bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-symptom asthma as an indication of disease severity in epidemiology
Authors: Ekerljung L. , Bossios A. , Lötvall J. , Olin A-C. , Rönmark E. , Wennergren G. , Torén K. , Lundbäck B. 
Published: February 2011

Epidemiological questionnaires have failed to identify individuals with severe asthma. The extent of symptoms of asthma can, however, be easily established in epidemiology, by identification of multiple symptoms. We hypothesise that reporting of multiple symptoms of asthma reflects uncontrolled disease and is a sign of more severe asthma. The aims of the current study were, therefore, to determine the prevalence and determinants of multi-symptom asthma.A postal questionnaire was sent to 30,000 randomly selected individuals aged 16–75 yrs. A subgroup underwent clinical examinations. Multi-symptom asthma was defined as reported physician-diagnosed asthma, use of asthma medication, recurrent wheeze, attacks of shortness of breath and at least one additional respiratory symptom.The prevalence of multi-symptom asthma was 2.0%, and it was more common among females (2.4versus1.5%; p<0.001) and those with a body mass index >30 kg·m-2. Multi-symptom asthmatics had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s, higher exhaled nitric oxide fraction and more pronounced hyperresponsiveness. Family history of both asthma and allergy (OR 7.3), and occupational exposure to gas dust or fumes (OR 2.0) were also significant risk factors.Multi-symptom asthmatics comprise 2% of the general population; multi-symptom asthma is related to signs of more severe disease and could be used as an epidemiological marker of disease severity.
Outcomes of hospitalisation for right heart failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Campo A. , Mathai S.C. , Le Pavec J. , Zaiman A.L. , Hummers L.K. , Boyce D. , Housten T. , Lechtzin N. , Chami H. , Girgis R.E. , Hassoun P.M. 
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to examine the causes and outcomes of hospitalisation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).205 consecutive hospitalisations occurring between 2000 and 2009 in 90 PAH patients were studied.The leading causes for hospitalisation were right heart failure (RHF; 56%), infection (16%) and bleeding disorders (8%). For patients with RHF, in-hospital mortality was 14% overall, 46% for patients receiving inotropes and 48% for those admitted to the intensive care unit. The predictors for in-hospital mortality were the presence of connective tissue disease (CTD) (OR 4.92), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg (OR 4.32) and Na ≤136 mEq·L−1(OR 4.29). Mortality after discharge was 13, 26 and 35% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. World Health Organization functional class prior to admission, renal dysfunction, Charlson comorbidity index, and the presence of CTD were all predictors of mortality after discharge.Hyponatraemia and low systolic blood pressure upon admission and underlying CTD are the main prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with PAH admitted for RHF. The short-term outcomes after discharge are poor and remarkably worse in patients with underlying CTD or renal impairment. Early recognition of these factors may guide decisions regarding more aggressive therapy, including consideration for lung transplantation.
In uterocigarette smoke exposure impairs somatic and lung growth in BALB/c mice
Authors: Larcombe A.N. , Foong R.E. , Berry L.J. , Zosky G.R. , Sly P.D. 
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to assess whetherin uterotobacco smoke exposure alone affects early-life lung growth and development.Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to cigarette smoke from six cigarettes per day, or air, from day 8 to 20 of gestation. At 2 weeks of age, pups were weighed and had their lung volumes and lung mechanics measured.Pups born from mothers exposed to cigarette smoke (CS pups; n=17) were significantly lighter (6.76±0.76versus7.72±0.68 g) and had lower lung volumes (0.123±0.02versus0.149±0.02 mL) than control pups (n=20). Respiratory mechanics were adversely impacted by cigarette smoke exposure. CS pups had higher baseline airway resistance, tissue damping and tissue elastance. These differences were largely due to lower lung volumes. Both tissue damping and elastance were increased excessively in CS pups at high transrespiratory pressures, while other parameters were not affected. There were no histological differences between groups.In uterotobacco smoke exposure significantly affects growth and development in BALB/c mice. These impacts may partially explain the susceptibility of infants born to smoking mothers to early respiratory disease and chronic respiratory disease as adults.
What the pulmonary specialist should know about the new inhalation therapies
Authors: Laube B.L. , Janssens H.M. , de Jongh F.H.C. , Devadason S.G. , Dhand R. , Diot P. , Everard M.L. , Horvath I. , Navalesi P. , Voshaar T. , Chrystyn H. 
Published: February 2011

