bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin induces interleukin‐6 production and activates STAT3 in adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Liao Wenqiang , Yu Changan , Wen Jianyan , Jia William , Li Geng , Ke Yuannan , Zhao Shumin , Campell William 
Published: September 2008

Background information. APN (adiponectin), an adipocyte‐derived cytokine highly presented in serum, which exerts antidiabetic, anti‐atherosclerotic and cardioprotective actions, also enhances CFB (cardiac fibroblast) proliferation and protects against cardiac fibrosis. STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), a major mediator in the gp130/JAK2 (Janus kinase 2)/STATs signalling pathway, plays a critical role in cardioprotective events. Almost two‐thirds of total myocardial cells are CFBs; however, whether APN regulates STAT3 signalling pathway has not been clarified yet in CFBs. In the present study, we investigated the effect of recombinant globular APN on the STAT3 activity in adult mouse CFBs and explored the possible signalling transduction mechanism.Results. In cultured CFBs, APN (10 μg/ml) can significantly induce delayed STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation time‐dependently, up to 60 min, and mediate STAT3 translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus. Transfection of siRNA (small interfering RNA) specific for AdipoR1 (APN receptor 1), but not AdipoR2, obviously inhibited APN‐induced STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation, indicating that AdipoR1, not AdipoR2, is required for STAT3 phosphorylation. Both inhibition of gp130 by anti‐gp130 neutralizing antibody and JAK2 by AG490 (a specific inhibitor for JAK2) can inhibit APN‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 transcription activity detected using 2×pAPRE‐Luc (APRE reporter) assay. Furthermore, we found that the IL (interleukin)‐6 level in culture medium was significantly increased after stimulation with APN and the IL‐6 mRNA level was also markedly increased in CFBs, which can be reversed by siRNA for AdipoR1, but not for AdipoR2, and that anti‐IL‐6 neutralizing antibody can significantly inhibit APN‐induced STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation.Conclusions. APN induces IL‐6 production mediated by AdipoR1, not AdipoR2, in adult mouse CFBs, which leads to the stimulation of the gp130/JAK signalling pathway, and as a result causes STAT3 activation.
A cysteine-rich metal-binding domain from rubella virus non-structural protein is essential for viral protease activity and virus replication
Authors: Zhou Yubin , Tzeng Wen-Pin , Ye Yiming , Huang Yun , Li Shunyi , Chen Yanyi , Frey Teryl K. , Yang Jenny J. 
Published: September 2008

The protease domain within the RUBV (rubella virus) NS (non-structural) replicase proteins functions in the self-cleavage of the polyprotein precursor into the two mature proteins which form the replication complex. This domain has previously been shown to require both zinc and calcium ions for optimal activity. In the present study we carried out metal-binding and conformational experiments on a purified cysteine-rich minidomain of the RUBV NS protease containing the putative Zn2+-binding ligands. This minidomain bound to Zn2+ with a stoichiometry of ≈0.7 and an apparent dissociation constant of &lt;500 nM. Fluorescence quenching and 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid fluorescence methods revealed that Zn2+ binding resulted in conformational changes characterized by shielding of hydrophobic regions from the solvent. Mutational analyses using the minidomain identified residues Cys1175, Cys1178, Cys1225 and Cys1227 were required for the binding of Zn2+. Corresponding mutational analyses using a RUBV replicon confirmed that these residues were necessary for both proteolytic activity of the NS protease and viability. The present study demonstrates that the CXXC(X)48CXC Zn2+-binding motif in the RUBV NS protease is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the protease domain and essential for proteolysis and virus replication.
Oral antioxidants and cardiovascular health in the exercise-trained and untrained elderly: a radically different outcome
Authors: Wray D. Walter , Uberoi Abhimanyu , Lawrenson Lesley , Bailey Damian M. , Richardson Russell S. 
