bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal Translocation and Segmental Duplication in
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Fraser James A. , Huang Johnny C. , Pukkila-Worley Read , Alspaugh J. Andrew , Mitchell Thomas G. , Heitman Joseph 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Large chromosomal events such as translocations and segmental duplications enable rapid adaptation to new environments. Here we marshal genomic, genetic, meiotic mapping, and physical evidence to demonstrate that a chromosomal translocation and segmental duplication occurred during construction of a congenic strain pair in the fungal human pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Two chromosomes underwent telomere-telomere fusion, generating a dicentric chromosome that broke to produce a chromosomal translocation, forming two novel chromosomes sharing a large segmental duplication. The duplication spans 62,872 identical nucleotides and generated a second copy of 22 predicted genes, and we hypothesize that this event may have occurred during meiosis. Gene disruption studies of one embedded gene (
SMG1
) corroborate that this region is duplicated in an otherwise haploid genome. These findings resolve a genome project assembly anomaly and illustrate an example of rapid genome evolution in a fungal genome rich in repetitive elements.
The Function of the Coding Sequences for the Putative Pheromone Precursors in
Podospora anserina
Is Restricted to Fertilization
Authors: Coppin Evelyne , de Renty Christelle , Debuchy Robert 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

We cloned the pheromone precursor genes of
Podospora anserina
in order to elucidate their role in the biology of this fungus. The
mfp
gene encodes a 24-amino-acid polypeptide finished by the CAAX motif, characteristic of fungal lipopeptide pheromone precursors similar to the
a
-factor precursor of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The
mfm
gene encodes a 221-amino-acid polypeptide, which is related to the
S. cerevisiae
α-factor precursor and contains two 13-residue repeats assumed to correspond to the mature pheromone. We deleted the
mfp
and
mfm
coding sequence by gene replacement. The mutations specifically affect male fertility, without impairing female fertility and vegetative growth. The male defect is mating type specific: the
mat
+
Δ
mfp
and
mat
− Δ
mfm
mutants produce male cells inactive in fertilization whereas the
mat
− Δ
mfp
and
mat
+
Δ
mfm
mutants show normal male fertility. Genetic data indicate that both
mfp
and
mfm
are transcribed at a low level in
mat
+
and
mat
− vegetative hyphae. Northern-blot analysis shows that their transcription is induced by the mating types in microconidia (
mfp
by
mat
+
and
mfm
by
mat
−). We managed to cross Δ
mfp
Δ
mfm
strains of opposite mating type, by complementation and transient expression of the pheromone precursor gene to trigger fertilization. These crosses were fertile, demonstrating that once fertilization occurs, the pheromone precursor genes are unnecessary for the completion of the sexual cycle. Finally, we show that the constitutively transcribed
gpd
::
mfm
and
gpd
::
mfp
constructs are repressed at a posttranscriptional level by the noncognate mating type.
Elimination of Foreign DNA during Somatic Differentiation in
Tetrahymena thermophila
Shows Position Effect and Is Dosage Dependent
Authors: Liu Yifan , Song Xiaoyuan , Gorovsky Martin A. , Karrer Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

