 for intermittent rhinitis: P < 0.001).Conclusion:  A significant prevalence of rhinitis and rhino conjunctivitis was identified in all age groups. The severity, the frequency and duration of the symptoms which classify the persistent type should be considered to establish a more effective treatment and improve the quality of life of the patients with rhinitis.
Thymoglobulin induction and steroid avoidance in cardiac transplantation: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Yamani Mohamad H , Taylor David O , Czerr Jennifer , Haire Christinna , Kring Richard , Zhou Lingmei , Hobbs Robert , Smedira Nicholas , Starling Randall C 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Chronic use of corticosteroids (CS) following transplantation is associated with significant long‐term morbidities. Minimizing exposure to CS to improve long‐term outcomes, without compromising allograft function, remains an important goal in transplantation.Objectives:  This single‐center, prospective, randomized, open‐label study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Thymoglobulin® as part of a CS‐sparing regimen in cardiac transplantation.Methods:  Thirty‐two low‐risk cardiac transplant patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a Thymoglobulin‐based CS‐avoidance regimen (CS‐avoidance group; n = 16) or a long‐term CS‐based regimen with no antibody induction (control group; n = 16). Pulse CS therapy was used for the treatment of acute cellular rejection in both groups.Results:  Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At one yr, there was no significant difference in the mean incidence of acute cellular rejection (≥3A) episodes between the CS‐avoidance and control groups, 0.81 ± 1.05 and 1.07 ± 1.03, respectively. Importantly, the CS‐avoidance patients had significant improvement in muscle strength and less bone loss compared with the control patients during the first six months post‐transplant.Conclusions:  CS‐avoidance regimen with Thymoglobulin induction appeared to be safe and effective in cardiac transplantation. Further studies are required to demonstrate the long‐term safety and benefits of such a regimen.
Association of CD94/NKG2A, CD94/NKG2C, and its ligand HLA‐E polymorphisms with Behcet’s disease
Authors: Seo J. , Park J. S. , Nam J. H. , Bang D. , Sohn S. , Lee E. S. , Park K. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractInhibitory CD94/NKG2A and activating CD94/NKG2C receptors are expressed on natural killer, CD4, and CD8 T cells and recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐E, resulting in the modulation of cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. An imbalance in cytotoxic activity and cytokine production has been implicated in Behcet’s disease (BD). The results of this study showed that the NKG2A c.‐4258*C, c.338‐90*G, and CD94 c.‐134*T alleles (P= 0.015, OR = 0.8; P < 0.0001, OR = 0.5; and P= 0.034, OR = 0.8, respectively) were associated with decreased risk and that NKG2A c.284‐67_‐62del, c.1077*C, and the activating receptor, NKG2C c.305*T were not associated with 345 patients with BD. But a significant difference in NKG2C c.305*T was detected among BD patients with ocular lesions and arthritis (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.1 and P= 0.0001, OR = 1.8, respectively). We already showed in our previous research that HLA‐E*0101 also appears to contribute to a reduction in risk through the inhibitory CD94/NKG2A‐mediated immune response. This result led us to the analyses of the combined risk of the HLA‐E and the NKG2A for BD. Individuals harboring HLA‐E*0101, NKG2A c.‐4258*C, and c.338‐90*G evidenced a reduced risk of BD compared with healthy controls (21.1% vs 40.1%, P < 0.0001, OR = 0.4). By way of contrast, individuals without the HLA‐E*0101, NKG2A c.‐4258*C, and c.338‐90*G alleles evidenced a twofold increased risk of BD (P= 0.014, OR = 2.0). Individuals without HLA‐E*0101, NKG2A c.‐4258*G/*G, and c.338‐90*G evidenced a 4.8‐fold increase in BD risk (P= 0.0002, OR = 4.8). Although the effects of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remain unclear, our results indicate that the SNPs of the inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A and its haplotypes, as well as its ligand HLA‐E, are associated with BD immune systems.
