bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive strategy, sexual development and attraction to facial characteristics
Authors: Cornwell R. Elisabeth , Law Smith Miriam J , Boothroyd Lynda G , Moore Fhionna R , Davis Hasker P , Stirrat Michael , Tiddeman Bernard , Perrett David I 
Published: November 2006

Sexual reproduction strategies vary both between and within species in the level of investment in offspring. Life-history theories suggest that the rate of sexual maturation is critically linked to reproductive strategy, with high investment being associated with few offspring and delayed maturation. For humans, age of puberty and age of first sex are two developmental milestones that have been associated with reproductive strategies. Stress during early development can retard or accelerate sexual maturation and reproduction. Early age of menarche is associated with absence of younger siblings, absence of a father figure during early life and increased weight. Father absence during early life is also associated with early marriage, pregnancy and divorce.Choice of partner characteristics is critical to successful implementation of sexual strategies. It has been suggested that sexually dimorphic traits (including those evident in the face) signal high-quality immune function and reproductive status. Masculinity in males has also been associated with low investment in mate and offspring. Thus, women's reproductive strategy should be matched to the probability of male investment, hence to male masculinity.Our review leads us to predict associations between the rate of sexual maturation and adult preferences for facial characteristics (enhanced sexual dimorphism and attractiveness). We find for men, engaging in sex at an early age is related to an increased preference for feminized female faces. Similarly, for women, the earlier the age of first sex the greater the preference for masculinity in opposite-sex faces. When we controlled sexual dimorphism in male faces, the speed of sexual development in women was not associated with differences in preference for male facial attractiveness.These developmental influences on partner choice were not mediated by self-rated attractiveness or parental relationships. We conclude that individuals assort in preferences based on the rapidity of their sexual development. Fast developing individuals prefer opposite-sex partners with an increased level of sexually dimorphic facial characteristics.
Crystal structures of human α‐defensins HNP4, HD5, and HD6
Authors: Szyk Agnieszka , Wu Zhibin , Tucker Kenneth , Yang De , Lu Wuyuan , Lubkowski Jacek 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSix α‐defensins have been found in humans. These small arginine‐rich peptides play important roles in various processes related to host defense, being the effectors and regulators of innate immunity as well as enhancers of adoptive immune responses. Four defensins, called neutrophil peptides 1 through 4, are stored primarily in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Major sites of expression of defensins 5 and 6 are Paneth cells of human small intestine. So far, only one structure of human α‐defensin (HNP3) has been reported, and the properties of the intestine defensins 5 and 6 are particularly poorly understood. In this report, we present the high‐resolution X‐ray structures of three human defensins, 4 through 6, supplemented with studies of their antimicrobial and chemotactic properties. Despite only modest amino acid sequence identity, all three defensins share their tertiary structures with other known α‐ and β‐defensins. Like HNP3 but in contrast to murine or rabbit α‐defensins, human defensins 4–6 form characteristic dimers. Whereas antimicrobial and chemotactic activity of HNP4 is somewhat comparable to that of other human neutrophil defensins, neither of the intestinal defensins appears to be chemotactic, and for HD6 also an antimicrobial activity has yet to be observed. The unusual biological inactivity of HD6 may be associated with its structural properties, somewhat standing out when compared with other human α‐defensins. The strongest cationic properties and unique distribution of charged residues on the molecular surface of HD5 may be associated with its highest bactericidal activity among human α‐defensins.
