bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ribosomes initiating translation of the hbs mRNA protect it from 5′‐to‐3′ exoribonucleolytic degradation by RNase J1
Authors: Daou‐Chabo Roula , Mathy Nathalie , Bénard Lionel , Condon Ciarán 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe discovery of the essential ribonuclease RNase J1, involved in global mRNA decay in Bacillus subtilis, has paved the way for studies on the turnover pathways of specific RNAs in this organism. Here we report an effect of RNase J1 depletion on both the maturation and degradation of the hbs mRNA, encoding the B. subtilis orthologue of the histone‐like protein HU. The major hbs transcript observed in wild‐type cells is generated by the blocking of 5′‐to‐3′ exonuclease activity of RNase J1 by ribosomes initiating translation of this mRNA. Increasing the strength of the Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence leads to greater accumulation of this species, while weakening of the SD leads to its disappearance. The 5′‐to‐3′ exonuclease activity of RNase J1 is also required for the turnover of the hbs mRNA, specifically the 3′ half of the transcript. For both the maturation and degradation reactions, RNase J1 access to the mRNA requires prior endonucleolytic cleavage.
Linear ubiquitin fusion to Rps31 and its subsequent cleavage are required for the efficient production and functional integrity of 40S ribosomal subunits
Authors: Lacombe Thierry , García‐Gómez Juan J. , De La Cruz Jesús , Roser Daniela , Hurt Ed , Linder Patrick , Kressler Dieter 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe post‐translational modifier ubiquitin is generated exclusively by proteolytic cleavage of precursor proteins. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cleavage of the linear precursor proteins releases ubiquitin and the C‐terminally fused ribosomal proteins Rpl40 (Ubi1/2 precursor) and Rps31 (Ubi3 precursor), which are part of mature 60S and 40S ribosomal subunits respectively. In this study, we analysed the effects of ubi3 mutations that interfere with cleavage of the ubiquitin–Rps31 fusion protein. Strikingly, the lethal ubi3+P77 mutation, which abolished cleavage almost completely, led to a rapid G1 cell cycle arrest upon genetic depletion of wild‐type UBI3. Under these conditions, the otherwise unstable Ubi3+P77 protein was efficiently assembled into translation‐competent 40S ribosomal subunits. In contrast to the cleavage‐affecting mutations, deletion of the ubiquitin moiety from UBI3 led to a decrease in 40S ribosomal subunits and to the incorporation of the 20S pre‐rRNA into polyribosomes. Altogether, our findings provide additional evidence that the initial presence of the ubiquitin moiety of Ubi3 contributes to the efficient production of 40S ribosomal subunits and they suggest that ubiquitin release is a prerequisite for their functional integrity.
The targeting of the oxysterol‐binding protein ORP3a to the endoplasmic reticulum relies on the plant VAP33 homolog PVA12
Authors: Saravanan Ramu S. , Slabaugh Erin , Singh Vijay R. , Lapidus Lisa J. , Haas Thomas , Brandizzi Federica 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIn plants, sterols play fundamental roles as membrane constituents in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, and act as precursors for cell wall deposition. Sterols are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but mainly accumulate in the plasma membrane. How sterols are trafficked in plant cells is largely unknown. In non‐plant systems, oxysterol‐binding proteins have been involved in sterol trafficking and homeostasis. There are at least twelve homologs of oxysterol‐binding proteins in the Arabidopsis genome, but the biology of these proteins remains for the most part obscure. Here, we report our analysis of the targeting requirements and the sterol‐binding properties of a small Arabidopsis oxysterol‐binding protein, ORP3a. We have determined that ORP3a is a bona fide sterol‐binding protein with sitosterol‐binding properties. Live‐cell imaging analyses revealed that ORP3a is localized at the ER, and that binding to this organelle depends on a direct interaction with PVA12, a member of the largely uncharacterized VAP33 family of plant proteins. Molecular modeling analyses and site‐directed mutagenesis led to the identification of a novel protein domain that is responsible for the PVA12–ORP3a interaction. Disruption of the integrity of this domain caused redistribution of ORP3a to the Golgi apparatus, suggesting that ORP3a may cycle between the ER and the Golgi. These results represent new insights into the biology of sterol‐binding proteins in plant cells, and elucidate a hitherto unknown relationship between members of oxysterol‐binding protein and VAP33 families of plant proteins in the early plant secretory pathway.
