bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single amino acid variation in barley 14‐3‐3 proteins leads to functional isoform specificity in the regulation of nitrate reductase
Authors: Sinnige Mark P. , Roobeek Ilja , Bunney Tom D. , Visser Antonie J.W.G. , Mol Jos N.M. , de Boer Albertus H. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe highly conserved family of 14‐3‐3 proteins function in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular processes. The presence of multiple 14‐3‐3 isoforms and the diversity of cellular processes regulated by 14‐3‐3 suggest functional isoform specificity of 14‐3‐3 isoforms in the regulation of target proteins. Indeed, several studies observed differences in affinity and functionality of 14‐3‐3 isoforms. However, the structural variation by which isoform specificity is accomplished remains unclear. Because other reports suggest that specificity is found in differential expression and availability of 14‐3‐3 isoforms, we used the nitrate reductase (NR) model system to analyse the availability and functionality of the three barley 14‐3‐3 isoforms. We found that 14‐3‐3C is unavailable in dark harvested barley leaf extract and 14‐3‐3A is functionally not capable to efficiently inhibit NR activity, leaving 14‐3‐3B as the only characterized isoform able to regulate NR in barley. Further, using site directed mutagenesis, we identified a single amino acid variation (Gly versus Ser) in loop 8 of the 14‐3‐3 proteins that plays an important role in the observed isoform specificity. Mutating the Gly residue of 14‐3‐3A to the alternative residue, as found in 14‐3‐3B and 14‐3‐3C, turned it into a potent inhibitor of NR activity. Using surface plasmon resonance, we show that the ability of 14‐3‐3A and the mutated version to inhibit NR activity correlates well with their binding affinity for the 14‐3‐3 binding motif in the NR protein, indicating involvement of this residue in ligand discrimination. These results suggest that both the availability of 14‐3‐3 isoforms as well as binding affinity determine isoform‐specific regulation of NR activity.
PIF1 is regulated by light‐mediated degradation through the ubiquitin‐26S proteasome pathway to optimize photomorphogenesis of seedlings in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shen Hui , Moon Jennifer , Huq Enamul 
Published: November 2005

SummaryLight signals perceived by the phytochrome (phy) family of sensory photoreceptors control multiple aspects of plant development. Recently, PIF1, a phy‐interacting basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor, has been shown to negatively regulate facets of the photomorphogenesis of seedlings. Moreover, the transcriptional activation activity of PIF1 is reduced in a phy‐dependent manner. In this study we use the luciferase (LUC) activity of the LUC–PIF1 fusion protein as an indicator of the stability of PIF1 in various light conditions. We found that the activity of LUC–PIF1 in both transient and stable transgenic lines is rapidly reduced in light, while the LUC‐only control is stable under the same conditions, suggesting that PIF1 is degraded in response to light. Fluence‐rate response curves indicate that PIF1 degradation is very sensitive to the quality and quantity of light. The half‐life of PIF1 is about 16 min under 10 μmol m−2 sec−1 red light. PIF1 reaccumulates in the subsequent dark period after light‐induced degradation, signifying that PIF1 not only functions in the dark and during the transition from etiolated to de‐etiolated growth, but may also function during diurnal cycles. Inhibitors of the 26S proteasome increased the stability of PIF1, indicating that degradation of PIF1 is mediated by the ubiquitin‐26S proteasome pathway. Further, de novo protein synthesis is not required for degradation of PIF1, as the presence of cycloheximide does not prevent degradation of PIF1 in the light. Taken together, these results suggest that the light signals perceived by phys induce the degradation of PIF1 and other phy‐interacting factors to optimize photomorphogenesis.
LEAFY, TERMINAL FLOWER1 and AGAMOUS are functionally conserved but do not regulate terminal flowering and floral determinacy in Impatiens balsamina
Authors: Ordidge Matthew , Chiurugwi Tinashe , Tooke Fiona , Battey Nick H. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIn Impatiens balsamina a lack of commitment of the meristem during floral development leads to the continuous requirement for a leaf‐derived floral signal. In the absence of this signal the meristem reverts to leaf production. Current models for Arabidopsis state that LEAFY (LFY) is central to the integration of floral signals and regulates flowering partly via interactions with TERMINAL FLOWER1 (TFL1) and AGAMOUS (AG). Here we describe Impatiens homologues of LFY, TFL1 and AG (IbLFY, IbTFL1 and IbAG) that are highly conserved at a sequence level and demonstrate homologous functions when expressed ectopically in transgenic Arabidopsis. We relate the expression patterns of IbTFL1 and IbAG to the control of terminal flowering and floral determinacy in Impatiens. IbTFL1 is involved in controlling the phase of the axillary meristems and is expressed in axillary shoots and axillary meristems which produce inflorescences, but not in axillary flowers. It is not involved in maintaining the terminal meristem in either an inflorescence or indeterminate state. Terminal flowering in Impatiens appears therefore to be controlled by a pathway that uses a different integration system than that regulating the development of axillary flowers and branches. The pattern of ovule production in Impatiens requires the meristem to be maintained after the production of carpels. Consistent with this morphological feature IbAG appears to specify stamen and carpel identity, but is not sufficient to specify meristem determinacy in Impatiens.
Cultural awareness among Queensland undergraduate occupational therapy students
Authors: Rasmussen Tanya M. , Lloyd Chris , Wielandt Trish 
Published: November 2005

