bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRPM channels are required for rhythmicity in the ultradian defecation rhythm of C. elegans
Authors: Kwan Claire SM , Vázquez-Manrique Rafael P , Ly Sung , Goyal Kshamata , Baylis Howard A 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Ultradian rhythms, rhythms with a period of less than 24 hours, are a widespread and fundamental aspect of life. The mechanisms underlying the control of such rhythms remain only partially understood. Defecation in C. elegans is a very tightly controlled rhythmic process. Underlying the defecation motor programme is an oscillator which functions in the intestinal cells of the animal. This mechanism includes periodic calcium release and subsequent intercellular calcium waves which in turn regulate the muscle contractions that make up the defecation motor programme. Here we investigate the role of TRPM cation channels in this process.

Results
We use RNA interference (RNAi) to perturb TRPM channel gene expression. We show that combined knock down of two of the TRPM encoding genes, gon-2 and gtl-1, results in an increase in the variability of the cycle but no change in the mean, in normal culture conditions. By altering the mean using environmental (temperature) and genetic approaches we show that this increase in variability is separable from changes in the mean. We show that gon-2 and gtl-1 interact with components of the calcium signalling machinery (itr-1 the C. elegans inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor) and with plasma membrane ion channels (flr-1 and kqt-3) which are known to regulate the defecation oscillator. Interactions with these genes result in changes to the mean period and variability. We also show that knocking down a putative transcription factor can suppress the increased variability caused by reduction of gon-2 and gtl-1 function. We also identify a previously unrecognised tendency of the defecation cycle to compensate for cycles with aberrant length by adjusting the length of the following cycle.

Conclusion
Thus TRPM channels regulate the variability of the defecation oscillator in C. elegans. We conclude that the mean and the variability of the defecation oscillator are separable. Our results support the notion that there is a strong underlying pacemaker which is able to function independently of the observable defecation rhythm and is not perturbed by increases in the variability of the cycle.
The interaction of gon-2 and gtl-1 with other components of the oscillator shows that TRPM channels play an important role in the oscillator machinery. Such a role may be through either regulation of cation levels or membrane properties or both. Specifically our results support previous proposals that gon-2 and gtl-1 regulate IP3 signalling and that kqt-3 may act by altering calcium influx.
Our results provide novel insights into the properties of the defecation oscillator and thus to our understanding of ultradian rhythms.
Harm reduction and equity of access to care for French prisoners: a review
Authors: Michel Laurent , Carrieri MPatrizia , Wodak Alex 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundDespite France being regarded as a model of efficient harm reduction policy and equity of access to care in the general community, the health of French inmates is a critical issue, as harm reduction measures are either inaccessible or only partially implemented in French prisons.MethodUsing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, information was collected and analyzed about HIV, HBV and HCV prevalence, risk practices, mortality, access to harm reduction measures and care for French prison inmates.ResultsData about the occurrence of bloodborne diseases, drug use and access to care in prisons remain limited and need urgent updating. Needle exchange programs are not yet available in French prisons and harm reduction interventions and access to OST remain limited or are heterogeneous across prisons. The continuity of care at prison entry and after release remains problematic and should be among the primary public health priorities for French prisoners.ConclusionPreventive and harm reduction measures should be urgently introduced at least as pilot programs. The implementation of such measures, not yet available in French prisons, is not only a human right for prison inmates but can also provide important public health benefits for the general population.
Nitrofurantoin-induced pulmonary fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Goemaere Natascha N T , Grijm Karin , van Hal Peter Th W , den Bakker Michael A 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Nitrofurantoin is a commonly used drug in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Many adverse effects of nitrofurantoin have been documented, including aplastic anemia, polyneuritis, and liver and pulmonary toxicity.

Case presentation
We describe the clinical history and the autopsy findings in a 51-year-old woman with lung fibrosis of unknown etiology. She had a history of recurrent urinary tract infections, treated with nitrofurantoin for many years. She was referred to our hospital for screening for lung transplantation because of severe pulmonary restriction and dyspnea. Unfortunately, she died as a result of progressive respiratory insufficiency. At autopsy bilateral patchy, sharply circumscribed fibrotic areas in the upper and lower lobes of the lungs were seen with honeycombing. Microscopically, end-stage interstitial fibrosis with diffuse alveolar damage was observed. Due to the atypical distribution of the fibrosis involving both the lower and upper lobes of the lung, the microscopic pattern of the fibrosis and the history of long-term nitrofurantoin use, we concluded that this drug induced the lung fibrosis. The recurrent urinary tract infections were probably caused by a diverticulum of the urinary bladder, which was discovered at autopsy.

