bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking as an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction or stroke in type 2 diabetes: a report from the Swedish National Diabetes Register
Authors: Nilsson Peter M. , Cederholm Jan , Eeg-Olofsson Katarina , Eliasson Björn , Zethelius Björn , Fagard Robert , rnsdóttir Soffia Gudbjö ,   for the Swedish National Diabetes Register
Published: July 2009

Background Few earlier studies have analysed smoking as a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in type 2 diabetic patients. Design and methods A longitudinal study involved 13 087 female and male patients with type 2 diabetes from the Swedish National Diabetes Register with no previous MI or stroke at baseline, aged 30–74 years, and with data available for all analysed variables, followed up for mean 5.7 years. Results Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for smoking and first-incident fatal/nonfatal MI, stroke and total mortality were 1.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–2.0; P < 0.001], 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.6; P = 0.006) and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5–2.2; P < 0.001), respectively, by Cox regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, hypoglycaemic treatment, haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, body mass index, microalbuminuria, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs. Adjusted HR was higher for fatal MI, 2.1 (95% CI: 1.7–2.7; P < 0.001), than for nonfatal MI, 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2–1.7; P < 0.001). The highest HRs were observed in more frequently smoking (22%), middle-aged patients (age < 60 years) for fatal/nonfatal MI, 2.3 (95% CI: 1.8–3.1; P < 0.001) and for total mortality, 2.5 (95% CI: 1.6–3.8, P < 0.001), whereas lower HRs were observed in older and less smoking patients. With predicted cessation of smoking in patients aged below 60 years, 24% (95% CI: 15–33%) of cases of fatal/nonfatal MI and 24% (11–37%) of cases of total mortality may have been prevented. Conclusion The risk for MI and total mortality associated with smoking is high in type 2 diabetes, especially in more frequently smoking, middle-aged patients, and was higher for MI than for stroke, and also higher for fatal than for nonfatal events. Smoking cessation would strongly affect risk reduction.
Channelrhodopsins ofVolvox carteriAre Photochromic Proteins That Are Specifically Expressed in Somatic Cells under Control of Light, Temperature, and the Sex Inducer
Authors: Kianianmomeni Arash , Stehfest Katja , Nematollahi Ghazaleh , Hegemann Peter , Hallmann Armin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractChannelrhodopsins are light-gated ion channels involved in the photoresponses of microalgae. Here, we describe the characterization of two channelrhodopsins, Volvox channelrhodopsin-1 (VChR1) and VChR2, from the multicellular green alga Volvox carteri. Both are encoded by nuclear single copy genes and are highly expressed in the small biflagellated somatic cells but not in the asexual reproductive cells (gonidia). Expression of both VChRs increases after cell cleavage and peaks after completion of embryogenesis, when the biosynthesis of the extracellular matrix begins. Likewise, expression of both transcripts increases after addition of the sex-inducer protein, but VChR2 is induced much more than VChR1. The expression of VChR1 is specifically promoted by extended dark periods, and heat stress reduces predominantly VChR1 expression. Expression of both VChRs increased under low light conditions, whereas cold stress and wounding reduced expression. Both VChRs were spectroscopically studied in their purified recombinant forms. VChR2 is similar to the ChR2 counterpart from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with respect to its absorption maximum (460 nm) and photocycle dynamics. In contrast, VChR1 absorbs maximally at 540 nm at low pH (D540), shifting to 500 nm at high pH (D500). Flash photolysis experiments showed that after light excitation, the D540 dark state bleaches and at least two photoproducts, P600 and P500, are sequentially populated during the photocycle. We hypothesize that VChR2 is a general photoreceptor that is responsible for the avoidance of blue light and might play a key role in sexual development, whereas VChR1 is the main phototaxis photoreceptor under vegetative conditions, as it is more specifically adapted to environmental conditions and the developmental stages of Volvox.
A Structural Basis for the pH-Dependent Xanthophyll Cycle in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Arnoux Pascal , Morosinotto Tomas , Saga Giorgia , Bassi Roberto , Pignol David 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Plants adjust their photosynthetic activity to changing light conditions. A central regulation of photosynthesis depends on the xanthophyll cycle, in which the carotenoid violaxanthin is converted into zeaxanthin in strong light, thus activating the dissipation of the excess absorbed energy as heat and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Violaxanthin deepoxidase (VDE), the enzyme responsible for zeaxanthin synthesis, is activated by the acidification of the thylakoid lumen when photosynthetic electron transport exceeds the capacity of assimilatory reactions: at neutral pH, VDE is a soluble and inactive enzyme, whereas at acidic pH, it attaches to the thylakoid membrane where it binds its violaxanthin substrate. VDE also uses ascorbate as a cosubstrate with a pH-dependent K m that may reflect a preference for ascorbic acid. We determined the structures of the central lipocalin domain of VDE (VDEcd) at acidic and neutral pH. At neutral pH, VDEcd is monomeric with its active site occluded within a lipocalin barrel. Upon acidification, the barrel opens up and the enzyme appears as a dimer. A channel linking the two active sites of the dimer can harbor the entire carotenoid substrate and thus may permit the parallel deepoxidation of the two violaxanthin β-ionone rings, making VDE an elegant example of the adaptation of an asymmetric enzyme to its symmetric substrate.
