bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the human circadian system, exercise, and their interaction on cardiovascular function
Authors: Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Hu Kun , Evoniuk Heather , Kelly Erin E. , Malhotra Atul , Hilton Michael F. , Shea Steven A.
Published: November 2010

The risk of adverse cardiovascular events peaks in the morning (≈9:00 AM) with a secondary peak in the evening (≈8:00 PM) and a trough at night. This pattern is generally believed to be caused by the day/night distribution of behavioral triggers, but it is unknown whether the endogenous circadian system contributes to these daily fluctuations. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that the circadian system modulates autonomic, hemodynamic, and hemostatic risk markers at rest, and that behavioral stressors have different effects when they occur at different internal circadian phases. Twelve healthy adults were each studied in a 240-h forced desynchrony protocol in dim light while standardized rest and exercise periods were uniformly distributed across the circadian cycle. At rest, there were large circadian variations in plasma cortisol (peak-to-trough ≈85% of mean, peaking at a circadian phase corresponding to ≈9:00 AM) and in circulating catecholamines (epinephrine, ≈70%; norepinephrine, ≈35%, peaking during the biological day). At ≈8:00 PM, there was a circadian peak in blood pressure and a trough in cardiac vagal modulation. Sympathetic variables were consistently lowest and vagal markers highest during the biological night. We detected no simple circadian effect on hemostasis, although platelet aggregability had two peaks: at ≈noon and ≈11:00 PM. There was circadian modulation of the cardiovascular reactivity to exercise, with greatest vagal withdrawal at ≈9:00 AM and peaks in catecholamine reactivity at ≈9:00 AM and ≈9:00 PM. Thus, the circadian system modulates numerous cardiovascular risk markers at rest as well as their reactivity to exercise, with resultant profiles that could potentially contribute to the day/night pattern of adverse cardiovascular events.
Contribution potential of glaciers to water availability in different climate regimes
Authors: Kaser Georg , Großhauser Martin , Marzeion Ben
Published: November 2010

Although reliable figures are often missing, considerable detrimental changes due to shrinking glaciers are universally expected for water availability in river systems under the influence of ongoing global climate change. We estimate the contribution potential of seasonally delayed glacier melt water to total water availability in large river systems. We find that the seasonally delayed glacier contribution is largest where rivers enter seasonally arid regions and negligible in the lowlands of river basins governed by monsoon climates. By comparing monthly glacier melt contributions with population densities in different altitude bands within each river basin, we demonstrate that strong human dependence on glacier melt is not collocated with highest population densities in most basins.
Trapping of palindromic ligands within native transthyretin prevents amyloid formation
Authors: Kolstoe Simon E. , Mangione Palma P. , Bellotti Vittorio , Taylor Graham W. , Tennent Glenys A. , Deroo Stéphanie , Morrison Angus J. , Cobb Alexander J. A. , Coyne Anthony , McCammon Margaret G. , Warner Timothy D. , Mitchell Jane , Gill Raj , Smith Martin D. , Ley Steven V. , Robinson Carol V. , Wood Stephen P. , Pepys Mark B.
Published: November 2010

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a fatal disease for which new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. We have designed two palindromic ligands, 2,2'-(4,4'-(heptane-1,7-diylbis(oxy))bis(3,5-dichloro-4,1-phenylene)) bis(azanediyl)dibenzoic acid (mds84) and 2,2'-(4,4'-(undecane-1,11-diylbis(oxy))bis(3,5-dichloro-4,1-phenylene)) bis(azanediyl)dibenzoic acid (4ajm15), that are rapidly bound by native wild-type TTR in whole serum and even more avidly by amyloidogenic TTR variants. One to one stoichiometry, demonstrable in solution and by MS, was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis showing simultaneous occupation of both T4 binding sites in each tetrameric TTR molecule by the pair of ligand head groups. Ligand binding by native TTR was irreversible under physiological conditions, and it stabilized the tetrameric assembly and inhibited amyloidogenic aggregation more potently than other known ligands. These superstabilizers are orally bioavailable and exhibit low inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase (COX). They offer a promising platform for development of drugs to treat and prevent TTR amyloidosis.
Ubiquitination regulates MHC class II-peptide complex retention and degradation in dendritic cells
Authors: Walseng Even , Furuta Kazuyuki , Bosch Berta , Weih Karis A. , Matsuki Yohei , Bakke Oddmund , Ishido Satoshi , Roche Paul A.
Published: November 2010

