bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the human protein S gene promoter by liver enriched transcription factors
Authors: Hall Adrian J. , Peake Ian R. , Winship Peter R. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryProtein S is expressed in a number of tissue types, one of the most physiologically relevant being the liver. However, transcriptional control of protein S gene expression is poorly understood. We have characterised a 638 bp area in the 5′ flanking region of the human protein S gene, spanning all 10 previously reported transcription initiation sites, which demonstrates promoter activity in the human liver‐derived cell line HepG2. More refined reporter gene analysis of this region enabled the identification of three transcription initiation sites whose absence is associated with significantly reduced promoter activity, together with a number of positively and negatively acting transcriptional regulatory elements. Consistent with these findings, DNaseI footprinting analysis identified eleven sites (I–XI) from within this 638 bp region that show evidence of binding nuclear proteins. We present evidence to show that the liver‐specific factors hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1) and HNF4 bind regions of the protein S promoter, which lie within the identified protein binding sites V and VIII, respectively, and that HNF4 activates the protein S promoter. Reporter gene analysis suggests that members of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors are potent activators of protein S gene transcription in HepG2 cells.
Pamidronate infusion in patients with systemic sclerosis results in changes in blood mononuclear cell cytokine profiles
Authors: Carbone L D , Warrington K J , Barrow K D , Pugazhenthi M , Watsky M A , Somes G , Ingels J , Postlethwaite A E 
Published: October 2006

Summary
A single infusion of pamidronate was given to patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) to assess effects on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymphocyte subsets. Eighteen patients with SSc received a single intravenous dose of 60 mg of pamidronate and were followed for 6 months. Assessment of cytokine production [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-4] by PBMC and lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry was carried out before and after the pamidronate infusion. Unstimulated PBMC produced increased amounts of IFN-γ and TNF-α and reduced levels of TGF-β1 for up to 24 weeks after the infusion. γδ T cells from patients with SSc were activated in vitro and produced increased IFN-γ. The effects of pamidronate on modulation of cytokine profiles in patients with SSc may merit future study.
Refuge from cannibalism in complex‐structured habitats: implications for the accumulation of invertebrate predators
Authors: LANGELLOTTO GAIL A. , DENNO ROBERT F. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract 1. Like many invertebrate predators, the wolf spider Pardosa littoralis Banks (Araneae: Lycosidae) accumulates in complex‐structured habitats replete with leaf litter (thatch). Here we test the hypothesis that P. littoralis accumulates in complex habitats to gain refuge from cannibalism.2. A laboratory experiment examined the effects of habitat complexity (thatch present or absent) and size‐class pairing of conspecific spiders (large vs. small, small vs. small, and large vs. large) on the incidence of cannibalism. Spider survival was significantly higher (22%) in complex‐structured habitats with thatch than in simple‐structured habitats lacking thatch. Furthermore, cannibalism occurred more frequently in P. littoralis when the size of conspecifics was asymmetric (large vs. small spiders) than when spiders were of equal size. There was no interactive effect of habitat complexity and size‐class pairing on spider survival.3. A field experiment examined the effects of habitat complexity, conspecific density, and access to alternative prey on the prevalence of cannibalism in P. littoralis. Access to alternative prey significantly increased the number of spiders recovered from field enclosures, as did the presence of leaf litter thatch. That fewer spiders were recovered when thatch and alternative prey were absent suggests that cannibalism was most prevalent under these conditions.4. Overall, results suggest that habitat complexity reduces agonistic interactions and cannibalism among wolf spiders, providing encouragement to pest managers that the structure of agricultural habitats can be managed to maximise densities of generalist predators for enhanced pest suppression.
