bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversible control of biofilm formation by Cellulomonas spp. in response to nitrogen availability
Authors: Young Jenna M. , Leschine Susan B. , Reguera Gemma 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe microbial degradation of cellulose contributes greatly to the cycling of carbon in terrestrial environments and feedbacks to the atmosphere, a process that is highly responsive to nitrogen inputs. Yet how key groups of cellulolytic microorganisms adaptively respond to the global conditions of nitrogen limitation and/or anthropogenic or climate nitrogen inputs is poorly understood. The actinobacterial genus Cellulomonas is of special interest because it incorporates the only species known to degrade cellulose aerobically and anaerobically. Furthermore, despite their inability to fix nitrogen, they are active decomposers in nitrogen‐limited environments. Here we show that nitrogen limitation induced biofilm formation in Cellulomonas spp., a process that was coupled to carbon sequestration and storage in a curdlan‐type biofilm matrix. The response was reversible and the curdlan matrix was solubilized and used as a carbon and energy source for biofilm dispersal once nitrogen sources became available. The biofilms attached strongly to cellulosic surfaces and, despite the growth limitation, produced cellulases and degraded cellulose more efficiently. The results show that biofilm formation is a competitive strategy for carbon and nitrogen acquisition and provide valuable insights linking nitrogen inputs to carbon sequestration and remobilization in terrestrial environments.
Towards a taxonomy ofBacteriaandArchaeabased on interactive and cumulative data repositories
Authors: Rosselló‐Móra Ramon 
Published: September 2011

SummaryTaxonomy in the second decade of the 21st century is benefiting from technological advances in molecular microbiology, especially those related to genomics. Gene and genome databases are significantly increasing due to intense research activities in the field of molecular ecology and genomics. Taxa, and especially species, are tailored by means of the recognition of a phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic coherence that reveal their uniqueness in the classification schema. Phylogenetic coherence is mainly revealed by means of 16S rRNA gene analyses for which curated databases such as EzTaxon and LTP provide a valuable tool for tree reconstruction to taxonomy users. On the other hand,in silicofull or partial genomic sequence comparisons are called on to substitute cumbersome techniques such as DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) to genomically circumscribe species. DDH similarity values around 70% would be equivalent to ANI values of 96%. Finally, finding an exclusive phenotypic property for the taxa to be classified is of paramount relevance to producing an operative and predictive classification system. The current methods used for taxonomic classification require significant laboratory experimentation, and generally will not produce interactive databases. The new high‐throughput metabolomic technologies, such as ICR‐FT and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry methods, open the door to the construction of metabolic databases for taxonomic purposes. It is to be foreseen that, in the future, taxonomists will benefit significantly from public databases speeding up the classification process. However, serious effort will be needed to harmonize them and to prevent inaccurate material.
Prey‐dependent retention of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by mixotrophic dinoflagellates
Authors: Lee Hyunwoo , Park Ki‐Tae , Lee Kitack , Jeong Hae Jin , Yoo Yeong Du 
Published: September 2011

SummaryWe investigated the retention of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in phototrophic dinoflagellates arising from mixotrophy by estimating the cellular content of DMSP in Karlodinium veneficum (mixotrophic growth) fed for 7–10 days on either DMSP‐rich Amphidinium carterae (phototrophic growth only) or DMSP‐poor Teleaulax sp. (phototrophic growth only). In K. veneficum fed on DMSP‐poor prey, the cellular content of DMSP remained almost unchanged regardless of the rate of feeding, whereas the cellular content of DMSP in cells of K. veneficum fed on DMSP‐rich prey increased by as much as 21 times the cellular concentration derived exclusively from phototrophic growth. In both cases, significant fractions (10–32% in the former case and 55–65% in the latter) of the total DMSP ingested by K. veneficum were transformed into dimethylsulfide and other biochemical compounds. The results may indicate that the DMSP content of prey species affects temporal variations in the cellular DMSP content of mixotrophic dinoflagellates, and that mixotrophic dinoflagellates produce DMS through grazing on DMSP‐rich preys. Additional studies should be performed to examine the universality of our finding in other mixotrophic dinoflagellates feeding on diverse prey species.
