bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging effect of recombinant human mannose‐binding lectin in macrophage phagocytosis of Escherichia coli
Authors: Shiratsuchi Akiko , Watanabe Ikuko , Ju Jin‐Sung , Lee Bok Luel , Nakanishi Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2008

SummaryMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) exists in the serum as a complex with MBL‐associated serine protease (MASP). A recent paper described how MASP‐free recombinant rat MBL stimulates the phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by rat Kupffer cells through an increase in the level of a phagocytosis receptor. We have examined the effect of human MBL on the phagocytic action of human macrophages. Purified recombinant human MBL stimulated the phagocytosis of E. coli by THP‐1 macrophages, leaving that of latex beads, apoptotic human cells, zymosan particles or S. aureus unchanged. This stimulatory effect was observed when either phagocytes or targets were preincubated with MBL. Furthermore, MBL bound to THP‐1 macrophages as well as to E. coli, but not to S. aureus, through lipid A. These results indicated that human MBL in the absence of MASP stimulates macrophage phagocytosis of E. coli by bridging targets and phagocytes.
Cerebral blood flow changes in man by wake‐promoting drug, modafinil: a randomized double blind study
Authors: JOO EUN YEON , TAE WOO SUK , JUNG KI‐YOUNG , HONG SEUNG BONG 
Published: February 2008

SummaryTo investigate the effects of a wake‐promoting drug, modafinil on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in healthy volunteers, we performed 99mTc‐ethylcysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and after modafinil or placebo administration. Twenty‐one healthy subjects received single doses of 400 mg modafinil or placebo in a double blind randomized crossover study design. Administrations of modafinil or placebo in a subject were separated by a 2‐week washout. Brain SPECT was performed twice before and 3 h after modafinil or placebo administration. For statistical parametric mapping analysis, all SPECT images were spatially normalized to the standard SPECT template and then smoothed using a 12‐mm full width at half‐maximum Gaussian kernel. The paired t‐test was used to compare pre‐ versus post‐modafinil and pre‐ versus post‐placebo SPECT images. Differences in rCBF between post‐modafinil and post‐placebo conditions were also tested. Modafinil decreased Epworth and Stanford sleepiness scales whereas placebo did not. The post‐modafinil condition was associated with increased rCBF in bilateral thalami and dorsal pons, whereas the post‐placebo condition showed increased rCBF in a smaller area of the dorsal pons when compared with the drug naïve baseline condition. Compared with the post‐placebo condition, the post‐modafinil condition showed higher rCBF in bilateral frontopolar, orbitofrontal, superior frontal, middle frontal gyri, short insular gyri, left cingulate gyrus, left middle/inferior temporal gyri, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left pons. In healthy volunteers, modafinil increased wakefulness and rCBF in the arousal‐related systems and in brain areas related to emotion and executive function.
Trends in self‐reported sleep duration and insomnia‐related symptoms in Finland from 1972 to 2005: a comparative review and re‐analysis of Finnish population samples
Authors: KRONHOLM ERKKI , PARTONEN TIMO , LAATIKAINEN TIINA , PELTONEN MARKKU , HÄRMÄ MIKKO , HUBLIN CHRISTER , KAPRIO JAAKO , ARO ARJA R. , PARTINEN MARKKU , FOGELHOLM MIKAEL , VALVE RAISA , VAHTERA JUSSI , OKSANEN TUULA , KIVIMÄKI MIKA , KOSKENVUO MARKKU , SUTELA HANNA 
Published: February 2008

SummaryA hypothesis concerning habitual sleep reduction and its adverse consequences among general population in modern societies has received wide publicity in the mass media, although scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis is scarce. Similarly, there is an extensively distributed belief, at least in Finland, that the prevalence of insomnia‐related symptoms is increasing, but evidence for this is even sparser. These issues are important because of the known increased risk of mortality and health risks associated with sleep duration deviating from 7 to 8 h. To reveal possible trends in self‐reported sleep duration and insomnia‐related symptoms, we reanalyzed all available data from surveys carried out in Finland from 1972 to 2005. The main results were that a minor decrease of self‐reported sleep duration has taken place in Finland, especially among working aged men. However, the size of the reduction (about 4%) was relatively small, approximately 5.5 min per each 10 years during the 33 years’ time interval under study. The proportion of 7 h sleepers has increased and, correspondingly, the proportion of 8 h sleepers has decreased, but the extreme ends of the sleep duration distribution remained unchanged. Tentative evidence suggesting an increase in insomnia‐related symptoms among working aged population during the last 10 years was found. In conclusion, the Finnish data during the past 33 years indicate a general decrease in self‐reported sleep duration of about 18 min and an increase of sleep complaints, especially among the employed middle‐aged population.