Solution structure of a single‐domain thiosulfate sulfurtransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cornilescu Gabriel , Vinarov Dmitriy A. , Tyler Ejan M. , Markley John L. , Cornilescu Claudia C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe describe the three‐dimensional structure of the product of Arabidopsis thaliana gene At5g66040.1 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. This protein is categorized as single‐domain sulfurtransferase and is annotated as a senescence‐associated protein (sen1‐like protein) and ketoconazole resistance protein (http://arabidopsis.org/info/genefamily/STR_genefamily.html). The sequence of At5g66040.1 is virtually identical to that of a protein from Arabidopsis found by others to confer ketoconazole resistance in yeast. Comparison of the three‐dimensional structure with those in the Protein Data Bank revealed that At5g66040.1 contains an additional mobile β‐hairpin not found in other rhodaneses that may function in binding specific substrates. This represents the first structure of a single‐domain plant sulfurtransferase. The enzymatically active cysteine‐containing domain belongs to the CDC25 class of phosphatases, sulfide dehydrogenases, and stress proteins such as senescence specific protein 1 in plants, PspE and GlpE in bacteria, and cyanide and arsenate resistance proteins. Versions of this domain that lack the active site cysteine are found in other proteins, such as phosphatases, ubiquitin hydrolases, and sulfuryltransferases.
An inserted Gly residue fine tunes dynamics between mesophilic and thermophilic ribonucleases H
Authors: Butterwick Joel A. , Palmer Arthur G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDynamic processes are inherent properties of proteins and are crucial for a wide range of biological functions. To address how changes in protein sequence and structure affect dynamic processes, a quantitative comparison of microsecond‐to‐microsecond time scale conformational changes, measured by solution NMR spectroscopy, within homologous mesophilic and thermophilic ribonuclease H (RNase H) enzymes is presented. Kinetic transitions between the observed major state (high population) and alternate (low population) conformational state(s) of the substrate‐binding handle region in RNase H from the mesophile Escherichia coli (ecRNH) and thermophile Thermus thermophilus (ttRNH) occur with similar kinetic exchange rate constants, but the difference in stability between exchanging conformers is smaller in ttRNH compared to ecRNH. The altered thermodynamic equilibrium between kinetically exchanging conformers in the thermophile is recapitulated in ecRNH by the insertion of a Gly residue within a putative hinge between α‐helices B and C. This Gly insertion is conserved among thermophilic RNases H, and allows the formation of additional intrahelical hydrogen bonds. A Gly residue inserted between α‐helices B and C appears to relieve unfavorable interactions in the transition state and alternate conformer(s) and represents an important adaptation to adjust conformational changes within RNase H for activity at high temperatures.
Crystal structure of human D‐amino acid oxidase: Context‐dependent variability of the backbone conformation of the VAAGL hydrophobic stretch located at the si‐face of the flavin ring
Authors: Kawazoe Tomoya , Tsuge Hideaki , Pilone Mirella S. , Fukui Kiyoshi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn the brain, the extensively studied FAD‐dependent enzyme D‐amino acid oxidase (DAO) degrades the gliotransmitter D‐serine, a potent activator of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate type glutamate receptors, and evidence suggests that DAO, together with its activator G72 protein, may play a key role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Indeed, its potential clinical importance highlights the need for structural and functional analyses of human DAO. We recently succeeded in purifying human DAO, and found that it weakly binds FAD and shows a significant slower rate of flavin reduction compared with porcine DAO. However, the molecular basis for the different kinetic features remains unclear because the active site of human DAO was considered to be virtually identical to that of porcine DAO, as would be expected from the 85% sequence identity. To address this issue, we determined the crystal structure of human DAO in complex with a competitive inhibitor benzoate, at a resolution of 2.5 Å. The overall dimeric structure of human DAO is similar to porcine DAO, and the catalytic residues are fully conserved at the re‐face of the flavin ring. However, at the si‐face of the flavin ring, despite the strict sequence identity, a hydrophobic stretch (residues 47–51, VAAGL) exists in a significantly different conformation compared with both of the independently determined porcine DAO–benzoate structures. This suggests that a context‐dependent conformational variability of the hydrophobic stretch accounts for the low affinity for FAD as well as the slower rate of flavin reduction, thus highlighting the unique features of the human enzyme.
