bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exhaled nitric oxide and biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate indicate the presence, severity and control of childhood asthma
Authors: Robroeks C. M. H. H. T. , Van De Kant K. D. G. , Jöbsis Q. , Hendriks H. J. E. , Van Gent R. , Wouters E. F. M. , Damoiseaux J. G. M. C. , Bast A. , Wodzig W. K. W. H. , Dompeling E. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBackground
Exhaled nitric oxide and inflammatory biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate may be useful to diagnose and monitor childhood asthma. Their ability to indicate an asthma diagnosis, and to assess asthma severity and control, is largely unknown.Objective
To study (1) the ability of exhaled nitric oxide and inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate (nitrite, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, 8‐isoprostane, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, ‐4, ‐5, ‐10 and acidity) to discriminate between childhood asthma and controls. (2) The ability of these biomarkers to indicate asthma severity and control.Methods
One‐hundred and fourteen children were included: 64 asthmatics (10.7±3.0 years, 67.2% atopic) and 50 controls (10.0±0.4 years). Condensate was collected using a glass condenser.Results
Exhaled nitric oxide, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in exhaled breath condensate differed significantly between asthma and controls. Multivariate backward logistic regression models demonstrated that IL‐4 (odds ratio 7.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2–51.0) was the only significant indicator of an asthma diagnosis. Asthma control was best assessed by exhaled nitric oxide, 8‐isoprostane, IFN‐γ and IL‐4 (sensitivity 82%, specificity 80%, P<0.05), whereas exhaled nitric oxide, 8‐isoprostane, nitrate and nitrite in condensate were the best indicators of asthma severity (sensitivity 89%, specificity 72%, P<0.05).Conclusion
Different markers in condensate are of an additional value to exhaled nitric oxide, and are needed in non‐invasive inflammometry. They could be useful to diagnose asthma and to indicate asthma control and severity in childhood.
Phylogenetic diversity and the conservation biogeography of African primates
Authors: McGoogan Keriann , Kivell Tracy , Hutchison Matthew , Young Hilary , Blanchard Sean , Keeth Margaret , Lehman Shawn M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim Phylogenetics has an important role in conservation biogeography. However, there are few data on the phylogenetic diversity of African primates. The phylogenetic diversity (PD) of a species is a measure of its taxonomic distinctness and can be estimated by looking at the phylogenetic relationships among taxa. Species‐specific metrics on PD can then be used to determine conservation priorities at various biogeographical scales. We used PD metrics to rank 55 African primate species according to their conservation priorities at the country level and within six African biogeographical regions. We also addressed the following question: are there differences in conservation rankings between the IUCN Red List and our PD metrics?Location Africa.Methods We created a consensus phylogeny for all African primate clades based on genetic studies. Analyses of species distributions were determined using presence/absence scores at two levels: country and biogeographical region. A node‐based method that standardizes for widespread taxa and endemicity was used to calculate PD indices. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to convert one of the standardized, phylogenetic indices into three clusters that could be ranked and compared with the main IUCN conservation rankings of endangered, vulnerable, and lower risk.Results At the country and region levels, the top‐priority species in terms of PD arePan paniscus,Macaca sylvanus,Arctocebus calabarensis,Gorilla beringei,Arctocebus aureus,Allenopithecus nigroviridis,Gorilla gorilla,Procolobus verus,Cercopithecus solatus,Cercocebus galeritus, Colobus angolensis,Theropithecus gelada,Galagoides zanzibaricus, Galagoides granti,andProcolobus (Piliocolobus) badius. Geographic rankings were highest for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (country level) and Central Africa (region level). Although there were no overall differences between IUCN conservation ranks and the PD rankings, there were significant differences between the two systems for vulnerable and endangered primate taxa.Main conclusions There are few ecological and behavioural data on populations of some of the African primates that represent the highest levels of phylogenetic diversity. Studies of primate taxa with high PD rankings should focus on identifying sites suitable for intensive studies of population densities, feeding ecology, and reproductive behaviour. We suggest that PD metrics can serve as an important, complementary data set in the IUCN ranking system for primates.
