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Analysis of the heart rate and breathing patterns of infants destined to suffer sudden infant death syndrome: probability density function analysis.

From a prospective study into the sudden infant death syndrome in which 24-h recordings of the ECG and respiratory waveform (abdominal wall movement) were made on a population of full-term infants, 22 recordings were obtained on 16 infants who subsequently suffered sudden infant death syndrome. The probability density function for the instantaneous heart rate and the breath to breath intervals and their randomly variabilities were calculated for these 22 recordings and for a control group of 324 infants randomly selected from the remainder of the population. A principal components analysis was then performed to classify the data and to make comparisons between infants. The infants in the analysis were divided into three postnatal age groups. No differences were found between the sudden infant death syndrome cases and the control group for the breath to breath intervals and its variability or for the instantaneous heart rate. Three sudden infant death syndrome cases lay outside the range of values for the heart rate variability at 6 wk of age.

Age Factors↗

Evaluation of a semiautomatic software tool for left ventricular function analysis with 16-slice computed tomography.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a semiautomatic analysis tool for assessing global left ventricular myocardial function with multislice computed tomography (MSCT). We examined 33 patients with MSCT using 16x0.5 mm detector collimation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 1.5-T scanner. MSCT data were analyzed using semiautomatic volumetric analysis software (ANET, CSCF-001A, Toshiba). This software tool automatically creates endo- and epicardial contours that can be manually corrected on all short-axis slices at all reconstructed time points within the cardiac cycle, based on a contour-detection and density-threshold algorithm. All global left ventricular function parameters assessed with the semiautomatic MSCT software were highly correlated with the results of MRI. Bland-Altman analysis showed minor systematic overestimation of end-diastolic (10.7 ml) and end-systolic volumes (5.6 ml) and underestimation of ejection fraction (2.1%) with MSCT as compared with MRI. The post-processing time was moderately but significantly longer with the MSCT software (15.9+/-2.8 min) than necessary for MRI (14.0+/-2.5 min, P<0.01), mainly as a result of the longer time required for uploading of the MSCT datasets, which were on average 54 times larger (1.3 GByte). In conclusion, it appears feasible to accurately assess global left ventricular function with MSCT in a reasonable post-processing time using a semiautomatic software tool.

Contrast Media↗

Functional analysis of the glycero-manno-heptose 7-phosphate kinase domain from the bifunctional HldE protein, which is involved in ADP-L-glycero-D-manno-heptose biosynthesis.

The core oligosaccharide component of the lipopolysaccharide can be subdivided into inner and outer core regions. In Escherichia coli, the inner core consists of two 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid and three glycero-manno-heptose residues. The HldE protein participates in the biosynthesis of ADP-glycero-manno-heptose precursors used in the assembly of the inner core. HldE comprises two functional domains: an N-terminal region with homology to the ribokinase superfamily (HldE1 domain) and a C-terminal region with homology to the cytidylyltransferase superfamily (HldE2 domain). We have employed the structure of the E. coli ribokinase as a template to model the HldE1 domain and predict critical amino acids required for enzyme activity. Mutation of these residues renders the protein inactive as determined in vivo by functional complementation analysis. However, these mutations did not affect the secondary or tertiary structure of purified HldE1, as judged by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Furthermore, in vivo coexpression of wild-type, chromosomally encoded HldE and mutant HldE1 proteins with amino acid substitutions in the predicted ATP binding site caused a dominant negative phenotype as revealed by increased bacterial sensitivity to novobiocin. Copurification experiments demonstrated that HldE and HldE1 form a complex in vivo. Gel filtration chromatography resulted in the detection of a dimer as the predominant form of the native HldE1 protein. Altogether, our data support the notions that the HldE functional unit is a dimer and that structural components present in each HldE1 monomer are required for enzymatic activity.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

[Sudden deafness and biometric function analysis of the cervical spine].

