bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Major Sporulation Proteins of
Myxococcus xanthus
Using a Proteomic Approach
Authors: Dahl John L. , Tengra Farah K. , Dutton David , Yan Jinyuan , Andacht Tracy M. , Coyne Lia , Windell Veronica , Garza Anthony G. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Myxococcus xanthus
is a soil-dwelling, gram-negative bacterium that during nutrient deprivation is capable of undergoing morphogenesis from a vegetative rod to a spherical, stress-resistant spore inside a domed-shaped, multicellular fruiting body. To identify proteins required for building stress-resistant
M. xanthus
spores, we compared the proteome of liquid-grown vegetative cells with the proteome of mature fruiting body spores. Two proteins, protein S and protein S1, were differentially expressed in spores, as has been reported previously. In addition, we identified three previously uncharacterized proteins that are differentially expressed in spores and that exhibit no homology to known proteins. The genes encoding these three novel
m
ajor
s
pore
p
roteins (
mspA
,
mspB
, and
mspC
) were inactivated by insertion mutagenesis, and the development of the resulting mutant strains was characterized. All three mutants were capable of aggregating, but for two of the strains the resulting fruiting bodies remained flattened mounds of cells. The most pronounced structural defect of spores produced by all three mutants was an altered cortex layer. We found that
mspA
and
mspB
mutant spores were more sensitive specifically to heat and sodium dodecyl sulfate than wild-type spores, while
mspC
mutant spores were more sensitive to all stress treatments examined. Hence, the products of
mspA
,
mspB
, and
mspC
play significant roles in morphogenesis of
M. xanthus
spores and in the ability of spores to survive environmental stress.
Effects of practitioner education, practitioner payment and reimbursement of patients’ drug costs on smoking cessation in primary care: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Twardella Dorothee , Brenner Hermann 
Published: February 2007

Objective:To evaluate new strategies to enhance the promotion of smoking cessation in general practice.Design:Cluster randomised trial, 2×2 factorial design.Setting:82 medical practices in Germany, including 94 general practitioners.Participants:577 patients who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day (irrespective of their intention to stop smoking) and were aged 36–75 years.Interventions:Provision of a 2-h physician group training in smoking cessation methods and direct physician payments for every participant not smoking 12 months after recruitment (TI, training+incentive); provision of the same training and direct participant reimbursements for pharmacy costs associated with nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion treatment (TM, training+medication).Main outcome measure:Self-reported smoking abstinence obtained at 12 months follow-up and validated by serum cotinine.Results:In intention-to-treat analysis, smoking abstinence at 12 months follow-up was 3% (2/74), 3% (5/144), 12% (17/140) and 15% (32/219) in the usual care, and interventions TI, TM and TI+TM, respectively. Applying a mixed logistic regression model, no effect was identified for intervention TI (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 2.43), but intervention TM strongly increased the odds of cessation (OR 4.77, 95% CI 2.03 to 11.22).Conclusion:Providing cost-free effective drugs to patients along with improved training opportunities for general practitioners could be an effective measure to achieve successful promotion of smoking cessation in general practice.
Residual tobacco smoke: measurement of its washout time in the lung and of its contribution to environmental tobacco smoke
Authors: Invernizzi Giovanni , Ruprecht Ario , De Marco Cinzia , Paredi Paolo , Boffi Roberto 
Published: February 2007