Sharp and sleepy: evidence for dissociation between sleep pressure and nocturnal performance
Authors: GALLIAUD ELODIE , TAILLARD JACQUES , SAGASPE PATRICIA , VALTAT CÉDRIC , BIOULAC BERNARD , PHILIP PIERRE 
Published: February 2008

SummaryWhile sleep restriction decreases performance, not all individuals are equal with regard to sensitivity to sleep loss. We tested the hypothesis that performance could be independent of sleep pressure as defined by EEG alpha–theta power. Twenty healthy subjects (10 vulnerable and 10 resistant) underwent sleep deprivation for 25 h. Subjects had to rate their sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and to perform a 10‐min psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) every 2 h (20:00–08:00 hours). Sleep pressure was measured by EEG power spectral analysis (alpha–theta band 6.0–9.0 Hz). Initial performance, EEG spectral power and KSS score were equal in both groups (anova, NS). The performance of vulnerable subjects significantly increased during the night (ranova, P < 0.01), whereas resistant subjects globally sustained their performance. Homeostatic pressure and subjective sleepiness significantly increased during the night (ranova, P < 0.01) identically in both categories (ranova, NS). Resistant subjects sustained their reaction time independently of the increase in homeostatic pressure. The phenotypic determinants of vulnerability to extended wakefulness remain unknown.
Driver sleepiness and individual differences in preferences for countermeasures
Authors: ANUND ANNA , KECKLUND GÖRAN , PETERS BJÖRN , ÅKERSTEDT TORBJÖRN 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe aim of the present national questionnaire study was to relate the use of sleepiness countermeasures among drivers to possible explanatory factors such as age, sex, education, professional driving, being a shift worker, having experience of sleepy driving, sleep‐related crashes, problems with sleep and sleepiness in general and sleep length during working days. Also the attitude to countermeasures related to information or driver support system was studied. A random sample of 3041 persons was drawn from the national register of vehicle owners. The response rate was 62%. The most common countermeasures were to stop to take a walk (54%), turn on the radio/stereo (52%), open a window (47%), drink coffee (45%) and to ask passengers to engage in conversation (35%). Logistic regression analysis showed that counteracting sleepiness with a nap (a presumably efficient method) was practiced by those with experience of sleep‐related crashes or of driving during severe sleepiness, as well as by professional drivers, males and drivers aged 46–64 years. The most endorsed means of information to the driver about sleepiness was in‐car monitoring of driving performance providing drivers with information on bad or unsafe driving. This preference was related to experience of sleepy driving, not being a professional driver and male gender. Four clusters of behaviours were identified: alertness‐enhancing activity while driving (A), stopping the car (S), taking a nap (N) and ingesting coffee or other sources of caffeine (C) (energy drinks, caffeine tablets). The participants were grouped according to their use of any of the four categories of countermeasures. The most common cluster was those who used activity, as well as stopping and drinking caffeine.