Published: September 2008

Both antioxidant supplementation and exercise training have been identified as interventions which may reduce oxidative stress and thus improve cardiovascular health, but the interaction of these interventions on arterial BP (blood pressure) and vascular function has not been studied in older humans. Thus in six older (71±2 years) mildly hypertensive men, arterial BP was evaluated non-invasively at rest and during small muscle mass (knee-extensor) exercise with and without a pharmacological dose of oral antioxidants (vitamins C and E, and α-lipoic acid). The efficacy of the antioxidant intervention to decrease the plasma free radical concentration was verified via EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy, while changes in endothelial function in response to exercise training and antioxidant administration were evaluated via FMD (flow-mediated vasodilation). Subjects were re-evaluated after a 6-week aerobic exercise training programme. Prior to training, acute antioxidant administration did not change resting arterial BP or FMD. Six weeks of knee-extensor exercise training reduced systolic BP (from 150±8 mmHg at pre-training to 138±3 mmHg at post-training) and diastolic BP (from 91±5 mmHg at pre-training to 79±3 mmHg at post-training), and improved FMD (1.5±1 to 4.9±1% for pre- and post-training respectively). However, antioxidant administration after exercise training negated these improvements, returning subjects to a hypertensive state and blunting training-induced improvements in FMD. In conclusion, the paradoxical effects of these interventions suggest a need for caution when exercise and acute antioxidant supplementation are combined in elderly mildly hypertensive individuals.
Modeling Structural Adaptation of Microcirculation
Authors: PRIES AXEL R. , SECOMB TIMOTHY W. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe functional properties of microcirculation crucially depend on its angioarchitecture, (i.e., vessel arrangement and morphology). The microcirculation is subject to continuous dynamic structural adaptation (i.e., remodeling) controlled by hemodynamic and metabolic stimuli. Due to the complexity of the interactions among stimuli, reactions, and functional properties, an adequate understanding of structural adaptation requires mathematical models in addition to experimental investigations. Mathematical models have been developed that allow the prediction of realistic vascular properties, based on generic patterns of vascular responses. These models can be used to investigate and predict distributions of vessel morphology consistent with certain putative adaptation principles of terminal vascular beds in response to local hemodynamic and metabolic conditions. They have suggested new hypotheses, including the importance of conducted responses in network adaptation, and can explain the mechanisms underlying observed structural and functional network properties. In the future, the value of such models can be enhanced by including the effects of longitudinal stretch and pulsatility, the relationship between acute tone and structural adaptation, and the description of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying structural responses of microvessels.
BEST: Bayesian estimation of species trees under the coalescent model
Authors: Liu Liang 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Summary: BEST implements a Bayesian hierarchical model to jointly estimate gene trees and the species tree from multilocus sequences. It provides a new option for estimating species phylogenies within the popular Bayesian phylogenetic program MrBayes. The technique of simulated annealing is adopted along with Metropolis coupling as performed in MrBayes to improve the convergence rate of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm.
Availability: http://www.stat.osu.edu/~dkp/BEST.
Contact: lliu@oeb.harvard.edu
FunNet: an integrative tool for exploring transcriptional interactions
Authors: Prifti Edi , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Clement Karine , Henegar Corneliu 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Summary: We describe here an exploratory tool, called FunNet, which implements an original systems biology approach, aiming to improve the biological relevance of the modular interaction patterns identified in transcriptional co-expression networks. A suitable analytical model, involving two abstraction layers, has been devised to relate expression profiles to the knowledge on transcripts’ biological roles, extracted from genomic databases, into a comprehensive exploratory framework. This approach has been implemented into a user-friendly web tool to promote its open use by the community.
