bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rgg proteins associated with internalized small hydrophobic peptides: a new quorum‐sensing mechanism in streptococci
Authors: Fleuchot B. , Gitton C. , Guillot A. , Vidic J. , Nicolas P. , Besset C. , Fontaine L. , Hols P. , Leblond‐Bourget N. , Monnet V. , Gardan R. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryWe identified a genetic context encoding a transcriptional regulator of the Rgg family and a small hydrophobic peptide (SHP) in nearly all streptococci and suggested that it may be involved in a new quorum‐sensing mechanism, with SHP playing the role of a pheromone. Here, we provide further support for this hypothesis by constructing a phylogenetic tree of the Rgg and Rgg‐like proteins from Gram‐positive bacteria and by studying the shp/rgg1358 locus of Streptococcus thermophilus LMD‐9. We identified the shp1358 gene as a target of Rgg1358, and used it to confirm the existence of the steps of a quorum‐sensing mechanism including secretion, maturation and reimportation of the pheromone into the cell. We used surface plasmon resonance to demonstrate interaction between the pheromone and the regulatory protein and performed electrophoretic mobility shift assays to assess binding of the transcriptional regulator to the promoter regions of its target genes. The active form of the pheromone was identified by mass spectrometry. Our findings demonstrate that the shp/rgg1358 locus encodes two components of a novel quorum‐sensing mechanism involving a transcriptional regulator of the Rgg family and a SHP pheromone that is detected and reimported into the cell by the Ami oligopeptide transporter.
Interaction of the Salmonella Typhimurium effector protein SopB with host cell Cdc42 is involved in intracellular replication
Authors: Rodríguez‐Escudero Isabel , Ferrer Nadia L. , Rotger Rafael , Cid Víctor J. , Molina María 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe phosphoinositide phosphatase SopB/SigD is a type III secretion system effector that plays multiple roles in Salmonella internalization and intracellular survival. We previously reported that SopB complexed with and inhibited the small GTPase Cdc42 when expressed in a yeast model system, independently of its phosphatase activity. Here we show that human Cdc42, but not Rac1, interacts with catalytically inactive SopB when coexpressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This interaction occurs with both constitutively active and non‐activatable Cdc42, suggesting that SopB binds Cdc42 independently of its activation state. By mutational analysis we have narrowed the Cdc42‐interacting region of SopB to the first 142 amino acids, and isolated a collection of point mutations in this region, mainly affecting leucine residues conserved in the related Shigella IpgD protein. Such mutations yielded SopB unable to interact with Cdc42 but maintained phosphatase activity. SopB mutant proteins defective for binding Cdc42 were ubiquitinated upon translocation in mammalian cells, but their localization to the Salmonella‐containing vacuole was reduced compared with wild‐type SopB. Whereas invasion of mammalian cells by Salmonella bearing these sopB mutations was not affected, intracellular replication was less efficient, suggesting that SopB–Cdc42 interaction contributes to the adaptation of Salmonella to the intracellular environment.
The Escherichia coli replication inhibitor CspD is subject to growth‐regulated degradation by the Lon protease
Authors: Langklotz Sina , Narberhaus Franz 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPost‐translational proteolysis‐dependent regulation of critical cellular processes is a common feature in bacteria. The Escherichia coli Lon protease is involved in the control of the SOS response, acid tolerance and nutritional deprivation. Moreover, Lon plays a role in the regulation of toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems and thereby is linked to persister cell induction. Persister cells represent a small subpopulation that has reversibly switched to a dormant and non‐dividing state without genomic alterations. Formation of persister cells permits viability upon nutritional depletion and severe environmental stresses. CspD is a replication inhibitor, which is induced in stationary phase or upon carbon starvation and increases the production of persister cells. It has remained unknown how CspD activity is counteracted when growth is resumed. Here we report that CspD is subject to proteolysis by the Lon protease both in vivo and in vitro. Turnover of CspD by Lon is strictly adjusted to the growth rate and growth phase of E. coli, reflecting the necessity to control CspD levels according to the physiological conditions.