Aim:  Australia's cultural diversity generates substantial challenges and implications for students and health‐care professionals. This study investigated the cultural perceptions and self‐rated level of cultural competence of undergraduate occupational therapy students in Queensland, Australia. Results:  Two hundred and ninety‐three students completed the Cultural Awareness Questionnaire. The findings indicated that the majority of students have a positive attitude towards cultural differences and influences on occupational therapy services. Students also recognised the importance of cultural awareness and highlighted the need for increased incorporation of cultural information and experience throughout the undergraduate course. Conclusion:  The implications of this study are discussed with reference to the future academic planning of culturally sensitive occupational therapy course and fieldwork experiences.
Effects of occupational therapy intervention on activities of daily living and awareness of disability in persons with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hällgren Monica , Kottorp Anders 
Published: November 2005

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an occupational therapy intervention program on activities of daily living (ADL) ability and awareness of disability. Methods:  Six persons with intellectual disabilities participated in the study, which was based on a single‐case design. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and Assessment of Awareness of Disability were used as evaluation tools. Results:  Activities of daily living performance improved in five of the six participants after implementation of the program, with improvement across both motor and process skills. However, no clear improvement in awareness of disability was found following implementation of the program. Conclusion:  It may be concluded from this study that persons with intellectual disabilities can benefit from occupational therapy interventions to improve ADL ability, even in the absence of any change in their awareness of disability.
Achieving a restorative mental break for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Watts Janet H. , Teitelman Jodi 
Published: November 2005

Background/Aim:  This phenomenological exploration of how caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease achieve a mental break defined them as distinct periods of freedom from caregiving concerns and conceptualised them as the essence of respite and as a restorative occupation. Methods:  Four in‐depth interviews each with 15 family caregivers revealed two categories. Results:  Factors associated with achieving a mental break included: social support, traditional respite, relief‐enhancing conditions, techniques for momentary stress reduction, and respite impediments. Achieving a mental break included mental break techniques and experiencing a mental break. Conclusions:  Restorative mental breaks are often within caregiver control, are achievable independent of formal respite services, and involve both rest and engagement in absorbing activities. Restorative breaks are often pleasurable, support productivity, may be entwined with caregiving activities, and importantly, do not compromise care recipient well‐being.
The environment and falls prevention: Do environmental modifications make a difference?
Authors: Tse Tamara 
Published: November 2005

Background and Aims:  Environmental modification is a strategy widely recommended in many falls prevention programs. However the effectiveness of such a strategy has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate published research related to falls prevention and environmental modification for older people. Method:  A review of research conducted between 1993 and 2004 was undertaken. Ageline, Cinahl and OvidMedline databases were searched using falls prevention, home modifications, environmental modifications and occupational therapy as key words. Results:  Eighteen articles were found relating to community and institutional dwellings and the relevance of environmental modifications. Conclusion:  There is some evidence to support the use of environmental modification as a strategy in falls prevention for older people particularly in association with multidisciplinary/multifactorial programs targeted to those people with a history of falls.
The introduction and evaluation of an occupational therapy assistant practitioner
Authors: Nancarrow Susan , Mackey Hazel 
Published: November 2005

Background and Aim:  This paper describes the introduction and evaluation of an extended role occupational therapy support worker, called an ‘occupational therapy assistant practitioner’. Methods and Results:  The evaluation took place within a single health care trust and involved focus groups with four groups of stakeholders: assistant practitioners; their supervisors; managers; and service users. The evaluation identified a lack of access to appropriate training; ambiguous supervision and accountability relationships; and a lack of a clear career direction for qualified occupational therapists, creating uncertainty about which aspects of their job they should be ‘giving away’. Conclusions:  There is a need to clarify career structures and accountability relationships between existing and new staff members and ensure that appropriate training is available to support staff in their new roles.
The imprint of the geographical, evolutionary and ecological context on species–area relationships
Authors: Drakare Stina , Lennon Jack J. , Hillebrand Helmut 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSpecies–area relationships (SAR) are fundamental in the understanding of biodiversity patterns and of critical importance for predicting species extinction risk worldwide. Despite the enormous attention given to SAR in the form of many individual analyses, little attempt has been made to synthesize these studies. We conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis of 794 SAR, comprising a wide span of organisms, habitats and locations. We identified factors reflecting both pattern‐based and dynamic approaches to SAR and tested whether these factors leave significant imprints on the slope and strength of SAR. Our analysis revealed that SAR are significantly affected by variables characterizing the sampling scheme, the spatial scale, and the types of organisms or habitats involved. We found that steeper SAR are generated at lower latitudes and by larger organisms. SAR varied significantly between nested and independent sampling schemes and between major ecosystem types, but not generally between the terrestrial and the aquatic realm. Both the fit and the slope of the SAR were scale‐dependent. We conclude that factors dynamically regulating species richness at different spatial scales strongly affect the shape of SAR. We highlight important consequences of this systematic variation in SAR for ecological theory, conservation management and extinction risk predictions.
Subcutaneous microdialysis before and after an oral glucose tolerance test: a method to determine insulin resistance in the subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rajamand N. , Ungerstedt U. , Brismar K. 
Published: November 2005