In the ciliate
Tetrahymena thermophila
, approximately 15% of the germ line micronuclear DNA sequences are eliminated during formation of the somatic macronucleus. The vast majority of the internal eliminated sequences (IESs) are repeated in the micronuclear genome, and several of them resemble transposable elements. Thus, it has been suggested that DNA elimination evolved as a means for removing invading DNAs. In the present study, bacterial
neo
genes introduced into the germ line micronuclei were eliminated from the somatic genome. The efficiency of elimination from two different loci increased dramatically with the copy number of the
neo
genes in the micronuclei. The timing of
neo
elimination is similar to that of endogenous IESs, and they both produce bidirectional transcripts of the eliminated element, suggesting that the deletion of
neo
occurred by the same mechanism as elimination of endogenous IESs. These results indicate that repetition of an element in the micronucleus enhances the efficiency of its elimination from the newly formed somatic genome of
Tetrahymena thermophila
. The implications of these data in relation to the function and mechanism of IES elimination are discussed.
Receptor for Retrograde Transport in the Apicomplexan Parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Pfluger Stacy L. , Goodson Holly V. , Moran Jennifer M. , Ruggiero Christine J. , Ye Xin , Emmons Krista M. , Hager Kristin M. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii
and its apicomplexan relatives (such as
Plasmodium falciparum
, which causes malaria) are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on sequential protein release from specialized secretory organelles for invasion and multiplication within host cells. Because of the importance of these unusual membrane trafficking pathways for drug development and comparative cell biology, characterizing them is essential. In particular, it is unclear what role retrieval mechanisms play in parasite membrane trafficking or where they operate. Previously, we showed that
T. gondii
’s beta-COP (TgΒCOP; a subunit of coatomer protein complex I, COPI) and retrieval reporters localize exclusively to the zone between the parasite endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus. This suggested the existence of an HDEL receptor in
T. gondii
. We have now identified, cloned, and sequenced this receptor, TgERD2. TgERD2 localizes in a Golgi or ER pattern suggestive of the HDEL retrieval reporter (K. M. Hager, B. Striepen, L. G. Tilney, and D. S. Roos, J. Cell Sci.
112
:
2631-2638, 1999). A functional assay reveals that TgERD2 is able to complement the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
ERD2 null mutant. Retrieval studies reveal that stable expression of a fluorescent exogenous retrieval ligand results in a dispersal of βCOP signal throughout the cytoplasm and, surprisingly, results in βCOP staining of the vacuolar space of the parasite. In contrast, stable expression of TgERD2GFP does not appear to disturb βCOP staining. In addition to TgERD2,
Toxoplasma
contains two more divergent ERD2 relatives. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that these proteins belong to a previously unrecognized ERD2 subfamily common to plants and alveolate organisms and as such could represent mediators of parasite-specific retrieval functions. No evidence of class 2 ERD2 proteins was found in metazoan organisms or fungi.
Radiological Studies Reveal Radial Differences in the Architecture of the Polysaccharide Capsule ofCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Bryan R. A. , Zaragoza O. , Zhang T. , Ortiz G. , Casadevall A. , Dadachova E. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTThe polysaccharide capsule of the pathogenic fungusCryptococcus neoformansis an important virulence factor, but relatively little is known about its architecture. We applied a combination of radiological, chemical, and serological methods to investigate the structure of this polysaccharide capsule. Exposure ofC. neoformanscells to gamma radiation, dimethyl sulfoxide, or radiolabeled monoclonal antibody removed a significant part of the capsule. Short intervals of gamma irradiation removed the outer portion of the cryptococcal capsule without killing cells, which could subsequently repair their capsules. Survival analysis of irradiated wild-type, acapsular mutant, and complemented mutant strains demonstrated that the capsule contributed to radioprotection and had a linear attenuation coefficient higher than that of lead. The capsule portions remaining after dimethyl sulfoxide or gamma radiation treatment were comparable in size, 65 to 66 μm3, and retained immunoreactivity for a monoclonal antibody to glucuronoxylomannan. Simultaneous or sequential treatment of the cells with dimethyl sulfoxide and radiation removed the remaining capsule so that it was not visible by light microscopy. The capsule could be protected against radiation by either of the free radical scavengers ascorbic acid and sorbitol. Sugar composition analysis of polysaccharide removed from the outer and inner parts of the capsule revealed significant differences in glucuronic acid and xylose molar ratios, implying differences in the chemical structure of the constituent polysaccharides. Our results provide compelling evidence for the existence of two zones in theC. neoformanscapsule that differ in susceptibility to dimethyl sulfoxide and radiation and, possibly, in packing and composition.
Rearranged Subtelomeric rRNA Genes in
Giardia duodenalis
Authors: Upcroft Jacqueline A. , Abedinia Mahin , Upcroft Peter 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Giardia duodenalis
has linear chromosomes capped with typical eukaryotic repeats [(TAGGG)