Lime and cow slurry application temporarily increases organic phosphorus mobility in an acid soil
Authors: Murphy P. N. C. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryPhosphorus loss from agricultural soils to water is recognized as a major contributor to eutrophication of surface water bodies. There is much evidence to suggest that liming, a common agricultural practice, may decrease the risk of P loss by decreasing P solubility. An unsaturated leaching column experiment, with treatments of control and two lime rates, was carried out to investigate the effects of liming on P mobility in a low‐P acid Irish soil, which was sieved and then packed in columns. Phosphorus was applied at the soil surface in the form of KH2PO4 in solution or as cow slurry. Soil solution was sampled at time intervals over depth and analysed for P fractions. Organic P (OP) was the dominant form of P mobile in soil solution. Liming increased OP mobility, probably through increased dispersion of OP with increased pH. Slurry application also increased OP mobility. Results indicated the potential for OP loss following heavy (100 m–3 ha–1) cow slurry application, even from low‐P soils, and suggested that liming may increase this risk. Reactive P (RP) was sorbed strongly and rapidly by the soil and did not move substantially below 5 cm depth. As a result, Olsen‐P values in the top 2 cm were greatly increased, which indicates an increased risk of RP loss in overland flow. Lime showed little potential as a soil amendment to reduce the risk of P loss.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Greater Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Born J. , Linder H. P. , Desmet P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim  The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) (Cape Floristic Kingdom) is currently narrowly delimited to include only the relatively mesic Cape fold mountains and adjacent intermontane valleys and coastal plains. We evaluate the floristic support for expanding the delimitation to include the whole winter‐rainfall area (arid and mesic climates) into a Greater CFR.Location  Southern Africa, particularly the south‐western tip.Methods  The initial divisive hierarchical classification analysis twinspan used the presence/absence of vascular plant genera to obtain major floristic groupings in southern Africa. For the more detailed analyses, we scored the flora as present/absent within a set of centres, among which the floristic relationships were investigated (agglomerative methods, upgma and minimum spanning trees). These analyses were conducted with species, genera and families separately. The centres were grouped into five regions. The species richness and endemism was calculated for the centres, regions and combination of regions. The dominant floristic components of each region were sought by calculating the percentage contribution of each family to the flora.Results  The divisive method showed that the winter‐rainfall areas are floristically distinct from the rest of southern Africa. The species‐ and generic‐level analyses revealed five regions: CFR, Karoo Region, Hantam‐Tanqua‐Roggeveld Region, Namaqualand Region and Namib‐Desert Region. The CFR has the highest endemism and richness. However, the combination of the CFR, the Hantam‐Tanqua‐Roggeveld Region and the Namaqualand Region results in a higher total endemism. Combined, these three regions almost match the region delimited by the twinspan analysis, and together constitute the Greater CFR.Main conclusions  The CFR constitutes a valid floristic region. This is evident from the endemism and the distinctive composition of the flora. However, the total endemism is higher for the whole winter‐rainfall area, and this supports the recognition of the larger unit. If floristic regions are to be delimited only on endemism, then the Greater CFR is to be preferred. If floristic regions are delimited on the composition of their floras at family level, then the support for such a grouping is weaker.
Biogeographical relationships among tropical forests in north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Melo Santos André M. , Cavalcanti Deyvson Rodrigues , Silva José Maria Cardoso da , Tabarelli Marcelo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim To use parsimony analysis of endemicity and cladistic analysis of distributions and endemism to evaluate two hypotheses addressing biogeographical relationships among Amazonia, the Caatinga forest enclaves, Pernambuco Centre and the southern Atlantic Forest.Location North‐eastern Brazil, South America.Methods To find the most parsimonious areagram we analysed a matrix composed of the presence (1) or absence (0) of 745 taxa (i.e. 293 genera and 452 species of woody plants) within 16 localities belonging to the four large regions addressed in this study.Results One most parsimonious areagram was found and it shows a basal separation between the southern Atlantic Forest and all other regions. This break is followed by a separation between all Caatinga forest enclaves (except Baturité) from a cluster composed of Baturité, the Pernambuco Centre and Amazonia. In this cluster, the most basal separation isolates Baturité from the cluster formed by localities from Amazonia and the Pernambuco Centre. The biogeographical relationships among sites could not be explained by either a random distribution of species among sites or by the geographical distance between sites.Main conclusions We found strong cladistic signal within the raw distribution and phylogenetic data used in our analysis, indicating structured species assemblages in the surveyed localities. They have resulted from the fragmentation of an ancestral biota that was once widely distributed in the region. Our results also support the hypothesis that Atlantic Forest is not a biogeographically natural area, because the Pernambuco Centre is more closely related to Amazonia than to the southern Atlantic Forest. Finally, our data do not support the notion that Caatinga forest enclaves comprise a single biogeographical region, because one Caatinga forest enclave (Baturité) is much more closely related to the cluster formed by Amazonia and the Pernambuco Centre than to other sites. These relationships suggest the occurrence of forest connections between Amazonia and the Atlantic Forests across Caatinga during several periods of the Tertiary and Quaternary. However, palaeoecological data currently available for the Caatinga region are still scarce and do not have either the spatial or temporal resolution required to reconstruct the history of connections among the forests in north‐eastern Brazil.
