bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term sequence evolution and vertical inheritance of the Naegleria twin-ribozyme group I intron
Authors: Wikmark Odd-Gunnar , Einvik Christer , De Jonckheere Johan F , Johansen Steinar D 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundRibosomal DNA of several species of the free-livingNaegleriaamoeba harbors an optional group I intron within the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The intron (Nae.S516) has a complex organization of two ribozyme domains (NaGIR1 and NaGIR2) and a homing endonuclease gene (NaHEG). NaGIR2 is responsible for intron excision, exon ligation, and full-length intron RNA circularization, reactions typical for nuclear group I intron ribozymes. NaGIR1, however, is essential for NaHEG expression by generating the 5' end of the homing endonuclease messenger RNA. Interestingly, this unusual class of ribozyme adds a lariat-cap at the mRNA.ResultsTo elucidate the evolutionary history of the Nae.S516 twin-ribozyme introns we have analyzed 13 natural variants present in distinctNaegleriaisolates. Structural variabilities were noted within both the ribozyme domains and provide strong comparative support to the intron secondary structure. One of the introns, present inN. martineziNG872, contains hallmarks of a degenerated NaHEG. Phylogenetic analyses performed on separate data sets representing NaGIR1, NaGIR2, NaHEG, and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA are consistent with an overall vertical inheritance pattern of the intron within theNaegleriagenus.ConclusionThe Nae.S516 twin-ribozyme intron was gained early in theNaegleriaevolution with subsequent vertical inheritance. The intron was lost in the majority of isolates (70%), leaving a widespread but scattered distribution pattern. Why the apparent asexualNaegleriaamoebae harbors active intron homing endonucleases, dependent on sexual reproduction for its function, remains a puzzle.
Integrated maps in quail (Coturnix japonica) confirm the high degree of synteny conservation with chicken (Gallus gallus) despite 35 million years of divergence
Authors: Kayang Boniface B , Fillon Valérie , Inoue-Murayama Miho , Miwa Mitsuru , Leroux Sophie , Fève Katia , Monvoisin Jean-Louis , Pitel Frédérique , Vignoles Matthieu , Mouilhayrat Céline , Beaumont Catherine , Ito Shin'ichi , Minvielle Francis , Vignal Alain 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
By comparing the quail genome with that of chicken, chromosome rearrangements that have occurred in these two galliform species over 35 million years of evolution can be detected. From a more practical point of view, the definition of conserved syntenies helps to predict the position of genes in quail, based on information taken from the chicken sequence, thus enhancing the utility of this species in biological studies through a better knowledge of its genome structure. A microsatellite and an Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genetic map were previously published for quail, as well as comparative cytogenetic data with chicken for macrochromosomes. Quail genomics will benefit from the extension and the integration of these maps.

Results
The integrated linkage map presented here is based on segregation analysis of both anonymous markers and functional gene loci in 1,050 quail from three independent F2 populations. Ninety-two loci are resolved into 14 autosomal linkage groups and a Z chromosome-specific linkage group, aligned with the quail AFLP map. The size of linkage groups ranges from 7.8 cM to 274.8 cM. The total map distance covers 904.3 cM with an average spacing of 9.7 cM between loci. The coverage is not complete, as macrochromosome CJA08, the gonosome CJAW and 23 microchromosomes have no marker assigned yet. Significant sequence identities of quail markers with chicken enabled the alignment of the quail linkage groups on the chicken genome sequence assembly. This, together with interspecific Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), revealed very high similarities in marker order between the two species for the eight macrochromosomes and the 14 microchromosomes studied.