Biochemical characterization of a Neisseria meningitidis polysialyltransferase reveals novel functional motifs in bacterial sialyltransferases
Authors: Freiberger Friedrich , Claus Heike , Günzel Almut , Oltmann‐Norden Imke , Vionnet Justine , Mühlenhoff Martina , Vogel Ulrich , Vann Willie F. , Gerardy‐Schahn Rita , Stummeyer Katharina 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe extracellular polysaccharide capsule is an essential virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis, a leading cause of severe bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Serogroup B strains, the primary disease causing isolates in Europe and America, are encapsulated in α‐2,8 polysialic acid (polySia). The capsular polymer is synthesized from activated sialic acid by action of a membrane‐associated polysialyltransferase (NmB‐polyST). Here we present a comprehensive characterization of NmB‐polyST. Different from earlier studies, we show that membrane association is not essential for enzyme functionality. Recombinant NmB‐polyST was expressed, purified and shown to synthesize long polySia chains in a non‐processive manner in vitro. Subsequent structure–function analyses of NmB‐polyST based on refined sequence alignments allowed the identification of two functional motifs in bacterial sialyltransferases. Both (D/E‐D/E‐G and HP motif) are highly conserved among different sialyltransferase families with otherwise little or no sequence identity. Their functional importance for enzyme catalysis and CMP‐Neu5Ac binding was demonstrated by mutational analysis of NmB‐polyST and is emphasized by structural data available for the Pasteurella multocida sialyltransferase PmST1. Together our data are the first description of conserved functional elements in the highly diverse families of bacterial (poly)sialyltransferases and thus provide an advanced basis for understanding structure–function relations and for phylogenetic sorting of these important enzymes.
Trypanosoma brucei Polo‐like kinase is essential for basal body duplication, kDNA segregation and cytokinesis
Authors: Hammarton Tansy C. , Kramer Susanne , Tetley Laurence , Boshart Michael , Mottram Jeremy C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPolo‐like kinases (PLKs) are conserved eukaryotic cell cycle regulators, which play multiple roles, particularly during mitosis. The function of Trypanosoma brucei PLK was investigated in procyclic and bloodstream‐form parasites. In procyclic trypanosomes, RNA interference (RNAi) of PLK, or overexpression of TY1‐epitope‐tagged PLK (PLKty), but not overexpression of a kinase‐dead variant, resulted in the accumulation of cells that had divided their nucleus but not their kinetoplast (2N1K cells). Analysis of basal bodies and flagella in these cells suggested the defect in kinetoplast division arose because of an inhibition of basal body duplication, which occurred when PLK expression levels were altered. Additionally, a defect in kDNA replication was observed in the 2N1K cells. However, the 2N1K cells obtained by each approach were not equivalent. Following PLK depletion, the single kinetoplast was predominantly located between the two divided nuclei, while in cells overexpressing PLKty, the kinetoplast was mainly found at the posterior end of the cell, suggesting a role for PLK kinase activity in basal body and kinetoplast migration. PLK RNAi in bloodstream trypanosomes also delayed kinetoplast division, and was further observed to inhibit furrow ingression during cytokinesis. Notably, no additional roles were detected for trypanosome PLK in mitosis, setting this protein kinase apart from its counterparts in other eukaryotes.
Acclimation to low [CO2] by an inorganic carbon‐concentrating mechanism in Cyanophora paradoxa
Authors: BUREY S. C. , POROYKO V. , ERGEN Z. N. , FATHI‐NEJAD S. , SCHÜLLER C. , OHNISHI N. , FUKUZAWA H. , BOHNERT H. J. , LÖFFELHARDT W. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe glaucocystophyte Cyanophora paradoxa contains cyanelles, plastids with prokaroytic features such as a peptidoglycan wall and a central proteinaceous inclusion body. While this central body includes the majority of the enzyme ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxgenase Rubisco), the presence of a carbon‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) in C. paradoxa has only been hypothesized. Here, we present physiological data in support of a CCM: CO2 exchange activity as well as apparent affinity against inorganic carbon were found to increase under CO2‐limiting stress. Further, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of C. paradoxa were obtained from two cDNA libraries, one from cells grown in high [CO2] conditions and one from cells grown under low [CO2] conditions. A cDNA microarray platform assembled from 2378 cDNA sequences revealed that 142 genes significantly responded to a shift from high to low [CO2]. Trends in gene expression were comparable to those reported for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803, both possessing a CCM. Among genes regulated by [CO2], transcripts were identified encoding carbonic anhydrases (CAs), Rubisco activase and a putative bicarbonate transporter in C. paradoxa, likely functionally involved in the CCM. These results and the polyhedric appearance of the central body further support the hypothesis of a unique ‘eukaryotic carboxysome’ in Cyanophora.
