bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peroxisomal Monodehydroascorbate Reductase. Genomic Clone Characterization and Functional Analysis under Environmental Stress Conditions
Authors: Leterrier Marina , Corpas Francisco J. , Barroso Juan B. , Sandalio Luisa M. , del Río Luis A. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
In plant cells, ascorbate is a major antioxidant that is involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR) is the enzymatic component of this cycle involved in the regeneration of reduced ascorbate. The identification of the intron-exon organization and the promoter region of the pea (Pisum sativum) MDAR 1 gene was achieved in pea leaves using the method of walking polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA. The nuclear gene of MDAR 1 comprises nine exons and eight introns, giving a total length of 3,770 bp. The sequence of 544 bp upstream of the initiation codon, which contains the promoter and 5′ untranslated region, and 190 bp downstream of the stop codon were also determined. The presence of different regulatory motifs in the promoter region of the gene might indicate distinct responses to various conditions. The expression analysis in different plant organs by northern blots showed that fruits had the highest level of MDAR. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of pea leaves transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens having the binary vectors pGD, which contain the autofluorescent proteins enhanced green fluorescent protein and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein with the full-length cDNA for MDAR 1 and catalase, indicated that the MDAR 1 encoded the peroxisomal isoform. The functional analysis of MDAR by activity and protein expression was studied in pea plants grown under eight stress conditions, including continuous light, high light intensity, continuous dark, mechanical wounding, low and high temperature, cadmium, and the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. This functional analysis is representative of all the MDAR isoforms present in the different cell compartments. Results obtained showed a significant induction by high light intensity and cadmium. On the other hand, expression studies, performed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated differential expression patterns of peroxisomal MDAR 1 transcripts in pea plants grown under the mentioned stress conditions. These findings show that the peroxisomal MDAR 1 has a differential regulation that could be indicative of its specific function in peroxisomes. All these biochemical and molecular data represent a significant step to understand the specific physiological role of each MDAR isoenzyme and its participation in the antioxidant mechanisms of plant cells.
SWI3 Subunits of Putative SWI/SNF Chromatin-Remodeling Complexes Play Distinct Roles during Arabidopsis Development
Authors: Sarnowski Tomasz J. , Ríos Gabino , Jásik Jan , Świeżewski Szymon , Kaczanowski Szymon , Li Yong , Kwiatkowska Aleksandra , Pawlikowska Katarzyna , Koźbiał Marta , Koźbiał Piotr , Koncz Csaba , Jerzmanowski Andrzej 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
SWITCH/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complexes mediate ATP-dependent alterations of DNA–histone contacts. The minimal functional core of conserved SWI/SNF complexes consists of a SWI2/SNF2 ATPase, SNF5, SWP73, and a pair of SWI3 subunits. Because of early duplication of the SWI3 gene family in plants, Arabidopsis thaliana encodes four SWI3-like proteins that show remarkable functional diversification. Whereas ATSWI3A and ATSWI3B form homodimers and heterodimers and interact with BSH/SNF5, ATSWI3C, and the flowering regulator FCA, ATSWI3D can only bind ATSWI3B in yeast two-hybrid assays. Mutations of ATSWI3A and ATSWI3B arrest embryo development at the globular stage. By a possible imprinting effect, the atswi3b mutations result in death for approximately half of both macrospores and microspores. Mutations in ATSWI3C cause semidwarf stature, inhibition of root elongation, leaf curling, aberrant stamen development, and reduced fertility. Plants carrying atswi3d mutations display severe dwarfism, alterations in the number and development of flower organs, and complete male and female sterility. These data indicate that, by possible contribution to the combinatorial assembly of different SWI/SNF complexes, the ATSWI3 proteins perform nonredundant regulatory functions that affect embryogenesis and both the vegetative and reproductive phases of plant development.