Availability: http://www.funnet.info
Contact: edi.prifti@crc.jussieu.fr
Nitric Oxide Interacts with Salicylate to Regulate Biphasic Ethylene Production during the Hypersensitive Response
Authors: Mur Luis A.J. , Laarhoven Lucas J.J. , Harren Frans J.M. , Hall Michael A. , Smith Aileen R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
C2H4 is associated with plant defense, but its role during the hypersensitive response (HR) remains largely uncharacterized. C2H4 production in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) following inoculation with HR-eliciting Pseudomonas syringae pathovars measured by laser photoacoustic detection was biphasic. A first transient rise (C2H4-I) occurred 1 to 4 h following inoculation with HR-eliciting, disease-forming, and nonpathogenic strains and also with flagellin (flg22). A second (avirulence-dependent) rise, at approximately 6 h (C2H4-II), was only seen with HR-eliciting strains. Tobacco leaves treated with the C2H4 biosynthesis inhibitor, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, suggested that C2H4 influenced the kinetics of a HR. Challenging salicylate hydroxylase-expressing tobacco lines and tissues exhibiting systemic acquired resistance suggested that C2H4 production was influenced by salicylic acid (SA). Disrupted expression of a C2H4 biosynthesis gene in salicylate hydroxylase tobacco plants implicated transcriptional control as a mechanism through which SA regulates C2H4 production. Treating leaves to increase oxidative stress or injecting with SA initiated monophasic C2H4 generation, but the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside initiated biphasic rises. To test whether NO influenced biphasic C2H4 production during the HR, the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester was coinoculated with the avirulent strain of P. syringae pv phaseolicola into tobacco leaves. The first transient C2H4 rise appeared to be unaffected by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, but the second rise was reduced. These data suggest that NO and SA are required to generate the biphasic pattern of C2H4 production during the HR and may influence the kinetics of HR formation.
Subclade of Flavin-Monooxygenases Involved in Aliphatic Glucosinolate Biosynthesis
Authors: Li Jing , Hansen Bjarne Gram , Ober James A. , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Halkier Barbara Ann 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Glucosinolates (GSLs) are amino acid-derived secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities dependent on chemical modifications of the side chain. We previously identified the flavin-monooxygenase FMOGS-OX1 as an enzyme in the biosynthesis of aliphatic GSLs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) that catalyzes the S-oxygenation of methylthioalkyl to methylsulfinylalkyl GSLs. Here, we report the fine mapping of a quantitative trait locus for the S-oxygenating activity in Arabidopsis. In this region, there are three FMOs that, together with FMOGS-OX1 and a fifth FMO, form what appears to be a crucifer-specific subclade. We report the identification of these four uncharacterized FMOs, designated FMOGS-OX2 to FMOGS-OX5. Biochemical characterization of the recombinant protein combined with the analysis of GSL content in knockout mutants and overexpression lines show that FMOGS-OX2, FMOGS-OX3, and FMOGS-OX4 have broad substrate specificity and catalyze the conversion from methylthioalkyl GSL to the corresponding methylsulfinylalkyl GSL independent of chain length. In contrast, FMOGS-OX5 shows substrate specificity toward the long-chain 8-methylthiooctyl GSL. Identification of the FMOGS-OX subclade will generate better understanding of the evolution of biosynthetic activities and specificities in secondary metabolism and provides an important tool for breeding plants with improved cancer prevention characteristics as provided by the methylsulfinylalkyl GSL.
The Mitochondrial Cycle of Arabidopsis Shoot Apical Meristem and Leaf Primordium Meristematic Cells Is Defined by a Perinuclear Tentaculate/Cage-Like Mitochondrion
Authors: Seguí-Simarro José M. , Coronado María José , Staehelin L. Andrew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPlant cells exhibit a high rate of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) recombination. This implies that before cytokinesis, the different mitochondrial compartments must fuse to allow for mtDNA intermixing. When and how the conditions for mtDNA intermixing are established are largely unknown. We have investigated the cell cycle-dependent changes in mitochondrial architecture in different Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) cell types using confocal microscopy, conventional, and three-dimensional electron microscopy techniques. Whereas mitochondria of cells from most plant organs are always small and dispersed, shoot apical and leaf primordial meristematic cells contain small, discrete mitochondria in the cell periphery and one large, mitochondrial mass in the perinuclear region. Serial thin-section reconstructions of high-pressure-frozen shoot apical meristem cells demonstrate that during G1 through S phase, the large, central mitochondrion has a tentaculate morphology and wraps around one nuclear pole. In G2, both types of mitochondria double their volume, and the large mitochondrion extends around the nucleus to establish a second sheet-like domain at the opposite nuclear pole. During mitosis, approximately 60% of the smaller mitochondria fuse with the large mitochondrion, whose volume increases to 80% of the total mitochondrial volume, and reorganizes into a cage-like structure encompassing first the mitotic spindle and then the entire cytokinetic apparatus. During cytokinesis, the cage-like mitochondrion divides into two independent tentacular mitochondria from which new, small mitochondria arise by fission. These cell cycle-dependent changes in mitochondrial architecture explain how these meristematic cells can achieve a high rate of mtDNA recombination and ensure the even partitioning of mitochondria between daughter cells.
