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Yeast Rad55-Rad57-SHU paralog complex dynamically promotes Rad51 filament formation.

Homologous recombination (HR) is an important DNA repair pathway that safeguards genome integrity. During HR, the Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments catalyze strand invasion into a homologous duplex DNA. Filament formation requires a conserved family of Rad51 paralogs that act as tumor suppressors in humans. By capturing six distinct states using cryo-electron microscopy, we reveal that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 paralog complex, composed of the Rad55-Rad57 heterodimer and the SHU (Psy3-Csm2-Shu1-Shu2) complex, selectively brings Rad51 to single-stranded DNA to seed filament formation. Rad51 itself is a transient yet integral component of this machinery which binds along the Rad57 subunit to complete a high-affinity DNA-binding site. We also uncover a dual-nucleotide regulatory mechanism: a structural ADP molecule stabilizes the complex, while a second, catalytic ATPase site at the Rad57-Rad51 interface promotes the release of the paralog complex. These structural and mechanistic features provide a blueprint for understanding the function of Rad51 paralogs across eukaryotes.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins

NCBoost v2: a classifier for non-coding single-nucleotide variants in Mendelian diseases.

MOTIVATION: The current diagnostic rate of rare diseases through whole-genome sequencing has stabilized at around 30% on average, highlighting the need for improved computational scores to identify pathogenic variants. In 2019, we developed NCBoost, a supervised-learning approach that mined a comprehensive set of sequence constraint features and proved particularly well suited to identifying high-effect pathogenic non-coding variants in genetic diseases. Since its first release, the substantial increase in the number of variants available for training, as well as the enhanced capacity to detect purifying selection signals from large-scale genome sequencing projects, motivated an update of NCBoost. RESULTS: We implemented NCBoost v2, a pathogenicity score for non-coding single-nucleotide variants, trained on the largest set of curated pathogenic variants in monogenic Mendelian diseases available to date. It leverages conservation features computed from recent large-scale genomic consortia such as Zoonomia and gnomAD, and incorporates recent splice-altering predictive scores. NCBoost v2 outperformed alternative state-of-the-art methods in a variety of scenarii, providing more consistent scores across non-coding genomic regions and fine-tuning the scoring of pathogenic splice-altering variants in Mendelian disease genes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: NCBoost v2 software is implemented in Python 3.10 and is freely available under the GNU General Public License Version 3 at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16029049 and https://github.com/RausellLab/NCBoost-2, together with precomputed scores for the human genome assembly GRCh38.

Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Characterization of porcine osteonectin extracted from foetal calvariae.

Osteonectin, extracted from foetal porcine calvariae with 0.5 M-EDTA, was purified to homogeneity by using gel filtration and polyanion anion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography under dissociative conditions without the need of reducing agents. The purified protein migrated with an Mr of 40,300 on SDS/polyacrylamide gels and was similar to bovine osteonectin in both amino acid composition and in its ability to bind to hydroxyapatite in the presence of 4 M-guanidinium hydrochloride (GdmCl). However, unlike the bovine protein, porcine osteonectin did not bind selectively to hydroxyapatite when EDTA tissue extracts were used. In addition, purified porcine osteonectin did not show any apparent affinity for either native or denatured type I collagen, but did bind to serum albumin. Primary sequence analysis revealed an N-terminal alanine residue, with approximately one-half of the subsequent 35 residues identified as small hydrophobic amino acids and one-quarter as acidic amino acids. The only significant difference between the N-terminal sequences of the bovine and porcine proteins was the deletion of the tripeptide Val-Ala-Glu in porcine osteonectin. In contrast with bovine osteonectin, far-u.v.c.d. of porcine osteonectin revealed considerable secondary structure, of which 27% was alpha-helix and 39% was beta-sheet. Cleavage of the molecule with CNBr under non-reducing conditions generated five fragments, of which two major fragments (Mr 27,900 and 12,400) stained blue with Stains All, a reagent that stains sialic-acid-rich proteins/phosphate-containing proteins and/or Ca2+-binding proteins blue while staining other proteins pink. The 12,400-Mr fragment bound 45Ca2+ selectively, indicating a Ca2+-binding site in this part of the molecule. The 27,900-Mr fragment did not bind Ca2+, and since biosynthetic studies with 32PO4(3-) did not show phosphorylation of porcine osteonectin, this fragment is likely to be highly acidic. The incomplete cleavage of the molecule with CNBr and the ability of the molecule to regain its secondary structure after exposure to 7 M-urea are features consistent with the molecule having a compact structure that is stabilized by numerous disulphide bridges. The chemical and binding properties of porcine osteonectin are closely similar to the recently described 'culture shock', SPARC and BM-40 proteins, indicating that these are homologous proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence

Unstable DNA amplifications in methotrexate-resistant Leishmania consist of extrachromosomal circles which relocalize during stabilization.

