bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mi-1-Mediated Pest Resistance Requires Hsp90 and Sgt1
Authors: Bhattarai Kishor K. , Li Qi , Liu Yule , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Kaloshian Isgouhi 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Mi-1 gene encodes a protein with putative coiled-coil nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat motifs. Mi-1 confers resistance to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), and sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). To identify genes required in the Mi-1-mediated resistance to nematodes and aphids, we used tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) to repress candidate genes and assay for nematode and aphid resistance. We targeted Sgt1 (suppressor of G-two allele of Skp1), Rar1 (required for Mla12 resistance), and Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90), which are known to participate early in resistance gene signaling pathways. Two Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Sgt1 genes exist and one has been implicated in disease resistance. Thus far the sequence of only one Sgt1 ortholog is known in tomato. To design gene-specific VIGS constructs, we cloned a second tomato Sgt1 gene, Sgt1-2. The gene-specific VIGS construct TRV-SlSgt1-1 resulted in lethality, while silencing Sgt1-2 using TRV-SlSgt1-2 did not result in lethal phenotype. Aphid and root-knot nematode assays of Sgt1-2-silenced plants indicated no role for Sgt1-2 in Mi-1-mediated resistance. A Nicotiana benthamiana Sgt1 VIGS construct silencing both Sgt1-1 and Sgt1-2 yielded live plants and identified a role for Sgt1 in Mi-1-mediated aphid resistance. Silencing of Rar1 did not affect Mi-1-mediated nematode and aphid resistance and demonstrated that Rar1 is not required for Mi-1 resistance. Silencing Hsp90-1 resulted in attenuation of Mi-1-mediated aphid and nematode resistance and indicated a role for Hsp90-1. The requirement for Sgt1 and Hsp90-1 in Mi-1-mediated resistance provides further evidence for common components in early resistance gene defense signaling against diverse pathogens and pests.
Management of incomplete regional anaesthesia in Germany: results of a nation‐wide survey
Authors: Heid F. , Jage B. , Piepho T. , Jage J. 
Published: March 2007

Background:  Regional anaesthesia (RA) provides well‐defined benefits with known attendant risks. However, incomplete blockade may introduce unanticipated risks depending on the compensatory measures employed. Until now, no data were available characterizing the pattern of response of German anaesthesiologists in this situation. This study analyses interventions in response to incomplete RA in a nation‐wide setting.Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to every German anaesthesia department (n= 1381). Questions focused on interventions coping with an incomplete RA and differentiated between a pre‐ and a peri‐surgical setting and measures to face pain outside the surgical field. If systemic supplementation was administered, we analysed the substances and characterized their influence on subsequent patient care.Results:  Six hundred and sixty‐seven questionnaires were returned anonymously, representing a return rate of 48.3%. If RA was incomplete before surgery, 56.8% of anaesthesiologists repeated peripheral blocks, 48.5% repeated epidural (EDA) and 60.4% repeated spinal anaesthesia (SPA). 56.9% of clinicians preferred an early switch to general anesthesia (GA). If RA was incomplete during surgery, 49.5% tended to switch early to GA, 13.9% made attempts to avoid this by intensive systemic supplementation. Benzodiazepines and opioids were the most commonly used substances. Pain or discomfort outside the surgical field was widely managed by intravenous supplementation (67.7%) and only 10.6% were willing to switch to general anaesthesia.Conclusions:  In Germany, anaesthesiologists manage incomplete RA using a widespread spectrum of measures. Some might introduce specific risks, which potentially outweigh the benefits of RA in comparison to GA techniques.
The effects of single‐dose tramadol on post‐operative pain and morphine requirements after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: But A. K. , Erdil F. , Yucel A. , Gedik E. , Durmus M. , Ersoy M. O. 
