bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative secretome analysis suggests low plant cell wall degrading capacity in Frankia symbionts
Authors: Mastronunzio Juliana E , Tisa Louis S , Normand Philippe , Benson David R 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background

Frankia sp. strains, the nitrogen-fixing facultative endosymbionts of actinorhizal plants, have long been proposed to secrete hydrolytic enzymes such as cellulases, pectinases, and proteases that may contribute to plant root penetration and formation of symbiotic root nodules. These or other secreted proteins might logically be involved in the as yet unknown molecular interactions between Frankia and their host plants. We compared the genome-based secretomes of three Frankia strains representing diverse host specificities. Signal peptide detection algorithms were used to predict the individual secretomes of each strain, and the set of secreted proteins shared among the strains, termed the core Frankia secretome. Proteins in the core secretome may be involved in the actinorhizal symbiosis.

Results
The Frankia genomes have conserved Sec (general secretory) and Tat (twin arginine translocase) secretion systems. The potential secretome of each Frankia strain comprised 4–5% of the total proteome, a lower percentage than that found in the genomes of other actinobacteria, legume endosymbionts, and plant pathogens. Hydrolytic enzymes made up only a small fraction of the total number of predicted secreted proteins in each strain. Surprisingly, polysaccharide-degrading enzymes were few in number, especially in strain CcI3, with more esterolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes having signal peptides. A total of 161 orthologous proteins belong to the core Frankia secretome. Of these, 52 also lack homologs in closely related actinobacteria, and are termed "Frankia- specific." The genes encoding these conserved secreted proteins are often clustered near secretion machinery genes.

Conclusion
The predicted secretomes of Frankia sp. are relatively small and include few hydrolases, which could reflect adaptation to a symbiotic lifestyle. There are no well-conserved secreted polysaccharide-degrading enzymes present in all three Frankia genomes, suggesting that plant cell wall polysaccharide degradation may not be crucial to root infection, or that this degradation varies among strains. We hypothesize that the relative lack of secreted polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in Frankia reflects a strategy used by these bacteria to avoid eliciting host defense responses. The esterases, lipases, and proteases found in the core Frankia secretome might facilitate hyphal penetration through the cell wall, release carbon sources, or modify chemical signals. The core secretome also includes extracellular solute-binding proteins and Frankia-specific hypothetical proteins that may enable the actinorhizal symbiosis.
Healing Potential of Picrorhiza kurroa (Scrofulariaceae) rhizomes against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration: a mechanistic exploration.
Authors: Banerjee Debashish , Maity Biswanath , Nag Subrata K , Bandyopadhyay Sandip K , Chattopadhyay Subrata 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of the rhizomes of the Indian medicinal plant,Picrorhiza kurroain healing indomethacin-induced acute stomach ulceration in mice and examine its capacity to modulate oxidative stress and the levels of prostaglandin (PGE2) and EGF during the process.MethodsMale swiss albino mice, ulcerated with indomethacin (18 mg/kg, p. o., single dose) were treated up to 7 days with different doses of the methanol extract ofP. kurroarhizomes (designated as PK). The healing capacity of the most effective dose of PK (20 mg/kg, p. o. × 3 d) was compared with that of omeprazole (Omez) (3 mg/kg, p. o. × 3 d). The effects of the drug-treatment for one and three days on the biochemical parameters were assessed by comparing the results with that of untreated mice of the 1stand 3rdday of ulceration. The stomach tissues of the mice were used for the biochemical analysis.ResultsThe macroscopic indices revealed maximum ulceration on the 3rdday after indomethacin administration, which was effectively healed by PK. Under the optimized treatment regime, PK and Omez reduced the ulcer indices by 45.1% (P< 0.01), and 76.3% respectively (P< 0.001), compared to the untreated ulcerated mice.Compared to the ulcerated untreated mice, those treated with PK for 3 days showed decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (32.7%,P< 0.05) and protein carbonyl (37.7%,P< 0.001), and increased mucin (42.2%,P< 0.01), mucosal PGE2(21.4%,P< 0.05), and expressions of COX-1 and 2 (26.9% and 18.5%,P< 0.05), EGF (149.0%,P< 0.001) and VEGF (56.9%,P< 0.01). Omez reduced the TBARS (29.4%,P< 0.05), and protein carbonyl (38.9%,P< 0.001), and increased mucin (38.3%,P< 0.01), without altering the other parameters significantly.ConclusionPK (20 mg/kg, p. o. × 3 days) could effectively heal indomethacin-induced stomach ulceration in mice by reducing oxidative stress, and promoting mucin secretion, prostaglandin synthesis and augmenting expressions of cyclooxygenase enzymes and growth factors.
No miRNA were found in Plasmodium and the ones identified in erythrocytes could not be correlated with infection
Authors: Xue Xiangyang , Zhang Qingfeng , Huang Yufu , Feng Le , Pan Weiqing 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
The transcriptional regulation of Plasmodium during its complex life cycle requires sequential activation and/or repression of different genetic programmes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a highly conserved class of non-coding RNAs that are important in regulating diverse cellular functions by sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression. What is know about double-stranded RNA-mediated gene silencing (RNAi) and posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) in Plasmodium parasites entice us to speculate whether miRNAs can also function in Plasmodium-infected RBCs.