The expression and turnover of MHC class II-peptide complexes (pMHC-II) on the surface of dendritic cells (DCs) is essential for their ability to activate CD4 T cells efficiently. The half-life of surface pMHC-II is significantly greater in activated (mature) DCs than in resting (immature) DCs, but the molecular mechanism leading to this difference remains unknown. We now show that ubiquitination of pMHC-II by the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated RING-CH 1 (March-I) regulates surface expression, intracellular distribution, and survival of pMHC-II in DCs. DCs isolated from March-I–KO mice express very high levels of pMHC-II on the plasma membrane even before DC activation. Although ubiquitination does not affect the kinetics of pMHC-II endocytosis from the surface of DCs, the survival of pMHC-II is enhanced in DCs obtained from March-I–deficient and MHC-II ubiquitination-mutant mice. Using pMHC-II–specific mAb, we show that immature DCs generate large amounts of pMHC-II that are remarkably stable under conditions in which pMHC-II ubiquitination is blocked. Thus, the cellular distribution and stability of surface pMHC-II in DCs is regulated by ubiquitin-dependent degradation of internalized pMHC-II.
Sororin cooperates with the acetyltransferase Eco2 to ensure DNA replication-dependent sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Lafont Andrea L. , Song Jianhua , Rankin Susannah
Published: November 2010

Sister chromatids are held together, from the time they are made during S phase until they are pulled apart just before cell division, by a protein complex called cohesin. The mechanistic details by which sister chromatid cohesion is established and maintained have remained elusive, particularly in vertebrate systems. Sororin, a protein that interacts with the cohesin complex, is essential for cohesion in vertebrates, but how it participates in the process is unknown. Here we demonstrate that sororin recruitment depends on active DNA replication and that sororin loading onto chromosomes depends upon another essential cohesion factor, the acetyltransferase Eco2. We find that Eco2, like sororin, is a substrate of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), which ensures that protein levels remain low before S phase. These findings demonstrate that sororin and Eco2 work together to form a unique regulatory module that limits cohesion to cells with replicated chromatin and support a model in which cohesion in vertebrates is not fully established until the G2 phase of the cell cycle.
Structure-based development of a receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor peptide and molecular basis for osteopetrosis
Authors: Ta Hai Minh , Nguyen Giang Thi Tuyet , Jin Hye Mi , Choi Jongkeun , Park Hyejin , Kim Nacksung , Hwang Hye-Yeon , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: November 2010

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and its ligand RANKL, which belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-ligand family, mediate osteoclastogenesis. The crystal structure of the RANKL ectodomain (eRANKL) in complex with the RANK ectodomain (eRANK) combined with biochemical assays of RANK mutants indicated that three RANK loops (Loop1, Loop2, and Loop3) bind to the interface of a trimeric eRANKL. Loop3 is particularly notable in that it is structurally distinctive from other TNF-family receptors and forms extensive contacts with RANKL. The disulfide bond (C125-C127) at the tip of Loop3 is important for determining the unique topology of Loop3, and docking E126 close to RANKL, which was supported by the inability of C127A or E126A mutants of RANK to bind to RANKL. Inhibitory activity of RANK mutants, which contain loops of osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble decoy receptor to RANKL, confirmed that OPG shares the similar binding mode with RANK and OPG. Loop3 plays a key role in RANKL binding. Peptide inhibitors designed to mimic Loop3 blocked the RANKL-induced differentiation of osteoclast precursors, suggesting that they could be developed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone-related diseases. Furthermore, some of the RANK mutations associated with autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO) resulted in reduced RANKL-binding activity and failure to induce osteoclastogenesis. These results, together with structural interpretation of eRANK-eRANKL interaction, provided molecular understanding for pathogenesis of ARO.
Scanning probe block copolymer lithography
Authors: Chai Jinan , Huo Fengwei , Zheng Zijian , Giam Louise R. , Shim Wooyoung , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: November 2010

Integration of individual nanoparticles into desired spatial arrangements over large areas is a prerequisite for exploiting their unique electrical, optical, and chemical properties. However, positioning single sub-10-nm nanoparticles in a specific location individually on a substrate remains challenging. Herein we have developed a unique approach, termed scanning probe block copolymer lithography, which enables one to control the growth and position of individual nanoparticles in situ. This technique relies on either dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) or polymer pen lithography (PPL) to transfer phase-separating block copolymer inks in the form of 100 or more nanometer features on an underlying substrate. Reduction of the metal ions via plasma results in the high-yield formation of single crystal nanoparticles per block copolymer feature. Because the size of each feature controls the number of metal atoms within it, the DPN or PPL step can be used to control precisely the size of each nanocrystal down to 4.8 ± 0.2 nm.
A corpus driven study of the potential for vocabulary learning through watching movies
Authors: Webb Stuart
Published: November 2010

In this corpus driven study, the scripts of 143 movies consisting of 1,267,236 running words were analyzed using the RANGE program (Heatley et al. 2002) to determine the number of encounters with low frequency words. Low frequency words were operationalized as items from Nation’s (2004) 4th to 14th 1,000-word BNC lists. The results showed that in a single movie, few words were encountered 10 or more times indicating that only a small number of words may be learned through watching one movie. However, as the number of movies analyzed increased, the number of words encountered 10 or more times increased. Twenty-three percent of the word families from Nation’s (2004) 4th 1,000-word list were encountered 10 or more times in a set of 70 movies. This indicates that if learners watch movies regularly over a long period of time, there is the potential for significant incidental learning to occur
The centrosome neither persistently leads migration nor determines the site of axonogenesis in migrating neurons in vivo
Authors: Distel Martin , Hocking Jennifer C. , Volkmann Katrin , Köster Reinhard W.
Published: November 2010