Published: March 2007

Aim:  To investigate the effects of a single dose of tramadol administered prior to extubation on post‐operative pain and morphine consumption after coronary artery bypass surgery.Methods:  Patients were randomized post‐operatively into two groups (group T, n= 30; group P, n= 30). The technique of anaesthesia was standardized for all patients. The patients in group T received intravenous tramadol, 1 mg/kg, and the patients in group P received 2 ml of saline 0.9%, both approximately 1 h before extubation. After extubation, all patients were allowed to use the morphine patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) device for 24 h post‐operatively. Post‐operative data were recorded in the cardiac intensive care unit at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 12 h and 24 h after extubation by the same anaesthesiologist, who had no knowledge of the groups, and the side‐effects were also evaluated.Results:  In group P, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were found to be higher 30 min (P < 0.01), 1 h (P < 0.01), 2 h (P < 0.01) and 4 h (P < 0.05) after extubation. The patient comfort scores were higher in group T 30 min (P < 0.01), 1 h (P < 0.05), 2 h (P < 0.01) and 4 h (P < 0.01) after extubation. The total morphine consumption was higher in group P at all evaluation times (P < 0.01), and the numbers of PCA demands and boluses were also higher in group P (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  The study demonstrated that a single dose of tramadol administered prior to extubation following coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with a decrease of up to 25% in morphine consumption, a decrease in the VAS scores and an improvement in patient comfort within the first 4 h post‐operatively.
Uterine compression sutures for postpartum bleeding with uterine atony
Authors: Ouahba J , Piketty M , Huel C , Azarian M , Feraud O , Luton D , Sibony O , Oury JF 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To assess the efficacy of a new uterine compression suturing technique in reducing postpartum haemorrhage secondary to severe uterine atony.Design  Retrospective study.Setting  University hospital between December 2000 and March 2006.Population  Twenty women with uterine atony and postpartum bleeding that did not react to usual medical management.Methods  All these women underwent compression suturing of the uterus, in which the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus were attached so as to compress the uterus.Main outcome measures  Arrest of the bleeding, complications and fertility.Results  Uterine compression suturing was sufficient to stop the bleeding immediately in 95% of the women. None of the women developed complications related to the procedure. All the women recovered normal menstrual cycles. Since uterine compression suturing, eight women have tried to conceive and six (75%) have had a term delivery.Conclusion  Uterine compression suturing is a simple conservative procedure to stop postpartum haemorrhage in the case of failure of the usual management. This surgical technique can be performed quickly and does not seem to decrease fertility.
Randomized Comparison of J‐Shaped Atrial Leads with and without Active Fixation Mechanism
Authors: LURIA DAVID M. , FEINBERG MICHA S. , GUREVITZ OSNAT T. , BAR‐LEV DAVID S. , GRANIT CHAVA , TANAMI NECHEMIA , ELDAR MICHAEL , GLIKSON MICHAEL 
Published: March 2007

Background: In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, we compared the performance of J‐shaped active fixation (AF) atrial leads with J‐shaped passive fixation (PF) leads, over a 1‐year follow‐up period.
Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients were prospectively randomized for implantation with a Medtronic 5568 AF lead model (n = 103; Minneapolis, MN, USA) versus a Medtronic 5592 PF model (n = 97), and all lead‐related measurements and complications were recorded over one year.
Results: All leads were successfully implanted with a nonsignificant difference in crossover rate to the alternative lead due to failed implantation (1 in the AF and 4 in the PF group, P = NS). Fluoroscopy time during implantation procedure was significantly shorter in the PF group (2.1 ± 3.6 vs 3.3 ± 4.5 minute, P < 0.05). Pacing thresholds during implantation were significantly lower in patients with PF leads (0.7 ± 0.3 V vs 0.9 ± 0.3 V, P < 0.001) and this difference persisted at 1‐year follow‐up (0.8 ± 0.6 V vs 1.3 ± 0.9 V in PF and AF leads respectively, P < 0.05). Lead‐related complications occurred in PF and AF with similar frequency (4% and 9% respectively, P = 0.2). However, pericardial complications occurred only in the AF group (6 cases, P = 0.01). Lead dislodgement was observed in only two cases—both in the PF group (P = 0.3).
Conclusion: Both types of J‐shaped atrial leads had reasonable performance. PF leads required shorter fluoroscopy time for implantation, demonstrated a better pacing threshold over a 1‐year follow‐up period and had no pericardial complications, while AF lead implantation was complicated by pericardial irritation and/or effusion in 6% cases (P = 0.01).
