bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uptake or extrusion: crystal structures of full ABC transporters suggest a common mechanism
Authors: Dawson Roger J. P. , Hollenstein Kaspar , Locher Kaspar P. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters are integral membrane proteins that move diverse substrates across cellular membranes. ABC importers catalyse the uptake of essential nutrients from the environment, whereas ABC exporters facilitate the extrusion of various compounds, including drugs and antibiotics, from the cytoplasm. How ABC transporters couple ATP hydrolysis to the transport reaction has long remained unclear. The recent crystal structures of four complete ABC transporters suggest that a key step of the molecular mechanism is conserved in importers and exporters. Whereas binding of ATP promotes an outward‐facing conformation, the release of the hydrolysis products ADP and phosphate promotes an inward‐facing conformation. This basic scheme can in principle explain ATP‐driven drug export and binding protein‐dependent nutrient uptake.
Chromosome segregation control by Escherichia coli ObgE GTPase
Authors: Foti James J. , Persky Nicole S. , Ferullo Daniel J. , Lovett Susan T. 
Published: June 2007

Summary Escherichia coli cells depleted of the conserved GTPase, ObgE, show early chromosome‐partitioning defects and accumulate replicated chromosomes in which the terminus regions are colocalized. Cells lacking ObgE continue to initiate replication, with a normal ratio of the origin to terminus. Localization of the SeqA DNA binding protein, normally seen as punctate foci, however, was disturbed. Depletion of ObgE also results in cell filamentation, with polyploid DNA content. Depletion of ObgE did not cause lethality, and cells recovered fully after expression of ObgE was restored. We propose a model in which ObgE is required to license chromosome segregation and subsequent cell cycle events.
A cline in the Drosophila melanogaster period gene in Australia: neither down nor under
Authors: KYRIACOU C. P. , PEIXOTO A. A. , COSTA R. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Weeks et al. (2006) have reported their inability to find a cline in the frequencies of the major Thr‐Gly encoding length variant alleles of the period gene in Drosophila melanogaster in Eastern Australia. This is in contrast to a study by Sawyer et al. (2006), who found a cline on this continent from samples collected in 1993. Weeks et al. then cast doubt on the validity of a robust cline found for these variants in Europe by Costa et al. (1992), criticizing their molecular techniques and sampling methods. We show how these claims are unjustified, and reveal a number of potential problems in their own methodology. Finally by reanalysing the subset of their data which they state is more reliable, we suggest that their results from Australia may be reasonably consistent with our own.
Robust clines and robust sampling: a reply to Kyriacou et al.
Authors: WEEKS A. R. , MCKECHNIE S. W. , HOFFMANN A. A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractKyriacou et al. (2007) have questioned a number of issues with our recent paper on a lack of clinal variation in the period and clock timing genes in Drosophila melanogaster from eastern Australia. Here we show why their arguments are not valid and reiterate that clinal variation in genes and molecular markers need to be assessed on field flies collected over a brief period of time.
Effective rumen degradation of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre in forage determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Ohlsson C. , Houmøller L. P. , Weisbjerg M. R. , Lund P. , Hvelplund T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe objective of the present study was to examine if near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) could be used to predict degradation parameters and effective degradation from scans of original forage samples. Degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of 61 samples of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) was tested by using the in situ technique. The grass samples were harvested at three different stages, early vegetative growth, early reproductive growth and late reproductive growth. Degradability was described in terms of immediately rumen soluble fraction (a fraction, for DM and CP only as NDF does not contain a soluble fraction), the degradable but not soluble faction (b fraction) and the rate of degradation of the b fraction (c value). Overall effective degradability of DM, CP and NDF was also calculated. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was examined for its ability to predict degradation parameters and to make a direct prediction of effective degradation from scans of the original samples of perennial ryegrass and orchardgrass. Prediction of effective degradation of the different feed fractions showed different accuracy. The coefficients of determination (R2) from regressions of predicted vs. measured effective degradation, using a cross‐validation method, were 0.92 for DM, 0.78 for CP and 0.61 for NDF. The attempt to predict the degradation parameters (a, b and c) by NIRS was less successful as the coefficients of determination for the degradation parameters were low. Concentrations of CP and NDF in the original samples were predicted by using NIRS and the validated R2 value was 0.98 for CP and 0.92 for NDF. It is concluded that using NIRS predictions from scans of original samples is a promising method to obtain values for the effective degradation of DM, CP and NDF in ruminant feeds, but that larger calibration sets are necessary for obtaining improved accuracy.