Clinical trial: the effects of a fermented milk product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN‐173 010 on abdominal distension and gastrointestinal transit in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: AGRAWAL A. , HOUGHTON L. A. , MORRIS J. , REILLY B. , GUYONNET D. , GOUPIL FEUILLERAT N. , SCHLUMBERGER A. , JAKOB S. , WHORWELL P. J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  A sensation of abdominal swelling (bloating) and actual increase in girth (distension) are troublesome features of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is more common in patients with constipation, especially those with delayed transit.Aim  To establish whether a fermented dairy product containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN‐173 010 reduces distension in association with acceleration of gastrointestinal transit and improvement of symptoms in IBS with constipation.Methods  A single centre, randomized, double‐blind, controlled, parallel group study in which patients consumed the test product or control product for 4 weeks. Distension, orocaecal and colonic transit and IBS symptoms were assessed on an intention‐to‐treat population of 34 patients.Results  Compared with control product, the test product resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage change in maximal distension [median difference – 39%, 95% CI (−78, −5); P = 0.02] and a trend towards reduced mean distension during the day [−1.52 cm (−3.33, 0.39); P = 0.096]. An acceleration of orocaecal [−1.2 h (−2.3,0); P = 0.049] as well as colonic [−12.2 h (−22.8, −1.6); P = 0.026] transit was observed and overall symptom severity [−0.5 (−1.0, −0.05); P = 0.032] also improved.Conclusions  This probiotic resulted in improvements in objectively measured abdominal girth and gastrointestinal transit, as well as reduced symptomatology. These data support the concept that accelerating transit is a useful strategy for treating distension.
What does stable isotope analysis reveal about trophic relationships and the relative importance of allochthonous and autochthonous resources in tropical streams? A synthetic study from Hong Kong
Authors: LAU DANNY C. P. , LEUNG KENNETH M. Y. , DUDGEON DAVID 
Published: September 2008

Summary1. Analysis of the stable isotope signatures of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of foods and consumers has led to some preliminary understanding of the relative importance of autochthonous and allochthonous resources in tropical streams. However, robust generalizations about the dynamics of food webs in these habitats, and their response to shading gradients or season, are still lacking. In addition, the feasibility of employing a baseline δ15N value for estimating trophic positions (TPs) of consumers in small tropical streams has yet to be explored.2. We analysed data on stable isotope signatures of food sources and aquatic consumers obtained from 14 studies carried out in small streams in monsoonal Hong Kong (22°30′N, 114°10′E) between 1996 and 2006. Emphasis was placed on determining the relative importance of leaf litter and autochthonous foods in supporting consumer biomass, and the extent to which trophic base and TP vary among streams and seasons.3. Although allochthonous leaf litter was generally 13C‐ and 15N‐depleted relative to autochthonous foods, there were marked isotopic shifts of food sources and consumers in response to season (dry versus wet) and stream shading. Consumer taxa were generally more 13C‐ and 15N‐enriched in the unshaded streams, but seasonal effects were more variable. Despite these changes, there was consistent evidence that stream food webs were based on periphytic algae and/or cyanobacteria with leaf litter serving as a minor food.4. Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera), Tipulidae (Diptera), Elmidae (Coleoptera) and shrimps (Atyidae) were used as a baseline for calculating the TPs of other consumer taxa. The maximum TPs in shaded streams remained fairly constant between seasons (dry = 3.93; wet = 3.97), while those in unshaded streams were higher and showed seasonal fluctuations (dry = 5.13; wet = 4.39).5. Although variations in consumer isotope signatures in response to season and shading gradients did not confound our interpretation of the stream food base, changes in consumer δ15N did affect the calculation of consumer TPs. Misleading estimates of consumer TPs are likely if samples are collected from a narrow range of streams and/or during one season. Overestimation of the TPs of specialist herbivores (e.g. fish grazers) is also possible when autochthonous resources are substantially more 15N‐enriched than allochthonous foods.
