bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning of ABCA17, a novel rodent sperm-specific ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter that regulates intracellular lipid metabolism
Authors: Ban Nobuhiro , Sasaki Mayumi , Sakai Hiromichi , Ueda Kazumitsu , Inagaki Nobuya 
Published: July 2005

The A subclass of the ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter superfamily has a structural feature that distinguishes it from other ABC transporters, and is proposed to be involved in the transmembrane transport of endogenous lipids. Here we have cloned mouse and rat full-length cDNAs of ABCA17, a novel ABC transporter belonging to the A subclass. Mouse and rat ABCA17 proteins comprise 1733 and 1773 amino acid residues respectively, having 87.3% amino acid identity; mouse ABCA17 has amino acid identities of 55.3% and 36.7% with mouse ABCA3 and sea urchin ABCA respectively. RNA blot and quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that ABCA17 mRNA is expressed exclusively in the testis. Examination of testis by in situ hybridization showed that ABCA17 mRNA is expressed in germ cells, mainly spermatocytes, in the seminiferous tubule. Immunoblot analysis using a specific antibody showed that ABCA17 is a protein of 200 kDa, and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the protein is detected in the anterior head of sperm and elongated spermatids. ABCA17 was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. Metabolic labelling analysis showed that intracellular esterified lipids, including cholesteryl esters, fatty acid esters and triacylglycerols, were significantly decreased in HEK293 cells stably expressing ABCA17 compared with untransfected cells. These results suggest that ABCA17 may play a role in regulating lipid composition in sperm.
Electrostatic stabilization in a pre-organized polar active site: the catalytic role of Lys-80 in Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) probed by site-directed mutagenesis and functional complementation studies
Authors: Kratzer Regina , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: July 2005

Lys-80 of Candida tenuis xylose reductase (AKR2B5) is conserved throughout the aldo–keto reductase protein superfamily and may prime the nearby Tyr-51 for general acid catalysis to NAD(P)H-dependent carbonyl group reduction. We have examined the catalytic significance of side-chain substitutions in two AKR2B5 mutants, Lys-80→Ala (K80A) and Asp-46→Asn Lys-80→Ala (D46N K80A), using steady-state kinetic analysis and restoration of activity with external amines. Binding of NAD+ (Kd=24 μM) and NADP+ (Kd=0.03 μM) was 10- and 40-fold tighter in K80A than the wild-type enzyme, whereas binding of NADH (Kd=51 μM) and NADPH (Kd=19 μM) was weakened 2- and 16-fold in this mutant respectively. D46N K80A bound NAD(P)H and NAD(P)+ uniformly approx. 5-fold less tightly than the wild-type enzyme. The second-order rate constant for non-covalent restoration of NADH-dependent reductase activity (kmax/Kamine) by protonated ethylamine was 0.11 M−1·s−1 for K80A, whereas no detectable rescue occurred for D46N K80A. After correction for effects of side-chain hydrophobicity, we obtained a linear free energy relationship of log (kmax/Kamine) and amine group pKa (slope=+0.29; r2=0.93) at pH 7.0. pH profiles of log (kcat/Km) for carbonyl group reduction by wild-type and D46N K80A revealed identical and kinetically unperturbed pKa values of 8.50 (±0.20). Therefore the protonated side chain of Lys-80 is not an essential activator of general acid catalysis by AKR2B5. Stabilized structurally through the salt-link interaction with the negatively charged Asp-46, it is proposed to pull the side chain of Tyr-51 into the catalytic position, leading to a preorganized polar environment of overall neutral charge, in which approximation of uncharged reactive groups is favoured and thus hydride transfer from NAD(P)H is strongly preferred. Lys-80 affects further the directional preference of AKR2B5 for NAD(P)H-dependent reduction by increasing NAD(P)H compared with NAD(P)+-binding selectivity.