Changes in the density of stage 2 sleep spindles following motor learning in young and older adults
Authors: PETERS KEVIN R. , RAY LAURA , SMITH VALERIE , SMITH CARLYLE 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to compare the changes that occur in sleep architecture following the acquisition of a simple motor learning task in young and older adults. Subjects included 14 young (range = 17–24 years) and 14 older (range = 62–79 years) adults, all of whom were in good health. Using in‐home recording systems, sleep architecture (sleep stages and the density of Stage 2 sleep spindles) was examined before and after learning the pursuit rotor. To control for possible age differences in baseline motor performance and spindle density, both absolute and relative (percent change) measures were examined. Both groups improved significantly on the pursuit rotor task at Retest (1 week later); however, the magnitude of absolute improvement was larger in the young group than in the older group. There was no group difference when a relative measure of improvement (percent increase across sessions) was used. The density of Stage 2 sleep spindles increased significantly following task Acquisition in the young group but not in the older group. These age differences failed to reach significance when change was measured as a percentage of baseline level of spindle density. The increase in spindle density was correlated with performance level during acquisition in the young group but not the older group. The results of the present study are largely consistent with previous studies on sleep and memory in young adults and suggest that more detailed examination of this relationship in older adults is warranted.
Spatial dissection of the cis‐ and trans‐Golgi compartments in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Struck Nicole S. , Herrmann Susann , Schmuck‐Barkmann Iris , De Souza Dias Suzana , Haase Silvia , Cabrera Ana L. , Treeck Moritz , Bruns Caroline , Langer Christine , Cowman Alan F. , Marti Matthias , Spielmann Tobias , Gilberger Tim W. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe Golgi apparatus forms the heart of the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells where proteins are modified, processed and sorted. The transport of proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cis‐side of the Golgi complex takes place at specialized ER sub‐domains known as transitional ER (tER). We used the Plasmodium falciparum orthologue of Sec13p to analyse tER organization. We show that the distribution of PfSec13p is restricted to defined areas of the ER membrane. These foci are juxtaposed to the Golgi apparatus and might represent tER sites. To further analyse cis‐ to trans‐Golgi architecture, we generated a double transfectant parasite line that expresses the Golgi marker Golgi reassembly stacking protein (GRASP) as a green fluorescent protein fusion and the trans‐Golgi marker Rab6 as a DsRed fusion protein. Our data demonstrate that Golgi multiplication is closely linked to tER multiplication, and that parasite maturation is accompanied by the spatial separation of the cis‐ and trans‐ face of this organelle.
DNA replication during endospore development in Metabacterium polyspora
Authors: Ward Rebekah J. , Angert Esther R. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe guinea pig intestinal symbiont Metabacterium polyspora is an uncultured, endospore‐forming member of the Firmicutes. Unlike most endospore‐forming bacteria, sporulation is an obligate part of the M. polyspora life cycle when it is associated with a guinea pig. Binary fission is limited to a brief period in its life cycle, if exhibited at all. Instead, M. polyspora relies on the formation of multiple endospores for reproduction. Sporulation is initiated immediately after germination, which leaves little time for the cell to accumulate resources to support spore formation. Using immunolocalization of the nucleotide analogue bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), we were able to follow replication dynamics in M. polyspora. BrdU was provided to cells within the guinea pig intestinal tract. BrdU was incorporated into DNA located within the forespores throughout development, at all stages prior to spore maturation. Our results suggest that in M. polyspora, DNA replication within the forespore is not suppressed during sporulation as it is in other endospore‐forming bacteria. Replication within forespores would allow M. polyspora to maximize its reproductive potential and supply each endospore with at least one complete copy of the genome.
