bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construct validity of the SF‐12 in three different samples
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Westergren Albert , Lindskov Susanne , Hagell Peter 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Studies have challenged the validity and underlying measurement model of the physical and mental component summary scores of the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey in, for example the elderly and people with neurological disorders. However, it is unclear to what extent these observations translate to physical and mental component summary scores derived from the 12‐item short form (SF‐12) of the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey. This study evaluated the construct validity of the SF‐12 in elderly people and people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke.Methods  SF‐12 data from a general elderly (aged 75+) population (n = 4278), people with PD (n = 159) and stroke survivors (n = 89) were analysed regarding data quality, reliability (coefficient alpha) and internal construct validity. The latter was assessed through item‐total correlations, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.Results  Completeness of data was high (93–98.8%) and reliability was acceptable (0.78–0.85). Item‐total correlations argued against the suggested items‐to‐summary scores structure in all three samples. Exploratory factor analyses failed to support a two‐dimensional item structure among elderly and stroke survivors, and cross‐loadings of items were seen in all three samples. Confirmatory factor analyses showed lack of fit between empirical data and the proposed items‐to‐summary measures structure in all samples.Conclusions  These observations challenge the validity and interpretability of SF‐12 scores among the elderly, people with PD and stroke survivors. The standard orthogonally weighted SF‐12 scoring algorithm is cautioned against. Instead, when the assumed two‐dimensional structure is supported in the data, oblique scoring algorithms appear preferable. Failure to consider basic scoring assumptions may yield misleading results.
Effect of visit length and a clinical decision support tool on abdominal aortic aneurysm screening rates in a primary care practice
Authors: Eaton John , Reed Darcy , Angstman Kurt B. , Thomas Kris , North Frederick , Stroebel Robert , Tulledge‐Scheitel Sidna M. , Chaudhry Rajeev 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  In 2005, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued recommendations for one‐time abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening using abdominal ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years with a history of smoking. However, despite a mortality rate of up to 80% for ruptured AAAs, providers order the screening for a minority of patients. We examined AAA screening rates among providers and investigated the role of visit duration and other factors in whether patients received screening. We also looked for potential interventions to improve compliance.Methods  We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who visited our clinic over a 4‐month period and met the US Preventive Services Task Force criteria for AAA screening when our practice had a real‐time decision support tool implemented to identify patients due for the screening. We also surveyed our clinic's providers about their knowledge and attitudes regarding AAA screening.Results  Despite the use of physician reminders, providers ordered screening for only 12.9% of eligible patients. Screening was more likely to be ordered during longer visits versus shorter ones (24% vs. 6%). When surveyed, most providers (70.6%) indicated that a nurse‐directed ordering system would improve compliance.Conclusions  This study illustrates that physician reminders alone are not sufficient to improve care and that more time is needed for preventive services. This provides additional support for the use of a multidisciplinary approach to preventive screening, as in a patient‐centred medical home. In a patient‐centred medical home, a care team of physicians, nurses and office staff use technology such as clinical decision support to provide comprehensive, coordinated patient care.
Wild immunology
Authors: PEDERSEN AMY B. , BABAYAN SIMON A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn wild populations, individuals are regularly exposed to a wide range of pathogens. In this context, organisms must elicit and regulate effective immune responses to protect their health while avoiding immunopathology. However, most of our knowledge about the function and dynamics of immune responses comes from laboratory studies performed on inbred mice in highly controlled environments with limited exposure to infection. Natural populations, on the other hand, exhibit wide genetic and environmental diversity. We argue that now is the time for immunology to be taken into the wild. The goal of ‘wild immunology’ is to link immune phenotype with host fitness in natural environments. To achieve this requires relevant measures of immune responsiveness that are both applicable to the host–parasite interaction under study and robustly associated with measures of host and parasite fitness. Bringing immunology to nonmodel organisms and linking that knowledge host fitness, and ultimately population dynamics, will face difficult challenges, both technical (lack of reagents and annotated genomes) and statistical (variation among individuals and populations). However, the affordability of new genomic technologies will help immunologists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists work together to translate and test our current knowledge of immune mechanisms in natural systems. From this approach, ecologists will gain new insight into mechanisms relevant to host health and fitness, while immunologists will be given a measure of the real‐world health impacts of the immune factors they study. Thus, wild immunology can be the missing link between laboratory‐based immunology and human, wildlife and domesticated animal health.