Effects of diets supplemented with organic acids and nucleotides on growth, immune responses and digestive tract development in weaned pigs
Authors: Lee D. N. , Liu S. R. , Chen Y. T. , Wang R. C. , Lin S. Y. , Weng C. F. 
Published: June 2007

SummarySixty‐eight (Experiment 1, 46 days feeding) and sixteen (Experiment 2, 21 days feeding) 21‐days‐old weaned pigs were allotted to four dietary treatments including control, 0.6% organic acids (OA), 0.1% nucleotides (NA) and 0.6% OA plus 0.1% NA for determining the dietary effects. In Experiment 1, OA enhanced peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation on day 28 and 46. The plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) A level was elevated by OA (p < 0.06) and NA (p < 0.07), respectively. In Experiment 2, NA increased plasma IgM level, and had an interactive effect with OA on ileal Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph node lymphocyte proliferation, bile and plasma IgA levels, and jejunal crypt depth. NA elevated gastric pepsin and jejunal alkaline phosphatase activities, however, decreased ileal aminopeptidase N, sucrase or maltase activity. These results suggest that OA and NA have synergistically enhanced the gut‐associated lymphocyte responses and NA modulates the digestive tract development of weaned pigs.
Fermentation characteristics and microbial growth promoted by diets including two‐phase olive cake in continuous fermenters
Authors: Moumen A. , Yáñez‐Ruiz D. R. , Martín‐García I. , Molina‐Alcaide E. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryTwo‐phase olive cake (2POC) is the by‐product obtained from the so called ‘two‐phase’ procedure to extract olive oil by mechanical methods. After the mechanical extraction the 2POC is dried and most of the remaining oil extracted by chemical means. The production of the crude by‐product may reach more than 4 millions t/year in Spain (MAPA, 2003), most of it in areas (Southeast) with shortage of pastures and conventional feeds for ruminants. Six continuous fermenters, inoculated with ruminal liquor from wethers or goats, were fed lucerne hay (LH); LH plus a concentrate including dried two‐phase olive cake (LHCO) and; diet LHCO added with polyethylene glycol (LHCOP). The highest pH values and ammonia N (NH3‐N) output were found in fermenters fed diet LH (6.19 and 6.35 for pH, and 53.7 and 68.9 mg NH3N/day, respectively, in fermentes inoculated with rumen liquor from sheep and goats) without differences due to the inoculum origin. The digestibility of carbohydrates (CHO) was affected (p < 0.001) by inoculum (67.0 and 58.8%, respectively, for goats and wethers) the lowest values being for diet LHCO (53.2 and 57.0% with inoculum from wethers and goats, respectively). The main volatile fatty acid (VFA) was acetic acid with higher (p < 0.01) values in fermenters with inoculum from goats than from wethers (80.2 and 63.0 mmol/day respectively). The efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis (EBS) was not different (p > 0.05) with inoculum from wethers and goats [26.4 and 28.1 and 35.2 and 33.5 g bacterial N/kg digested CHO, respectively, obtained by using diamino pimelic acid (DAPA) and purine bases (PB) as microbial markers]. The lowest (p < 0.05) values were found in fermenters fed diets LHCOP and LH, estimated, respectively, from DAPA and PB (21.9 and 29.0 g bacterial N/kg digested CHO). The substitution of a part of lucerne hay by a concentrate including dried 2POC does not seem to cause important differences in efficiency of VFA production. Results concerning bacterial protein synthesis are not so clear since values estimated from DAPA and PB did not show similar trends. Neither inoculum origin nor PEG had important effects on fermentation characteristics. The DAPA could be an adequate marker in continuous fermenters, with comparative purposes, as protozoa are not present and, estimated protein synthesis values are similar to those obtained in vivo with similar diets using urinary excretion of PD (Yáñez Ruiz et al., 2004b). Further research is needed to state the optimal proportion of 2POC in practical diets for ruminants at both maintenance and production stages.