The Role of the Arabidopsis E2FB Transcription Factor in Regulating Auxin-Dependent Cell Division
Authors: Magyar Zoltán , De Veylder Lieven , Atanassova Ana , Bakó László , Inzé Dirk , Bögre László 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
The molecular mechanisms by which the phytohormone auxin coordinates cell division with cell growth and differentiation are largely unknown. Here, we show that in Arabidopsis thaliana E2FB, accumulation and stability are positively regulated by auxin. Coexpression of E2FB, but not of E2FA, with its dimerization partner A, stimulated cell proliferation in the absence of auxin in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Bright Yellow-2 cells. E2FB regulated the entry into both S- and M-phases, the latter corresponding to the activation of a plant-specific mitotic regulator, CDKB1;1. Increased E2FB levels led to shortened cell cycle duration, elevated cell numbers, and extremely small cell sizes. In the absence of auxin, cells elongated with concomitant increase in their ploidy level, but both were strongly inhibited by E2FB. We conclude that E2FB is one of the key targets for auxin to determine whether cells proliferate or whether they exit the cell cycle, enlarge, and endoreduplicate their DNA.
Maintenance of Embryonic Auxin Distribution for Apical-Basal Patterning by PIN-FORMED–Dependent Auxin Transport inArabidopsis
Authors: Weijers Dolf , Sauer Michael , Meurette Olivier , Friml Jiří , Ljung Karin , Sandberg Göran , Hooykaas Paul , Offringa Remko 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMolecular mechanisms of pattern formation in the plant embryo are not well understood. Recent molecular and cellular studies, in conjunction with earlier microsurgical, physiological, and genetic work, are now starting to define the outlines of a model where gradients of the signaling molecule auxin play a central role in embryo patterning. It is relatively clear how these gradients are established and interpreted, but how they are maintained is still unresolved. Here, we have studied the contributions of auxin biosynthesis, conjugation, and transport pathways to the maintenance of embryonic auxin gradients. Auxin homeostasis in the embryo was manipulated by region-specific conditional expression of indoleacetic acid-tryptophan monooxygenase or indoleacetic acid-lysine synthetase, bacterial enzymes for auxin biosynthesis or conjugation. Neither manipulation of auxin biosynthesis nor of auxin conjugation interfered with auxin gradients and patterning in the embryo. This result suggests a compensatory mechanism for buffering auxin gradients in the embryo. Chemical and genetic inhibition revealed that auxin transport activity, in particular that of the PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1) and PIN4 proteins, is a major factor in the maintenance of these gradients.
The Critical Role of Arabidopsis Electron-Transfer Flavoprotein:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase during Dark-Induced Starvation
Authors: Ishizaki Kimitsune , Larson Tony R. , Schauer Nicolas , Fernie Alisdair R. , Graham Ian A. , Leaver Christopher J. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
In mammals, electron-transfer flavoprotein:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETFQO) and electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF) are functionally associated, and ETF accepts electrons from at least nine mitochondrial matrix flavoprotein dehydrogenases and transfers them to ubiquinone in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In addition, the mammalian ETF/ETFQO system plays a key role in β-oxidation of fatty acids and catabolism of amino acids and choline. By contrast, nothing is known of the function of ETF and ETFQO in plants. Sequence analysis of the unique Arabidopsis thaliana homologue of ETFQO revealed high similarity to the mammalian ETFQO protein. Moreover, green fluorescent protein cellular localization experiments suggested a mitochondrial location for this protein. RNA gel blot analysis revealed that Arabidopsis ETFQO transcripts accumulated in long-term dark-treated leaves. Analysis of three independent insertional mutants of Arabidopsis ETFQO revealed a dramatic reduction in their ability to withstand extended darkness, resulting in senescence and death within 10 d after transfer, whereas wild-type plants remained viable for at least 15 d. Metabolite profiling of dark-treated leaves of the wild type and mutants revealed a dramatic decline in sugar levels. In contrast with the wild type, the mutants demonstrated a significant accumulation of several amino acids, an intermediate of Leu catabolism, and, strikingly, high-level accumulation of phytanoyl-CoA. These data demonstrate the involvement of a mitochondrial protein, ETFQO, in the catabolism of Leu and potentially of other amino acids in higher plants and also imply a novel role for this protein in the chlorophyll degradation pathway activated during dark-induced senescence and sugar starvation.
Quantitative assessment of the hepatic pharmacokinetics of the antimicrobial sitafloxacin in humans using in vivo19F magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Payne Geoffrey S. , Collins David J. , Loynds Peter , Mould Graham , Murphy Philip S. , Dzik‐Jurasz Andrzej S. K. , Kessar Preminda , Haque Nazneen , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Atarashi Shogo , Leach Martin O. 