Conclusion
Integrating the two microsatellite and the AFLP quail genetic maps greatly enhances the quality of the resulting information and will thus facilitate the identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL). The alignment with the chicken chromosomes confirms the high conservation of gene order that was expected between the two species for macrochromosomes. By extending the comparative study to the microchromosomes, we suggest that a wealth of information can be mined in chicken, to be used for genome analyses in quail.
Circadian rhythm of the autonomic nervous system in insulin resistant subjects with normoglycemia, impaired fasting glycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Perciaccante Antonio , Fiorentini Alessandra , Paris Alberto , Serra Pietro , Tubani Luigi 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn type 2 diabetes mellitus both insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are considered responsible for autonomic dysfunction. The relation between the autonomic activity, impaired fasting glycemia and impaired glucose tolerance is, however, unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the circadian autonomic activity expressed as heart rate variability (HRV) measured by 24-hours ECG recording in insulin resistant subjects (IR) with characteristics as follow: IR subjects with normal oral glucose tolerance test results, IR subjects with impaired fasting glucose, IR subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsEighty Caucasian insulin resistant subjects (IR) and twenty five control subjects were recruited for the study. IR subjects were divided into four groups according to the outcoming results of oral glucose tests (OGTTs): IR subjects with normal glucose regulation (NGR), IR subjects with impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), IR subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Autonomic nervous activity was studied by 24-hours ECG recording. Heart rate variability analysis was performed in time and frequency domains: SDNN, RMS-SD, low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) were calculated.ResultsThe total SDNN showed statistically significant reduction in all four groups with insulin resistant subjects (IR) when compared to the control group (p <0,001). During night LF normalized units (n.u.) were found to be higher in all four groups including IR subjects than in the control group (all p < 0,001) and subjects with normal glucose regulation (NGR), with impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) and with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were found to have higher LF n.u. than those in the type 2 diabetes mellitus group. The linear regression model demonstrated direct association between LF values and the homeostasis model assessment-index (HOMA-I), in the insulin resistant group (r = 0,715, p <0,0001).ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that insulin resistance might cause global autonomic dysfunction which increases along with worsening glucose metabolic impairment. The analysis of sympathetic and parasympathetic components and the sympathovagal balance demonstrated an association between insulin resistance and sympathetic over-activity, especially during night. The results indicated that the sympathetic over-activity is directly correlated to the grade of insulin resistance calculated according to the HOMA-I. Since increased sympathetic activity is related to major cardiovascular accidents, early diagnosis of all insulin resistant patients should be contemplated.
Candidaemia and antifungal therapy in a French University Hospital: rough trends over a decade and possible links
Authors: Sendid Boualem , Cotteau Angélique , François Nadine , D'Haveloose Annie , Standaert Annie , Camus Daniel , Poulain Daniel 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Evidence for an increased prevalence of candidaemia and for high associated mortality in the 1990s led to a number of different recommendations concerning the management of at risk patients as well as an increase in the availability and prescription of new antifungal agents. The aim of this study was to parallel in our hospital candidemia incidence with the nature of prescribed antifungal drugs between 1993 and 2003.

Methods
During this 10-year period we reviewed all cases of candidemia, and collected all the data about annual consumption of prescribed antifungal drugs

Results
Our centralised clinical mycology laboratory isolates and identifies all yeasts grown from blood cultures obtained from a 3300 bed teaching hospital. Between 1993 and 2003, 430 blood yeast isolates were identified. Examination of the trends in isolation revealed a clear decrease in number of yeast isolates recovered between 1995–2000, whereas the number of positive blood cultures in 2003 rose to 1993 levels. The relative prevalence of Candida albicans and C. glabrata was similar in 1993 and 2003 in contrast to the period 1995–2000 where an increased prevalence of C. glabrata was observed. When these quantitative and qualitative data were compared to the amount and type of antifungal agents prescribed during the same period (annual mean defined daily dose: 2662741; annual mean cost: 615629 €) a single correlation was found between the decrease in number of yeast isolates, the increased prevalence of C. glabrata and the high level of prescription of fluconazole at prophylactic doses between 1995–2000.

Conclusion
Between 1993 and 2000, the number of cases of candidemia halved, with an increase of C. glabrata prevalence. These findings were probably linked to the use of Fluconazole prophylaxis. Although it is not possible to make any recommendations from this data the information is nevertheless interesting and may have considerable implications with the introduction of new antifungal drugs.
Screening chest radiography: results from a Greek cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kamposioras Konstantinos , Casazza Giovanni , Mauri Davide , Lakiotis Velisarios , Cortinovis Ivan , Xilomenos Apostolos , Peponi Christina , Golfinopoulos Vassilis , Milousis Athanasios , Kakaridis Dimitrios , Zacharias Georgios , Karathanasi Ioanna , Ferentinos Georgios , Proiskos Anastasios 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Public health authorities worldwide discourage the use of chest radiography as a screening modality, as the diagnostic performance of chest radiography does not justify its application for screening and may even be harmful, since people with false positive results may experience anxiety and concern. Despite the accumulated evidence, various reports suggest that primary care physicians throughout the world still prescribe chest radiography for screening. We therefore set out to index the use of chest radiography for screening purposes among the healthy adult population and to analyze its relationship with possible trigger factors.

Methods
The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Five thousand four hundred and ninety-nine healthy adults, coming from 26 Greek provinces were surveyed for screening practice habits in the nationwide anticancer study. Data were obtained for the use of screening chest radiography. Impact of age, gender, tobacco exposure, family history positive for malignancies and professional-risk for lung diseases was further analyzed.

Results
we found that 20% (n = 1099) of the surveyed individuals underwent chest radiography for screening purposes for at least one time during the previous three years. Among those, 24% do so with a frequency equal or higher than once yearly, and 48% with a frequency equal or higher than every three years. Screening for chest radiography was more commonly adopted among males (OR 1.130, 95% CI 0.988–1.292), pensioners (OR 1.319, CI 1.093–1.593) and individuals with a positive family history for lung cancer (OR 1.251, CI 0.988–1.583). Multivariate analysis confirmed these results.