Results
Of 132 small RNA sequences, no Plasmodium-specific miRNAs have been found. However, a human miRNA, miR-451, was highly expressed, comprising approximately one third of the total identified miRNAs. Further analysis of miR-451 expression and malaria infection showed no association between the accumulation of miR-451 in Plasmodium falciparum-iRBCs, the life cycle stage of P. falciparum in the erythrocyte, or of P. berghei in mice. Moreover, treatment with an antisense oligonucleotide to miR-451 had no significant effect on the growth of the erythrocytic-stage P. falciparum.

Methods
Short RNAs from a mixed-stage of P. falciparum-iRBC were separated in a denaturing polyacrylamide gel and cloned into T vectors to create a cDNA library. Individual clones were then sequenced and further analysed by bioinformatics prediction to discover probable miRNAs in P. falciparum-iRBC. The association between miR-451 expression and the parasite were analysed by Northern blotting and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) of miR-451.

Conclusion
These results contribute to eliminate the probability of miRNAs in P. falciparum. The absence of miRNA in P. falciparum could be correlated with absence of argonaute/dicer genes. In addition, the miR-451 accumulation in Plasmodium-infected RBCs is independent of parasite infection. Its accumulation might be only the residual of erythroid differentiation or a component to maintain the normal function of mature RBCs.
MEG event-related desynchronization and synchronization deficits during basic somatosensory processing in individuals with ADHD
Authors: Dockstader Colleen , Gaetz William , Cheyne Douglas , Wang Frank , Castellanos F Xavier , Tannock Rosemary 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent, complex disorder which is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Convergent evidence from neurobiological studies of ADHD identifies dysfunction in fronto-striatal-cerebellar circuitry as the source of behavioural deficits. Recent studies have shown that regions governing basic sensory processing, such as the somatosensory cortex, show abnormalities in those with ADHD suggesting that these processes may also be compromised.

Methods
We used event-related magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine patterns of cortical rhythms in the primary (SI) and secondary (SII) somatosensory cortices in response to median nerve stimulation, in 9 adults with ADHD and 10 healthy controls. Stimuli were brief (0.2 ms) non-painful electrical pulses presented to the median nerve in two counterbalanced conditions: unpredictable and predictable stimulus presentation. We measured changes in strength, synchronicity, and frequency of cortical rhythms.