Background:Tobacco smoking entails inhaling millions of fine particles with each puff, and it is intuitive that after smoking a cigarette it will take a certain time to washout residual tobacco smoke (RTS) from the lungs with subsequent breaths.Objectives:To study the washout time of 0.3–1.0 µm particles after the last puff in 10 volunteer smokers by using equipment capable of measuring particle concentration in real time in the exhaled air.Result:Mean (standard deviation (SD)) lung RTS washout time was 58.6 (23.6) s, range 18–90 s, and corresponded to 8.7 (4.6) subsequent breathings. The contribution of individual and overall RTS to indoor pollution was calculated by subtracting incremental background particle concentration from room concentration after 10 consecutive re-entries of smokers after the last puff into a room of 33.2 m3, with an air exchange rate per hour in the range of 0.2–0.4. Mean (SD) individual RTS contribution consisted of 1402 (1490) million particles (range 51–3611 million), whereas RTS increased room 0.3–1.0 µm particle concentration from a baseline of 22 283 particles/l to a final room concentration of 341 956 particles/l, corresponding to a total increase in particulate matter (2.5) from a background of 0.56 up to 3.32 µg/m3.Conclusion:These data reveal a definite although marginal, role of RTS as a source of hidden indoor pollution. Further studies are needed to understand the relevance of this contribution in smoke-free premises in terms of risk exposure; however, waiting for about 2 min before re-entry after the last puff would be enough to avoid an unwanted additional exposure for non-smokers.
Occult maternal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke exposure: Table 1
Authors: de Chazeron Ingrid , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Ughetto Sylvie , Coudore François , Boussiron Didier , Perriot Jean , Vendittelli Françoise , Sapin Vincent , Lemery Didier 
Published: February 2007

Background:Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a recognised air pollutant. Its harmful effects have been found to be implicated in health disorders, including unfavourable pregnancy outcomes. The discrepancy between self-reported emvironmental tobacco smoke exposure and cotinine levels in pregnant non-smokers in France was examined.Method:Plasma cotinine was determined by a CPG-SM method on women who had answered a self-questionnaire describing their habits and environment during pregnancy.Results:Of 698 pregnant women reported as non-smokers, 305 (43.7%) claimed not to be exposed to ETS, yet 196 of these (64.3%) had plasma cotinine levels above the limit of detection.Conclusion:Self-reported data on ETS exposure in pregnant women therefore underestimate actual exposure. However, cotinine assay cab rectify this misclassification. An accurate identification of this risk factore will help to change attitudes towards ETS and avert its adverse effects on mother and fetus.
Platelet microparticle membranes have 50- to 100-fold higher specific procoagulant activity than activated platelets
Authors: Kireev Dmitry , Popenko Nadezhda , Pichugin Aleksei , Panteleev Mikhail , Krymskaya Olga , Ataullakhanov Fazoil , Sinauridze Elena 
Published: February 2007

SummaryPlatelet microparticles (PMPs) are small vesicles released from blood platelets upon activation. The procoagulant activity of PMPs has been previously mainly characterized by theirability to bind coagulation factors VIII and Va in reconstructed systems. It can be supposed that PMPs can contribute to the development of thrombotic complications in the pathologic states associated with the increase of their blood concentration. In this study we compared procoagulant properties of calcium ionophore A23187-activated platelets and PMPs using several in-vitro models of hemostasis. Surface densities of phosphatidylserine, CD61, CD62P and factor X bound per surface area unit were determined by flow cytometry. They were 2.7-, 8.4-, 4.3-, and 13-fold higher for PMPs than for activated platelets, respectively. Spatial clot growth rate (Vclot) in the reaction-diffus ion experimental model and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were determined in plasma, which was depleted of phospholipid cell surfaces by ultra-centrifugation and supplemented with activated platelets or PMPs at different concentrations. Both Vcllot and ETP rapidly increased with the increase of PMP or platelet concentration until saturation was reached. The plateau values of Vclot and ETP for activated platelets and PMPs were similar. In both assays, the procoagulant activity of one PMP was almost equal to that of one activated platelet despite at least two-orders-of-magnitude difference in their surface areas. This suggests that the PMP surface is approximately 50- to 100-fold more procoagulant than the surface of activated platelets.
Thienopyridines in cardiovascular disease: Focus on Clopidogrel resistance
Authors: Siller-Matula Jolanta , Schrör Karsten , Wojta Johann , Huber Kurt 
Published: February 2007

