bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social cognitive determinants of ecstasy use to target in evidence‐based interventions: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Peters Gjalt‐Jorn Y. , Kok Gerjo , Abraham Charles 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAims  The health hazards and prevalence of ecstasy use have been documented in two decades of research, but no review reporting on potentially modifiable antecedents of use is available. The aim of this study was to integrate systematically research identifying cognitive correlates of ecstasy use. Such research has the potential to identify targets for evidence‐based interventions designed to discourage use.Methods  The databases PsycINFO and MedLine were searched, inclusion criteria applied to resulting hits, and descendency and ancestry approaches applied to the selected publications. Reported associations between cognitive determinants, including intention to use and ecstasy use measures, were synthesized by calculating a weighted mean effect size, r.Results  The pattern of associations lent support both to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the expectancy approach as descriptions of potentially useful determinants. Attitudes were associated most strongly with intention and use, followed by subjective norm and perceived behavioural control.Conclusions  Consideration of the strength of associations and the potential modifiability of identified cognitions suggests that evidence‐based interventions to discourage ecstasy use should target negative expectancies, perceived behavioural control and anticipated regret, and consider tailoring perceived behavioural control elements.
Population structure, genetic variation and morphological diversity in indigenous sheep of Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw S. , Van Arendonk J. A. M. , Komen H. , Windig J. J. , Hanotte O. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryWe investigated genetic and morphological diversity and population structure of 14 traditional sheep populations originating from four ecological zones in Ethiopia (sub‐alpine, wet highland, sub‐humid lowland and arid lowland). All animals (n = 672) were genotyped for 17 microsatellite markers and scored for 12 morphological characters. The sheep were initially classified as fat‐tailed (11 populations), thin‐tailed (one population) and fat‐rumped sheep (two populations). These classifications are thought to correspond to three consecutive introduction events of sheep from the Near‐East into East Africa. For the 14 populations, allelic richness ranged from 5.87 to 7.51 and expected heterozygosity (HE) from 0.66 to 0.75. Genetic differentiations (FST values) between all pairs of populations, except between sub‐alpine populations, were significantly different from zero (P < 0.001). Cluster analysis of morphological characters and a dendrogram constructed from genetic distances were broadly consistent with the classification into fat‐tailed, thin‐tailed and fat‐rumped sheep. Bayesian cluster analysis using microsatellite markers indicated that there has been further genetic differentiation after the initial introduction of sheep into Ethiopia. Investigation of factors associated with genetic variation showed that an isolation‐by‐distance model, independently of other factors, explained most of the observed genetic variation. We also obtained a strong indication of adaptive divergence in morphological characters, patterns of morphological variation being highly associated with ecology even when the effect of neutral genetic divergence (FST) was parcelled out in partial Mantel tests. Using a combination of FST values, Bayesian clustering analysis and morphological divergence, we propose a classification of Ethiopian sheep into six breed groups and nine breeds.
Modulation of mucus production by interleukin‐13 receptor α2 in the human airway epithelium
Authors: Tanabe T. , Fujimoto K. , Yasuo M. , Tsushima K. , Yoshida K. , Ise H. , Yamaya M. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackground
IL‐13 induces goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction in airway epithelial cells. IL‐13 receptor α2 (IL‐13Rα2) has been suggested to act as a ‘decoy receptor’ in the airway epithelium by inhibiting the IL‐13 signal. However, the regulatory mechanisms for mucus production by IL‐13Rα2 remain unclear.Objective
The aim of this study was to examine the role of IL‐13Rα2 in goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus overproduction by IL‐13.Methods
Bronchi were obtained from patients who underwent a lung resection due to lung cancer or benign lung tumours. Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBECs) were isolated and cultured using an air–liquid interface (ALI) method.Results
The number of periodic acid‐Schiff's (PAS)‐positive cells, goblet cells and MUC5AC‐positive cells increased after adding IL‐13 into NHBECs. The concentrations of MUC5AC protein in the supernatant and the mRNA expression of MUC5AC significantly increased after adding IL‐13, and returned to control levels at 21 days. The mRNA expression of IL‐13Rα2 significantly increased at 7 days and then continuously increased up to 21 days. The protein of a soluble form of IL‐13Rα2 in the supernatants significantly increased at 14 and 21 days. Anti‐IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2 reduced the number of PAS‐positive cells, goblet cells and MUC5AC‐positive cells, and MUC5AC mRNA, while the anti‐IL‐13Rα2 antibody increased the number of these cells and MUC5AC mRNA. The concentration of MUC5AC protein in the supernatant induced by IL‐13 was reduced by anti‐ IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2. IL‐13‐induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activation was inhibited by anti‐IL‐13Rα1 antibody and recombinant IL‐13Rα2. In contrast, the IL‐4‐induced mucus production, mucus secretion and STAT activation were not inhibited by recombinant IL‐13Rα2.Conclusion
The soluble form of IL‐13Rα2 may therefore modulate mucus overproduction by IL‐13 through the pathway including IL‐13Rα1 in NHBECs.