The Relationship Between Interferon‐γ Gene Polymorphism and Acute Kidney Allograft Rejection
Authors: Zibar L. , Wagner J. , Pavlinić D. , Galić J. , Pasini J. , Juras K. , Barbić J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractCytokine gene polymorphisms have been associated with modified gene expression and cytokine production. Gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney transplant rejection. This study evaluated the association between IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms and the history of acute allograft rejection in 53 adult first‐transplant recipients receiving cadaveric kidney grafts. They were followed up in a single centre until 2006, for a median time of 4 years after transplantation (1–22 years). IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms +874 T/A (rs2430561) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). T/T high IFN‐γ genotype was found in 12, intermediate T/A in 29 and low A/A in 12 patients. Twenty‐six acute kidney rejection episodes were evidenced in 20 patients, of which none occurred in the 12 patients with low IFN‐γ genotype A/A. Age, gender, number of HLA (human leukocyte antigen) mismatches, ABO blood groups, HLA, time after transplantation, creatinine clearance and immunosuppressive regimens were excluded as confounding factors associated with IFN‐γ genotype distribution between rejectors and non‐rejectors. IFN‐γ gene polymorphisms could be an important risk factor for acute kidney transplant rejection, whereas the low A/A IFN‐γ genotype could be protective against rejection.
Functional implication of the MYB transcription factor RVE8/LCL5 in the circadian control of histone acetylation
Authors: Farinas Benoit , Mas Paloma 
Published: January 2011

SummaryDespite our increasing understanding of the molecular determinants essential for circadian clock function, we still lack a complete picture of the mechanisms contributing to clock progression in plants. Here, we explore the role of REVEILLE8/LHY‐CCA1‐LIKE5 (RVE8/LCL5) within the Arabidopsis circadian system. RVE8/LCL5 encodes a MYB‐like transcription factor similar to CIRCADIAN CLOCK‐ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), which are essential regulators of the Arabidopsis circadian clock. Consistent with the sequence similarity, the rhythmic expression of RVE8/LCL5 shows a morning acrophase comparable to that of CCA1 and LHY. Plants mis‐expressing RVE8/LCL5 display a variety of circadian phenotypes, including altered circadian gene expression and photoperiodic flowering time. Similar to CCA1, RVE8/LCL5 regulates the expression of the oscillator gene TOC1 (TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION1) by associating with the TOC1 promoter and by modulating the pattern of histone 3 (H3) acetylation. However, the mechanisms of RVE8/LCL5 and CCA1 activity in this regulation differ markedly. Indeed, the use of chromatin immunoprecipitation and pharmacological inhibition assays reveals that RVE8/LCL5 favours a hyper‐acetylated state of H3 at the TOC1 promoter, which may facilitate the rising phase of TOC1. In contrast, CCA1 represses TOC1 expression by promoting histone deacetylation. Thus, despite the sequence homology and the similar morning phase of expression, RVE8/LCL5 and CCA1 have opposing regulatory functions within the Arabidopsis circadian clock, although CCA1 has a more predominant role. We propose that contrasting chromatin compaction and transcriptional modulation through the opposing activities of RVE8/LCL5 and CCA1 might provide a fine‐tuning mechanism for precisely shaping the TOC1 circadian waveform in Arabidopsis.