A collaboration of multidisciplinary experts on the delivery of pharmaceutical aerosols was facilitated by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM), in order to draw up a consensus statement with clear, up-to-date recommendations that enable the pulmonary physician to choose the type of aerosol delivery device that is most suitable for their patient. The focus of the consensus statement is the patient-use aspect of the aerosol delivery devices that are currently available.The subject was divided into different topics, which were in turn assigned to at least two experts. The authors searched the literature according to their own strategies, with no central literature review being performed. To achieve consensus, draft reports and recommendations were reviewed and voted on by the entire panel.Specific recommendations for use of the devices can be found throughout the statement. Healthcare providers should ensure that their patients can and will use these devices correctly. This requires that the clinician: is aware of the devices that are currently available to deliver the prescribed drugs; knows the various techniques that are appropriate for each device; is able to evaluate the patient's inhalation technique to be sure they are using the devices properly; and ensures that the inhalation method is appropriate for each patient.
Noneosinophilic asthma in children: relation with airway remodelling
Authors: Baraldo S. , Turato G. , Bazzan E. , Ballarin A. , Damin M. , Balestro E. , Lokar Oliani K. , Calabrese F. , Maestrelli P. , Snijders D. , Barbato A. , Saetta M. 
Published: February 2011

Noneosinophilic asthma is increasingly recognised as an important clinical–pathological phenotype in adults. However, this entity has scarcely been investigated in children. In particular, it is unknown whether airway remodelling would develop in children with non-eosinophilic asthma to the same degree as in children with eosinophilic disease.We analysed bronchial biopsies from 80 children undergoing bronchoscopy for appropriate clinical indications: 21 with noneosinophilic asthma, 34 with eosinophilic asthma and 25 control children. Features of airway remodelling – basement membrane thickening, epithelial loss and angiogenesis – and immune activation – inflammatory infiltrate, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, TGF-β receptor type II – were quantified by histology and immunohistochemistry.The main components of airway remodelling were present in children with noneosinophilic asthma just as in those with eosinophilic disease. Indeed, compared with control children, both noneosinophilic and eosinophilic asthmatic children had thickened basement membrane, increased epithelial loss and higher number of vessels. Moreover, in both groups of asthmatics, expression of IL-4 and IL-5 was increased, while that of TGF-β receptor type II was reduced, compared with controls.This study demonstrates that structural changes typical of asthma develop in asthmatic children even in the absence of a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate, indicating that other mechanisms, besides eosinophilic inflammation, may promote airway remodelling early in life.
Auxin-inducible protein depletion system in fission yeast
Authors: Kanke Mai , Nishimura Kohei , Kanemaki Masato , Kakimoto Tatsuo , Takahashi Tatsuro S , Nakagawa Takuro , Masukata Hisao 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Inducible inactivation of a protein is a powerful approach for analysis of its function within cells. Fission yeast is a useful model for studying the fundamental mechanisms such as chromosome maintenance and cell cycle. However, previously published strategies for protein-depletion are successful only for some proteins in some specific conditions and still do not achieve efficient depletion to cause acute phenotypes such as immediate cell cycle arrest. The aim of this work was to construct a useful and powerful protein-depletion system in Shizosaccaromyces pombe.