In search of details of patient teaching in nursing documentation – an analysis of patient records in a medical ward in Sweden
Authors: Friberg Febe , Bergh Anne‐Louise , Lepp Margret 
Published: October 2006

Aim.  The aim of this study was to identify terms and expressions indicating patients’ need for knowledge and understanding, as well as nurses’ teaching interventions, as documented in nursing records.Background.  Previous international studies have shown that nursing documentation is often deficient in terms of recording patient teaching.Methods.  Patient records (N = 35) were collected in a general medical ward in a hospital in Sweden. The data contain 206 days of nursing documentation. The records were analysed with regard to content and structure. Terms and expressions indicating patients’ need for knowledge and understanding and terms and expressions indicating nurses’ teaching activities were analysed.Results.  The results showed that patients’ need for knowledge is implicitly indicated by conceptions and experiences as well as questions. Furthermore, nurses’ implicit teaching interventions consist of information, motivating conversations, explanations, instructions and setting expectations. However, the content and structure of the pedagogical activities in the patient records are fragmented and vague.Relevance to clinical practice.  Efforts must be directed towards elaborating upon the above‐mentioned terms and expressions as indications of patients’ need for knowledge and nurses’ teaching interventions. Moreover, these terms and expressions must be recognized and acknowledged.
Truncated forms of IS911 transposase downregulate transposition
Authors: Gueguen Erwan , Rousseau Philippe , Duval‐Valentin Guy , Chandler Mick 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIS911 naturally produces transposase (OrfAB) derivatives truncated at the C‐terminal end (OrfAB‐CTF) and devoid of the catalytic domain. A majority species, OrfAB*, was produced at higher levels at 42°C than at 30°C suggesting that it is at least partly responsible for the innate reduction in IS911 transposition activity at higher temperatures. An engineered equivalent of similar length, OrfAB[1–149], inhibited transposition activity in vivo or in vitro when produced along with full‐length transposase. We isolated several point mutants showing higher activity than the wild‐type IS911 at 42°C. These fall into two regions of the transposase. One, located in the N‐terminal segment of OrfAB, lies between or within two regions involved in protein multimerization. The other is located within the C‐terminal catalytic domain. The N‐terminal mutations resulted in reduced levels of OrfAB* while the C‐terminal mutation alone appeared not to affect OrfAB* levels. Combination of N‐ and C‐terminal mutations greatly reduced OrfAB* levels and transposition was concomitantly high even at 42°C. The mechanism by which truncated transposase species are generated and how they intervene to reduce transposition activity is discussed. While transposition activity of these multiply mutated derivatives in vivo was resistant to temperature, the purified OrfAB derivatives retained an inherent temperature‐sensitive phenotype in vitro. This clearly demonstrates that temperature sensitivity of IS911 transposition is a complex phenomenon with several mechanistic components. These results have important implications for the several other transposons and insertion sequences whose transposition has also been shown to be temperature‐sensitive.
