bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Schizosaccharomyces pombe the 14–3–3 protein Rad24p is involved in negative control of pho1 gene expression
Authors: Voicu Pia‐Manuela , Petrescu‐Danila Elena , Poitelea Marius , Watson Adam T. , Rusu Mircea 
Published: December 2006

AbstractExpression of Schizosaccharomyces pombe pho1‐encoded acid phosphatase is transcriptionally regulated by adenine and phosphate. Four genes, anr1‐3 and anr5, encode negative regulators of pho1 expression. Apart from being designated as loci, the anr genes have not been further characterized. In this study we provide evidence that a strain carrying the deletion of rad24, a 14–3–3 protein‐encoding gene, exhibits an anr mutant like the phenotype (higher phosphatase activity, higher transcript levels of pho1, lower sensitivity to adenine of pho1 expression) and that rad24 is closely linked, probably allelic, to anr5. By sequencing the two exons of the rad24 gene in a strain carrying the mutant allele anr5‐13, we found a T/A‐to‐C/G transition in the 225th codon of its ORF, causing a leucine‐to‐serine substitution in a highly conserved region of all proteins of the 14–3–3 family. anr2 and anr3 are not allelic to rad24. The mutant alleles of anr2 and anr3 are recessive to their wild‐type alleles and do not belong to the same epistasis group as rad24. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pudendal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency in Patients With or Without Soiling 5 Years or more after Low Anterior Resection for Lower Rectal Cancer
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Igarashi Seigo , Ikeda Taro , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Fujisaki Shigeru , Tanjoh Katsuhisa 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo clarify the neurological function with respect to external anal sphincter (EAS) muscles in patients with or without soiling after low anterior resection (LAR) for lower rectal cancer, we examined the terminal motor latency in the pudendal motor nerves (PNTML).Materials and MethodsThirty‐eight patients after LAR for lower rectal cancer were studied electrophysiologically and compared with 30 healthy volunteers as controls (19 men and 11 women, aged 44 to 76 years of age, with a mean age of 65.5 years). Patients after LAR were divided into two groups [18 patients with soiling (12 men and 6 women, aged 51 to 77 years with a mean age of 64.8 years), 20 patients without soiling (13 men and 7 women, aged 47 to 75 years with a mean age of 62.1 years)]. The mean follow‐up time from LAR was 67.2 months (range 60–84 months). Bilateral (left‐sided and right‐sided) PNTML tests were performed on all patients in order to measure the latency of the response in the bilateral EAS muscle following digitally directed transrectal pudendal nerve stimulation.ResultsThe distance from the anal verge to the level of anastomosis in patients with soiling (mean, 2.2 cm) was significantly shorter than that in patients without soiling (mean, 4.1 cm) (P < 0.05). Conduction delay of the bilateral PNTML in patients with soiling was longer than that in patients without soiling and normal subjects, significantly (P < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between the right‐sided and left‐sided PNTML.ConclusionsThese findings support the hypothesis that soiling after LAR may be partially caused by damage to the bilateral pudendal motor nerves.
Disturbances in Melatonin, Cortisol and Core Body Temperature Rhythms after Major Surgery
Authors: Gögenur Ismail , Ocak Ubbat , Altunpinar Ömer , Middleton Benita , Skene Debra J. , Rosenberg Jacob 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundIt has been suggested that circadian rhythm disturbances are present after major surgery and that this may play a role in the development of postoperative sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction and cardiovascular morbidity. The objective of this study was to examine the profile of melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature rhythms before and after major surgery.MethodsBlood samples (melatonin and cortisol) and core body temperature readings were collected every hour in the 24‐h period prior to surgery and the 48 h after surgery from 11 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. All patients had private rooms. Light exposure was controlled and monitored. Phase markers [50% dim light melatonin onset (DLMO 50%) and offset (DLMOff 50%), cortisol and core body temperature acrophase] for the three circadian rhythm profiles were calculated before and after surgery. The correlation between the melatonin rhythm and time of surgery, duration of surgery and opioid use was examined.ResultsA median delay in the onset of melatonin was seen on the first postoperative day [median DLMO 50% 22:46 hours (range: 21:15–01:08 hours) on the preoperative day compared with 23:54 hours (range: 19:09–02:46 hours) on the first postoperative day; P ≤ 0.05]. A significant positive correlation existed between the duration of surgery and the time of melatonin onset (r = 0.67, P ≤ 0.05). There was a significantly reduced basal secretion of melatonin immediately after surgery, with a subsequent significant increase in maximum melatonin values on the second postoperative night. A median delay of up to 4 h was seen in the timing of the peak of the temperature rhythm on the second postoperative day. Both cortisol secretion and core body temperature were increased after surgery and did not return to preoperative values in the 48 h of the postoperative study period. No significant correlation between opioid dose and the basal or maximum melatonin levels or the time of melatonin onset was found.ConclusionWe found disturbances in three circadian markers after major surgery. The clinical consequences of postoperative circadian disturbances should be investigated further in the future.
