bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated plasma levels of soluble TNF receptors are associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with acute lung injury
Authors: Parsons Polly E. , Matthay Michael A. , Ware Lorraine B. , Eisner Mark D.
Published: October 2004

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is an inflammatory process that can be attenuated by lung protective ventilation strategies. Our objectives to further investigate the pathogenesis of ALI and VILI and the mechanism of lung protection in these syndromes were: 1) to determine if plasma measurements of soluble TNF receptor I (sTNFRI) and II (sTNFRII) would predict the development of ALI and mortality in a small single center trial; 2) to test the predictive value of these markers and of TNF-α in a larger, broader group of patients with ALI; 3) to test the hypothesis that low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) would be associated with a decrease in plasma levels of TNF-α, sTNFRI, and sTNFRII. In the single center study, sTNFRI and II levels were higher in patients at risk for and with ALI, but they did not predict the development of the syndrome. In the multicenter trial sTNFRI and II were strongly associated with mortality (OR 5.76/1 log10 increment in receptor level; 95% CI 2.63–12.6 and OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.05–6.31, respectively) and morbidity measured as fewer nonpulmonary organ failure-free and ventilator-free days. The LTVV strategy was associated with an attenuation of plasma sTNFRI levels. In vitro, stimulated A549 cells release sTNFRI but not sTNRFII. In conclusion, plasma levels of sTNFRI and II can serve as biomarkers for morbidity and mortality in patients with ALI. Furthermore, LTVV is associated with a specific decrease in sTNFRI levels. This suggests that one beneficial effect of LTVV may be to attenuate alveolar epithelial injury.
Two versions of Nakayama lemma for multiplication modules
Authors: Ameri Reza
Published: October 2004

The aim of this note is to generalize the Nakayama lemma to a class of multiplication modules over commutative rings with identity. In this note, by considering the notion of multiplication modules and the product of submodules of them, we state and prove two versions of Nakayama lemma for such modules. In the first version we give some equivalent conditions for faithful finitely generated multiplication modules, and in the second version we give them for faithful multiplication modules with a minimal generating set.
Backward stochastic differential equations with stochastic monotone coefficients
Authors: Bahlali K. , Elouaflin A. , N′zi M.
Published: October 2004

We prove an existence and uniqueness result for backward
stochastic differential equations whose coefficients satisfy a
stochastic monotonicity condition. In this setting, we deal with both
constant and random terminal times. In the random case, the
terminal time is allowed to take infinite values.
But in a Markovian framework, that is coupled with a forward
SDE, our result provides a probabilistic interpretation of
solutions to nonlinear PDEs.
Some estimates on exponentials of solutions to stochastic differential equations
Authors: Yong Jiongmin
Published: October 2004

Exponential of functionals of solutions to certain stochastic
differential equations (SDEs) plays an interesting role in some
mathematical finance problems. The purpose of this paper is to
establish some estimates for these exponentials.
Nasal nitric oxide is low early in life: case study of two infants with primary ciliary dyskinesia: Fig. 1.—
Authors: Baraldi E. , Pasquale M.F. , Cangiotti A.M. , Zanconato S. , Zacchello F.
Published: October 2004

Nasal nitric oxide levels are low in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, but it is not known whether this defect is already present in the first months of life.

The current authors measured nasal nitric oxide in two infants withsitus inversusand primary ciliary dyskinesia, diagnosed by electron microscopy at 4 and 6 months of age, and in five healthy control infants.

Nasal nitric oxide values in the primary ciliary dyskinesia infants (85 and 115 parts per billion (ppb)) were markedly lower than in the healthy controls (mean: 295 ppb, range: 225–379 ppb).

This is the first report to show that nasal nitric oxide values are already low in early life in primary ciliary dyskinesia children, supporting the hypothesis that a reduced production of nasal nitric oxide is an intrinsic feature of this disease. The current authors suggest that the nasal nitric oxide test may be a useful, noninvasive method for screening young children for primary ciliary dyskinesia in clinical practice.
Course of illness in depressive and bipolar disorders
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Hansen Mette Gerster , Andersen Per Kragh
Published: October 2004

Background

Newer antidepressants have increasingly been used during the past decade. These drugs may increase compliance and reduce the risk of cycle acceleration in affective disorders.

Aims

To investigate the naturalistic longitudinal course of illness in patients with depressive or bipolar disorder following the use of recently introduced drugs.

Method

The rates of relapse leading to hospitalisation after successive episodes were calculated in a case register study including all hospital admissions of patients with primary affective disorder in Denmark during 1994–1999. Altogether, 9417 patients had a diagnosis of depressive disorder and 1106 patients had a diagnosis of mania or bipolar disorder, at first-ever discharge.

Results

The rate of relapse leading to hospitalisation increased with the number of previous episodes in both depressive and bipolar disorders. However, the effect of episodes was not significant for men. The rate of relapse did not decline during the study period.

Conclusions

The course of severe depressive and bipolar disorders has remained roughly the same despite introduction of new treatments.
Anxiety and the risk of death in older men and women
Authors: van Hout Hein P. J. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , De Beurs Edwin , Comijs Hannie , Van Marwijk Harm , De Haan Marten , Van Tilburg Willem , Deeg Dorly J. H.
Published: October 2004

Background

There are inconsistent reports as to whether people with anxiety disorders have a higher mortality risk.