The position of the centrosome ahead of the nucleus has been considered crucial for coordinating neuronal migration in most developmental situations. The proximity of the centrosome has also been correlated with the site of axonogenesis in certain differentiating neurons. Despite these positive correlations, accumulating experimental findings appear to negate a universal role of the centrosome in determining where an axon forms, or in leading the migration of neurons. To further examine this controversy in an in vivo setting, we have generated cell type–specific multi-cistronic gene expression to monitor subcellular dynamics in the developing zebrafish cerebellum. We show that migration of rhombic lip–derived neurons is characterized by a centrosome that does not persistently lead the nucleus, but which is instead regularly overtaken by the nucleus. In addition, axonogenesis is initiated during the onset of neuronal migration and occurs independently of centrosome proximity. These in vivo data reveal a new temporal orchestration of organelle dynamics and provide important insights into the variation in intracellular processes during vertebrate brain differentiation.
Relationship Between Soft Wheat Flour Physicochemical Composition and Cookie‐Making Performance
Authors: Moiraghi Malena , Vanzetti Leonardo , Bainotti Carlos , Helguera Marcelo , León Alberto , Pérez Gabriela
Published: November 2010

Nowadays in Argentina, cookies, crackers, and cakes are made of flour obtained from bread wheat with additives or enzymes that decrease the gluten strength but increase production costs. The present research work aims to study the relationship between flour physicochemical composition (particle size average [PSA], protein, damaged starch [DS], water soluble pentosans [WSP], total pentosans [TP], and gluten), alkaline water retention capacities behavior, solvent retention capacities profile (SRC) and cookie‐making performance in a set of 51 adapted soft wheat lines with diverse origin to identify better flour parameters for predicting cookie quality. Cookie factor (CF) values were 5.06–7.56. High and significant negative correlations between sucrose SRC (–0.68), water SRC (–0.65), carbonate SRC (–0.59), and CF were found, followed by lactic SRC that presented a low negative but significant correlation (r = –0.35). The flour components DS (r = –0.67), WSP (r = –0.49), and TP (r = –0.4) were negatively associated to CF. PSA showed a negative correlation with CF (r = –0.43). Protein and gluten were the flour components that affected cookie hardness, but no significant correlation were found with pentosan or DS content. A prediction equation for CF was developed. Sucrose SRC, PSA, and DS could be used to predict 68% of the variation in cookie diameter. The cluster analysis was conducted to assess differences in flour quality parameters among genotypes based on CF. Clusters 1 and 4 were typified by lower CF (5.70 and 5.23, respectively), higher DS, pentosan content, and SRC values. Cluster 2 with a relative good CF (6.47) and Cluster 3 with the best cookie quality, high CF (7.32) and low firmness, and the lowest DS, TP, WSP content, and sucrose SRC values.
Control of Apple Blue Mold by the Antagonistic YeastPichia anomalaStrain K: Screening of UV Protectants for Preharvest Application
Authors: Lahlali Rachid , Brostaux Yves , Jijakli M. Haissam
Published: November 2010

When applied preharvest, antagonistic yeasts that act as biocontrol agents of postharvest fruit diseases must survive the environmental conditions in the field. In particular, UV-B radiation (280 to 320 nm) can greatly reduce their survival and effectiveness. The influence of artificial UV-B radiation on Pichia anomala strain K, an antagonistic yeast with potential for control of postharvest fruit diseases, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro 50 and 90% lethal dose values were 0.89 and 1.6 Kj/m2, respectively, whereas lethal values in vivo were 3.2 and 5.76 Kj/m2, respectively. UV protectants tested in combination with strain K included congo red, tryptophan, riboflavin, lignin, casein, gelatine, folic acid, tyrosine, and four mixtures. Riboflavin, folic acid, and the mixtures 1% folic acid + 0.5% tyrosine + 0.5% riboflavin (formula 2), 0.5% folic acid + 1% tyrosine + 0.5% riboflavin (formula 3), and 0.5% folic acid + 0.5% tyrosine + 1% riboflavin (formula 4) reduced yeast mortality caused by UV-B radiation in petri dish assays. Riboflavin, folic acid, gelatine, lignin, and tyrosine reduced yeast mortality caused by UV-B radiation on apple fruit surfaces. With the exception of lignin and folic acid, none of the compounds or mixtures increased significantly the ability of strain K to control the postharvest pathogen Penicillium expansum on wounded apple fruit. In contrast, casein, gelatine, tyrosine, congo red, riboflavin, and formulas 1 to 4 significantly reduced the effectiveness of strain K. Further investigations are justified to verify a potential benefit of lignin and folic acid for UV protection of strain K in preharvest applications.
Are age of smoking initiation and purchasing patterns associated with menthol smoking?
Authors: Fernander Anita , Rayens Mary Kay , Zhang Mei , Adkins Sarah
Published: November 2010

Aims  The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between age of cigarette smoking initiation and cigarette purchasing patterns on menthol smoking among current smokers.

Design  Secondary analyses were conducted using logistic regression with balanced replicated weights.