Results
Healthy comparison group showed strong event-related desynchrony and synchrony in SI and SII. By contrast, those with ADHD showed significantly weaker event-related desynchrony and event-related synchrony in the alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) bands, respectively. This was most striking during random presentation of median nerve stimulation. Adults with ADHD showed significantly shorter duration of beta rebound in both SI and SII except for when the onset of the stimulus event could be predicted. In this case, the rhythmicity of SI (but not SII) in the ADHD group did not differ from that of controls.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that somatosensory processing is altered in individuals with ADHD. MEG constitutes a promising approach to profiling patterns of neural activity during the processing of sensory input (e.g., detection of a tactile stimulus, stimulus predictability) and facilitating our understanding of how basic sensory processing may underlie and/or be influenced by more complex neural networks involved in higher order processing.
Fecundity and longevity of roaming dogs in Jaipur, India
Authors: Reece John F , Chawla Sunil K , Hiby Elly F , Hiby Lex R 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Estimates of demographic parameters, such as age-specific survival and fecundity, age at first pregnancy and litter size, are required for roaming dogs (i.e. dogs that are neither confined nor restricted) to assess the likely effect of proposed methods of population control. Data resulting from individual identification of dogs spayed as part of an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme in Jaipur, India, are used to derive such parameters for the roaming dog population of that city.

Results
The percentage of females becoming pregnant in any given year was estimated by inspection of over 25,000 females caught for spaying from 1995 to 2006. The point estimate is 47.5% with a 95% confidence interval from 44% to 51%. Adult annual survival of spayed females was estimated by recapture of 62 spayed females from 2002 to 2006. The point estimate is 0.70 (95% confidence interval from 0.62 to 0.78), corresponding to an expected total lifespan of 3.8 years for a spayed female at one year old.

Conclusion
Recording the pregnancy status of dogs collected for spaying and individual marking of dogs released following spaying can provide estimates of some of the demographic parameters essential for predicting the future effectiveness of an ABC programme. Further, we suggest that recording the number and location of spayed and unspayed dogs encountered by the catching teams could be the most effective way to monitor the size and composition of the roaming dog population.
Acute gallbladder torsion: an unexpected intraoperative finding
Authors: Janakan Gnananandan , Ayantunde Abraham A , Hoque Happy 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGallbladder torsion is an uncommon clinical entity and a difficult condition to diagnose preoperatively. Since its first description in 1898 by Wendel there have been over 500 documented cases in the literature. It is known to occur when there is rotation of the gallbladder along the axis of the cystic duct and vascular pedicle. Except for isolated cases reported in childhood, this disease is more frequently encountered in the elderly with 85% of the cases reported between the ages of 60 and 80 years. There is a female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Gallbladder torsion typically presents as an acute abdomen requiring emergency surgery but preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder torsion is difficult and most cases are found as a surprise at surgery.We report a case of acute gallbladder torsion in an elderly lady and review the clinical aspect of the disease.
Computational identification of obligatorily autocatalytic replicators embedded in metabolic networks
Authors: Kun Ádám , Papp Balázs , Szathmáry Eörs 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Background
If chemical A is necessary for the synthesis of more chemical A, then A has the power of replication (such systems are known as autocatalytic systems). We provide the first systems-level analysis searching for small-molecular autocatalytic components in the metabolisms of diverse organisms, including an inferred minimal metabolism.

Results
We find that intermediary metabolism is invariably autocatalytic for ATP. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the existence of additional, organism-specific autocatalytic metabolites in the forms of coenzymes (NAD+, coenzyme A, tetrahydrofolate, quinones) and sugars. Although the enzymatic reactions of a number of autocatalytic cycles are present in most of the studied organisms, they display obligatorily autocatalytic behavior in a few networks only, hence demonstrating the need for a systems-level approach to identify metabolic replicators embedded in large networks.