Acute primary canine herpesvirus‐1 dendritic ulcerative keratitis in an adult dog
Authors: Gervais Kristen J. , Pirie Christopher G. , Ledbetter Eric C. , Pizzirani Stefano 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe present a report of dendritic ulcerative keratitis in a 4‐year old locally immunosuppressed dog suspected to result from acute primary canine herpesvirus‐1 (CHV‐1) infection. The dog was presented for evaluation of mild blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia in the right eye (OD) shortly after attending a public boarding facility. For approximately 3 months, the dog had been receiving topical prednisolone acetate 1.0% and tacrolimus 0.02% in both eyes (OU) q12h for treatment of follicular conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed three regions of corneal fluorescein retention OD. The lesions had a dendritic pattern, were approximately 2–3 mm in length, and were located at the dorsomedial, lateral, and ventromedial aspects of the cornea. No additional abnormalities were noted on complete ophthalmic and physical examinations. CHV‐1 was identified in conjunctival samples OD by polymerase chain reaction, and paired CHV‐1 serum virus neutralization antibody titers were positive and consistent with acute infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and tacrolimus were discontinued. The dog was treated with cidofovir 0.5% OU q12h for a period of 4 weeks, with resolution of corneal disease noted within 1 week of treatment. In conjunction with previous studies, this case report supports a central role for alterations in host immune status in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CHV‐1 ocular disease in dogs.
Sleep disturbances and insulin resistance
Authors: Van Cauter E. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1455–1462 (2011)AbstractThe causes and risk factors of insulin resistance remain insufficiently understood. After taking into account the important roles of adiposity, age, sex and race/ethnicity, up to 50% of the individual variability in insulin resistance remains unexplained. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to support a role for sleep disturbances, including insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality and insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnoea, as independent risk factors for the development and exacerbation of insulin resistance. The present review summarizes the evidence. We will start with a brief introduction to sleep and its disorders and then examine in succession the role of the three major types of sleep disturbances of modern society, namely insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality and/or insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of the polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine pathology in women, and the last section of this review will discuss the role of obstructive sleep apnoea in the insulin resistance and metabolic disturbances of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of reduced mild hypoglycaemia in subjects with Type 1 diabetes treated with insulin detemir or NPH insulin in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands
Authors: Valentine W. J. , Jendle J. , Saraheimo M. , Thorsteinsson B. , Pollock R. F. , Lammert M. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 303–312 (2012)AbstractAims  To estimate short‐term cost‐effectiveness of insulin detemir vs. NPH insulin based on the incidence of mild hypoglycaemia in subjects with Type 1 diabetes in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands.Methods  A model was developed to evaluate cost‐effectiveness based on mild (self‐treated) hypoglycaemia and pharmacy costs over 1 year. Published rates of mild hypoglycaemia were used for NPH insulin and insulin detemir. Effectiveness was calculated in terms of quality‐adjusted life expectancy. Pharmacy costs were accounted using published prices and defined daily doses for both insulins. Costs were expressed in 2010 euros (€).Results  Treatment with insulin detemir was associated with fewer mild hypoglycaemic events than NPH insulin (mean rates of 26.3 vs. 35.5 events per person‐year), leading to an improvement in mean quality‐adjusted life expectancy of approximately 0.019 (0.030) quality‐adjusted life years (standard deviation). Annual costs were € 573.55 (110.42) vs. € 332.76 (62.18) in Denmark for insulin detemir and NPH insulin, respectively. These values were € 545.79 (106.54) vs. € 306.12 (57.78) in Sweden, € 720.10 (140.74) vs. € 408.73 (78.61) in Finland and € 584.01 (109.47) vs. € 359.60 (64.84) in the Netherlands. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were approximately € 12 644 (Denmark), € 12 612 (Sweden), € 16 568 (Finland) and € 12 216 (the Netherlands) per quality‐adjusted life year gained for insulin detemir vs. NPH insulin.Conclusions  Insulin detemir is likely to be cost‐effective vs. NPH insulin in subjects with Type 1 diabetes in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. Increased pharmacy costs with insulin detemir should not be a barrier to therapy based on these findings.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effect of aerobic vs. resistance exercise training on visceral fat
Authors: Ismail I. , Keating S. E. , Baker M. K. , Johnson N. A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIt is increasingly recognized that the location of excess adiposity, particularly increased deposition of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is important when determining the adverse health effects of overweight and obesity. Exercise therapy is an integral component of obesity management, but the most potent exercise prescription for VAT benefit is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the independent and synergistic effects of aerobic exercise (AEx) and progressive resistance training (PRT) and to directly compare the efficacy of AEx and PRT for beneficial VAT modulation. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of exercise interventions on VAT content/volume in overweight and obese adults. Relevant databases were searched to November 2010. Included studies were randomized controlled designs in which AEx or PRT in isolation or combination were employed for 4 weeks or more in adult humans, where computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for quantification of VAT pre‐ and post‐intervention. Of the 12196 studies from the initial search, 35 were included. After removal of outliers, there was a significant pooled effect size (ES) for the comparison between AEx therapy and control (−0.33, 95% CI: −0.52 to −0.14; P < 0.01) but not for the comparison between PRT therapy and control (0.09, 95% CI: −0.17 to −0.36; P = 0.49). Of the available nine studies which directly compared AEx with PRT, the pooled ES did not reach statistical significance (ES = 0.23, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.50; P = 0.07 favouring AEx). The pooled ES did not reach statistical significance for interventions that combined AEx and PRT therapy vs. control (−0.28, 95% CI: −0.69 to 0.14; P = 0.19), for which only seven studies were available. These data suggest that aerobic exercise is central for exercise programmes aimed at reducing VAT, and that aerobic exercise below current recommendations for overweight/obesity management may be sufficient for beneficial VAT modification. Further investigation is needed regarding the efficacy and feasibility of multi‐modal training as a means of reducing VAT.