Unexpected effects of donor gender on the storage of liquid plasma
Authors: Norda R. , Knutson F. , Berseus O. , Åkerblom O. , Nilsson‐Ekdahl K. , Stegmayr B. , Nilsson B. 
Published: August 2007

Background  Swedish regulations in effect since 2006 allow the storage of plasma for transfusion up to 14 days at 2–6 °C and for 3 years at ≤ –30 °C. In this study, the quality of currently used plasma components was investigated.Materials and Methods  Plasma components, prepared from whole blood or by apheresis, either leucocyte depleted or not leucocyte depleted, were stored at 2–6 °C as liquid plasma or as thawed fresh‐frozen plasma; 31% were from female donors. Concentration, function and activation markers of the plasma coagulation systems were investigated during storage for up to 42 days.Results  Cold‐induced contact activation was the dominant storage lesion, occurring earlier and at higher frequency in plasma from females. Increased kallikrein‐like activity led to changes in activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, protein C and C1 inhibitor (C1INH). C1INH function dropped to 53% on Day 14 in cold‐activated plasma components.Conclusion  Contact activation may be triggered before Day 14, especially in plasma from females, and may progress as a result of the consumption of C1INH. The data suggest that lack of cold‐induced contact activation may be an important quality criterion. To achieve this, plasma from male donors could be selected for transfusion and the storage time limited to 7 days.
Effect of fungicides, endophytes and fungal filtrates on in vitro growth of Spanish isolates of Gremmeniella abietina
Authors: Santamaría O. , González M. A. , Pajares J. A. , Diez J. J. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe effect of eight fungicides and 15 endophytes isolated from twigs of healthy Pinus halepensis trees on the growth rate of four Spanish isolates of the pathogen Gremmeniella abietina was evaluated in vitro. In the fungicide experiments, four doses of each fungicide tested were added to the growth medium. In the endophyte experiments, dual cultures endophyte‐pathogen were paired in Petri dishes. Furthermore, growth of three G. abietina isolates was evaluated on malt agar with pine needle extract amended with filtrates from cultures of endophyte E14, which produced a brownish compound apparently inhibiting G. abietina growth. The results obtained suggested that chlorothalonil and daconil were the most suitable fungicides at low doses to reduce growth of G. abietina isolates from Spain. Four of the endophytes tested in vitro showed strong antagonistic activity against G. abietina and deserve further testing in vivo. The endophyte E14 produced in vitro a brownish compound which almost completely inhibited mycelial growth of G. abietina isolates from Spain.
Var. raubitschekii of Trichophyton rubrum as a cause of tinea in Germany
Authors: Brasch Jochen 
Published: August 2007

Summary Trichophyton raubitschekii was originally described as a distinct dermatophyte species but is now classified as a variant of Trichophyton rubrum. The variant raubitschekii differs from common strains of T. rubrum with regard to morphology, physiology, epidemiology and patterns of infection. It is mostly found in Africa, Asia and South America, but the literature and our observations reveal that seven patients (four men, three women) with T. rubrum var. raubitschekii‐infections were meanwhile seen in Germany. All of them were born in Africa and they suffered from tinea corporis or tinea pedum, but onychomycosis was seen as well. All strains matched the typical characteristics of the variant raubitschekii except that one strain had a minimal capacity to perforate hair. Until now, the strains of T. rubrum var. raubitschekii isolated in Germany were probably imported by migration of the patients and so far no further spreading within Germany was observed. However, such a spreading is likely to occur in the future and therefore a monitoring is needed. This can be achieved only when the variant raubitschekii is looked for in the laboratories and is reported with its full name.
The High‐producing Dairy Cow and its Reproductive Performance
Authors: Dobson H , Smith RF , Royal MD , Knight CH , Sheldon IM 
Published: August 2007

ContentsThere is evidence that the reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined as milk yields have increased over the last 40 years. Identifying the precise cause(s) of this problem may provide focused solutions. Intensive genetic selection for very high yields has reduced fertility, due mainly to an increase in postpartum clinical problems, poor expression of oestrus, defective oocytes/embryos and uterine infections. It is a challenge to solve the problem by getting enough food into these cows to meet the high demands of peak milk yields in early lactation, as well as providing the considerable veterinary attention required in the early period after calving. Both these aspects also pose welfare issues. A better solution would be to make genetic and management changes to increase the persistency of lactations to reduce the number and intensity of clinical risk periods throughout a cow's life without compromising milk output.