Utility of Once‐Daily Dose of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Heparin to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Multisystem Trauma Patients
Authors: Cothren C. Clay , Smith Wade R. , Moore Ernest E. , Morgan Steven J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIntroductionVenous thromboembolism is a preventable cause of death in the severely injured patient. Low‐molecular‐weight heparins (LMWHs) have been recommended as effective, safe prophylactic agents. However, LMWH use remains controversial in patients at risk for bleeding, those with traumatic brain injury, and those undergoing multiple invasive or operative procedures. We hypothesized that a protocol utilizing once‐daily LMWH prophylaxis in high‐risk trauma patients, regardless of the need for invasive procedures, is feasible, safe, and effective.MethodsFrom August 1998 to August 2000, all patients admitted to our American College of Surgeons‐verified Level I trauma facility following injury were evaluated for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) risk and prospectively followed. Patients at high risk for DVT, including those with stable intracranial injuries, were placed on our institutional protocol and prospectively followed. Patients on the protocol received daily injections of the LMWH, dalteparin; DVT screening was performed with duplex ultrasonography within 48 hours of admission and after 7 to 10 days after injury. Regimen compliance, bleeding complications, DVT rates, and pulmonary embolus (PE) rates were analyzed.ResultsDuring the 2‐year study period, 6247 trauma patients were admitted; 743 were considered at high risk for DVT. Most of the patients were men (72%), with a mean age of 38.7 years (range 15–89 years) and a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 19.5. Compliance with the daily regimen was maintained in 74% of patients. DVT was detected in 3.9% and PE in 0.8%. The wound complications rate was 2.7%, and the need for unexplained transfusions was 3%. There were no exacerbations of head injury following dalteparin initiation due to bleeding. There were 16 patient deaths; none was caused by PE or late hemorrhage.ConclusionsOnce‐daily dosing of prophylactic LMWH dalteparin is feasible, safe, and effective in high‐risk trauma patients. Our protocol allows one to “operate through” systemic prophylaxis and ensures timely prophylaxis for brain‐injured and multisystem trauma patients.
Intraperitoneal Polypropylene Mesh Hernia Repair Complicates Subsequent Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Halm J. A. , de Wall L. L. , Steyerberg E. W. , Jeekel J. , Lange J. F. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundProsthetic incisional hernia repair (PIHR) is superior to primary closure in preventing hernia recurrence. Serious complications have been associated with the use of prosthetic material. Complications of subsequent surgical interventions after prior PIHR in relation to its anatomical position were the objectives of this study.Patients and MethodsPatients who underwent subsequent laparotomy/laparoscopy after PIHR between January 1992 and February 2005 at our institution were evaluated. Intraperitoneal and preperitoneal mesh was related to complication rates after subsequent surgical interventions.ResultsSixty‐six of 335 patients underwent re‐laparotomy after PIHR. The perioperative course was complicated in 76% (30/39) of procedures with intraperitoneal placed grafts compared to 29% (8/27) of interventions with preperitoneally positioned meshes (P < 0.001). Small bowel resections were necessary in 21% of the intraperitoneal group (8/39) versus 0% in the preperitoneal group. Surgical site infection rates were higher in the intraperitoneal group (10/39, 26%, versus 1/27, 4%). Enterocutaneous fistula formation was rare and occurred in two patients after subsequent laparotomy (5%).ConclusionsRe‐laparotomy after PIHR with polypropylene meshes are associated with more preoperative and postoperative complications when the mesh is placed intraperitoneally. Therefore 0intraperitoneal positioning of polypropylene mesh at incisional hernia repair should be avoided if possible.
