bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypes and gene expression profiles of Saccharopolyspora erythraea rifampicin-resistant (rif) mutants affected in erythromycin production
Authors: Carata Elisabetta , Peano Clelia , Tredici Salvatore M , Ferrari Francesco , Talà Adelfia , Corti Giorgio , Bicciato Silvio , De Bellis Gianluca , Alifano Pietro 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
There is evidence from previous works that bacterial secondary metabolism may be stimulated by genetic manipulation of RNA polymerase (RNAP). In this study we have used rifampicin selection as a strategy to genetically improve the erythromycin producer Saccharopolyspora erythraea.

Results
Spontaneous rifampicin-resistant (rif) mutants were isolated from the parental strain NRRL2338 and two rif mutations mapping within rpoB, S444F and Q426R, were characterized. With respect to the parental strain, S444F mutants exhibited higher respiratory performance and up to four-fold higher final erythromycin yields; in contrast, Q426R mutants were slow-growing, developmental-defective and severely impaired in erythromycin production. DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that these rif mutations deeply changed the transcriptional profile of S. erythraea. The expression of genes coding for key enzymes of carbon (and energy) and nitrogen central metabolism was dramatically altered in turn affecting the flux of metabolites through erythromycin feeder pathways. In particular, the valine catabolic pathway that supplies propionyl-CoA for biosynthesis of the erythromycin precursor 6-deoxyerythronolide B was strongly up-regulated in the S444F mutants, while the expression of the biosynthetic gene cluster of erythromycin (ery) was not significantly affected. In contrast, the ery cluster was down-regulated (<2-fold) in the Q426R mutants. These strains also exhibited an impressive stimulation of the nitrogen regulon, which may contribute to lower erythromycin yields as erythromycin production was strongly inhibited by ammonium.

Conclusion
Rifampicin selection is a simple and reliable tool to investigate novel links between primary and secondary metabolism and morphological differentiation in S. erythraea and to improve erythromycin production. At the same time genome-wide analysis of expression profiles using DNA microarrays allowed information to be gained about the mechanisms underlying the stimulatory/inhibitory effects of the rif mutations on erythromycin production.
Increased body mass and depressive symptomatology are associated with hypercholesterolemia, among elderly individuals; results from the MEDIS study
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Lionis Christos , Zeimbekis Akis , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Micheli Mary , Katsarou Alexia , Papairakleous Natassa , Metallinos George , Makri Kornilia , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important factors causing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relationships between socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and depression status and the presence of hypercholesterolemia, among elderly individuals without known CVD.

Methods
During 2005–2007, 1190 elderly (aged 65 to 100 years) men and women (from Cyprus, Mitilini, Samothraki, Cephalonia, Crete, Lemnos, Corfu and Zakynthos) were enrolled. Socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors were assessed through standard procedures. Symptoms of depression were evaluated using the short-form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, range 0–15). Dietary habits were assessed through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as total serum cholesterol > 200 mg/dL or use of lipids lowering medication.