Molecular basis for control of conjugation by bacterial pheromone and inhibitor peptides
Authors: Kozlowicz Briana K. , Shi Ke , Gu Zu‐Yi , Ohlendorf Douglas H. , Earhart Cathleen A. , Dunny Gary M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn many bacteria expression of lateral gene transfer and of virulence factors is controlled by cell–cell signalling systems. Molecular interactions of microbial signal molecules with their cognate receptors are not well understood. For the Enterococcus faecalis conjugative plasmid pCF10, the PrgX protein serves as a molecular switch controlling expression of conjugation and virulence genes encoded by the plasmid. The induction state of a pCF10‐carrying donor cell is determined by the ratio of two signalling peptides, cCF10 pheromone and iCF10 inhibitor. Recent analysis of PrgX/cCF10 interactions suggests a mechanism for conversion to the induced state. However, the means by which iCF10 peptide antagonizes cCF10 activity is unclear, and it has been suggested that inhibitor peptides block import of pheromone peptides. We now show that both of these peptides interact with the same binding pocket of PrgX, but they differentially alter the conformation of the protein and its oligomerization state, resulting in opposing biological activities.
H4 acetylation does not replace H3 acetylation in chromatin remodelling and transcription activation of Adr1‐dependent genes
Authors: Agricola Eleonora , Verdone Loredana , Di Mauro Ernesto , Caserta Micaela 
Published: October 2006

SummaryHistone acetylation regulates gene expression. Whether this is caused by a general increase in nucleosome fluidity due to charge neutralization or by a more specific code is still matter of debate. By using a set of glucose‐repressed Adr1‐dependent genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whose transcription was previously shown to require both Gcn5 and Esa1, we asked how changes of histone acetylation patterns at the promoter nucleosomes regulate chromatin remodelling and activation. When the signal of glucose reduction reaches the cells, H4 acetylation is kept constant while an increase of H3 acetylation occurs, in an Adr1‐ and Gcn5‐dependent manner. In cells lacking Gcn5 activity, the H3 acetylation increase does not occur and an unexpected increase of histone H4 acetylation is observed. Nevertheless, chromatin remodelling and transcription activation are impaired, suggesting that acetylation of H3 and H4 histones plays different roles.
Differences in Bone Mineral Content and Density between Male and Female Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) during the Non‐reproductive Season
Authors: Zulauf‐Fischer I. , Liesegang A. , Haessig M. , Clauss M. , Hatt J.‐M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIt is known that female birds increase medullary mineral stores in long bones shortly before egg laying. Here, we present results from two groups of budgerigars, in both of which females had significantly higher bone mineral contents and densities, as measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the tibiotarsus, during a reproductively dormant period. The results could indicate that female birds can accumulate mineral stores outside of the breeding season.
NG‐NITRO‐l‐ARGININE METHYL ESTER POTENTIATES ANAPHYLACTIC VENOCONSTRICTION IN RAT PERFUSED LIVERS
Authors: Shibamoto Toshishige , Ishibashi Takaharu , Shimo Tomohiro , Cui Sen , Takano Hiromichi , Tsuchida Hideaki , Nishio Matomo , Kurata Yasutaka 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY

The effects of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) on anaphylaxis‐induced venoconstriction were examined in rat isolated livers perfused with blood‐free solutions in order to clarify the role of NO in anaphylactic venoconstriction.
Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (1 mg) and, 2 weeks later, livers were excised and perfused portally in a recirculating manner at a constant flow with Krebs’–Henseleit solution. The antigen (ovalbumin; 0.1 mg) was injected into the reservoir 10 min after pretreatment with l‐NAME (100 mmol/L) or d‐NAME (100 mmol/L) and changes in portal vein pressure (Ppv), hepatic vein pressure (Phv) and perfusate flow were monitored. In addition, concentrations of the stable metabolites of NO ( and ) were determined in the perfusate using an HPLC–Griess system.