Synthesis and properties of bis(sodium sulfonated ester) types of cleavable surfactants derived from 1‐O‐alkylglycerols
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Yamamura Shingo , Nakamura Masaki , Takeda Tokuji 
Published: December 2006

AbstractNovel sulfonated ester types of cleavable surfactants were easily prepared by acid‐catalyzed esterification of 1‐O‐alkylglycerols with bromocarboxylic acids, followed by the Strecker reaction. These surfactants have good solubility in water. Though this series of cleavable surfactants are divalent in type, they show good micelle formation and the ability to lower surface tension. The solubility of these surfactants in hard water was more than 10 times higher than sodium 1‐dodecanesulfonate. They decompose quickly and completely in 0.5 M NaOD. Their biodegradabilities were higher or almost the same as that of sodium 1‐dodecanesulfonate.
Stability of sodium hypochlorite in the presence of aqueous flavoring essence
Authors: Zhu Zheng‐Lin 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe stability of NaOCl in the presence of aqueous flavoring essences (lemon, mint, osmanthus flowers, pineapple, and vanilla) at 40±1°C was studied. Data from determination of OCl− showed: (i) The stability of NaOCl solution decreased in the presence of essences in the order: mint> lemon and osmanthus flowers>pineapple>vanilla (P<0.01); (ii) OCl− loss with the addition of lemon after incubation for 15 d was significantly greater in solutions with initial pH of 13.50 compared with those initially at pH 12.50 (P<0.01); and (iii) OCl− loss was not significantly influenced by the difference in initial pH value with or without the addition of other essences.
The reductase steps of the type II fatty acid synthase as antimicrobial targets
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Mei , Lu Ying‐Jie , Rock Charles O. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe increasing of multidrug resistance of clinically important pathogens calls for the development of novel antibiotics with unexploited cellular targets. FA biosynthesis in bacteria is catalyzed by a group of highly conserved proteins known as the type II FA synthase (FAS II) system. Bacteria FAS II organization is distinct from its mammalian counterpart; thus the FAS II pathway offers several unique steps for selective inhibition by antibacterial agents. Some known antibiotics that target the FAS II system include triclosan, isoniazid, and thiolactomycin. Recent years have seen remarkable progress in the understanding of the genetics, biochemistry, and regulation of the FAS II system with the availability of the complete geome, sequence for many bacteria. Crystal structures of the FAS II pathway enzymes have been determined for not only the Escherichia coli model system but also other gram‐netative and gram‐positive pathogens. The protein structures have greatly facilitated structure‐based design of novel inhibitors and the improvement of existing antibacterial agents. This review discusses new developments in the discovery of inhibitors that specifically target the two reductase steps of the FAS II system, β‐ketoacyl‐acyl carrier potein (ACP) reductase and enoyl‐ACP reductase.
Functions of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) in skin homeostasis
Authors: Di‐Poï Nicolas , Michalik Liliane , Desvergne Béatrice , Wahli Walter 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) are ligand‐activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor family. Three isotypes (PPARα, PPARβ or δ, and PPARγ) with distinct tissue distributions and cellular functions have been found in vertebrates. All three PPAR isotypes are expressed in rodent and human skin. They were initially investigated for a possible function in the establishment of the permeability barrier in skin because of their known function in lipid metabolism in other cell types. In vitro studies using specific PPAR agonists and in vivo gene disruption approaches in mice indeed suggest an important contribution of PPARα in the formation of the epidermal barrier and in sebocyte differentiation. The PPARγ isotype plays a role in stimulating sebocyte development and lipogenesis, but does not appear to contribute to epidermal tissue differentiation. The third isotype, PPARβ, regulates the late stages of sebaceous cell differentiation, and is the most effective isotype in stimulating lipid production in these cells, both in rodents and in humans. In addition, PPARβ activation has pro‐differentiating effects in kera‐tinocytes under normal and inflammatory conditions. Finally, preliminary studies also point to a potential role of PPAR in hair follicle growth and in melanocyte differentiation. By their diverse biological effects on cell proliferation and differentiation in the skin, PPAR agonists or antagonists may offer interesting oppotunities for the treatment of various skin disorders characterized by inflammation, cell hyperproliferation, and aberrant differentiation.