Aims

To determine whether anxiety disorders predict mortality in older men and women in the community Method Longitudinal data were used from a large, community-based random sample (n=3107) of older men and women (55–85 years) in The Netherlands, with a follow-up period of 7.5 years. Anxiety disorders were assessed according to DSM–III criteria in a two-stage screening design.

Results

In men, the adjusted mortality risk was 1.78 (95% Cl 1.01–3.13) in cases with diagnosed anxiety disorders at baseline. In women, no significant association was found with mortality.

Conclusions

The study revealed a gender difference in the association between anxiety and mortality. For men, but not for women, an increased mortality risk was found for anxiety disorders.
Minimal-contact psychotherapy for sub-threshold depression in primary care
Authors: Willemse Godelief R. W. M. , Smit Filip , Cuijpers Pim , Tiemens Bea G.
Published: October 2004

Background

Sub-threshold depression is a prognostic variable for major depression. Interventions in sub-threshold depression may prevent the onset of new cases of major depression.

Aims

To examine the effects of minimal-contact psychotherapy in primary care patients with sub-threshold depression on the onset of major depression, on the reduction in depressive symptoms and on health-related quality of life.

Method

We conducted a randomised trial in primary care, in which patients screened for sub-threshold depression were randomly assigned to minimal-contact psychotherapy (n=107) or to usual care (n=109).

Results

One year after baseline, the incidence of major depressive disorder was found to be significantly lower in the psychotherapy group (12%) than in those receiving usual care (18%). Small but significant effects were also found on depressive symptoms and on aspects of health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

Primary care patients with sub-threshold depression can benefit from minimal-contact psychotherapy.
Mental illness and accidental death
Authors: Gau Susan S. F. , Cheng Andrew T. A.
Published: October 2004

Background

Few studies have systematically investigated the psychiatric antecedents of accidental death.

Aims

To examine the patterns of psychiatric morbidities contributing to accidental death in three ethnic groups (Han, Ami and Atayal) in Taiwan.

Method

A case–control psychological autopsy was conducted among 90 accidental deaths (randomly selected from a total of 413) and 180 living controls matched for age, gender, ethnicity and area of residence in Taiwan.

Results

The risk of accidental death was significantly associated with alcohol use disorder and with other common mental disorders. When jointly considered, it was greatest when these two types of disorders co-existed, followed by common mental disorders alone. The risk of accidental death increased with the number of comorbid conditions.

Conclusions

The prevention of accidental death should be incorporated into preventive psychiatry, not just for alcohol use disorder, but also for all other common mental disorders.
Computer access, skills and training among consultants and psychiatric trainees in Northern Ireland
Authors: Brady John , Knox Stewart
Published: October 2004

Aims and Method

Computers and information technology (IT) play an increasingly important role in the working lives of psychiatrists. Previous studies have shown that computer access and skills among psychiatric trainees were inadequate. This survey aimed to assess the level of access to, and skill in, different IT applications among consultants and trainees in Northern Ireland, as well as what training is offered and needed.

Results

Most doctors (91%) had access to the more basic applications, such as word processing, and most felt at least adequately skilled. However, access to and knowledge of statistical software was particularly poor. A minority of doctors were offered training in IT (39%), even though most employers provided this facility.

Clinical Implications

Psychiatrists need greater access to IT, and need to make greater use of available training. This is especially relevant in light of future policy directions and the trend for evidence-based practice.
Psychiatric secrets of success: who wants to be a specialist registrar?
Authors: Naeem Asim
Published: October 2004

This paper aims to help trainees successfully negotiate the important ‘step up’ from senior house officer or equivalent grade to specialist registrar. It outlines the current structure of higher specialist training programmes in psychiatry, stresses the importance of early planning during basic specialist training and provides a guide to success in the shortlisting and interview stages.
Point mutations of ras genes in human adrenal cortical tumors: Absence in adrenocortical hyperplasia
Authors: Yashiro Tohru , Hara Hisato , Fulton Noreen C. , Obara Takao , Kaplan Edwin L.
Published: October 2004

Point mutations of ras genes (K‐, H‐, and N‐ras) at codons 12, 13, and 61 and of the Gi2α gene at codons 179 and 205, were studied in 56 primary adrenal cortical tumors and 6 adrenal cortical hyperplasias. Of 56 tumors, 24 were carcinomas and 32 were benign. The 24 carcinomas and 20 of the benign tumors were from American patients; the 12 remaining adenomas were from Japanese patients. Of the benign tumors 12 were cortisol‐producing adenomas, 15 were aldosterone‐producing adenomas, 3 were nonfunctioning adenomas, and 2 were adenomas that produced a virilizing syndrome. Tumor DNA obtained from archival formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue or fresh frozen tissue was amplified by polymerase chain reaction; and point mutations were detected by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide hybridization. Activating ras mutations were found in 7 of 56 (12.5%) of all tumors: 3 of 24 (12.5%) carcinomas and 4 of 32 (12.5%) adenomas. Of adenomas from an American population, 4 of 20 (20%) exhibited positive ras mutations, whereas none was present in the Japanese tumors. All mutations detected were adenine to guanine transitions at the second position of N‐ras codon 61, resulting in a conversion from glutamine to arginine. No mutations were found in K‐ras or H‐ras genes. Furthermore, no mutations of the Gi2α gene were identified. These findings demonstrate that N‐ras mutations at codon 61 may contribute to the genesis of both benign and malignant human adrenal cortical tumors. Finally, no mutations of the ras or Gi2α genes were identified in hyperplastic adrenocortical tissues.
Rarity of squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid: Autopsy review
Authors: Harada Tanekazu , Shimaoka Katsutaro , Katagiri Makoto , Xhimizu Michio , Hosoda Yasuhiro , Ito Kunihiko
Published: October 2004