Investigations on iron bioavailability of different sources and supply levels in piglets
Authors: Ettle T. , Schlegel P. , Roth F. X. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryTwo experiments were conducted to investigate the iron bioavailability of different sources and supply levels in piglets. In experiment 1, the influence of feeding an iron deficient basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 28 ppm Fe either in form of Fe‐chelate, crystalline Fe‐glycinate, or Fe‐sulphate on apparent iron digestibility and on blood parameters was determined. In experiment 2, a dose–response approach was used to determine the effects of supplementing an iron‐deficient basal diet with 30, 60, or 90 ppm of Fe either in form of crystalline Fe‐glycinate or Fe‐sulphate on digestibility of Fe, growth and blood parameters. In experiment 1, comparison of iron sources revealed a tendency (0.05 < p < 0.1) for a higher Fe digestibility from Fe‐glycinate (40.9%) compared with Fe‐chelate (30.8%) or Fe‐sulphate (30.7%). Fe‐balance was higher (p < 0.05) for Fe‐glycinate compared with Fe‐sulphate but iron balance was similar for iron sulphate and iron chelate. Those results, however, were not reflected in data of blood parameters. In experiment 2, iron digestibility, blood parameters and performance were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by iron supply. Effects of iron source on digestibility of iron were lower than observed in the first experiment.
Role of ultrasound in assessment of early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hyzy MD , Slavotinek J , Smith MD 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis report reviews imaging methods used for diagnosis and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis, with emphasis on the role of ultrasonography. Traditionally, conventional radiography has been useful in detecting and monitoring the extent of joint destruction in rheumatic disease. However, it is particularly difficult to detect pathological joint changes in the early stages. Magnetic resonance imaging is able to detect inflammation of the synovial membrane and erosions but is limited by cost and availability. Ultrasound has recently emerged as a useful and potentially reliable method for assessing the degree of joint inflammation and erosion in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Quality of life, sexual function and decisional regret at 1 year after surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Davison B. Joyce , So Alan I. , Goldenberg S. Larry 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine the effect of changes in quality of life (QoL) and levels of sexual function on decisional regret after surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSPatients who decided to have a radical prostatectomy (RP) were assessed for health‐related QoL using the general European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer C30 instrument and disease‐specific prostate cancer module, and sexual function using the abbreviated International Index of Erectile Function‐5 before and 1 year after RP. Decision control was measured before RP, and decisional regret 1 year afterward, using measures mailed to participants 1 year after treatment.RESULTSOf 130 respondents (mean age 62 years), 4% expressed regret over their decision to have surgery. Physical and social functioning, and finances, were compromised, while emotional functioning and treatment‐related symptoms improved by 1 year. Higher levels of decisional regret were correlated with decreases in role and social functioning, increased pain and financial difficulty (all P < 0.01). Sexual function was decreased (P < 0.001) after treatment. Men reported feeling less masculine, having less sexual enjoyment, difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection, and discomfort when being sexually intimate after surgery. Mean scores of decisional regret were similar among patients who reported assuming either active (84%) or collaborative (11%) roles in treatment decision‐making. Men who assumed a passive role reported the most variability and highest scores on decision regret.CONCLUSIONSFew men regretted having RP at 1 year after treatment, even though some QoL functions and domains were significantly affected. Ongoing assessment of the effect of surgical treatment on sexual function, sexuality and masculinity certainly deserves further exploration with this group of cancer survivors.