Methotrexate-resistant Leishmania tropica contain two separate regions of DNA amplification, one encoding the bifunctional thymidylate synthetase-dihydrofolate reductase (TS-DHFR) characteristic of protozoans and the other of yet unknown function. The amplified DNAs are initially found as extrachromosomal closed circular forms, which are unstable in the absence of selection. After prolonged culture in methotrexate the amplified DNAs are found as repetitive arrays associated with the chromosomal DNA fraction after CsCl-ethidium bromide density gradient centrifugation, and are stable once selection is removed. The molecular description of gene amplification in Leishmania thus closely parallels the cytological features of gene amplification in cultured mammalian cells.

Animals

New IS10 transposition vectors based on a gram-positive replication origin.

We describe below a set of plasmid-based vehicles which can be used for delivery of IS10-derived transposons into Gram- bacteria. These vehicles replicate via a Gram+ plasmid origin that is inactive in Escherichia coli; they are easily maintained in Bacillus subtilis. Transposons are introduced by electroporation or transformation with the plasmid, and as in previous delivery systems, transpositions are selected with the appropriate antibiotic. This system should be particularly useful in situations where the standard delivery vehicles, based on bacteriophage lambda, are inappropriate. The system described incorporates a number of useful features: a variety of antibiotic markers (Er, Cm, Km or Tc), a polylinker containing restriction sites for rare-cutting endonucleases to facilitate physical mapping of chromosomal insertions, a mutant transposase that confers a relaxation in insertion specificity and positioning of the transposase-encoding gene outside of the transposing segment to ensure the stability of insertions once isolated.

Bacillus subtilis

[A new general orthopedic universal intramedullary nail for the tibia. Clinical development and experiences].

The new AO-Universal-Nail was developed through intensive cooperation between fundamental research, technicians and clinical application. We are now able to transfer the concept of a Universal-Nail (initially for the femur) to the tibia as well. The existing technique of the medullary nail was maintained as far as possible. Special features to be highlighted: The new AO-bend obtains better impact behavior and a more anatomical stabilization of the bone cavity. The tapered tip eases the gliding of the tip of the nail along the inner wall of the dorsal corticalis and past the fracture. Proximal locking is obtained through three transverse extending holes. They offer many choices for optimal placement of the locking bolts. Interlocking from anterior to posterior has been logically abandoned, due to danger for nerves and vessels. Distal looking offers a large selection for stabilization through one a.p.-hole and two transverse holes for the locking bolts. The design from anterior to posterior entables the protection of the soft tissue. The Universal-nail can either be inserted with or without interlocking. A free decision is possible during the operation. The new AO-Universal-Nail for the tibia (as for the femur) maintained reliable aspects and was consequently converted to meet new demands and findings. The basic fundamentals of the AO, namely the observance and application of biomechanical principles and safe operation procedure were attained through simple instrumentation and have been proved successful for clinical application.

Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary

Common features of polyomavirus mutants selected on PCC4 embryonal carcinoma cells.

The genomic rearrangements of six polyomavirus mutants selected on PCC4 embryonal carcinoma cells have been compared and their common characteristics pointed out. All mutants show a duplication which includes at least the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) E1A-like enhancer core sequence plus a deletion of variable size and location. The presence of the second enhancer core sequence, the SV40-like enhancer, is not required for expression of the PyEC PCC4 phenotype. Two of these mutants are also able to express polyomavirus T antigen on F9 and LT1 cells. Multiadaptation seems to require the duplication of the Ad5 E1A-like core sequence, the maintenance of the SV40-like core sequence and a local change in DNA stability.

Animals

Electrophrenic respiration: report of six cases.

The development of electrophrenic respiration has permitted freedom from mechanical ventilation for patients who have irreversible respiratory failure in association with high-cervical spinal cord or brainstem lesions. There are three basic criteria for successful diaphragm pacing: (1) the need for long-term mechanical ventilatory assistance, (2) a functionally intact phrenic nerve-diaphragm axis, and (3) chest wall stability. Inability to achieve satisfactory pacing can be due to malfunction of equipment, instability of the chest wall, or inadequate neuromuscular responsiveness. These features of diaphragm pacing are exemplified in a series of six patients. Three achieved independence from mechanical ventilatory assistance with full-time phrenic pacing. In one patient, only limited electrophrenic respiration was achieved, and in another the method was entirely unsuccessful. Although functioning well, pacing systems were removed from the sixth patient because of infection. Diaphragm pacing can be a valuable form of respiratory support for carefully selected patients.