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid is thought to be rare. However, SCC not infrequently occurs in conjunction with other histologic types of tumor. We reviewed 67 thyroid cancer autopsy cases obtained from two institutions from 1969 to 1981 and from 1975 to 1992, respectively. SCC was found in 19 cases (28.4%): 2 SCCs as the only malignancy and of uniform histologic type, 9 cases of tumors mixed with papillary carcinoma, and 8 cases of SCC mixed with papillary and anaplastic carcinomas. In only four of these cases was the SCC component found in the surgical specimens. These results indicate that the presence of SCC component is more likely to be found at the later stage of the disease.
Insulin‐like growth factor I receptors and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins in human parathyroid tumors
Authors: Tanaka Reiko , Tsushima Toshio , Murakami Hitomi , Shizume Kazuo , Obara Takao
Published: October 2004

Studies have demonstrated the presence of epidermal growth factor receptors in human parathyroid tumors. However, there is little information on the effect of other peptide growth factors on parathyroid cell growth. We therefore studied the interaction of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) with human parathyroid tumor cells. Parathyroid tissues were obtained from 24 patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. There were 15 solitary adenomas, 5 carcinomas, and 4 hyperplastic tissues. First, the binding of [125I]IGF‐I to the crude membrane fractions was studied by competitive inhibition with unlabeled IGF‐I. Second, isolated parathyroid cells were cultured with IGF‐I and examined for DNA synthesis. The IGF‐binding protein (IGFBP) content of tissue homogenates was determined by ligand blot analysis. The binding of [125I]IGF‐I to parathyroid membranes was dependent on time, temperature, and pH of the medium. Maximum binding was obtained after incubation for 18 hours at 4°C. Specific binding to parathyroid cancer membranes (mean±SE, 10.75±10.55%/mg protein) was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that in adenoma tissues 3.71±2.11%/mg. The value in hyperplastic tissues (4.78±2.97%/mg) was not different from that in adenomas. Affinity cross‐linking and autoradiography demonstrated the type I IGF receptors. Cultured parathyroid cells responded to IGF‐I with increased DNA synthesis. The parathyroid tumor tissues expressed IGFBPs. These results suggest that IGF‐I and IGFBPs are involved in the growth regulation of parathyroid tumor cells.
Calcium Inhibits Bap-Dependent Multicellular Behavior in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arrizubieta María Jesús , Toledo-Arana Alejandro , Amorena Beatriz , Penadés José R. , Lasa Iñigo
Published: October 2004

Bap (biofilm-associated protein) is a 254-kDa staphylococcal surface protein implicated in formation of biofilms by staphylococci isolated from chronic mastitis infections. The presence of potential EF-hand motifs in the amino acid sequence of Bap prompted us to investigate the effect of calcium on the multicellular behavior of Bap-expressing staphylococci. We found that addition of millimolar amounts of calcium to the growth media inhibited intercellular adhesion of and biofilm formation by Bap-positive strain V329. Addition of manganese, but not addition of magnesium, also inhibited biofilm formation, whereas bacterial aggregation in liquid media was greatly enhanced by metal-chelating agents. In contrast, calcium or chelating agents had virtually no effect on the aggregation of Bap-deficient strain M556. The biofilm elicited by insertion of
bap
into the chromosome of a biofilm-negative strain exhibited a similar dependence on the calcium concentration, indicating that the observed calcium inhibition was an inherent property of the Bap-mediated biofilms. Site-directed mutagenesis of two of the putative EF-hand domains resulted in a mutant strain that was capable of forming a biofilm but whose biofilm was not inhibited by calcium. Our results indicate that Bap binds Ca
2+
with low affinity and that Ca
2+
binding renders the protein noncompetent for biofilm formation and for intercellular adhesion. The fact that calcium inhibition of Bap-mediated multicellular behavior takes place in vitro at concentrations similar to those found in milk serum supports the possibility that this inhibition is relevant to the pathogenesis and/or epidemiology of the bacteria in the mastitis process.
Ligand-Specific Activation of
Escherichia coli
Chemoreceptor Transmethylation
Authors: Antommattei Frances M. , Munzner Jennifer B. , Weis Robert M.
Published: October 2004

