bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural, Mineralogical, and Biochemical Diversity in the Lower Part of the Pearl Layer of Cultivated Seawater Pearls from Polynesia
Authors: Cuif Jean-Pierre , Ball Alexander D. , Dauphin Yannicke , Farre Bastien , Nouet Julius , Perez-Huerta Alberto , Salomé Murielle , Williams C. Terry 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA series of Polynesian pearls has been investigated with particular attention to the structural and compositional patterns of the early developmental stages of the pearl layer. These initial steps in pearl formation bear witness of the metabolic changes that have occurred during the pearl-sac formation. The resulting structurally and biochemically complex structures have been investigated using a variety of techniques that provide us with information concerning both mineral phases and the organic components. Results are discussed with respect to our understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms, as well as for the grafting process.
Botanical Characterization of Guiera senegalensis Leaves
Authors: Silva Olga , Serrano Rita , Gomes Elsa Teixeira 
Published: September 2008

AbstractGuiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel. (Combretaceae) is one of the most important West African medicinal plants, often used to treat a variety of microbial infections. The most frequently used plant part is the leaf, its medicinal use being corroborated by several in vitro antimicrobial activity studies. However, quality criteria for pharmaceutical use, including botanical identification, are not yet determined. Aiming the establishment of such criteria, the present work deepens today's knowledge on G. senegalensis leaf morphology and anatomy, the anatomical characters of both leaf transversal section and powdered leaves being hereby presented for the first time. The most useful characters for identification purposes are leaf isobilateral organization, with similar upper and lower surfaces and a palisade parenchyma on both surfaces; trichome insertion points on both epidermis, surrounded by polar arrangements of cells; tomentose indumentum on the upper epidermis consisting of compartmented and uniseriated trichomes with long, curved, or straight terminal cells; brown scales, isolated or inserted into the epidermis, formed by radially arranged cells surrounding a central cell, with a more or less circular form and a conspicuous base; calcium oxalate cluster crystals, isolated or inserted into the palisade parenchyma and absent in lateral veins.
Regulation of haeme oxygenase‐1 for treatment of neuroinflammation and brain disorders
Authors: Syapin P J 
Published: September 2008

Injury to the CNS elicits a host defense reaction that utilizes astrocytes, microglia, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Neuroinflammation is a major host defense mechanism designed to restore normal structure and function after CNS insult, but like other forms of inflammation, chronic neuroinflammation may contribute to pathogenesis. The inducible haeme oxygenase isoform, haeme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), is a phase 2 enzyme upregulated in response to electrophilic xenobiotics, oxidative stress, cellular injury and disease. There is emerging evidence that HO‐1 expression helps mediate the resolution of inflammation, including neuroinflammation. Whether this is solely because of the catabolism of haeme or includes additional mechanisms is unclear. This review provides a brief background on the molecular biology and biochemistry of haeme oxygenases and the actions of haeme, bilirubin, iron and carbon monoxide in the CNS. It then presents our current state of knowledge regarding HO‐1 expression in the CNS, regulation of HO‐1 induction in neural cells and discusses the prospect of pharmacological manipulation of HO‐1 as therapy for CNS disorders. Because of recognized species and cellular differences in HO‐1 regulation, a major objective of this review is to draw attention to areas where gaps exist in the experimental record regarding regulation of HO‐1 in neural cells. The results indicate the HO‐1 system to be an important therapeutic target in CNS disorders, but our understanding of HO‐1 expression in human neural cells is severely lacking.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 623–640; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.342; published online 15 September 2008
Investigations as a prerequisite for genetic counseling after termination of pregnancy based on sonographic detection of serious central nervous system – or skeletal anomalies