Adolescent

Placing patients in the queue for coronary revascularization: evidence for practice variations from an expert panel process.

A panel of 16 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons rated 438 case scenarios for the maximum acceptable delay prior to revascularization, using a scale with seven interventional time frames and two nodes for designating dubious or inappropriate cases. If consensus was defined as agreement by 12 or more panelists, only 1.4 percent of the case scenarios showed consensus on a single rating. Dividing the scale into three broad clinical categories (revascularize promptly, place on a waiting list, or no intervention), 11.4 percent of scenarios showed all 16 panelists agreeing on a single category, rising to 59.4 percent of scenarios if agreement by 12 panelists was accepted as a consensus. The mean difference between the panelists' highest and lowest urgency ratings yielded waiting time differences of two weeks for scenarios of very unstable angina, and more than three months for those with stable angina. However, in a regression model, individual panelist factors on average had less effect than clinical features such as severity and stability of angina, or stenosis of major coronary arteries. These findings strongly support the need for consensus criteria to ensure that triage practices are consistent and fair, and also suggest that widespread adoption of a standardized approach to revascularization priorities may be feasible.

Coronary Artery Bypass

DNA replication fidelity.

DNA replication fidelity is a key determinant of genome stability and is central to the evolution of species and to the origins of human diseases. Here we review our current understanding of replication fidelity, with emphasis on structural and biochemical studies of DNA polymerases that provide new insights into the importance of hydrogen bonding, base pair geometry, and substrate-induced conformational changes to fidelity. These studies also reveal polymerase interactions with the DNA minor groove at and upstream of the active site that influence nucleotide selectivity, the efficiency of exonucleolytic proofreading, and the rate of forming errors via strand misalignments. We highlight common features that are relevant to the fidelity of any DNA synthesis reaction, and consider why fidelity varies depending on the enzymes, the error, and the local sequence environment.

Base Pair Mismatch

Comparative separation of human plasma proteins on polysulphated chromatographic media.

Polysulphated chromatographic media, particularly Heparin Sepharose, are generally used to purify a variety of different plasma proteins. Heparin Sepharose, dextran sulphate Sepharose and sulphated dextran are compared with two recently available sulphated cellulose chromatographic media. The potential influence of structural features of different polysaccharides on the interaction with selected plasma proteins has been evaluated with the particular objective of developing an alternative medium for the preparation of specific therapeutic factor concentrates. The studies indicate that the degree of sulphation of the matrix is an important but not a critical determinant for resolution of factors IX and X. Despite large differences in the carbohydrate structure of the matrices, the new sulphated cellulose gel 5.2 had a total protein capacity and specific binding profile comparable to Heparin Sepharose. The sulphated cellulose which is competitively priced, and has excellent stability, is a potential alternative to Heparin Sepharose especially for larger scale industrial processing of factor IX concentrate.

Blood Proteins

Inheritance of species-specific behaviors in the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis): a diallel study.

Species-specific elements of the paradise fish's ethogram were recorded in one familiar and three different unfamiliar environments, which were designed to model certain features of this species' natural habitat: (1) a densely vegetated home range, (2) a novel open field, (3) a small novel place, and (4) a small novel place with a predator. The inheritance of the behavioral elements was investigated employing a five-times-replicated diallel cross among three inbred strains. A detailed Hayman analysis of variance and a variance-covariance analysis were performed to uncover the genetic architectures of these phenotypes. Additive genetic effects and/or ambidirectional dominance was found to be characteristic of most species-specific behavioral elements studied, suggesting an evolutionary history of stabilizing selection.

Animals

Relationships between DNA-binding kinetics and biological activity for the 9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide class of antitumor agents.