n

], subtelomeric rRNA genes, and telomere gene units. The absence of two closely associated NotI sites in the large-subunit rRNA gene was used as an indicator in hybridizations of one- and two-dimensional NotI-cleaved
Giardia
chromosome separations that some chromosomes carry only rearranged and, by deduction, nonfunctional rRNA genes.
Thioredoxin Reductase Is Essential for Viability in the Fungal Pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Missall Tricia A. , Lodge Jennifer K. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Thioredoxin reductase (
TRR1
) is an important component of the thioredoxin oxidative stress resistance pathway. Here we show that it is induced during oxidative and nitrosative stress and is preferentially localized to the mitochondria in
Cryptococcus neoformans
. The
C. neoformans TRR1
gene encodes the low-molecular-weight isoform of the thioredoxin reductase enzyme, which shares little homology with that of its mammalian host. By replacing the endogenous
TRR1
promoter with an inducible copper transporter promoter, we showed that Trr1 appears to be essential for viability of this pathogenic fungus, making it a potential antifungal target.
A Silenced
Plasmodium falciparum var
Promoter Can Be Activated In Vivo through Spontaneous Deletion of a Silencing Element in the Intron
Authors: Gannoun-Zaki Laïla , Jost Amy , Mu Jianbing , Deitsch Kirk W. , Wellems Thomas E. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT

Introns of
Plasmodium falciparum var
genes act as transcriptional silencing elements that help control antigenic variations. In transfected episomes, intron silencing of a drug-selectable marker under
var
promoter control is reversed by the spontaneous deletion of key intron regions. The resulting promoter activation does not affect the transcription of chromosomal
var
genes.
Acute irritant reaction to an antiseptic bath emollient
Authors: Saw N K , Hindmarsh J R 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Antiseptic bath emollients are commonly prescribed for treatment of eczema and are generally safe for frequent application. Although acute irritant reactions are uncommon it is nevertheless recognised and could have significant morbidity. This case describes a young male patient who developed an acute irritant reaction localised to the external genitalia, mimicking Fournier’s gangrene, after overnight application of Oilatum Plus antiseptic bath emollients.
History of the treatment of spinal injuries
Authors: Silver J R 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Injury of the spinal cord has been known since antiquity. There is no cure for the injury and until modern times patients died rapidly from a combination of pressure sores and urinary tract infection. Treatment consists of preventing complications until the spine has stabilised and the patient can be rehabilitated to an independent life. This article explores how this treatment developed in the ancient world, the middle ages, in Europe, Great Britain, and latterly in the United States. It describes how these principles of treatment were recognised particularly in Germany, the United States, and Great Britain and evaluates the relative contributions made by the different pioneers.
Unoperated tetralogy of Fallot: case report of a natural survivor who died in his 73rd year; is it ever too late to operate?
Authors: Yang X , Freeman L J , Ross C 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The case history is described of a man in his 73rd year who was one of the oldest surviving patients with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) before succumbing with renal failure. Factors contributing to his longevity included small pulmonary arteries and presumed slow development of subpulmonary obstruction together with moderate concentric left ventricular hypertrophy—features previously seen in long term survivors. Less than 3% of all patients with uncorrected ToF survive beyond their 40s but late operative repair is still a valuable option. Practicalities of renal dialysis in the presence of an intracardiac shunt are considered.
Acute endoscopic intervention in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Arasaradnam R P , Donnelly M T 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the commonest emergencies encountered by general physicians. Once haemodynamic stability has been achieved, therapeutic endoscopy is vital in control and arrest of bleeding. Various methods are available and the evidence is reviewed as to the most optimal approach. Clinical parameters including timing of endoscopy, risk stratification, and predictors of failure will also be discussed together with a summary of recommendations based on current available evidence.
Artemisinins
Authors: Woodrow C J , Haynes R K , Krishna S 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Artemisinins were discovered to be highly effective antimalarial drugs shortly after the isolation of the parent artemisinin in 1971 in China. These compounds combine potent, rapid antimalarial activity with a wide therapeutic index and an absence of clinically important resistance. Artemisinin containing regimens meet the urgent need to find effective treatments for multidrug resistant malaria and have recently been advocated for widespread deployment. Comparative trials of artesunate and quinine for severe malaria are in progress to see if the persistently high mortality of this condition can be reduced.
The Impact of Age, Generation and Sex Variables on Religious Beliefs and Practices in Morocco
Authors: Ababou Mohammed 
Published: February 2005