Lung transplantation in patients with scleroderma: case series, review of the literature, and criteria for transplantation
Authors: Shitrit David , Amital Anat , Peled Nir , Raviv Yael , Medalion Benjamin , Saute Milton , Kramer Mordechai R. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Backgrounds:  The use of lung transplantation (LTX) to treat respiratory failure because of scleroderma is controversial. We present our experience, review the current literature, and suggest specific criteria for LTX in scleroderma. Of the 174 patients who underwent LTX at our center, seven (4%) had scleroderma‐associated respiratory failure.Patients and methods:  A MEDLINE search of the English literature was performed for studies of LTX in patients with scleroderma between 1986 and 2006. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was calculated over the time of the studies.Results:  The MEDLINE search yielded one large review and four small case series. The small case series were included in the review. The review and our series yield a total of 54 patients. Mean patient age was 47.1 yr; 59.3% were female. Pre‐operative lung data were available for 24 patients: 22 (92%) had pulmonary fibrosis and 17 (71%) had pulmonary hypertension. Most patients (69%) underwent single‐lung transplantation. Mean forced expiratory volume at one s after LTX was 67% (range 56–87%). There was no difference in infection and rejection rates between the patients with scleroderma and other LTX recipients. The two‐ and five‐yr survival rates were 72% and 55%, respectively.Conclusions:  LTX is a valid option in well‐selected patients with scleroderma and pulmonary fibrosis, yielding good pulmonary function and acceptable morbidity and mortality.
Calcineurin inhibitor effects on glucose metabolism and endothelial function following renal transplantation
Authors: Åsberg Anders , Midtvedt Karsten , Voytovich Monica H. , Line Pål‐Dag , Narverud Janicke , Reisæter Anna V. , Mørkrid Lars , Jenssen Trond , Hartmann Anders 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Background:  Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are involved in the development of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Changes in insulin secretion and sensitivity contribute to the development of PTDM and are associated with endothelial function.Methods:  In a pre‐defined substudy of a previously published randomized trial in renal transplant recipients we compared the effect of CNI treatment (n = 23) with complete CNI‐avoidance (n = 21) on insulin secretion and sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test) as well as endothelial function (laser Doppler flowmetry), 10 wk and 12 months following transplantation.Results:  Insulin sensitivity differed 10 wk post‐transplant and was significantly better after 12 months in patients never treated with CNI drugs [0.091 (0.050) vs. 0.083 (0.036) μmol/kg/min/pmol/L, p = 0.043]. Insulin secretion tended to be higher in CNI treated patients at both time points (p = 0.068). Endothelial function was not significantly different at week 10 [540 (205) vs. 227 (565) arbitary units × minutes, p = 0.35] or month 12 [510 (620) vs. 243 (242), p = 0.33].Conclusions:  Findings in the present study indicate that long‐term CNI treatment negatively affects glucose metabolism and this may contribute to the increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease in CNI treated renal transplant recipients. Further studies to elucidate this hypothesis are, however, needed.
Effects of Temperature on the Alkaloid Content of Seeds of Lupinus angustifolius Cultivars
Authors: Jansen G. , Jürgens H.‐U. , Ordon F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThree experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of high temperatures during seed filling on the alkaloid content of narrow‐leaf lupin cultivars. Six cultivars of Lupinus angustifolius were grown in field experiments under different weather conditions in four subsequent years. A high content of alkaloids was found in the seeds harvested in 2006, in which the growing season was characterized by high ambient temperatures during seed filling. A second experiment was performed in the green house at different temperatures (10, 20 and 30 °C) using one cultivar in 2006. This experiment confirmed the results of the field experiments as higher temperatures resulted in a higher alkaloid content of the seeds. In a third temperature stress experiment, three cultivars were grown under long day conditions at day/night temperatures of 30 °C/16 °C and 20 °C/16 °C in growth chambers in comparison with an outdoor control at mean temperatures of 15.5 °C. Like in the other experiments, the seed alkaloid content increased with rising temperature. From these results, it may be concluded that the seed alkaloid content is strongly influenced by the temperature during initiation of flowering up to pod ripening. This has to be taken into account e.g. in trials for cultivar release in which the alkaloid content is a knock‐out criterion.