Soft tissue healing at titanium implants coated with type I collagen. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Welander M. , Abrahamsson I. , Linder E. , Liljenberg B. , Berglundh T. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjective: To analyse the soft tissue healing at titanium implants coated with type 1 collagen.Material and methods: Six dogs were used. The mandibular pre‐molars and the three anterior maxillary pre‐molars were extracted. Three months later mucoperiosteal flaps were raised and two test and two control implants were installed (3i® TG Osseotite®3.75 × 10 and 2.8 mm transmucosal collar). The test implants were coated with a purified porcine type I collagen. Cover screws were placed and flaps were sutured. The sutures were removed 2 weeks later and a plaque‐control programme was initiated. Another 2 weeks later, the procedure was repeated in the contra‐lateral mandibular region. Four weeks after the second implant surgery, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological examination.Results/Conclusion: The vertical dimensions of the epithelial and connective tissue components as well as the composition of the connective tissue portion facing the implant were similar at collagen‐coated and uncoated implants after 4 and 8 weeks of healing. It is suggested that soft tissue healing to implants coated with type I collagen was similar to that at non‐coated titanium implants and that no adverse reactions to the collagen‐coated implants occurred.
The Male Sexual Quotient: A Brief, Self-Administered Questionnaire to Assess Male Sexual Satisfaction
Authors: Abdo Carmita H.N. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of overall life satisfaction. The Male Sexual Quotient (MSQ) was designed to provide a versatile, user-friendly instrument to measure various aspects of male sexual function and satisfaction.

Aim
Assess responses to the MSQ in men with sexual dysfunction (SD).

Methods
Items for inclusion in the MSQ were developed through interviewing 612 randomly recruited men in São Paulo, Brazil, about factors considered to influence sexual quality of life. Validation of the MSQ was conducted in two phases in men with and without SD.

Main Outcome Measure
The correlation between patients’ total MSQ score and scores on the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM).

Results
The resulting MSQ questionnaire contains 10 items that address sexual function and satisfaction and is scored on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater sexual function and satisfaction with such function. Patients’ scores on the MSQ were positively correlated with scores on the SHIM (r = 0.86; P &lt; 0.0001). Scores on MSQ item 8, which assesses ejaculatory control, indicated that 46% of patients may have premature ejaculation (PE). The mean time for patients to complete the MSQ was 11 minutes.

Conclusion
The MSQ is a brief, comprehensive, and easily self-administered tool designed to help men identify aspects of their sexual experience that could be improved through partner dialogue, physician consultation, and appropriate treatment. MSQ scores correlated well with SHIM scores, and scores were inversely related to the severity of erectile dysfunction or PE and other male SDs. These preliminary findings suggest that the MSQ possesses good convergent validity. Nearly half of men reported problems with ejaculatory control, indicating an association between PE and other SD. Further validation of the MSQ in a double-blind trial is needed. The MSQ may aid in decision making for the treatment of SD.
Role of Homoserine Transacetylase as a New Target for Antifungal Agents
Authors: Nazi Ishac , Scott Adam , Sham Anita , Rossi Laura , Williamson Peter R. , Kronstad James W. , Wright Gerard D. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Microbial amino acid biosynthesis is a proven yet underexploited target of antibiotics. The biosynthesis of methionine in particular has been shown to be susceptible to small-molecule inhibition in fungi. The first committed step in Met biosynthesis is the acylation of homoserine (Hse) by the enzyme homoserine transacetylase (HTA). We have identified the
MET2
gene of
Cryptococcus neoformans
H99 that encodes HTA (CnHTA) by complementation of an
Escherichia coli metA
mutant that lacks the gene encoding homoserine transsuccinylase (HTS). We cloned, expressed, and purified CnHTA and determined its steady-state kinetic parameters for the acetylation of
L
-Hse by acetyl coenzyme A. We next constructed a
MET2
mutant in
C. neoformans
H99 and tested its growth behavior in Met-deficient media, confirming the expected Met auxotrophy. Furthermore, we used this mutant in a mouse inhalation model of infection and determined that
MET2
is required for virulence. This makes fungal HTA a viable target for new antibiotic discovery. We screened a 1,000-compound library of small molecules for HTA inhibitors and report the identification of the first inhibitor of fungal HTA. This work validates HTA as an attractive drug-susceptible target for new antifungal agent design.