Adaptation in the chemosensory pathways of bacteria like
Escherichia coli
is mediated by the enzyme-catalyzed methylation (and demethylation) of glutamate residues in the signaling domains of methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs). MCPs can be methylated in
trans
, where the methyltransferase (CheR) molecule catalyzing methyl group transfer is tethered to the C terminus of a neighboring receptor. Here, it was shown that
E. coli
cells exhibited adaptation to attractant stimuli mediated through either engineered or naturally occurring MCPs that were unable to tether CheR as long as another MCP capable of tethering CheR was also present, e.g., either the full-length aspartate or serine receptor (Tar or Tsr). Methylation of isolated membrane samples in which engineered tethering and substrate receptors were coexpressed demonstrated that the truncated substrate receptors (trTsr) were efficiently methylated in the presence of tethering receptors (Tar with methylation sites blocked) relative to samples in which none of the MCPs had tethering sites. The effects of ligand binding on methylation were investigated, and an increase in rate was produced only with serine (the ligand specific for the substrate receptor trTsr); no significant change in rate was produced by aspartate (the ligand specific for the tethering receptor Tar). Although the overall efficiency of methylation was lower, receptor-specific effects were also observed in trTar- and trTsr-containing samples, where neither Tar nor Tsr possessed the CheR binding site at the C terminus. Altogether, the results are consistent with a ligand-induced conformational change that is limited to the methylated receptor dimer and does not spread to adjacent receptor dimers.
Chlamydiaphage Chp2, a Skeleton in the φX174 Closet: Scaffolding Protein and Procapsid Identification
Authors: Clarke Ian N. , Cutcliffe Leslie T. , Everson J. Sylvia , Garner Sarah A. , Lambden Paul R. , Pead Paddy J. , Pickett Mark A. , Brentlinger Karie L. , Fane Bentley A.
Published: October 2004

Chlamydiaphage Chp2 is a member of the family
Microviridae
, of which bacteriophage φX174 is the type species. Although grouped in the same family, the relationship between the
Microviridae
coliphages and the Chp2-like viruses, which infect obligate intracellular parasitic bacteria, is quite distant, with major differences in structural protein content and scaffolding protein dependence. To investigate the morphogenesis of Chp2, large particles were isolated from infected
Chlamydophila abortus
by equilibrium and rate zonal sedimentation. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes only assembled viral coat proteins was used in these detection assays. Thus, the detected particles represent virions and/or postcapsid formation assembly intermediates. Two distinct particle types were detected, differing in both protein and DNA content. Filled particles lacked VP3, the putative internal scaffolding protein, whereas empty particles contained this protein. These results indicate that VP3 is a scaffolding protein and that the isolated VP3-containing particles most likely represent Chp2 procapsids.
Two Distinct Genotypes ofprtF2, Encoding a Fibronectin Binding Protein, and Evolution of the Gene Family inStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Ramachandran V. , McArthur J. D. , Behm C. E. , Gutzeit C. , Dowton M. , Fagan P. K. , Towers R. , Currie B. , Sriprakash K. S. , Walker M. J.
Published: October 2004

The group AStreptococcus(GAS) is an important pathogen that is responsible for a wide range of human diseases. Fibronectin binding proteins (FBPs) play an important role in promoting GAS adherence and invasion of host cells. TheprtF2gene encodes an FBP and is present in approximately 60% of GAS strains. In the present study we examined 51prtF2-positive GAS strains isolated from the Northern Territory of Australia, and here we describe two genotypes ofprtF2which are mutually exclusive. The two genotypes have been identified previously aspfbpandfbaB. We show that these genotypes map to the same chromosomal location within the highly recombinatorial fibronectin-collagen-T antigen (FCT) locus, indicating that they arose from a common ancestor, and in this study these genotypes were designated thepfbptype and thefbaBtype. Phylogenetic analysis of sevenpfbptypes, 14fbaBtypes, and 11prtF2-negative GAS strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) produced 32 distinct PFGE patterns. Interpretation of evolution based on the PFGE dendrogram by parsimony suggested that thepfbptype had a recent origin compared to thefbaBtype. A comparison of multiple DNA sequences of thepfbpandfbaBtypes revealed a mosaic pattern for the amino-terminal region of thepfbptypes. ThefbaBtype is generally conserved at the amino terminus but varies in the number of fibronectin binding repeats in the carboxy terminus. Our data also suggest that there is a possible association of thepfbpgenotype withsof(84.2%), while thefbaBgenotype was found in a majority of the GAS strains negative forsof(90.6%), indicating that these twoprtF2subtypes may be under different selective pressures.
Evidence that a B
12
-Adenosyl Transferase Is Encoded within the Ethanolamine Operon of
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Sheppard David E. , Penrod Joseph T. , Bobik Thomas , Kofoid Eric , Roth John R.
Published: October 2004