Setting  Data from the 2003 and 2006/07 Tobacco Use Supplement (TUS) to the Current Population Survey (CPS), collected by the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Census Bureau, formed the basis for this investigation.

Participants  A total of 66 145 current smokers who participated in the TUS CPS administration in 2003 and 2006/07 were examined.

Measurements  Demographic characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, age, education and income), smoking frequency, purchase type (pack, carton, or both), age of initiation and menthol cigarette use were assessed.

Findings  One‐quarter of the sample smoked menthol cigarettes; most purchased their cigarettes by the pack when rather than by the carton; average age of cigarette smoking initiation was 18 years; and females, ethnic/racial minorities and younger participants were more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes compared with males, whites or older respondents. Other demographic factors associated with menthol cigarette use among current smokers included a high school education (the prevalence of menthol use among this cohort was greater than either those with less education or those with more). The multivariate logistic model only marginally revealed that age of smoking initiation predicted menthol smoking: findings are suggestive that the longer the delay of initiation the more likely that an individual smoked menthol cigarettes [odds ratio (OR) = 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.01]. In addition, relative to those who purchased cigarettes by the pack, smokers who purchased cigarettes by the carton were less (OR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91) likely to be menthol smokers.

Conclusions  Menthol smokers in the United States are more likely to be female, younger, from ethnic minority groups, and to have a high school education. The findings that menthol smokers in the U.S. tend to start smoking later than smokers of other types of cigarettes are suggestive only and require further study.
Menthol smoking, smoke‐free policies and cessation services
Authors: Fernander Anita , Rayens Mary Kay , Hahn Ellen , Zhang Mei , Adkins Sarah M.
Published: November 2010

Aims  This study examined whether menthol cigarette smoking is related to exposure to smoke‐free home and work‐place policies, availability of cessation services at work and knowledge of cessation resources among current smokers.

Design  Secondary analysis was conducted using logistic regression of cross‐sectional data.

Setting  The 2003 and 2006/07 Tobacco Use Supplement (TUS) to the Current Population Survey, administered by the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Census Bureau, formed the basis for this investigation.

Participants  A total of 66 145 current smokers who participated in the TUS CPS administrations in 2003 and 2006/07.

Measurements  Demographic characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, income), smoking frequency, menthol cigarette use, status of smoking bans in the work‐place and at home, availability of cessation services at work and knowledge of quitting resources were assessed.

Findings  Among all current smokers with an indoor job, with no smoke‐free restrictions at either work or home as the reference, those who smoked menthol cigarettes were about one‐third as likely to have a smoke‐free policy at both work and home [odds ratio (OR) = 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27–0.38]. In the comparison of those with an indoor smoke‐free policy at work only versus those with no restrictions, menthol status was a risk factor for not having a work‐place restriction (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67–0.93); similarly, within this sample, menthol use was a risk factor for not having a home restriction (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.31–0.46). Among all current smokers, the use of menthol cigarettes was a risk factor for not having a smoking restriction at home (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88–0.98). Menthol smoking was not related to availability of cessation services offered at work or knowledge of cessation services.

Conclusions  This study suggests that menthol smoking is associated with lack of policy protection from second‐hand smoke exposure. Policymakers and tobacco control professionals should monitor tobacco control efforts to ensure that policies and interventions reach all menthol smokers.
Do cigarette prices motivate smokers to quit? New evidence from the ITC survey
Authors: Ross Hana , Blecher Evan , Yan Lili , Hyland Andrew
Published: November 2010

Aims  To examine the importance of cigarette prices in influencing smoking cessation and the motivation to quit.

Design  We use longitudinal data from three waves of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey (ITC). The study contrasts smoking cessation and motivation to quit among US and Canadian smokers and evaluates how this relationship is modified by cigarette prices, nicotine dependence and health knowledge. Different price measures are used to understand how the ability to purchase cheaper cigarettes may reduce the influence of prices. Our first model examines whether cigarette prices affect motivation to quit smoking using Generalized Estimating Equations to predict cessation stage and a least squares model to predict the change in cessation stage. The second model evaluates quitting behavior over time. The probability of quitting is estimated with Generalized Estimating Equations and a transition model to account for the ‘left‐truncation’ of the data.

Settings  US and Canada.

Participants  4352 smokers at Wave 1, 2000 smokers completing all three waves.

Measurements  Motivation to quit, cigarette prices, nicotine dependence and health knowledge.

Findings  Smokers living in areas with higher cigarette prices are significantly more motivated to quit. There is limited evidence to suggest that price increases over time may also increase quit motivation. Higher cigarette prices increase the likelihood of actual quitting, with the caveat that results are statistically significant in one out of two models. Access to cheaper cigarette sources does not impede cessation although smokers would respond more aggressively (in terms of cessation) to price increases if cheaper cigarette sources were not available.