Aims:  Subcutaneous microdialysis has been used for continuous glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) to facilitate tight regulation of blood glucose levels. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate (i) the relationship between capillary and interstitial glucose in patients with type 1 or 2 DM and healthy subjects and (ii) the feasibility of using microdialysis to assess local insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue.Methods:  Using subcutaneous microdialysis, interstitial glucose, lactate, pyruvate and glycerol were determined as measures of glucose and lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, before and after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 14 patients and seven controls. The results were correlated to whole‐body insulin sensitivity and insulin sensitivity in liver estimated from the levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 1 (IGFBP‐1).Results:  Capillary and interstitial glucose correlated before and after OGTT in healthy subjects and in type 1 DM but not in type 2 DM. In fasting state, the glycerol levels were higher in both type 1 and type 2 DM compared with controls. After the OGTT, the insulin levels were sufficient to suppress lipolysis in type 1 but not in type 2 DM. The glucose/lactate ratio was higher at fasting in type 1 DM and after OGTT in type 1 and 2 DM. In type 1 DM, basal interstitial glycerol levels correlated to whole‐body glucose utilization. In type 2 DM, correlations were found between the basal glycerol levels and whole‐body insulin sensitivity and between glucose/lactate and per cent decrease in IGFBP‐1 levels 120 min after OGTT.Conclusion:  Capillary and interstitial glucose correlated before and after OGTT in healthy subjects and patients with type 1 DM. Correlations were also found between insulin sensitivity in whole body and in adipose tissue in both type 1 and type 2 DM and between insulin sensitivity in subcutaneous adipose tissue and liver in type 2 DM. This study shows that microdialysis technique can be used to study in vivo insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue over time and may be useful in the evaluation of, for example, the effects of new drugs on insulin sensitivity.
Effect of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on oxidative energy metabolism in rat kidney mitochondria. A comparative study of early and late effects
Authors: Katyare S. S. , Satav J. G. 
Published: November 2005

Aim:  The effects of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes on oxidative energy metabolism of rat kidney mitochondria were examined at the end of 1 week and 1 month of STZ treatment.Methods:  At the end of 1 week of induction of diabetes, respiration rates with pyruvate + malate and succinate as the substrates increased while those with β‐hydroxybutyrate and ascorbate + TMPD decreased. Respiration with glutamate was not affected. Insulin treatment had no alleviating effect. The changes persisted through 1 month of induction of diabetes and were not corrected by insulin treatment even at this stage. β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity registered significant decrease while the succinate dehydrogenase activity increased in diabetic and insulin‐treated diabetic animals whereas only marginal changes were evident in the composition of the cytochromes.Results:  The ATPase activity tended to be high in the diabetic groups and was restored by insulin treatment. At both the stages, i.e. early and late stages of diabetes the mitochondria were tightly coupled and the ADP/O ratios were in normal expected ranges.Conclusion:  Taken together, the results suggest that kidney is the major target tissue to suffer impairment of mitochondrial function with the onset of the disease which persists throughout and that insulin treatment is ineffective in restoring the normal state.
Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have elevated levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 that are not influenced by the –2518 A→G promoter polymorphism
Authors: Zietz B. , Büchler C. , Herfarth H. , Müller‐Ladner U. , Spiegel D. , Schölmerich J. , Schäffler A. 
Published: November 2005