Pandemic Influenza Vaccination Elicits Influenza‐Specific CD4+ Th1‐cell Responses in Hypogammaglobulinaemic Patients: Four case reports
Authors: Pedersen G. , Halstensen A. , Sjursen H. , Næss A. , Kristoffersen E. K. , Cox R. J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn these case reports, we investigated pandemic influenza 2009 vaccination of primary hypogammaglobulinaemic patients. Three combined variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and one X‐linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) patient were vaccinated with the pandemic vaccine A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)‐like split virus (X179a) adjuvanted with the oil‐in‐water emulsion AS03. Subsequently, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were sampled and used to measure the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and antibody‐secreting cell (ASC) responses. In addition, the IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and TNF‐α producing CD4+ Th1‐cell response was determined as these cytokines are important indicators of cell‐mediated immunity. Two of the CVID patients responded to vaccination as determined by a >4‐fold rise in HI antibodies. These subjects also had influenza‐specific ASC numbers, which, albeit low, were higher than prevaccination levels. In addition, vaccination induced CD4+ Th1‐cell responses in both the XLA patient and the CVID patients, although the frequency of influenza‐responsive cells varied amongst the patients. These results suggest that hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can mount a CD4+ Th1 cell‐mediated response to influenza vaccination and, additionally, that influenza vaccination of some hypogammaglobulinaemia patients can produce an influenza‐specific humoral immune response. The findings should be confirmed in larger clinical studies.
The trophic effect of cholecystokinin on the pancreas declines in rats on total parenteral nutrition
Authors: Wu X‐M. , Liao Y‐W. , Ji K‐Q. , Li G‐F. , Zang B. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryTotal parenteral nutrition (TPN) results in atrophy of the pancreas, while cholecystokinin (CCK) can significantly stimulate the exocrine pancreas in rodents. This study was designed to examine whether CCK may improve the atrophy of the pancreas in rats on TPN treatment. Forty‐eight Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into orally fed and TPN groups and were infused with CCK at a dose of 5 μg/kg/h or the CCK‐receptor antagonist devazepide at a dose of 200 μg/kg/h for 10 days. Infusion of CCK caused hypercholecystokininemia (hyperCCKemia) and decreased the atrophy of the pancreas resulting from TPN. The hyperplastic response to CCK in orally fed rats was decreased in the rats given TPN. Devazepide did not influence the pancreatic variables. This study further confirmed that CCK stimulates the exocrine pancreas and decreases the atrophy of the exocrine pancreas resulting from TPN. Our present findings suggest that the trophic effect of CCK on the exocrine pancreas declines in TPN.
Rural adolescents' help‐seeking intentions for emotional problems: The influence of perceived benefits and stoicism
Authors: Rughani Janaki , Deane Frank P. , Wilson Coralie J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:  This study explores the factors that influence adolescents' help‐seeking intentions. Specifically, the study investigates the extent to which perceived benefits of help seeking, stoicism, gender and symptoms of psychological distress are associated with intentions to seek professional help for emotional problems. Design and setting:  A cross sectional self‐report questionnaire was administered to adolescents recruited from seven high schools in rural towns in the Riverina region of New South Wales. Participants:  A total of 778 adolescents were recruited. The sample included 373 male and 404 female participants between 13 and 18 years of age. Main outcome measure(s):  Participants completed an anonymous self‐report questionnaire designed to measure help‐seeking intentions in the advent that they were to experience emotional problems, psychological distress symptoms, perceived benefits of help seeking and stoicism. Results:  In all, 17% of male participants and 29% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from doctors if they were to experience emotional problems. In total, 15% of male participants and 23% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from other health care professionals. Multiple regression analysis suggested that adolescents are more likely to seek help from professionals if they perceive help seeking as beneficial (t = 12.91; P < 0.001). Female particpants reported that they were more likely to seek help than male participants (t = 2.69; P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Findings suggest that adolescents are reluctant to seek professional help if experiencing emotional problems, because they do not believe professional help seeking is beneficial. Improving adolescents' beliefs about the benefits of professional help seeking might be a key strategy for increasing their use of professional health services to address mental health problems.
