bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and functional characterization of a secreted lipase from Botrytis cinerea
Authors: REIS HOLGER , PFIFFI STEFANIE , HAHN MATTHIAS 
Published: June 2005

SUMMARYA previous study has indicated that a cutinolytic lipase from Botrytis cinerea was required for penetration of an intact plant host cuticle and infection (Comménil et al., 1998, Physiol. Mol. Plant Pathol. 52, 1–14). In order to clarify the role of this lipase, the corresponding gene (lip1) was cloned. In vitro, the lip1‐encoded lipase was inducibly expressed and subject to catabolite repression. On the leaf surface, the cuticle served as an inducer. lip1 knock‐out mutants lacked lipase activity; however, no reduction of virulence was observed. To further eliminate cutinolytic activity, the gene encoding cutinase A was also disrupted. In lip1cutA double mutants, extracellular esterases were largely eliminated in vitro and greatly reduced on the leaf surface; yet these mutants also retained full pathogenicity in various host systems. Our data indicate that cutinase and esterase activities are secreted by germinating B. cinerea spores on the surface of host leaves, but they do not seem to be required for host cuticle penetration.
A plant EPF‐type zinc‐finger protein,CaPIF1, involved in defence against pathogens
Authors: OH SANG‐KEUN , PARK JEONG MEE , JOUNG YOUNG HEE , LEE SANGHYEOB , CHUNG EUNSOOK , KIM SOO‐YONG , YU SEUNG HUN , CHOI DOIL 
Published: June 2005

SUMMARYTo understand better the defence responses of plants to pathogen attack, we challenged hot pepper plants with bacterial pathogens and identified transcription factor‐encoding genes whose expression patterns were altered during the subsequent hypersensitive response. One of these genes,CaPIF1(Capsicum annuum Pathogen‐Induced Factor 1), was characterized further. This gene encodes a plant‐specific EPF‐type protein that contains two Cys2/His2zinc fingers.CaPIF1expression was rapidly and specifically induced when pepper plants were challenged with bacterial pathogens to which they are resistant. In contrast, challenge with a pathogen to which the plants are susceptible only generated weakCaPIF1expression.CaPIF1expression was also strongly induced in pepper leaves by the exogenous application of ethephon, an ethylene‐releasing compound, and salicylic acid, whereas methyl jasmonate had only moderate effects. CaPIF1 localized to the nuclei of onion epidermis when expressed as a CaPIF1–smGFP fusion protein. Transgenic tobacco plants over‐expressingCaPIF1driven by the CaMV 35S promoter showed increased resistance to challenge with a tobacco‐specific pathogen or non‐host bacterial pathogens. These plants also showed constitutive up‐regulation of multiple defence‐related genes. Moreover, virus‐induced silencing of theCaPIF1orthologue inNicotiana benthamianaenhanced susceptibility to the same host or non‐host bacterial pathogens. These observations provide evidence that an EPF‐type Cys2/His2zinc‐finger protein plays a crucial role in the activation of the pathogen defence response in plants.
Pulse pressure is independently associated with sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: JARMUZEWSKA E. A. , MANGONI A. A. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  The mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy (SMPN) in type 2 diabetes remain largely unknown. Although a link between hypertension and SMPN has been observed, it is not clear which blood pressure (BP) component (i.e. systolic, SBP; diastolic, DBP; or pulse pressure, PP) is primarily involved. We sought to determine the relationship between BP components and parameters of nerve function in type 2 diabetes.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Setting.  Academic medical centre.Subjects.  A total of 55 consecutive ambulatory patients with type 2 diabetes (age 62.6 ±8.0 years, mean ± SD).Interventions.  Measurement of clinic BP and 10 neurophysiological parameters: motor nerve conduction velocity (NCV; median, ulnar, posterior tibial and peroneal nerve), sensory amplitude (AMP) and latency (LAT; median, ulnar and sural nerve).Results.  Univariate analysis showed that age, diabetes duration, SBP and PP were negatively correlated with nerve function. Regression analysis showed that, after correcting for age, duration of diabetes, glycated haemoglobin, body mass index, microalbuminuria and SBP, PP was independently and negatively associated with NCV (median, P =0.011; ulnar, P = 0.001; peroneal, P = 0.006 and posterior tibial, P = 0.005) and signal AMP (ulnar, P = 0.027; sural, P = 0.055), and positively associated with signal LAT (median, P = 0.083; sural, P = 0.021). SBP was negatively associated with signal AMP (median, P = 0.012) and positively associated with LAT (ulnar, P = 0.018). By contrast, DBP failed to show any significant correlation with nerve function.Conclusions.  The PP is strongly associated with neurophysiological parameters of nerve function in patients with type 2 diabetes. This relationship is independent of traditional risk factors and other BP components.