The kinetics of dissociation of calf thymus DNA complexes of the new intercalating antitumor drug N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide (5) and selected derivatives have been investigated by using the surfactant-sequestration method. The derivatives studied include those where the position (14 and 15) and nature of attachment (20 and 21) of the cationic side chain is modified, those where the distance (16-19) and composition (22-24) of the cationic group are varied, and those in which the chromophore is further substituted (25-31). While all of the compounds dissociate by a mechanism that involves at least three intermediate bound forms, derivatives bearing a 4-CONH(CH2)2NR1R2 side chain (where R1 and R2 are groups that permit the nitrogen to be protonated at neutral pH) have access to an additional binding mode of greater kinetic stability. A positive correlation is found between in vivo antitumor activity, selectivity of binding to GC-rich DNAs, and the presence of this fourth, long-lived transient species. We have interpreted our kinetic findings in terms of a molecular model for acridinecarboxamide-DNA complexes that accounts for the appearance of the fourth component. The acridine chromophore is postulated to intercalate from the narrow groove, its major axis lying at an angle to the major axis of the base pairs so that the CH atoms of positions 5 and 6 protrude into the groove. An important feature of the model is a bifurcated hydrogen bond between the O2 oxygen atom of a cytosine base adjacent to the binding site and the NH atoms of the carboxamide and protonated terminal amino functions of the drug molecule. Since the structural features required to form this bonding interaction are necessary, although not sufficient, conditions for in vivo antitumor activity, it is suggested that the model may describe the essential characteristics of the biologically active form of the bound drug. These findings further attest to the value of investigating the kinetics of DNA-drug interaction in studies of the mode of action of antitumor intercalating agents.

Amides

Nonlinearities in amoxycillin pharmacokinetics. I. Disposition studies in the rat.

Several features of amoxycillin pharmacokinetics in man are not well known in spite of the extensive clinical use of the antibiotic. In this paper it is demonstrated that amoxycillin disposition kinetics in rats is clearly nonlinear, and that this may be due mainly to its elimination mechanisms. At different intravenous bolus dose levels, and in steady-state perfusion studies, the most striking feature is an increased renal clearance as dose increases (from 3.5 to 7.0 mg kg-1 for intravenous bolus, and from 4.6 to 20.0 micrograms min-1 for intravenous perfusions). This phenomenon has been attributed to a saturation of the active renal tubular reabsorption of the antibiotic. When the intravenous dose is substantially increased (28.0 mg kg-1 bolus), plasma clearance tends to stabilize, probably because saturation of the active tubular secretion of amoxycillin takes place at these doses. Extrarenal clearance seems to remain linear throughout the entire dose range. On the basis of these observations and a review of selected bibliography, an interpretation of the kinetic disposition behaviour of amoxycillin in man is attempted.

Amoxicillin

Theoretical studies of cis-Pt(II)-diammine binding to duplex DNA.

The binding of cis-Pt(II) diammine (cis-DP) to double-stranded DNA was studied with several kinked conformations that can accommodate the formation of a square planar complex. Molecular mechanics (MM) calculations were performed to optimize the molecular fit. These results were combined with quantum mechanical (QM) calculations to ascertain the relative energetics of ligand binding through water vs direct binding of the phosphate to the ammine and platinum, and to guide the selection of DNA conformations to model complex formation. Based on QM and MM calculations, models are proposed that may be characterized by several general features. A structure involving hydrogen bonding between each ammine and distinct adjacent phosphate groups, referred to as closed conformation (CC), has already been reported. This is also found in the crystal structure of small dimers. We report alternative conformations that may be important in platination of duplex DNA. They are characterized by an intermediate conformation (IC), involving hydrogen bonding between one ammine and phosphate group, and an open conformation (OC), without ammine phosphate hydrogen bonding. The IC and OC can be stabilized by water bridges in the space between the ammine and the phosphate groups. Sugar puckers alternate from the type C(2')-endo or C(1')-exo (S), to the type C(3')-endo or C(2')-exo (N), with intermediate types near O(1')-endo (O). In general, the sugar puckers alternate from S to N to S through the platinated region (3'-TpG*pG*p-5'), with the complexed strand exhibiting, (3')-S*-N*-S-(5') alternation, while the complementary strand shows either (3')-S*-N*-S-(5') or (3')-S*-N*-O-(5') alternation. In both the OC and IC, a hydrogen bond is found between the ammine and O4(T) on thymine (T) at the (3') end, adjacent to the complex site. There is a continuous range of backbone conformations through the platinated region which relate the OC to the IC. The models presented suggest that the dynamics of the binding of the cis-Pt(II)-diammines to adjacent N7(G) in double-stranded DNA may encompass several conformational possibilities, and that water bridges may play a roll in supporting open and intermediate conformations. Proton-proton distances are reported to assist in the experimental determination of conformations.

Cisplatin

Proposals for the mu-active conformation of the enkephalin analog Tyr-cyclol(-N gamma-D-A2-bu-Gly-Phe-Leu-).

