bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis Actin-Depolymerizing Factor AtADF4 Mediates Defense Signal Transduction Triggered by thePseudomonas syringaeEffector AvrPphB
Authors: Tian Miaoying , Chaudhry Faisal , Ruzicka Daniel R. , Meagher Richard B. , Staiger Christopher J. , Day Brad 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in plant defenses against pathogenic fungi and oomycetes with limited, indirect evidence. To date, there are no reports linking actin with resistance against phytopathogenic bacteria. The dynamic behavior of actin filaments is regulated by a diverse array of actin-binding proteins, among which is the Actin-Depolymerizing Factor (ADF) family of proteins. Here, we demonstrate that actin dynamics play a role in the activation of gene-for-gene resistance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) following inoculation with the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato. Using a reverse genetics approach, we explored the roles of Arabidopsis ADFs in plant defenses. AtADF4 was identified as being specifically required for resistance triggered by the effector AvrPphB but not AvrRpt2 or AvrB. Recombinant AtADF4 bound to monomeric actin (G-actin) with a marked preference for the ADP-loaded form and inhibited the rate of nucleotide exchange on G-actin, indicating that AtADF4 is a bona fide actin-depolymerizing factor. Exogenous application of the actin-disrupting agent cytochalasin D partially rescued the Atadf4 mutant in the AvrPphB-mediated hypersensitive response, demonstrating that AtADF4 mediates defense signaling through modification of the actin cytoskeleton. Unlike the mechanism by which the actin cytoskeleton confers resistance against fungi and oomycetes, AtADF4 is not involved in resistance against pathogen entry. Collectively, this study identifies AtADF4 as a novel component of the plant defense signaling pathway and provides strong evidence for actin dynamics as a primary component that orchestrates plant defenses against P. syringae.
Classification of OprD sequence and correlation with antimicrobial activity of carbapenem agents in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates collected in Japan
Authors: Sanbongi Yumiko , Shimizu Atsuyuki , Suzuki Takahisa , Nagaso Hiroshi , Ida Takashi , Maebashi Kazunori , Gotoh Naomasa 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTA total of 99 clinical isolates of metallo‐ß‐lactamase‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected in Japan between 1998 and 2001 were studied for their susceptibilities to carbapenem agents and corresponding oprD gene mutations. The OprD sequence of each strain was grouped into two major classes, based on the pattern of alterations. Eighty strains (80.8%) were so‐called ‘full length type’, whose OprD proteins were fully encoded. The remaining 19 strains (19.2%) were so‐called ‘defective type’, which possessed deletions or major alterations that might cause conformational changes in the OprD porin protein. The changes in ‘defective type’ strains led to 15‐, 17‐ and 23‐fold increases in the geometric mean MIC for imipenem, meropenem and biapenem compared with ‘full length type’ strains, respectively. ‘Full length type’ strains were further classified into six carbapenem susceptible types with the exception of four carbapenem‐resistant subtypes with additional amino acid substitutions at D43, G183, R154, G314, G316. However, ‘defective type’ strains were classified into four types as follows: 10 strains which contained a stop codon within the coding region; six strains which contained IS; one strain with a short deletion near the C‐terminal domain; and two strains without a stop codon in the sequenced region. Western blot analysis using OprD antibody showed that binding abilities of OprD proteins against ‘full length type’ strains were normal, whereas those against ‘defective type’ strains were lost without exception. These results indicate that OprD structure and antimicrobial activities for carbapenem agents proved to be highly correlated in P. aeruginosa
Effect of GM‐CSF on cytokine induction by soluble β‐glucan SCG in vitro in β‐glucan‐treated mice
Authors: Hida Toshie H. , Kawaminami Hiromi , Ishibashi Ken‐ichi , Miura Noriko N. , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Yadomae Toshiro , Ohno Naohito 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTSCG is a 6‐branched 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan, which are major cell wall structural components in fungi. Leukocytes from DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice are highly sensitive to SCG, producing cytokines such as GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α and IL‐12p70, but not IL‐6. GM‐CSF plays a key biological role in this activity. In the present study, we examined the effect of giving i.p. SCG to DBA/2 mice on cytokine production in vitro. SCG was given i.p. to DBA/2 mice on day 0. Splenocytes were prepared on day 7 and cultured in the presence of SCG in vitro. The levels of cytokine production induced by SCG in vitro were lower in the cells from SCG‐treated mice than in control mice. Expression of the β‐glucan receptor, dectin‐1, in SCG‐treated mice was comparable with that shown in control mice. However, the consumption of exogenously added rmGM‐CSF in vitro was observed in SCG‐treated mice. The addition of a large amount of rmGM‐CSF to the culture medium resulted in larger amounts of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in SCG‐treated mice than in normal mice. These results suggested that GM‐CSF was closely related with the reactivity of β‐glucan. Giving SCG increased the number of macrophages and granulocytes in the spleen. These results suggested that in SCG‐treated mice, a change of cell population would be related to modulation of the profile of cytokine production induced by SCG in vitro.