Cytochrome c release is required for phosphatidylserine peroxidation during fas‐triggered apoptosis in lung epithelial A549 cells
Authors: Jiang Jianfei , Kini Vidisha , Belikova Natalia , Serinkan Behice F. , Borisenko Grigory G. , Tyurina Yulia Y. , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Kagan Valerian E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractOxidation of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) has been shown to play a pivotal role in signaling during cell apoptosis and subsequent recognition of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. However, the redox catalytic mechanisms involved in selective PtdSer oxidation during apoptosis remain poorly understood. here we employed anti‐Fas antibody CH‐11‐treated A549 cells as a physiologically relevant model to investigate the involvement of PtdSer oxidation and its potential mechanism during apoptosis. We demonstrated that ligation of CH‐11 with its cognate receptor initiated execution of apoptotic program in interferon gamma‐pretreated A549 cells as evidenced by activation of caspase and DNA fragmentation. A significant increase of cytochrome c (cyt c) content in the cytosol as early as 2 h after CH‐11 exposure was detected indicating that Fas‐induced apoptosis in A549 cells proceeds via extrinsic type II pathway and includes mitochondrial signaling. PtdSer was selectively oxidized 3 h after anti‐Fas triggering while two more abundant phospholipids—phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn)—and the major intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, remained nonoxidized. A pan‐caspase inhibitor, z‐VAD, fully blocked cyt c release and oxidation of PtdSer in Fas‐treated A549 cells. On the other hand, z‐DQMD, a caspase‐3 inhibitor, completely inhibited caspase‐3 activity but did not fully block caspase‐8 activation and release of cyt c. Importantly, z‐DQMD failed to protect PtdSer from oxidation. In addition, in a model system, we demonstrated that peroxidase activity of cyt c was greatly enhanced in the presence of dioleoylphosphatidylserine containing liposomes by monitoring oxidation of 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein to 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein. We further showed that peroxidase activity of cyt c catalyzed oxidation of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐arachidonoyl‐3‐glycero‐phosphoserine using a newly developed HPLC assay. MS analysis of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐arachidonoyl‐3‐glycero‐phosphoserine revealed that in addition to its mono‐ and dihydroperoxides, several different PtdSer oxidation products can be formed. Overall, we concluded that cyt c acts as a catalyst of PtdSer oxidation during Fas‐triggered A549 cell apoptosis.
Synthetically Lethal Interactions Involving Loss of the Yeast ERG24: The Sterol C‐14 Reductase Gene
Authors: Shah Alam Bhuiyan M. , Eckstein James , Barbuch Robert , Bard Martin 
Published: December 2006

AbstractERG2 and ERG24 are yeast sterol biosynthetic genes which are targets of morpholine antifungal compounds. ERG2 and ERG24 encode the C‐8 sterol isomerase and the C‐14 reductase, respectively. ERG2 is regarded as a non‐essential gene but the viability of ERG24 depends on genetic background, type of medium, and CaCl2 concentration. We demonstrate that erg2 and erg24 mutants are viable in the deletion consortium background but are lethal when combined in the same haploid strain. The erg2erg24 double mutant can be suppressed by mutations in the sphingolipid gene ELO3 but not ELO2. Suppression occurs on rich medium but not on synthetic complete medium. We also demonstrate that the suppressed elo3erg2erg24 does not have a sterol composition markedly different from that of erg24. Further genetic analysis indicates that erg24 combined with mutations in erg6 or erg28 is synthetically lethal but when combined with mutations in erg3 is weakly viable. These results suggest that novel sterol intermediates probably contribute to the synthetic lethality observed in this investigation.