Conclusion
This case shows that the use of nitrofurantoin may cause severe pulmonary disease. Patients with long-term use of nitrofurantoin should be monitored regularly for adverse pulmonary effects.
Transcriptome analysis reveals new insight into appressorium formation and function in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Oh Yeonyee , Donofrio Nicole , Pan Huaqin , Coughlan Sean , Brown Douglas E , Meng Shaowu , Mitchell Thomas , Dean Ralph A 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Background
Rice blast disease is caused by the filamentous Ascomycetous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and results in significant annual rice yield losses worldwide. Infection by this and many other fungal plant pathogens requires the development of a specialized infection cell called an appressorium. The molecular processes regulating appressorium formation are incompletely understood.

Results
We analyzed genome-wide gene expression changes during spore germination and appressorium formation on a hydrophobic surface compared to induction by cAMP. During spore germination, 2,154 (approximately 21%) genes showed differential expression, with the majority being up-regulated. During appressorium formation, 357 genes were differentially expressed in response to both stimuli. These genes, which we refer to as appressorium consensus genes, were functionally grouped into Gene Ontology categories. Overall, we found a significant decrease in expression of genes involved in protein synthesis. Conversely, expression of genes associated with protein and amino acid degradation, lipid metabolism, secondary metabolism and cellular transportation exhibited a dramatic increase. We functionally characterized several differentially regulated genes, including a subtilisin protease (SPM1) and a NAD specific glutamate dehydrogenase (Mgd1), by targeted gene disruption. These studies revealed hitherto unknown findings that protein degradation and amino acid metabolism are essential for appressorium formation and subsequent infection.

Conclusion
We present the first comprehensive genome-wide transcript profile study and functional analysis of infection structure formation by a fungal plant pathogen. Our data provide novel insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms that will directly benefit efforts to identify fungal pathogenicity factors and aid the development of new disease management strategies.
Calorie Restriction Modulates Inactivity-Induced Changes in the Inflammatory Markers C-Reactive Protein and Pentraxin-3
Authors: Bosutti Alessandra , Malaponte Grazia , Zanetti Michela , Castellino Pietro , Heer Martina , Guarnieri Gianfranco , Biolo Gianni 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Context: Energy balance and physical activity potentially influence systemic inflammation.
Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that moderate energy restriction may prevent activation of inactivity-induced inflammatory response.
Design: Participants were studied four times at the end of 14-d periods of experimental bed rest or controlled ambulation, after receiving eucaloric or hypocaloric diets.
Setting: The study was conducted at the clinical research center of the German Space Agency.
Subjects: Nine healthy young volunteers participated.
Interventions: Energy intake was calibrated to physical activity and decreased by about 20% in hypocaloric conditions.
Main Outcome Measures: Changes in body fat by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry as well as plasma inflammatory markers and cytokine mRNA levels in blood cells were measured.
Results: Fat mass did not change significantly in eucaloric conditions and decreased in hypocaloric periods (−1.0 ± 0.3 and −1.0 ± 0.3 kg in ambulatory and bed rest, respectively). Bed rest in eucaloric conditions increased plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) (+143 ± 53%) and both the ratios between plasma IL-6 and IL-10 (4±1 times) and white blood cell IL-6 and IL-10 mRNAs (5 ± 1 times). Energy restriction prevented bed-rest-mediated increases in CRP and the IL-6 to IL-10 ratio. Bed rest increased (P = 0.03) long pentraxin-3 (PTX3) plasma concentration, without significant activity-by-diet interaction. In all conditions (n = 36), CRP and PTX3 were inversely correlated (r = −0.61; P &lt; 0.001). Changes in fat mass, leptin, and IL-6 directly correlated with CRP and inversely correlated with PTX3. IL-10 inversely correlated with CRP and directly correlated with PTX3 (r = 0.52; P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions: Calorie restriction prevents the inflammatory response induced by 14 d of bed rest. We suggest an inverse regulation of CRP and PTX3 in response to changes in energy balance.
High Plasma Retinol Binding Protein-4 and Low Plasma Adiponectin Concentrations Are Associated with Severity of Glucose Intolerance in Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Choi Sung Hee , Kwak Soo Heon , Youn Byung-Soo , Lim Soo , Park Young Joo , Lee Hyewon , Lee Namseok , Cho Young Min , Lee Hong Kyu , Kim Young-Bum , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractContext: Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in the future. The role of adipokines in women with pGDM has not been established.Objective: We investigated whether circulating adipokine concentration is associated with abnormal glucose homeostasis in women with pGDM.Design, Setting, Patients, and Main Outcome Measures: We measured the plasma concentrations of retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), transthyretin (TTR), and adiponectin and metabolic parameters in four groups of women who exhibited normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during a previous pregnancy (NP, n = 17), NGT after GDM (GDM-NGT, n = 72), impaired glucose tolerance after GDM (GDM-IGT, n = 60), and type 2 diabetes after GDM (GDM-DM, n = 8).Results: Plasma RBP4 concentration was significantly higher in women with GDM-DM, GDM-IGT, and GDM-NGT than in those with NP. RBP4 concentration correlated positively with TTR concentration; fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations; blood pressure; abdominal fat area; and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Plasma TTR concentration was elevated in women with GDM-DM compared with other groups. In contrast, adiponectin concentration was lowest in the GDM-DM group and correlated inversely with parameters of insulin resistance. Resistin concentration was higher only in the GDM-NGT and GDM-IGT groups, whereas leptin did not differ between groups. Plasma RBP4 and adiponectin concentrations were inversely correlated.Conclusions: The severity of glucose intolerance in women with pGDM is associated with high RBP4 and low adiponectin concentrations.
Determination of Free Growth Hormone
Authors: Frystyk Jan , Andreasen Caroline Marie , Fisker Sanne 
Published: May 2008

