bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of Arabidopsis WRKY25 transcription factor in plant defense against Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Zheng Zuyu , Mosher Stephen L , Fan Baofang , Klessig Daniel F , Chen Zhixiang 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
A common feature of plant defense responses is the transcriptional regulation of a large number of genes upon pathogen infection or treatment with pathogen elicitors. A large body of evidence suggests that plant WRKY transcription factors are involved in plant defense including transcriptional regulation of plant host genes in response to pathogen infection. However, there is only limited information about the roles of specific WRKY DNA-binding transcription factors in plant defense.

Results
We analyzed the role of the WRKY25 transcription factor from Arabidopsis in plant defense against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. WRKY25 protein recognizes the TTGACC W-box sequences and its translational fusion with green fluorescent protein is localized to the nucleus. WRKY25 expression is responsive to general environmental stress. Analysis of stress-induced WRKY25 in the defense signaling mutants npr1, sid2, ein2 and coi1 further indicated that this gene is positively regulated by the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway and negatively regulated by the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. Two independent T-DNA insertion mutants for WRKY25 supported normal growth of a virulent strain of P. syringae but developed reduced disease symptoms after infection. By contrast, Arabidopsis constitutively overexpressing WRKY25 supported enhanced growth of P. syringae and displayed increased disease symptom severity as compared to wild-type plants. These WRKY25-overexpressing plants also displayed reduced expression of the SA-regulated PR1 gene after the pathogen infection, despite normal levels of free SA.

Conclusion
The nuclear localization and sequence-specific DNA-binding activity support that WRKY25 functions as a transcription factor. Based on analysis of both T-DNA insertion mutants and transgenic overexpression lines, stress-induced WRKY25 functions as a negative regulator of SA-mediated defense responses to P. syringae. This proposed role is consistent with the recent finding that WRKY25 is a substrate of Arabidopsis MAP kinase 4, a repressor of SA-dependent defense responses.
Expression of the Na+/l-symporter (NIS) is markedly decreased or absent in gastric cancer and intestinal metaplastic mucosa of Barrett esophagus
Authors: Altorjay Áron , Dohán Orsolya , Szilágyi Anna , Paroder Monika , Wapnir Irene L , Carrasco Nancy 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates iodide (I-) transport in the thyroid, lactating breast, salivary glands, and stomach. Whereas NIS expression and regulation have been extensively investigated in healthy and neoplastic thyroid and breast tissues, little is known about NIS expression and function along the healthy and diseased gastrointestinal tract.

Methods
Thus, we investigated NIS expression by immunohistochemical analysis in 155 gastrointestinal tissue samples and by immunoblot analysis in 17 gastric tumors from 83 patients.

Results
Regarding the healthy Gl tract, we observed NIS expression exclusively in the basolateral region of the gastric mucin-producing epithelial cells. In gastritis, positive NIS staining was observed in these cells both in the presence and absence of Helicobacter pylori. Significantly, NIS expression was absent in gastric cancer, independently of its histological type. Only focal faint NIS expression was detected in the direct vicinity of gastric tumors, i.e., in the histologically intact mucosa, the expression becoming gradually stronger and linear farther away from the tumor. Barrett mucosa with junctional and fundic-type columnar metaplasia displayed positive NIS staining, whereas Barrett mucosa with intestinal metaplasia was negative. NIS staining was also absent in intestinalized gastric polyps.

Conclusion
That NIS expression is markedly decreased or absent in case of intestinalization or malignant transformation of the gastric mucosa suggests that NIS may prove to be a significant tumor marker in the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric malignancies and also precancerous lesions such as Barrett mucosa, thus extending the medical significance of NIS beyond thyroid disease.
The impact of vitamin D status on changes in bone mineral density during treatment with bisphosphonates and after discontinuation following long-term use in post-menopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Deane Andrew , Constancio Leonor , Fogelman Ignac , Hampson Geeta 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

Background
It is still unclear whether addition of calcium/vitamin D supplements leads to an incremental benefit in patients taking bisphosphonates and whether achievement of serum level of 25 (OH) vitamin D of at least 70 nmol/L has an impact on the skeletal response to bisphosphonates. Moreover the maintenance of BMD after bisphosphonates withdrawal with the continuation of calcium/vitamin D supplements only, remains uncertain. The aims were to assess the impact of vitamin D status on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in firstly patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis on bisphosphonates and secondly following discontinuation of bisphosphonates after long-term use.

Methods
Two patient groups were recruited. The first study population comprised of 112 women treated with a bisphosphonate. The second study population consisted of 35 women who had been on bisphosphonates for > 5 years in whom the treatment agent was discontinued. Baseline BMD, changes in BMD following treatment, duration of treatment, serum 25 (OH) vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), urine C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) were obtained on the study participants.