Methanol is an endogenous elicitor molecule for the synthesis of tryptophan and tryptophan‐derived secondary metabolites upon senescence of detached rice leaves
Authors: Kang Kiyoon , Park Sangkyu , Natsagdorj Uyanga , Kim Young Soon , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: January 2011

SummaryDuring senescence of detached rice leaves, tryptophan (Trp) and Trp‐derived secondary metabolites such as serotonin and 4‐coumaroylserotonin accumulated in concert with methanol (MeOH) production. This senescence‐induced MeOH induction was closely associated with levels of pectin methylesterase (PME)1 mRNA and PME enzyme activity. Exogenous challenge of detached rice leaves with 1% MeOH accelerated Trp and serotonin biosynthesis with induction of the corresponding genes. No other solvents, including ethanol, resulted in a Trp‐inducing effect. This MeOH‐induced Trp synthesis was positively regulated by abscisic acid but negatively regulated by cytokinin, suggesting hormonal involvement in the action of MeOH. Endogenous overproduction or suppression of MeOH either by PME1 overexpression or RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing revealed that PME1 overexpressing lines produced twofold higher Trp levels with elevated Trp biosynthetic gene expression, whereas RNAi lines showed twofold reduction in Trp level in healthy control rice leaves, suggesting that MeOH acts as an endogenous elicitor to enhance Trp biosynthesis. Among many transcription factors induced following MeOH treatment, the WRKY family showed significant induction patterns, of which WRKY14 appeared to play a key regulatory role in MeOH‐induced Trp and Trp‐derived secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
Evidence of Arabidopsis salt acclimation induced by up‐regulation of HY1 and the regulatory role of RbohD‐derived reactive oxygen species synthesis
Authors: Xie Yan‐Jie , Xu Sheng , Han Bin , Wu Ming‐Zhu , Yuan Xing‐Xing , Han Yi , Gu Quan , Xu Dao‐Kun , Yang Qing , Shen Wen‐Biao 
Published: January 2011

SummaryIn Arabidopsis thaliana, a family of four genes (HY1, HO2, HO3 and HO4) encode haem oxygenase (HO), and play a major role in phytochrome chromophore biosynthesis. To characterize the contribution of the various haem oxygenase isoforms involved in salt acclimation, the effects of NaCl on seed germination and primary root growth in Arabidopsis wild‐type and four HO mutants (hy1‐100, ho2, ho3 and ho4) were compared. Among the four HO mutants, hy1‐100 displayed maximal sensitivity to salinity and showed no acclimation response, whereas plants over‐expressing HY1 (35S:HY1) exhibited tolerance characteristics. Mild salt stress stimulated biphasic increases in RbohD transcripts and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (peaks I and II) in wild‐type. ROS peak I‐mediated HY1 induction and subsequent salt acclimation were observed, but only ROS peak I was seen in the hy1‐100 mutant. A subsequent test confirmed the causal relationship of salt acclimation with haemin‐induced HY1 expression and RbohD‐derived ROS peak II formation. In atrbohD mutants, haemin pre‐treatment resulted in induction of HY1 expression, but no similar response was seen in hy1‐100, and no ROS peak II or subsequent salt acclimatory responses were observed. Together, the above findings suggest that HY1 plays an important role in salt acclimation signalling, and requires participation of RbohD‐derived ROS peak II.
Gender differences in cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide during sevoflurane anesthesia in children: preliminary findings
Authors: Siriussawakul Arunotai , Sharma Deepak , Sookplung Pimwan , Armstead William , Vavilala Monica S. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryBackground:  Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CO2R) is affected by age, gender and anesthetic agents. While gender differences in CO2R are described in adults, there are no such data in children.Aim:  To examine the gender differences in CO2R in children during sevoflurane anesthesia.Methods:  Five girls and five boys <15 years of age and ASA physical status I, undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled. Under steady‐state anesthesia with <1.0 MAC sevoflurane, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity changes were monitored using Transcranial Doppler ultrasound while endtidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was adjusted from 40 to 30 mmHg (hypocapnia) and then from 40 to 50 mmHg (hypercapnia). CO2R was calculated between EtCO2 ranges 30–40 and 40–50 mmHg. Cerebrovascular resistance (eCVR) was estimated as MAP/Vmca and the change in eCVR (ΔeCVR) between EtCO2 30 and 40 mmHg and between EtCO2 40 and 50 mmHg was calculated.Results:  There was no gender difference in CO2R. However, both CO2R and ΔeCVR were lower in the EtCO2 40–50 mmHg range compared to EtCO2 30–40 mmHg range only in girls (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). Vmca increased significantly with increase in CO2 (P < 0.001) for both boys and girls. The coefficient of nonlinear correlation (r) between Vmca and EtCO2 was 0.88 in girls vs 0.66 in boys.Conclusion:  While there were no gender differences in CO2R within the individual EtCO2 ranges examined, girls but not boys had a significantly lower CO2R and ΔeCVR in the higher EtCO2 range during <1.0 MAC sevoflurane anesthesia.