The use of B‐type natriuretic peptide in the management of elderly patients with acute dyspnoea
Authors: MUELLER C. , LAULE‐KILIAN K. , FRANA B. , RODRIGUEZ D. , RUDEZ J. , SCHOLER A. , BUSER P. , PFISTERER M. , PERRUCHOUD A. P. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  The aim of this study was to define the impact of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels on the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea.Design.  We performed a prospective randomized controlled study in 269 elderly patients at least 70 years of age included in the B‐type natriuretic peptide for Acute Shortness of breath Evaluation (BASEL) study. Patients were randomly assigned to a diagnostic strategy with (n = 136, BNP group) or without (n = 133, control group) the use of BNP levels provided by a rapid bedside assay. The time to discharge and the total cost of treatment were the primary end‐points.Results.  Amongst elderly patients, baseline characteristics were well matched between both groups. The use of BNP levels significantly reduced the time to discharge (median 9.0 in the BNP group versus 11.0 days in the control group; P = 0.029). Total treatment cost was $5381 (95% CI, 4482–6280) in the BNP group when compared with $7411 (95% CI, 6180–8642; P = 0.009) in the control group. In addition, a significant reduction in 30‐day mortality was observed (9% in the BNP group versus 17% in the control group; P = 0.039).Conclusions.  Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of BNP in the emergency department improved the management of elderly patients presenting with acute dyspnoea and thereby reduced the time to discharge and the total treatment cost. In addition, BNP testing seemed to reduce 30‐day mortality.
Long‐term outcome of a large series of patients surgically treated for pheochromocytoma
Authors: KHORRAM‐MANESH A. , AHLMAN H. , NILSSON O. , FRIBERG P. , ODÉN A. , STENSTRÖM G. , HANSSON G. , STENQUIST O. , WÄNGBERG B. , TISELL L.‐E. , JANSSON S. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objective.  To analyse the morbidity, mortality and long‐term outcome in a consecutive series of surgically treated patients with pheochromocytoma (PC), or paraganglioma (PG), from the western region of Sweden between 1950 and 1997.Patients.  All patients (n = 121) who had been hospitalized and treated for PC/PG over 47 years.Design.  Retrospective review of patients with PC/PG regarding presenting symptoms, tumour characteristics, clinical management and long‐term outcome after treatment.Setting.  One referral centre for all patients from the western region of Sweden.Results.  During an observation of 15 ± 6 years, 42 patients died vs. 23.6 expected in the general population (P < 0.001). There was no intra‐ or post‐operative mortality. Four patients with sporadic disease died of malignant PC and six with hereditary disease of associated neuroectodermal tumours. Five patients died of other malignancies, 20 of cardiovascular disease and seven of other causes. Besides older age at primary surgery, elevated urinary excretion of methoxy‐catecholamines was the only observed risk factor for death (P = 0.02). At diagnosis 85% of the patients were hypertensive; one year after surgery more than half were still hypertensive. However, pre‐ and post‐operative hypertension did not influence the risk for death versus controls.Conclusion.  Pheochromocytoma/PG can be safely treated by surgery. Death of malignant PC/PG was unusual, but the patients as a group had an increased risk of death. We recommend life‐long follow‐up of patients treated for PC/PG with screening for recurrent tumour in sporadic cases and for associated tumours in hereditary cases. This strategy would also be helpful in diagnosing cardiovascular disease at an early stage.