AbstractContext: Approximately 50% of circulating GH is bound to the high-affinity GH-binding protein (GHBP), which is known to affect the pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, and quantitative determination of GH. Nevertheless, the presence of GHBP is rarely taken into account in the clinical use of GH measurements.Objective: Our objective was to develop an assay for free GH in serum.Methods: We used ultrafiltration by centrifugation. Due to the small molecular difference between GH and GHBP, the size of GHBP and GHBP-GH complexes was increased by preincubation of serum with a monoclonal GHBP antibody (MAb 263).Results: The ultrafiltration membrane almost completely retained all GHBP (&gt;98.5%) and allowed free passage of unbound GH (&gt;98.4%). Addition of increasing concentrations of GHBP reduced free GH dose dependently, and measured and calculated levels of free GH changed in parallel. During an insulin-tolerance test, free and total GH changed in parallel in all individuals (n = 11) and their peak values as well as area under the curve values were positively correlated (r = 0.89; P &lt; 0.001 and r = 0.92; P &lt; 0.001, respectively). Of note, the relative levels of free GH (calculated as the area under the curve of free to total GH) was inversely correlated with GHBP (r = −0.94; P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: It is possible to measure free GH in human serum. Free GH correlated positively with total GH and inversely with GHBP. Measurement of free GH may be a helpful future tool in the management of GH disorders and in studies of GH-GHBP interrelationships.
A Common Variation in Deiodinase 1 Gene DIO1 Is Associated with the Relative Levels of Free Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine
Authors: Panicker Vijay , Cluett Christie , Shields Beverley , Murray Anna , Parnell Kirstie S. , Perry John R. B. , Weedon Michael N. , Singleton Andrew , Hernandez Dena , Evans Jonathan , Durant Claire , Ferrucci Luigi , Melzer David , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Visser Theo J. , Ceresini Graziano , Hattersley Andrew T. , Vaidya Bijay , Dayan Colin M. , Frayling Timothy M. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Introduction: Genetic factors influence circulating thyroid hormone levels, but the common gene variants involved have not been conclusively identified. The genes encoding the iodothyronine deiodinases are good candidates because they alter the balance of thyroid hormones. We aimed to thoroughly examine the role of common variation across the three deiodinase genes in relation to thyroid hormones.
Methods: We used HapMap data to select single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that captured a large proportion of the common genetic variation across the three deiodinase genes. We analyzed these initially in a cohort of 552 people on T4 replacement. Suggestive findings were taken forward into three additional studies in people not on T4 (total n = 2513) and metaanalyzed for confirmation.
Results: A SNP in the DIO1 gene, rs2235544, was associated with the free T3 to free T4 ratio with genome-wide levels of significance (P = 3.6 × 10−13). The C-allele of this SNP was associated with increased deiodinase 1 (D1) function with resulting increase in free T3/T4 ratio and free T3 and decrease in free T4 and rT3. There was no effect on serum TSH levels. None of the SNPs in the genes coding for D2 or D3 had any influence on hormone levels.
Conclusions: This study provides convincing evidence that common genetic variation in DIO1 alters deiodinase function, resulting in an alteration in the balance of circulating free T3 to free T4. This should prove a valuable tool to assess the relative effects of circulating free T3vs. free T4 on a wide range of biological parameters.
Treatment Options in Insulin Resistance Obesity–Related Acanthosis Nigricans
Authors: Romo Anthony , Benavides Sandra 
Published: May 2008