Authors: KAASEN ANNE , PRESCOTT TRINE E. , HEIBERG ARVID , SCOTT HELGE , HAUGEN GUTTORM 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives. The primary aim was to evaluate which investigation performed after sonographic detection of central nervous system (CNS) or skeletal anomalies that had highest diagnostic yield. The secondary aim was to estimate recurrence risk. Design. Retrospective review of patients’ records. Setting. Tertiary fetal medicine referral center. Sample. Pregnancy terminations (n = 97) because of CNS or skeletal anomalies during a 17‐year period, within 12–24 weeks gestation. Methods. Two medical geneticists and one genetic counselor reviewed charts independently. Main outcome measures. Primary ultrasound diagnosis, change in diagnosis following supplementary examinations in addition to prenatal ultrasound (medical history, autopsy, post‐mortem X‐ray, karyotyping, targeted DNA analysis and investigations for infection), the most useful method to determine diagnosis, and recurrence risk estimate including inter‐rater agreement. Results. Mean gestational age was 19.8 weeks. All three investigators agreed in each case on which investigation constituted the best basis to determine the most precise diagnosis. The examinations performed in addition to prenatal ultrasound provided important diagnostic information in 54 cases (56%) and altered recurrence risk in 22 (23%) cases; in eight of these cases the risk estimate was increased. In nine cases (9%) the investigators disagreed in their estimates of recurrence risk. Kappa for inter‐rater agreement was >0.90. Conclusions. A panel of diagnostic investigations, depending on the organ system involved, allows for a more precise diagnosis and a more reliable estimate of recurrence risk than prenatal ultrasound alone. In some instances, recurrence risk estimation is not straightforward as evidenced by lack of consensus.
Timing of heparin prophylaxis and bleeding complications in hysterectomy a nationwide prospective cohort study of 9,949 Danish women
Authors: HANSEN CHARLOTTE T. , KEHLET HENRIK , MØLLER CHARLOTTE , MØRCH LINA , UTZON JAN , OTTESEN BENT 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective. To examine bleeding complications and thromboembolic events in relation to timing of heparin prophylaxis after hysterectomy. Design. Nationwide prospective cohort study with 30 days post‐operative follow‐up within the Danish Hysterectomy Database (DHD). Setting. All gynecological departments in Denmark (n = 31). Sample. 9,949 women who had an elective hysterectomy for benign indication between October 2003 and May 2006 and were reported to DHD (national response rate: 88–99% throughout 2004–2005). Main outcome measures. Odds ratios (OR) of peri‐operative bleeding complications (≥1,000 ml bleeding during surgery or post‐operative wound/vaginal‐vault/intraabdominal bleeding or hematoma) and number of events of venous thromboembolism. Logistic regression analysis adjusting for: age, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, meno‐/metrorrhagia, uterine weight, department volume, surgeon's experience, route and type of hysterectomy and additional surgery, and stratification on assistant's experience, peri‐operative pain prophylaxis with NSAID and daily use of Acetyl Salicylic Acid (ASA)/NSAID. Results. 9,051 women (92%) received thromboprophylaxis with heparin, initiated pre‐operatively in 48% and post‐operatively in 52%. At least one bleeding complication was noted in 881 women (10%). Post‐operative heparin administration was associated with a reduced risk of bleeding complications; OR=0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.99) compared to pre‐operative administration. Excluding cases with potential impaired hemostasis at baseline, the OR was 0.78 (0.64–0.94). There was no fatal embolism. Three of seven pulmonary embolisms and one of three symptomatic deep venous thromboses occurred with the post‐operative heparin administration. Conclusion. Post‐operative rather than pre‐operative administration of heparin prophylaxis may reduce the risk of bleeding complications after hysterectomy without apparent risk of increased thromboembolic events.
Partner change among Norwegian teenage girls attending youth health clinics
Authors: SKJELDESTAD FINN EGIL , NILSEN STINE 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective. To examine incidence and risk factors of partner change among Norwegian teenage girls attending youth health clinics. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Study subjects were 691 girls, aged 16 to 19 years, who participated in a study on prescription of oral contraceptives at three youth health clinics in the city of Trondheim, Norway. Methods. Eligible for analysis were participants who were sexually active, and who returned for at least one follow‐up visit more than 120 days after study start. All demographic and behavior data were collected through interview by public health nurses. All analyses were performed with SPSS for Windows (version 15.0) using chi‐square test, survival analyses and logistic regression. Main outcome measure. New sexual male partners. Results. Four out of five girls (80%) did not have any new partner during the study period of 12 months. From survival analyses the 12‐month incidence rate were 29.8 (95% CI: 25.3–34.1) and 10.6 per 100‐women months (95% CI: 7.3–13.9) for one or two or more partners, respectively. Predictors of partner change were partner change during the last six month prior study start, being single and sexual debut within three years after menarche. Conclusion. Being in a regular relationship with a boyfriend reduce considerably the risk of having a new sexual partner. Recent history of partner change is the strongest predictor of future partner change.