Reproduction in the Water Buffalo
Authors: Presicce GA 
Published: August 2007

ContentsIn this paper, an account of various aspects related to buffalo reproduction are given. Fundamental concepts of the reproductive physiology as well as manipulation of the reproductive function will be presented. This will include an overview of the most recent developments of the oestrous cycle and the ovulation control, new strategies of reproductive management for the improvement of genetic gain and the application of newly developed reproductive technologies, such as in vitro embryo production, embryo and sperm sexing and cloning.
Hepatic conversion of angiotensin I and the portal hypertensive response to angiotensin II in normal and regenerating liver
Authors: Carvalho Leda Teixeira , Nascimento Écio Alves , Teixeira Felipe Oliveira , Nagaoka Márcia Regina , Borges Durval Rosa , Kouyoumdjian Maria 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Angiotensin I (AI) and angiotensin II (AII) induce a portal hypertensive response (PHR) and the liver is able to convert AI into AII to trough the action of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). Our purpose was to characterize angiotensin I liver conversion.Methods:  AI, AII or angiotensin (1–7) were used in monovascular or bivascular perfusions.Results:  The maximum gain in portal pressure induced by AII took place significantly earlier (P = 0.031) than that occurring after an equimolar AI infusion. The AI‐induced PHR was abolished both by captopril or losartan, whereas the AII‐induced PHR was not affected by captopril, but was abolished by losartan. Angiotensin (1–7) has no hemodynamic effect in the perfused liver. After partial hepatectomy, the AII–PHR pattern changes from a rapid return to baseline values to a pattern where there was no return to baseline values (3–7 days ex‐surgery). In the bivascular perfusion system when AII was infused in the arterial branch in the retrograde mode of perfusion (peptide available only to the periportal zone), the PHR was at least 50% of that obtained when the prograde mode was used (peptide available to the periportal and perivenous zones).Conclusion:  AI does not induce PHR; this effect is a result of its mandatory conversion into AII by the ACE and the sequential action of AII on the AII receptor type 1 located in the hepatic periportal zone. AII induced PHR pattern changes during liver regeneration.
Intraductal chilled saline perfusion to prevent bile duct injury during percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ohnishi Takaya , Yasuda Ichiro , Nishigaki Youichi , Hayashi Hideki , Otsuji Kentaro , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Enya Masamichi , Omar Salem , Soehendra Nib , Tomita Eiichi , Moriwaki Hisataka 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, thermal injury sometimes occurs in the bile duct, potentially leading to a critical situation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether bile duct injury is reduced by an intraductal chilled saline perfusion (ICSP) through a nasobiliary tube during RFA for HCC.Patients and Methods:  The baseline incidence of bile duct injury at Gifu Municipal Hospital was 3.1% (13 patients) in 424 patients with HCC treated by percutaneous RFA. In all patients, the tumor was within 5 mm of the central bile duct on CT images. The incidence of bile duct injury was 46% among the 28 selected patients whose tumor was close to the central bile duct. To prevent complications in such high‐risk patients, we placed a nasobiliary tube endoscopically before RFA, and performed ICSP during RFA. Forty consecutive patients with tumors close to the central bile duct were enrolled in this study.Results:  Of the 40 enrolled patients, only one had biliary injury, whereas the remaining 39 patients were able to avoid it. The incidence of biliary injury was significantly reduced in the ICSP group (1/40, 2.5%) compared to that in the control group (13/28, 46%) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the liver function 6 months after RFA was also better preserved in the ICSP group according to Child–Pugh grading, thus resulting in a better clinical outcome.Conclusions:  ICSP through a nasobiliary tube is a potential intervention method to prevent biliary injury by percutaneous RFA.