Conclusion
Despite formal recommendations, chest radiography for screening purposes was a common practice among the analyzed sample of Greek adults. This practice is of questionable value since the positive predictive value of chest radiography is low. The implementation of even a relatively inexpensive imaging study on a national scale would greatly burden health economics and the workload of radiology departments.
A cross-sectional survey of complementary and alternative medicine use by children and adolescents attending the University Hospital of Wales
Authors: Crawford Nigel W , Cincotta Domenic R , Lim Alissa , Powell Colin VE 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundA high prevalence of CAM use has been documented worldwide in children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. Only a small number of studies, however, have been conducted in the United Kingdom. The primary aim of this study was to examine the use of CAM by children and adolescents with a wide spectrum of acute and chronic medical problems in a tertiary children's hospital in Wales.MethodsStructured personal interviews of 100 inpatients and 400 outpatients were conducted over a 2-month period in 2004. The yearly and monthly prevalence of CAM use were assessed and divided into medicinal and non-medicinal therapies. This use was correlated with socio-demographic factors.ResultsThere were 580 patients approached to attain 500 completed questionnaires. The use of at least one type of CAM in the past year was 41% (95% CI 37–46%) and past month 26% (95% CI 23–30%). The yearly prevalence of medicinal CAM was 38% and non-medicinal 12%. The users were more likely to have parents that were tertiary educated (mother: OR = 2.3, 95%CI 1.6–3.3) and a higher family income (Pearson chi-square for trend = 14.3, p < 0.001). The most common medicinal types of CAM were non-prescribed vitamins and minerals (23%) and herbal therapies (10%). Aromatherapy (5%) and reflexology (3%) were the most prevalent non-medicinal CAMs.None of the inpatient medical records documented CAM use in the past month. Fifty-two percent of medicinal and 38% of non-medicinal CAM users felt their doctor did not need to know about CAM use. Sixty-six percent of CAM users did not disclose the fact to their doctor. Three percent of all participants were using herbs and prescription medicines concurrently.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of CAM use in our study population. Paediatricians need to ensure that they ask parents and older children about their CAM usage and advise caution with regard to potential interactions.CAM is a rapidly expanding industry that requires further evidence-based research to provide more information on the effectiveness and safety of many CAM therapies. Statutory or self-regulation of the different segments of the industry is important. Integration of CAM with allopathic western medicine through education and better communication is slowly progressing.
Proteomic identification of Drosophila melanogaster male accessory gland proteins, including a pro-cathepsin and a soluble γ-glutamyl transpeptidase
Authors: Walker Michael J , Rylett Caroline M , Keen Jeff N , Audsley Neil , Sajid Mohammed , Shirras Alan D , Isaac R Elwyn 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
In Drosophila melanogaster, the male seminal fluid contains proteins that are important for reproductive success. Many of these proteins are synthesised by the male accessory glands and are secreted into the accessory gland lumen, where they are stored until required. Previous studies on the identification of Drosophila accessory gland products have largely focused on characterisation of male-specific accessory gland cDNAs from D. melanogaster and, more recently, Drosophila simulans. In the present study, we have used a proteomics approach without any sex bias to identify proteins in D. melanogaster accessory gland secretions.

Results
Thirteen secreted accessory gland proteins, including seven new accessory gland proteins, were identified by 2D-gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry of tryptic fragments. They included protein-folding and stress-response proteins, a hormone, a lipase, a serpin, a cysteine-rich protein and two peptidases, a pro-enzyme form of a cathepsin K-like cysteine peptidase and a γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Enzymatic studies established that accessory gland secretions contain a cysteine peptidase zymogen that can be activated at low pH. This peptidase may have a role in the processing of female and other male-derived proteins, but is unlikely to be involved in the processing of the sex peptide. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidases are type II integral membrane proteins; however, the identified AG γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT-1) is unusual in that it is predicted to be a soluble secreted protein, a prediction that is supported by biochemical evidence. GGT-1 is possibly involved in maintaining a protective redox environment for sperm. The strong γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity found in the secretions provides an explanation for the observation that glutamic acid is the most abundant free amino acid in accessory gland secretions of D. melanogaster.