Surviving extreme hypercalcaemia – a case report and review of the literature
Authors: MARIENHAGEN K. , DUE J. , HANSSEN T.‐A. , SVARTBERG J. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.We report a case of extreme hypercalcaemia associated with a parathyroid adenoma in a young man. The patient presented with classical symptoms of a hypercalcaemic syndrome, and serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were 6.92 mmol L−1 and 70.2 pmol L−1 respectively. After stabilizing the patient and reducing the calcium level, a parathyroidectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful with rapidly resolving clinical symptoms. Hypercalcaemic crisis is a rare but life‐threatening complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. It should be suspected in acutely ill patients complaining of muscular weakness, gastrointestinal and cerebral symptoms. To reduce mortality, it is essential to correctly diagnose the condition without delay and provide appropriate emergency management correcting hypercalcaemia and dehydration. Successful parathyroidectomy quickly relieves symptoms and prevents recurrence.
Low level of tissue plasminogen activator activity in non‐diabetic patients with a first myocardial infarction
Authors: LUNDBLAD D. , DINESEN B. , RAUTIO A. , RØDER M. E. , ELIASSON M. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objective.  To explore the role of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) in survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Insulin and proinsulin were analysed as potential risk factors.Design.  Case–control study in northern Sweden.Subjects.  A total of 115 patients under 65 years of age with a first MI were enrolled and recalled for further examination 3 months later. Twenty‐seven patients were excluded, 17 with known diabetes and 10 who did not come to the follow‐up, giving a final number of 88 patients, 73 men and 15 women. Patients were age‐ and sex matched with control subjects drawn from the local cohort in the MONICA population survey 1994.Main outcome measures.  We compared MI patients and controls using univariate and multiple regression analyses including odds ratios (OR).Results.  PAI‐1 activity, fibrinogen, postload insulin and ‐proinsulin were significantly higher and tPA activity significantly lower in MI patients in the univariate analysis. In a multiple regression analysis, including also age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors, these parameters were divided in quartiles. The lowest quartile of tPA activity was significantly associated with MI (OR = 19.1; CI 3.0–123) together with the highest quartiles of fibrinogen (OR = 25; CI 5.2–120) but other variables were not.Conclusion.  Low tPA activity, i.e. low fibrinolytic activity, characterized nondiabetic subjects after a first MI which is not explained by concomitant disturbances in metabolic and anthropometric variables.
Impact of parathyroidectomy on neutrophil cytosolic calcium in chronic kidney disease patients: a prospective parallel group trial
Authors: DEICHER R. , KIRSCH B. , MÜLLNER M. , KACZIREK K. , NIEDERLE B. , HÖRL W. H. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients display elevated basal cytosolic calcium concentrations (iCa2+). As parathyroid hormone is considered to substantially contribute to the inappropriate cellular entry of calcium in uraemia, we hypothesized that parathyroidectomy lowers PMN iCa2+.Design and setting.  Prospective parallel group trial at a tertiary care centre.Subjects, intervention and main outcome measures.  Two patient cohorts (cohort 1: 14 CKD patients; cohort 2: 14 renal transplant recipients) underwent parathyroidectomy for uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism. We assessed PMN iCa2+ (primary objective) spectrofluorimetrically 1 day before and 20 days after intervention (secondary objective: PMN glucose uptake). Data were compared with those of 16 matched maintenance haemodialysis patients (cohort 3), and to 15 healthy subjects (cohort 4), by generalized estimating equations.Results.  PMN iCa2+ of cohort 1 decreased over time and was significantly higher than that of cohort 3 before but not after parathyroidectomy [mean difference before/after parathyroidectomy: 19.1nmol L−1 (95% confidence interval: 9.4–22.4), P =0.0003/−3.2 (−20.9–14.5), P = 0.71]. PMN iCa2+ of cohort 2 decreased over time, but we found no significant difference in comparison with cohort 3 [mean difference before/after parathyroidectomy: 6.5 nmol L−1 (−9.4–22.4), P = 0.4/−15.8 (−43.6–12.0), P = 0.25]. PMN iCa2+ of all CKD patients was substantially higher in comparison with that of healthy subjects [cohort 4 vs. 3: −35.3 (−48.9–21.6), P < 0.001]. PMN glucose uptake increased significantly in both interventional cohorts in comparison with cohort 3.Conclusions.  Parathyroidectomy lowers, but does not normalize PMN iCa2+ of CKD patients. Further variables, possibly uraemic retention solutes, control both PMN iCa2+ and functional responses.