Cultural barriers to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Mount Isa
Authors: McBain‐Rigg Kristin E. , Veitch Craig 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:  Access barriers to health care for minority populations has been a feature of medical, health and social science literature for over a decade. Considerations of cultural barriers have featured in this literature, but definitions of what constitutes a cultural barrier have varied. In this paper, data from recent interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Aboriginal Health Workers and other non‐Indigenous health professionals in north‐west Queensland assist to refine the meaning of this term and uncovered other issues disguised as ‘cultural’ difference. Design:  Semistructured interviews with community and health professionals. Setting:  Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. Participants:  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Aboriginal Health Workers and other health professionals in Mount Isa between 2007 and 2009. Results:  Cultural barriers were considered differently by Aboriginal patients and health practitioners. While Aboriginal patients focused heavily on social relationships and issues of respect and trust, most practitioners seemed more focused on making Aboriginal people feel comfortable with changes to physical environments and systems, with less emphasis on creating strong interpersonal relationships. Conclusions:  For Aboriginal patients the focus on interpersonal relationships between themselves and health practitioners is paramount. Creating comforting physical environments and systems that are easier to navigate do assist in overcoming cultural barriers, but are often seen as little more than token gestures if trusting interpersonal relationships are not formed between patient and practitioner.
The initial 18 months of the first multi‐disciplinary regional Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Clinic in Australia
Authors: Bagga Hanish , Chia Karen S.W. , Freeman Diane , Hales Lyn , Henderson David S. , Kotlyar Eugene , Law David , Mudholkar Pradeen , Tulk Cheryl , Waites Jon H. , Wong Peter K.K. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:  To report the initial 18 months experience of the first multi‐disciplinary regional Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Clinic in Australia. Design:  Prospective cohort study. Setting:  Community setting on the mid‐north coast of New South Wales. Participants:  A total of 47 patients (mean age ± standard error of the mean: 71.8 ± 1.8 years; male/female ratio 13/34).Main outcome measures:  Diagnosis of PAH, exclusion of other causes of pulmonary hypertension, commencement of PAH‐specific pharmacotherapy. Results:  Twenty‐three (49%) patients were discharged back to their GP with pulmonary hypertension from a combination of ischaemic heart and/or lung disease. Three (6%) patients died from connective tissue disease (CTD)‐related PAH with one death (2%) from ischaemic heart disease. Five (11%) patients remain on treatment (n = 2, Bosentan for congenital heart disease‐related PAH; n = 1 Bosentan for CTD‐related PAH; and n = 1 Bosentan and n = 1 Sildenafil for primary PAH). Fifteen (32%) patients have ongoing review for PAH related to CTD (n = 11), carcinoid (n = 1) and uncertain cause (n = 3).Conclusion:  Patients with CTD‐related PAH have a poor prognosis. PAH should be considered in anyone with dyspnoea without obvious features of cardiac or pulmonary disease, especially in the setting of a CTD. Regional population centres are under‐resourced with PAH specialty medical services. We have sought to address this by establishment of the first regional multi‐disciplinary PAH Clinic in Australia.