Mast cell tryptase causes homologous desensitization of β‐adrenoceptors by Ca2+sensitization in tracheal smooth muscle
Authors: Kobayashi M. , Kume H. , Oguma T. , Makino Y. , Ito Y. , Shimokata K. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackgroundRecent studies have revealed that in asthma, mast cells infiltrate to the smooth muscle layer and release tryptase, an enzymatic activator of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2). This phenomenon, mast cell myositis, is proposed as a new feature of asthma. However, little is known about the involvement of mast cell myositis in the pathophysiology of asthma.ObjectiveThis study was designed to determine whether mast cell degranulation has any functional impact on β‐adrenoceptors via PAR2 in airway smooth muscle. Moreover, we focused on Ca2+signalling as a mechanism underlying alteration of smooth muscle tone and responsiveness.MethodsIsometric tension andF340/F380, an indicator of the concentration of intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i), were simultaneously measured using fura‐2‐loaded tissues isolated from guinea‐pig tracheal smooth muscle.ResultsTryptase (1–100 nm) caused tension with elevatedF340/F380, and after exposure to tryptase for 15 min the inhibitory effect of isoprenaline (ISO) against methacholine was attenuated without elevatingF340/F380in a concentration‐dependent manner. Tryptase (<1 nm) had a modest effect on tension, but prolonged treatment (120 min) with 0.1 nmtryptase also reduced the effects of ISO in a time‐dependent manner. When tissues were incubated with tryptase in the presence of Y‐27632, a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, reduced responsiveness to ISO by tryptase was reversed without affectingF340/F380. In contrast, pre‐treatment with SKF96365, a non‐selective inhibitor of Ca2+channels, did not antagonize the effect of tryptase. Moreover, pre‐treatment with SLIGKV‐NH2, a non‐enzymatic activator of PAR2, resulted in a loss of β‐adrenergic efficacy, similar to tryptase. The effect of cAMP‐related agents bypassing β‐adrenoceptors was not attenuated after exposure to tryptase.ConclusionIn mast cell myositis, tryptase released from mast cells acts on airway smooth muscle, leading to homologous β‐adrenergic desensitization mediated by [Ca2+]i‐independent mechanisms via PAR2 activation.
Caries prevalence and distribution in individuals aged 3–20 years in Jönköping, Sweden, over a 30‐year period (1973–2003)
Authors: HUGOSON ANDERS , KOCH GÖRAN , HELKIMO ANNA NYDELL , LUNDIN SVEN‐ÅKE 
Published: November 2007

Background.  Oral health status of individuals aged 3–80 years in the city of Jönköping, Sweden, has been assessed in a series of epidemiological studies over a 30‐year period.Aim.  To analyse the changes in caries prevalence and caries distribution in child population sample groups, based on studies performed in 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, and 2003.Design.  Each time point included 500 randomly sampled individuals, divided into age groups of 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.Results.  Thirty‐five per cent of 3‐year‐olds were caries free in 1973, compared with 69% 30 years later. Decayed and filled primary (dfs) and permanent surfaces (DFS) were reduced by 50–80% between 1973 and 2003. Adolescents aged 10 and 15 years exhibited the most pronounced reduction in DFS on the occlusal surfaces. By 2003, 90% of the proximal carious lesions in 15‐year‐olds were initial carious lesions. In 2003, about 60% of 15‐year‐olds had a DFS of ≤ 5, while about 7% exhibited a DFS of ≥ 26.Conclusions.  Despite the dramatic decline in the prevalence of caries, caries remains a health problem among children, particularly those of preschool age. Continuous epidemiological studies are recommended to evaluate preventive measures.
