bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐grade systolic murmurs in healthy middle‐aged individuals: innocent or clinically significant? A 35‐year follow‐up study of 2014 Norwegian men
Authors: Bodegard J. , Skretteberg P. T. , Gjesdal K. , Pyörälä K. , Kjeldsen S. E. , Liestøl K. , Erikssen G. , Erikssen J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.  Bodegard J, Skretteberg PT, Gjesdal K, Pyörälä K, Kjeldsen SE, Liestøl K, Erikssen G, Erikssen J (Oslo University Hospital, Oslo; University of Oslo, Oslo; University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio; University of Oslo, Oslo; Oslo University Hospital, Oslo). Low‐grade systolic murmurs in healthy middle‐aged individuals: innocent or clinically significant? A 35‐year follow‐up study of 2014 Norwegian men. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 581–588.Objective.  To determine whether a low‐grade systolic murmur, found at heart auscultation, in middle‐aged healthy men influences the long‐term risk of aortic valve replacement (AVR) and death from cardiovascular disease (CVD).Setting and subjects.  During 1972–1975, 2014 apparently healthy men aged 40–59 years underwent an examination programme including case history, clinical examination, blood tests and a symptom‐limited exercise ECG test. Heart auscultation was performed under standardized conditions, and murmurs were graded on a scale from I to VI. No men were found to have grade V/VI murmurs. Participants were followed for up to 35 years.Results.  A total of 1541 men had no systolic murmur; 441 had low‐grade murmurs (grade I/II) and 32 had moderate‐grade murmurs (grade III/IV). Men with low‐grade murmurs had a 4.7‐fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1–11.1] increased age‐adjusted risk of AVR, but no increase in risk of CVD death. Men with moderate‐grade murmurs had an 89.3‐fold (95% CI 39.2–211.2) age‐adjusted risk of AVR and a 1.5‐fold (95% CI 0.8–2.5) age‐adjusted increased risk of CVD death.Conclusions.  Low‐grade systolic murmur was detected at heart auscultation in 21.9% of apparently healthy middle‐aged men. Men with low‐grade murmur had an increased risk of AVR, but no increase in risk of CVD death. Only 1.6% of men had moderate‐grade murmur; these men had a very high risk of AVR and a 1.5‐fold albeit non‐significant increase in risk of CVD death.
Identification of three oligo‐/polysaccharide‐specific ligases in Yersinia enterocolitica
Authors: Pinta Elise , Li Zhilin , Batzilla Julia , Pajunen Maria , Kasanen Tiina , Rabsztyn Kamila , Rakin Alexander , Skurnik Mikael 
Published: November 2011

SummaryIn lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis of Gram‐negative bacteria the lipid A‐core oligosaccharide (LA‐core) and O‐polysaccharide (O‐PS) biosynthesis pathways proceed separately and converge in periplasmic space where the waaL‐encoded ligase joins O‐PS onto LA‐core. Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) biosynthesis follows that of O‐PS except that ECA is usually ligated to phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and only rarely to LA‐core. In Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 LPS is composed of LA‐inner core (IC) onto which a homopolymeric O‐PS, a hexasaccharide called outer core (OC), and/or ECA are ligated. We found that an individual O:3 LPS molecule carries either OC or O‐PS substitution but not both. Related to this, we identified three genes in Y. enterocolitica O:3 that all expressed O‐PS ligase activity in the Escherichia coliΔwaaL mutant. The LPS phenotypes of Y. enterocolitica O:3 single, double and triple ligase mutants indicated that two of ligases, named as WaaLos and WaaLps, had a preferred substrate specificity for OC and O‐PS, respectively, although with some promiscuity between the ligases; the third ligase named as WaaLxs was not involved in LPS or ECA biosynthesis. In Y. enterocolitica O:8 the WaaLos homologue (Ye1727) ligated a single pentasaccharide O‐unit to LA‐IC suggesting that in both Y. enterocolitica O:3 and O:8 WaaLos is an oligosaccharide (OS)‐specific ligase. Finally, Yersinia pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis carry only the waaLps gene, while either waaLos or waaLxs or both are additionally present in other Yersinia species. This is the first report on the presence of three different oligo‐/polysaccharide‐specific ligases in a single bacterium.
