bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP153A6, a Soluble P450 Oxygenase Catalyzing Terminal-Alkane Hydroxylation
Authors: Funhoff Enrico G. , Bauer Ulrich , García-Rubio Inés , Witholt Bernard , van Beilen Jan B. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT

The first and key step in alkane metabolism is the terminal hydroxylation of alkanes to 1-alkanols, a reaction catalyzed by a family of integral-membrane diiron enzymes related to
Pseudomonas putida
GPo1 AlkB, by a diverse group of methane, propane, and butane monooxygenases and by some membrane-bound cytochrome P450s. Recently, a family of cytoplasmic P450 enzymes was identified in prokaryotes that allow their host to grow on aliphatic alkanes. One member of this family, CYP153A6 from
Mycobacterium
sp. HXN-1500, hydroxylates medium-chain-length alkanes (C
6
to C
11
) to 1-alkanols with a maximal turnover number of 70 min
−1
and has a regiospecificity of ≥95% for the terminal carbon atom position. Spectroscopic binding studies showed that C
6
-to-C
11
aliphatic alkanes bind in the active site with

K
d

values varying from ∼20 nM to 3.7 μM. Longer alkanes bind more strongly than shorter alkanes, while the introduction of sterically hindering groups reduces the affinity. This suggests that the substrate-binding pocket is shaped such that linear alkanes are preferred. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in the presence of the substrate showed the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex, which confirmed the binding of substrates observed in optical titrations. To rationalize the experimental observations on a molecular scale, homology modeling of CYP153A6 and docking of substrates were used to provide the first insight into structural features required for terminal alkane hydroxylation.
Modulation of the ComA-Dependent Quorum Response in
Bacillus subtilis
by Multiple Rap Proteins and Phr Peptides
Authors: Auchtung Jennifer M. , Lee Catherine A. , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT

In
Bacillus subtilis
, extracellular peptide signaling regulates several biological processes. Secreted Phr signaling peptides are imported into the cell and act intracellularly to antagonize the activity of regulators known as Rap proteins.
B. subtilis
encodes several Rap proteins and Phr peptides, and the processes regulated by many of these Rap proteins and Phr peptides are unknown. We used DNA microarrays to characterize the roles that several
rap
-
phr
signaling modules play in regulating gene expression. We found that
rapK-phrK
regulates the expression of a number of genes activated by the response regulator ComA. ComA activates expression of genes involved in competence development and the production of several secreted products. Two Phr peptides, PhrC and PhrF, were previously known to stimulate the activity of ComA. We assayed the roles that PhrC, PhrF, and PhrK play in regulating gene expression and found that these three peptides stimulate ComA-dependent gene expression to different levels and are all required for full expression of genes activated by ComA. The involvement of multiple Rap proteins and Phr peptides allows multiple physiological cues to be integrated into a regulatory network that modulates the timing and magnitude of the ComA response.
Regulation of the
Chlamydia trachomatis
Histone H1-Like Protein Hc2 Is IspE Dependent and IhtA Independent
Authors: Grieshaber Nicole A. , Sager Janet Burgess , Dooley Cheryl A. , Hayes Stanley F. , Hackstadt Ted 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT
The chlamydial histone-like proteins, Hc1 and Hc2, function as global regulators of chromatin structure and gene expression. Hc1 and Hc2 expression and activity are developmentally regulated. A small metabolite that disrupts Hc1 interaction with DNA also disrupts Hc2 interactions; however, the small regulatory RNA that inhibits Hc1 translation is specific to Hc1.
Glycogen Phosphorylase, the Product of the
glgP
Gene, Catalyzes Glycogen Breakdown by Removing Glucose Units from the Nonreducing Ends in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Alonso-Casajús Nora , Dauvillée David , Viale Alejandro Miguel , Muñoz Francisco José , Baroja-Fernández Edurne , Morán-Zorzano María Teresa , Eydallin Gustavo , Ball Steven , Pozueta-Romero Javier 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT

To understand the biological function of bacterial glycogen phosphorylase (GlgP), we have produced and characterized
Escherichia coli
cells with null or altered
glgP
expression.
glgP
deletion mutants (Δ
glgP
) totally lacked glycogen phosphorylase activity, indicating that all the enzymatic activity is dependent upon the
glgP
product. Moderate increases of glycogen phosphorylase activity were accompanied by marked reductions of the intracellular glycogen levels in cells cultured in the presence of glucose. In turn, both glycogen content and rates of glycogen accumulation in
ΔglgP
cells were severalfold higher than those of wild-type cells. These defects correlated with the presence of longer external chains in the polysaccharide accumulated by
ΔglgP
cells. The overall results thus show that GlgP catalyzes glycogen breakdown and affects glycogen structure by removing glucose units from the polysaccharide outer chains in
E. coli
.
Is it time to re-assess the role of gliclazide? Targeting insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients suboptimally controlled with insulin
Authors: Brown N 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Adult patients with type 2 diabetes controlled with insulin frequently require the addition of insulin sensitising drugs such as metformin and sometimes glitazones to achieve optimum glycaemic control. Five of a group of eight people with suboptimal diabetes control who were treated by the introduction of gliclazide are reported on. Three patients were excluded. One with type 1 diabetes and two others who had dietary or other therapeutic interventions coinciding with re-introduction gliclazide. Does the re-introduction of gliclazide effect a clinically significant improvement in glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients with suboptimal control taking combinations of short and long acting insulin plus metformin?

Method
Five adult patients with type 2 diabetes with suboptimal control using combinations of short and long acting insulin plus metformin who were adherent to their dietary regimen were treated by the addition of gliclazide at different doses. Two of the patients were taking pioglitazone in addition to metformin and insulin. Their glycaemic control was monitored over the following six months.

Results
All five showed significant improvement in glycaemic control after three months. Mean reduction in HbA1c was 1.4% (range 0.9% to 2.5%). Six months after the introduction of gliclazide four patients had HbA1c below base line figure and in two patients clinically significant improvement had been maintained.

Conclusion
A double blind randomised placebo control study is necessary to evaluate a possible role for gliclazide in type 2 diabetes patients who have suboptimal glycaemic control using combinations of short and long acting insulin plus metformin.
Recent Evidence for an Involvement of Rho-Kinase in Cerebral Vascular Disease
Authors: Chrissobolis Sophocles , Sobey Christopher G. 
Published: June 2006

Background and Purpose—The small G protein rhoA and its downstream effector rho-kinase are both expressed in vascular cells and are involved in several cellular processes. One of these processes is the regulation of the phosphorylation state of myosin light chain in vascular muscle and thus, the development of force. Recently, considerable evidence for increased activity of this pathway in cerebral and noncerebral vessels has been reported in several cardiovascular diseases associated with increased vascular tone.Summary of Review—The main aim of this brief review is to summarize current evidence for the involvement of rhoA/rho-kinase signaling in dysfunction of the cerebral circulation in disease states, such as cerebral vasospasm, hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic brain injury. We will also briefly consider the novel hypothesis that augmented activity of endothelial rho-kinase decreases nitric oxide production and contributes to increased vascular tone in disease and the possibility of this action being a key therapeutic target of statins (inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase) in cerebral and noncerebral arteries.Conclusions—Considerable evidence indicates that rhoA/rho-kinase activity is commonly increased in cerebral vascular disease, not only in vascular muscle, but also in the endothelium and possibly in inflammatory cells and neurons.
Lowering the Bar or Moving the Target: A Wage Decomposition of Michigan's Charter and Traditional Public School Teachers
Authors: Harris Debbi C. 
Published: June 2006