Functional and structural characterization of the myoglobin from the polychaete Ophelia bicornis
Authors: Sanna M. Teresa , Manconi Barbara , Castagnola Massimo , Giardina Bruno , Masia Daniela , Messana Irene , Olianas Alessandra , Patamia Maria , Petruzzelli Raffaele , Pellegrini Mariagiuseppina 
Published: July 2005

The myoglobin of the polychaete annelid Ophelia bicornis was isolated, purified to homogeneity and characterized. The primary structure, obtained from cDNA and protein sequencing, consists of 139 amino acid residues. The alignment with other globin sequences showed that O. bicornis myoglobin misses the pre-A helix and the first six residues of the A helix. The presence of a PheB10-GlnE7 haem distal residue pair is in agreement with the measured oxygen affinity (P50=0.85 mmHg; 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and the only slightly higher autoxidation rate constant (0.28 h−1) with respect to that of the sperm whale myoglobin mutant E7 His→Gln (0.21 h−1) and to elephant myoglobin (0.1 h−1). Oxygen-binding co-operativity was found to be absent under all the examined experimental conditions. The resistance of O. bicornis myoglobin towards autoxidation seems to confirm the important role of part of the A helix in the stability of the globin. The higher pKa of the acid–alkaline ferric transition of O. bicornis with respect to Asian elephant myoglobin, as well as the higher absorbance ratio of its ferric form to the oxy form measured in the Soret region (γmet/γoxy) with respect to that of the African elephant myoglobin, suggested a stronger interaction between the distal glutamine and the water molecule at the sixth co-ordinate position.
Transmural inflammation by interferon‐γ‐producing T cells correlates with outward vascular remodeling and intimal expansion of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Tang Paul C. Y. , Yakimov Alexander O. , Teesdale Michael A. , Coady Michael A. , Dardik Alan , Elefteriades John A. , Tellides George 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTArterial pathology manifests as aneurysmal or obstructive disease depending on changes in lumen size due to vascular remodeling (change in vessel external diameter) and/or intimal expansion. Recent clinical and experimental observations in abdominal aortic aneurysms have led to the emerging dogma that Th2‐dominant immune responses result in expansive vascular remodeling and luminal ectasia, whereas Th1 immune responses cause intimal hyperplasia and luminal stenosis. We tested this hypothesis by descriptive analyses of 31 non‐aneurysmal and 29 aneurysmal ascending thoracic aortic specimens. Approximately half the aneurysms were distinguished by transmural inflammation. The remaining aneurysms and all the non‐aneurysmal aortas had a similar leukocytic infiltrate that spared the inner media. Aneurysm tissue had increased expression of the prototypical Th1 cytokine, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and undetectable Th2 cytokines. Specimens with inner media infiltration displayed robust production of IFN‐γ, induction of the IFN‐γ‐inducible chemokines IP‐10 and Mig, and recruitment of lymphocytes bearing their cognate receptor CXCR3. Transmural inflammation and IFN‐γ production were associated with increased aortic external diameter, intimal thickening, preserved vascular smooth muscle cell density, and decreased matrix proteins. Th1, but not Th2, immune responses have a positive correlation with both outward vascular remodeling and intimal expansion of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Prodynorphin transcripts and proteins differentially expressed and regulated in the adult human brain
Authors: Nikoshkov Andrej , Hurd Yasmin L. , Yakovleva Tatiana , Bazov Igor , Marinova Zoya , Cebers Gvido , Pasikova Natalia , Gharibyan Anna , Terenius Lars , Bakalkin Georgy 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTTranscription from multiple promoters along with alternative mRNA splicing constitutes the basis for cell‐specific gene expression and mRNA and protein diversity. The prodynorphin gene (PDYN) gives rise to prodynorphin (PDYN), precursor to dynorphin opioid peptides that regulate diverse physiological functions and are implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we characterized PDYN transcripts and proteins in the adult human brain and studied PDYN processing and intracellular localization in model cell lines. Seven PDYN mRNAs were identified in the human brain; two of the transcripts, FL1 and FL2, encode the full‐length PDYN. The dominant, FL1 transcript shows high expression in limbic‐related structures such as the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. The second, FL2 transcript is only expressed in few brain structures such as the claustrum and hypothalamus. FL‐PDYN was identified for the first time in the brain as the dominant PDYN protein product. Three novel PDYNs expressed from spliced or truncated PDYN transcripts either lack a central segment but are still processed into dynorphins, or are translated into N‐terminally truncated proteins. One truncated PDYN is located in the cell nucleus, suggesting a novel nonopioid function for this protein. The complexity of PDYN expression and diversity of its protein products may be relevant for diverse levels of plasticity in adaptive responses for the dynorphin system.