Published: July 2005

AimsTo measure hepatic concentrations of the fluorine‐containing antimicrobial, sitafloxacin, using in vivo19F magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).MethodsData were acquired from eight healthy subjects at 2, 5, 8 and 24 h following doses of 500 mg day−1 for 5 days using a 1H/19F surface coil in a 1.5T clinical MR system. Tissue water was used as a reference.ResultsEstimated liver concentrations at 2 h were 15.0 ± 4.0 µg ml−1 (mean ± 95% CI), compared with 3.54 ± 0.58 µg ml−1 in plasma (n = 6), and fell below threshold concentrations (2 µg ml−1) by 24 h.Conclusions 19F MRS is able to detect and quantify sitafloxacin in the liver. There was no evidence for the hepatic retention of the drug.
A multicentre study of coproxamol poisoning suicides based on coroners’ records in England
Authors: Hawton K. , Simkin S. , Gunnell D. , Sutton L. , Bennewith O. , Turnbull P. , Kapur N. 
Published: July 2005

AimsTo examine in detail a series of coproxamol overdose deaths in order to provide information that will assist in the development of strategies to prevent such fatalities.MethodInquest records in 24 coroners’ jurisdictions in England on deaths between January 2000 and December 2001 which received a verdict of either suicide or undetermined cause (with a high or moderate probability of suicide) were examined.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐three coproxamol poisoning suicides were identified. Alcohol was involved in 58.5% of the overdoses and these individuals generally had lower blood drug levels and consumed fewer tablets. Younger people were more likely to have consumed alcohol and to have lower levels of suicide intent. Nearly half the individuals had a history of self harm, and a third were under psychiatric care. The coproxamol had been prescribed for the individual in 81.5% of cases, although only in 55.0% of those aged 10–34 years. In other cases the source of the coproxamol was nearly always a family member or partner. Some deaths resulted from relatively small overdoses.ConclusionsStrategies to reduce self poisoning deaths due to coproxamol should take account of the high toxicity of coproxamol in overdose, especially when combined with alcohol, and the fact that risk of death extends beyond the person for whom the drug is prescribed.
Increased C‐reactive protein in ACE‐inhibitor‐induced angioedema
Authors: Bas M. , Hoffmann T. K. , Bier H. , Kojda G. 
Published: July 2005

AimsThis study was designed to identify new factors which may contribute to angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme‐inhibitor (ACEI)‐induced angioedema.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study we examined 25 patients who used an ACEI and presented at our emergency room with acute angioedema as well as 18 patients with unknown cause of angioedema and a total of 21 patients on ACEI‐therapy without previous angioedema. We measured markers of inflammation such as acute‐phase proteins (C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen), leukocyte count and body temperature.ResultsThe mean interval between initiation of ACEI treatment and first manifestation of angioedema was 35.8 ± 5.3 months. During symptomatic angioedema, mean plasma levels of C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen were significantly increased by 7.3‐fold and 1.5‐fold, respectively, while leukocyte count and body temperature were normal. These changes disappeared after successful treatment of angioedema and were not found in patients with angioedema of unknown cause and those receiving ACEI without having experienced angioedema.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate for the first time that ACEI‐induced angioedema is associated with strongly increased plasma levels of CRP. We suggest that CRP is involved in the pathophysiology of ACEI‐induced angioedema.
Women, men and coronary heart disease: a review of the qualitative literature
Authors: Emslie Carol 
Published: July 2005

Aim.  This paper presents a review of the qualitative literature which examines the experiences of patients with coronary heart disease. The paper also assesses whether the experiences of both female and male patients are reflected in the literature and summarizes key themes.Background.  Understanding patients’ experiences of their illness is important for coronary heart disease prevention and education. Qualitative methods are particularly suited to eliciting patients’ detailed understandings and perceptions of illness. As much previous research has been ‘gender neutral’, this review pays particular attention to gender.Methods.  Published papers from 60 qualitative studies were identified for the review through searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PREMEDLINE, PsychINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index and Web of Science using keywords related to coronary heart disease.Findings.  Early qualitative studies of patients with coronary heart disease were conducted almost exclusively with men, and tended to generalize from ‘male’ experience to ‘human’ experience. By the late 1990s this pattern had changed, with the majority of studies including women and many being conducted with solely female samples. However, many studies that include both male and female coronary heart disease patients still do not have a specific gender focus. Key themes in the literature include interpreting symptoms and seeking help, belief about coronary ‘candidates’ and relationships with health professionals. The influence of social roles is important: many female patients have difficulties reconciling family responsibilities and medical advice, while male patients worry about being absent from work.Conclusions.  There is a need for studies that compare the experiences of men and women. There is also an urgent need for work that takes masculinity and gender roles into account when exploring the experiences of men with coronary heart disease.