Background: The quality of a school's teaching force has a significant effect on student learning. One potential lever for increasing teacher quality is through selecting and rewarding teachers with desired characteristics. Purpose: To analyze differences and similarities in the salary determinants of Michigan's charter and traditional public schools. Participants: The representative sample included 723 full-time traditional public school teachers and 468 full-time charter school teachers in Michigan during the 1999-2000 school year. Research Design: This is a multivariate analysis of quantitative data. A secondary analysis of survey data was performed, allowing for greater generalizability across the population of interest. Data Collection and Analysis: The 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey was the data source. This NCES survey provides comprehensive data on school and staff characteristics that are representative at the state level. Findings: The average Michigan charter school teacher earns more than $15, 000 less than the average Michigantraditionalpublic school teacher. Two thirds of this salary difference is because charter school teachers often have lower endowments of valued characteristics, such as experience and certification. Conclusions: Charter school administrators appear to be selecting and rewarding teachers in innovative ways thatcouldhavea positive impactonteacher quality. They are hampered in these efforts by the depressed salaries offered in many charter schools.
School Ethnicity and Governance Influences on Work Absence of Teachers and School Administrators
Authors: Rosenblatt Zehava , Shirom Arie 
Published: June 2006

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which school ethnic affiliation (Jewish vs. Arab) and site-based management affected the absence of teachers and school administrators. Research Design: Background individual and organization-level data on the population of elementary and middle-school teachers (52, 056 teachers at 2, 145 schools) in the Israeli public education system were studied by means of multi-level analysis (HLM). Findings: Controlling for individual workload, school size, and school level, the authors found that the higher a teacher's administrative position, the fewer his or her absence spells. This tendency was more pronounced in the Arab-sector schools, although being affiliated to Arab schools tended to increase teachers'absenteeism. Value: The study contributes to our understandingof the influenceof a school's ethnic affiliationandotherschool-level characteristics onwork absenteeism, a topictraditionally studied at the individual level of analysis. When, as in the present case, ethnic affiliation coincides with resource deprivation and marginalization in the broader society, an increase in withdrawal behavior such as work absence can be expected. The school hierarchy and one's position in it also emerge as important factors to be considered in the planning and design of further research on teachers'absence behavior.
Myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukemia developing after imatinib mesylate therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kovitz Craig , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Abruzzo Lynne V. , Cortes Jorge 
Published: June 2006

AbstractDuring therapy with imatinib, some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) develop chromosomal abnormalities in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative cells. These abnormalities are frequently transient and their clinical consequence is unclear. Although some reports have suggested that the abnormalities might be associated with secondary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the diagnosis has not always been established using standard criteria. We report 3 cases of patients treated with imatinib for CML who were subsequently found to have chromosomal abnormalities in Ph-negative cells. One of them developed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and the other 2 developed high-risk MDS that rapidly transformed to AML. These cases were identified in a total study group of 1701 patients. Although these occurrences are rare, the findings highlight the need for close monitoring of patients with CML treated with imatinib.
Identifying nurses' rewards: a qualitative categorization study in Belgium
Authors: De Gieter Sara , De Cooman Rein , Pepermans Roland , Caers Ralf , Du Bois Cindy , Jegers Marc 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Rewards are important in attracting, motivating and retaining the most qualified employees, and nurses are no exception to this rule. This makes the establishment of an efficient reward system for nurses a true challenge for every hospital manager. A reward does not necessarily have a financial connotation: non-financial rewards may matter too, or may even be more important. Therefore, the present study examines nurses' reward perceptions, in order to identify potential reward options.

Methods
To answer the research question "What do nurses consider a reward and how can these rewards be categorized?", 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with nurses were conducted and analysed using discourse and content analyses. In addition, the respondents received a list of 34 rewards (derived from the literature) and were asked to indicate the extent to which they perceived each of them to be rewarding.