Measurement of nitric oxide in the vagina
Authors: SIOUTAS ANGELOS , EHRÉN INGRID , GEMZELL‐DANIELSSON KRISTINA 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjective.Local measurement of nitric oxide (NO) gas has been used to detect and monitor inflammatory processes in the airways, the colon and in the urinary bladder, but so far NO has not been studied in the lower female genital tract. The objective of this study is to measure NO gas directly in the vaginal lumen of healthy women and in patients with vaginitis.Setting. The outpatient clinic of a university hospital.Methods.Eighteen non‐pregnant women from 19 to 65 years of age with symptoms of vaginitis, eight healthy women in reproductive age with regular menstrual cycles and nine healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled in the study. NO levels were measured in air incubated for five minutes in a catheter balloon in the vagina.Results.In patients with symptoms of vaginitis, NO concentration was almost 100‐fold increased compared to healthy controls (p<0.001) with no individual overlap. Vaginal NO levels were uniformly low among healthy women, both in reproductive age and in menopause.Conclusions. NO gas can be measured directly in the vagina with a fast, simple and safe method. The levels of NO are increased in patients with vaginitis.
Reference values for α1‐acid glycoprotein, α1‐antitrypsin, albumin, haptoglobin, C‐reactive protein, IgA, IgG and IgM during pregnancy
Authors: LARSSON ANDERS , PALM MARIA , HANSSON LARS‐OLOF , BASU SAMAR , AXELSSON OVE 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to establish reference intervals and decision limits for the interpretation of the acute phase proteins α1‐acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid), α1‐antitrypsin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin and albumin, IgA, IgG and IgM during pregnancy by longitudinal sampling from 52 healthy women with normal pregnancies. Each woman was sampled in weeks 7–17; weeks 17–24; weeks 24–28; weeks 28–31; weeks 31–34; weeks 34–38 and predelivery (–14–0 days prior to delivery) and postpartum (>6 weeks after delivery). The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated according to the recommendations of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry on the statistical treatment of reference values. Reference values for α1‐acid glycoprotein, α1‐antitrypsin, albumin, haptoglobin, CRP, IgA, IgG and IgM are reported. Most of these proteins changed during normal pregnancy, as a reflection of the major physiological and biochemical changes that occur in pregnancy. A laboratory test result from a pregnant woman should be compared with pregnancy‐specific reference intervals.
Physicochemical changes in phosphorylase kinase associated with its activation
Authors: Liu Weiya , Priddy Timothy S. , Carlson Gerald M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPhosphorylase kinase (PhK) regulates glycogenolysis through its Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation and activation of glycogen phosphorylase. The activity of PhK increases dramatically as the pH is raised from 6.8 to 8.2 (denoted as ↑pH), but Ca2+dependence is retained. Little is known about the structural changes associated with PhK's activation by ↑pH and Ca2+, but activation by both mechanisms is mediated through regulatory subunits of the (αβγδ)4PhK complex. In this study, changes in the structure of PhK induced by ↑pH and Ca2+were investigated using second derivative UV absorption, synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and zeta potential analyses. The joint effects of Ca2+and ↑pH on the physicochemical properties of PhK were found to be interdependent, with their effects showing a strong inflection point at pH ∼7.6. Comparing the properties of the conformers of PhK present under the condition where it would be least active (pH 6.8 − Ca2+) versus that where it would be most active (pH 8.2 + Ca2+), the joint activation by ↑pH and Ca2+is characterized by a relatively large increase in the content of sheet structure, a decrease in interactions between helix and sheet structures, and a dramatically less negative electrostatic surface charge. A model is presented that accounts for the interdependent activating effects of ↑pH and Ca2+in terms of the overall physicochemical properties of the four PhK conformers described herein, and published data corroborating the transitions between these conformers are tabulated.