Results
44.6% of males and 61.9% of females had hypercholesterolemia (p < 0.001). Only, 63% of hypercholesterolemic participants were under special diet or pharmaceutical treatment. Hypercholisterolemic individuals had higher prevalence of obesity (43% vs. 25%), hypertension (76% vs. 57%) and diabetes (25% vs. 17%) compared with normal participants (p < 0.001). Furthermore, hypercholisterolemic participants showed higher depression levels (p = 0.002). After adjusting for various confounders, GDS score and BMI correlated with 13% (95%CI 0.98–1.30) and 14% (95%CI 0.99–1.31) higher likelihood of having hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusion
A considerable proportion of our elderly sample had hypercholesterolemia, while 1/3 of them were untreated. Furthermore, presence of hypercholesterolemia was correlated with depressive symptomatology and increased BMI.
Arachidonic acid increases matrix metalloproteinase 9 secretion and expression in human monocytic MonoMac 6 cells
Authors: Solakivi Tiina , Kunnas Tarja , Kärkkäinen Satu , Jaakkola Olli , Nikkari Seppo T 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundDietary fatty acids may modulate inflammation in macrophages of the atherosclerotic plaque, affecting its stability. The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) arachidonic acid (AA) generally promotes inflammation, while the PUFAs of the n-3 series eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are considered anti-inflammatory. We determined how these PUFAs influence MMP-9 expression and secretion by the human monocytic cell line (MonoMac 6) at baseline and after 24-hour exposure. MMP-9 protein was measured by zymography and relative levels of MMP-9 mRNA were determined using quantitative real time PCR.ResultsSupplementation with AA (but not the n-3 fatty acids) increased, in a dose-dependent manner, expression of MMP-9 protein. This stimulation was regulated at the mRNA level. MMP-9 secretion started after 1 h of incubation and could not be prevented by simultaneous presence of n-3 series fatty acids. Finally, the secretion could be attenuated by LY 294002, a specific phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and by SH-5, a selective Akt inhibitor, suggesting that activation of PI3K by AA leads to augmented and sustained MMP-9 production.ConclusionThis study shows that of the PUFA studied, AA alone influences the expression of MMP-9, which might have implications in MMP-9 induced plaque rupture.
HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, British Columbia: a growing epidemic
Authors: McInnes Colin W , Druyts Eric , Harvard Stephanie S , Gilbert Mark , Tyndall Mark W , Lima Viviane D , Wood Evan , Montaner Julio SG , Hogg Robert S 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The prevalence of HIV in Vancouver, British Columbia was subject to two distinct periods of rapid increase. The first occurred in the 1980s due to high incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM), and the second occurred in the 1990s due to high incidence among injection drug users (IDU). The purpose of this study was to estimate and model the trends in HIV prevalence in Vancouver from 1980 to 2006. HIV prevalence data were entered into the UNAIDS/WHO Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) where prevalence trends were estimated by fitting an epidemiological model to the data. Epidemic curves were fit for IDU, MSM, street-based female sex trade workers (FSW), and the general population. Using EPP, these curves were then aggregated to produce a model of Vancouver's overall HIV prevalence. Of the 505 000 people over the age of 15 that reside in Vancouver, 6108 (ranging from 4979 to 7237) were living with HIV in the year 2006, giving an overall prevalence of 1.21 percent (ranging from 0.99 to 1.43 percent). The subgroups of IDU and MSM account for the greatest proportion of HIV infections. Our model estimates that the prevalence of HIV in Vancouver is greater than one percent, roughly 6 times higher than Canada's national prevalence. These results suggest that HIV infection is having a relatively large impact in Vancouver and that evidence-based prevention and harm reduction strategies should be expanded.
Defining behavioral and molecular differences between summer and migratory monarch butterflies
Authors: Zhu Haisun , Gegear Robert J , Casselman Amy , Kanginakudru Sriramana , Reppert Steven M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background

In the fall, Eastern North American monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) undergo a magnificent long-range migration. In contrast to spring and summer butterflies, fall migrants are juvenile hormone deficient, which leads to reproductive arrest and increased longevity. Migrants also use a time-compensated sun compass to help them navigate in the south/southwesterly direction en route for Mexico. Central issues in this area are defining the relationship between juvenile hormone status and oriented flight, critical features that differentiate summer monarchs from fall migrants, and identifying molecular correlates of behavioral state.

Results

Here we show that increasing juvenile hormone activity to induce summer-like reproductive development in fall migrants does not alter directional flight behavior or its time-compensated orientation, as monitored in a flight simulator. Reproductive summer butterflies, in contrast, uniformly fail to exhibit directional, oriented flight. To define molecular correlates of behavioral state, we used microarray analysis of 9417 unique cDNA sequences. Gene expression profiles reveal a suite of 40 genes whose differential expression in brain correlates with oriented flight behavior in individual migrants, independent of juvenile hormone activity, thereby molecularly separating fall migrants from summer butterflies. Intriguing genes that are differentially regulated include the clock gene vrille and the locomotion-relevant tyramine beta hydroxylase gene. In addition, several differentially regulated genes (37.5% of total) are not annotated. We also identified 23 juvenile hormone-dependent genes in brain, which separate reproductive from non-reproductive monarchs; genes involved in longevity, fatty acid metabolism, and innate immunity are upregulated in non-reproductive (juvenile-hormone deficient) migrants.