The ethics of relation: public health nurses and child protection clients
Authors: Marcellus Lenora 
Published: July 2005

Aim. The aim of this paper is to show how a framework of relational ethics may be used in establishing trusting relationships with at‐risk families.Background. Public health nurses have historically carried out assessment and monitoring of parenting within the family home, particularly with at‐risk families. In this role, they are placed in the position of simultaneously supporting and policing the family. A trusting relationship may be difficult to develop if parents feel threatened by the surveillance aspect of home visiting and the threat of action (such as removal of children) being taken against the family.Discussion. Development of optimal trust relationships may be a challenge when families are experiencing powerlessness and oppression. The four themes of relational ethics – mutual respect, engaged interaction, embodiment and creating environment – provide a framework for developing trusting relationships with families.Conclusion. It is possible to have a moral and trusting relationship with at‐risk families, but this needs to based on critical self‐reflection by nurses and mutually respectful nurse–family relations.
Elective single embryo transfer: Comparison of blastocyst and cleavage‐stage embryo transfer
Authors: KAWAMURA TOSHIHIRO , MORI MICHIKO , ARICHI AKANE , TAJIMA YUKO , KARASAWA YASUHIRO , SUGA KAHORI , IKUMI SACHIKO , ISHIKAWA SEIKA , KAWAMURA MAKIKO 
Published: July 2005

Objective:   Blastocysts are reportedly suitable for preventing multiple pregnancies as a result of the high implantation rate per embryo. The present study compared clinical results for elective single embryo transfer (ET) between blastocysts and cleavage‐stage embryos in order to ascertain the usefulness of blastocyst culturing in single ET.Methods:   Between January 2002 and December 2004, conventional in vitro fertilization ET and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection was carried out for single ET in 86 cycles, to prevent multiple pregnancies (for medical reasons or because of patient wishes).Results:   Among the 80 cycles in which a fresh embryo was transferred, pregnancy/implantation rates per ET were 35.3% for day 2/3 ET and 50.0% for day 5 ET, and pregnancy/implantation rates per oocyte retrieval were 35.3% for day 2/3 ET and 44.2% for day 5 ET. Ongoing pregnancy/delivery rates per oocyte retrieval were 32.4% for day 2/3 ET and 38.5% for day 5 ET. Monozygotic twinning occurred in one case of day 5 ET.Conclusions:   Pregnancy rates per single ET tended to be higher for day 5 ET than for day 2/3 ET. However, no marked differences were identified in ongoing pregnancy/delivery rates per oocyte retrieval between groups. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 197–201)
Association of adiponectin and resistin with adipose tissue compartments, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia
Authors: Farvid M. S. , Ng T. W. K. , Chan D. C. , Barrett P. H. R. , Watts G. F. 
Published: July 2005

Aim:  In this study, we investigated the association of plasma adiponectin and resistin concentrations with adipose tissue compartments in 41 free‐living men with a wide range of body mass index (22–35 kg/m2).Methods:  Using enzyme immunoassays, plasma adiponectin and resistin were measured. Intraperitoneal, retroperitoneal, subcutaneous abdominal and posterior subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue masses (IPATM, RPATM, SAATM and PSAATM, respectively) were determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Total adipose tissue mass (TATM) was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Insulin resistance was estimated with the help of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score.Results:  In univariate regression, plasma adiponectin levels were inversely related to IPATM (r = −0.389, p < 0.05), SAATM (r = −0.500, p < 0.001), PSAATM (r = −0.502, p < 0.001), anterior SAATM (r = −0.422, p < 0.01) and TATM (r = −0.421, p < 0.01). In multiple regression models, adiponectin was chiefly correlated with PSAATM. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were also inversely correlated with HOMA score (r = −0.540, p < 0.001) and triglyceride (r = −0.632, p < 0.001), and positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.508, p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between resistin levels and adipose tissue masses, insulin resistance or dyslipidaemia.Conclusions:  In men, total body fat is significantly correlated with plasma adiponectin, but not with plasma resistin levels. Low plasma adiponectin levels appear to be chiefly determined by the accumulation of posterior subcutaneous abdominal fat mass, as opposed to intra‐abdominal fat, and are strongly predictive of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia.