Aim:  To investigate the association of serum levels and the −2518 A→G promoter polymorphism of the gene for chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), a major chemoattractant of monocytes and activated lymphocytes, with metabolic parameters as well as insulin, leptin and the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in 534 Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:  MCP‐1 concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. MCP‐1 genotyping was performed by RFLP analysis in a subset of 426 patients.Results:  Two hundred and thirty‐one (54.2%) patients were homozygous for the wildtype allele (AA), 156 (36.6%) were heterozygous (AG) and 39 (9.2%) were homozygous for the mutated allele (GG). Allelic frequency was similar to non‐diabetic populations (wildtype allele A: 0.73; mutated allele G: 0.27). MCP‐1 mean concentrations and percentiles were substantially higher in non‐diabetic populations but were not influenced by the genotype (AA: 662.0 ± 323.0 pg/ml; AG: 730.6 ± 491.4 pg/ml; GG: 641.2 ± 323.8 pg/ml). MCP‐1 serum levels and genotypes were only marginally related to hormones (insulin and leptin) and cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6).Conclusions:  This is the first study providing MCP‐1 levels, percentiles and genotype frequency in a large and representative cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared to the literature, MCP‐1 levels were found to be substantially higher in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, genotype frequencies were similar compared to those in non‐diabetic patients and were not related to MCP‐1 levels. The mechanisms behind these elevated MCP‐1 serum levels in type 2 diabetes are not to be explained by simple associations with hormones, cytokines or genotypes.
Meta‐analysis: effect of hormone‐replacement therapy on components of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women
Authors: Salpeter S. R. , Walsh J. M. E. , Ormiston T. M. , Greyber E. , Buckley N. S. , Salpeter E. E. 
Published: November 2005

Aim:  To quantify the effects of hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) on components of the metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.Methods:  Comprehensive searches of electronic databases were performed from April 1966 to October 2004. We included randomized controlled trials that were of at least 8 weeks duration and evaluated the effect of HRT on metabolic, inflammatory or thrombotic components. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR). Subgroup analysis evaluated the effects for transdermal and oral treatment and for diabetic and non‐diabetic women.Results:  Pooled results of 107 trials showed that HRT reduced abdominal fat [−6.8% (CI, −11.8 to −1.9%)], HOMA‐IR [−12.9% (CI, −17.1 to −8.6%)] and new‐onset diabetes [relative risk 0.7 (CI, 0.6–0.9)] in women without diabetes. In women with diabetes, HRT reduced fasting glucose [−11.5% (CI, −18.0 to −5.1%)] and HOMA‐IR [−35.8% (CI, −51.7 to −19.8%)]. HRT also reduced low‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio [−15.7% (CI, −18.0 to −13.5%)], lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] [−25.0% [CI, −32.9 to −17.1%)], mean blood pressure [−1.7% (CI, −2.9 to −0.5%)], E‐selectin [−17.3% (CI, −22.4 to −12.1%)], fibrinogen [−5.5% (CI, −7.8 to −3.2%)] and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 [−25.1% (CI, −33.6 to −15.5%)]. Oral agents produced larger beneficial effects than transdermal agents, but increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) [37.6% (CI, 17.4–61.3%)] and decreased protein S [−8.6% CI, −13.1 to −4.1%)], while transdermal agents had no effect.Conclusions:  HRT reduces abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, new‐onset diabetes, lipids, blood pressure, adhesion molecules and procoagulant factors in women without diabetes and reduced insulin resistance and fasting glucose in women with diabetes. Oral agents adversely affected CRP and protein S, while transdermal agents had no effects.
Meal‐induced platelet activation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: effects of treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide
Authors: Yngen M. , Östenson C.‐G. , Hjemdahl P. , Wallén N. H. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAims  To compare the effects of treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide on platelet function and endothelial markers in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, before and after a standardized meal.Methods  Fifteen patients with Type 2 diabetes were investigated on three occasions: at baseline without oral hypoglycaemic drug treatment, and after 6 weeks’ treatment with repaglinide or glibenclamide, respectively, in an open randomized cross‐over study. Agonist‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression and platelet aggregation, urinary thromboxane, soluble P‐selectin, von Willebrand factor (VWF), soluble E‐selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured. In addition, pre‐meal data were compared with non‐diabetic control subjects (n = 15), matched for sex, age and BMI.Results  Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression increased post‐meal in Type 2 diabetic patients both at baseline and after treatment with repaglinide and glibenclamide (P < 0.01 for all; repeated measures anova). Repaglinide treatment reduced fasting ADP‐induced P‐selectin expression compared with baseline (P = 0.01), but did not influence meal‐induced platelet hyper‐reactivity (P = 0.32). No significant anti‐platelet effects of glibenclamide treatment were found. Plasma concentrations of VWF and ICAM‐1 were elevated in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with control subjects (P < 0.05 for both) and were reduced during treatment with repaglinide (P < 0.01 for both) but did not change during glibenclamide treatment.Conclusions  The post‐meal state is associated with enhanced platelet reactivity in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pre‐meal treatment with repaglinide or glibenclamide does not inhibit postprandial platelet activation, but repaglinide treatment is associated with attenuated platelet and endothelial activity in the fasting state.