Influence of phylogeny and ploidy on species ranges of North American angiosperms
Authors: Martin Sara L , Husband Brian C. 
Published: July 2009

Summary1. Species differ widely in the size and ecological characteristics of their geographic ranges. This variation reflects, in part, differences in ecological tolerance among taxa, but the influence of phylogeny and evolutionary divergence through genome duplication remains controversial.2. Here, we examine the evolutionary sources of variation in species range area, latitudinal position and overlap, and six range climatic variables (maximum, minimum and breadth of temperature and precipitation) for North American angiosperms. We sampled two diploid and one polyploid species from each of 144 genera and examined sources of variation in a nested taxonomic analysis and congeneric species pairs comparison.3. For all range characteristics studied, a significant portion of the variance among species (mean 53%, range 37–60%) was attributable to taxonomic membership above species (i.e. genus, family and order). Four of the seven range attributes were significantly correlated between diploid congeners (e.g. range arears = 0.65) and between heteroploid (diploid and polyploid) congeners (e.g. range arears = 0.62). The strength of correlations between heteroploid relatives was not consistently different than correlations between diploids.4. No differences in mean range breadth (range area, temperature breadth, precipitation breadth) or climatological position (minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation) were observed between diploid and polyploid congeners. Polyploids were not more likely to occupy northern latitudinal positions and were no more displaced from diploids than other congeneric diploids.5.Synthesis. Our results suggest that, at the scale of North America, the geographical and ecological aspects of species ranges are influenced by phylogenetic history. Furthermore, genome duplication does not cause or allow greater divergence in species range characteristics than occurs between related diploid species.
Improving geriatric transitional care through inter‐professional care teams
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Johnson Kelli , McCarthy Teresa , Lackner Thomas , Brandt Barbara 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives  The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the use of an inter‐professional care team on patient length of stay and payer charges in a geriatric transitional care unit.Methods  An analysis of de‐identified administrative records for transitional care patients for the 12‐month period (2003–2004) cared for by the inter‐professional team (n = 163) and cared for by traditional single provider care model (n = 176) was carried out. We conducted logistic regression on length of stay and charges controlling for patient demographics and acuity levels.Results  The inter‐professional care team patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay, fewer patient days and lower total charges. Patient diagnosis and acuity were similar across groups.Conclusion  This study provides empirical evidence of the impact of an inter‐professional care model in providing cost‐effective transitional care in a nursing home setting. Evidence of shorter lengths of stay, shorter patient days and lower charges suggests benefit in the development and financing of inter‐professional care teams for transitional care services.
Linking impulsivity to dysfunctional thought control and insomnia: a structural equation model
Authors: SCHMIDT RALPH E. , GAY PHILIPPE , GHISLETTA PAOLO , VAN DER LINDEN MARTIAL 
Published: July 2009

SummaryAccording to cognitive models of insomnia, excessive mental activity at bedtime may be viewed as an important impediment to the process of falling asleep. A further assumption of these models is that ‘cognitive arousal’ may be perpetuated and exacerbated by counterproductive strategies of thought management. As yet, little is known about factors that may predispose people to rely on these strategies when confronted with thoughts that keep them awake at night. This study examined the relations between impulsivity, use of different thought‐control strategies and insomnia severity. A sample of 391 university students completed the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia‐Revised and the Insomnia Severity Index. Correlation analyses revealed that two facets of impulsivity (urgency and lack of perseverance), two strategies of thought control (aggressive suppression and worry) and insomnia severity were positively associated. Follow‐up structural equation modeling analyses showed that the two mentioned thought‐control strategies mediated the effects of the two facets of impulsivity on sleep problems. These findings extend existing cognitive accounts of insomnia by suggesting how predisposing and perpetuating factors may be related: specific personality traits may incline individuals to respond with dysfunctional thought‐control strategies to unwanted mental activity at night.