Predictors of programme adherence and weight loss in women in an obesity programme using meal replacements
Authors: Packianathan I. , Sheikh M. , Boniface D. , Finer N. 
Published: July 2005

Objective:  To explore predictors of programme adherence and weight loss in patients participating in a weight management programme using meal replacements (MR).Design:  One hundred and fifty healthy obese women, age 48.5 years (s.d. = 8.3); weight, 97.6 kg (13.4); body mass index (BMI) 36.5 (3.7), participated in a longitudinal study with a 16‐week acute weight loss phase (Phase 1) followed by 1 year of a trial of weight‐loss maintenance (Phase 2). Energy intake during Phase 1 totaled 900 kcal (3.7 MJ) a day from a diet including two MR. Energy intake during Phase 2 consisted of either MR or a low‐fat diet with a calculated energy deficit of 600 kcal/day (2.5 MJ).Methods:  Weight, height and waist circumference were measured and body composition assessed by air plethysmography (Bodpod). Glucose and insulin were measured by standard immunoassays and insulin sensitivity assessed by homeostatic model assessment.Results:  At the end of 16 weeks, 114 subjects (76%) completed Phase 1 and achieved a mean weight loss of 8.95 kg (3.38). Adherence to Phase 1 was predicted by weight loss over the first 2 weeks (p < 0.001). Weight loss during Phase 1 was predicted by initial weight and initial systolic blood pressure. Adherence to Phase 2 was not predicted by physiological measures. Weight loss maintenance in Phase 2 (not gaining more than 3% of the weight at start of phase 2) was predicted by cholesterol and triglyceride measured at the start of Phase 2 but otherwise was not predicted by the physiological measures. Initial insulin sensitivity did not predict weight loss in either phase.Conclusion:  Participants whose weight loss over the first 2 weeks falls in the bottom third may need additional intervention if they are to continue in this type of programme. A battery of physiological measures at entry to a MR weight loss and maintenance programme explains only a very small proportion of the variation in weight loss.
Loss of α‐conotoxinMII‐ and A85380‐sensitive nicotinic receptors in Parkinson's disease striatum
Authors: Quik M. , Bordia T. , Forno L. , McIntosh J. M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMultiple nicotinic receptors are present in rodent and monkey striatum, with a selective localization of α‐conotoxinMII‐sensitive sites in the striatum and preferential declines in their numbers after nigrostriatal damage. Here we report the presence of125I‐α‐conotoxinMII and α‐conotoxinMII‐sensitive125I‐epibatidine nicotinic receptors in human control and Parkinson's disease striatum.125I‐α‐ConotoxinMII bound to control striatum with the characteristics of a nicotinic receptor ligand although the number of sites was approximately fivefold lower than in rodent and monkey. Competition analyses of α‐conotoxinMII with125I‐epibatidine showed that toxin‐sensitive sites comprised ≈15% of nicotinic receptors in human striatum. In Parkinson's disease caudate, there was a ≈50% decline in125I‐α‐conotoxinMII sites with a similar decline in the dopamine transporter. In putamen, there were substantially greater losses of the dopamine transporter (80–90%) but only 50–60% decreases in125I‐α‐conotoxinMII sites with corresponding declines in α‐conotoxinMII‐sensitive125I‐epibatidine sites,125I‐epibatidine (multiple) sites and125I‐A85380 (β2‐containing) nicotinic receptors. The greater loss of the transporter compared with nicotinic sites suggests that only a subpopulation of nicotinic receptors is located pre‐synaptically on striatal dopaminergic neurons in man. Correlation analyses between changes in nicotinic receptors and the dopamine transporter in Parkinson's disease striatum suggest that α‐conotoxinMII‐sensitive125I‐epibatidine sites (low‐affinity sites),125I‐A85380 and125I‐epibatidine sites are localized in part to dopaminergic terminals. In summary, these results show that α‐conotoxinMII‐sensitive sites are present in human striatum and that there are high‐ and low‐affinity subtypes which are both decreased in Parkinson's disease.