Plastid ω3‐fatty acid desaturase‐dependent accumulation of a systemic acquired resistance inducing activity in petiole exudates of Arabidopsis thaliana is independent of jasmonic acid
Authors: Chaturvedi Ratnesh , Krothapalli Kartikeya , Makandar Ragiba , Nandi Ashis , Sparks Alexis A. , Roth Mary R. , Welti Ruth , Shah Jyoti 
Published: February 2008

SummarySystemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an inducible defense mechanism that is activated throughout the plant, subsequent to localized inoculation with a pathogen. The establishment of SAR requires translocation of an unknown signal from the pathogen‐inoculated leaf to the distal organs, where salicylic acid‐dependent defenses are activated. We demonstrate here that petiole exudates (PeXs) collected from Arabidopsis leaves inoculated with an avirulent (Avr) Pseudomonas syringae strain promote resistance when applied to Arabidopsis, tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Arabidopsis FATTY ACID DESATURASE7 (FAD7), SUPPRESSOR OF FATTY ACID DESATURASE DEFICIENCY1 (SFD1) and SFD2 genes are required for accumulation of the SAR‐inducing activity. In contrast to Avr PeX from wild‐type plants, Avr PeXs from fad7, sfd1 and sfd2 mutants were unable to activate SAR when applied to wild‐type plants. However, the SAR‐inducing activity was reconstituted by mixing Avr PeXs collected from fad7 and sfd1 with Avr PeX from the SAR‐deficient dir1 mutant. Since FAD7, SFD1 and SFD2 are involved in plastid glycerolipid biosynthesis and SAR is also compromised in the Arabidopsis monogalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase1 mutant we suggest that a plastid glycerolipid‐dependent factor is required in Avr PeX along with the DIR1‐encoded lipid transfer protein for long‐distance signaling in SAR. FAD7‐synthesized lipids provide fatty acids for synthesis of jasmonic acid (JA). However, co‐infiltration of JA and methylJA with Avr PeX from fad7 and sfd1 did not reconstitute the SAR‐inducing activity. In addition, JA did not co‐purify with the SAR‐inducing activity confirming that JA is not the mobile signal in SAR.
Developing evidence‐based recommendations in public health – incorporating the views of practitioners, service users and user representatives
Authors: Renfrew Mary J , Dyson Lisa , Herbert Gill , McFadden Alison , McCormick Felicia , Thomas James , Spiby Helen 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground Guidance based on a systematic assessment of the evidence base has become a fundamental tool in the cycle of evidence‐based practice and policy internationally. The process of moving from the formal evidence base derived from research studies to the formation and agreement of recommendations is however acknowledged to be problematic, especially in public health; and the involvement of practitioners, service commissioners and service users in that process is both important and methodologically challenging.Aim To test a structured process of developing evidence‐based recommendations in public health while involving a broad constituency of practitioners, service commissioners and service user representatives.Methods As part of the development of national public health recommendations to promote and support breastfeeding in England, the methodological challenges of involving stakeholders were examined and addressed. There were three main stages: (i) an assessment of the formal evidence base (210 studies graded); (ii) electronic and fieldwork‐based consultation with practitioners, service commissioners and service user representatives (563 participants), and an in‐depth analytical consultation in three ‘diagonal slice’ workshops (89 participants); (iii) synthesis of the previous two stages.Results and conclusions The process resulted in widely agreed recommendations together with suggestions for implementation. It was very positively evaluated by participants and those likely to use the recommendations. Service users had a strong voice throughout and participated actively. This mix of methods allowed a transparent, accountable process for formulating recommendations based on scientific, theoretical, practical and expert evidence, with the added potential to enhance implementation.
Health consumer and patients' organizations in Europe: towards a comparative analysis
Authors: Baggott Rob , Forster Rudolf 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDespite the rise of health consumer and patients’ organizations (HCPOs) in modern health‐care systems, studies are few and far between. In particular there is a lack of comparative research across Europe and at the pan‐European level. In an effort to address this gap, an expert workshop was held in Vienna in February 2006. This involved 22 delegates from 10 European Countries and was funded by the European Science Foundation (ESF). The workshop reviewed the development of HCPOs in Europe and their role in the policy process in order to establish a platform for further research in this field. It found evidence of an increase in HCPOs across European countries, increased engagement with policy makers and political institutions, and the creation of alliance organizations bringing together HCPOs across the sector. However, variations between countries were observed, relating to different political, cultural and health system contexts. There was no consensus on whether the rise of HCPOs constituted a new social movement. An increase in HCPO activity at the pan‐European level was noted, reflecting the increased interest of EU institutions in health policy. At both domestic and European levels, concerns about the representativeness and legitimacy of HCPOs were raised as well as questions about their independence (notably with regard to the drugs industry). HCPOs face a number of obstacles including: lack of capacity and resources, fragmentation and the power of more established interests within the health‐care system. The workshop concluded that further research is needed in this field, in the form of a comparative study of HCPOs in European countries and an analysis of their activities at the pan‐European level.