Influence of intravesical potassium on pelvic floor activity in women with overactive bladder syndrome: comparative urodynamics might provide better detection of dysfunctional voiding
Authors: Akkad Thomas , Pelzer Alexandre , Mitterberger Michael , Rehder Peter , Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Bartsch Georg , Strasser Hannes 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVESTo assess the influence of intravesical potassium on pelvic floor activity (PFA) during voiding in women with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), by using comparative urodynamics (CUD).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 175 women who met the criteria of OAB (mean age 52.7 years, range 18–87). CUD included two sessions of pressure‐flow studies (0.9% saline vs 0.2 m KCl) with simultaneous measurement of PFA using perineal electromyography (EMG) with surface electrodes. Dysfunctional voiding (DV) was diagnosed if significant PFA was measured by EMG during voiding.RESULTSIn 44 patients (25%) there was increased EMG activity only in the presence of KCL; in 58 (33%) there was DV with increased PFA during filling with saline. In all these patients PFA was significantly greater inthe presence of KCl (P < 0.001). In patients with DV, filling with KCl prompted a statistically significant difference in maximum bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, mean flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume (P < 0.05). In summary, 102 patients (58%) had DV.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that DV is associated with epithelial dysfunction of the bladder mucosa, which clinically leads to OAB syndrome and can be revealed by CUD. The detection of DV might elude conventional urodynamics, but can be significantly enhanced by CUD (0.9% saline vs 0.2 m KCl).
The potential role of soyfoods in weight and adiposity reduction: an evidence‐based review
Authors: Cope M. B. , Erdman Jr J. W. , Allison D. B. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryEvidence concerning the relationship between soyfoods and weight loss was reviewed. Detailed searches of PubMed and Web of Science were performed to identify and evaluate evidence for or against four propositions related to soyfoods and weight loss (Data fromin vitro, animal, epidemiologic, and clinical studies were evaluated and summarized). (1) Certain soyfoods will improve weight and/or fat loss when fed at isolcaloric levels (similar calories given across experimental conditions, but not necessarily at a level to maintain current body weight); generally supportive evidence in animal studies, but there is no compelling support in human studies. (2) Certain soyfoods will improve weight and fat loss when included as part of a diet by affecting caloric intake; limited supportive evidence in animal and human studies. (3) Certain soyfoods will prevent/improve risk factors related to glucoregulatory function and cardiovascular health during weight loss; some evidence supporting this proposition, but additional evidence is needed before conclusions can be made. (4) Certain soyfoods will minimize the loss of bone mass during weight loss; no data available pertinent to this proposition. Limitations in existing data make it difficult to reach conclusions regarding these four propositions. Overall, the current data suggest that soyfoods are as good as other protein sources for promoting weight loss and there is a suggestive body of evidence that soyfoods may confer additional benefits, but results must be carefully interpreted and additional evidence is needed before making firm conclusions concerning soyfoods and weight loss.
Structural diversification of the gustatory organs during metamorphosis in the alpine newt Triturus alpestris
Authors: Żuwała Krystyna , Jakubowski Michał 
Published: June 2007

AbstractGustatory organs of the taste bud type occur in the epithelial lining of the oropharyngeal cavity of alpine newt larvae. They resemble the taste buds of bony fish, both in appearance (as revealed by scanning electron microscopy) and in detailed internal structure (seen on transmission electron micropscopy). During metamorphosis, at stage 55 of development, the secondary tongue (i.e. the soft tongue) is well formed and the anlages of taste discs are clearly apparent. Somewhat later, taste discs also appear in the epithelial lining outside the tongue, paralleling the disappearance of the taste buds. Well‐developed taste discs of the newt differ from taste buds mainly by their structurally diversified set of ‘associate cells’ (mucous, wing and glial cells), which have no synaptic contact with nerve fibres. These cells accompany the neurosensory cellular components of the taste disc, i.e. the taste receptor cells and basal cells. This indicates that gustatory organs in metamorphosed newts, regardless of their small dimensions, fulfil the criteria established for taste discs previously defined in other Caudata and Anura species. Therefore, in the development of the newt there are two subsequent types of gustatory organs and two generations of the tongue: primary, in the larvae, and secondary, in metamorphosed animals.