Ultrasound‐guided bilateral continuous sciatic nerve blocks with stimulating catheters for postoperative pain relief after bilateral lower limb amputations*
Authors: Van Geffen G. J. , Scheuer M. , Müller A. , Garderniers J. , Gielen M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe performance of continuous bilateral sciatic nerve blocks under ultrasonographic control using stimulating catheters is described in a 4‐year‐old child with VACTERL syndrome. Ultrasound showed an abnormal vascular and nerve supply to the lower limbs. The use of ultrasound guidance made successful continuous sciatic nerve blocks possible in a child in whom the traditional method of nerve localisation was unlikely to succeed for anatomical reasons.
A comparison of oral midazolam and nitrous oxide sedation for dental extractions in children
Authors: Wilson K. E. , Girdler N. M. , Welbury R. R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe aim of the study was to compare oral midazolam and inhaled nitrous oxide as sedative agents during the management of children aged 5–10 years presenting for extraction of primary teeth under local anaesthetic. Subjects required two visits for the extraction of four primary teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth, and were randomly allocated to be given nitrous oxide 30% in oxygen or oral midazolam 0.3 mg.kg−1 at the first visit, the other technique being used at the second visit. Vital signs, sedation levels and behavioural scores were recorded, and postoperative recall and satisfaction were reported by the patients. Thirty‐five children, with a mean [range] age of 7.4 [5–10] years, completed the treatment. The mean dose of oral midazolam given was 8.6 [3.3–16.5] mg. The mean times taken to achieve the maximum level of sedation for midazolam and nitrous oxide sedation were 15.9 [2–30] min and 6.8 [2–10] min, respectively. Physiological parameters remained within acceptable clinical limits for both types of sedation. Oral midazolam was considered acceptable by 59% and was preferred by 36%. Oral midazolam sedation in 5 to 10‐year‐old children was shown to be as safe and effective as nitrous oxide in oxygen sedation for extraction of primary teeth but would not be the method of choice for all patients.
The use of impedance respirometry to confirm tracheal intubation in children
Authors: Absolom M. , Roberts R. , Bahlmann U. B. , Hall J. E. , Armstrong T. , Turley A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAccidental oesophageal intubation can occur in children and is a cause of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the use of impedance respirometry to determine tracheal tube position in children aged 1–10 years. Eighty children were recruited and, after induction of anaesthesia, two identical tracheal tubes were inserted: one into the trachea and one into the oesophagus. The breathing system was attached to one of the tubes chosen at random. A blinded observer was asked to identify the position of the tube within six breaths using impedance respirometry. The positions of 76 out of 80 tubes were correctly identified. Of those incorrectly identified, one was in the trachea and three were in the oesophagus. The sensitivity of the test was 0.975 and the specificity 0.925. The median number of breaths needed to identify the position of the tubes was 2.0 for both groups. This is not a perfect technique in the population studied but when used with other methods of tracheal tube position identification, its use could decrease the time taken to identify incorrect placement.
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide and inhaled iloprost on hypoxaemia in a patient with pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary thrombarterectomy
Authors: Flondor M. , Merkel M. , Hofstetter C. , Irlbeck M. , Frey L. , Zwissler B. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAcute pulmonary hypertension with life‐threatening right heart failure may complicate the postoperative course following cardiothoracic surgery. Both inhaled nitric oxide and inhaled iloprost, a stable analogue of prostacyclin, have been used frequently for this purpose in acute pulmonary hypertension of various origins. We present a case of a patient with acute pulmonary hypertension and severely impaired gas exchange following pulmonary thrombo‐endarterectomy. Therapy with one inhaled vasodilator alone did not satisfactorily abort a postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis and low‐output syndrome due to right heart failure. Combined inhaled nitric oxide and inhaled iloprost, however, showed additive effects. Hence, the combination of both drugs may be reasonable in cases where the standard therapy fails. The effect has been demonstrated by means of continuous blood gas monitoring.