Thermorheological model for the European Central Alps: brittle–ductile transition and lithospheric strength
Authors: Viganò Alfio , Martin Silvana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA two‐dimensional thermorheological model of the Central Alps along a north–south transect is presented. Thermophysical and rheological parameters of the various lithological units are chosen from seismic and gravity information. The inferred temperature distribution matches surface heat flow and results in Moho temperatures between 500 and 800 °C. Both European and Adriatic lithospheres have a ‘jelly‐sandwich’ structure, with a 15–20 km thick brittle upper crust overlying a ductile lower crust and a mantle lid whose uppermost part is brittle. The total strength of the lithosphere is of the order of 0.5–1.0 × 1013 N m−1 if the upper mantle is dry, or slightly less if the upper mantle is wet. In both cases, the higher values correspond to the Adriatic indenter.
Pattern of deformation around the central Aeolian Islands: evidence from multichannel seismics and GPS data
Authors: Argnani Andrea , Serpelloni Enrico , Bonazzi Claudia 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe tectonics of the central Aeolian Islands, which are located within the Tyrrhenian backarc basin, has been investigated through a marine seismic reflection survey. We find that compressional structures dominate around the islands, whereas extensional faults occur only to the north of Salina and Filicudi, towards the Marsili basin. This pattern of deformation, although different from previously reported, is in agreement with the strain field and stress regime obtained from GPS measurements and seismological data. Age constraints suggest that contractional deformation was active since middle Pleistocene, being coeval with the building of the volcanic edifices of the Aeolian Islands, and is superimposed on pre‐existing extensional deformation. Compressional and extensional regimes, therefore, can coexist within a backarc setting. Seismic profiles show that the Tindari‐Letojanni fault, considered as a major tectonic element, does not extend to the north towards the island of Vulcano as a throughgoing fault; rather, deformation is accommodated in a broader belt displaying greater structural complexity.
Altered oscillator function affects clock resonance and is responsible for the reduced day‐length sensitivity of CKB4 overexpressing plants
Authors: Portolés Sergi , Más Paloma 
Published: July 2007

SummaryMost organisms have evolved a timing mechanism or circadian clock that is able to generate 24 h rhythmic oscillations in multiple biological events. The environmental fluctuations in light and temperature synchronize the expression and activity of key oscillator components that ultimately define the period, phase and amplitude of output rhythms. In Arabidopsis, overexpression of the casein kinase 2 (CK2) regulatory subunits, CKB3 or CKB4, alters the function of the clock under free‐running conditions, and results in period‐shortening of genes peaking at different phase angles. Here, we examine the effects of CKB4 overexpression (CKB4‐ox) on a number of clock outputs that are modulated by day length or photoperiod. We have found a phase shift in gene expression, shortening of hypocotyl elongation and earlier than wild‐type initiation of flowering under short‐day conditions. Our study shows that the earlier expression phases of the floral induction genes GIGANTEA, FLAVIN‐BINDING KELCH REPEAT F‐BOX1 and CONSTANS correlate with higher abundance of the FLOWERING LOCUS T transcript under short‐day conditions. Matching the period of the external light/dark cycles relative to the endogenous short period of the CKB4‐ox oscillator restores the phase of gene expression and the flowering sensitivity to day length, indicating that a clock defect is responsible for the CKB4‐ox phenotypes. Our studies suggest a function for CKB4 very close to the oscillator, as expression of the core components TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1 and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 is also altered in CKB4‐ox plants. Based on our results, we propose that oscillator dysfunction is responsible for the period defect of CKB4‐ox plants that leads to clock dissonance with the environment and reduced sensitivity to day length.