The Microbial Community Structure in Petroleum-Contaminated Sediments Corresponds to Geophysical Signatures
Authors: Allen Jonathan P. , Atekwana Estella A. , Atekwana Eliot A. , Duris Joseph W. , Werkema D. Dale , Rossbach Silvia 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThe interdependence between geoelectrical signatures at underground petroleum plumes and the structures of subsurface microbial communities was investigated. For sediments contaminated with light non-aqueous-phase liquids, anomalous high conductivity values have been observed. Vertical changes in the geoelectrical properties of the sediments were concomitant with significant changes in the microbial community structures as determined by the construction and evaluation of 16S rRNA gene libraries. DNA sequencing of clones from four 16S rRNA gene libraries from different depths of a contaminated field site and two libraries from an uncontaminated background site revealed spatial heterogeneity in the microbial community structures. Correspondence analysis showed that the presence of distinct microbial populations, including the various hydrocarbon-degrading, syntrophic, sulfate-reducing, and dissimilatory-iron-reducing populations, was a contributing factor to the elevated geoelectrical measurements. Thus, through their growth and metabolic activities, microbial populations that have adapted to the use of petroleum as a carbon source can strongly influence their geophysical surroundings. Since changes in the geophysical properties of contaminated sediments parallel changes in the microbial community compositions, it is suggested that geoelectrical measurements can be a cost-efficient tool to guide microbiological sampling for microbial ecology studies during the monitoring of natural or engineered bioremediation processes.
Flagellin Diversity in
Clostridium botulinum
Groups I and II: a New Strategy for Strain Identification
Authors: Paul Catherine J. , Twine Susan M. , Tam Kevin J. , Mullen James A. , Kelly John F. , Austin John W. , Logan Susan M. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Strains of
Clostridium botulinum
are traditionally identified by botulinum neurotoxin type; however, identification of an additional target for typing would improve differentiation. Isolation of flagellar filaments and analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that
C. botulinum
produced multiple flagellin proteins. Nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) analysis of in-gel tryptic digests identified peptides in all flagellin bands that matched two homologous tandem flagellin genes identified in the
C. botulinum
Hall A genome. Designated
flaA1
and
flaA2
, these open reading frames encode the major structural flagellins of
C. botulinum
. Colony PCR and sequencing of
flaA1/A2
variable regions classified 80 environmental and clinical strains into group I or group II and clustered isolates into 12 flagellar types. Flagellar type was distinct from neurotoxin type, and epidemiologically related isolates clustered together. Sequencing a larger PCR product, obtained during amplification of
flaA1/A2
from type E strain Bennett identified a second flagellin gene,
flaB
. LC-MS analysis confirmed that
flaB
encoded a large type E-specific flagellin protein, and the predicted molecular mass for FlaB matched that observed by SDS-PAGE. In contrast, the molecular mass of FlaA was 2 to 12 kDa larger than the mass predicted by the
flaA1/A2
sequence of a given strain, suggesting that FlaA is posttranslationally modified. While identification of FlaB, and the observation by SDS-PAGE of different masses of the FlaA proteins, showed the flagellin proteins of
C. botulinum
to be diverse, the presence of the
flaA1/A2
gene in all strains examined facilitates single locus sequence typing of
C. botulinum
using the flagellin variable region.
Diversity of Ca
2+
-Induced Morphology Revealed by Morphological Phenotyping of Ca
2+
-Sensitive Mutants of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ohnuki Shinsuke , Nogami Satoru , Kanai Hanako , Hirata Dai , Nakatani Yoichiro , Morishita Shinichi , Ohya Yoshikazu 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Yeast cell morphology can be treated as a quantitative trait using the image processing software CalMorph. In the present study, we investigated Ca
2+
-induced morphological changes in Ca
2+
-sensitive (
cls
) mutants of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, based on the discovery that the characteristic Ca
2+
-induced morphological changes in the Ca
2+
-sensitive mutant
zds1
reflect changes in the Ca
2+
signaling-mediated cell cycle control pathway. By applying hierarchical cluster analysis to the quantitative morphological data of 58
cls
mutants, 31 of these mutants were classified into seven classes based on morphological similarities. The patterns of morphological change induced by Ca
2+
in one class differed from those of another class. Based on the results obtained using versatile methods for phenotypic analysis, we conclude that a high concentration of Ca
2+
exerts a wide variety of effects on yeast and that there are multiple Ca
2+
-regulatory pathways that are distinct from the Zds1p-related pathway.