Polymorphisms within the coding region of the bovine luteinizing hormone receptor gene and their association with fertility traits
Authors: Hastings N. , Donn S. , Derecka K. , Flint A. P. , Woolliams J. A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryMutations within a number of genes have been associated with variations in fertility in various mammals. However, to date there have been no such associations reported for cattle. Herein, we describe three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene of cattle (Bos taurus). These polymorphisms include two missense mutations and one sense mutation, and all are located in areas of conserved synteny. When assessed in terms of haplotypes, these SNPs were significantly associated with variations in cattle fertility and production traits, most notably on calving interval, days to first service and production index (the UK economic index of milk yield measured in £GB).
Allergen‐specific helper T cell response in patients with cow's milk allergy: simultaneous analysis of proliferation and cytokine production by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dilution assay
Authors: Tsuge I. , Kondo Y. , Tokuda R. , Kakami M. , Kawamura M. , Nakajima Y. , Komatsubara R. , Yamada K. , Urisu A. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
The role of antigen‐specific T cells in the allergic reaction to cow's milk or in tolerance induction is not yet fully understood.Objective
This study was designed to analyse both cow's milk protein (CMP)‐specific T cell proliferation and cytokine production simultaneously in children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) in comparison with subjects with various allergic backgrounds.Methods
Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester was used to detect cow's milk‐specific T cells by flow cytometry. The intra‐cytoplasmic cytokine production of these antigen‐specific T cells was also analysed.Results
Significant differences of both CMP‐specific CD4+ cell proliferation and cytokine production between CMA and non‐allergic children were observed. While the proliferative responses of children who recently outgrew CMA were not significantly different from those of patients, the patterns of cytokine production were similar to those of non‐allergic children.Conclusion
These results suggest that the presence of CMP‐specific T cell clones per se does not produce CMA, but that the T‐helper type 2‐skewed pattern of those T cells is associated with adverse reactions. Although it is not possible to distinguish between individual patients with and without CMA on the basis of CFSE assays, these results contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis and tolerance induction of CMA.
Severe loss‐of‐function mutations in the adrenocorticotropin receptor (ACTHR, MC2R) can be found in patients diagnosed with salt‐losing adrenal hypoplasia
Authors: Lin Lin , Hindmarsh Peter C. , Metherell Louise A. , Alzyoud Mahmoud , Al‐Ali Maryam , Brain Caroline E. , Clark Adrian J. L. , Dattani Mehul T. , Achermann John C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryObjective  Familial glucocorticoid deficiency type I (FGD1) is a rare form of primary adrenal insufficiency resulting from recessive mutations in the ACTH receptor (MC2R, MC2R). Individuals with this condition typically present in infancy or childhood with signs and symptoms of cortisol insufficiency, but disturbances in the renin‐angiotensin system, aldosterone synthesis or sodium homeostasis are not a well‐documented association of FGD1. As ACTH stimulation has been shown to stimulate aldosterone release in normal controls, and other causes of hyponatraemia can occur in children with cortisol deficiency, we investigated whether MC2R changes might be identified in children with primary adrenal failure who were being treated for mineralocorticoid insufficiency.Design  Mutational analysis of MC2R by direct sequencing.Patients  Children (n = 22) who had been diagnosed with salt‐losing forms of adrenal hypoplasia (19 isolated cases, 3 familial), and who were negative for mutations in DAX1 (NR0B1) and SF1 (NR5A1).Results  MC2R mutations were found in three individuals or kindred (I: homozygous S74I; II: novel compound heterozygous R146H/560delT; III: novel homozygous 579‐581delTGT). These changes represent severely disruptive loss‐of‐function mutations in this G‐protein coupled receptor, including the first reported homozygous frameshift mutation. The apparent disturbances in sodium homeostasis were mild, manifest at times of stress (e.g. infection, salt‐restriction, heat), and likely resolved with time.Conclusions  MC2R mutations should be considered in children who have primary adrenal failure with apparent mild disturbances in renin‐sodium homeostasis. These children may have been misdiagnosed as having salt‐losing adrenal hypoplasia. Making this diagnosis has important implications for treatment, counselling and long‐term prognosis.