The antigen caused hepatic venoconstriction, as evidenced by an increase in Ppv from a mean (SEM) baseline value of 7.7 ± 0.1 cmH2O to a peak of 21.4 ± 1.1 cmH2O at 3 min in d‐NAME‐pretreated livers. Pretreatment with l‐NAME augmented anaphylactic venoconstriction, as reflected by a higher Ppv (27.4 ± 0.8 cmH2O) after antigen than observed following d‐NAME pretreatment. The addition of l‐arginine, a precursor for the synthesis of NO, reversed the augmentation of anaphylactic venoconstricion by l‐NAME. This suggests that hepatic anaphylaxis increased the production of NO, which consequently attenuated anaphylactic venoconstriction. However, perfusate NOx levels did not increase significantly after antigen in livers pretreated with either l‐NAME or d‐NAME.
In conclusion, l‐NAME potentiates rat anaphylactic hepatic venoconstriction, suggesting that NO contributes to the attenuation of the venoconstriction. However, this functional evidence was not accompanied by corresponding changes in perfusate NOx concentrations.
Ischemic preconditioning enhances regenerative capacity of hepatocytes in long‐term ischemically damaged rat livers
Authors: Yamada Fumihiko , Saito Takuro , Abe Tsuyoshi , Tsuchiya Takao , Sato Yoshihiro , Kenjo Akira , Kimura Takashi , Gotoh Mitsukazu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects tissues against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of IPC on protection and regeneration of hepatocytes after prolonged I/R injury.Methods:  A rat model of segmental (70%) hepatic ischemia was used to determine the effect of 10‐min IPC preceding 40, 60, 90, or 120 min of liver ischemia. The effect was assessed by comparing cytolysis markers and necrotic areas of the liver, as well as the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (PCNA‐LI) and weight of the ischemic liver lobe. Protein kinase B/Akt (Akt) and caspase‐9 were investigated immunohistochemically to determine the effect of IPC on activation of survival and anti‐apoptotic signals.Results:  In the model of 40 min I/R, which resulted in focal necrosis of the liver, IPC significantly protected against I/R injury by reducing the area of focal necrosis, level of PCNA‐LI and immunoreactivities to Akt and caspase‐9. In contrast, IPC did not prevent ischemic damage in the 90‐ and 120‐min ischemic model with massive liver necrosis. However, IPC enhanced the regenerative capacity of the remaining hepatocytes with higher levels of PCNA‐LI, number of Akt‐positive cells and mean weight of the liver lobe postoperatively than in the controls.Conclusions:  In a model of focal necrosis of the liver, IPC protected hepatocytes against I/R injury. In addition, in a model of massive necrosis, IPC maintained the regenerative capacity of the remaining hepatocytes by enhancing the survival signals.
Home respiratory muscle training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: BATTAGLIA Elvia , FULGENZI Alessandro , BERNUCCI Stefano , GIARDINI Mario E. , FERRERO Maria E. 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  The benefits of inspiratory muscle strength training in decreasing symptoms, disability or handicap of patients affected by COPD are not well established. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the constant use of a new flow‐volumetric inspiratory exerciser, named Respivol™, in improving respiratory functional parameters in COPD patients.Methods:  Twenty consecutive ambulatory patients affected by COPD were enrolled. Each patient was assessed, before and after 3 and 6 months inspiratory exercise with Respivol™, for the following clinical parameters: maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, dyspnoea grade, quality of life by a self‐administered St George questionnaire and a 6‐min walking test. After a brief progressive ambulatory training programme, inspiratory exercise with Respivol™ was performed at home for 6 months. All patients used Respivol™ together with medical treatment.Results:  Maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure values were significantly increased after 3 and 6 months of exercise. Dyspnoea grade was significantly reduced and the 6‐min walking test showed an increase in effort tolerance, after 6 months of home training. Quality of life assessment showed an improvement, associated with a decrease of respiratory disease symptoms.Conclusions:  Inspiratory muscle strength training with Respivol™ seems to be efficient in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life in adults with COPD.