Theories concerning the influence of function disturbances of the cervical spine on the development of sudden hearing loss should be re-examined. Forty-eight patients with unilateral sudden hearing loss and 94 controls were examined. X-rays of the cervical spine were made in lateral projection in normal position, and in maximum flexion and extension. The posture and movement of the vertebrae were recorded using a computer digitalization program. Overall mobility of the cervical spine was reduced in the group with sudden hearing loss: reduced movement was found in segments C2/C3, C5/C6, and C6/C7. Segments P0/P1 and C1/C2 were conspicuous by very high standard deviations in the group with sudden hearing loss. The results indicate that sudden hearing loss and function disorders of the cervical spine are related.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Molecular basis of cysteine biosynthesis in plants: structural and functional analysis of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase from Arabidopsis thaliana.

In plants, cysteine biosynthesis plays a central role in fixing inorganic sulfur from the environment and provides the only metabolic sulfide donor for the generation of methionine, glutathione, phytochelatins, iron-sulfur clusters, vitamin cofactors, and multiple secondary metabolites. O-Acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) catalyzes the final step of cysteine biosynthesis, the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent conversion of O-acetylserine into cysteine. Here we describe the 2.2 A resolution crystal structure of OASS from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtOASS) and the 2.7 A resolution structure of the AtOASS K46A mutant with PLP and methionine covalently linked as an external aldimine in the active site. Although the plant and bacterial OASS share a conserved set of amino acids for PLP binding, the structure of AtOASS reveals a difference from the bacterial enzyme in the positioning of an active site loop formed by residues 74-78 when methionine is bound. Site-directed mutagenesis, kinetic analysis, and ligand binding titrations probed the functional roles of active site residues. These experiments indicate that Asn(77) and Gln(147) are key amino acids for O-acetylserine binding and that Thr(74) and Ser(75) are involved in sulfur incorporation into cysteine. In addition, examination of the AtOASS structure and nearly 300 plant and bacterial OASS sequences suggest that the highly conserved beta8A-beta9A surface loop may be important for interaction with serine acetyltransferase, the other enzyme in cysteine biosynthesis. Initial protein-protein interaction experiments using AtOASS mutants targeted to this loop support this hypothesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Age differences in verbal mediation: a structural and functional analysis.

Five experiments were conducted to investigate potential structural and functional differences in verbal mediators given by young and elderly adults to CVC material. Experiment 1 found no significant differences in the complexity and flexibility of mediator formation by the two age groups. Experiment 2 replicated these findings using a different sample and task, and different materials. Additionally, this study also indicated a significant rank order correlation for the particular types of mediators used. Experiment 3 indicated that under some situations young subjects may be able to discriminate young from old mediators while Experiment 4 showed that younger subjects had no preference for which mediator would be most helpful to them in a learning task. Experiment 5 found that, in a paired associate learning task, young subjects learned faster the mediators given by other young subjects. The data were discussed in terms of current methodolical practices and in terms of localizing age-related memory deficits in structure or process variables.

Adult↗

Functional analysis of GC element binding and transcription in the hamster dihydrofolate reductase gene promoter.

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene expression is required for cell growth. The DHFR gene promoter contains several GC elements capable of binding the transcription factor Sp1. In this report we have characterized the effect of protein(s) binding to these sequence elements in the Chinese hamster DHFR promoter on transcription. We have constructed a series of deletions containing from 896 to 103 bp 5' to the start of translation. The protein binding domains have been mapped by DNAse I footprint analysis using HeLa nuclear extract, and the function of the protein-binding elements has been assessed by in vitro transcription and transient CAT expression. Maximal transcription in vitro and CAT expression is obtained with a construct containing 3 GC elements extending to position -184. Removal of GC element binding factor(s), by competition with an oligonucleotide containing an Sp1 binding site, completely abolishes transcription in vitro and significantly diminishes CAT expression. Ten-fold higher molar excess of competitor is required to abolish SV40 early transcription, suggesting that the GC element interactions in the DHFR promoter are different from those in the SV40 early region. Co-transfection of a DHFR CAT construct with an expressor of Sp1 dramatically increased CAT expression in Drosophila cells.

Animals↗

RNAi-induced silencing of gene expression in strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa) by agroinfiltration: a rapid assay for gene function analysis.