Conclusions  This research provides a unique opportunity to study smoking cessation among adult smokers and their response to cigarette prices in a market where they are able to avoid tax increases by purchasing cigarettes from cheaper sources. Higher cigarette prices appear to be associated with greater motivation to stop smoking, an effect which does not appear to be mitigated by cheaper cigarette sources. The paper supports the use of higher prices as a means of encouraging smoking cessation and motivation to quit.
The relationships between menthol cigarette preference and state tobacco control policies on smoking behaviors of young adult smokers in the 2006–07 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Surveys (TUS CPS)
Authors: Ahijevych Karen , Ford Jodi
Published: November 2010

Aim  To examine relationships between the preference for menthol cigarettes and young adult smoking behaviors, including the extent to which state tobacco control policies moderate these relationships.

Design  Cross‐sectional design using secondary data from the 2006–07 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Surveys (TUS CPS) surveys appended with 2006 state‐policy data.

Setting  United States nationally representative survey.

Participants  A total of 2241 young adult daily smokers and 688 young adult non‐daily smokers.

Measurements  The two dependent variables of smoking behaviors were smoking first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking (TTF) and number of cigarettes smoked per day (cpd). Primary independent variables included menthol brand preference and state tobacco control policies (youth access laws, clean indoor air laws and cigarette excise taxes), adjusting for controls.

Findings  Among daily smokers, there were no significant associations between menthol brand preference and TTF or cpd. However, lower educational attainment, not being in the labor force and the lack of home smoking rules were associated positively with shorter TTF, being white and the lack of home smoking rules were associated positively with cpd. Among daily smokers, state excise taxes were associated negatively with higher cpd. Among non‐daily smokers, menthol brand preference was associated positively with shorter TTF, but associations did not vary with state tobacco control policies. Menthol brand preference was not associated significantly with cpd, but male gender, unmarried status and the lack of home smoking rules were associated positively with greater cpd among non‐daily smokers.

Conclusions  Young adult non‐daily smokers who preferred menthol cigarettes were significantly more dependent than those who preferred non‐menthol cigarettes, as shown through the shorter TTF. Associations between menthol brand preference and smoking behaviors did not vary with state tobacco control policies.
National patterns and correlates of mentholated cigarette use in the United States
Authors: Lawrence Deirdre , Rose Allison , Fagan Pebbles , Moolchan Eric T. , Gibson James Todd , Backinger Cathy L.
Published: November 2010

Aim  To examine the patterns and correlates of mentholated cigarette smoking among adult smokers in the United States.

Design  Cross‐sectional data on adult current smokers (n = 63 193) were pooled from the 2003 and 2006/07 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey.

Measurements  The associations between socio‐demographic and smoking variables were examined with gender‐ and race/ethnicity‐stratified multivariate logistic regression models predicting current use of mentholated cigarettes.

Findings  Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that black smokers were 10–11 times more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes than white smokers men: odds ratio (OR): 11.59, 99% confidence interval (CI): 9.79–13.72; women: OR: 10.12, 99% CI: 8.45–12.11). With the exception of American Indian/Aleut/Eskimo smokers, non‐white smokers were significantly more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes than were white smokers. Additional significant factors associated with mentholated cigarette smoking included being unmarried (never married: OR: 1.21, 99% CI: 1.09–1.34; divorced/separated: OR: 1.13, 99% CI: 1.03–1.23), being born in a US territory (OR: 2.01, 99% CI: 1.35–3.01), living in a non‐metropolitan area (OR: 0.87, 99% CI: 0.80–0.96), being unemployed (OR: 1.24, 99% CI: 1.06–1.44) and lower levels of education. Race/ethnicity‐stratified analyses showed that women were more likely than men to smoke mentholated cigarettes. Among black smokers, young adults (aged 18–24 years) were four times more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes compared with individuals aged 65+.

Conclusions  Race/ethnicity, gender and age are significant correlates of mentholated cigarette smoking among current smokers. Given the importance of menthol in the cigarette market and the potential untoward health effects of this additive, continued surveillance of the prevalence and correlates of mentholated cigarette use among diverse socio‐demographic groups is warranted to inform appropriate interventions.
Occupational status, work‐site cessation programs and policies and menthol smoking on quitting behaviors of US smokers
Authors: Alexander Linda A. , Crawford Tim , Mendiondo Marta S.
Published: November 2010

Aim  This exploratory study sought to examine the relationships among occupational status, menthol smoking preference and employer‐sponsored smoking cessation programs and policies on quitting behaviors.

Design  Data for this cross‐sectional study were obtained from the 2006 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS CPS), a large national survey representative of the civilian population, containing approximately 240 000 respondents. The total sample for the current study was 30 176.

Measurements  The TUS CPS regularly collects data on cigarette prevalence, quitting behaviors, smoking history and consumption patterns. We performed a logistic regression with ‘life‐time quitting smoking for 1 day or longer because they were trying to quit’ as outcome variable. Independent variables included type of occupation, employer‐sponsored cessation programs and policies and menthol status.

Findings  When controlling for occupational status and work‐place policies, there were no differences for menthol versus non‐menthol smokers on quitting behaviors [odds ratio (OR) = 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83, 1.15]. Service workers were less likely to quit compared with white‐collar workers (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69, 0.94), and those with no employer‐sponsored cessation program were less likely to quit (OR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.60, 0.83). White‐collar workers, compared with blue‐collar and service workers, were more likely to have a smoking policy in the work area (93% versus 86% versus 88%, respectively).