Results
Discourse analysis revealed three major reward categories: financial, non-financial and psychological, each containing different subcategories. In general, nurses more often mentioned financial rewards spontaneously in the interview, compared to non-financial and psychological rewards. The questionnaire results did not, however, indicate a significant difference in the rewarding potential of these three categories. Both the qualitative and quantitative data revealed that a number of psychological and non-financial rewards were important for nurses in addition to their monthly pay and other remunerations. In particular, appreciation for their work by others, compliments from others, presents from others and contact with patients were highly valued. Moreover, some demographical variables influenced the reward perceptions. Younger and less experienced nurses considered promotion possibilities as more rewarding than the older and more senior ones. The latter valued job security and working for a hospital with a good reputation higher than their younger and more junior colleagues.

Conclusion
When trying to establish an efficient reward system for nurses, hospital managers should not concentrate on the financial reward possibilities alone. They also ought to consider non-financial and psychological rewards (in combination with financial rewards), since nurses value these as well and they may lead to a more personalized reward system.
Development and function of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Toda Akiko , Piccirillo Ciriaco A 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe immune system has evolved numerous mechanisms of peripheral T cell immunoregulation, including a network of regulatory T (Treg) cells, to modulate and down-regulate immune responses at various times and locations and in various inflammatory circumstances. Amongst these, naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ Treg cells (nTreg) represent a major lymphocyte population engaged in the dominant control of self-reactive T responses and maintaining tolerance in several models of autoimmunity. CD4+CD25+ Treg cells differentiate in the normal thymus as a functionally distinct subpopulation of T cells bearing a broad T cell receptor repertoire, endowing these cells with the capacity to recognize a wide range of self and nonself antigen specificities. The generation of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in the immune system is genetically controlled, influenced by antigen recognition, and various signals, in particular, cytokines such as interleukin-2 and transforming growth factor-β1, cotrol their activation, expansion, and suppressive effector activity. Functional abrogation of these cells in vivo or genetic defects that affect their development or function unequivocally promote the development of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases in animals and humans. Recent progress has shed light on our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of CD4+CD25+ Treg cell-mediated immune regulation. This article discusses the relative contribution of CD4+CD25+ nTreg cells in the induction of immunologic self-tolerance and provides a comprehensive overview of recent finding regarding the functional properties and effector mechanism of these cells, as revealed from various in vitro and in vivo models.
TLR4 gene dosage contributes to endotoxin-induced acute respiratory inflammation
Authors: Togbe Dieudonnée , Schnyder-Candrian Silvia , Schnyder Bruno , Couillin Isabelle , Maillet Isabelle , Bihl Franck , Malo Danielle , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valerie F J 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 is critical for endotoxin recognition and cellular responses. Using Tlr4 transgenic mice, we investigated the influence of Tlr4 gene dosage on acute respiratory response to endotoxin. Transgenic mice expressing three, six, or 30 copies of Tlr4, control, and Tlr4-deficient mice received intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ug), and the airway response was analyzed by plethysmography, lung histology, cell recruitment, cytokine and chemokine secretion and protein leakage into the bronchoalveolar space. We demonstrate that overexpression of Tlr4 augmented a LPS-induced bronchoconstrictive effect, as well as tumor necrosis factor and CXC chemokine ligand 1 (keratinocyte-derived chemokine) production. Neutrophil recruitment, microvascular and alveolar epithelial injury with protein leak in the airways, and damage of the lung microarchitecture were Tlr4 gene dose-dependently increased. Therefore, the TLR4 expression level determines the extent of acute pulmonary response to inhaled endotoxin, and TLR4 may thus be a valuable target for immunointervention in acute lung inflammation as a result of endotoxins.
Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells differentiated in the presence of IL-2 produce proinflammatory cytokines and prime Th1 immune response
Authors: Sanarico Nunzia , Ciaramella Antonio , Sacchi Alessandra , Bernasconi Daniela , Bossù Paola , Mariani Francesca , Colizzi Vittorio , Vendetti Silvia 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-2 plays an important role in the control of the immune responses, and it is released in a variety of tissues in response to inflammatory stimuli. As monocytes and mature dendritic cells (DCs) express CD25, the high-affinity subunit of IL-2 receptor, we examined the effect of exogenous IL-2 on the in vitro generation and maturation of DCs from monocytes. Human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) were generated by culturing monocytes with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-4 in the presence or absence of IL-2. The cytokine was added at the beginning and after 5 days of culture. Our findings indicate that IL-2 does induce monocytes to differentiate into DCs with the same morphology and phenotype of that obtained in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 alone, but with some distinctive functional properties. DCs differentiated in the presence of IL-2 secreted significantly more IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12 p70 in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation and induced allogeneic, naïve T cells to release a significantly higher amount of interferon-γ if compared with DCs obtained by culturing monocytes with GM-CSF and IL-4. These results indicate unrecognized effects of IL-2 on human MDDCs and suggest that an IL-2-rich environment during differentiation and maturation of DCs can modify their T helper cell-inducing properties.
Experiences and expectations of refugee doctors
Authors: Cohn S. , Alenya J. , Murray K. , Bhugra D. , De Guzman J. , Schmidt U. 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundRefugee doctors constitute a potentially valuable resource for reducing the recruitment crisis in psychiatry. However, various hurdles make their route into the National Health Service (NHS) difficult.AimsTo explore the perceptions and experiences of refugee doctors trying to practise psychiatry in the UK.MethodThirty-one refugee doctors participated in qualitative interviews designed to elicit their experiences in trying to practise as doctors in the UK. Twenty were re-interviewed about 6 months later.ResultsDoctors identified a range of practical problems that made it difficult for them to take the required steps towards practising in the UK. These included lack of appropriate information, lack of a clear route through the system and feelings of isolation. The English language examination was seen as a particular bottleneck, as were finding clinical attachments. The psychological impact of the experience was profound.ConclusionsThese findings have important implications for how refugee doctors are introduced to the practice of psychiatry in the NHS.
Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities in young euthymic patients with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: El-Badri Selim M. , Cousins David A. , Parker Sean , Ashton Heather C. , McAllister Victor L. , Ferrier I. Nicol , Moore P. Brian 
Published: June 2006