Results
In the first study group, subjects with serum vitamin D concentrations (> 70 nmol/L) had a significantly lower serum PTH level (mean [SEM] 41 [2] ng/L). PTH concentrations of 41 ng/L or less was associated with a significantly higher increase in BMD at the hip following treatment with bisphosphonates compared to patients with PTH > 41 ng/L (2.5% [0.9] v/s -0.2% [0.9], P = 0.04). In the second study group, discontinuation of bisphosphonate for 15 months after long-term treatment did not result in significant bone loss at the lumbar spine and total hip, although a trend towards gradual decline in BMD at the femoral neck was observed.

Conclusion
the data suggest that optimal serum 25 (OH) vitamin D concentration may lead to further reduction in bone loss at the hip in patients on bisphosphonates. A prospective controlled trial is needed to evaluate whether the response to bisphosphonates is influenced by vitamin D status. BMD is preserved at the lumbar spine and total hip following discontinuation of bisphosphonate for a short period following long-term treatment, although a gradual loss occurs at the femoral neck.
A polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the gene encoding prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 is not associated with an increase in breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study
Authors: Cox David G , Buring Julie , Hankinson Susan E , Hunter David J 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Prostaglandins are integral components in the cellular response to inflammation, promoting cellular proliferation and angiogenesis. The enzyme responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins in response to inflammation is prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2/cyclo-oxygenase 2 (PTGS2/COX2). Polymorphisms in the PTGS2 gene have been associated with various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and cancer of the lung, colorectum, and breast.

Methods
We genotyped the five most common polymorphisms (rs20417, rs5277, rs20432, rs5275, and rs4648298) in the Nurses' Health Study (1,270 cases, 1,762 controls) to test the hypothesis that polymorphisms in PTGS2 are associated with breast cancer risk, using logistic regression analyses. The Nurses' Health Study 2 (317 cases, 634 controls) and Harvard Women's Health Study (702 cases, 703 controls) were used to further examine putative associations.

Results
The rs5275 polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of the PTGS2 gene was associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk. We therefore genotyped this single-nucleotide polymorphism in the Nurses' Health Study 2 and Harvard Women's Health Study. Similar results were observed in these subsequent analyses, with no statistically significant heterogeneity in risk estimates between studies. In pooled analyses, women homozygous for the T allele at rs5275 had a 20% lower risk of breast cancer than those homozygous for the C allele (odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.97).

Conclusion
Although this polymorphism may be associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk among Caucasian women, we provide strong evidence that it is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Adiponectin and Resistin in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid and Expression of Adiponectin Receptors in the Human Hypothalamus
Authors: Kos Katarina , Harte Alison L. , da Silva Nancy F. , Tonchev Anton , Chaldakov Georgi , James Sean , Snead David R. , Hoggart Barbara , O’Hare Joseph P. , McTernan Philip G. , Kumar Sudhesh 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Context: The adipokine leptin has critical importance in central appetite regulation. In contrast to some suggestion of adiponectin influencing energy homeostasis in rodents, there is no evidence for adiponectin or resistin entering the human blood-brain barrier.
Objective: The objective was to establish the presence of adiponectin or resistin in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and to compare their distribution with leptin. Furthermore, we wished to examine the expression of the adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipR1, AdipR2) in the human hypothalamus.
Methods: For this purpose, serum and CSF samples were collected from 20 men and 19 women matched for age [men, 69.8 ± 8.6 yr (mean ± sd); women, 69.4 ± 4.3 yr] and BMI (men, 29.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2; women, 27.3 ± 4.8 kg/m2) undergoing elective surgery under spinal anesthesia.
Results: Adiponectin was identified in CSF with levels 1000-fold less than serum, whereas resistin and leptin levels were 100-fold less. Unlike their serum levels, adiponectin CSF levels showed no gender difference or correlation with insulin resistance, which is similar to resistin CSF levels. The adiponectin and leptin CSF/serum ratios in our study exhibit the same pattern of gender-specific BMI association with inverse correlation in women (r = −0.61; P = 0.02) and no correlation in men (r = 0.026; P = not significant). Furthermore, immunostaining established AdipR1 and -2 in the hypothalamus and increased AdipR2 expression in the paraventricular nucleus, which is involved in energy regulation.
Conclusion: In summary, our findings show both the presence of adiponectin and resistin in human CSF, with no effect of insulin resistance on CSF levels. The CSF entry of adiponectin and leptin in women appears to be impaired in obesity.
Etomidate Use for Cushing's Syndrome Caused by an Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone–Producing Tumor
Authors: Johnson Tami N , Canada Todd W 
Published: January 2007