Molecular cloning and expression patterns of a putative olfactory diacylglycerol kinase from the noctuid moth Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Chouquet B. , Bozzolan F. , Solvar M. , Duportets L. , Jacquin‐Joly E. , Lucas P. , Debernard S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn the aim of the characterization of the molecular actors of insect olfactory transduction, we have cloned the full cDNA encoding a Spodoptera littoralis diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) named SlDGK. In male adults, SlDGK transcript was detected predominantly in the brain and in the olfactory sensilla trichodea located on the antennae. SlDGK expression was first detected at day 3 of the pupal stage, then reached a maximum at the end of this stage and was maintained at this level during the adult period. These data provide the first molecular characterization of a DGK potentially involved in the regulation of signalling pathways responsible for the establishment and/or the functioning of the olfactory system in Lepidoptera.
Environmental conditions impinge on dragline silk protein composition
Authors: Guehrs K.‐H. , Schlott B. , Grosse F. , Weisshart K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe silk formed in the major ampullate (MA) gland of the orb weaving spiderNephila clavipesis composed of two silk fibroins, which are called major ampullate spidroins 1 (MaSp1) and 2 (MaSp2). Analysis of proteolytic peptides and reactivity to spidroin type specific antibodies indicated that MaSp2 constituted only a minor part in the spinning dope as well as in the spun filaments. Upon starvation, a change in the silk's characteristic features was observed that was concomitant of a decrease in the contribution of MaSp2. The silk became less elastic and stiffer, which will better tailor its usability for the safety line, albeit at the expense of its employment as the web frame threads. In addition, since MaSp2 production requires greater ATP consumption, such a shift in the protein ratio cuts down on the energy costs to produce the silk. From this change in protein composition the spider might therefore benefit twice, by synthesizing ‘cheaper’ silk that into the bargain has properties that potentially can better support foraging in times of food shortage.
Identification and characterization of multiple Spidroin 1 genes encoding major ampullate silk proteins in Nephila clavipes
Authors: Gaines IV W. A. , Marcotte Jr W. R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSpider dragline silk is primarily composed of proteins called major ampullate spidroins (MaSps) that consist of a large repeat array flanked by nonrepetitive N‐ and C‐terminal domains. Until recently, there has been little evidence for more than one gene encoding each of the two major spidroin silk proteins, MaSp1 and MaSp2. Here, we report the deduced N‐terminal domain sequences for two distinct MaSp1 genes from Nephila clavipes (MaSp1A and MaSp1B) and for MaSp2. All three MaSp genes are co‐expressed in the major ampullate gland. A search of the GenBank database also revealed two distinct MaSp1 C‐terminal domain sequences. Sequencing confirmed that both MaSp1 genes are present in all seven Nephila clavipes spiders examined. The presence of nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes confirmed that MaSp1A and MaSp1B are distinct genetic loci and not merely alleles of the same gene. We experimentally determined the transcription start sites for all three MaSp genes and established preliminary pairing between the two MaSp1 N‐ and C‐terminal domains. Phylogenetic analysis of these new sequences and other published MaSp N‐ and C‐terminal domain sequences illustrated that duplications of MaSp genes may be widespread among spider species.
A chitin deacetylase and putative insect intestinal lipases are components of the Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) peritrophic matrix
Authors: Toprak U. , Baldwin D. , Erlandson M. , Gillott C. , Hou X. , Coutu C. , Hegedus D. D. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOne‐ and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used to identify cDNA encoding a chitin deacetylase (McCDA1) and three insect intestinal lipases (McIIL1, McIIL2 and McIIL3) associated with the Mamestra configurata (bertha armyworm) peritrophic matrix. Recombinant McCDA1 was active and chitin deacetylase activities were detected in the midgut. McCDA1 and the McIIL genes were expressed exclusively in the midgut; however, McCDA1 and McIIL2 were expressed in all larval stages, whereas McIIL1 was expressed mainly in feeding larvae and McIIL3 primarily during the moult.