Adenosylcobalamin (Ado-B
12
) is both the cofactor and inducer of ethanolamine ammonia lyase (EA-lyase), a catabolic enzyme for ethanolamine. De novo synthesis of Ado-B
12
by
Salmonella enterica
occurs only under anaerobic conditions. Therefore, aerobic growth on ethanolamine requires import of Ado-B
12
or a precursor (CN-B
12
or OH-B
12
) that can be adenosylated internally. Several known enzymes adenosylate corrinoids. The CobA enzyme transfers adenosine from ATP to a biosynthetic intermediate in de novo B
12
synthesis and to imported CN-B
12
, OH-B
12
, or Cbi (a B
12
precursor). The PduO adenosyl transferase is encoded in an operon (
pdu
) for cobalamin-dependent propanediol degradation and is induced by propanediol. Evidence is presented here that a third transferase (EutT) is encoded within the operon for ethanolamine utilization (
eut
). Surprisingly, these three transferases share no apparent sequence similarity. CobA produces sufficient Ado-B
12
to initiate
eut
operon induction and to serve as a cofactor for EA-lyase when B
12
levels are high. Once the
eut
operon is induced, the EutT transferase supplies more Ado-B
12
during the period of high demand. Another protein encoded in the operon (EutA) protects EA-lyase from inhibition by CN-B
12
but does so without adenosylation of this corrinoid.
GntP Is the
Escherichia coli
Fructuronic Acid Transporter and Belongs to the UxuR Regulon
Authors: Bates Utz Cristina , Nguyen Ann B. , Smalley Darren J. , Anderson April B. , Conway Tyrrell
Published: October 2004

Escherichia coli
has four gluconate transporters, GntP, GntU, GntT, and IdnT, which are members of the major facilitator superfamily. The physiological function of GntP was previously unknown and is the subject of this study. GntP is not induced by gluconate, and despite being located adjacent to genes involved in glucuronate catabolism,
gntP
does not encode a glucuronate transporter. Here we identify
gntP
as the gene which encodes the fructuronate transporter. We show that
gntP
is induced by fructuronate and is a new member of the UxuR regulon:
gntP
is derepressed in an
uxuR
strain, UxuR binds in vitro specifically to an operator site that overlaps the
gntP
promoter, and UxuR binding is eliminated by fructuronate. Transcription of
gntP
requires activation by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP receptor protein. A
gntP
mutant cannot grow on fructuronate but grows normally on glucuronate and gluconate. Thus, the UxuR regulon is a module of sugar acid catabolism whose physiological role is for growth on fructuronate. Glucuronate, because it proceeds through a fructuronate intermediate, must induce the UxuR regulon and must also induce the ExuR regulon, which encodes the glucuronate transporter, ExuT, and the first step in its catabolism, UxaC. Thus, hexuronate catabolism in
E. coli
requires both the ExuR and UxuR regulons, while fructuronate catabolism requires only the UxuR regulon.
Effect of Host Species on RecG Phenotypes in
Helicobacter pylori
and
Escherichia coli
Authors: Kang Josephine , Tavakoli Don , Tschumi Ariane , Aras Rahul A. , Blaser Martin J.
Published: October 2004

Recombination is a fundamental mechanism for the generation of genetic variation.
Helicobacter pylori
strains have different frequencies of intragenomic recombination, arising from deletions and duplications between DNA repeat sequences, as well as intergenomic recombination, facilitated by their natural competence. We identified a gene, hp1523, that influences recombination frequencies in this highly diverse bacterium and demonstrate its importance in maintaining genomic integrity by limiting recombination events. HP1523 shows homology to RecG, an ATP-dependent helicase that in
Escherichia coli
allows repair of damaged replication forks to proceed without recourse to potentially mutagenic recombination. Cross-species studies done show that hp1523 can complement
E. coli recG
mutants in
trans
to the same extent as
E. coli recG
can, indicating that hp1523 has
recG
function. The
E. coli recG
gene only partially complements the hp1523 mutation in
H. pylori
. Unlike other
recG
homologs, hp1523 is not involved in DNA repair in
H. pylori
, although it has the ability to repair DNA when expressed in
E. coli
. Therefore, host context appears critical in defining the function of
recG
. The fact that in
E. coli recG
phenotypes are not constant in other species indicates the diverse roles for conserved recombination genes in prokaryotic evolution.
Z-Ring-Independent Interaction between a Subdomain of FtsA and Late Septation Proteins as Revealed by a Polar Recruitment Assay
Authors: Corbin Brian D. , Geissler Brett , Sadasivam Mahalakshmi , Margolin William
Published: October 2004

FtsA, a member of the ATPase superfamily that includes actin and bacterial actin homologs, is essential for cell division ofEscherichia coliand is recruited to the Z ring. In turn, recruitment of later essential division proteins to the Z ring is dependent on FtsA. In a polar recruitment assay, we found that FtsA can recruit at least two late proteins, FtsI and FtsN, to the cell poles independently of Z rings. Moreover, a unique structural domain of FtsA, subdomain 1c, which is divergent in the other ATPase superfamily members, is sufficient for this recruitment but not required for the ability of FtsA to localize to Z rings. Surprisingly, targeting the 1c subdomain to the Z ring by fusing it to FtsZ could partially suppress a thermosensitiveftsAmutation. These results suggest that subdomain 1c of FtsA is a completely independent functional domain with an important role in interacting with a septation protein subassembly.
Differential Regulation of the PanA and PanB Proteasome-Activating Nucleotidase and 20S Proteasomal Proteins of the Haloarchaeon
Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Reuter Christopher J. , Kaczowka Steven J. , Maupin-Furlow Julie A.
Published: October 2004