SummaryPlatelets play an important role in atherothrombotic disease, as well as in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and in complications. Antiplatelet therapy with Clopidogrel represents at present an important treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in and after acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and after coronary interventions when stents are used. Clopidogrel is a potent and specific inhibitor of platelet ADP receptor (P2Y12 receptor) with high antithrombotic activity. Emerging data suggest that a significant percentage of individuals treated with Clopidogrel do not receive the expected therapeutic benefit because of a decreased responsiveness of their platelets, which is caused by several extrinsic and/or intrinsic mechanisms. As long as Clopidogrel is the “gold standard” in combination with aspirin in the treatment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation, the overall challenge is to develop a fast “point-of-care” assay to detect Clopidogrel resistance early and to enable alternative antithrombotic strategies in non-responders or low-responders. This test should be easily performed (bedside) and reproducible, with a standardized definition of response, which is known to correlate with clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, such a test does not exist at present. As an alternative, new ADP receptor antagonists with better bioavailability and improved pharmacokinetics, e.g. intestinal reabsorption as an active drug or 1:1 conversion into an active metabolite thus reducing individual variations, are in development and have already found their way into clinical use in phase-3 trials. Prasugrel is one of the incoming new drugs with high expectations, but other agents might follow in the near future.
Self-management of oral anticoagulation in the elderly: Rationale, design, baselines and oral anticoagulation control after one year of follow-up
Authors: Rakovac Ivo , Kleespies Caroline , Piso Brigitte , Didjurgeit Ulrike , Siebenhofer Andrea 
Published: February 2007

SummarySelf-management is safe and reliable in patients with long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC). However, no study has yet assessed the safety and efficacy of OAC self-management in elderly patients with major thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications as primary outcomes. In this multi-centre, open, randomised controlled trial, patients aged 60 years or more were randomised into the self-management group (SMG) (N=99) or routine care group (RCG) (N=96). We describe the rationale, design, baseline characteristics and interim analyses of oral anticoagulation control quality within the first year of follow-up. The medians of the squared international normalised ratio (INR) value deviations after six and 12 months were significantly lower in the SMG with medians of 0.16 and 0.16 compared to the RCG with medians of 0.25 and 0.25. The percentage of time within target range and the percentage of INR measurements within target range were significantly higher in the SMG versus the RCG within the first six months (medians 71% vs. 58% and 69% vs. 57%), and during the second six months of the study (75% vs. 67% and 72% vs. 57%). The numbers of all thromboembolic events requiring hospitalisation, major bleeding events, and deaths were similar in both groups. These preliminary results suggest that self-management of oral anticoagulation is safe and feasible for elderly patients willing to participate in a structured training programme.
Protein C inhibitor, a serpin with functions in- and outside vascular biology
Authors: Geiger Margarethe 
Published: February 2007

SummaryHuman protein C inhibitor (PCI), a serpin-type protease inhibitor originally described as an inhibitor of activated protein C, has broad protease reactivity. In addition to its activities within the blood clotting and fibrinolytic cascades, it seems to participate in several biological processes including reproductiorn and tumor growth. This review summarizes the current understanding of PCI function, regulation, and potential biological role.
Expression of the serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin in cells of the human myeloid lineage
Authors: Kennedy Sarah , van Diepen Angela , van den Hurk Cecilia , Coates Leigh , Woo Lee Tet , Ostrovsky Lena , Miranda Elena , Perez Juan , Davies Mark , Lomas David , Dunbar Rod , Birch Nigel 
Published: February 2007

SummaryMyeloid progenitors in the bone marrow differentiate into most of the major cell types of the immune system, including macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells play important roles in both innate and adaptive immunity. They express a number of proteases and protease inhibitors including members of the serine proteinase inhibitor or serpin superfamily. In this study we report the differential expression of neuroserpin in cells of the human myeloid lineage. Neuroserpin was highly expressed and secreted following the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and dendritic cells. Activation of dendritic cells with lipopolysaccharide resulted in increased neuroserpin mRNA levels but no neuroserpin secretion. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed neuroserpin was differentially localised in human myeloid cells. In macrophages and dendritic cells it was concentrated in vesicles located in close proximity to the plasma membrane. The majority of activated dendritic cells also exhibited an intracellular focal concentration of neuroserpin which co-localised with the lysosomal/late endosomal marker LAMP-1. As neuroserpin inhibits tissue plasminogen activator, a comparative analysis of tPA and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-I) expression was undertaken. This analysis revealed differential expression of PAI-I and neuroserpin suggesting they may have different functions in human immune cells.
Prevention and treatment of experimental thrombosis in rabbits with rivaroxaban (BAY 597939) – an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor
Authors: Perzborn Elisabeth , Friederich Philip , Levi Marcel , Buetehorn Ulf , Büller Harry , Biemond Bart 
Published: February 2007