Conclusions  When occupational status and work‐place smoking policies are controlled for, smokers of menthol cigarettes in the United States appear to have similar self‐reported life‐time rates of attempts to stop smoking to non‐menthol smokers.
Does airway remodelling occur in the upper airways of patients with allergic rhinitis?
Authors: Tulic M. K. , Hamid Q.
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: M. K. Tulic and Q. Hamid, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1714–1716.
Programming in asthma: the dice are loaded but not cast
Authors: Hancox R. J. , Beasley R.
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: R. J. Hancox and R. Beasley, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1717–1718.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide receptor 1 mediates anti‐inflammatory effects in allergic airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Lauenstein H. D. , Quarcoo D. , Plappert L. , Schleh C. , Nassimi M. , Pilzner C. , Rochlitzer S. , Brabet P. , Welte T. , Hoymann H. G. , Krug N. , Müller M. , Lerner E. A. , Braun A. , Groneberg D. A.
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: H. D. Lauenstein, D. Quarcoo, L. Plappert, C. Schleh, M. Nassimi, C. Pilzner, S. Rochlitzer, P. Brabet, T. Welte, H. G. Hoymann, N. Krug, M. Müller, E. A. Lerner, A. Braun and D. A. Groneberg, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 592–601.

Background
Bronchial asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and reversible obstruction. Since the gold standard of therapy, a combination of anti‐inflammatory corticosteroids and bronchodilatory β2 agonists, has recently been discussed to be related to an increased mortality, there is a need for novel therapeutic pathways.

Objective
A new experimental concept that encompasses the vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) family of receptors by demonstrating the anti‐inflammatory effects of the PACAP receptor 1 (PAC1R) in a murine model of allergic asthma is described.

Methods
PAC1R expression was investigated in lung tissue and isolated dendritic cells (DCs) via real‐time PCR. Ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma models were used in PAC1R‐deficient mice and BALB/c mice treated with PAC1R agonist maxadilan (MAX). Bronchoalveolar lavages have been performed and investigated at the cellular and cytokine levels. Fluorescence staining of a frozen lung section has been performed to detect eosinophil granulocytes in lung tissue. Plasma IgE levels have been quantified via the ELISA technique. Lung function was determined using head‐out body plethysmography or whole‐body plethysmography.

Results
Increased PAC1R mRNA expression in lung tissue was present under inflammatory conditions. PAC1R expression was detected on DCs. In OVA‐induced asthma models, which were applied to PAC1R‐deficient mice (PAC1R−/−) and to BALB/c mice treated with the specific PAC1R agonist MAX, PAC1R deficiency resulted in inflammatory effects, while agonistic stimulation resulted in anti‐inflammatory effects. No effects on lung function were detected both in the gene‐depletion and in the pharmacologic studies. In summary, here, we demonstrate that anti‐inflammatory effects can be achieved via PAC1R.

Conclusion
PAC1R agonists may represent a promising target for an anti‐inflammatory therapy in airway diseases such as bronchial asthma.
Vagal control of fasting somatostatin levels
Authors: CHUNG S. A. , GREENBERG G. R. , DIAMANT N. E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract The relationship between fasting intestinal motility, plasma concentration of somatostatin and vagal integrity was examined in four conscious dogs. Small intestinal motility was recorded using subserosally implanted bipolar electrodes. The cervical vagosympathetic trunks, previously isolated in skin loops, were blocked by cooling. In the fasted state, peaks in somatostatin concentration were observed during phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC). During vagal blockade, small intestinal MM***Cs persisted but with phase II being absent or decreased in duration in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Somatostatin levels significantly decreased to below the basal levels observed prior to blockade. No cycling of somatostatin levels was evident during the period of vagal blockade. Upon termination of vagal cooling, normal motility returned and somatostatin levels returned to their pre‐blockade levels. In conclusion: (1) plasma somatostatin levels cycle with phase III of the MMC in the upper small intestine; (2) the cycling of fasting somatostatin concentrations is primarily dependent upon intact vagal pathways; and (3) basal plasma somatostatin levels are in part vagally dependent.
Intralipid‐induced gastric relaxation is mediated via NO
Authors: MEULEMANS A. , SCHUURKES J.
Published: November 2010

In vitro, nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be the neurotransmitter responsible for gastric relaxation. In vivo gastric relaxations can be controlled via reflex pathways originating in the duodenum. The aim of this study was to determine whether NO was involved in gastric relaxation in vivo in conscious dogs induced by intraduodenal administration of intralipid. Gastric tone was monitored with a flaccid bag introduced into the stomach via a gastric cannula and connected to a barostat. Intralipid administration into the duodenum caused a gastric relaxation (420 ± 11 ml, n = 6) sensitive to inhibition by nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) (5 mg kg−1i.v.). This inhibitory effect of L‐NNA was reversed by L‐arginine (100 mg kg−1i.v.).