The halophilic archaeon
Haloferax volcanii
produces three different proteins (α1, α2, and β) that assemble into at least two 20S proteasome isoforms. This work reports the cloning and sequencing of two
H. volcanii
proteasome-activating nucleotidase (PAN) genes (
panA
and
panB
). The deduced PAN proteins were 60% identical with Walker A and B motifs and a second region of homology typical of AAA ATPases. The most significant region of divergence was the N terminus predicted to adopt a coiled-coil conformation involved in substrate recognition. Of the five proteasomal proteins, the α1, β, and PanA proteins were the most abundant. Differential regulation of all five genes was observed, with a four- to eightfold increase in mRNA levels as cells entered stationary phase. In parallel with this mRNA increase, the protein levels of PanB and α2 increased severalfold during the transition from exponential growth to stationary phase, suggesting that these protein levels are regulated at least in part by mechanisms that control transcript levels. In contrast, the β and PanA protein levels remained relatively constant, while the α1 protein levels exhibited only a modest increase. This lack of correlation between the mRNA and protein levels for α1, β, and PanA suggests posttranscriptional mechanisms are involved in regulating the levels of these major proteasomal proteins. Together these results support a model in which the cell regulates the ratio of the different 20S proteasome and PAN proteins to modulate the structure and ultimately the function of this central energy-dependent proteolytic system.
Use of an Antisense RNA Strategy To Investigate the Functional Significance of Mn-Catalase in the Extreme Thermophile
Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Moreno Renata , Hidalgo Aurelio , Cava Felipe , Fernández-Lafuente Roberto , Guisán José Manuel , Berenguer José
Published: October 2004

The expression of an antisense RNA revealed that an Mn-catalase was required in
Thermus thermophilus
for aerobic but not for anaerobic growth. The antisense system is based on the constitutive expression of a “bicistronic” transcript consisting of the kanamycin resistance gene mRNA followed by the antisense RNA against the selected target.
Mutation of a Single Lytic Transglycosylase Causes Aberrant Septation and Inhibits Cell Separation of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Cloud Karen A. , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: October 2004

The function of lytic peptidoglycan transglycosylases is poorly understood. Single lytic transglycosylase mutants of
Escherichia coli
have no growth phenotype. By contrast, mutation of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ltgC
inhibited cell separation without affecting peptidoglycan monomer production. Thus, LtgC has a dedicated function in gonococcal cell division.
Cold Sensitivity of Thermophilic and Mesophilic RNA Polymerases
Authors: Kulbachinskiy A. , Bass I. , Bogdanova E. , Goldfarb A. , Nikiforov V.
Published: October 2004

RNA polymerase from mesophilic
Deinococcus radiodurans
displays the same cold sensitivity of promoter opening as RNA polymerase from the closely related thermophilic
Thermus aquaticus.
This suggests that, contrary to the accepted view, cold sensitivity of promoter opening by thermophilic RNA polymerases may not be a consequence of their thermostability.
Bronchial epithelium-associated pulmonary arterial muscle relaxation in the rat is absent in the fetus and suppressed by postnatal hypoxia
Authors: Belik J. , Pan J. , Jankov R. P. , Tanswell A. K.
Published: October 2004

We recently reported the existence of a bronchial epithelium-derived relaxing factor (BrEpRF) capable of reducing pulmonary arterial smooth muscle force generation in the newborn rat. We reasoned in this study that BrEpRF has physiological significance in the control of pulmonary vascular tone. We hypothesized that the release and/or activity of this factor can be stimulated and is suppressed prenatally or under hypoxic conditions postnatally. Therefore, we evaluated the pathways stimulated by the BrEpRF in fetal and newborn rat intrapulmonary arteries mounted with their adjacent bronchi in a wire myograph under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Under normoxic conditions, BrEpRF release/activation was observed in newborn vessels following methacholine stimulation of M2 muscarinic receptors, which was mediated via a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism involving the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. Hypoxia suppressed the BrEpRF-dependent modulation of basal and methacholine-induced pulmonary arterial muscle tone in newborn vessels without altering endothelium-dependent or -independent NO-mediated relaxation. In fetal pulmonary arteries studied under normoxic conditions, BrEpRF neither was active under basal conditions nor could it be stimulated with methacholine. We conclude that release/activation of the BrEpRF occurs by an oxygen-dependent mechanism in the newborn and is suppressed during late fetal life. These results suggest that the BrEpRF may be involved in postnatal adaptation of the pulmonary circulation and that its suppression may contribute to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
A deterministic discretisation‐step upper bound for state estimation via Clark transformations
Authors: Malcolm W. P. , Elliott R. J. , van der Hoek J.
Published: October 2004

We consider the numerical stability
of discretisation schemes for continuous‐time state estimation filters. The dynamical systems
we consider model the indirect observation
of a continuous‐time Markov chain. Two candidate
observation models are studied. These models are (a) the observation of the state through a Brownian motion,
and (b) the observation of the state through a Poisson process.
It is shown that for robust filters (via Clark′s transformation),
one can ensure nonnegative estimated probabilities by choosing a
maximum grid step to be no greater than a given bound. The
importance of this result is that one can choose an a priori grid step maximum ensuring nonnegative estimated probabilities. In
contrast, no such upper bound is available for the standard
approximation schemes. Further, this upper bound also applies to
the corresponding robust smoothing scheme, in turn ensuring
stability for smoothed state estimates.
Pharmacotherapy in dual diagnosis
Authors: Crome Ilana B. , Myton Tracey
Published: October 2004