An RNA trap helps bacteria get the most out of chitosugars
Authors: Vogel Jörg 
Published: July 2009

SummarySmall regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are well known to command bacterial protein synthesis by modulating the translation and decay of target mRNAs. Most sRNAs are specifically regulated by a cognate transcription factor under certain growth or stress conditions. Investigations of the conserved Hfq‐dependent MicM sRNA in Escherichia coli (article by Poul Valentin‐Hansen and colleagues in this issue of Molecular Microbiology) and in Salmonella have unravelled a novel type of gene regulation in which the chitobiose operon mRNA acts as an RNA trap to degrade the constitutively expressed MicM sRNA, thereby alleviating MicM‐mediated repression of the synthesis of the YbfM porin that is required for chitosugar uptake. The results suggest that ‘target’ mRNAs might be both prey and also predators of sRNAs.
Context‐Related Variation in the Vocal Growling Behaviour of the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Taylor Anna M. , Reby David , McComb Karen 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe investigated whether the growls of domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, exhibit predictable variations in a range of key acoustic parameters when they are given in two contrasting experimental contexts, and whether humans are sensitive to such variation. In a standardized experimental paradigm, an experimenter visited 32 domestic dogs and generated an aggression context and a play context. In these contexts, 204 isolated growls were recorded and subsequently acoustically analysed. Contrary to previous findings on barks, fundamental and formant frequencies of growls did not vary between the two contexts. However, growls from the aggression context were significantly longer than growls from the play context. Additionally, the temporal structure of the vocal sequences containing growls differed significantly between the contexts. In a series of psychoacoustic experiments, human listeners were not able to discriminate between growls recorded in the two contexts, however both aggressiveness and playfulness ratings were strongly influenced by dog weight, with larger dogs being perceived as more aggressive than smaller dogs. However, participants were able to attribute aggressiveness and playfulness to synthesized sequences in which growls occurred at a two rates, typical of either the aggression or the play context. We conclude that context‐related variation in growling behaviour resides in the temporal structure, rather than in the acoustic composition of isolated growls, and furthermore that human listeners are able to attribute context on the basis of growling rate. In addition, human appear to have an intuitive acoustic bias toward perceiving larger dogs as more aggressive.
Adverse reactions to azathioprine cannot be predicted by thiopurine S‐methyltransferase genotype in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Takatsu Noritaka , Matsui Toshiyuki , Murakami Yuji , Ishihara Hiroshi , Hisabe Takashi , Nagahama Takashi , Maki Shinichirou , Beppu Takahiro , Takaki Yasuhiro , Hirai Fumihito , Yao Kenshi 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Azathioprine (AZA) is associated with a high frequency of adverse reactions. We examined polymorphism of the thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) gene to determine whether the TPMT genotype would be a predictive marker for the development of adverse reactions to AZA.Methods:  The frequency of TPMT mutations was investigated in 147 Japanese inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients retrospectively. In these subjects, the presence of four mutant alleles (TPMT*2, *3B, *3C and *8) was determined by direct sequencing. The incidence of adverse reactions among patients carrying wild‐type TPMT was investigated. The blood level of 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6‐TGN) was measured and analyzed in 47 patients with wild‐type TPMT. The results were analyzed in relation to the concomitant use of aminosalicylates (ASA).Results:  Of the 147 patients, 144 (98.0%) were wild‐type for TPMT (TPMT*1/*1) and three (2.0%) carried a mutant TPMT allele (TPMT*1/*3C). The incidence of adverse reactions was 33.3% (38/114) in the wild‐type group. Leukopenia (WBC ≤ 3000/µL) was seen in 15.8% of the patients with wild‐type TPMT. 6‐TGN levels varied among 47 patients with wild‐type TPMT. The blood levels of 6‐TGN were significantly higher in the patients receiving concomitant ASA treatment compared with those not receiving concomitant ASA treatment (P = 0.0033).Conclusion:  The frequency of TPMT gene mutations is low among Japanese IBD patients. The incidence of adverse reactions to AZA was high, even in patients carrying wild‐type TPMT. It is concluded that determination of TPMT genotype may not be useful in Japanese IBD patients to predict adverse reactions to AZA.