Intron-containing constructs encoding self-complementary 'hairpin' RNA (ihpRNA) have the potential to efficiently silence genes in a range of plant species. In this study we demonstrate the silencing of a ripening-related chalcone synthase (CHS) gene in strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Elsanta) by a construct (ihpRNA) containing the partial sense and corresponding antisense sequences of CHS separated by an intron obtained from a F. x ananassa quinone oxidoreductase gene. An Agrobacterium strain carrying a T-DNA expressing the ihpRNA transgene was injected with a syringe into the receptacles of growing fruits still attached to the plant about 14 days after pollination. As a consequence of the reduced levels of CHS mRNA and enzymatic CHS activity, the levels of anthocyanins were downregulated and precursors of the flavonoid pathway were shunted to the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to a large increases in levels of (hydroxy) cinnamoyl glucose esters. We anticipate that this technique in combination with metabolite profiling analysis will be useful for studying the function of unknown genes during the development and ripening of strawberry fruit.

Acyltransferases↗

Functional analysis of the Bacillus subtilis cysK and cysJI genes.

The function of the Bacillus subtilis cysK and cysJI (previously designated yvgQR) genes, expected to be involved in the assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway, was investigated. A B. subtilis mutant with a deletion in the cysJI genes was unable to use sulfate or sulfite as sulfur source, which confirmed that these genes encode sulfite reductase. A mutant with a transposon insertion in the cysK gene, whose deduced protein sequence showed similarity to cysteine synthases, grew poorly on sulfate and butanesulfonate. A strain in which cysK and yrhA, a cysK paralog, were inactivated was unable to grow with sulfate. Whereas expression of the cysJI genes was induced by sulfate, expression of cysK was repressed both by sulfate and by cysteine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mapping and functional analysis of regulatory sequences in the mouse lambda5-VpreB1 domain.

The lambda5 and VpreB genes encode the components of the surrogate light-chain which forms part of the pre-B cell receptor and plays a key role in B cell development. In the mouse, the lambda5 and VpreB1 genes are closely linked and are co-regulated by a multi-component locus control region. To identify the sequences that regulate lambda5 and VpreB1 expression during B cell development, we have comprehensively mapped the DNaseI hypersensitive sites (HS) in the lambda5-VpreB1 functional domain. The active domain contains 12 HS that are distributed at high density across the 18.3 kb region that forms the lambda5 and VpreB1 functional unit. Analysis of a reporter gene driven by the VpreB1 promoter in transgenic mice identified a novel enhancer associated with two HS located upstream of lambda5. The lambda5-VpreB1 locus was also found to be closely linked to the ubiquitously expressed Topoisomerase-3beta (Topo3beta) gene. The VpreB1 and Topo3beta genes have entirely different expression patterns despite the fact that the two promoters are separated by a distance of only 1.5 kb.

Animals↗

Genome-Wide Identification of the Soybean GH5 Gene Family and Functional Analysis of GmGH5-22 in Salt Tolerance.

Plant GH5 family genes function in both cell wall biosynthesis and stress responses. However, comprehensive studies on GH5 genes in the soybean remain limited. Here, we identified 28 GmGH5 genes from the soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis assigned these genes to three subfamilies (I-III), with no representatives in subfamily IV. The GmGH5 family harbors 15 conserved motifs, which are largely similar within subfamilies but differ across subfamilies. Additionally, exon-intron structures (2-7 introns) exhibit clade-specific patterns, with members within the same clade sharing similar intron numbers and lengths, whereas distinct clades show some variation. The promoter regions of GmGH5 genes contained various cis-acting regulatory elements associated with stress responses and developmental processes. Transcriptome-based expression profiling revealed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns of GmGH5 genes. RT-qPCR further confirmed their differential expression under salt, alkaline, cold, and drought stresses, especially a significant increase in GmGH5-22 expression under salt stress (approximately 22-fold at 6 h, **** p < 0.0001). Furthermore, GmGH5-22 was highly expressed in roots, and transient expression in tobacco leaves showed its peripheral localization, which aligns with its predicted extracellular localization, suggesting that GmGH5-22 is highly likely localized to the cell wall. Overexpression of GmGH5-22 in soybean hairy roots significantly improved tolerance to salt stress. These findings establish a foundation for functional characterization of GmGH5 genes and provide viable targets for molecular breeding to enhance salt tolerance in soybeans.