Conclusion
Metabolic replicators are apparently common and potentially both universal and ancestral: without their presence, kick-starting metabolic networks is impossible, even if all enzymes and genes are present in the same cell. Identification of metabolic replicators is also important for attempts to create synthetic cells, as some of these autocatalytic molecules will presumably be needed to be added to the system as, by definition, the system cannot synthesize them without their initial presence.
Montelukast inhibition of resting and GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1 under flow conditions appears independent of cysLT1R antagonism
Authors: Robinson Alexander J , Kashanin Dmitry , O’Dowd Frank , Williams Vivienne , Walsh Garry M 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMontelukast (MLK) is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 (cysLT1R) antagonist with inhibitory effects on eosinophils, key proinflammatory cells in asthma. We assessed the effect of MLK on resting and GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion to recombinant human (rh)VCAM-1 at different flow rates using our novel microflow system. At 1 or 2 dyn cm−2, shear-stress unstimulated eosinophils tethered immediately to rhVCAM-1, “rolled” along part of the channel until they tethered, or rolled without tethering. At flow rates greater than 2 dyn cm−2, adherent eosinophils began to be displaced from rhVCAM-1. MLK (10 nM and 100 nM) gave partial (∼40%) but significant (P&lt;0.05) inhibition of unstimulated eosinophil adhesion to rhVCAM-1 at 1 or 2 dyn cm−2 shear stress. Once adhered, unstimulated eosinophils did not exhibit morphological changes, and GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion under flow was characterized by greater cell flattening with significant (P&lt;0.05) inhibition of adherent cell numbers by 100 nM MLK observed. This effect appeared specific for MLK, as the analog (E)-3-[[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl]-[[3-dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]-propanoic acid, sodium salt, had no significant effect on eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1. The possibility that LTC4, released from unstimulated or GM-CSF-treated eosinophils, contributed to their adhesion to VCAM-1 was excluded as the LT biosynthesis inhibitor 3-[1-(p-Chlorobenzyl)-5-(isopropyl)-3-t-butylthioindol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid had no inhibitory effect, and exogenously added LTC4 did not enhance eosinophil adhesion. In contrast, LTD4 enhanced eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1, an effect blocked by MLK (10 and 100 nM). These findings demonstrate that MLK-mediated inhibition of unstimulated and GM-CSF-stimulated eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1 under shear-stress conditions appears independent of cysLT1R antagonism.
Late Extended Adjuvant Treatment With Letrozole Improves Outcome in Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer Who Complete 5 Years of Tamoxifen
Authors: Goss Paul E. , Ingle James N. , Pater Joseph L. , Martino Silvana , Robert Nicholas J. , Muss Hyman B. , Piccart Martine J. , Castiglione Monica , Shepherd Lois E. , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Livingston Robert B. , Davidson Nancy E. , Norton Larry , Perez Edith A. , Abrams Jeffrey S. , Cameron David A. , Palmer Michael J. , Tu Dongsheng 
Published: March 2008

Purpose The National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group MA.17 trial examined the efficacy of letrozole (LET) started within 3 months of 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen in postmenopausal hormone receptor–positive early-stage breast cancer. When the trial was unblinded, patients who received placebo (PLAC) were offered LET. Patients and Methods This cohort analysis describes the outcomes of women assigned PLAC at the initial random assignment after unblinding. Efficacy outcomes of women who chose LET (PLAC-LET group) were compared with those who did not (PLAC-PLAC group) by the hazard ratios and by P values calculated from Cox models that adjusted for imbalances between the groups. Toxicity analyses included only events that occurred after unblinding. Results There were 1,579 women in the PLAC-LET group (median time from tamoxifen, 2.8 years) and 804 in the PLAC-PLAC group. Patients in the PLAC-LET group were younger; had a better performance status; and were more likely to have had node-positive disease, axillary dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy than those in the PLAC-PLAC group. At a median follow-up of 5.3 years, disease-free survival (DFS; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.61; P < .0001) and distant DFS (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.74; P = .004) were superior in the PLAC-LET group. More self-reported new diagnoses of osteoporosis and significantly more clinical fractures occurred in the women who took LET (5.2% v 3.1%, P = .02). Conclusion Interpretation of this cohort analysis suggests that LET improves DFS and distant DFS even when there has been a substantial period of time since the discontinuation of prior adjuvant tamoxifen.
Benefit From Exemestane As Extended Adjuvant Therapy After 5 Years of Adjuvant Tamoxifen: Intention-to-Treat Analysis of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-33 Trial
Authors: Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Smith Roy E. , Ganz Patricia A. , Land Stephanie R. , Eisen Andrea , Fehrenbacher Louis , Farrar William B. , Atkins James N. , Pajon Eduardo R. , Vogel Victor G. , Kroener Joan F. , Hutchins Laura F. , Robidoux André , Hoehn James L. , Ingle James N. , Geyer Charles E. , Costantino Joseph P. , Wolmark Norman 
Published: March 2008