3,5‐Diiodo‐L‐thyronine powerfully reduces adiposity in rats by increasing the burning of fats
Authors: Lanni Antonia , Moreno Maria , Lombardi Assunta , De Lange Pieter , Silvestri Elena , Ragni Maurizio , Farina Paola , Baccari Gabriella Chieffi , Fallahi Pupah , Antonelli Alessandro , Goglia Fernando 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTThe effect of thyroid hormones on metabolism has long supported their potential as drugs to stimulate fat reduction, but the concomitant induction of a thyrotoxic state has greatly limited their use. Recent evidence suggests that 3,5‐diiodo‐L‐thyronine (T2), a naturally occurring iodothyronine, stimulates metabolic rate via mechanisms involving the mitochondrial apparatus. We examined whether this effect would result in reduced energy storage. Here, we show that T2 administration to rats receiving a high‐fat diet (HFD) reduces both adiposity and body weight gain without inducing thyrotoxicity. Rats receiving HFD + T2 showed (when compared with rats receiving HFD alone) a 13% lower body weight, a 42% higher liver fatty acid oxidation rate, ∼50% less fat mass, a complete disappearance of fat from the liver, and significant reductions in the serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels (−52% and −18%, respectively). Thyroid hormones and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) serum levels were not influenced by T2 administration. The biochemical mechanism underlying the effects of T2 on liver metabolism involves the carnitine palmitoyl‐transferase system and mitochondrial uncoupling. If the results hold true for humans, pharmacological administration of T2 might serve to counteract the problems associated with overweight, such as accumulation of lipids in liver and serum, without inducing thyrotoxicity. However, the results reported here do not exclude deleterious effects of T2 on a longer time scale as well as do not show that T2 acts in the same way in humans.
Laser Photoacoustic Detection Allows in Planta Detection of Nitric Oxide in Tobacco following Challenge with Avirulent and Virulent Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars
Authors: Mur Luis A.J. , Santosa I. Edi , Laarhoven Lucas J.J. , Holton Nicholas J. , Harren Frans J.M. , Smith Aileen R. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
We demonstrate the use of laser photoacoustic detection (LPAD) as a highly sensitive method to detect in planta nitric oxide (.NO) production from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). LPAD calibration against .NO gas demonstrated a linear relationship over 2 orders of magnitude with a detection threshold of &lt;20 pmol h−1 (1 part per billion volume [ppbv]). The specificity of the photoacoustic signal for .NO when adding gas or the .NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, on injection into plant leaves, was demonstrated by its abolition with O3 (.NO + O3 → NO2 + O2). The utility of the LPAD method was shown by examination of a nonhost hypersensitive response and a disease induced by Pseudomonas syringae (P. s.) pv phaseolicola and P. s. pv tabaci in tobacco. .NO was detected within 40 min of challenge with P. s. pv phaseolicola, some 5 h before the initiation of visible tissue collapse. The wildfire tobacco pathogen P. s. pv tabaci initiated .NO generation at 2 h postinfection. The use of .NO donors, the scavenger CPTIO ([4-carboxyphenyl]-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-3-oxide), and the mammalian nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NMMA (N G-monomethyl-l-arginine) indicated that .NO influenced the kinetics of cell death and resistance to both avirulent and virulent bacteria in tobacco. These observations suggest that .NO is integral to the elicitation of cell death associated with these two bacterial pathogens in tobacco.