Subcellular location characteristics of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa GGDEF protein, WspR, indicate that it produces cyclic‐di‐GMP in response to growth on surfaces
Authors: Güvener Zehra Tüzün , Harwood Caroline S. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wsp signal transduction system produces cyclic‐di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP), an intracellular messenger that stimulates biofilm formation and suppresses motility. The Wsp system is homologous to chemotaxis systems and includes a membrane‐bound receptor protein, WspA, and a response regulator GGDEF protein, WspR, that catalyses c‐di‐GMP synthesis when phosphorylated. We found that the subcellular distributions of fluorescent protein‐tagged WspA and WspR differed markedly from their chemotaxis counterparts. WspA–YFP formed patches in cells whereas WspR–YFP was dispersed when unphosphorylated and formed bright cytoplasmic clusters when phosphorylated. WspR formed clusters in cells of a ΔwspF mutant, a genetic background that causes constitutive phosphorylation of WspR, but was dispersed in cells of a wspA mutant, a genetic background necessary for WspR phosphorylation. In addition, WspR mutated at Asp70, its predicted site of phosphorylation, did not form clusters. C‐di‐GMP synthesis was not required for cluster formation. WspR–YFP was dispersed in liquid‐grown wild‐type cells, but formed clusters that sometimes appeared and disappeared over the course of a few minutes in cells grown on an agar surface. Our results suggest that the compartmentalized production of c‐di‐GMP in response to a stimulus associated with growth on a surface is an important functional characteristic of the Wsp system.
Translation factor IF2 at the interface of transposition and replication by the PriA‐PriC pathway
Authors: North Stella H. , Kirtland Sandy E. , Nakai Hiroshi 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBacteriophage Mu DNA synthesis is initiated during transposition by replication restart proteins PriA, DnaT and either PriB or PriC. The PriA‐PriC pathway requires PriA's helicase activity and other host factors that promote the orderly transition from transpososome to replisome on the Mu DNA template. The host factor MRFα‐PR, which removes obstacles to PriA binding and promotes the PriA‐PriC pathway, was identified to be the translation initiation factor IF2. Purified isoform IF2‐2, which is truncated at the N‐terminal end, had full MRFα‐PR activity whereas full‐length IF2‐1 was inactive. IF2‐2 was bound to the Mu DNA template specifically at the step for prereplisome assembly. Prior steps in the orderly transition from transpososome were essential to promote efficient IF2‐2 binding. Moreover, PriA helicase activity was subsequently needed to displace IF2‐2, remodelling the template to permit replisome assembly. IF2's role in the transition mechanism as well as its function as G protein and translation factor suggest its potential to regulate DNA synthesis by this pathway.
PE is a functional domain responsible for protein translocation and localization on mycobacterial cell wall
Authors: Cascioferro Alessandro , Delogu Giovanni , Colone Marisa , Sali Michela , Stringaro Annarita , Arancia Giuseppe , Fadda Giovanni , Palù Giorgio , Manganelli Riccardo 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe PE family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis includes 98 proteins which share a highly homologous N‐terminus sequence of about 110 amino acids (PE domain). Depending on the C‐terminal domain, the PE family can be divided in three subfamilies, the largest of which is the PE_PGRS with 61 members. In this study, we determined the cellular localization of three PE proteins by cell fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy by expressing chimeric epitope‐tagged recombinant proteins in Mycobacterium smegmatis. We demonstrate that the PE domain of PE_PGRS33 and PE11 (a protein constituted by the only PE domain) contains the information necessary for cell wall localization, and that they can be used as N‐terminal fusion partners to deliver a sufficiently long C‐terminus‐linked protein domain on the mycobacterial cell surface. Indeed, we demonstrate that PE_PGRS33 and Rv3097c (a lipase belonging to the PE family) are surface exposed and localize in the mycobacterial cell wall. Moreover, we found that PE_PGRS33 is easily extractable by detergents suggesting its localization in the mycobacterial outer membrane. Beyond defining the cellular localization of these proteins, and a function for their PE domains, these data open the interesting possibility to construct recombinant mycobacteria expressing heterologous antigens on their surface for vaccine purposes.