Effect of Phosphorus Deficiency on Reflectance and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Cotyledons of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Yaryura P. , Cordon G. , Leon M. , Kerber N. , Pucheu N. , Rubio G. , García A. , Lagorio M. G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe spectroscopic changes in reflectance and fluorescence caused by phosphorus (P) starvation in Brassica napus L. young plants were evaluated. P deficiency produced an important decrease in reflectance values between 500 and 650 nm for both intact leaves and cotyledons. Furthermore, cotyledons under P deficiency showed a Chl‐F ratio in the red/far‐red region (Fred/Ffar‐red) lower than that of non‐stressed plants (1.91 and 2.89 respectively). As minimal differences in Fred/Ffar‐red were detected in leaves, P deficiencies may be better perceived by measuring changes in Chl‐F emission in cotyledons than in leaves. Stressed cotyledons also showed different emission spectra in the blue green (maxima at 470 and 560 nm) from those of non‐stressed cotyledons. The results are explained in terms of higher anthocyanin and chlorophyll contents and of damage to photosystem II. We evaluate that measuring variations in fluorescence and reflectance data may be useful to detect early damages induced by P stress.
The influence of light availability and predatory behavior of the decapod crustacean Nephrops norvegicus on the activity rhythms of continental margin prey decapods
Authors: Aguzzi Jacopo , Bahamon Nixon , Marotta Leonardo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe day–night cycle is one of the strongest geophysical cycles modulating species’ behavioral rhythms. However, in deep‐water continental margins, where light intensity decreases over depth, interspecific competition may alter behavioral responses to day–night cycles. The burrowing decapod crustacean Nephrops norvegicus is a large‐size predator in benthic communities, exerting despotic territorial behavior. In this study, we analysed how the effect of light intensity cycles on decapod behavioral rhythms is reduced as one moves from shelves to slopes. In the Western Mediterranean, the predatory behavior and interspecific competition for substrate use of Nephrops increases moving from the shelf (100–110 m) to the slope (400–430 m). Vector fitting and generalized additive models were used to assess the effect of light intensity and behavioral rhythms of N. norvegicus on the temporal variation of prey decapods co‐occurring in trawl tow catches carried out on the shelf and the slope during October 1999 and June 2000. The combination of diel variations in light intensity and N. norvegicus abundance influences the activity rhythms of prey decapods in a depth‐ and seasonal‐dependent manner. Light modulation is stronger on the shelf and weaker on the slope, where Nephrops population size is greater. Although present regression analysis does not necessarily imply a direct cause–effect relationship between rhythms of predators and prey, we suggest that Nephrops alters the temporal patterning in the behavior of its prey on the slope, where light intensity is reduced. This alteration is stronger in endobenthic species than in benthopelagic species; the former rely on bottom substrate for the expression of behavioral rhythms, experiencing stronger interspecific competitions with Nephrops at time of activity.
Growth dynamics and bioactivity variation of the Mediterranean demosponges Agelas oroides (Agelasida, Agelasidae) and Petrosia ficiformis (Haplosclerida, Petrosiidae)
Authors: Ferretti Cristina , Vacca Simone , De Ciucis Chiara , Marengo Barbara , Duckworth Alan R. , Manconi Renata , Pronzato Roberto , Domenicotti Cinzia 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGrowth dynamics and bioactivity variation of the Mediterranean demosponges Agelas oroides and Petrosia ficiformis were investigated over 15 months at Paraggi and Colombara within the Marine Reserve of Portofino Promontory (Mediterranean Sea, Ligurian Sea, Italy). For both species, growth rates varied between individuals and were unaffected by initial sponge size. The two species showed a different trend in growth pattern: A. oroides did not vary significantly between seasons, sites and depths; in contrast, some individuals of P. ficiformis showed a seasonal pattern, shrinking during winter as water temperature decreased and growing during summer when water temperature increased. Differences in growth between the two species may result from different reproductive cycles, food availability, species‐specific thermophily and patterns of spatial competition. Moreover, spatial competition probably induced sponges to produce bioactive secondary molecules. Spatial and temporal variation of bioactivity of both species was examined for the first time by studying its effect on human neuroblastoma cells. The bioactivity of A. oroides extracts differed significantly between seasons, sites and depths, whereas the cytotoxicity of P. ficiformis differed significantly between seasons and depths (differences for sites were not determined). These results suggest the possible influence of environmental factors on bioactive metabolite biosynthesis.