English Many sociologists have confirmed the effect of 'age' and 'generation' variables on the religious phenomenon, particularly in Europe. On this continent, many longitudinal surveys show, on the one hand, a disaffection with religion depending on generation and age and, on the other hand, a slowdown of institutional religion. This disaffection with institutional religion has favoured the birth of new religious movements and a consolidation of beliefs in paranormal "phenomena and esoteric sciences. In Morocco, measurement by generational parameters is a difficult business because there are few statistics quantifying long-term religious beliefs and practices among Moroccans. The few figures available come from Moroccan surveys which offer few possibilities of interpretation because the questionnaire model used varies from one survey to another and the sample sizes differ. To try and make up for these lacunae, our survey (based on a sample of 300 Moroccans residing in Fez and the surrounding region) sought to measure the impact of age, generation and sex variables on'religious beliefs and practices. Early results show that there is indeed a "revitalization of religion depending on age and generation. French Plusieurs sociologues ont confirmé l'effet des variables 'âge' et 'génération' sur le phénomène religieux, notamment en Europe. Dans ce continent, plusieurs enquêtes longitudinales montrent, d'une part, une désaffection du religieux en fonction des générations et de l'âge et, d'autre part, une perte de vitesse des "religions institutionnelles. La désaffection vis-à-vis de ces religions instituées a facilité l'émergence de nouveaux mouvements religieux et le renforcement de la croyance dans les phénomènes paranormaux et les sciences ésotériques. Au Maroc, la mesure par le paramètre générationnel est difficile à réaliser car il existe peu de statistiques quantifiant les croyances et les pratiques religieuses des marocains dans la durée. Les quelques chiffres disponibles sont issus "d'enquêtes marocaines qui offrent peu de possibilités d'interprétation eu égard aux différents modèles de questionnaires utilisés dans ces enquêtes et aux tailles différentes des échantillons. Pour tenter de combler cette lacune, une enquête a été menée (échantillon de 300 marocains résidant à Fès et sa région) pour mesurer l'impact des variables âge, génération et sexe sur les croyances et les pratiques religieuses. Les premiers résultats montrent qu'il existe bien une revitalisation du religieux en fonction de l'avancement de l'âge et de la génération.
The Role of the Roman Catholic Church in the Service Provision of Education in Slovenia and Hungary
Authors: Rakar Tatjana 
Published: February 2005

English The author presents a comparative analysis of the development of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the service provision of education in the post-socialist countries, Slovenia and Hungary. The analysis shows that there are important differences between the countries in the education policies as they relate to denominational educational institutions, and how these institutions are embedded in the education system. This is manifested in different models of the relations between government and denominational educational institutions. In Slovenia the relationship is characterized by the model of 'separated dependence' while Hungary follows the model of 'integrated dependence'. These differences have resulted in a more extensive growth of denominational educational institutions in Hungary than in Slovenia. French L'auteure compare le développement du rôle de l'Eglise catholique romaine dans l'enseignement en Slovénie et en Hongrie post-communistes. Elle montre qu'il y a d'importantes variantes entre les politiques d'enseignement de ces régions et fait le lien entre ces politiques et les institutions confessionnelles qui sont en charge de l'enseignement ainsi qu'à la façon dont ces dernières s'intègrent dans le système général d'enseignement. Cela se voit dans les divers modes de relations entre le gouvernement et les institutions confessionnelles d'enseignement. En Slovénie, les relations entre ces institutions et l'Etat peuvent être qualifiées en termes de 'dépendance autonome' tandis qu'en Hongrie, il faudrait plutôt parler de 'dépendance intégrée'. Ces différences ont comme résultat un accroissement plus extensif des institutions confessionnelles en charge de l'enseignement en Hongrie qu'en Slovénie.
Proteins with two SUMO-like domains in chromatin-associated complexes: The RENi (Rad60-Esc2-NIP45) family
Authors: Novatchkova Maria , Bachmair Andreas , Eisenhaber Birgit , Eisenhaber Frank 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Post-translational modification by Small Ubiquitin-like Modifiers (SUMO) has been implicated in protein targeting, in the maintenance of genomic integrity and in transcriptional control. But the specific molecular effects of SUMO modification on many target proteins remain to be elucidated. Recent findings point at the importance of SUMO-mediated histone NAD-dependent deacetylase (HDAC) recruitment in transcriptional regulation.