The Pathogenic Fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
Expresses Two Functional GDP-Mannose Transporters with Distinct Expression Patterns and Roles in Capsule Synthesis
Authors: Cottrell Tricia R. , Griffith Cara L. , Liu Hong , Nenninger Ashley A. , Doering Tamara L. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a fungal pathogen that is responsible for life-threatening disease, particularly in the context of compromised immunity. This organism makes extensive use of mannose in constructing its cell wall, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Mannose also comprises up to two-thirds of the main cryptococcal virulence factor, a polysaccharide capsule that surrounds the cell. The glycosyltransfer reactions that generate cellular carbohydrate structures usually require activated donors such as nucleotide sugars. GDP-mannose, the mannose donor, is produced in the cytosol by the sequential actions of phosphomannose isomerase, phosphomannomutase, and GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase. However, most mannose-containing glycoconjugates are synthesized within intracellular organelles. This topological separation necessitates a specific transport mechanism to move this key precursor across biological membranes to the appropriate site for biosynthetic reactions. We have discovered two GDP-mannose transporters in
C. neoformans
, in contrast to the single such protein reported previously for other fungi. Biochemical studies of each protein expressed in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
show that both are functional, with similar kinetics and substrate specificities. Microarray experiments indicate that the two proteins Gmt1 and Gmt2 are transcribed with distinct patterns of expression in response to variations in growth conditions. Additionally, deletion of the
GMT1
gene yields cells with small capsules and a defect in capsule induction, while deletion of
GMT2
does not alter the capsule. We suggest that
C. neoformans
produces two GDP-mannose transporters to satisfy its enormous need for mannose utilization in glycan synthesis. Furthermore, we propose that the two proteins have distinct biological roles. This is supported by the different expression patterns of
GMT1
and
GMT2
in response to environmental stimuli and the dissimilar phenotypes that result when each gene is deleted.
Candida albicans
Rho-Type GTPase-Encoding Genes Required for Polarized Cell Growth and Cell Separation
Authors: Dünkler Alexander , Wendland Jürgen 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Rho proteins are essential regulators of morphogenesis in eukaryotic cells. In this report, we investigate the role of two previously uncharacterized Rho proteins, encoded by the
Candida albicans RHO3
(Ca
RHO3
) and Ca
CRL1/
Ca
RHO4
genes. The Ca
RHO3
gene was found to contain one intron. Promoter shutdown experiments using a
MET3
promoter-controlled
RHO3
revealed a strong cell polarity defect and a partially depolarized actin cytoskeleton. Hyphal growth after promoter shutdown was abolished in
rho3
mutants even in the presence of a constitutively active
ras1
(
G13V
) allele, and existing germ tubes became swollen. Deletion of
C. albicans RHO4
indicated that it is a nonessential gene and that
rho4
mutants were phenotypically different from
rho3
. Two distinct phenotypes of
rho4
cells were elongated cell morphology and an unexpected cell separation defect generating chains of cells. Colony morphology of
crl1/rho4
resulted in a growth-dependent smooth (long cell cycle length) or wrinkled (short cell cycle length) phenotype. This phenotype was additionally dependent on the
rho4
cell separation defect and was also found in a Ca
cht3
chitinase mutant that shows a strong cytokinesis defect. The overexpression of the endoglucanase encoding the
ENG1
gene, but not
CHT3
, suppressed the cell separation defect of
crl1/rho4
but could not suppress the cell elongation phenotype.
C. albicans
Crl1/Rho4 and Bnr1 both localize to septal sites in yeast and hyphal cells but not to the hyphal tip. Deletion of
RHO4
and
BNR1
produced similar morphological phenotypes. Based on the localization of Rho4 and on the
rho4
mutant phenotype, we propose a model in which Rho4p may function as a regulator of cell polarity, breaking the initial axis of polarity found during early bud growth to promote the construction of a septum.