The SOL Genomics Network. A Comparative Resource for Solanaceae Biology and Beyond
Authors: Mueller Lukas A. , Solow Teri H. , Taylor Nicolas , Skwarecki Beth , Buels Robert , Binns John , Lin Chenwei , Wright Mark H. , Ahrens Robert , Wang Ying , Herbst Evan V. , Keyder Emil R. , Menda Naama , Zamir Dani , Tanksley Steven D. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
The SOL Genomics Network (SGN; http://sgn.cornell.edu) is a rapidly evolving comparative resource for the plants of the Solanaceae family, which includes important crop and model plants such as potato (Solanum tuberosum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The aim of SGN is to relate these species to one another using a comparative genomics approach and to tie them to the other dicots through the fully sequenced genome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). SGN currently houses map and marker data for Solanaceae species, a large expressed sequence tag collection with computationally derived unigene sets, an extensive database of phenotypic information for a mutagenized tomato population, and associated tools such as real-time quantitative trait loci. Recently, the International Solanaceae Project (SOL) was formed as an umbrella organization for Solanaceae research in over 30 countries to address important questions in plant biology. The first cornerstone of the SOL project is the sequencing of the entire euchromatic portion of the tomato genome. SGN is collaborating with other bioinformatics centers in building the bioinformatics infrastructure for the tomato sequencing project and implementing the bioinformatics strategy of the larger SOL project. The overarching goal of SGN is to make information available in an intuitive comparative format, thereby facilitating a systems approach to investigations into the basis of adaptation and phenotypic diversity in the Solanaceae family, other species in the Asterid clade such as coffee (Coffea arabica), Rubiaciae, and beyond.
Long‐term efficacy of Burch colposuspension: a 14‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kjølhede Preben 
Published: July 2005

Background.  The aim of this study is to investigate the long‐term efficacy of the Burch colposuspension and to analyze the risk factors for an unsuccessful outcome at the long‐term follow‐up of more than 10 years.Methods.  Data from patient files of 190 women on whom surgery was performed with Burch colposuspension during 1980–1988 and answers from a postal questionnaire performed median 14 years after the Burch colposuspension concerning the lower urinary tract function were retrieved retrospectively.Results.  Subjectively significant urinary incontinence was experienced by 56% of the responders. Only 19% reported no incontinence episodes. Among the significant urinary incontinent women, symptoms of stress incontinence occurred in 26%, urge incontinence in 17%, and mixed incontinence in 42%. In 15%, the symptom of incontinence was atypical and could not be categorized. Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying post‐operatively and pre‐operative obesity was associated with the long‐term outcome of Burch colposuspension (odds ratio (OR) = 2.33; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.20–4.54 and OR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.10–5.77, respectively). Age, obesity at the long‐term follow‐up or having had surgery for fecal incontinence, genital prolapse, or hysterectomy were not significantly associated with the outcome of the Burch colposuspension.Conclusions.  The subjective cure rate decreases with time after Burch colposuspension. Lower urinary tract symptoms are very common at the long‐term after Burch colposuspension with more than three‐fourth experiencing these. Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying post‐operatively and pre‐operative obesity seem to be long‐term risk factors for an adverse outcome. A standard definition for follow‐up periods is suggested.
A meta‐analysis of upright positions in the second stage to reduce instrumental deliveries in women with epidural analgesia
Authors: Roberts Christine L. , Algert Charles S. , Cameron Carolyn A. , Torvaldsen Siranda 
Published: July 2005

Background.  Epidural analgesia is associated with an increased risk of instrumental delivery. We, in this study, present a systematic review in order to assess the effectiveness of maintaining an upright position during the second stage of labor to reduce instrumental deliveries among women choosing epidural analgesia. The study population included women with uncomplicated pregnancies at term with epidural analgesia established in the first stage of labor.Methods.  We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases and the Cochrane Trials Register up to July 2003 and cross‐checked the reference lists of published studies. Trial eligibility and outcomes were pre‐specified. Group tabular data were obtained for each trial and were analyzed by using meta‐analytic techniques.Results.  Only two studies were included with data on 281 women (166 upright and 115 recumbent). Upright positions in the second stage were associated with a non‐significant reduction in the risk of both instrumental delivery (relative risk (RR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.46–1.28) and cesarean section (RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.28–1.16). Both studies reported a statistically significant reduction in labor duration associated with upright positions. Data on other outcomes, including perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal satisfaction, and infant well‐being, were insufficient.Conclusions.  There were insufficient data to show a significant benefit from upright positions in the second stage of labor for women who choose epidural or to evaluate safety aspects. However the magnitude of the reductions in instrumental delivery and cesarean section warrants an adequately powered randomized, controlled trial to fully evaluate the practice of upright positions in the second stage for women with an epidural.