Mechanisms of change in motivational interviewing: a review and preliminary evaluation of the evidence
Authors: Apodaca Timothy R. , Longabaugh Richard 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAims  Motivational interviewing (MI) is an efficacious treatment for substance use disorders. However, little is known about how MI exerts its therapeutic effects. This review is a first attempt to summarize and evaluate the evidence for purported within‐session mechanisms of change. The primary question of interest was: which MI constructs and variables appear to be the most promising candidates for mechanisms of change?Methods  Literature searches were conducted to identify studies delivering MI in an individual format for the treatment of substance use disorders. Our search identified a total of 152 studies for review; 19 studies met inclusion criteria by providing data on at least one link in the causal chain model under examination. Effect size estimates were calculated for every possible step in the causal model where sufficient data were provided by study authors.Results  Four constructs of therapist behavior were evaluated: MI‐Spirit, MI‐Consistent behaviors, MI‐Inconsistent behaviors and therapist use of specific techniques. Five constructs of client behavior were evaluated: change talk/intention, readiness to change, involvement/engagement, resistance and the client's experience of discrepancy. The absence of experimental and full mediation studies of mechanisms of change was notable. Effect sizes were generally mixed.Conclusions  The most consistent evidence was found for three constructs: client change talk/intention (related to better outcomes); client experience of discrepancy (related to better outcomes); and therapist MI‐Inconsistent behavior (related to worse outcomes). Regarding therapist use of specific techniques, use of a decisional balance exercise showed the strongest association to better outcomes.
An analysis of cocaine powder in the Netherlands: content and health hazards due to adulterants
Authors: Brunt Tibor M. , Rigter Sander , Hoek Jani , Vogels Neeltje , Van Dijk Peter , Niesink Raymond J. M. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAims To report on trends in the content and adulterants present in street cocaine (powder) in the Netherlands and to describe the associated health hazards.Design and participants Drug consumers handed in samples of cocaine powder from 1999 to 2007 for analysis. Reports were compiled of users' experiences with the samples received.Measurements and analysis Linear regression analysis was used to assess the trend in adulterated cocaine powder across the study period, and comparison of reported adverse effects of adulterated with those of unadulterated cocaine by Fisher's exact test.Findings There has been a statistically significant upward trend in the occurrence of adulterated cocaine powder over the years. Adulterated cocaine was associated more frequently with reported adverse effects than unadulterated cocaine. Phenacetin, hydroxyzine and diltiazem appeared to be three adulterants contributing to these adverse effects.Conclusions An increase in adulterants was detected in the analysed cocaine powder between 1999 and 2007. This increase is associated with relatively more adverse effects with cocaine use. The cardiac and hallucinatory effects that were reported more frequently are not understood clearly. Adverse effects are likely to be due to several factors, including interactions of adulterants with cocaine and the route of administration.