Effect of the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) variants on intima‐media thickness and monocyte‐derived macrophage response to LPS
Authors: NORATA G. D. , GARLASCHELLI K. , ONGARI M. , RASELLI S. , GRIGORE L. , BENVENUTO F. , MAGGI F. M. , CATAPANO A. L. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) is believed to contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The association of the D299G polymorphism of the TLR‐4 gene with the progression of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis, risk of cardiovascular events and myocardial infarction is controversial. We have investigated whether the presence of the D299G polymorphism and the co‐segregated T399I polymorphism affects the intima‐media thickness (IMT) in the general population.Subjects.  The PLIC study population (n = 1256) was genotyped for the D299G and the T399I polymorphisms.Results.  The presence of both the D299G and T399I alleles was observed in the 13.0% of the population, carriers of the T399I alone were 1.8% and of the D299G alone were 0.9%. No difference in IMT was detected within the carriers of the D299G and T399I alleles and the wild‐type subjects in the PLIC population. Furthermore, we investigated whether monocyte from D299G to T399I subjects present a defective response to CD40, interleukin (IL)‐6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1, cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 and PTX3 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When the monocyte‐derived macrophages of these subjects were challenged with LPS (1 μg mL−1), no impact of the polymorphisms on the induction of CD40, MCP‐1 and PTX3 was observed. Only IL‐6 and COX‐2 induction by LPS resulted reduced in the D299G/T399I carriers.Conclusion.  The presence of the D299G and T399I polymorphisms of the TLR‐4 gene does not play a major role on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Macrophages from the subjects carrying the polymorphisms show an impaired response to LPS limited only to a IL‐6 and COX‐2.
End‐stage renal disease – not an equal opportunity disease: the role of genetic polymorphisms
Authors: NORDFORS L. , LINDHOLM B. , STENVINKEL P. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.Despite several decades of development in renal replacement therapy, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients continue to have markedly increased morbidity and mortality especially caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). This shows that current strategies, e.g. the focus on dialysis adequacy, to improve the clinical outcome in ESRD patients have to be complemented by novel approaches. Although traditional risk factors are common in dialysis patients they cannot alone explain the unacceptably high prevalence of CVD in this patient group. Much recent interest has therefore focused on the role of various nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as inflammation, vascular calcification and oxidative stress. Recent studies show that genetic factors, such as DNA single nucleotide polymorphisms, may significantly influence the immune response, the levels of inflammatory markers, as well as the prevalence of atherosclerosis in this patient group. To elucidate the respective roles of DNA polymorphisms in genes that encode inflammatory markers (such as IL‐10, IL‐6 and TNF‐α) and other factors that may affect the development of atherosclerosis (such as apolipoprotein E, transforming growth factor and fetuin‐A), sufficiently powered studies are needed in which genotype, the protein product and the specific phenotype all are analysed in relation to outcome. The recent developments in the field of genetics have opened up entirely new possibilities to understand the impact of genotype on disease development and progress and thus offer new options and strategies for treatment. It seems conceivable that in the near future, prognostic or predictive multigene DNA assays will provide the nephrological community with a more precise approach for the identification of ‘high‐risk’ ESRD patients and the development of accurate individual treatment strategies. For this purpose, integrative studies on genotype–phenotype associations and impact on clinical outcome are needed.