Insights into asthmatic airway remodelling through murine models
Authors: AL HEIALY SABA , MCGOVERN TOBY K. , MARTIN JAMES G. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTAsthma is a chronic disorder of the airways associated in many instances with structural changes of the airways, termed airway remodelling. Irritant and allergen‐induced murine models have been used to further understand the mechanisms of airway remodelling. The infiltration of the airways by inflammatory cells, such as T lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages after repeated allergen challenges may be important effectors in the initiation and perpetuation of airway remodelling through the release of inflammatory mediators and growth factors. Interleukins‐4 and ‐13 have been widely studied in experimental models, and have been shown to play a significant role in airway remodelling. Recently, a role for Th17 cells has been established. Other mediators involved in this process are ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor, matrix metalloproteases and cysteinyl leukotrienes. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to airway remodelling in allergic diseases may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies but validation in human subjects is required for potential targets.
A probabilistic approach for thermal shock fatigue life of glass
Authors: OGI K. , ITO K. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a probabilistic approach for predicting fatigue life of glass subjected to near‐ΔTC(critical temperature difference) thermal shock which exhibits little subcritical crack extension. First, thermal shock fatigue life Nf was derived as a function of temperature difference ΔT, fracture probability F and Biot's modulus β from the slow crack growth concept in conjunction with the Weibull distribution model. Next, thermal shock fatigue tests as well as flexural tests were performed for borosilicate glass to measure ΔTC and Nf versus ΔT. The parameters associated with slow crack growth were then determined from the experimental results while the heat transfer coefficient h or β was obtained with the aid of finite element analysis. Thirdly, the thermal shock fatigue diagram (ΔT−Nf curves) was depicted for various values of β. Finally, crack length was simulated on the basis of the present approach.
Fifteen‐year trend in the use of male reproductive surgery: analysis of the healthcare cost and utilization project data
Authors: Ketefian Aline , Hu Jianfang , Bartolucci Alfred A. , Schlegel Peter N. , Azziz Ricardo ,   for the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, Inc
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Utilization analysis (cost of care)Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Prior to this work, there were no systematic studies determining the national trends in the utilization of reproductive surgery in males. The role of reproductive surgery as it pertains to the treatment of infertility has become less clear given the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The current study showed that the number of male reproductive surgeries has declined during the period between 1988 and 2002.OBJECTIVE• To determine trends in male reproductive surgeries.MATERIALS AND METHODS• A database analysis was performed using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases from 1988, 1992 and 1998–2002. SAS statistical software was used to estimate the total numbers of reproductive surgeries and their variances for each year.RESULTS• The number of male reproductive surgeries has declined during the period of study, both in the inpatient and outpatient arenas. The number of procedures with a diagnosis of infertility has also declined.CONCLUSION• The number of male reproductive surgeries has declined from 1988 to 2002.
Prevalence and the associated trigger factors of urinary incontinence among 5000 black women in sub‐Saharan Africa: findings from a community survey
Authors: Ojengbede Oladosu A. , Morhason‐Bello Imran O. , Adedokun Babatunde O. , Okonkwo Ngozi S. , Kolade Charles O. 
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVE• To determine the prevalence and describe possible trigger factors of urinary incontinence (UI) among adult women in a Nigerian community.PATIENTS AND METHODS• The present study comprised a household community survey conducted among 5001 women aged ≥18 years. Cluster multistage sampling was used to select eligible respondents. Information was obtained by an interviewer who administered a structured questionnaire on sociodemographics, obstetric and gynaecological characteristics, leakage of urine and trigger factors.RESULTS• The mean ± SD age of the women was 33.2 ± 14.7 years. The proportion of women currently experiencing leakage was 2.8% (95% CI, 2.6–3.0). The types of incontinence reported by women currently leaking included stress incontinence (2.3%), urge incontinence (1%) and mixed (0.6%).• Severe incontinence was reported in 0.5% of women, 0.1% had moderate incontinence, whereas 2.2% had mild incontinence.• Women with history of vaginal delivery only were approximately two‐fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.11–3.02), and those who delivered by other modes over four‐fold more likely (95% CI OR, 1.96–9.27), than nulliparous women to report currently leaking urine.CONCLUSIONS• The present study shows a prevalence of UI comparable to other settings, and the commonest type is stress is found to be UI.• The mode of delivery is a significant correlate of UI amongst Nigerian women.