Results
We constructed an auxin-inducible degron (AID) system, which utilizes auxin-dependent poly-ubiquitination of Aux/IAA proteins by SCFTIR1 in plants, in fission yeast. Although expression of a plant F-box protein, TIR1, decreased Mcm4-aid, a component of the MCM complex essential for DNA replication tagged with Aux/IAA peptide, depletion did not result in an evident growth defect. We successfully improved degradation efficiency of Mcm4-aid by fusion of TIR1 with fission yeast Skp1, a conserved F-box-interacting component of SCF (i mproved-AID system; i-AID), and the cells showed severe defect in growth. The i-AID system induced degradation of Mcm4-aid in the chromatin-bound MCM complex as well as those in soluble fractions. The i-AID system in conjunction with transcription repression (off-AID system), we achieved more efficient depletion of other proteins including Pol1 and Cdc45, causing early S phase arrest.

Conclusion
Improvement of the AID system allowed us to construct conditional null mutants of S. pombe. We propose that the off-AID system is the powerful method for in vivo protein-depletion in fission yeast.
Repression of btuB gene transcription in Escherichia coliby the GadX protein
Authors: Lei Guang-Sheng , Syu Wan-Jr , Liang Po-Huang , Chak Kin-Fu , Hu Wensi S , Hu Shiau-Ting 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundBtuB (B twelveuptake) is an outer membrane protein ofEscherichia coli, it serves as a receptor for cobalamines uptake or bactericidal toxin entry. A decrease in the production of the BtuB protein would causeE. colito become resistant to colicins. The production of BtuB has been shown to be regulated at the post-transcriptional level. The secondary structure switch of 5' untranslated region ofbutBand the intracellular concentration of adenosylcobalamin (Ado-Cbl) would affect the translation efficiency and RNA stability ofbtuB. The transcriptional regulation ofbtuBexpression is still unclear.ResultsTo determine whether thebtuBgene is also transcriptionally controlled by trans-acting factors, a genomic library was screened for clones that enableE. colito grow in the presence of colicin E7, and a plasmid carryinggadXandgadYgenes was isolated. ThelacZreporter gene assay revealed that these two genes decreased thebtuBpromoter activity by approximately 50%, and the production of the BtuB protein was reduced by approximately 90% in the presence of a plasmid carrying bothgadXandgadYgenes inE. colias determined by Western blotting. Results of electrophoretic mobility assay and DNase I footprinting indicated that the GadX protein binds to the 5' untranslated region of thebtuBgene. SincegadXandgadYgenes are more highly expressed under acidic conditions, the transcriptional level ofbtuBin cells cultured in pH 7.4 or pH 5.5 medium was examined by quantitative real-time PCR to investigate the effect of GadX. The results showed the transcription ofgadXwith 1.4-fold increase but the level ofbtuBwas reduced to 57%.ConclusionsThrough biological and biochemical analysis, we have demonstrated the GadX can directly interact withbtuBpromoter and affect the expression ofbtuB. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that the expression ofbtuBgene is transcriptionally repressed by the acid responsive genesgadXandgadY.
Dietary intakes in people with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Williams Elizabeth A , Nai XuiLi , Corfe Bernard M 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterised by episodes of abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits. Many IBS sufferers believe that diet may play a role in triggering these episodes and may avoid certain foods. However relatively few studies have undertaken a dietary assessment in IBS sufferers to examine the wider impact of the condition upon diet.

Methods
104 individuals with IBS were recruited and asked to complete a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The data were analysed against Dietary Reference Values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom and observed intakes for the general population and for differences between IBS subtypes and the UK population.

Results
The data show that the dietary intakes of this population of IBS sufferers met the UK Dietary Reference Values. The average energy intake of the population exceeded the Estimated Average Requirements of the UK population and the balance of macronutrients was favourable. Intakes of selected micronutrients significantly exceeded the reference nutrient intakes. There were no differences between IBS subtypes.