In conclusion: intraduodenal administration of intralipid induces a gastric relaxation via a NO‐dependent mechanism.
Effects of absorption rate, flow rate and fluid load on colonic motor activity in dogs
Authors: Karaus Michael , SARNA S. K.
Published: November 2010

Abstract We investigated the relationship between absorption rate, flow rate, fluid load and colonic motor activity in an in vivo isolated colonic loop model. Motor activity was recorded by implanted strain gauge transducers. Two electrolyte solutions were perfused at 0.4 and 1.6 mL min−1 through the open colonic loop (distal end open) or infused into the closed loop (distal end closed). The first solution resembled ileostomy fluid (ES1) and the second solution was an iso‐osmolar mannitol solution (ES2). The absorption rate for H2O measured by 14C PEG concentrations of ES2, 0.2 ± 0.03 mL min−1, was significantly less than that of ESI, 0.6 ± 0.06 mL min−1. Infusion of ES1 under open loop conditions served as control. Motor activity was analysed for area under contractions and expressed as motor index ratio in comparison to the control. None of the solutions altered motor activity when perfused at the two rates through the open loop. Under closed loop conditions, the infusion of either solution at 0.4 mL min−1 had no significant effect on colonic motor activity. Infusion of ES1 or ES2 at 1.6 mL min−1 into the closed loop, however, increased the motor index ratio 2.5‐fold and 3.6‐fold, respectively (P < 0.01). The proximal half of the colon was less affected than the distal half during infusion of ES1 but not during infusion of ES2. We conclude that flow rate and absorption rate do not influence colonic motor activity as long as the fluids can leave the colon. When the distal end is closed, inflow, resulting in fluid accumulation and distension, leads to stimulation of colonic motor activity.
5‐HT4receptors are not involved in the control of small intestinal transit in the fasted conscious rat
Authors: CLAYTON N. M. , GALE J. D.
Published: November 2010

AbstractCisapride and metoclopramide are used clinically in the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and also in a variety of motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Their prokinetic effect is thought to be due to the augmentation of acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus, an effect likely to be mediated through the stimulation of 5‐HT4receptors. The role of 5‐HT4receptors in the control of intestinal motility in man and animals is not clear, therefore we have investigated their role in the control of small intestinal transit in the rat.

Radioactive microspheres were administered into the proximal duodenum of fasted conscious rats through an indwelling cannula. The extent of small intestinal transit was examined by determining the distribution of the microspheres within the intestine. Following i.p. injection small intestinal transit was inhibited (78%) by atropine (3 mg/kg), suggesting the presence of a basal cholinergic influence. Furthermore, in the presence of p‐amino clonidine intestinal transit was stimulated (126%) by bethanechol (3 mg/kg). The 5‐HT4receptor agonists cisapride (1.0 mg/kg) and zacopride (1.0 mg/kg) failed to increase small intestinal transit. The 5‐HT4receptor selective antagonist GR125487 (1 mg/kg) was also without effect.

These data suggest that 5‐HT4receptors are not involved in the control of small intestinal transit in the fasted conscious rat.
Methods for studying intestinal sensitivity and compliance: in vitro studies of balloons and a barostat
Authors: TOMA T. P. , ZIGHELBOIM J. , Phillips Sidney F. , TALLEY N. J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare in vitro various methods for recording intestinal sensitivity and compliance. Relationships between volume and pressure were determined in segments of penrose tubing and pig gut (‘artificial intestine’) using pressure increments of 2 mmHg (0–24 mmHg). We tested two direct methods of distension of the entire segments (by syringe inflation and the Mayo barostat); we also used three different balloon devices for indirect distension (a 10 cm polyethylene barostat bag, a 10 cm latex condom balloon and a 6 cm latex condom balloon). Maximal distending diameters of the recording systems were measured by injecting from 0 to 160 mL of air. The elastic properties of the balloons were also tested by distensions in air and in rigid tubes. All recording systems accurately detected a lesser compliance of the penrose drain as compared to pig gut. In absolute terms, only the compliance measured with a polyethylene barostat bag distended with a syringe was not different from the compliance of the segment as measured directly. The bellows of our barostat and the latex balloons had significant intrinsic compliances which interfered with the recorded pressure‐volume curves. On the other hand, highly compliant plastic bags recorded most faithfully the compliance of artificial gut and that of non‐compliant rigid tubes. For comparable volumes of distension, external diameters were larger with the 6 cm latex balloon than with the 10 cm latex balloon or the 10 cm polyethylene barostat balloon. A polyethylene bag distended with a non‐compliant air injector (syringe) reflected most accurately the pressure‐volume relationships of tubular structures. The different maximal diameters assumed by the three distending devices may explain, in part, why lower volumes of distension are required to elicit symptoms with smaller distending balloons in vivo.
Volume shifts, unfolding and rolling of haustra in the isolated guinea pig caecum
Authors: SCHULZE‐DELRIEU K. , BROWN B. P. , LANGE W. , CUSTER‐HAGEN T. , LU C. , SHIRAZI S. , LEPSIEN G.
Published: November 2010