The crystal structure of AphB, a virulence gene activator from Vibrio cholerae, reveals residues that influence its response to oxygen and pH
Authors: Taylor Jennifer L. , De Silva Rukman S. , Kovacikova Gabriela , Lin Wei , Taylor Ronald K. , Skorupski Karen , Kull F. Jon 
Published: November 2011

SummaryExpression of the two critical virulence factors of Vibrio cholerae, toxin‐coregulated pilus and cholera toxin, is initiated at the tcpPH promoter by the regulators AphA and AphB. AphA is a winged helix DNA‐binding protein that enhances the ability of AphB, a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, to activate tcpPH expression. We present here the 2.2 Å X‐ray crystal structure of full‐length AphB. As reported for other LysR‐type proteins, AphB is a tetramer with two distinct subunit conformations. Unlike other family members, AphB must undergo a significant conformational change in order to bind to DNA. We have found five independent mutations in the putative ligand‐binding pocket region that allow AphB to constitutively activate tcpPH expression at the non‐permissive pH of 8.5 and in the presence of oxygen. These findings indicate that AphB is responsive to intracellular pH as well as to anaerobiosis and that residues in the ligand‐binding pocket of the protein influence its ability to respond to both of these signals. We have solved the structure of one of the constitutive mutants, and observe conformational changes that would allow DNA binding. Taken together, these results describe a pathway of conformational changes allowing communication between the ligand and DNA binding regions of AphB.
Effects of forage type, body condition and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the bovine cytochrome P450 regulatory region on cow productivity*
Authors: Sales M. A. , Murphy K. Y. , Reiter S. T. , Brown A. H. , Brown M. A. , Looper M. L. , Rosenkrans C. F 
Published: November 2011

SummarySingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding sequence of cytochrome p450 (CYP3A28) have been associated with milk yield and composition, and calving traits in cows. In this study, we aimed to determine whether (i) the CYP3A28 regulatory region was polymorphic and (ii) SNP genotype, forage type, body condition and their interactions affect cow productivity. Primers for CYP3A28 promoter were designed to amplify a 483‐bp segment by PCR. Amplicon sequences revealed seven SNP (T‐318C, T‐113A, C‐189T, T‐78G, A6G, G17A and T21C) in Brahman (38 cows), Brahman x Angus reciprocal crosses (47 cows) and crossbreds (98 cows). Angus cows (n = 41) appeared to be fixed at those SNP locations. Genotype and forage {endophyte‐infected tall fescue [KY+; Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbyshire] vs. bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]} effects on lifetime (8‐years) calving rate, and calf weaning weights and heights were determined in Herd 1 (126 cows); genotype and BC (low vs. moderate) effects on calving date and calving percent were determined in Herd 2 (98 cows). Four SNP (T‐318C, T‐113A, A06G and T21C) appeared to be related to cattle productivity, CC cows at T‐318C having a lower (p < 0.05) lifetime calving rate than TC or TT cows (65%, 85% and 81% respectively). Cows that grazed KY+ and were TT at T‐318C produced calves that tended (p < 0.07) to weigh less than their contemporaries. Moreover, calves of TT cows were shorter (p < 0.05) at weaning than calves of CC or TC cows. In Herd 2, moderate‐BC cows that were TT or AA at T‐318C, T‐113A, T‐78G, A6G and T21C had greater (p < 0.05) calving rates (74–80%) than heterozygous cows (46–60%), and low‐BC cows that were AA at G17A calved at least 6 days earlier (p < 0.05) than heterozygous cows. Our findings suggest that SNP in the CYP3A28 regulatory region of Brahman‐influenced cows are associated with cattle productivity.
Can sharing experiences in groups reduce the burden of living with diabetes, regardless of glycaemic control?
Authors: Due‐Christensen M. , Zoffmann V. , Hommel E. , Lau M. 