Efficacy of the bell and pad alarm therapy for nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Gim Cindy SY , Lillystone David , Caldwell Patrina HY 
Published: July 2009

Aim:  (i) To determine the efficacy of bell and pad alarm therapy as an initial and relapse treatment for nocturnal enuresis; (ii) to explore risk factors for treatment failure; and (iii) to explore risk factors for relapse within 12 months of successful bell and pad alarm therapy.Methods:  A 22‐item questionnaire was sent to 240 children who received bell and pad alarm therapy in a 6‐year period via a community centre. The questionnaire recorded demographic characteristics of the child, length of the first bell and pad alarm therapy, outcome of initial treatment and relapse information.Results:  The initial response and relapse rates of bell and pad alarm therapy were 84 and 30%, respectively. Female gender, absence of diurnal symptoms and willingness to use alarm therapy were associated with better treatment outcomes. Treatment success was associated with shorter treatment length. The success rate of repeating alarm therapy after relapse was 78%, with an average length of treatment of 10 weeks.Conclusion:  The bell and pad alarm therapy is an effective treatment for nocturnal enuresis both as initial therapy and after relapse. The association between patient characteristics and treatment response found in our study may help inform clinicians of likely treatment outcomes, and identify those who may need a different approach.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition induced by transforming growth factor‐β1 in mouse tracheal epithelial cells
Authors: KUROISHI Shigeki , SUDA Takafumi , FUJISAWA Tomoyuki , IDE Kyotaro , INUI Naoki , NAKAMURA Yutaro , NAKAMURA Hirotoshi , CHIDA Kingo 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which differentiated epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic transition to mesenchymal cells. This process may occur in certain fibrotic diseases that involve airway remodelling. However, few studies have directly proved the occurrence of EMT in primary cultures of airway epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to clarify whether airway epithelial cells can differentiate into mesenchymal cells through EMT.Methods:  Mouse tracheal epithelial cells (mTEC) were cultured in an air–liquid interface (ALI) culture system, in the presence or absence of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). The expression of mesenchymal and epithelial cell markers was examined by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 into the culture medium was measured by ELISA. The phenotype of epithelial cells involved in EMT was also examined by immunofluorescence staining.Results:  Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting revealed that TGF‐β1 treatment for 14 days induced the expression of the mesenchymal markers, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and vimentin, and reduced the expression of the epithelial markers, zonula occludens‐1 (Zo‐1) and occludin. In addition, α‐SMA and Zo‐1 were colocalized within individual cells treated with TGF‐β1. Concentrations of MMP‐9 in the culture medium were significantly higher in TGF‐β1‐treated mTEC than in untreated cells. The basal cell markers, cytokeratin‐5 and cytokeratin‐17, were colocalized within the cells expressing α‐SMA.Conclusions:  EMT was induced by TGF‐β1 in primary cultures of mTEC, suggesting that airway epithelial cells, possibly the basal cells, may be involved in airway remodelling through EMT.
Early recurrence of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in two HIV‐infected patients: Linking infection relapse and immune reconstitution syndrome
Authors: KOLDITZ Martin , HALANK Michael , BANDT Dirk , SPORNRAFT‐RAGALLER Petra , HÖFFKEN Gert 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThis case report describes two HIV‐positive patients with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia who relapsed within 1 week of starting secondary prophylaxis and antiretroviral treatment. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as the need to establish risk factors for infection recurrence or early immune reconstitution syndrome are highlighted.
Novel method for sputum induction using the Lung Flute in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: FUJITA Akira , MURATA Kengo , TAKAMORI Mikio 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The Lung Flute is a small self‐powered audio device that generates sound waves, which vibrate in tracheobronchial secretions. This was a preliminary trial to evaluate the usefulness of the Lung Flute for sputum sampling in patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).Methods:  Thirty‐four patients who were not expectorating sputum, but for whom sputum examination was required for the differential diagnosis of TB or other diseases, were enrolled in the study. Patients were instructed to blow out fast and hard through the Lung Flute and to repeat this for a total 20 sets of two blows each.Results:  Using the Lung Flute, sputum samples were collected within 10 or 20 min from 30 of 34 patients (88%). The device permitted a rapid diagnosis of TB in seven of 15 confirmed TB cases. In three patients acid‐fast bacillus smears were positive. In four patients acid‐fast bacillus smears were negative, but PCR tests for TB were positive. Hyperventilation‐related symptoms occurred in three patients.Conclusions:  The application of the Lung Flute may represent a promising technique for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary TB.
Interaction of the C‐terminal tail region of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 with the protein kinase C substrate PICK1
Authors: El Far Oussama , Airas José , Wischmeyer Erhardt , Nehring Ralf B. , Karschin Andreas , Betz Heinrich 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGroup III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are highly enriched in the presynaptic terminals of glutamatergic synapses where they mediate feedback inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Here, we used the yeast two‐hybrid system to identify a direct interaction of the C‐terminal tail region of mGluR7 with the rat homologue of the protein kinase C substrate PICK1. This interaction is specifically mediated by the very C‐terminal amino acids of the receptor and can be reconstituted in human embryonic kidney 293 cells by transfection of full‐length mGluR7 and PICK1 cDNAs. Quantitative β‐galactosidase assays revealed that among the different group III mGluRs, mGluR7 is the major PICK1 binding partner although other subfamily members can also interact with PICK1. These data indicate that PDZ domain‐containing proteins might contribute to the presynaptic localization of group III mGluRs.