Radio‐telemetric monitoring of dispersing stag beetles: implications for conservation
Authors: Rink M. , Sinsch U. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMigratory movements of the endangered stag beetles Lucanus cervus (18 males, 38 females) were monitored radio‐telemetrically for three reproductive periods (2003–2005). The aim of the study was to estimate the migratory range of free‐ranging individuals as a measure of connectivity among neighbouring populations for future conservation measures. Miniature transmitters of c. 350 mg (battery life: 10–15 days) were attached externally to the pronotum. Transmitter/beetle mass ratio was 12.8% on average (7.1–28.0%). Male dispersal behaviour consisted of frequent flights directed to sites with reproductive females and rarely of on‐ground movement. Total displacement distance recorded was up to 2065 m, the maximum distance of a single flight being 1720 m. Flights always began at elevated structures such as trees and shrubs and took place in an air temperature range of 11–27°C. Within this range, temperature did not influence flight distance. Female dispersal behaviour consisted mostly of a single flight, followed by mating and consequent ground movements towards oviposition sites. Total displacement distance recorded was up to 762.6 m, the maximum distance of a single flight being 701 m. Climatic constraints of flights were the same as in males. Modelling the dispersal behaviour suggests that about 1% of males are capable of maintaining gene flux among nest sites within a radius of about 3 km. However, the colonization of new nest sites depends on the dispersal ability of females and amounts to less than 1 km. Thus, isolated populations (distance to the next population greater than 3 km) have an increased probability of local extinction.
The information requirements and information‐seeking behaviours of health and social care professionals providing care to children with health care needs: a pilot study
Authors: Jackson Rachel , Baird Wendy , Davis‐Reynolds Loretta , Smith Christine , Blackburn Stephen , Allsebrook Janet 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives:  The objectives of this work were to identify the sources of information currently received, information‐seeking behaviours, information requirements and preferences for future information provision amongst health and social care professionals providing care to children with health care needs.Methods:  Data were collected using a cross‐sectional postal questionnaire survey.Results:  A wide range of information resources was reported as being available to professionals. However, a large proportion of respondents found it necessary to perform additional searches for information, suggesting that current resources were not satisfying their needs. The majority of professionals reported a preference for electronic formats, whilst a smaller proportion preferred hard copy materials. Participants promoted the use of informal networks as a means of support and exchange of information.Conclusion:  Supplementing the information that is provided in electronic and hard copy formats, by enhancing informal networks, may be the most effective way of meeting the information needs of this group of professionals.
Spinal cord injury induces endoplasmic reticulum stress with different cell‐type dependent response
Authors: Penas Clara , Guzmán Mónica‐Sofía , Verdú Enrique , Forés Joaquim , Navarro Xavier , Casas Caty 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe mechanisms of injury‐induced apoptosis of neurons within the spinal cord are poorly understood. In this study, we show that spinal cord injury (SCI) induces endoplasmic reticulum stress revealed by the activation of an unbalanced unfolded protein response (UPR). Using a weight‐drop contusion model of SCI, the UPR activation was characterized by a quick transient phosphorylation of alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 soon restored by the up‐regulation of its regulator Gadd34; an effective cleavage/activation of the ATF6α transcription factor leading to up‐regulation of the canonical UPR target genes Chop, Xbp1 and Grp78; the presence of the processing of Xbp1 mRNA indicative of inositol requiring kinase 1 activation, and a gradual accumulation of C/EBP homologous transcription factor protein (CHOP) with concomitant caspase‐12 activation. Interestingly, the subcellular distribution of CHOP was found in the nucleus of neurons and oligodendrocytes but in the cytoplasm of astrocytes. Considering the pro‐apoptotic action attributed to this transcription factor, this phenomenon might account for the different susceptibility of cell types to dye after SCI.