Proton‐pump inhibitor use by coronary artery disease patients is associated with fewer chest pain episodes, emergency department visits and hospitalizations
Authors: LIUZZO J. P. , AMBROSE J. A. , DIGGS P. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground:  Patients with coronary artery disease presenting to an emergency department with chest pain are likely to undergo hospitalization in an attempt to elucidate its aetiology.Aim:  To examine whether coronary artery disease patients receiving proton‐pump inhibitor therapy are associated with fewer chest pain events and evaluations.Methods:  A veteran patient population with documented coronary artery disease was identified, and chest pain episodes, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for chest pain were followed over 2 years. Patient outcomes between proton‐pump inhibitor use and non‐use of proton‐pump inhibitor therapy were compared.Results:  In 415 male patients, 23% utilized a proton‐pump inhibitor and 77% did not. Proton‐pump inhibitor therapy was associated with fewer chest pain episodes (12% vs. 26%, P = 0.002), emergency department visits, (12% vs. 24%, P = 0.044) and hospitalizations (13% vs. 24%, P = 0.086). The incidence of adverse events was decreased in the proton‐pump inhibitor group: 70% fewer chest pain episodes (P = 0.002, RR = 3.3), 55% fewer emergency department visits (P = 0.049, RR = 2.2) and 53% fewer hospitalizations (P = 0.064, RR = 2.1). By multivariate analysis, proton‐pump inhibitor therapy independently predicted a reduced prevalence of patients experiencing chest pain, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations [OR = 0.09 (0.04–0.21); 0.15 (0.06–0.40); 0.14 (0.05–0.40); all P < 0.001].Conclusions:  Proton‐pump inhibitor therapy for veteran coronary artery disease patients is associated with fewer chest pain episodes, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for chest pain.
Histamine receptor antagonists and incident colorectal adenomas
Authors: ROBERTSON D. J. , BURKE C. A. , SCHWENDER B. J. , WARGOVICH M. J. , GREENBERG E. R. , SANDLER R. S. , AHNEN D. J. , ROTHSTEIN R. , MOTT L. A. , BARON J. A. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground:  Prior studies suggest that histamines may modulate the development of colorectal neoplasia.Aim:  To assess whether histamine receptor antagonist use was associated with adenoma formation.Methods:  Patients (n = 2366) were drawn from three adenoma chemoprevention trials. All underwent baseline colonoscopy with removal of adenoma(s) and were deemed free of remaining lesions; they were followed with surveillance colonoscopy. Medication use was assessed by questionnaire. Adjusted risk ratios for adenoma formation related to histamine receptor antagonist use (histamine H1 and H2 receptor, H1RA and H2RA) were determined using log linear models.Results:  In pooled analyses, H1RA exposure was not associated with subsequent adenoma risk (RR = 1.10; 95% CI 0.97–1.25) or multiple adenoma formation (RR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.67–1.07). H2RA use also was not associated with adenoma (RR = 0.90; 95% CI 0.77–1.06), or multiple adenoma (RR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.57–1.04) in the pooled analyses, but H2RA users in the first trial had a decreased risk of adenoma (RR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.48–1.03) and multiple adenoma (RR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.12–0.79).Conclusion:  H2RA use was associated with reduced risk for adenoma in one trial, but not in the pooled analyses. Further study would be warranted before undertaking randomized trials of H2RAs for adenoma chemoprevention.