GH5 family↗

Structure-function analysis of the herpes simplex virus type 1 UL12 gene: correlation of deoxyribonuclease activity in vitro with replication function.

Although the product of the UL12 gene of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been shown to possess both exonuclease and endonuclease activities in vitro, and deletion of most of the gene within the viral genome results in inefficient production and maturation of infectious virions, the function of the deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity per se in virus replication remains unclear. In order to correlate the in vitro and in vivo activities of the protein encoded by UL12, mutant proteins were tested for nuclease activity in vitro by a novel hypersensitivity cleavage assay and for their ability to complement the replication of a DNase null mutant, AN-1. Rabbit reticulocyte lysates programmed with wild-type UL12 RNA cleaved at the same sites cleaved by purified HSV-1 DNase, but distinct from those cleaved by DNase 1 or micrococcal nuclease. All mutants which lacked DNase activity in vitro also failed to complement the replication of AN-1 in nonpermissive cells. Likewise, all mutants which contained HSV-1 DNase activity, as detected by the hypersensitivity cleavage assay, were capable of complementing the replication of the DNase null mutant, though to varying extents. Of particular note was the d1-126 mutant protein, which, despite having the same specific activity as the wild-type enzyme in vitro, complemented the replication of AN-1 significantly less than the wild-type protein. The results suggest that DNase activity per se is required for efficient replication of HSV-1 in vivo. However, residues, including the N-terminal 126 amino acids, which are dispensable for enzymatic activity in vitro may facilitate the accessibility or activity of the protein in vivo.

Animals↗

Functional analysis of SNF, the Drosophila U1A/U2B" homolog: identification of dispensable and indispensable motifs for both snRNP assembly and function in vivo.

In Drosophila, the spliceosomal protein SNF fulfills the functions of two vertebrate proteins, U1 snRNP-UlA and U2 snRNP-U2B". The structure and sequence of SNF, U1A, and U2B" are nearly identical with two RNA recognition motifs (RRM) separated by a short linker region, yet they have different RNA-binding properties: U1A binds U1 snRNA, U2B" binds U2 snRNA, and SNF binds both snRNAs. Structure/function studies on the human proteins have identified motifs in the N-terminal RRM that are critical for RNA-binding specificity but have failed to identify a function for the C-terminal RRM. Interestingly, SNF is chimeric in these motifs, suggesting a basis for its dual specificity. Here, we test the importance of these motifs by introducing site-directed mutations in the snf coding region and examining the effects of these mutations on assembly into the snRNP and on snf function in vivo. We found that an N-terminal RRM mutant protein predicted to eliminate RNA binding still assembles into snRNPs and is capable of rescuing snf's lethal phenotype only if the normally dispensable C-terminal RRM is present. We also found that the mixed motif in the "RNA-specificity" domain is necessary for SNF's dual function whereas the mixed motif in the U2A'-protein-binding region is not. Finally, we demonstrate that animals carrying a snf mutation that converts SNF from a bifunctional protein to a U1 snRNP-specific protein are viable. This unexpected result suggests that SNF's presence within the U2 snRNP is not essential for splicing.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Functional analysis of HIV type 1 Nef reveals a role for PAK2 as a regulator of cell phenotype and function in the murine dendritic cell line, DC2.4.