Correlation of restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping with internal transcribed spacer sequence, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and multilocus sequence groupings for Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Van Asbeck Eveline C. , Clemons Karl V. , Markham Angela N. , Stevens David A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryEpidemiological studies of Candida parapsilosis have been performed by molecular methods. To compare two prominent methods, 29 isolates, typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), were typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Of the 19 proposed Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto isolates [group I by internally transcribed spacer (ITS1) sequence], the most commonly encountered species, 17 were RFLP type VII‐1. The species Candida orthopsilosis (eight isolates) and Candida metapsilosis (two isolates) consisted of five and one other RFLP types, respectively; none were VII‐1. None of the non‐VII‐1 types were in more than one ITS group. VII‐1 is the most common RFLP type (176/203 in continuing studies), and C. parapsilosis sensu stricto is similarly dominant in other studies, and cannot be subtyped by RFLP or MLST. RFLP subtype VII‐1 and C. parapsilosis sensu stricto appear to be nearly identical; C. orthopsilosis, which can be subtyped by MLST, can also be subtyped by RFLP. C. metapsilosis appears rarely.
The parent‐reported prevalence and management of peanut and nut allergy in school children in the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Kljakovic Marjan , Gatenby Paul , Hawkins Carolyn , Attewell Robyn G , Ciszek Karen , Kratochvil Gitta , Moreira Alayne , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To describe parent‐reported prevalence and management of peanut and nut allergy in school entrant children.Method:  A population‐based, cross‐sectional study in the Australian National Capital.Results:  Out of 3851 children, parents reported 127 had a strong allergic reaction to peanuts and 19 to other nuts ever. Nut allergy ever prevalence was 3.8% (95% confidence interval 3.2–4.4%), and of peanut allergy ever 3.3% (2.8–3.9%).Children with nut allergy were more likely to have a general practitioner (odds ratio 2.64, 1.16–6.03), hay fever (3.78, 2.67–5.36), eczema (4.54, 3.15–6.56) and wheeze in the last 12 months (3.19, 2.22–4.59) and have been breastfed (2.68, 1.26–5.77) than those who did not.At follow up of 109 children with parent‐reported allergy (75% response), 70% had diagnostic test‐confirmed sensitisation, 32% had been prescribed an adrenalin autoinjector (6% had used one) and 46% were not eating peanut. Increasing severity of reported symptoms following consumption of peanut was associated with an increasing likelihood of recommended management. Based on parent report, the projected estimated diagnostic test‐confirmed prevalence of peanut sensitisation was 2.4% (1.9%, 3.0%) for the entire sample.Conclusion:  Among a highly representative sample of children at school entry, 1 in 30 parents reported their child to have a strong allergic reaction to nuts and over 1 in 50 are estimated to have diagnostic test‐confirmed peanut sensitisation, based on parent report.