Published: November 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 251–256 (2012)AbstractAims  To test whether patients with Type 1 diabetes would join support groups and benefit by improving psychosocial functioning, regardless of their HbA1c levels.Methods  A pre‐post test with follow‐up after 6 and 12 months was conducted as a concurrent mixed‐method study. The convenience sample included patients with Type 1 diabetes aged ≥ 21 years, having been diagnosed ≥ 1 year earlier. Primary outcome was diabetes‐related distress (using the Problem Areas in Diabetes scale). Secondary outcomes were psychological distress and depressive symptoms (Symptom Check List ‐90‐R/Global Severity Index and depression subscale), well‐being (World Health Organization 5) and HbA1c.Results  Equal numbers of patients with HbA1c above and below 64 mmol/mol (8%) joined the support groups (n = 54). Focus group interviews revealed that major benefits were feeling less alone and being intuitively understood among peers. The patients perceived the support groups as a safe environment for sharing experiences. Problem Areas in Diabetes, Global Severity Index and depression subscale scores were significantly reduced post‐intervention and maintained at 1‐year follow‐up. Well‐being increased insignificantly. HbA1c was unchanged.Conclusions  Support groups are able to reduce diabetes‐related and psychological distress 1 year after the intervention for patients with both good and poor glycaemic control displaying high levels of distress. Although patients with severely high levels of diabetes‐related distress might need more extensive therapeutic interventions to further reduce their level of distress. Further, interventions that target specific self‐management problems are needed for patients with poor glycaemic control to help them accomplish lower levels of HbA1c. Moreover, healthcare providers must be aware that patients with good glycaemic control might have an unacknowledged psychosocial burden of living with the illness.
RISK PERCEPTION AND EQUITY RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM THE SPX AND VIX
Authors: Gang Jianhua , Li Xiang 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTWe use the semi‐nonparametric (SNP) model to study the relationship between the innovation of the Volatility Index (VIX) and the expected S&P 500 Index (SPX) returns. We estimate the one‐step‐ahead contemporaneous relation subject to leverage GARCH effect. Results agree with a body of newly established literature arguing non‐linearity, and asymmetries. In addition, the risk‐return behaviour depends on the signs as well as magnitudes of the perceived risk. We conclude that influence of fear or exuberance on the conditional market return is non‐monotonic and hump‐shaped. Very deep fear does not necessarily mean huge losses, instead, the loss may not be as bad as fears of normal levels. Results pass the robustness tests.
REASSESSING SEGMENTATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET: AN APPLICATION FOR ITALY 1995–2004
Authors: Battisti Michele 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to test for the presence of dualism in a standard wage regression. The disparity in wages between primary and secondary workers, according to labour market segmentation theory, is not provided by worker characteristics, but rather by job characteristics. A standard way to assess this situation is by looking at the estimated coefficients in a standard regression for comparable workers across different labour market segments. In an attempt to avoid arbitrary modelling choices, we deploy mixture regression methods which allow for endogenous determination of the number of existing labour market segments. Using Italian data, our modelling strategy outlines stark differences in returns to human capital between homogeneous workers in different markets. Thus, future policies should consider these findings when implementing labour market measures.
α‐Synuclein oligomers oppose long‐term potentiation and impair memory through a calcineurin‐dependent mechanism: relevance to human synucleopathic diseases
Authors: Martin Zane S. , Neugebauer Volker , Dineley Kelly T. , Kayed Rakez , Zhang Wenru , Reese Lindsay C. , Taglialatela Giulio 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem.(2012)120, 440–452.AbstractIntracellular deposition of fibrillar aggregates of α‐synuclein (αSyn) characterizes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies. However, recent evidence indicates that small αSyn oligomeric aggregates that precede fibril formation may be the most neurotoxic species and can be found extracellularly. This new evidence has changed the view of pathological αSyn aggregation from a self‐contained cellular phenomenon to an extracellular event and prompted investigation of the putative effects of extracellular αSyn oligomers. In this study, we report that extracellular application of αSyn oligomers detrimentally impacts neuronal welfare and memory function. We found that oligomeric αSyn increased intracellular Ca2+levels, induced calcineurin (CaN) activity, decreased cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) transcriptional activity and resulted in calcineurin‐dependent death of human neuroblastoma cells. Similarly, CaN induction and CREB inhibition were observed when αSyn oligomers were applied to organotypic brain slices, which opposed hippocampal long‐term potentiation. Furthermore, αSyn oligomers induced CaN, inhibited CREB and evoked memory impairments in mice that received acute intracerebroventricular injections. Notably, all these events were reversed by pharmacological inhibition of CaN. Moreover, we found decreased active CaN and reduced levels of phosphorylated CREB in autopsy brain tissue from patients affected by dementia with Lewy bodies, which is characterized by deposition of αSyn aggregates and progressive cognitive decline. These results indicate that exogenously applied αSyn oligomers impact neuronal function and produce memory deficits through mechanisms that involve CaN activation.