Importance of internal hydraulic redistribution for prolonging the lifespan of roots in dry soil
Authors: BAUERLE T. L. , RICHARDS J. H. , SMART D. R. , EISSENSTAT D. M. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTRedistribution of water within plants could mitigate drought stress of roots in zones of low soil moisture. Plant internal redistribution of water from regions of high soil moisture to roots in dry soil occurs during periods of low evaporative demand. Using minirhizotrons, we observed similar lifespans of roots in wet and dry soil for the grapevine ‘Merlot’ (Vitis vinifera) on the rootstock 101‐14 Millardet de Gramanet (Vitis riparia × Vitis rupestris) in a Napa County, California vineyard. We hypothesized that hydraulic redistribution would prevent an appreciable reduction in root water potential and would contribute to prolonged root survivorship in dry soil zones. In a greenhouse study that tested this hypothesis, grapevine root systems were divided using split pots and were grown for 6 months. With thermocouple psychrometers, we measured water potentials of roots of the same plant in both wet and dry soil under three treatments: control (C), 24 h light + supplemental water (LW) and 24 h light only (L). Similar to the field results, roots in the dry side of split pots had similar survivorship as roots in the wet side of the split pots (P = 0.136) in theCtreatment. In contrast, reduced root survivorship was directly associated with plants in which hydraulic redistribution was experimentally reduced by 24 h light. Dry‐side roots of plants in theLWtreatment lived half as long as the roots in the wet soil despite being provided with supplemental water (P < 0.0004). Additionally, pre‐dawn water potentials of roots in dry soil under 24 h of illumination (LandLW) exhibited values nearly twice as negative as those ofCplants (P = 0.034). Estimates of root membrane integrity using electrolyte leakage were consistent with patterns of root survivorship. Plants in which nocturnal hydraulic redistribution was reduced exhibited more than twice the amount of electrolyte leakage in dry roots compared to those in wet soil of the same plant. Our study demonstrates that besides a number of ecological advantages to protecting tissues against desiccation, internal hydraulic redistribution of water is a mechanism consistent with extended root survivorship in dry soils.
IFN‐γ Production and Degranulation are Differentially Regulated in Response to Stimulation in Murine Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Vahlne G. , Becker S. , Brodin P. , Johansson M. H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractActivation of natural killer (NK) cells is induced via receptors like NKG2D, NKR‐P1C and NKp46. This activation is balanced by interactions with inhibitory receptors. NK cell activation can lead to cytotoxicity mediated via polarized exocytosis of secretory lysosomes (degranulation) and interferon (IFN)‐γ production. We studied cell surface mobilization of a molecule present in secretory lysosomes, CD107a (LAMP‐1), to monitor the relationship between degranulation of NK cells and their production of IFN‐γ at the single cell level. A comparison of responses in naive mouse NK cells and NK cells pre‐activated with the type I interferon‐inducer tilorone demonstrated a dramatic influence of pre‐activation, allowing potent degranulation and IFN‐γ responses to NKG2D mediated stimulation that were not observed with naive NK cells. Degranulation and IFN‐γ production were performed by overlapping NK cell populations with generally higher frequencies of degranulating than IFN‐γ producing NK cells. An NK cell subset analysis based on expression of Mac‐1 and CD27 revealed that immature NK cells (Mac‐1loCD27hi) are preferentially degranulating, Mac‐1hiCD27hi cells perform both effector functions efficiently, while the most mature (Mac‐1hiCD27lo) NK cells display reduced degranulation but with maintained IFN‐γ production.