SummaryCurrent anticoagulant therapies for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders have many drawbacks: vitamin K antagonists interact with food and drugs and require frequent laboratory monitoring, and heparins require parenteral administration. Oral rivaroxaban (BAY 597939) is a new, highly selective and potent direct factor-Xa (FXa) inhibitor with a predictable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile and could therefore be an attractive antithrombotic drug. It was the objective of this study to investigate the antithrombotic efficacy of oral rivaroxaban in two rabbit models of experimental venous thrombosis. In the venous stasis (prevention) model, animals were randomized to receive oral rivaroxaban 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 or 10.0 mg/kg or vehicle control. Thrombosis was induced by jugular vein stasis and injection of thromboplastin into the ear vein. In the venous thrombosis (treatment) model, intravenous (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg) and oral (3.0 mg/kg) rivaroxaban was compared with intravenous nadroparin (40 U bolus and 20 U/h), fon-daparinux (42 Mg/kg) and vehicle control. Thrombus growth was assessed by measuring the accretion of radiolabeled fibrinogen into preformed clots in the jugular veins. Bleeding was assessed using an ear bleeding model. In the prevention model, rivaroxaban reduced thrombus formation dose-dependently (calculated ED50 1.3 mg/kg). In the treatment model, oral rivaroxaban (3.0 mg/kg) reduced thrombus growth to a similar extent to intravenous rivaroxaban (1.0 mg/kg), nadroparin and fondapari-nux. Oral rivaroxaban did not prolong bleeding time. In conclusion, the orally available selective, direct FXa inhibitor rivaroxaban is effective in the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis in two well-established models of experimental thrombosis.
The –11377 C>G promoter variant of the adiponectin gene, prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis, and incidence of vascular events in men
Authors: Saely Christoph , Risch Lorenz , Rein Philipp , Koch Lorena , Schmid Fabian , Aczel Stefan , Marte Thomas , Langer Peter , Hoefle Guenter , Muendlein Axel , Drexel Heinz 
Published: February 2007

SummaryNo prospective data demonstrating an association between the –11377 C>G adiponectin gene promoter variant and cardiovascular risk are available. We therefore prospectively evaluated the cardiovascular risk associated with adiponectin gene single nucleotide polmorphisms (SNPs) including SNP –11377 in a consecutive series of men undergoing coronary angiography. We recorded vascular events over four years in 402 men undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of coronary artery disease. No significant associations of SNPs +276 G>T and +45 T>G with serum adiponectin, with significant coronary stenoses >50%, or with vascular events were observed. However, for SNP –11377 C>G, serum adiponectin levels significantly decreased (Ptrend = 0.003), and the prevalence of significant coronary stenoses significantly increased from the CC over the GC to the GG genotype (ptrend = 0.004). Prospectively, the risk of vascular events significantly increased from the CC over the CG to the GG genotype of this SNP (adjusted hazard ratios 1.555 [0.957-2.525] and 2.309 [1.067–4.998], respectively; ptrend = 0.014). The –11377 C>G adiponectin gene promoter variant is i) associated with decreased serum adiponectin levels, ii) correlated with the presence of coronary atherosclerosis and iii) significantly predictive of vascular events among men undergoing coronary angiography.
uPAR – uPA – PAI-1 interactions and signaling: A vascular biologist’s view
Authors: Mihaly Judit , Prager Gerald , Binder Bernd 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its inhibitor PA I-1 and its cellular receptor (uPAR), play a pivotal role in pericellular proteolysis. In addition, through their interactions with extracellular matrix proteins as well as with transmembrane receptors and other links to the intracellular signaling machinery, they modulate cell migration, cell-matrix interactions and signaling pathways. A large body of experimental evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo data as well as from the clinics indicates an important role of the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems in cancer. In addition to their role in tumor cell biology, the uPA-uPAR-PAI-1 systems are also important for vascular biology by modulating angiogenesis and by altering migration of smooth muscle cells and fibrin deposition in atherosclerosis and restenosis. This review will focus on the general mechanism of uPAR/uPA/PAI-1 interactions and signaling and the possible relevance of this system in vascular biology.
Mechanical Behavior of Articular Cartilage after Osteochondral Autograft Transfer in an Ovine Model
Authors: Kleemann Ralf U. , Schell Hanna , Thompson Mark , Epari Devakara R. , Duda Georg N. , Weiler Andreas 
Published: February 2007