Does sodium bicarbonate reduce painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy? A prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Wong Lih‐Ming , Huang James G. , Yong Tuck L. , Robertson Iain , Brough Stephen J.S. 
Published: March 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)Level of Evidence 1bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Post‐cystoscopy dysuria occurs in 30–54% of patients but the exact mechanism of cause is unknown. The evidence for using sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize urine and alleviate post‐cystoscopy dysuria is at best circumstantial, taken from work with women with cystitis‐type symptoms.In a double‐blinded randomized design, this study documents a post‐cystoscopy dysuria rate of 28% with a mean pain score at 48 hours of 1.3 (scale 1–10). The effect of sodium bicarbonate compared to placebo did not show a significant reduction in incidence or level of post‐cystoscopy dysuria.Objective• To determine if sodium bicarbonate (Ural®) reduces painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy.Patients and Methods• 300 patients over 18 years old undergoing elective flexible cystoscopy were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial. Patients with active urinary tract infections, indwelling urinary catheters and/or requiring additional procedures such as biopsy and dilatation were excluded.• Painful voiding was quantified using a pain analogue scale from 0 to 10. Pre‐existing painful voiding, previous experience with Ural® and flexible cystoscopy were recorded.• Flexible cystoscopy was performed to a standard protocol. Patients were randomised after recruitment to receive Ural® or placebo (glucose) powder four times a day for two days after the procedure. Trial outcome was assessed by estimating the change in pain incidence and severity from before to two days after by post‐procedural questionnaire.Results• Painful voiding was present in 84 of the 300 patients post flexible cystoscopy (45 of 160 patients receiving Ural®; 39 of 140 receiving placebo), but overall mean pain scores were low (1.25; standard deviation 2.4; on a 0–10 scale).• Treatment with Ural® compared to placebo was associated with a non‐significant reduction in frequency of pain (28.9% vs 31.3%; incidence rate ratio 0.66; 95% CI 0.29–1.46; P = 0.30) and severity of pain (odds ratio 0.72; 95% CI 0.30–1.74; P = 0.47).Conclusion• In the replicable context of low post‐cystoscopy pain levels, we believe Ural® does not reduce painful voiding after flexible cystoscopy.
Transgenic Pm3b wheat lines show resistance to powdery mildew in the field
Authors: Brunner Susanne , Hurni Severine , Herren Gerhard , Kalinina Olena , von Burg Simone , Zeller Simon L. , Schmid Bernhard , Winzeler Michael , Keller Beat 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPlant resistance (R) genes are highly effective in protecting plants against diseases, but pathogens can overcome such genes relatively easily by adaptation. Consequently, in many cases R genes do not confer durable resistance in agricultural environments. One possible strategy to make the use of R genes more sustainable depends on the modification of R genes followed by transformation. To test a possible transgenic use of R genes, we overexpressed in wheat the Pm3b resistance gene against powdery mildew under control of the maize ubiquitin promoter. Four independent transgenic lines were tested in the greenhouse and the field during 3 years. The four lines showed a five‐ to 600‐fold transgene overexpression compared with the expression of the endogenous Pm3b gene in the landrace ‘Chul’. Powdery mildew resistance was significantly improved in all lines in the greenhouse and the field, both with naturally occurring infection or after artificial inoculation. Under controlled environmental conditions, the line with the strongest overexpression of the Pm3b gene showed a dramatic increase in resistance to powdery mildew isolates that are virulent on the endogenous Pm3b. Under a variety of field conditions, but never in the greenhouse, three of the four transgenic lines showed pleiotropic effects on spike and leaf morphology. The highest overexpressing line had the strongest side effects, suggesting a correlation between expression level and phenotypic changes. These results demonstrate that the successful transgenic use of R genes critically depends on achieving an optimal level of their expression, possibly in a tissue‐specific way.