Objective: To evaluate the literature to determine which oral and topical medications are most effective In the treatment of insulin resistance obesity–related acanthosis nigricans (IRORAN). Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search was conducted (1950–January 2008) using the search terms acanthosis nigricans (AN), metformin, rosiglita-zone, octreotide, retinoic acid, acitretin, etretinate, and isotretinoin. The search was limited to articles on treatment of IRORAN in humans written in the English language. Articles were retrieved and all references were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Articles selected for inclusion were limited to AN related to obesity with no other underlying etiology. Clinical trials and case repons using monotherapy were included. Data Synthesis: Metformin, rosiglitazone, octreotide, vitamin D analogs, and retinoic acid have been used in the treatment of IRORAN. In one randomized trial, metformin 500 mg 3 times daily was compared with rosiglitazone 4 mg once daily. Neither treatment demonstrated significant Improvements in AN; however, rosiglitazone did significantly decrease serum insulin levels. In a second clinical trial and in several case reports, AN and hyperinsulinemia did show improvement with metformin treatment. After a 6-month period, octreotide improved IRORAN, body weight, and glucose/insulin response to a meal. The improvements persisted for 6 additional months after discontinuation of octreotide. Vitamin D analogs and retinoids produced inconsistent results in 5 separate case reports. Conclusions: IRORAN is a growing problem, particularly in children and adolescents, secondary to the Increase in the prevalence of obesity. Treatment of IRONAN should focus on reversal of the underlying hyperinsulinemia. Patients with IRORAN may benefit from a trial of metformin for Improvement of lesions and underlying hyperinsulinemia.
Severe Myalgia Associated with Adalimumab Treatment in a Patient with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Hinojosa Joaquín , Borrás-Blasco Joaquín , Maroto Nuria , Rosique-Robles J Dolores , Alos Rafael , Casterá MD Elvira 
Published: May 2008