Objective: To report the preparation and use of etomidate in a patient with Cushing's syndrome caused by an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–producing tumor. Case Summary: A 73-year-old man with a 5 year history of prostate cancer was admitted for symptoms consistent with Cushing's syndrome. He was started on oral metyrapone for elevated serum cortisol. ACTH, and 24 hour urinary unbound cortisol levels. Shortly after starting metyrapone, he was transferred to the medical intensive care unit for new-onset atrial fibrillation, neutropenic fever, and respiratory failure. A nasogastric tube could not be inserted to administer metyrapone. Intravenous etomidate 4 mg/h (0.06 mg/kg/h) was initiated to decrease cortisol production and provide sedation for mechanical ventilation. Despite supportive treatment, the patient died from multiple organ dysfunction. Discussion: For patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome who have no enteral access, administering etomidate intravenously may be a viable alternative treatment route. Although several articles report the use of etomidate to control cortisol overproduction, the intravenous preparation and stability are discussed only vaguely. In our patient, etomidate was infused via a 30 mL syringe, 2 mg/mL undiluted through a central venous catheter; syringe use was limited to 24 hours. Etomidate should be infused only with continuous monitoring of hemodynamics and periodic assessment of adrenal function. Conclusions: When oral or enteral medications cannot be administered and sedation is required in critically ill patients, etomidate is an appropriate intravenous agent for hypercortisolemia. There were no obvious problems with stability when undiluted etomidate 2 mg/mL was infused through a dedicated central venous catheter lumen.
Glycine-assisted enhancement of 1,4-β-d-xylan xylanohydrolase activity at alkaline pH with a pH optimum shift
Authors: Vathipadiekal Vinod , Verma Anamika , Rao Mala 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
This is the first report describing the enhancement of xylanase activity by the neutral amino acid glycine. Xylanase activity is increased seven-fold at alkaline pH in the presence of glycine and its pH optimum is shifted from pH 7 to 8 without using any protein engineering techniques. Analysis of the steady-state kinetics revealed that glycine in the reaction mixture increases the K
m and k
cat values of the enzyme. Chemoaffinity labeling and studies using glycine esters indicate an involvement of the carboxylate ion of glycine in enhancing xylanase catalytic activity. A novel possible mechanism for the glycine-assisted catalytic action of xylanase is proposed.
Interaction of the cellular prion protein with raft-like lipid membranes
Authors: Elfrink Kerstin , Nagel-Steger Luitgard , Riesner Detlev 
Published: January 2007