Conclusion

The results link key behavioral traits with gene expression profiles in brain that differentiate migratory from summer butterflies and thus show that seasonal changes in genomic function help define the migratory state.
WSES SM (World Society of Emergency Surgery Summer Meeting) highlights: emergency surgery around the world (Brazil, Finland, USA)
Authors: Poggetti Renato , Leppanemi Ari , Ferrada Paula , Puyana Juan Carlos , Peitzman Andrew B , Ansaloni Luca , Catena Fausto , Pinna Antonio D , Moore Ernest E 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Emergency surgery is performed in every hospital with a A and E unit all around the world. However it is organized in different ways with different results.
Aim of this paper is to present history, current scope, current training program and new politics for training national program of 3 countries of different continents.
Brazil, Finland and US emergency surgery models are presented discussing all criticisms showed during the WSES Summer Meeting 2008.
Overexpression of transketolase-like gene 1 is associated with cell proliferation in uterine cervix cancer
Authors: Chen Hui , Yue Jian-Xin , Yang Shou-Hua , Ding Hui , Zhao Rong-Wei , Zhang Song 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Tumor cells need large energy and nucleic acids to proliferate and grow. For most of their energy needs, cancer cells depend more on glycolysis. For most of their nucleic acids needs, cancer cells depend more on the nonoxidative pathway of the pentose phosphate pathway. Transketolase(TKT) is a crucial enzyme in the nonoxidative pathway of the PPP.

Methods
The real-time quantity PCR was used to determine the expression of transketolase gene family in uterine cervix cancer. Transketolase activity of cell was determined by using enzyme-linked method. Cell proliferation was detected by using MTT.

Results
The TKTL1 mRNA was specifically over-expressed in uterine cervix cancer cells(HeLa cell line) compare with normal human endocervical epithelial cells(End1/E6E7 cell line)(P < 0.05), whereas the expression of TKT and transketolase-like gene 2(TKTL2) have no significant differences between the two cell lines(P > 0.05). Moreover, we found that total transketolase activity was significantly reduced, and cell proliferation was remarkably inhibited after anti-TKTL1 siRNA treatment in HeLa cells. The total transketolase activity and cell proliferation have no significant differences after anti-TKTL1 siRNA treatment in End1/E6E7 cells.