Gender, Top Management Compensation Gap, and Company Performance: Tournament versus Behavioral Theory
Authors: Vieito Joao Paulo Torre 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: This study is among the first to investigate the impact of gender on the relationship between the compensation gap of the CEO and Vice‐Presidents on company performance, testing if companies managed by a female CEO or a male CEO follow tournament or behavioral theory. Tournament theory suggests that a large compensation gap between CEO and company Vice‐Presidents (VPs) leads to higher company performance; behavioral theory states that higher performance may be achieved with a small compensation gap between CEO and VPs. Additionally the study also investigates if companies managed by a female CEO perform better, or not, than those managed by a male CEO, and if the factors that explain the compensation gap between CEO and VPs in these two groups of companies are the same, or not. Data for the investigation emanated from the USA during the period 1992 to 2004.Research Findings/Insights: The results reflect something quite new in the area – on average, companies managed by a female CEO perform better, and have a smaller compensation gap between the CEO and VPs than companies managed by a male CEO. In companies managed by a female CEO, a smaller difference in the total compensation gap between CEO and Vice‐Presidents leads, on average, to higher company performance, however, when the CEO is a male, a higher compensation gap is required to obtain higher company performance. The results provide empirical support that the behavioral theory is predominant in companies managed by a female whereas tournament theory is predominant in companies managed by a male.Theoretical/Academic Implications: The paper fills an important gap in the existing literature by providing econometric evidence that males and females CEOs have a different impact on the relationship between CEO and VPs compensation gap and company performance, and that it is not indifferent to choosing a male or a female CEO in terms of company performance.Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study offers an insight to practitioners and policy makers suggesting that gender influences the relationship between the CEO and Vice‐Presidents compensation gap and company performance. Boards may be able to improve company performance if they limit the compensation gap between CEO and VPs when the CEO is a female and extend it, when it is a male.
Expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins p53, bcl‐2 and bax in recurrent aphthous ulceration
Authors: Pinto Rodrigues J.F.N. , Fujiyama Oshima C.T. , Ribeiro Paiotti A.P. , Franco M. , Miki Ihara S.S. , Ribeiro D.A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is considered to be an acute inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. Apoptosis may represent an important event in the control of inflammation.Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate apoptosis process in RAU using immunohistochemistry.Methods  We studied the expression and location of p53, bcl‐2 and bax in ulcerated lesions clinically diagnosed as RAU (n = 12) and compared it with that of oral clinically normal mucosa (n = 6) and of other inflammatory chronic disease such as oral fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia (FIH; n = 18).Results  Significant statistically differences (n < 0.05) in p53 expression were noticed in RAU when compared with normal mucosa. No significant statistically differences (P > 0.05) were noticed between FIH and RAU. Bcl‐2 and bax did not show remarkable differences between groups.Conclusions  Taken together, the data suggest that RAU induces p53 immunoexpression. Therefore, the protein might be related to the aetiopathogenesis of the ulcerated oral lesions.
Themed section: molecular pharmacology of GPCRs
Authors: Summers RJ 
Published: September 2011

As our knowledge and understanding of the way in which GPCRs operate continues to grow rapidly, many new opportunities are emerging to develop novel therapeutic agents. This themed issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology contains a series of papers that cover recent developments and identify approaches that may help determine future directions. Many of these papers contain material that was presented at the 6th International Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors meeting held at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Melbourne Australia in late 2010.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐5/issuetoc
Polymorphisms of ADORA2A modulate psychomotor vigilance and the effects of caffeine on neurobehavioural performance and sleep EEG after sleep deprivation
Authors: Bodenmann S , Hohoff C , Freitag C , Deckert J , Rétey J V , Bachmann V , Landolt H‐P 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Prolonged wakefulness impairs sustained vigilant attention, measured with the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), and induces a compensatory increase in sleep intensity in recovery sleep, quantified by slow‐wave activity (SWA) in the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG). These effects of sleep deprivation are counteracted by the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine, implying involvement of the adenosine neuromodulator/receptor system. To examine a role for adenosine A2A receptors, we investigated whether variation of the A2A receptor gene (ADORA2A) modified effects of caffeine on PVT and SWA after sleep deprivation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A haplotype analysis of eight single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of ADORA2A was performed in 82 volunteers. In 45 young men carrying five different allele combinations, we investigated the effects of prolonged waking and 2 × 200 mg caffeine or 2 × 100 mg modafinil on psychomotor vigilance, sleepiness, and the waking and sleep EEG.KEY RESULTS Throughout extended wakefulness, the carriers of haplotype HT4 performed faster on the PVT than carriers of non‐HT4 haplotype alleles. In haplotype HT4, caffeine failed to counteract the waking‐induced impairment of PVT performance and the rebound of SWA in recovery sleep. However, caffeine was effective in non‐HT4 allele carriers, and modafinil reduced the consequences of prolonged waking, independently of ADORA2A haplotype.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Common genetic variation of ADORA2A is an important determinant of psychomotor vigilance in rested and sleep‐deprived state. It also modulates individual responses to caffeine after sleep deprivation. These findings demonstrate a role for adenosine A2A receptors in the effects of prolonged wakefulness on vigilant attention and the sleep EEG.