The conformational behavior of the sterically restricted cyclic peptide Tyr-cyclo(-N gamma-D-A2-bu-Gly-Phe-Leu-), proposed recently as an enkephalin analog with high opiate activity, is examined by theoretical investigations. The method used allows the search of conformational energy minima associated with cyclic structures fitting a hypothetical opiate pharmacophore. The results obtained show that, despite the fact that many cyclic structures of low conformational energy can be found for this compound, only one of them can be retained as a conformer presenting the characteristic features of the imposed pharmacophore. This conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular H-bond between the D-A2bu-carbonyl and the Leu NH group so that a beta-turn is formed. This structure also presents a high mobility of the Tyr1 side-chain which can fit the tyramine moiety of rigid opiates with minor loss of conformational energy. A two-step binding mechanism is proposed for the interactions of this cyclic peptide with its receptor which could be an intermediate between the "zipper" model proposed for flexible linear peptides and the "lock-and-key" model adapted to rigid molecules. The selectivity of enkephalin analogs for mu and delta opioid receptors is discussed in light of the present theoretical investigations.

Enkephalin, Leucine

Stability of septohippocampal neurons following excitotoxic lesions of the rat hippocampus.

The present study examined the effects of removing hippocampal nerve growth factor (NGF)-producing neurons upon cholinergic and noncholinergic septohippocampal projecting neurons. To deplete septal/diagonal band neurons of their intrinsic source of NGF, rats received unilateral intrahippocampal injections of ibotenic acid and were sacrificed 2-24 weeks later. Choline acetyltransferase and parvalbumin immunohistochemistry failed to reveal changes in the number of cholinergic or gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing neurons, respectively, within the septal/diagonal band region ipsilateral to the hippocampal lesion at any time point examined. Additionally, immunocytochemical localization of nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated neurofilament proteins did not reveal abnormal staining characteristics within the septal/diagonal band complex, suggesting that this lesion does not alter cytoskeletal features of neurons which project to the hippocampus. Selected rats received unilateral hippocampal lesions and 3 months later were injected with fluorogold into the remaining hippocampal remnant and with wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horse radish peroxidase into the intact contralateral hippocampus. Both retrograde tracers were predominantly transported to their respective ipsilateral septum and vertical limb of the diagonal band. This indicates that following the lesion, septal/diagonal band neurons still project ipsilaterally and sprouting to the NGF-rich contralateral side does not occur. RNA blot analysis revealed a decrease in NGF mRNA expression within the lesioned hippocampus with a maximum reduction of approximately 70%. In contrast, no change in NGF mRNA expression was observed within the ipsilateral septum relative to the contralateral side. The present study demonstrates that removal of hippocampal target neurons does not alter the number, morphology, or projections of both cholinergic and noncholinergic septal/diagonal band neurons.

Animals

Differential features of ribosomes and of poly(U)-programmed cell-free systems derived from sulphur-dependent archaebacterial species.

The properties of poly(U)-directed cell-free systems developed from the sulphur-dependent, thermophilic archaebacteria Desulfurococcus mobilis, Thermoproteus tenax, Sulfolobus solfataricus, Thermococcus celer and Thermoplasma acidophilum have been compared. All systems are truly thermophilic in requiring incubation at temperatures close to the physiological optimum for cell growth. Under optimized conditions the error frequency in tRNA selection is less than 0.4% at 80 degrees C, and synthetic efficiencies (Phe residues polymerized per ribosome in 40 min) span from 4 for Tp. tenax, to 10 for Tc. celer, to 20-25 for D. mobilis and T. acidophilum and to 40 for S. solfataricus. According to requirements for polypeptide synthesis and to degree of stability of the ribosomal subunits' association, sulphur-dependent thermophiles cluster into two groups. Group I organisms (D. mobilis, Tp. tenax, S. solfataricus) harbour 70-S monomers composed of weakly associated subunits, whose poly(Phe)-synthesizing capacity is totally dependent on added spermine while being drastically inhibited by monovalent cations. Group II organisms (Tc. celer and T. acidophilum) contain 70-S particles composed of tightly bonded subunits, whose synthetic capacity is independent of spermine while being totally dependent on monovalent cations. Spermine promotes poly(Phe) synthesis on ribosomes of group I organisms by converting the peptidyltransferase center into an active conformation, while monovalent cations are inhibitory by preventing the interaction between the free ribosomal subunits. The closeness between Tc. celer and T. acidophilum ribosomes provides new insight on the phylogenetic placement of Thermococcaceae.

Archaea