AbstractConversion of the cellular isoform of the prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-associated isoform (PrPSc) plays a key role in the development of prion diseases. Within its cellular pathway, PrPCundergoes several posttranslational modifications, i.e., the attachment of two N-linked glycans and a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchor, by which it is linked to the plasma membrane on the exterior cell surface. To study the interaction of PrPCwith model membranes, we purified posttranslationally modified PrPCfrom transgenic Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The mono-, di- and oligomeric states of PrPCfree in solution were analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation. The interaction of PrPCwith model membranes was studied using both lipid vesicles in solution and lipid bilayers bound to a chip surface. The equilibrium and mechanism of PrPCassociation with the model membranes were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance. Depending on the degree of saturation of binding sites, the concentration of PrPCreleased from the membrane into aqueous solution was estimated at between 10-9and 10-7 M. This corresponds to a free energy of the insertion reaction of -48 kJ/mol. Consequences for the conversion of PrPCto PrPScare discussed.
A 6-Year Prospective Study of 620 Stress-Diversion Surface (SDS) Dental Implants
Authors: O'Brien Gary R. , Gonshor Aron , Balfour Alan 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
A 6-year prospective study was conducted to assess the clinical success rates and crestal bone response of a dental implant system with a stress-diversion design. Mathematical modeling, digital radiography with applied isodensity, and finite element analysis were used to highlight the effect of the stress distribution design. A total of 386 hydroxyapatite-coated prototypes and 234 commercial grit-blasted external hex implants were placed in virgin bone as well as various grafted maxillary regions, with 36% of the posterior implants being immediately loaded. Prototypes achieved 96.6% survival over a 3-year period. The grit-blasted implant, placed from 2000 to 2003, showed a 95% survival rate. There were no significant changes in crestal bone levels after the first 12 months of prosthetic loading. Engineering evaluations suggested that undesirable stresses were distributed from the crest of the ridge down through the center of the implant body.
Maxillary Sinus Augmentation With a Synthetic Cell-Binding Peptide: Histological and Histomorphometrical Results in Humans
Authors: Degidi Marco , Piattelli Maurizio , Scarano Antonio , Iezzi Giovanna , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBone substitutes should be used when sufficient amounts of autologous bone cannot be harvested from intraoral donor sites. P-15 is a highly conserved linear peptide with a 15 amino acid sequence identical to the sequence contained in the residues 766 to 780 of the alpha-chain of type I collagen. PepGen P-15 (Dentsply Friadent, Mannheim, Germany) is a combination of the mineral component of bovine bone (Osteograf/N 300) with P-15. Bio-Oss (Geistlich, Mannheim, Germany) is a deproteinized sterilized bovine bone with 75% to 80% porosity and a crystal size of approximately 10 μm in the form of cortical granules. The purpose of the present histological and histomorphometrical study was to compare maxillary sinus augmentation procedures in humans performed with PepGen P-15 with procedures associated with Bio-Oss and autologous bone. Seven patients participated in this study (3 men and 4 women; ages between 48 and 69 years, mean of 58 years) and were categorized into 3 groups. In group 1, a mixture of 50% autologous bone from an intraoral source and 50% Bio-Oss was used. In group 2, the graft materials used were 50% Bio-Oss and 50% PepGen P-15. In group 3, 50% autologous bone and 50% PepGen P-15 were used. Group 1 histomorphometry showed that the percentage of newly formed bone was 38.7% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 45.6% ± 5%, and residual graft particles constituted the remaining 14.4% ± 2.1%. Group 2 histomorphometry showed that newly formed bone represented 36.7% ± 3.3%, marrow spaces represented 39.7% ± 3.4%, and residual graft particles represented 19.6% ± 2.1%. In group 3, newly formed bone represented 32.2% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 38% ± 2.5%, and residual graft particles represented 28.8% ± 1.1%. Nonstatistically significant differences were found in the percentage of newly formed bone in the different groups (P = .360). Statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of residual graft materials among the different groups (group 1 vs groups 2 and 3) (P = .0001). These data demonstrate that the use of bone-replacement materials, without the addition of autologous bone, could be an alternative in sinus augmentation procedures. Such treatment would increase patient satisfaction, decrease surgical complications, and save the clinician substantial operating time.
Long‐term grooming partnerships between unrelated adult females in a free‐ranging group of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Nakamichi M. , Yamada K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn order to examine the presence of long‐term grooming relationships among unrelated females, grooming interactions of 18 adult females (range: 16–32 years) in a free‐ranging group of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata) were recorded in 2003 and compared with those recorded 10 years earlier, i.e., in 1993. In 2003, on average, each female who had survived the 10 years had grooming interactions with 2.2 surviving old partners with whom she was recorded to have grooming interactions in 1993, 3.5 females related to the surviving old partners, and 4.5 unrelated females who were other than the surviving old partners or their related females. By calculating the ratio of actual grooming partners to available females in 2003, we concluded that females had a greater possibility of selecting surviving old partners as their grooming partners than other unrelated partners, and that they also had a greater possibility of selecting females related to surviving old partners than females other than surviving old partners and their related females. These findings indicate that with regard to grooming relationships, female Japanese monkeys are basically conservative, showing a tendency to concentrate their grooming interactions on closely related females and certain familiar unrelated females such as surviving old partners and some females closely related to these partners. At the same time, however, female Japanese monkeys also showed a progressive trait for grooming since they formed grooming relationships with new partners. The necessity of long‐term psychological bonding for long‐term grooming relationships between unrelated females is discussed in this work. Am. J. Primatol. 69:652–663, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors in early pregnancy and infant congenital malformations
Authors: Källén Bengt A. J. , Otterblad Olausson Petra 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:Maternal use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has recently been associated with an increased risk for certain malformations.METHODS:Using the Swedish Medical Birth Register, we identified women who had reported the use of SSRIs in early pregnancy and studied their infants, born between July 1, 1995 and the end of 2004. Congenital malformations were identified from that register, from the Register of Congenital Malformations, and from the Hospital Discharge Register. The effect of drug exposure was studied after adjustment for a number of identified maternal characteristics that could act as confounders.RESULTS:We identified 6,481 women who reported the use of SSRIs in early pregnancy and their 6,555 infants. There was no general increase in malformation risk. An increased risk for cystic kidneys was seen, but this was based on only nine malformed infants, and the pathology varied between these cases. An in‐depth study of cardiovascular defects identified an association between such defects and notably ventricular and atrial septum defects and maternal use of paroxetine but not other SSRIs. No support for a postulated association between SSRI use and infant craniostenosis or omphalocele was found.CONCLUSIONS:Use of SSRIs in early pregnancy does not seem to be a major risk factor for infant malformations. The association between paroxetine use and infant cardiovascular defects may be a result of multiple testing, but is supported by other studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.