Neuronal differentiation alters the ratio of Sp transcription factors recruited to the CYP46A1 promoter
Authors: Milagre Inês , Nunes Maria João , Castro‐Caldas Margarida , Moutinho Miguel , Gama Maria João , Rodrigues Elsa 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 220–229.AbstractCYP46A1 is a neuron‐specific cytochrome P450 that plays a pivotal role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the CNS. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying human CYP46A1 expression are still poorly understood, partly because of the lack of a cellular model that expresses high levels of CYP46A1. Our previous studies demonstrated that specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors control CYP46A1 expression, and are probably responsible for cell‐type specificity. Herein, we have differentiated Ntera2/cloneD1 cells into post‐mitotic neurons and identified for the first time a human cell model that expresses high levels of CYP46A1 mRNA. Our results show a decrease in Sp1 protein levels, concomitant with the increase in CYP46A1 mRNA levels. This decrease was correlated with changes in the ratio of Sp proteins associated to the CYP46A1 proximal promoter. To examine if the increase in (Sp3 + Sp4)/Sp1 ratio was observed in other Sp‐regulated promoters, we have selected four genes ‐ reelin, glutamate receptor subunit zeta‐1, glutamate receptor subunit epsilon‐1 and μ‐opioid receptor ‐ known to be expressed in the human brain and analyzed the Sp proteins binding pattern to the promoter of these genes, in undifferentiated and differentiated Ntera2/cloneD1. Our data indicate that the dissociation of Sp1 from promoter regions is a common feature amongst Sp‐regulated genes that are up‐regulated after neuronal differentiation.
Estimation of Copper In‐use Stocks in Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yuan Zengwei , Bi Jun 
Published: November 2011

SummaryCopper (Cu) is an essential but supply‐restricted resource in China. Characterization of in‐use stocks can provide useful instruction for the future recycling of copper. This article attempts to estimate copper in‐use stocks in a Chinese city. To this purpose, an extensive bottom‐up estimate of copper stocks in use in Nanjing in the year 2009 was conducted. The results are a total stock estimate of 295 gigagrams (Gg) of copper or 46.9 kilograms (kg) of copper per capita for 2009. Infrastructure, equipment, and buildings contain 42.0%, 26.1%, and 28.1% of the total stock, respectively, indicating that these three categories are principal potential reservoirs of a secondary copper resource. The copper in transportation amounts to only about 3.7% of the total amount. The per capita stock was compared with similar studies carried out in other regions of the world, and the results show that the Nanjing level is significantly lower than developed countries. On the whole, our results show that electric power transmission and distribution systems, buildings, household durables, and industrial equipment are the four largest potential reservoirs of copper scrap.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Hematodinium perezi (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales), a Dinoflagellate Parasite of the Harbour Crab, Liocarcinus depurator
Authors: Small Hamish J. , Shields Jeffrey D. , Reece Kimberly S. , Bateman Kelly , Stentiford Grant D. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHematodinium perezi Chatton and Poisson 1931 (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales) is reported from one of its type hosts, Liocarcinus depurator, from Rye Bay in the English Channel, a site in a similar geographical location to that of the type description. The histology and ultrastructure of vegetative trophont stages, and rDNA sequences of the parasite infecting this host are reported for the first time. Ultrastructurally, H. perezi was confirmed by the presence of condensed chromatin profiles, trichocysts, an alveolar membrane, and micropores. The pathology of H. perezi was similar to other Hematodinium descriptions with large numbers of parasites present within the haemolymph and host tissues. No host responses against the parasite were observed. Molecular analysis of the ITS rRNA regions from H. perezi infecting L. depurator suggests that Callinectes sapidus from the United States, and Portunus trituberculatus and Scylla serrata from China are infected with different genotypes of H. perezi. The morphological and molecular characterization of H. perezi in one of the type hosts from Europe will allow for a better understanding of the phylogeny of these pathogens of commercially important Crustacea.