Resistin gene polymorphisms and progression of glycaemia in southern Chinese: a 5‐year prospective study
Authors: Xu Jian Yu , Sham Pak C. , Xu Aimin , Tso Annette W. K. , Wat Nelson M. S. , Cheng King Yip , Fong Carol H. Y. , Janus Edward D. , Lam Karen S. L. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryObjective  Human resistin gene (RETN) polymorphisms have been found to be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), insulin resistance and/or obesity. We evaluated, in a 5‐year prospective study, whether RETN polymorphisms could predict the progression of glycaemia in southern Chinese.Design and patients  We conducted a systematic search for variants in RETN in 70 southern Chinese subjects. This was followed by the genotyping in 624 unrelated nondiabetic subjects of two polymorphisms, −420C→G and +62G→A, previously reported in cross‐sectional studies to be associated with T2DM in Asians, to examine their relationship with the progression of glycaemia in this cohort.Results  We identified 15 polymorphisms, including 2 novel but rare polymorphisms (−319G→A and +63G→C). Compared to subjects with the CC genotype, −420GG subjects had higher 2‐h glucose (7·7 ± 1·8 vs. 7·2 ± 2·0 mmol/l, P = 0·011) and insulin (101·6 ± 69·5 vs. 79·8 ± 59·5 mU/l, P = 0·021) during an oral glucose tolerance test. Carriers of the +62A allele had higher body mass indices (25·3 ± 4·0 vs. 24·5 ± 3·6 kg/m2 in GG, P = 0·02). The presence of the allele −420G (OR 2·15, 95% CI 1·28–3·60, P = 0·004) or +62A (OR1·86, 95% CI 1·08–3·21, P = 0·025) predicted the progression of glycaemia at Year 5, after adjustment for sex, age or body mass index. The haplotype G‐A also conferred a higher risk of progression in glycaemia (P = 0·002).Conclusion  Our study would support the role of the resistin gene in obesity, insulin resistance and progression of glycaemia in southern Chinese.
Non‐random distribution among a guild of parasitoids: implications for community structure and host survival
Authors: ROSSI ANTHONY M. , MURRAY MELISSA , HUGHES KELLY , KOTOWSKI MARTIN , MOON DANIEL C. , STILING PETER 
Published: November 2006

Abstract1. Immature stages of the gall midge,Asphondylia borrichiae, are attacked by four species of parasitoids, which vary in size and relative abundance within patches of the gall midge’s primary host plant, sea oxeye daisy (Borrichia frutescens).2. In the current study, a bagging experiment found that the smallest wasp,Galeopsomyia haemon, was most abundant in galls exposed to natural enemies early in the experiment, when gall diameter is smallest, while the wasp with the longest ovipositor,Torymus umbilicatus, dominated the parasitoid community in galls that were not exposed until the 5th and 6th weeks when gall diameter is maximal.3. Moreover, the mean number of parasitoids captured using large artificial galls were 70% and 150% higher compared with medium and small galls respectively, while stem height of artificial galls significantly affected parasitoid distribution. Galls that were level with the top of the sea oxeye canopy captured 60% more parasitoids compared with those below the canopy and 50% more than galls higher than the plant canopy.4. These non‐random patterns were driven primarily by the differential distribution of the largest parasitoid,T. umbilicatus, which was found significantly more often than expected on large galls and the smallest parasitoid of the guild,G. haemon, which tended to be more common on stems level with the top of the plant canopy.5. LargeAsphondyliagalls, especially those located near the top of theBorrichiacanopy, were more likely to be discovered by searching parasitoids. Results using artificial galls were consistent with rates of parasitism ofAsphondyliagalls in native patches of sea oxeye daisy. Gall diameter was 19% greater and the rate of parasitism was reduced by almost 50% on short stems; as a result, gall abundance was 24% higher on short stems compared with ones located near the top of the plant canopy.6. These results suggest that parasitoid community composition within galls is regulated by both interspecific differences in ovipositor length and preferences for specific gall size and/or stem length classes.