Reduced affective symptoms during tobacco dependence treatment with varenicline
Authors: Grosshans Martin , Mutschler Jochen , Hermann Derik , Mann Karl , Diehl Alexander 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of tobacco dependence, but has been reported to induce exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in subjects with pre‐existing psychiatric disorders.Case description  We report a tobacco‐dependent patient who developed depression and suicidal tendencies during several cessation attempts, but was finally able to stay nicotine‐abstinent by taking varenicline.Conclusion  In this case varenicline did not lead to exacerbation but appeared to improve the affective symptoms.
Comparing the effects of entertainment media and tobacco marketing on youth smoking in Germany
Authors: Sargent James D. , Hanewinkel Reiner 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To examine differential effects of smoking in films and tobacco advertising on adolescent smoking. We hypothesize that movie smoking will have greater effects on smoking initiation, whereas tobacco advertising receptivity will primarily affect experimentation.Design  Longitudinal observational study of adolescents.Setting  School‐based surveys conducted in Schleswig‐Holstein, Germany.Participants  A total of 4384 adolescents age 11–15 years at baseline and re‐surveyed 1 year later; ever smoking prevalence was 38% at time 1.Measurements  The main outcome variable combined two items assessing life‐time and current smoking (alpha = 0.87). Baseline never smokers were analyzed separately from those who had tried smoking (ever smokers). Exposure to smoking in 398 internationally distributed US movies was modeled as a continuous variable, with 0 corresponding to the 5th percentile and 1 to the 95th percentile of exposure. Tobacco marketing receptivity consisted of naming a brand for a favorite tobacco advertisement. Ordinal logistic regressions controlled for socio‐demographics, other social influences, personality characteristics of the adolescent and parenting style.Findings  Whereas 34% of ever smokers were receptive to tobacco marketing at time 1, only 6% of never smokers were. Among time 1 never smokers, exposure to movie smoking was a significantly stronger predictor of higher time 2 smoking level [adjusted proportional odds ratio = 2.76, 95% confidence interval (1.84, 4.15)] than was tobacco marketing receptivity (1.53 [1.07, 2.20]). Among time 1 ever smokers, both tobacco marketing receptivity and exposure to movie smoking predicted higher levels of time 2 smoking [2.17 (1.78, 2.63) and 1.62 (1.18, 2.23), respectively], and the two estimates were not significantly different.Conclusions  In this longitudinal study, exposure to movie smoking was a stronger predictor of smoking initiation than tobacco marketing receptivity, which was more common among ever smokers. The results suggest that entertainment media smoking should be emphasized in programs aimed at preventing onset, and both exposures should be emphasized in programs aimed at experimental smokers.
Assessing motivation to quit smoking in people with mental illness: a review
Authors: Siru Ranita , Hulse Gary K. , Tait Robert J. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  People with mental health (MH) disorders smoke at higher rates, are more nicotine‐dependent and suffer greater morbidity and mortality from smoking‐related illnesses than the general population. Helping these people to quit smoking is a public health priority; however, many MH professionals assume that those with mental illness are not motivated to quit.Objectives  To use predetermined criteria to identify, review critically and evaluate empirically all English language, peer‐reviewed data on motivation to quit smoking in MH populations.Methods  A systematic search was conducted and key data on subject characteristics, measures of motivation and other variables abstracted. χ2 analyses were used to compare motivation between MH and general populations, between in‐patients and out‐patients and between people with depression and people with psychotic disorders.Results  Evidence suggests that people with MH disorders are as motivated to quit smoking as the general population, although those with psychotic disorders may be less motivated than individuals with depression. Although readiness to cease smoking was assessed in 14 studies, only two evaluated motivation to quit smoking in in‐patient populations.Conclusions  People with MH disorders are motivated to quit smoking, although more research is needed looking at in‐patient populations. The commonly held false belief that people with MH disorders are not motivated to cease smoking means that opportunities to encourage smoking cessation among this disenfranchised group are being missed.