Practical Syntheses of Triacylglycerol Regioisomers Containing Long‐chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Fraser Benjamin H. , Perlmutter Patrick , Wijesundera Chakra 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n‐3) is known to protect against a range of degenerative disease conditions and aid in the development of eye and brain function in infants. In dietary lipids DHA is found primarily in the triacylglycerol (TAG) form. However, the effects of the positional distribution of DHA in TAG on lipid functional properties such as bioactivity and oxidative stability are not clearly understood. Studies on this subject for the most part are limited by a lack of regioisomerically pure TAG model compounds containing DHA or similar long‐chain (LC)‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). This paper reports on the development of a practical procedure, based on chemical and enzymatic reactions, for the syntheses of regioisomerically enriched, symmetrical and unsymmetrical TAG isomers containing two palmitic acid and one of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, or DHA. 1,3‐Selective acylation of glycerol with vinyl esters of fatty acids catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase and direct coupling with fatty acids in the presence of the coupling agents 1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine furnished 1,3‐dihexadecanoyl‐2‐docosahexaenoyl glycerol and its unsymmetrical isomer 1,2‐dihexadecanoyl‐3‐docosahexaenoyl glycerol in 99 and 60% yield, respectively. Critical to the success of the unsymmetrical TAG synthesis is the demonstration that PUFA‐containing glycerol acetonides can readily survive appropriately tailored acid‐catalyzed conditions. In this way, sufficient quantities of highly regioisomerically enriched PUFA‐containing unsymmetrical monoacylglycerols (MAG) and TAG have now become routinely accessible. The methods are amenable to scale‐up and could be adopted for regioenriched synthesis of a wide range of TAG.
Moisture Removal Substantially Improves the Efficiency of in Situ Biodiesel Production from Soybeans
Authors: Haas Michael J. , Scott Karen M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn an effort to reduce the production cost of biodiesel, we previously described an approach termed “in situ transesterification” wherein the transesterification of a vegetable oil occurred directly in its raw agricultural material. In that method, substantial quantities of reagents were required to achieve high‐efficiency transesterification. Here we report that by drying the substrate a marked reduction in the reagent requirements was achieved. Reaction conditions for maximum fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production were identified using statistical experimental design methods. In 16‐h reactions with 5 g of flakes (2.6% moisture) and 18 mL of 0.10 N NaOH in methanol, 97% theoretical maximum transesterification was achieved. For dry flakes, optimal transesterification was achieved in 10 h in reactions containing 5 g of flakes and 12 mL of 0.10 N NaOH in methanol. This represented a 60% reduction in methanol and a 56% reduction in NaOH use compared with the transesterification of full‐moisture flakes. Under these conditions the degree of transesterification was 100% of the theoretical maximum. The transesterification of 20 kg of flakes with a moisture content of 0.8% was conducted under optimal reaction conditions. Both triacylglycerols (TAG) and phosphoacylglycerols (PL) were transesterified to high degrees, with an overall efficiency of 97.3% of the maximum theoretical efficiency. PL were not detected in the flakes following transesterification, and the amount of remaining unreacted TAG was only 1.0% of that input. Following washes with water, 0.5 M NaCl, and dilute NaOH, the recovered FAME met the ASTM specifications for biodiesel. The tocopherol levels of the FAME exceeded by 76% those of a representative commercial biodiesel. Soy flakes retained 97% of their protein following in situ transesterification.
A simple method for re-dilatation of an acute tracheostoma stenosis
Authors: Soo G , Tong M C F 
Published: December 2006

Tracheostomy or laryngectomy stomas may sometimes re-stenose, resulting in respiratory distress for the patient unless the stoma is rapidly re-dilated and an adequate airway re-established.This article describes a simple and effective method for the acute re-dilatation of a tracheostoma stenosis, using an aural speculum, prior to the insertion of a patent airway tube. This technique has been successfully used in our department since 1995 and, in our experience, causes significantly less distress to our patients when compared with other means employed previously.