The prevalence of coexisting substance misuse and psychiatric disorder (dual diagnosis, comorbidity) has increased over the past decade, and the indications are that it will continue to rise. There have simultaneously been unprecedented developments in the pharmacological treatment of alcohol, opiate and nicotine misuse. Here we evaluate the evidence on the use of some of these treatments in dual diagnosis (with psychotic, mood and anxiety disorders). The evidence base is limited by the exclusion of mental illness when pharmacological agents for substance misuse are evaluated and vice versa. We set the available information within the context of the psychosocial management of comorbid substance misuse and mental illness, and the framework for service delivery recommended by UK national policy.
Psychiatry, the law and death on the roads
Authors: Gordon Harvey
Published: October 2004

The motor vehicle on the road has a history of only just over 100 years. It is a major form of personal and public transport, but is also associated with hazards and risks. Many more people are killed on the roads each year in Britain than are the victims of homicide. General and forensic pyschiatric evaluation of offenders charged with or convicted of motoring offences is, however, infrequent, despite the presence of mental health problems in some of them. I describe psychiatric, criminological and legal factors associated with driving of motor vehicles, as many psychiatric patients have driving licences and have access to a vehicle or, indeed, may decide to drive unlicensed.
Clinicians' guide to evaluating diagnostic and screening tests in psychiatry
Authors: Warner James
Published: October 2004

The emphasis on the evidence base of treatments may diminish awareness that critical appraisal of research into other aspects of psychiatric practice is equally important. There is a risk that diagnostic tests may be inappropriate in some clinical settings or the results of a particular test may be over-interpreted, leading to incorrect diagnosis. This article outlines the method of critically evaluating the validity of articles about diagnostic and screening tests in psychiatry and discusses concepts of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. The use of likelihood ratios in improving clinical certainty that a disease is present or absent is examined.
Clinical relevance of discoveries in psychopharmacogenetics1
Authors: Tsapakis Evangelia M. , Basu Amlan , Aitchison Katherine J.
Published: October 2004

Individual genetic variation accounts for some of the variability in response to drugs used routinely in clinical psychiatry. Psychopharmacogenetics focuses on how polymorphisms in genes affecting the mechanism of action of a drug's effect and/or metabolism (both peripheral and central) can influence an individual's clinical response to the drug, in terms of both therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects. Pharmacogenetics promises to be of substantial help in the field of psychiatric pharmacotherapy, but before research findings can be applied to clinical practice, ethical and methodological problems have to be addressed and overcome. This review summarises the most robust findings in the field and outlines how psychopharmacogenetic studies could lead to treatment individualisation.
Communication with patients from other cultures: the place of explanatory models
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: October 2004

We discuss the complicated nature of communication between people from different cultural groups, perhaps using a second language. We focus on the fact that mental health practitioners and service users often have in common neither their cultural backgrounds nor their explanatory models of illness. Communication even in a shared language can be less than optimal as words carry multiple meanings. Consequently, consultations that involve culturally grounded explanatory models of illness challenge the professional. We give examples showing that reconciling different explanatory models during the consultation is a core task for psychiatrists and mental health practitioners working in multicultural settings.
Quality of life and function after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: McCall W. Vaughn , Dunn Aaron , Rosenquist Peter B.
Published: October 2004

Background

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK has recommended limiting the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), partly because of the inadequacy of research into the effects of ECT on quality of life and function.

Aims

To examine the effects of ECT on function and quality of life, particularly as they relate to changes in mood and cognition in the month following this therapy.

Method

We measured changes in quality of life, function, mood and cognition in a prospective sample of 77 depressed patients given ECT.

Results

All quality of life and function outcomes were improved at the 2-week and 4-week marks after ECT. Improvement in quality of life was related to mood, whereas improvement in instrumental activities of daily living function was related to improvement in global cognition.

Conclusions

Electroconvulsive therapy is associated with early improvement in function and quality of life. A restrictive attitude towards this therapy is not warranted on the basis of its effects on quality of life and function.
Adapting to the challenge of psychosis: personal resilience and the use of sealing-over (avoidant) coping strategies
Authors: Tait Lynda , Birchwood Max , Petertrower
Published: October 2004

Background

Avoidance coping (e.g. sealing over) is common in people recovering from psychosis, but it is not understood why some individuals ‘seal over’.

Aims

We examined the hypothesis that individuals who ‘seal over’ do not have the personal resilience to withstand this major life event.

Method

Fifty participants were interviewed during an acute episode of psychosis and reassessed at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Measures included psychotic symptoms, recovery style, service engagement, parental and adult attachment and self-evaluative beliefs.

Results

Sealing-over recovery styles are associated with negative early childhood experience, insecure adult attachment, negative self-evaluative beliefs and insecure identity. Insecure adult attachment was associated with less engagement with services.

Conclusions

Sealing over was associated with multiple signs of low personal resilience in adapting to psychosis.
Effects of education and culture on the validity of the Geriatric Mental State and its AGECAT algorithm
Authors: Prince Martin , Acosta Daisy , Chiu Helen , Copeland John , Dewey Michael , Scazufca Marcia , Varghese Mathew ,   for the 10/66 Dementia Research Group
Published: October 2004

Background

The Geriatric Mental State (GMS) is the most widely used psychiatric research assessment for older persons. Evidence for validity comes from the developed world.