A multidimensional conceptual framework for analysing public involvement in health services research
Authors: Oliver Sandy R. , Rees Rebecca W. , Clarke‐Jones Lorna , Milne Ruairidh , Oakley Ann R. , Gabbay John , Stein Ken , Buchanan Phyll , Gyte Gill 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective To describe the development of a multidimensional conceptual framework capable of drawing out the implications for policy and practice of what is known about public involvement in research agenda setting.Background Public involvement in research is growing in western and developing countries. There is a need to learn from collective experience and a diverse literature of research, policy documents and reflective reports.Methods Systematic searches of research literature, policy and lay networks identified reports of public involvement in research agenda setting. Framework analysis, previously described for primary research, was used to develop the framework, which was then applied to reports of public involvement in order to analyse and compare these.Findings The conceptual framework takes into account the people involved; the people initiating the involvement; the degree of public involvement; the forum for exchange; and methods used for decision making. It also considers context (in terms of the research focus and the historical, geographical or institutional setting), and theoretical basis.Conclusions The framework facilitates learning across diverse experiences, whether reported in policy documents, reflections or formal research, to generate a policy‐ and practice‐relevant overview. A further advantage is that it identifies gaps in the literature which need to be filled in order to inform future research about public involvement.
Implementing breast cancer decision aids in community sites: barriers and resources
Authors: Silvia Kerry A. , Ozanne Elissa M. , Sepucha Karen R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective To assess the feasibility of implementing four patient decision aids (PtDAs) for early stage breast cancer treatment decisions into routine clinical care in community settings.Background There is very limited information available about implementing decision aids into routine clinical practice and most of this information is based on academic centres; more information is needed about implementing them into routine clinical practice in community settings.Design Structured individual interviews.Setting and participants Providers from 12 sites, including nine community hospitals, a community oncology centre and two academic centres.Main outcome measures Usage data, barriers to and resources for implementing the PtDAs.Results Nine of the 12 sites were using the PtDAs with patients. All of the sites were lending the PtDAs to patients, usually without a formal sign‐out system. The keys to successful implementation included nurses’ and social workers’ interest in distributing the PtDAs and the success of the lending model. Barriers that limited or prevented sites from using the PtDA included a lack of physician support, a lack of an organized system for distributing the PtDAs and nurses’ perceptions about patients’ attitude towards participation in decision making.Conclusions It is feasible to implement PtDAs for early stage breast cancer into routine clinical care in community settings, even with few resources available.
‘I do not need to… I do not want to… I do not give it priority…’– why women choose not to attend cervical cancer screening
Authors: Oscarsson Marie G. , Wijma Barbro E. , Benzein Eva G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective To describe and interpret why women with no cervical smear taken during the previous 5 years choose not to attend a cervical cancer screening (CCS) programme.Background CCS programme is a service for early detection of cervical cancer. Today, some women choose not to attend the programme.Design Data were collected by tape‐recorded interviews and analysed by qualitative inductive content analysis.Setting and participants Purposive sample of 14 women in southeast Sweden, who had chosen not to attend CCS during the previous 5 years.Findings The following themes were revealed:I do not need to…, I do not want to…andI do not give it priority….The women had a positive attitude to CCS but as long as they felt healthy, they chose not to attend. A negative body image, low self‐esteem, feelings of discomfort when confronted with the gynaecological examination and fear of the results also influenced their non‐attendance. The women prioritized more important things in life and reported various degrees of lack of trust in health‐care.Conclusion Women’s choice not to attend CCS were complex and influenced by present and earlier intra‐ and inter‐personal circumstances. They had a positive attitude to CCS, but other things in life were more important. Health‐care professionals have to facilitate a co‐operative discussion with the women in order to contribute to a mutual understanding for the perspectives of the women and the professionals.