Unit versus Ad Valorem Taxes in Multiproduct Cournot Oligopoly
Authors: LAPAN HARVEY E. , HENNESSY DAVID A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe welfare dominance of ad valorem taxes over unit taxes in a single‐market Cournot oligopoly is well known. This article extends the analysis to multimarket oligopoly. Provided all ad valorem taxes are equal and positive, unit costs are constant, firms are active in all considered markets, and a representative consumer has convex preferences, ad valorem taxes are shown to dominate in multiproduct equilibrium. Conditions exist, however, under which economic efficiency declines upon replacing specific taxes with ad valorem taxes that preserve output levels. We discuss the roles of unit cost covariances across multiproduct firms, and also of complementarity in demand, in determining the extent of cost efficiencies arising under ad valorem taxation. For goods that are complementary or independent in demand, conditions are found such that industry profits decline upon use of ad valorem taxes.
Regulation of the NPC2 protein‐mediated cholesterol trafficking by membrane lipids
Authors: Gallala Hichem D. , Breiden Bernadette , Sandhoff Konrad 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 702–707.AbstractRecycling and turnover of cell membranes play a critical role in cell metabolism. The internalization of membranes through the different processes of endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy deliver a considerable amount of membranes and lipids to the endosomal and lysosomal system which is tasked with its degradation. Its failure to do so leads to severe fatal neurodegenerative diseases. In order to better understand how membranes are degraded, we have to investigate the complex interactions that take place in this compartment between complex membrane lipids, enzymes and lipid binding and transfer proteins involved. To this end, we developed lipid transfer and fusion assays which allow us to quantify these interactions and assess their specificity. The published results of these investigations are summarized in this article. One of our main conclusions is that we have provided evidence for the hypothesis that acid sphingomyelinase stimulates Niemann pick disease protein type 2‐mediated cholesterol export substantially by converting sphingomyelin to ceramide in the inner membranes of late endosomes.
Antibodies against ganglioside complexes in Guillain‐Barré syndrome and related disorders
Authors: Kusunoki Susumu , Kaida Ken‐ichi 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 828–832.AbstractGuillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is acute autoimmune neuropathy, often subsequent to an infection. Serum anti‐ganglioside antibodies are frequently elevated in titer. Those antibodies are useful diagnostic markers and possible pathogenetic factors. Recent data demonstrated that sera from some patients with GBS react with ganglioside complexes (GSCs) consisting of two different gangliosides, but not with each constituent ganglioside. Those antibodies may specifically recognize a new conformational epitope formed by two gangliosides. In particular, the antibodies against GD1a/GD1b and/or GD1b/GT1b complexes are associated with severe GBS requiring artificial ventilation. The antibodies to GM1/GalNAc–GD1a and those to GSCs containing GQ1b or GT1a are associated with pure motor GBS and Fisher syndrome, respectively. In contrast, the binding activities of the antibodies highly specific to GD1b are strongly inhibited by the addition of GD1a to GD1b. Gangliosides along with other components as cholesterol are known to form lipid rafts, in which two different gangliosides may form a new conformational epitope. Future investigation is necessary to elucidate the roles of GSCs in the plasma membrane and of the clinical relevance of the anti‐GSCs antibodies.