The C‐terminal kinase fragment of Arabidopsis phototropin 2 triggers constitutive phototropin responses
Authors: Kong Sam‐Geun , Kinoshita Toshinori , Shimazaki Ken‐ichiro , Mochizuki Nobuyoshi , Suzuki Tomomi , Nagatani Akira 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPhototropins mediate various blue‐light responses such as phototropism, chloroplast relocation, stomatal opening and leaf flattening in plants. Phototropins are hydrophilic chromoproteins that are mainly bound to the plasma membrane. One of two phototropins in Arabidopsis thaliana, phot2, associates with the Golgi apparatus in a light‐dependent manner. In this study, we analyzed the biological activities of the N‐terminal photosensory and C‐terminal kinase domains of phot2. For this purpose, these domains were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and ectopically expressed in the wild‐type and a phot1 phot2 double mutant of Arabidopsis. The kinase domain fused to GFP (P2CG) was localized to the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus, whereas the photosensory domain fused to GFP (P2NG) was uniformly localized in the cytosol. Hence, the kinase domain rather than the photosensory domain is responsible for the membrane association. Interestingly, the P2CG plants exhibited constitutive blue‐light responses even in dark conditions, i.e. stomata were open and chloroplasts were in the avoidance position. By contrast, P2CG with a mutation that abolishes the kinase activity (P2C[D720/N]G) failed to exhibit these responses. phot2 kinase is therefore suggested to be correctly localized to functional sites in the cell and to trigger light signal transduction through its kinase activity. In contrast to P2CG, P2NG did not affect the phot2 responses, except for partial inhibition of the phototropic response caused by the endogenous phototropins.
TECHNICAL ADVANCE: Functional immobilization of plant receptor‐like kinase onto microbeads towards receptor array construction and receptor‐based ligand fishing
Authors: Shinohara Hidefumi , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu 
Published: July 2007

SummaryDespite the large number of receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) in plants, few of their specific ligands are known. Ligand fishing is one of the most challenging post‐genomic technologies. Here, we report a strategy for functional immobilization of plant RLKs on microbeads via covalent linkage. Because of the high density of immobilized RLKs, ligand‐receptor interaction can be visualized at high sensitivity using fluorescent‐labeled ligands under the confocal laser scanning microscope. Moreover, using a receptor‐based affinity chromatography system with RLK microbeads, the ligand of the receptor was directly retrieved at high purity from complex natural samples. Our RLK microbeads and receptor‐based ligand fishing approach is a feasible alternative to conventional forward genetics and bioassay‐based biochemical purification for identification of novel ligand–receptor pairs in plants.
Quality of life and psychological well‐being during and after left ventricular assist device support
Authors: Wray Jo , Hallas Claire N , Banner Nicholas R 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly being used to treat patients in end‐stage heart failure to facilitate survival to cardiac transplant or as a bridge to myocardial recovery. The technical innovation of the LVAD has a significant benefit on the patients’ physical functioning. However, within the United Kingdom, there has been no systematic evaluation of the psychological adjustment and quality of life (QoL) of patients currently living with an LVAD, or of the differences in QoL for patients who are either explanted or transplanted.Aim:  To assess the differences in QoL and psychological adjustment for current LVAD patients, patients who have been transplanted from an LVAD and patients in whom the device has been explanted.Methods:  Twenty‐two patients involved in an LVAD programme were recruited (18 men and four women; age range 18–60). Eight patients had an LVAD in situ, six patients had the LVAD explanted and eight had undergone transplantation. QoL and psychological functioning were assessed using previously validated measures.Results:  Although there were no significant differences between the three groups, there was a trend for the LVAD patients to have higher levels of anxiety and depression and a lower QoL compared with transplanted or explanted patients.Conclusions:  For patients with an LVAD in situ, there was a trend for QoL and psychological functioning to be poorer than for transplanted and explanted patients. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings, but psychological assessment and interventions to reduce psychological morbidity and improve QoL will be important in these patients, particularly in view of the increasing numbers of LVADs being implanted and the possibility of their use for long‐term “destination” therapy.