The large intestine extracts water from chyme and compacts chyme into faecal conglomerates; it is unclear what role the special pockets known as colonic haustra have in these events. Here we monitored the movements of haustra in isolated preparations of guinea pig caecum using videocamera and ultrasound and related them to contractions of muscle flaps and movements of glass beads in haustral pockets. We found that in partially filled caecal loops localized contractions of taeniae shift volume back and forth between adjacent haustra; volume unfolds haustral walls in a characteristic sweep with sequential intrahaustral folds popping out; cyclic contractions and relaxations of the fold then produce the caterpillar‐like movement known as haustral rolling; ultrasound showed that haustral rolling made the haustral flow channel narrower and longer as haustral folds increase their height from 7.5 ± 1.5 mm to 16 ± 4 mm and their distance from 4.1 ± 0.2 mm to 7.9 ± 0.3 mm; luminal contents were alternatively shaken off the haustral wall, whirled around the lumen or left to settle. We also suspended the row of haustra between two taeniae inside a frame and attached flaps of taeniae and haustral folds to strain gauges to record their mechanical activity; both taeniae and haustral folds produced an undulating baseline tension; during rolling, folds produced phasic contractions at 17 ± 2 cycles min−1 which propagated distally across haustral septa; rolling constantly shuffled around glass beads placed inside the haustra. When we stimulated the intramural nerves to the caecum through bipolar electrodes, all contractile activity was temporarily inhibited and haustral septa flattened; a rebound contraction then propagated aborally from the caecal pole and swept the glass beads ahead of it. Thus, tonic contractions of taeniae shift caecal contents back and forth across haustral septa; expansion of haustra triggers haustral rolling which shuffles contents; both these movements produce local flow within and between haustra which might enhance the separation of solid and liquid colonic contents.
Difficulty in estimating localized bowel contraction by colonic manometry: a simultaneous recording of intraluminal pressure and luminal calibre
Authors: SASAKI Y. , HADA R. , NAKAJIMA H. , MUNAKATA A.
Published: November 2010

To examine whether or not intraluminal pressure changes at a site in the human colon reflect with fidelity the local bowel wall contractions or relaxation, endoscopic recording of the changes in colonic calibre as a parameter of the motor events with simultaneous manometry was performed at a fixed site in a prepared sigmoid colon during the interdigestive state. In four of the 12 subjects, a total of 20 phasic pressure waves with an amplitude of 13–22 mmHg and a duration of 13–18 sec were obtained in a 20 min recording session. Eighteen of the 20 phasic pressure waves (90%) were associated not with a decrease (contraction) but with an increase in the calibre (relaxation). The pressure change began 0.2–8.4 sec (mean: 4.5 sec) behind and ended − 1.8 to 8 sec (mean: 3.5 sec) ahead of the calibre change. In the other eight subjects, no phasic pressure change was recorded in the presence of an overt calibre change. We conclude that manometric phasic pressure change recorded at a site in the empty human colon is not necessarily correlated with the localized contractile activity. Extrapolation of pressure profiles in the colon to motor events at the manometric site should be cautious.
The dorsal vagal complex of the ferret: anatomical and immunohistochemical studies
Authors: BOISSONADE F. M. , DAVISON J. S. , EGIZII R. , LUCIER G. E. , SHARKEY K. A.
Published: November 2010

To further the understanding of gastrointestinal function in this species, and in particular to advance our own work concerning central emetic pathways, the cytoarchitecture and the distribution of eight neurochemicals were studied in the ferret dorsal vagal complex (DVC; area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract [nTS] and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus). The cytoarchitectural features of this region in the ferret were similar to those seen in other species; however, the ferret possesses a particularly large and distinct subnucleus gelatinosus of the nTS. Dense calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐immunoreactivity was found in the gelatinous, interstitial and commissural subnuclei of the nTS, with lesser amounts in other regions of the DVC. Enkephalin‐immunoreactivity of varying densities was found throughout the DVC. Moderate to dense galanin‐immunoreactivity was observed throughout the DVC, with the exception of the subnucleus gelatinosus of the nTS, from which it was virtually absent. Dense neuropeptide Y‐immunoreactivity was observed in the subnucleus gelatinosus and interstitial subnucleus, with moderate staining in other regions of the DVC. Neurotensin immunoreactivity was very sparse or absent. Immunoreactivity for serotonin was sparsely distributed throughout the DVC. Moderate somatostatin‐immunoreactivity was observed over a large portion of the DVC, but was virtually absent from the gelatinosus and interstitial subnuclei. Substance P immunoreactivity was observed throughout the DVC and was particularly dense in the dorsal/dorsolateral subnucleus and the dorsal aspects of the medial and commissural subnuclei. In terms of its cytoarchitecture the DVC of the ferret is more similar to the cat than the rat, especially with regard to the area postrema and the subnucleus gelatinosus of the nTS. The distribution of neuroactive substances was largely similar to other species; however, differences were present particularly in patterns of immunoreactivity for enkephalin, serotonin, neuropeptide Y and somatostatin.