Conclusion
We have applied biochemical approaches, not used previously, to characterise prominent D. melanogaster accessory gland products. Of the thirteen accessory gland secreted proteins reported in this study, six were represented in a D. simulans male accessory gland EST library that was biased for male-specific genes. Therefore, the present study has identified seven new secreted accessory gland proteins, including GGT-1, which was not recognised previously as a secreted accessory gland product.
Objective Cancer-Related Variables Are Not Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Women Treated for Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Bardwell Wayne A. , Natarajan Loki , Dimsdale Joel E. , Rock Cheryl L. , Mortimer Joanne E. , Hollenbach Kathy , Pierce John P. 
Published: May 2006

PurposeWomen with breast cancer are thought to be vulnerable to depression for reasons associated with impact of diagnosis, treatment, and metabolic/endocrine changes. While the literature shows that most of these women do not become clinically depressed, 15% to 30% report elevated depressive symptoms that may be clinically important. The purpose was to identify and determine the relative importance of predictors of depressive symptoms in women treated for early-stage breast cancer.Patients and MethodsA total of 2,595 women (≤ 4 years following completion of initial treatment for early-stage breast cancer) provided data on cancer-related variables, personal characteristics, health behaviors, physical functioning/symptoms, and psychosocial variables. Participants were divided into high or low depressive groups using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale screening form.ResultsResults of the binary logistic regression analysis were significant (overall R2= 32.4%). Before entry of psychosocial variables, younger age, being unmarried, poorer physical functioning, and more vasomotor and gastrointestinal symptoms were significant risk factors for elevated depressive symptoms (R2= 16.1%), but objective cancer-related variables were not. After inclusion of psychosocial variables in the model (ΔR2= 16.3%), none of the preceding variables remained significant. Greater risk for depressive symptoms was associated with stressful life events, less optimism, ambivalence over expressing negative emotions, sleep disturbance, and poorer social functioning.ConclusionDepressive symptoms in women treated for early-stage breast cancer are not associated with objective cancer-related factors. Rather, they are most strongly linked with many subjective psychosocial variables.
Invert-Forming of Thin-Walled Tubes Using a Die
Authors: Rosa P A , Rodrigues J M C , Martins P A F 
Published: May 2006

The production of sound thin-walled tubular parts by invert-forming is generally limited to components having geometrical features within a compact range. Recent published works in the field present new results relevant to process and die design. However, gaps of knowledge can still be found in understanding the influence of design parameters and interface friction on the overall formability of the process. The aim of this paper is to extend the actual knowledge of the process by means of a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation. The theoretical investigation is supported by numerical predictions based on the finite element flow formulation and the overall methodology is assessed by means of experimental tests on AA6060 aluminium-alloy tubes under laboratory-controlled conditions.
The Use of Non-Parametric Regression to Investigate the Sensitivities of High-Speed Direct Injection Diesel Emissions and Fuel Consumption to Engine Parameters
Authors: Liu Y , Lu F , Reitz R D 
Published: May 2006

A recently developed non-parametric regression (NPR) method, namely the component selection and smoothing operator (COSSO), was applied to a high-speed direct injection (HSDI) diesel engine optimization problem to analyse the complex correlations between NO x and soot emissions, and fuel consumption responses and control factors. Seven control factors were considered, including swirl ratio, fuel injection pressure, intake air boost pressure, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), start-of-injection timings for each pulse of two-pulse injections, and the dwell between the injections. The responses are non-linearly and non-monotonically correlated to the control factors, which feature complex interactions. The models were constructed by extracting information from an undesigned and unevenly distributed data sample, whose size is small with regard to the high dimensionality of the inputs. The models perform well, as shown by cross-validations. This success reveals the potential of NPR methods as powerful analysis tools for problems of this type. Based on the current proposed well-constructed models, the importance of the control factors could be ranked according to their significance in the models, and interactions between control factors and their influence on responses could be quantitatively assessed. For example, a two-pulse injection featuring a very early first injection and a second injection well past top dead centre of compression provides excellent performance. The start-of-second-injection timing is shown to be most influential for fuel consumption and interactions between the boost pressure and the start-of-first-injection timing are important. Similarly, as expected, EGR is the most important main factor for NO x emissions, while the main and interaction effects of the second-injection timing and EGR are also very significant. All main and interaction effects were significant for soot emissions. With a complete and continuous description of response surfaces available using the method, response values at untried parameter points can also be estimated, and possibly optimal solutions can be derived without being restrained by specified search grid resolution. Moreover, the solutions can be diversified to meet various criteria. The potential of using the proposed NPR method for assisting optimal parameter search is also discussed.
Formulation of Strong Acid-Strong Base Potentiometric Titration Curve in Terms of Hyperbolic Functions
Authors: Kodama Masao 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The strict relation between pH and the titration fraction, f, representing the strong acid-strong base potentiometric titration curve is formulated, taking the effect of dilution into account, in terms of the inverse hyperbolic sine function. From this, exact expressions for dpH/df and d2pH/df2 are derived as a function of f.
Oxidative Substitution Reaction of Olefinic Tin Compounds with Lead Tetraacetate
Authors: Yamamoto Makoto , Irie Shin , Miyashita Michio , Kohmoto Shigeo , Yamada Kazutoshi 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The oxidative substitution reaction of olefinic tin compounds with lead tetraacetate(LTA) was investigated. The oxidation is highly regioselective and gave a dipole inversed product (acetate) in good yield.