Do no more harm: The psychological stress of the medical examination for alleged child sexual abuse
Authors: Marks Susan , Lamb Robyn , Tzioumi Dimitra 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Currently, there is some controversy that the medical examination following allegations of child sexual abuse may further traumatise the child. Access for children to appropriate care may be hindered if decisions about referral are influenced by personal beliefs, rather than by recognition of the potential health and psychological benefits of the assessment. We aimed to study the expectations and emotional responses of children and their parents to the medical examination.Methods:  We conducted a prospective quantitative and qualitative study at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Participants completed questionnaires pre‐examination and post‐examination, including Children's Anxiety and Pain Scales. Clinicians recorded a Genital Examination Distress Scale and a questionnaire about potentially prognostic variables.Results:  Parents found the medical examination significantly less stressful than they had anticipated. They highlighted the importance of being involved in the process, the child's reaction, staff attitudes and the doctor's explanations. Although most parents expected that the medical would be stressful for their child, this did not correlate with the children's reports of feeling scared beforehand. Increased parental and child distress were significantly associated with the child being 12 years or older. The type of abuse was not significantly linked to any of the parent or child self‐reports.Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that the medical examination is not as stressful as expected and support the recommendation that timely medical assessment by appropriately trained professionals should be offered for all children following allegations of sexual abuse.
Role of NAD(P)H oxidase in transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and interleukin‐6 expression in rat renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: ZHANG HAIYAN , JIANG ZONGPEI , CHANG JIE , LI XIAOYAN , ZHU HENGMEI , LAN HUI Y , ZHOU SHU‐FENG , YU XUEQING 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYAim:  This study investigated the role of NAD(P)H oxidase in transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression in rat renal tubular epithelial NRK‐52E cells.Methods:  The cells were treated with 10 ng/mL TGF‐β1, either in the presence or absence of the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), or short hairpin RNA (shRNA) suppressing p67phox expression. Expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, MCP‐1, and IL‐6 at the mRNA levels was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, while expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p67phox protein was analyzed by western blot and MCP‐1 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cellular ROS generation was visualized using 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate by confocal microscopy.Results:  Compared to control, TGF‐β1 upregulated NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p67phox mRNA by 3.59‐fold (P < 0.01), but had no effect on p22phox, gp91phox and p47phox NAD(P)H subunits. TGF‐β1 was also able to significantly increase intracellular ROS (P < 0.05), MCP‐1 (P < 0.01) and IL‐6 (P < 0.05) expression in NRK‐52E cells. Further studies showed that generation of ROS and upregulation of MCP‐1 and IL‐6 by TGF‐β1 were significantly blocked by addition of DPI or shRNA‐p67phox (P < 0.01), suggesting that these effects were NAD(P)H oxidase‐dependent.Conclusion:  TGF‐β1 differentially regulates the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits and mediates MCP‐1 and IL‐6 expression in rat renal tubular cells via the NAD(P)H oxidase/p67phox‐dependent mechanism.
Effect of N‐acetylcysteine on the early expression of inflammatory markers in the retina and plasma of diabetic rats
Authors: Tsai Gina Y , Cui Jing Z , Syed Husnain , Xia Zhengyuan , Ozerdem Ugur , McNeill John H , Matsubara Joanne A 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study is to investigate markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in an early model of diabetic retinopathy, correlate retinal and plasma results and evaluate the influence of treatment by N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a free radical scavenger.Methods:  Four groups were studied: control (C), streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats (D), STZ rats following 8 weeks of NAC (DT), and control rats following 8 weeks of NAC (CT). Plasma levels of free 15‐F2t‐isoprostane (15‐F‐2t‐IsoP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were obtained. Primary antibodies against macrophages (ED‐1), microglia (Ox‐42), pericytes (NG‐2), endothelial and perivascular cells (IB‐4), haem oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were used.Results:  Expression of NG‐2 was robust in C, CT, DT, and mild in D. The intensity of IB‐4 was higher in D and DT compared with the C and CT. Ox‐42 and ED‐1 expression was higher in the D than in the DT, C or CT. Expression of VEGF and HO‐1 was non‐specific across the four groups. Plasma levels of 15‐F‐2t‐IsoP and TNF‐α were higher in the D as compared with the C, CT and DT. SOD levels were lower in the D when compared with the C, CT and D.Conclusions:  Macrophage/microglia activation, pericyte loss and endothelial/perivascular cell changes occur early in the pathogenesis of DR. These changes are associated with an increase in plasma markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and are minimized by treatment with NAC. The results suggest that therapies that reduce free radicals will help minimize the early events in diabetic retinopathy in the STZ model.