Conclusion
These results indicate that TKTL1 plays an important role in total transketolase activity and cells proliferation in uterine cervix cancer.
Distribution and correlates of plantar hyperkeratotic lesions in older people
Authors: Spink Martin J , Menz Hylton B , Lord Stephen R 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundPlantar hyperkeratotic lesions are common in older people and are associated with pain, mobility impairment and functional limitations. However, little has been documented in relation to the frequency or distribution of these lesions. The aim of this study was to document the occurrence of plantar hyperkeratotic lesions and the patterns in which they occur in a random sample of older people.MethodsA medical history questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 301 people living independently in the community (117 men, 184 women) aged between 70 and 95 years (mean 77.2, SD 4.9), who also underwent a clinical assessment of foot problems, including the documentation of plantar lesion locations, toe deformities and the presence and severity of hallux valgus.ResultsOf the 301 participants, 180 (60%) had at least one plantar hyperkeratotic lesion. Those with plantar lesions were more likely to be female (χ2= 18.75,p< 0.01; OR = 2.86), have moderate to severe hallux valgus (χ2= 6.15,p< 0.02; OR = 2.95), a larger dorsiflexion range of motion at the ankle (39.4 ± 9.3vs36.3 ± 8.4°;t= 2.68,df= 286,p< 0.01), and spent more time on their feet at home (5.1 ± 1.0vs4.8 ± 1.3 hours,t= ‐2.46,df= 299,p= 0.01). No associations were found between the presence of plantar lesions and body mass index, obesity, foot posture, dominant foot or forefoot pain. A total of 53 different lesions patterns were observed, with the most common lesion pattern being “roll‐off” hyperkeratosis on the medial aspect of the 1stmetatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ), accounting for 12% of all lesion patterns. “Roll‐off” lesions under the 1stMPJ and interphalangeal joint were significantly associated with moderate to severe hallux valgus (p< 0.05), whereas lesions under the central MPJs were significantly associated with deformity of the corresponding lesser toe (p< 0.05). Factor analysis indicated that 62% of lesion patterns could be grouped under three broad categories, relating to medial, central and lateral locations.ConclusionPlantar hyperkeratotic lesions affect 60% of older people and are associated with female gender, hallux valgus, toe deformity, increased ankle flexibility and time spent on feet, but are not associated with obesity, limb dominance, forefoot pain or foot posture. Although there are a wide range of lesion distribution patterns, most can be classified into medial, central or lateral groups. Further research is required to determine whether these patterns are related to the dynamic function of the foot or other factors such as foot pathology or morphology.
Candida albicansinduces cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production in synovial fibroblasts through an extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 dependent pathway
Authors: Lee Herng-Sheng , Lee Chung-Shinn , Yang Chi-Jung , Su Sui-Long , Salter Donald M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Synovial cells are potential sources of inflammatory mediators in bacterial-induced arthritis but their involvement in the inflammatory response to Candida albicans-induced septic arthritis is largely unknown.

Methods
Primary cultures of rat synovial fibroblasts were infected with C. albicans (ATCC90028). Immunocytochemistry, western blotting, and RT-PCR were performed to assess cyclo-oxygenase 2 induction. Phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) following infection in the absence or presence of U0126 was assessed by western blotting whilst prostaglandin E2 production was measured by ELISA. Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) translocation was evaluated by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

Results
Infection of synovial fibroblasts with C. albicans resulted in cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production. Cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production was dependent upon extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, associated with activation of NFκB and significantly elevated in the presence of laminarin, an inhibitor of dectin-1 activity. Synovial fibroblasts adjacent to C. albicans hyphae aggregates appeared to be the major contributors to the increased levels of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2.

Conclusions
C. albicans infection of synovial fibroblasts in vitro results in upregulation of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and prostaglandin E2 by mechanisms that may involve activation of extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 and are associated with NFκB activation.
Mortality and tardive dyskinesia: long-term study using the US National Death Index
Authors: Dean Charles E. , Thuras Paul D. 
Published: March 2009

BackgroundWhether the development of tardive dyskinesia leads to an increase in mortality is still unclear.AimsTo explore the relationship between tardive dyskinesia and mortality over a 10-year period, using the National Death Index.MethodDeath certificates were obtained from the National Death Index on 1621 people repeatedly assessed for tardive dyskinesia by trained raters. Variables with the potential for influencing survival time were also investigated.ResultsTardive dyskinesia was significantly associated with an increase in mortality (P<0.001), but this association became non-significant when drug course and age were entered in the regression analysis. Those who had taken only conventional antipsychotics were twice as likely to die compared with those taking atypical agents (P<0.02). For those aged 53–65 years, conventional agents were associated with a sevenfold increase in mortality.ConclusionsOlder individuals with tardive dyskinesia treated with conventional antipsychotics appear to have a shortened survival time.
Molecular differentiation of schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia usingBDNFhaplotypes
Authors: Lencz Todd , Lipsky Robert H. , DeRosse Pamela , Burdick Katherine E. , Kane John M. , Malhotra Anil K. 
Published: March 2009