Pilot study of two new injectable bulking agents for the treatment of faecal incontinence
Authors: Maeda Y. , Vaizey C. J. , Kamm M. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  The use of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal incontinence appears to provide reasonable short‐term results. However experience with different agents is limited. We report on the outcome of injections with new bulking agents.Method  Each patient received injections of either BulkamidTM (hydrogel cross‐linked with polyacrylamide) or PermacolTM (porcine dermal collagen). Assessment included clinical evaluation, anorectal physiological testing, endoanal ultrasonography and questionnaires including the St Mark's Incontinence Score, one week bowel diary card, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale and the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) health survey. Follow up was at 6 weeks and 6 months, with a further telephone review at a median of 19 months (range 14–22).Results  Ten patients (nine female), median age 68 years (range 45–79), were enrolled. St Mark's incontinence score (0 = best, 24 = worst) was 15 (range 11–24) at baseline, 12.5 (range 3–18) at 6 weeks and 14 (range 6–22) at 6 months. A 1‐week bowel diary and SF‐36 forms also showed temporary improvement but this was not sustained beyond 6 weeks.Conclusion  BulkamidTM and PermacolTM injections did not have a major effect on faecal incontinence.
Predictive factors for successful sacral nerve stimulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence: a 10‐year cohort analysis
Authors: Dudding T. C. , Parés D. , Vaizey C. J. , Kamm M. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an established treatment for faecal incontinence. We aimed to identify specific factors that could predict the outcome of temporary and permanent stimulation.Method  A cohort analysis was performed to identify potential predictive factors in 81 patients who underwent temporary SNS at a single institution over a 10‐year period (June 1996 to June 2006). Data were obtained from prospectively collected patient symptom diaries and quality of life questionnaires, operation reports, anorectal physiological studies, endoanal ultrasound images and radiology of lead placement.Results  Clinical outcome of temporary screening was not affected by patient gender, age, body mass index, severity or length of symptoms. The need for a repeated temporary procedure was associated with subsequent failure during screening (P = 0.008). A low threshold to obtain a motor response during temporary lead insertion was associated with improved outcome (P = 0.048). Evidence of anal sphincter trauma was associated with a greater risk of failure (P = 0.040). However, there was no difference in medium‐term outcome between patients with external anal sphincter (EAS) defects and patients with intact anal sphincter muscles.Conclusion  Variables have been identified that help to predict the outcome of SNS. The presence of an EAS defect should not preclude treatment.
Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult sphincter injury and abnormal sphincter function
Authors: Jenkins J. T. , Urie A. , Molloy R. G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  The pathogenesis of chronic anal fissure (CAF) remains incompletely understood but most are associated with a high resting anal pressure and reduced perfusion at the fissure site. To date, no major distinction has been made between anterior and posterior anal fissures and their aetiology and treatment. We compared anterior and posterior fissures in patients who have failed to respond to medical treatment with respect to their underlying aetiology, anal canal pressures and sphincter muscle integrity.Method  Seventy consecutive patients (54 female:16 male) with a symptomatic CAF and 39 normal controls (19 female:20 male) without evidence of significant ano‐rectal pathology were prospectively assessed by manometry and anal endosonography.Results  Anterior anal fissures were identified in a younger age group [33 years (IQR 26–37) vs 41 years (IQR 36–52)] and predominantly in women. Anterior fissure patients were significantly more likely to have underlying external anal sphincter defects compared with posterior fissures [OR 10.9 (95% CI 3.4–35.4)]. Maximum resting pressure was not significantly elevated for anterior fissures compared with controls (P = 0.316) but was significantly elevated in posterior fissures (P = 0.005). The maximum squeeze pressure was significantly lower in the anterior fissure group [167 cmH2O (IQR 126–196) vs 205 cmH2O (IQR 174–262), P = 0.004]. A history of obstetric trauma was significantly associated with anterior fissure location [OR 13.9 (95% CI 3.4–55.7)].Conclusions  Anterior anal fissures are associated with occult external anal sphincter injury and impaired external anal sphincter function compared with posterior fissures. These findings have implications for treatment, especially if a definitive procedure, such as lateral internal sphincterotomy, is considered.