Approaching risk analysis and risk management in the fertility laboratory and semen bank
Authors: Janssens Pim M. W. , Cheung Kin Sun 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPresent‐day quality consciousness, as reflected in the newest European Directives and guidelines, demands from laboratories working with human gametes and embryos that attention be paid to risk analysis and management. Using these Directives and guidelines as reference, while also aiming at accreditation, we have worked out an approach for risk analysis in the fertility laboratory and semen bank for the processing of semen to be used for intrauterine insemination and for the preservation of semen in the semen bank, based on the general principles of failure mode and effect analysis. In this overview, we describe how risk analyses and various aspects of risk management in the fertility laboratory and semen bank can be carried out.
The E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes, AtUBC1 and AtUBC2, play redundant roles and are involved in activation of FLC expression and repression of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Xu Lin , Ménard Rozenn , Berr Alexandre , Fuchs Jörg , Cognat Valérie , Meyer Denise , Shen Wen‐Hui 
Published: September 2008

SummaryPost‐translational modifications of proteins by addition of ubiquitin can regulate protein degradation and localization, protein–protein interactions and transcriptional activation. In the ubiquitylation system, substrate specificity is primarily determined by the E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme (UBC) and the E3 ubiquitin ligase. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains 37 genes encoding UBC homologs. However, the biological functions of these genes remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we report reverse genetic characterization of AtUBC1 and AtUBC2. While the loss‐of‐function single mutants Atubc1‐1 and Atubc2‐1 only show weak phenotypes, the double mutant Atubc1‐1 Atubc2‐1 shows a dramatically reduced number of rosette leaves and an early‐flowering phenotype. Consistent with these results, the transcript levels of the floral repressor genes FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), MADS ASSOCIATED FLOWERING 4 (MAF4) and MAF5 are reduced in the double mutant. Loss‐of‐function mutants of HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION 1 (HUB1) and HUB2, which were previously reported to encode an E3 involved in histone H2B ubiquitylation, also show an early‐flowering phenotype and reduced levels of FLC, MAF4 and MAF5 transcripts. In both Atubc1‐1 Atubc2‐1 and hub2‐2 mutants, H2B mono‐ubiquitylation is drastically reduced. Taken together, our results indicate that E2s AtUBC1/AtUBC2 and E3s HUB1/HUB2 together mediate H2B ubiquitylation, which is involved in the activation of floral repressor genes as well as in other processes as indicated by the pleiotropic phenotypes of the mutants.
Extracellular pyridine nucleotides induce PR gene expression and disease resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Mou Zhonglin 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAlthough it is well known that the pyridine nucleotides NAD and NADP function inside the cell to regulate intracellular signaling processes, recent evidence from animal studies suggests that NAD(P) also functions in the extracellular compartment (ECC). Extracellular NAD(P) [eNAD(P)] can either directly bind to plasma membrane receptors or be metabolized by ecto‐enzymes to produce cyclic ADP‐ribose and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and/or may ADP‐ribosylate cell‐surface receptors, resulting in activation of transmembrane signaling. In this study, we report that, in plants, exogenous NAD(P) induces the expression of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes and resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola ES4326. Chelation of Ca2+ by EGTA significantly inhibits the induction of PR genes by exogenous NAD(P), suggesting that exogenous NAD(P) may induce PR genes through a pathway that involves Ca2+ signaling. We show that exogenous application of NAD(P) causes accumulation of the defense signal molecule salicylic acid (SA), and induces both SA/NPR1‐dependent and ‐independent PR gene expression and disease resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NAD(P) leaks into the plant ECC after mechanical wounding and pathogen infection, and that the amount of NAD(P) leaking into the ECC after P. syringae pv. tobacco DC3000/avrRpt2 infection is sufficient for induction of both PR gene expression and disease resistance. We propose that NAD(P) leakage from cells losing membrane integrity upon environmental stress may function as an elicitor to activate plant defense responses. Our data provide evidence that eNAD(P) functions in plant signaling, and illustrate the potential importance of eNAD(P) in plant innate immunity.