Objective: To report a case of severe myalgia associated with adalimumab in a patient with Crohn's disease. Case Summary: A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed as having ileocecal Crohn's disease with perianal fistula lesions. She was treated with 3 infusions of infliximab 5 mg/kg, which stabilized her condition. However, when reactivation of Crohn's disease occurred, Infliximab was discontinued. Eight weeks after infliximab was suspended, treatment with adalimumab was started, with an initial dose of 160 mg followed by 80 mg in week 2; 46 hours after the first dose, the woman complained of generalized severe pain in her upper and lower extremities. Results of all laboratory tests were within normal limits. A diagnosis of severe drug-related myalgia was made. We suspected that adalimumab was the causative agent since it was the only drug that had been added before the musculoskeletal symptoms appeared. Adalimumab was stopped and treatment with Ibuprofen and tramadol was started. Fifteen days after stopping adalimumab, the patient reported complete resolution of her muscle pain. Discussion: Myalgia following administration of adalimumab Is uncommon. This adverse reaction rarely is severe enough to result in cessation of the drug. In our patient, the most likely cause of the severe myalgias was considered to be adalimumab. The onset and resolution of the signs and symptoms followed a reasonable temporal sequence following drug initiation and discontinuation. In accordance with the data obtained and based on the Naranjo algorithm, the adverse reaction could be considered probable. Conclusions: This case documents the importance of recognizing the possibility of musculoskeletal adverse reactions even with medications like adalimumab, which have a good safety profile. These findings should further alert clinicians to the potential for myalgias associated with adalimumab administration.
Surface area and layer charge of smectite from CEC and EGME/H2O-retention measurements
Authors: Środoń Jan , McCarty Douglas K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe total specific surface area (TSSA) and smectitic layer charge (Qs) calculated from the structural formulae and unit-cell dimensions of 12 pure smectite samples were used as a reference in the design and evaluation of TSSA and Qs measurement techniques based on cation exchange capacity (CEC), H2O retention at 47% RH, and ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME) retention. A thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) technique was used to study the release of H2O from smectite on heating, and to introduce a correction for H2O remaining in the smectite after heating to 110°C, because the sample weight at this temperature has been used routinely as a reference in CEC and EGME sorption measurements. A temperature of 200°C was found to be the optimum reference for such measurements.A good agreement between Qs from the structural formula and from CEC was obtained when this correction was applied. The TSSA of smectite was measured with similar accuracy (mean error of ±5–7%) by three techniques: (1) using mean H2O coverage; (2) using mean EGME coverage; and (3) using a combination of H2O coverage and CEC. A reduction of the mean error from 5–7% to 4% can be obtained by averaging these measurements, and a further reduction to 3% by introducing corrections for the dependence of H2O and EGME coverage on layer charge. The study demonstrates that Ca2+-smectite samples at 47% RH have H2O contents corresponding to 88–107% of the theoretical mass of a monolayer and offers an explanation of this variation.
Constructing topological parallelisms of PG(3, ℝ) via rotation of generalized line pencils
Authors: Betten Dieter , Riesinger Rolf 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Let Q be an elliptic quadric of the real projective 3-space PG(3, ℝ) and denote by Q
¬i
the set of non-interior points with respect to Q. A simple covering of Q
¬i
by 2-secants of Q is called generalized line star with respect to Q. In [D. Betten, R. Riesinger, Topological parallelisms of the real projective 3-space. Results Math. 47 (2005), 226–241. MR2153495 (2006b:51009) Zbl 1088.51005] the authors give a construction P such that is a parallelism of PG(3, ℝ); cf. Theorem 1 below. In the present article, we are mainly interested in the plane analogues of gl-stars: the gl-pencils with respect to a conic; cf. Definition 3. If a gl-star is generated by rotating a gl-pencil about an axis , then we call a latitudinal gl-star and a latitudinal parallelism. We present a general construction process for gl-pencils by giving generating functions. Along this way we prove the existence of non-Clifford latitudinal parallelisms in PG(3, ℝ); moreover, we show that each latitudinal parallelism is topological.
Staircase kernels
Authors: Magazanik Evelyn , Perles Micha A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Let S ⊂ ℝ2 be a compact staircase connected set with stdiam(S) = n. In [E. Magazanik, M. A. Perles, Staircase connected sets. Discrete Comput. Geom.
37 (2007), 587–599. MR2321743 Zbl] we showed that Ker
r
(S) is nonempty if , and for , Ker
r
(S) is staircase connected. In this paper we determine the possible values of the staircase diameter of Ker
r
(S) for , and present interesting facts about Ker
r
(S) when and .
Quadratic modules of polynomials in two variables
Authors: Cabral Maria Eugênia Canto , Prestel Alexander 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLeth1,…,hs∈ ℝ[X, Y] and assume that the setW(h) := {(a, b) ∈ ℝ2|hi(a, b) ≥ 0 for all 1 ≤i≤s} is compact and non-empty. We give an effective method to decide from the knowledge ofh1,…,hswhether every polynomialf∈ ℝ[X, Y], strictly positive onW(h), has a representationf=σ0+h1σ1+···+hsσswith eachσibeing a sum of squares in ℝ[X, Y].