Conclusions
The IBS subpopulation appear to have an adequate and balanced macronutrient intake with no evidence of inadequate micronutrient intake.
Cumulative smoking exposure, duration of smoking cessation, and peripheral arterial disease in middle-aged and older Korean men
Authors: Lee Young-Hoon , Shin Min-Ho , Kweon Sun-Seog , Choi Jin-Su , Rhee Jung-Ae , Ahn Hye-Ran , Yun Woo-Jun , Ryu So-Yeon , Kim Bok-Hee , Nam Hae-Sung , Jeong Seul-Ki , Park Kyeong-Soo 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
We investigated the association of cumulative smoking exposure and duration of smoking cessation with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods
The study population consisted of 2517 community-dwelling Korean men aged 50 years and older. Information on smoking characteristics such as smoking status, pack-years of smoking, and years since quitting smoking was collected using a standardized questionnaire. PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) less than 0.90 in either leg.

Results
The odds ratio (OR, 95% confidence interval) of PAD was 2.31 (1.20-4.42) for former smokers and 4.30 (2.13-8.66) for current smokers, after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. There was a significant dose-response relationship between pack-years of smoking and PAD. Compared with those who had never smoked, the multivariate-adjusted ORs of PAD for smokers of 0.1-20.0, 20.1-40.0, and >40.0 pack-years were 2.15 (1.06-4.38), 2.24 (1.08-4.65), and 2.93 (1.41-6.09), respectively. There was a significant decrease in PAD risk as the years since quitting smoking increased. The multivariate-adjusted ORs of PAD for 11-20 and ≥21 years smoking cessation were 0.41 (0.19-0.86) and 0.49 (0.24-0.98), compared with current smokers.

Conclusions
Cumulative smoking exposure and duration of smoking cessation were significantly associated with PAD in middle aged and older Korean men.
Inositol pentakisphosphate isomers bind PH domains with varying specificity and inhibit phosphoinositide interactions
Authors: Jackson Sean G , Al-Saigh Sarra , Schultz Carsten , Junop Murray S 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
PH domains represent one of the most common domains in the human proteome. These domains are recognized as important mediators of protein-phosphoinositide and protein-protein interactions. Phosphoinositides are lipid components of the membrane that function as signaling molecules by targeting proteins to their sites of action. Phosphoinositide based signaling pathways govern a diverse range of important cellular processes including membrane remodeling, differentiation, proliferation and survival. Myo- Inositol phosphates are soluble signaling molecules that are structurally similar to the head groups of phosphoinositides. These molecules have been proposed to function, at least in part, by regulating PH domain-phosphoinositide interactions. Given the structural similarity of inositol phosphates we were interested in examining the specificity of PH domains towards the family of myo- inositol pentakisphosphate isomers.