The HIV-1 Nef protein plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis. Nef has been shown to modulate dendritic cell (DC) function, in particular perturbing their ability to present Ag. To further characterize the effects of Nef on DCs, we established a panel of transfectants of the murine DC line, DC2.4, stably expressing differing levels of either wild-type Nef, or a number of Nef mutants lacking key functional motifs. Transfectants expressing increasing levels of wild-type Nef demonstrated a dose-dependent shrinkage and loss of dendrites. Nef expression levels also correlated with increased proliferative ability but did not confer resistance to proapoptotic stimuli. Importantly, Nef expression resulted in an impairment of Ag presentation to T cells correlating with a reduction in the cell surface expression of molecules involved in Ag presentation such as MHC class I, CD80/86, and ICAM-1. Nef expression also rendered DC2.4 cells resistant to the maturation stimulus provided by an anti-CD40 Ab. Mutations in either the myristoylation site or Src homology 3-domain binding polyproline motif of Nef abolished these effects. Previous studies had shown that these mutations also abolished the ability of Nef to activate the p21-activated kinase, PAK2. Consistent with this, stable expression of constitutively active PAK2 in DC2.4 mimicked the effects of Nef. We conclude that Nef, acting via activation of PAK2, inhibits both DC maturation and Ag presentation. These data have clear implications for the role of Nef in early stages of HIV-1 infection and validate Nef as a valid target for development of antiviral chemotherapeutics.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Genetic and functional analysis of pyroglutamyl-peptidase I in coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease (CD) is an enteropathy caused by an immune reaction towards wheat gluten and similar proteins from barley and rye. It was shown that some gluten peptides spontaneously form N-terminal L-pyroglutamate. This modification could potentially make gluten more resistant to proteolytic degradation within the intestine. Pyroglutamyl-peptidase I (PGPEPI) is an enzyme that hydrolytically removes the L-pyroglutamyl residues that render the modified proteins and peptides more sensitive to degradation by other proteases. Interestingly, we found that the PGPEP1 gene is located in a CD susceptibility locus. As an impaired enzyme function caused by genetic alterations might increase the amount of immunogenic gluten peptides, we conducted a comprehensive functional genomics analysis of PGPEP1, including DNA sequencing, genetic association testing, and quantifying RNA expression. We also determined the enzymatic activity of PGPEPI in duodenal biopsies. Our results uniformly indicate that PGPEP1 is not involved in the aetiology and pathology of CD.

Adolescent↗

Effects function analysis of ELF magnetic field exposure in the electric utility work environment.

The incomplete understanding of the relation between power-frequency fields and biological responses raises problems in defining an appropriate metric for exposure assessment and epidemiological studies. Based on evidence from biological experiments, one can define alternative metrics or effects functions that embody the relationship between field exposure patterns and hypothetical health effects. In this paper, we explore the application of the "effects function" approach to occupational exposure data. Our analysis provides examples of exposure assessments based on a range of plausible effects functions. An EMDEX time series data set of ELF frequency (40-800 Hz) magnetic field exposure measurements for electric utility workers was analyzed with several statistical measures and effects functions: average field strength, combination of threshold and exposure duration, and field strength changes. Results were compared for eight job categories: electrician, substation operator, machinist, welder, plant operator, lineman/splicer, meter reader, and clerical. Average field strength yields a different ranking for these job categories than the ranks obtained using other biologically plausible effects functions. Whereas the group of electricians has the highest exposure by average field strength, the group of substation operators has the highest ranking for most of the other effects functions. Plant operators rank highest in the total number of field strength changes greater than 1 microT per hour. The clerical group remains at the lowest end for all of these effects functions. Our analysis suggests that, although average field strength could be used as a surrogate of field exposure for simply classifying exposure into "low" and "high," this summary measure may be misleading in the relative ranking of job categories in which workers are in "high" fields. These results indicate the relevance of metrics other than average field strength in occupational exposure assessment and in the design and analysis of epidemiological studies.

Electricity↗

Cloning and functional analysis of a polymorphic variant of the ovine Mel 1a melatonin receptor.

We have isolated a novel variant of the Mel 1a melatonin receptor from an ovine PT cDNA library. Relative to the reported sequence for the Mel 1a melatonin receptor there are 8 changes in the DNA sequence. Only 3 of these result in amino acid substitutions, one in extracellular loop 3 and two in the carboxy-terminal tail. We have designated the novel variant of the sheep Mel 1a receptor Mel 1a(beta), and correspondingly the previously reported variant Mel 1a(alpha). As minor changes in the primary amino acid sequence of G-protein-coupled receptors can influence their functional characteristics we have accordingly characterized this novel variant of the Mel 1a melatonin receptor. This melatonin receptor displays high affinity binding and inhibits the cAMP second messenger pathway in transfected L-cells demonstrating that this receptor is fully functional. PCR analysis shows Mel 1a(beta) is present in several breeds of sheep and suggests that the Mel 1a(beta) receptor was established early in the evolution of the sheep species.

Animals↗