Anti‐obesity efficacy of LH‐21, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist with poor brain penetration, in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Alonso Mónica , Serrano Antonia , Vida Margarita , Crespillo Ana , Hernandez‐Folgado Laura , Jagerovic Nadine , Goya Pilar , Reyes‐Cabello Carmen , Perez‐Valero Vidal , Decara Juan , Macías‐González Manuel , Bermúdez‐Silva Francisco Javier , Suárez Juan , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Pavón Francisco Javier 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peripheral blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors has been proposed as a safe and effective therapy against obesity, putatively devoid of the adverse psychiatric side effects of centrally acting CB1 receptor antagonists. In this study we analysed the effects of LH‐21, a peripherally acting neutral cannabinoid receptor antagonist with poor brain penetration, in an animal model of diet‐induced obesity.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To induce obesity, male Wistar rats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) whereas controls received a standard diet (SD; 10 kcal% fat). Following 10 weeks of feeding, animals received a daily i.p. injection of vehicle or 3 mg·kg−1 LH‐21 for 10 days. Plasma and liver samples were used for biochemical analyses whereas visceral fat‐pad samples were analysed for lipid metabolism gene expression using real‐time RT‐PCR. In addition, the potential of LH‐21 to interact with hepatic cytochrome P450 isoforms and cardiac human Ether‐à‐go‐go Related Gene (hERG) channels was evaluated.KEY RESULTS LH‐21 reduced feeding and body weight gain in HFD‐fed animals compared with the control group fed SD. In adipose tissue, this effect was associated with decreased gene expression of: (i) leptin; (ii) lipogenic enzymes, including SCD‐1; (iii) CB1 receptors; and (iv) both PPARα and PPARγ. Although there were no significant differences in plasma parameters between HFD‐ and SD‐fed rats, LH‐21 did not seem to induce hepatic, cardiac or renal toxicity.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results support the hypothesis that treatment with the peripherally neutral acting CB1 receptor antagonist, LH‐21, may promote weight loss through modulation of visceral adipose tissue.
Function of hyperekplexia‐causing α1R271Q/L glycine receptors is restored by shifting the affected residue out of the allosteric signalling pathway
Authors: Shan Qiang , Han Lu , Lynch Joseph W 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glycine receptor α1 subunit R271Q and R271L (α1R271Q/L) mutations cause the neuromotor disorder, hereditary hyperekplexia. Studies suggest that the 271 residue is located within the allosteric signalling pathway linking the agonist binding site to the channel gate. The present study aimed to investigate a possible mechanism for restoring the function of the α1R271Q/L glycine receptor.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A 12‐amino‐acid segment incorporating the 271 residue on the glycine receptor α1271Q/L subunit was replaced by the homologous segment from the glycine receptor β subunit (α1Ch271Q/L). The function of the α1Ch271Q/L glycine receptor was examined by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and voltage‐clamp fluorometry techniques.KEY RESULTS The function of the α1Ch271Q/L glycine receptor was restored to the level of the wild‐type (WT) α1 glycine receptor. Moreover, in the α1Ch glycine receptor, in contrast to the α1 glycine receptor, the channel function was not sensitive to various substitutions of the 271 residue, and the conformational change in the vicinity of the 271 residue was uncoupled from the channel gating.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The 271 residue is shifted out of the allosteric signalling pathway in the α1Ch glycine receptor. We propose that this mechanism provides a novel drug design strategy not only for glycine receptor α1R271Q/L‐caused hereditary hyperekplexia, but also for any pathological condition that is caused by missense mutation‐ or covalent modification‐induced disorders involving residues in allosteric signalling pathways. Such a strategy makes it possible to design an ideal drug, which only corrects the function of the mutant or modified protein without affecting the WT or naive protein.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Nussinov, pp. 2110–2112 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01793.x