Genetic and physiological responses of Bacillus subtilis to metal ion stress
Authors: Moore Charles M. , Gaballa Ahmed , Hui Monica , Ye Rick W. , Helmann John D. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryMetal ion homeostasis is regulated principally by metalloregulatory proteins that control metal ion uptake, storage and efflux genes. We have used transcriptional profiling to survey Bacillus subtilis for genes that are rapidly induced by exposure to high levels of metal ions including Ag(I), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) and the metalloid As(V). Many of the genes affected by metal stress were controlled by known metalloregulatory proteins (Fur, MntR, PerR, ArsR and CueR). Additional metal‐induced genes are regulated by two newly defined metal‐sensing ArsR/SmtB family repressors: CzrA and AseR. CzrA represses the CadA efflux ATPase and the cation diffusion facilitator CzcD and this repression is alleviated by Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu. CadA is the major determinant for Cd(II) resistance, while CzcD protects the cell against elevated levels of Zn(II), Cu, Co(II) and Ni(II). AseR negatively regulates itself and AseA, an As(III) efflux pump which contributes to arsenite resistance in cells lacking a functional ars operon. Our results extend the range of identified effectors for the As(III)‐sensor ArsR to include Cd(II) and Ag(I) and for the Cu‐sensor CueR to include Ag(I) and, weakly, Cd(II) and Zn(II). In addition to systems dedicated to metal homeostasis, specific metal stresses also strongly induced pathways related to cysteine, histidine and arginine metabolism.
Maintaining a healthy SPANC balance through regulatory and mutational adaptation
Authors: Ferenci Thomas 
Published: June 2005

SummaryStress protection is an important but costly contributor to bacterial survival. Two distinct forms of environmental protection share a common cost and a significant species‐wide variability. Porin‐mediated outer membrane permeability and the RpoS‐controlled general stress response both involve a trade‐off between self‐preservation and nutritional competence, called the SPANC balance. Interestingly, different Escherichia coli strains exhibit distinct settings of the SPANC balance. It is tilted towards high stress resistance and a restricted diet in some isolates whereas others have broader nutritional capability and better nutrient affinity but lower levels of resistance. Growth‐ or stress‐related selective pressures working in opposite directions (antagonistic pleiotropy) result in polymorphisms affecting porins and RpoS. Consequently, these important cellular components are present at distinct concentrations in different isolates. A generalized hypothesis to explain bacterial adaptation, based on the SPANC investigations, is offered. A holistic approach to bacterial adaptation, involving a gamut of regulation and mutation, is likely to be the norm in broadening the capabilities of a species. Indeed, there is unlikely to be a standard regulatory setting typical for all members of a species. Gene regulation provides a limited fine control for maintaining the right level of adaptation in a particular niche but mutational changes provide the coarse control for adaptation between the species‐wide environments of free‐living bacteria.
Spatial arrangement and macrodomain organization of bacterial chromosomes
Authors: Boccard Frédéric , Esnault Emilie , Valens Michèle 
Published: June 2005

SummaryRecent developments in fluorescence microscopy have shown that bacterial chromosomes have a defined spatial arrangement that preserves the linear order of genes on the genetic map. These approaches also revealed that large portions of the chromosome in Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis are concentrated in the same cellular space, suggesting an organization as large regions defined as macrodomains. In E. coli, two macrodomains of 1 Mb containing the replication origin (Ori) and the replication terminus (Ter) have been shown to relocalize at specific steps of the cell cycle. A genetic analysis of the collision probability between distant DNA sites in E. coli has confirmed the presence of macrodomains by revealing the existence of large regions that do not collide with each other. Two macrodomains defined by the genetic approach coincide with the Ori and Ter macrodomains, and two new macrodomains flanking the Ter macrodomain have been identified. Altogether, these results indicate that the E. coli chromosome has a ring organization with four structured and two less‐structured regions. Implications for chromosome dynamics during the cell cycle and future prospects for the characterization and understanding of macrodomain organization are discussed.
PpsR: a multifaceted regulator of photosynthesis gene expression in purple bacteria
Authors: Elsen Sylvie , Jaubert Marianne , Pignol David , Giraud Eric 
Published: June 2005

SummaryPurple bacteria control the level of expression and the composition of their photosystem according to light and redox conditions. This control involves several regulatory systems that have been now well characterized. Among them, the PpsR regulator plays a central role, because it directly or indirectly controls the synthesis of all of the different components of the photosystem. In this review, we report our knowledge of the PpsR protein, highlighting the diversity of its mode of action and focusing on the proteins identified in four model purple bacteria (Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rubrivivax gelatinosus, Bradyrhizobium ORS278). This regulator exhibits unique regulatory features in each bacterium: it can activate and/or repress the expression of photosynthesis genes, its activity can be modulated or not by the redox conditions, it can interact with other specific regulators and therefore be involved differently in light and/or redox regulatory circuits.