Membrane targeting, shedding and protein interactions of brain acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Hicks David , John Danielle , Makova Natalia Z. , Henderson Zaineb , Nalivaeva Natalia N. , Turner Anthony J. 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 742–746.AbstractThe early stages of Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by cholinergic deficits and the preservation of cholinergic function through the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is the basis for current treatments of the disease. Understanding the causes for the loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in neurodegeneration is therefore a key to developing new therapeutics. In this study, we review novel aspects of cholinesterase membrane localization in brain and propose mechanisms for its lipid domain targeting, secretion and protein‐protein interactions. In erythrocytes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is localized to lipid rafts through a GPI anchor. However, the main splice form of AChE in brain lacks a transmembrane peptide anchor region and is bound to the ‘proline‐rich membrane anchor’, PRiMA, in lipid rafts. Furthermore, AChE is secreted (‘shed’) from membranes and this shedding is stimulated by cholinergic agonists. Immunocytochemical studies on rat brain have shown that membrane‐associated PRiMA immunofluorescence is located selectively at cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain and striatum. A strong association of AChE with the membrane via PRiMA seems therefore to be a specific requirement of forebrain cholinergic neurons. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are also associated with lipid rafts where they undergo rapid internalisation on stimulation. We are currently probing the mechanism(s) of AChE shedding, and whether this process and its apparent association with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and metabolism of the Alzheimer’s amyloid precursor protein is determined by its association with lipid raft domains either in normal or pathological situations.
Membrane organization and dynamics of the serotonin1A receptor in live cells
Authors: Saxena Roopali , Chattopadhyay Amitabha 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 726–733.AbstractThe G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is one of the largest classes of molecules involved in signal transduction across the plasma membrane. The serotonin1A receptor is a representative member of the GPCR superfamily and serves as an important target in the development of therapeutic agents for neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the context of the pharmacological relevance of the serotonin1A receptor, the membrane organization and dynamics of this receptor in the cellular environment assume relevance. We have highlighted results, obtained from fluorescence microscopy‐based approaches, related to domain organization and dynamics of the serotonin1A receptor. A fraction of serotonin1A receptors displays detergent insolubility, monitored using green fluorescent protein, that increases upon depletion of membrane cholesterol. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements with varying bleach spot sizes show that lateral diffusion parameters of serotonin1A receptors in normal cells are consistent with models describing diffusion of molecules in a homogenous membrane. Interestingly, these characteristics are altered in cholesterol‐depleted cells. Taken together, we conclude that the serotonin1A receptor exhibits dynamic confinement in the cellular plasma membranes. Progress in understanding GPCR organization and dynamics would result in better insight into our overall understanding of GPCR function in health and disease.
Assembly of nicotinic and other Cys‐loop receptors
Authors: Tsetlin Victor , Kuzmin Dmitry , Kasheverov Igor 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 734–741.AbstractThe Cys‐loop receptor family consists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), glycine receptor, GABA‐A and some other receptors. They fulfill a plethora of functions, whereas their malfunctioning is associated with many diseases. All three domains – extracellular ligand‐binding, membrane and cytoplasmic – of these ligand‐gated ion channels play important roles in the receptor assembly, delivery to the membrane surface and functional activity. In this study, we discuss the role of these domains in the assembly of the Cys‐loop receptors, most comprehensively for the nAChRs. Heterologous expression and mutations of large N‐terminal fragments of various subunits demonstrated their leading role in the assembly, although getting an isolated well‐structured pentameric ligand‐binding domain is still a problem. The long intracellular loop between transmembrane fragments M3 and M4 participates in modulating the receptor function and in clusterization of the receptor complexes because of interactions with the intracellular proteins. The transmembrane fragments play different functional roles: M2 fragments outline the channel, M4 fragments, the most remote from the channel, modulate the channel function and contact the lipid environment. The interactions of aromatic residues in the M1 and M3 fragments with those of M4 are important for the correct assembly of glycine receptor α1 subunit and for the formation of functional pentaoligomer. The role of the three receptor domains is discussed in the light of electron microscopy structure of theTorpedonAChR, X‐ray structures of agonist and antagonist complexes with the acetylcholine‐binding proteins and the X‐ray structures of the prokaryotic Cys‐loop receptors.