Purpose Patients with early-stage, hormone receptor–positive breast cancer have considerable residual risk for recurrence after completing 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen. In May 2001, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) initiated accrual to a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the steroidal aromatase inhibitor exemestane as extended adjuvant therapy in this setting. Patients and Methods Postmenopausal patients with clinical T1-3N1M0 breast cancer who were disease free after 5 years of tamoxifen were randomly assigned to 5 years of exemestane (25 mg/d orally) or 5 years of placebo. Our primary aim was to test whether exemestane prolongs disease-free survival (DFS). In October 2003, results of National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) MA.17 showing benefit from adjuvant letrozole in this setting necessitated termination of accrual to B-33, unblinding, and offering of exemestane to patients in the placebo group. Results At the time of unblinding, 1,598 patients had been randomly assigned; 72% in the exemestane group continued on exemestane and 44% in the placebo group elected to receive exemestane. With 30 months of median follow-up, original exemestane assignment resulted in a borderline statistically significant improvement in 4-year DFS (91% v 89%; relative risk [RR] = 0.68; P = .07) and in a statistically significant improvement in 4-year relapse-free survival (RFS; 96% v 94%; RR = 0.44; P = .004). Toxicity, assessed up to time of unblinding, was acceptable for the adjuvant setting. Conclusion Despite premature closure and crossover to exemestane by a substantial proportion of patients, original exemestane assignment resulted in non–statistically significant improvement in DFS and in statistically significant improvement in RFS.
Predigen in der Mediengesellschaft Homiletische Herausforderungen der Gegenwart
Authors: Herrmann Jörg 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This article treats the homiletic consequences of the ongoing “medialisation” of culture and society. It fi rst describes the phenomenon of media society and points out the audiovisual character of the average 600 minutes a day that people have with media. In a next step it summarizes the main results of a theological media research project, showing that the modern media culture, if considered in a large scope, has taken on functions of ecclesiastic religion. A third step formulates material and formal homiletic consequences based on the insights of the theological media analysis. In the end, the article underlines the importance of refl ecting the media culture of the contemporary world as a condition for a competent homiletic practice in the context of ongoing medialisation.
Psychological Typology of Anglican clergy in England: Diversity, Strengths, and Weaknesses in Ministry
Authors: Francis Leslie J , Craig Charlotte L , Whinney Michael , Tilley David , Slater Paul 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Recent research within the psychology of religion and empirical theology has drawn attention to the theoretical and practical power of psychological type theory to illuminate and to facilitate the practice of Christian ministry. Building on this tradition, in the present study the psychological type preferences of 626 male Anglican clergy and 247 female Anglican clergy in England were assessed using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The purpose was to profile the personal and professional qualities of those engaged in Christian ministry within this specific context. Both male and female clergy revealed preferences for introversion over extraversion, intuition over sensing, feeling over thinking, and judging over perceiving. Points of similarity and difference between the current sample and the wider United Kingdom population are explored, as well as with Anglican congregations and other clergy in the United Kingdom. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of interpreting diversity, strengths, and potential weaknesses in ministry. The findings are valuable for practical theology in informing practices of selecting, training, deploying and supporting clergy. Questions can also be posed for theological construction, but that work is of another genre and will be done in future deliberations.