Addiction research centres and the nurturing of creativity: The Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems. Past, present and future
Authors: Kuntsche Emmanuel , Maffli Etienne , Kuntsche Sandra , Delgrande Jordan Marina 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe aim of this paper is to offer an account of the history, the current status and the future of substance use research at the Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems (SIPA). Although founded originally by the temperance movement in 1901, its policy has shifted over time towards one which accepts an alcohol‐consuming culture made up of self‐determined but well‐informed consumers, while still supporting those who choose to live an abstinent life. In the beginning, SIPA was involved primarily in collecting alcohol‐related information and making it available to professionals and the general public. From the late 1960s SIPA began conducting its own research projects; by the mid‐1970s it had set up its own in‐house research department. In 2001, SIPA was appointed a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Substance Abuse, Research, Prevention and Documentation. As a private non‐governmental organization, most of its funding comes from external research commissions. SIPA participates in a variety of international projects [e.g. Gender Alcohol and Culture: An International Study (GenACIS), European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD) and Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC)] and contributes to numerous national research projects dealing with substance use. It has also forged close links with more than 50 other research institutions in Switzerland and world‐wide. Thanks to its work over the last 30 years, SIPA has become a chief port of call for alcohol use research in Switzerland. In the future, SIPA will continue to monitor substance use, while stepping up its prevention research activities and ensuring that it is able to react more promptly to emerging phenomena.
Improving substance abuse treatment enrollment in community syringe exchangers
Authors: Kidorf Michael , King Van L. , Neufeld Karin , Peirce Jessica , Kolodner Ken , Brooner Robert K. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAims  The present study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention combining motivational enhancement and treatment readiness groups, with and without monetary incentives for attendance and treatment enrollment, on enhancing rates of substance abuse treatment entry among new registrants at the Baltimore Needle Exchange Program (BNEP).Design  Opioid‐dependent study participants (n = 281) referred by the BNEP were assigned randomly to one of three referral interventions: (i) eight individual motivational enhancement sessions and 16 treatment readiness group sessions (motivated referral condition—MRC); (ii) the MRC intervention with monetary incentives for attending sessions and enrolling in treatment—MRC+I); or (iii) a standard referral condition which directed participants back to the BNEP for referral (standard referral—SRC). Participants were followed for 4 months.Findings  MRC+I participants were more likely to enroll in any type of treatment than MRC or SRC participants (52.1% versus 31.9% versus 35.5%; χ2 = 9.12, P = 0.01), and more likely to enroll in treatment including methadone than MRC or SRC participants (40.4% versus 20.2% versus 16.1%; χ2 = 16.65, P < 0.001). MRC+I participants also reported less heroin and injection use than MRC and SRC participants.Conclusions  Syringe exchange sites can be effective platforms to motivate opioid users to enroll in substance abuse treatment and ultimately reduce drug use and number of drug injections.
Pressure volume curves of paediatric laryngeal mask airways
Authors: Wallace C. J. , Chambers N. A. , Erb T. O. , Von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryHyperinflation of the laryngeal mask airway cuff may exert high pressure on pharyngeal and laryngeal structures. In vitro data show that high intra cuff pressures may occur when inflated to only 30% of the manufacturer’s recommended maximum inflation volume. We prospectively assessed the pressure volume curves of paediatric sized laryngeal mask airways (size 1–3) in 240 consecutive children (0–15 years). Following laryngeal mask airway insertion the cuff was inflated with 1‐ml increments of air up to the maximum recommended by the manufacturer. After each ml cuff pressure was measured. At the end all cuff pressures were adjusted to 55 cmH2O. The maximum recommended volume resulted in high intracuff pressures in all laryngeal mask airway brands and sizes studied. Approximately half the maximum volume produced a cuff pressure ≥ 60 cmH2O. This occurred in all brands and all sizes studied. We recommend that cuff manometers should be used to guide inflation in paediatric laryngeal mask airways.