Inhibition mechanism of human galectin‐7 by a novel galactose‐benzylphosphate inhibitor
Authors: Masuyer Geoffrey , Jabeen Talat , Öberg Christopher T. , Leffler Hakon , Nilsson Ulf J. , Acharya K. Ravi 
Published: November 2011

Galectins are involved in many cellular processes due to their ability to bind carbohydrates. Understanding their functions has shown the necessity for potent and specific galectin inhibitors. Human galectin‐7 (hGal‐7), in particular, has been highlighted as an important marker in many types of cancer by either inhibiting or promoting tumour growth. Producing ligands able to selectively target hGal‐7 will offer promising tools for deciphering cancer processes in which hGal‐7 is involved as well as present potential solutions for future therapeutics. Here we report the high resolution crystal structure of hGal‐7 in complex with a synthetic 2‐O‐benzylphosphate‐galactoside inhibitor (which is > 60‐fold more potent than its parent galactoside). The high resolution crystallographic analysis highlights the validity of using saccharide derivatives, conserving properties of the galactose binding, while enhanced affinity and specificity is provided by the added phosphate group. This structural information will allow the design of further inhibitors with improved potency and specificity.Database
The atomic coordinates for the complex of human galectin‐7 as well as for the free structure have been deposited with the Protein Data Bank (accession numbers 3ZXE and 3ZXF respectively)Structured digital abstract
hGal‐7 and hGal‐7 bind by X‐raycrystallography (Viewinteraction)
Photoluminescent Properties of Novel Rare Earth Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite with TiO2 Modified Silica via Double Crosslinking Units
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yan Bing 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA series of novel organic/inorganic rare earth (europium, terbium) hybrid materials through the coordination bond and covalent bond are synthesized and form an inorganic Si–O–Si by the sol‐gel process. Mercapto‐functionalized 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA‐Si) is obtained by using MBA and 3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐propyl isocyanate (TESPIC) as an organic bridge molecule, and then the carboxyl group of the precursor MBA‐Si is used to modify the titanium dioxide, so as to sensitize the luminescence of rare earth ions. CdS‐TiO2 is added to observe the influence of photoluminescence. 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) is also used to modify the CdS quantum dot and obtain MPS functionalized MPS‐CdS nanocomposite. These multicomponent hybrids with double cross‐linking siloxane (MBA‐Si) covalently bonding MPS‐CdS are characterized. Subsequently, 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) and 2,2,‐bipyridyl (Bipy) as the assistant ligands together with water molecules are introduced into the rare earth hybrid system. The FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis, thermogravimetry and especially the photoluminescence properties of them are studied in detail.
Genetic erosion impedes adaptive responses to stressful environments
Authors: Bijlsma R. , Loeschcke Volker 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBiodiversity is increasingly subjected to human‐induced changes of the environment. To persist, populations continually have to adapt to these often stressful changes including pollution and climate change. Genetic erosion in small populations, owing to fragmentation of natural habitats, is expected to obstruct such adaptive responses: (i) genetic drift will cause a decrease in the level of adaptive genetic variation, thereby limiting evolutionary responses; (ii) inbreeding and the concomitant inbreeding depression will reduce individual fitness and, consequently, the tolerance of populations to environmental stress. Importantly, inbreeding generally increases the sensitivity of a population to stress, thereby increasing the amount of inbreeding depression. As adaptation to stress is most often accompanied by increased mortality (cost of selection), the increase in the ‘cost of inbreeding’ under stress is expected to severely hamper evolutionary adaptive processes. Inbreeding thus plays a pivotal role in this process and is expected to limit the probability of genetically eroded populations to successfully adapt to stressful environmental conditions. Consequently, the dynamics of small fragmented populations may differ considerably from large nonfragmented populations. The resilience of fragmented populations to changing and deteriorating environments is expected to be greatly decreased. Alleviating inbreeding depression, therefore, is crucial to ensure population persistence.