Aims

To assess the validity of GMS/AGECAT organicity and depression diagnoses in 26 centres in India, China, Latin America and Africa.

Method

We studied 2941 persons aged 60 years and over: 742 people with dementia and three groups free of dementia (697 with depression, 719 with high and 783 with low levels of education). Local clinicians diagnosed dementia (DSM–IV) and depression (Montgomery – Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score ⩾18).

Results

For dementia diagnosis GMS/AGECAT performed well in many centres but educational bias was evident. Specificity was poor in India and sensitivity sub-optimal in Latin America. A predictive algorithm excluding certain orientation items but including interviewer judgements improved upon the AGECAT algorithm. For depression, sensitivity was high. The EURO–D depression scale, derived from GMS items using European data, has a similar factor structure in Latin America, India and, to a lesser extent, China.

Conclusions

Valid, comprehensive mental status assessment across cultures seems achievable in principle.
Evaluation of a symptom-triggered front-loading detoxification technique for alcohol dependence: A pilot study
Authors: Day Ed , Patel Jaimin , Georgiou George
Published: October 2004

Aims and Methods

A pilot study was set up to compare a symptom-triggered ‘front-loading’ detoxification technique with the usual fixed dosage method. A group of 23 in-patients with alcohol dependence were randomised to receive either the intervention technique using diazepam or the standard chlordiazepoxide taper over 10 days.

Results

The intervention group received a mean dosage of 74 mg diazepam (equivalent to 222 mg chlordiazepoxide) compared with 700 mg chlordiazepoxide in those receiving usual treatment. There was no statistical difference in the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the two groups, and the intervention group were slightly more satisfied with their treatment than the group undergoing the usual detoxification treatment. Feedback from the nursing staff was positive towards the new approach but highlighted some potential problems for its wider implementation.

Clinical Implications

It was possible to use a simple randomised trial design to introduce a new technique for alcohol detoxification to a specialist unit. Symptom-triggered front-loading detoxification using diazepam was as effective as a standard taper technique in terms of withdrawal severity reduction, and was acceptable to both patients and staff. This is potentially a useful technique for busy acute psychiatric wards.
A survey of the provision of psychological treatments to older adults in the NHS
Authors: Evans Sandra
Published: October 2004

Aims and Method

A questionnaire was sent to old age psychiatrists to ascertain their experience, views and clinical practice regarding psychological therapies in their services.

Results

The provision of psychological treatments of all modalities to older people is widely varied in Britain. The main difficulty seems to be a lack of resources, but it would appear that inexperience with psychological therapies applied to older adults is also a factor. Most mental health teams (95%) provide anxiety management therapy, and cognitive–behavioural therapy is widely available (76% of teams), but areas such as training and staff supervision appear to be poorly provided.

Clinical Implications

Suggestions are made to increase provision and quality of service within existing resources; improving services to the standards of the National Service Framework would be a bigger challenge.
Market risk and the cattle feeding margin: An application of Value‐at‐Risk
Authors: Manfredo Mark R. , Leuthold Raymond M.
Published: October 2004

Value‐at‐Risk, known as VaR, gives a prediction with a certain level of confidence of potential portfolio losses that may be encountered over a specified time period due to adverse price movements in the portfolio's assets. For example, a VaR of 1 million dollars at the 95% level of confidence implies that overall portfolio losses should not exceed 1 million dollars more than 5% of the time over a given holding period. This research examines the effectiveness of VaR measures, developed using alternative estimation techniques, in predicting large losses in the cattle‐feeding margin. Results show that several estimation techniques, both parametric and nonparametric, provide well‐calibrated estimates of VaR such that violations (losses exceeding the VaR estimate) are commensurate with the desired level of confidence. In particular, estimates developed using the RiskMetricsTM method appear robust for instruments that have linear payoff structures such as cash commodity prices. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determinants of foreign direct investment in the food industry: The case of Poland
Authors: Walkenhorst; Peter
Published: October 2004

In this article, a statistical model is developed to analyze determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Polish food industry. Data on FDI inflows from three investor home country clusters is related to characteristics of 12 food industry branches. The results indicate that firm size, privatization speed, value‐added, and import share are important determinants of food industry FDI. The findings confirm the importance of a swift reduction of state control over agro‐industrial enterprises, while pointing to the need for effective competition policies in transition countries to contain potentially emerging market power of foreign multinationals in oligopolistic food industry branches. [Econ‐Lit citations: F23 (multinational firms); P33 (international linkages in transition); Q13 (agribusiness)] © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploring future developments in international olive oil trade and marketing: A Spanish perspective
Authors: Mili Samir , Zúñiga Manuel Rodríguez
Published: October 2004

This article forecasts the main trends and likely developments affecting the Spanish olive oil export business over the next decade. A Delphi survey was conducted in 1999 with a highly qualified panel of experts from the olive oil sector who, over two rounds of mailings, contributed their judgments about export prospects for the Spanish olive oil sector. Issues discussed include expected trends in world olive oil supply and demand, the likely implications of the major impending changes in the macroeconomic and regulatory setting, the characteristics of potential markets, the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish olive oil export industry, and the key international marketing variables for the future. [Econ‐Lit citations: F140, Q130, Q170]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.