Background Grafting of autologous hyaline cartilage and bone for articular cartilage repair is a well-accepted technique. Although encouraging midterm clinical results have been reported, no information on the mechanical competence of the transplanted joint surface is available. Hypothesis The mechanical competence of osteochondral autografts is maintained after transplantation. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Osteochondral defects were filled with autografts (7.45 mm in diameter) in one femoral condyle in 12 mature sheep. The ipsilateral femoral condyle served as the donor site, and the resulting defect (8.3 mm in diameter) was left empty. The repair response was examined after 3 and 6 months with mechanical and histologic assessment and histomorphometric techniques. Results Good surface congruity and plug placement was achieved. The Young modulus of the grafted cartilage significantly dropped to 57.5% of healthy tissue after 3 months (P < .05) but then recovered to 82.2% after 6 months. The aggregate and dynamic moduli behaved similarly. The graft edges showed fibrillation and, in some cases (4 of 6), hypercellularity and chondrocyte clustering. Subchondral bone sclerosis was observed in 8 of 12 cases, and the amount of mineralized bone in the graft area increased from 40% to 61%. Conclusions The mechanical quality of transplanted cartilage varies considerably over a short period of time, potentially reflecting both degenerative and regenerative processes, while histologically signs of both cartilage and bone degeneration occur. Clinical Relevance Both the mechanically degenerative and restorative processes illustrate the complex progression of regeneration after osteochondral transplantation. The histologic evidence raises doubts as to the long-term durability of the osteochondral repair.
Anatomy of the Clavicle and Coracoid Process for Reconstruction of the Coracoclavicular Ligaments
Authors: Rios Clifford G. , Arciero Robert A. , Mazzocca Augustus D. 
Published: February 2007

Background Recently acromioclavicular joint reconstruction techniques have focused on anatomic restoration of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. Such techniques involve creating bone tunnels in the distal clavicle and coracoid. Purpose To define the anatomy of the human clavicle and coracoid process of the scapula, in order to guide surgeons in reconstructing the CC ligaments. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods One hundred twenty (60 paired) cadaveric clavicles and corresponding scapulae (mean age ± and standard deviation, 48.3 ± 16.6 years) devoid of soft tissue were analyzed (dry osteology). Differences related to race and sex were recorded. Nineteen fresh-frozen cadaveric clavicles with intact CC ligaments were measured as well (fresh anatomic). Results The mean clavicle length was 149 ± 9.1 mm. In the dry osteology group, the distance from the lateral edge of the clavicle to the medial edge of the conoid tuberosity in male and female specimens was 47.2 ± 4.6 mm and 42.8 ± 5.6 mm, respectively (P = .006). The distance to the center of the trapezoid tuberosity was 25.4 ± 3.7 mm in males and 22.9 ± 3.7 mm in females (P = .04). The ratio of the distance to the medial edge of the conoid tuberosity divided by clavicle length was 0.31 in males and females. This ratio for the trapezoid was 0.17 in both sexes. The mean coracoid length was 45.2 ± 4.1 mm. The mean width and height of the coracoid process were 24.9 ± 2.5 mm and 11.9 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. No interracial differences in measurements were observed. In the fresh anatomic samples, the ratio of the distance to the conoid center to clavicle length was 0.24. This ratio for the trapezoid was 0.17. Conclusions While absolute differences in the origin of the CC ligaments exist between men and women, the ratio of these origins to total clavicle length is constant. Clinical Relevance Clavicle length can be obtained intraoperatively. These findings allow the surgeon to predict the origin of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments accurately and to correctly create bone tunnels to reconstruct the anatomy of the CC complex.