Results
In work reported here we demonstrate that the C-terminal PH domain of pleckstrin possesses the specificity required to discriminate between different myo- inositol pentakisphosphate isomers. The structural basis for this specificity was determined using high-resolution crystal structures. Moreover, we show that while the PH domain of Grp1 does not possess this high degree of specificity, the PH domain of protein kinase B does.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that some PH domains possess enough specificity to discriminate between myo-inositol pentakisphosphate isomers allowing for these molecules to differentially regulate interactions with phosphoinositides. Furthermore, this work contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting myo-inositol phosphates as regulators of important PH domain-phosphoinositide interactions. Finally, in addition to expanding our knowledge of cellular signaling, these results provide a basis for developing tools to probe biological pathways.
Cost-effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy versus talking and usual care for depressed older people in primary care
Authors: Holman Amanda J , Serfaty Marc A , Leurent Baptiste E , King Michael B 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundWhilst evidence suggests cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) may be effective for depressed older people in a primary care setting, few studies have examined its cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), a talking control (TC) and treatment as usual (TAU), delivered in a primary care setting, for older people with depression.MethodsCost data generated from a single blind randomised controlled trial of 204 people aged 65 years or more were offered only Treatment as Usual, or TAU plus up to twelve sessions of CBT or a talking control is presented. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was the main outcome measure for depression. Direct treatment costs were compared with reductions in depression scores. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using non-parametric bootstrapping. The primary analysis focussed on the cost-effectiveness of CBT compared with TAU at 10 months follow up.ResultsComplete cost data were available for 198 patients at 4 and 10 month follow up. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline costs. The majority of health service contacts at follow up were made with general practitioners. Fewer contacts with mental health services were recorded in patients allocated to CBT, though these differences were not significant. Overall total per patient costs (including intervention costs) were significantly higher in the CBT group compared with the TAU group at 10 month follow up (difference £427, 95% CI: £56 - £787, p < 0.001). Reductions in BDI-II scores were significantly greater in the CBT group (difference 3.6 points, 95% CI: 0.7-6.5 points, p = 0.018). CBT is associated with an incremental cost of £120 per additional point reduction in BDI score and a 90% probability of being considered cost-effective if purchasers are willing to pay up to £270 per point reduction in the BDI-II score.ConclusionsCBT is significantly more costly than TAU alone or TAU plus TC, but more clinically effective. Based on current estimates, CBT is likely to be recommended as a cost-effective treatment option for this patient group if the value placed on a unit reduction in BDI-II is greater than £115.Trial Registrationisrctn.org Identifier:ISRCTN18271323
Loosenin, a novel protein with cellulose-disrupting activity from Bjerkandera adusta
Authors: Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa E , Martínez-Anaya Claudia , Cuervo-Soto Laura I , Segovia Lorenzo , Folch-Mallol Jorge L 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Expansins and expansin-like proteins loosen cellulose microfibrils, possibly through the rupture of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Together with the use of lignocellulolytic enzymes, these proteins are potential molecular tools to treat plant biomass to improve saccharification yields.

Results
Here we describe a new type of expansin-related fungal protein that we have called loosenin. Its corresponding gene, loos1, from the basidiomycete Bjerkandera adusta, was cloned and heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. LOOS1 is distantly related to plant expansins through the shared presence of a DPBB domain, however domain II found in plant expansins is absent. LOOS1 binds tightly to cellulose and chitin, and we demonstrate that cotton fibers become susceptible to the action of a commercial cellulase following treatment with LOOS1. Natural fibers of Agave tequilana also become susceptible to hydrolysis by cellulases after loosenin treatment.

Conclusions
LOOS1 is a new type of protein with disrupting activity on cellulose. LOOS1 binds polysaccharides, and given its enhancing properties on the action of hydrolytic enzymes, LOOS1 represents a potential additive in the production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulose.
A dual investigation of the effect of dietary supplementation with licorice flavonoid oil on anthropometric and biochemical markers of health and adiposity
Authors: Bell Zach W , Canale Robert E , Bloomer Richard J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) has been reported to minimize visceral adipose tissue gain in obese mice and to result in a decrease in body weight and body fat in humans; the effects of which may be more pronounced when administered in an overfed state.

Methods
We investigated the effects of LFO in two separate studies. Study 1 included a sample of overweight or grade I-II obese men and women (N = 22) who followed their usual dietary and physical activity programs. Study 2 included a sample of athletic men who followed their usual dietary and physical activity programs but consumed a daily supplemental meal (25% above daily energy requirements) in an attempt to induce a state of overfeeding. In both studies, subjects were randomly assigned (double-blind) to either LFO or a placebo for eight weeks, and anthropometric and multiple biochemical outcomes (e.g., markers of oxidative stress, markers of insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, etc.) were obtained before and following the intervention.

Results
No differences of statistical significance were noted between LFO and placebo for any measured variable in Study 1 or Study 2. When investigating the percent change from baseline for data in Study 2, although not of statistical significance, subjects in the LFO condition experienced less overall fat gain, as well as attenuation in the elevation in selected blood lipids (e.g., cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides).

Conclusion
These combined data indicate little effect of LFO supplementation within a sample of overweight/obese men and women or athletic men, with the possible exception of attenuation in body fat gain and selected components of the blood lipid panel in response to an overfeeding condition.