SummaryTemporal lobe and limbic structures may be abnormal in bipolar disorder. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans frequently show deep white matter lesions. MRI was performed on 50 young (19–39 years) euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and 26 controls. Mean temporal lobe volumes were reduced in patients (right, 9.42 cm3; left, 6.33 cm3) but this could not be ascribed to a specific structure. Deep white matter lesions were present in 5 patients but no controls raising questions of their aetiological significance.
Comparison of brief dynamic and cognitive–behavioural therapies in avoidant personality disorder
Authors: Emmelkamp Paul M. G. , Benner Ank , Kuipers Antoinette , Feiertag Guus A. , Koster Harrie C. , van Apeldoorn Franske J. 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundThere is a paucity of controlled trials examining the effectiveness of individual psychotherapy in personality disorders, especially in patients with cluster C disorders.AimsTo compare the effectiveness of brief dynamic therapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy as out-patient treatment for people with avoidant personality disorder.MethodPatients who met the criteria for avoidant personality disorder (n=62) were randomly assigned to 20 weekly sessions of either brief dynamic therapy (n=23) or cognitive–behavioural therapy (n=21), or they were assigned to the waiting-list control group (n=18). After the waiting period, patients in the control group were randomly assigned to one of the two therapies.ResultsPatients who received cognitive–behavioural therapy showed significantly more improvements on a number of measures in comparison with those who had brief dynamic psychotherapy or were in the waiting-list control group. Results were maintained at follow-up.ConclusionsCognitive–behavioural therapy is more effective than waiting-list control and brief dynamic therapy. Brief dynamic therapy was no better than the waiting-list control condition.