Original article: Frequency and impact of allergic rhinitis in asthma patients in everyday general medical practice: a French observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Magnan A. , Meunier J. P. , Saugnac C. , Gasteau J. , Neukirch F. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are inflammatory conditions of the airways that often occur concomitantly. This observational, cross‐sectional, national study was undertaken to describe the frequency and severity of AR in asthmatic patients. The impact of AR on the quality of life and the therapeutic management of patients in everyday general medical practice were also assessed.Methods:  From April to October 2005, 1906 French general practitioners (GP) participated in the study. Each physician had to fill out a questionnaire (including the Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire and a Rhinitis Questionnaire) for up to 10 consecutive adult asthmatic patients. The first three patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AR (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification) were asked to complete the Juniper Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ).Results:  A total of 14 703 patient questionnaires and 4335 auto‐questionnaires were analysed. Patients presented with intermittent (45%), mild (25%), moderate (25%) and severe (4%) persistent asthma. The frequency of AR in asthmatic patients was 55.2% (CI: 95%, 54.4–56.0%). Allergic rhinitis was mild for 54% and moderate/severe for 46% of patients. The frequency and severity of AR increased with the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). Moreover, AR was associated with worse asthma control whatever be the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). The global RQLQ scores of AR patients worsened with the severity of asthma (P < 0.001). Prescription of anti‐asthma treatments significantly increased with the severity of AR. The majority of AR patients (81%) were treated for rhinitis.Conclusions:  This survey suggested that AR was associated with more severe asthma, more difficulty to control asthma and substantial impairment of quality of life. The high frequency of AR in asthma patients requires that these conditions should be recognized and managed by GP.
Sexual dimorphism and the genetic potential for evolution of sex allocation in the gynodioecious plant, Schiedea salicaria
Authors: SAKAI A. K. , WELLER S. G. , CULLEY T. M. , CAMPBELL D. R. , DUNBAR‐WALLIS A. K. , ANDRES A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSex allocation theory addresses how separate sexes can evolve from hermaphroditism but little is known about the genetic potential for shifts in sex allocation in flowering plants. We tested assumptions of this theory using the common currency of biomass and measurements of narrow‐sense heritabilities and genetic correlations in Schiedea salicaria, a gynodioecious species under selection for greater differentiation of the sexes. Female (carpel) biomass showed heritable variation in both sexes. Male (stamen) biomass in hermaphrodites also had significant heritability, suggesting the potential for further evolution of dioecy. Significant positive genetic correlations between females and hermaphrodites in carpel mass may slow differentiation between the sexes. Within hermaphrodites, there were no negative genetic correlations between male and female biomass as assumed by models for the evolution of dioecy, suggesting that S. salicaria is capable of further changes in biomass allocation to male and female functions and evolution toward dioecy.
Temporal variation in the pollen:ovule ratios of Clarkia (Onagraceae) taxa with contrasting mating systems: field populations
Authors: DELESALLE V. A. , MAZER S. J. , PAZ H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAmong plants, pairs of selfing vs. outcrossing sister taxa provide interesting systems in which to test predictions concerning the magnitude and direction of temporal changes in sex allocation. Although resource availability typically declines towards the end of the growing season for annual taxa, temporal changes in mating opportunities depend on mating system and should change less in selfing taxa. Consequently, given that the pollen:ovule (P:O) ratio of flowers reflects the investment in (and potential fitness pay‐off due to) male vs. female function, we predicted that the P:O ratio should also be less variable among and within selfers than in closely related outcrossers. To test these predictions, we measured temporal changes in sex allocation in multiple field populations of two pairs of sister taxa in the annual flowering plant genus Clarkia (Onagraceae). In the outcrossing Clarkia unguiculata and the selfing Clarkia exilis, ovule production declined similarly from early to late buds, whereas pollen production remained constant or increased in the outcrosser but remained constant or decreased in the selfer. Consequently, the P:O ratio increased within unguiculata populations but marginally increased or stayed constant in exilis populations. In all populations of the selfing Clarkia xantiana spp. parviflora and the outcrossing C. x. spp. xantiana, both ovule and pollen production per flower declined over time. The effects of these declines on the P:O ratio, however, differed between subspecies. In each xantiana population, the mean P:O ratio did not differ between early and late flowers, although individuals varied greatly in the direction and magnitude of phenotypic change. By contrast, parviflora populations differed in the mean direction of temporal change in the P:O ratio. We found little evidence to support our initial predictions that the P:O ratio of the selfing taxa will consistently vary less than in outcrossing taxa.