Subacute pain and function after fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Andersen L. Ø. , Gaarn‐Larsen L. , Kristensen B. B. , Husted H. , Otte K. S. , Kehlet H. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryIn a well‐defined fast‐track setup for total hip and knee arthroplasty, with a multimodal analgesic regimen consisting of intra‐operative local anaesthetic infiltration and oral celecoxib, gabapentin and paracetamol for 6 days postoperatively, we conducted a prospective, consecutive, observational study. The purpose was to describe the prevalence and intensity of subacute postoperative pain and opioid related side effects, use of analgesics and functional ability 1–10 and 30 days postoperatively. Fast‐track total hip and knee arthroplasty with early discharge (< 3 days) resulted in acceptable levels of pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting with concomitant low use of opioids in > 95% of patients after discharge before day 10 after total hip arthroplasty. However, after total knee arthroplasty 52% patients reported moderate pain (VAS 30–59 mm), and 16% severe pain (VAS ≥ 60 mm) when walking 1 month after surgery with a concomitant increase in the use of strong opioids. These results emphasise the need for improvement in analgesia after discharge following total knee arthroplasty, to facilitate rehabilitation.
Abdominal compartment syndrome during hip arthroscopy
Authors: Sharma A. , Sachdev H. , Gomillion M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryHip arthroscopy is recognised as a highly effective means of treating joint disorders. The majority of complications associated with hip arthroscopy involve neurovascular traction injury. We report a relatively unusual complication of hip arthroscopy, extravasation of irrigation fluid into the retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal cavities, resulting in abdominal compartment syndrome.
Monosodium glutamate ‘allergy’: menace or myth?
Authors: Williams A. N. , Woessner K. M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is a salt form of a non‐essential amino acid commonly used as a food additive for its unique flavour enhancing qualities. Since the first description of the ‘Monosodium glutamate symptom complex’, originally described in 1968 as the ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’, a number of anecdotal reports and small clinical studies of variable quality have attributed a variety of symptoms to the dietary ingestion of MSG. Descriptions of MSG‐induced asthma, urticaria, angio‐oedema, and rhinitis have prompted some to suggest that MSG should be an aetiologic consideration in patients presenting with these conditions. This review prevents a critical review of the available literature related to the possible role of MSG in the so‐called ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’ and in eliciting asthmatic bronchospasm, urticaria, angio‐oedema, and rhinitis. Despite concerns raised by early reports, decades of research have failed to demonstrate a clear and consistent relationship between MSG ingestion and the development of these conditions.
Allergen extract‐induced interleukin‐10 in human memory B cells inhibits immunoglobulin E production
Authors: Milovanovic M. , Heine G. , Zuberbier T. , Worm M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground
Elevated specific IgE antibody levels are common in atopic individuals, caused by T‐helper type 2‐dominated B cell activation. The induction of antigen‐specific IL‐10 secreting T cells is discussed as an important mechanism during specific immunotherapy. By contrast the presence and function of B cell‐derived IL‐10 is not well defined yet.Objective
We investigated whether type‐I allergen extracts induce IL‐10 expression in human B cells and analysed its functional role on IgE production.Methods
Human peripheral B cells were stimulated with grass pollen, house dust mite (HDM) (Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus; Der p) and dog allergen extract. Expression of IL‐10 by activated human B cells was determined by flow cytometric analysis and ELISA. Functional analysis considering immunoglobulin production was assayed by ELISA.Results
The allergen extracts studied induced IL‐10 expression in B cells. However, the ability to induce IL‐10 differed between the allergen extracts. The most potent allergen extract was dog (169±28 pg/mL), followed by grass pollen (141±10 pg/mL) and HDM allergen (125±11 pg/mL). Upon allergen extract stimulation only CD27 expressing memory B cells produced IL‐10 and co‐expressed the very early activation antigen CD69. The addition of allergen extracts to B cells activated by anti‐CD40 and IL‐4 selectively inhibited IgE which was dependent on allergen extract‐induced IL‐10. By contrast the other immunoglobulin subclasses like IgA, IgG or IgM were not altered upon allergen extract challenge.Conclusion
Our data indicate that allergen‐activated memory B cells can modulate IgE production through secretion of IL‐10.