BackgroundAllelic variation in the gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been associated with affective disorders, but generally not schizophrenia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor variants may help clarify the status of schizoaffective disorder.AimsTo test the hypothesis thatBDNFhaplotypes are associated with psychiatric illness marked by a prominent affective component.MethodFrequencies of a 5-markerBDNFhaplotype were examined in 600 White participants across four diagnostic categories and healthy controls.ResultsIndividuals with schizoaffective disorder and other affective disorders were significantly more likely to carry two copies of the most commonBDNFhaplotype (containing the valine allele of the Val66Met polymorphism) compared with healthy volunteers. Moreover, when compared with people with schizophrenia, individuals with schizoaffective disorder were significantly more likely to carry two copies of the common haplotype.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first candidate gene study to demonstrate association with schizoaffective disorder but not schizophrenia. Variation in theBDNFgene may be associated with the clinical phenotype of affective dysregulation across several DSM–IV diagnostic categories.
Anandamide elevation in cerebrospinal fluid in initial prodromal states of psychosis
Authors: Koethe Dagmar , Giuffrida Andrea , Schreiber Daniela , Hellmich Martin , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Ruhrmann Stefan , Klosterkötter Joachim , Piomelli Daniele , Leweke F. Markus 
Published: March 2009

SummaryAnandamide is a bioactive lipid binding to cannabinoid receptors. A homeostatic role for anandamide has been suggested in schizophrenia. We investigated its role in initial prodromal states of psychosis. We measured the levels of anandamide and its structural analog oleoylethanolamide in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients in the initial prodromal state (n=27) alongside healthy volunteers (n=81) using high-performance liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometry. Cerebrospinal anandamide levels in patients were significantly elevated. Patients with lower levels showed a higher risk for transiting to psychosis earlier. This anandamidergic up-regulation in the initial prodromal course may suggest a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in early schizophrenia.
Psychiatric out-patient clinics for older adults: highly regarded by users and carers, but irreplaceable?
Authors: Negi Rashi , Seymour Jeremy , Flemons Christopher , Impey Matthew , Thomas Nicola , Witrylak Rachael 
Published: March 2009

Aims and MethodThe aim of this study was to explore older users' and carers' views of attending out-patient clinics for older adults. A questionnaire was designed to be distributed to all patients attending out-patient clinics for a period of 1 month in January 2007.ResultsThe response rate for returning the completed questionnaire was 71%, and 95% of these respondents were satisfied with their overall experience of attending out-patient clinics. Although satisfaction levels were high with every aspect of out-patient clinics, 49% preferred the hypothetical option of being seen at home.Clinical ImplicationsThe role of psychiatric out-patient departments for older adults merits further research, comparing cost and user/carer acceptability with home or general practitioner surgery-based treatment.
The Communication Group: bringing group psychotherapy back to acute in-patient psychiatry
Authors: Grandison Alistair L. , Pharwaha Bhupinderjit Kaur , Jefford Adam , Dratcu Luiz 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPeople who are admitted to acute psychiatric wards need psychological as well as pharmacological treatments, but psychological care is not always available in the acute setting. Group psychotherapy can prove a practical and cost-effective answer to this unmet need in service provision. We describe a psychotherapeutic group that our team has implemented on our busy, inner-city, male-only acute ward, which has been running successfully for over 2 years and has since become an integral part of the acute care we provide to our in-patients. Group therapy can enhance individuals' adherence to treatment plans, reduce reliance on pharmacological approaches, pre-empt untoward serious incidents and potentially reduce patients' duration of stay. In addition to addressing the psychological needs of acutely unwell people, group therapy is beneficial to the clinical team by promoting a better work and therapeutic environment on the ward.
Will the CASC stand the test? A review and critical evaluation of the new MRCPsych clinical examination
Authors: Thompson Catherine M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to review and critically evaluate the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) examination, introduced in June 2008. the history of clinical membership examinations and rationale for the new examination are considered. the development and implementation of the examination is described by means of a four-step model of assessment. Finally, the paper critically evaluates the assessment with reference to validity, reliability, practicability and effect on learner.