Inferring recent changes in the ecological state of 21 Danish candidate reference lakes (EU Water Framework Directive) using palaeolimnology
Authors: Bjerring Rikke , Bradshaw Emily Gwyneth , Amsinck Susanne Lildal , Johansson Liselotte Sander , Odgaard Bent Vad , Nielsen Anne Birgitte , Jeppesen Erik 
Published: September 2008

Summary

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires that all natural European waterbodies should be assigned to one of five ecological categories defining the degree to which present‐day conditions deviate from those uninfluenced or only negligibly impacted by anthropogenic activities (the reference condition). By 2015, all relevant waterbodies must have obtained ‘good’ ecological quality.
We describe the changes in ecological state in 21 Danish lakes using ad 1850 as a benchmark for reference conditions. Sediment samples representing 1850, 1900, 1950 and 2000 were analysed for diatom and cladoceran subfossils. Ecological status since 1850 was evaluated using correspondence analysis and dissimilarity measures to assess assemblage changes, and existing transfer functions were applied to infer changes in total phosphorous concentrations from diatoms (DI‐TP) and submerged macrophyte coverage (SUB‐COV) and benthi‐planktivorous fish catch per unit effort (BP‐CPUE) from cladoceran subfossils.
Eighteen lakes underwent significant changes, most markedly during the past 50–100 years, in either or both diatom and cladoceran community structure. Low floristic and faunal alteration was found only in three lakes; these were, however, already nutrient‐rich in 1850.
In 1850, most lakes were already characterized by high DI‐TP (median of 17 lakes = 86 µg TP L−1), high inferred BP‐CPUE and low inferred SUB‐COV, and these eutrophic conditions still prevail. In addition, the accumulation rate of sediment and cladoceran subfossils and the pelagic dominance of diatoms and cladocerans have increased.
When applying the thresholds proposed by a recent WFD classification for Danish lakes to the DI‐TP values, only one lake could be described as having a ‘good’ ecological state with a concurrent low community change since 1850, limited to the cladoceran community, however. This suggests that this lake alone may serve as a potential reference site.
Synthesis and applications. Our study, demonstrating the potential of a palaeolimnological approach to assess deviations from reference conditions, suggests that Danish reference lakes may be difficult to find, most probably due to the country's long history of cultural impact. Lake managers consequently face great challenges in their endeavour to ensure ‘good’ ecological state by 2015. Therefore, further restrictions on land‐use and nutrient loading in lake catchments are needed as is the initiation of restoration activities to improve the ecological state of the lakes.
Stressors in the ICU: a comparison of patients’ and nurses’ perceptions
Authors: Pang Pounds Siu Kau , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping 
Published: September 2008

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to compare the stressors as perceived by patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) against those of nurses on the basis of their perceptions of patients’ stressors.Background.  Getting admitted to an ICU is viewed as a stressful event by patients. However, numerous studies have indicated that nurses do not always accurately perceive the stressors of their clients. Therefore, it is important for nurses to know what seems most stressful from the patients’ perspective so that appropriate nursing measures can be directed towards minimising such stressors.Design.  Survey.Methods.  As a convenience sample, 60 patients and 54 critical care nurses were recruited. The Intensive Care Unit Stressor Questionnaire (Chinese) (ICU‐CSQ) was used to collect the perceptions of stressors by the patients. Nurses were also asked to rate the items in the said questionnaire according to how they believe patients would rate them.Results.  In every comparison, nurses evaluated the items to be significantly more stressful than patients did. Overall perceived stress levels of nurses were also significantly higher than those of their patients (z = −8·78, p < 0·001).Conclusions.  Nurses tended to rate the items as more stressful than did the patients, perhaps over‐emphasising the stressful nature of the ICU. The findings also highlight the importance of cultural beliefs on the perceived stress levels among the Chinese population.Relevance to clinical practice.  Findings in this study have strong implications in clinical practice, especially in a critical care setting. Nurses must attempt to identify and endeavour to cope with the situations that patients listed as most stressful. Moreover, attention must be drawn towards measures aimed at relieving the stress of patients by taking into account their cultural values so that culture‐specific interventions for reducing their stress can be established.