Results
We describe the RENi family of SUMO-like domain proteins (SDP) with the unique feature of typically containing two carboxy-terminal SUMO-like domains. Using sequence analytic evidence, we collect family members from animals, fungi and plants, most prominent being yeast R ad60, E sc2 and mouse NI P45 http://mendel.imp.univie.ac.at/SEQUENCES/reni/. Different proteins of the novel family are known to interact directly with histone NAD-dependent deacetylases (HDACs), structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) proteins, and transcription factors. In particular, the highly non-trivial designation of the first of the two successive SUMO-domains in non-plant RENi provides a rationale for previously published functionally impaired mutant variants.

Conclusions
Till now, SUMO-like proteins have been studied exclusively in the context of their covalent conjugation to target proteins. Here, we present the exciting possibility that SUMO domain proteins, similarly to ubiquitin modifiers, have also evolved in a second line – namely as multi-domain proteins that are non-covalently attached to their target proteins. We suggest that the SUMO stable fusion proteins of the RENi family, which we introduce in this work, might mimic SUMO and share its interaction motifs (in analogy to the way that ubiquitin-like domains mimic ubiquitin). This presumption is supported by parallels in the spectrum of modified or bound proteins e.g. transcription factors and chromatin-associated proteins and in the recruitment of HDAC-activity.
Troglitazone, a PPAR-γ activator prevents endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression and lymphocyte adhesion mediated by TNF-α
Authors: Sasaki Makoto , Jordan Paul , Welbourne Tomas , Minagar Alireza , Joh Takashi , Itoh Makoto , Elrod John W , Alexander J Steven 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Background
Cytokine mediated induction of the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1(MAdCAM-1) expression is associated with the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Results
Using western blotting and cell-based ELISA, we show in this study that troglitazone, an activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), widely used in the treatment of diabetes, has as well recently been highlighted as protective in models of inflammation and cancer. We found that troglitazone (10–40 μM), significantly reduced the TNF-α (1 ng/ml) mediated induction of endothelial MAdCAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner, achieving a 34.7% to 98.4% reduction in induced MAdCAM-1. Trogliazone (20μM) reduced TNF-α induced VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin expression. Moreover, troglitazone significantly reduced α4β7-integrin dependent lymphocyte adhesion to TNF-α cultured endothelial cells.

Conclusions
These results suggest that PPAR-γ agonists like troglitazone may be useful in the clinical treatment of IBD.
Pregnancy after lupus nephritis
Authors: Moroni G , Ponticelli C 
Published: February 2005

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects primarily women, commonly in their reproductive years but does not influence fertility. For these reasons, the clinician has often to face the many problems of pregnancy in patients with SLE including the influence of SLE on fetal outcome and that of pregnancy on SLE. As there is increasing evidence of an important role of sex hormones in immunity, the influence of pregnancy on SLE is probably due to the changes in sex hormone levels during pregnancy that are more important than in any other period of life. Early reports emphasized a high fetal and maternal risk in particular in patients with lupus nephritis. However in the same period the prognosis of lupus nephritis was poor, so it was difficult to know whether pregnancy actually influenced the prognosis of the disease. More recent prospective studies indicate that pregnancy is safe for the majority of mothers if it is planned when SLE is quiescent. Instead, although fetal risk has been progressively reduced in the last 40 years, it continues to be higher than that occurring in pregnancies of healthy women. In particular the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies considerably worsen the fetal outcome.