bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IRF-3 Activation by Sendai Virus Infection Is Required for Cellular Apoptosis and Avoidance of Persistence
Authors: Peters Kristi , Chattopadhyay Saurabh , Sen Ganes C. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT
Here, we report that specific manipulations of the cellular response to virus infection can cause prevention of apoptosis and consequent establishment of persistent infection. Infection of several human cell lines with Sendai virus (SeV) or human parainfluenza virus 3, two prototypic paramyxoviruses, caused slow apoptosis, which was markedly accelerated upon blocking the action of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3 kinases) in the infected cells. The observed apoptosis required viral gene expression and the action of the caspase 8 pathway. Although virus infection activated PI3 kinase, as indicated by AKT activation, its blockage did not inhibit JNK activation or IRF-3 activation. The action of neither the Jak-STAT pathway nor the NF-κB pathway was required for apoptosis. In contrast, IRF-3 activation was essential, although induction of the proapototic protein TRAIL by IRF-3 was not required. When IRF-3 was absent or its activation by the RIG-I pathway was blocked, SeV established persistent infection, as documented by viral protein production and infectious virus production. Introduction of IRF-3 in the persistently infected cells restored the cells' ability to undergo apoptosis. These results demonstrated that in our model system, IRF-3 controlled the fate of the SeV-infected cells by promoting apoptosis and preventing persistence.
Human conscious response to thermal input is adjusted to changes in mean body temperature
Authors: Flouris A D , Cheung S S 
Published: January 2008

Objective and Design:To detect the dependable criteria of behavioural thermoregulation through modelling temperature fluctuations of individuals allowed to freely manipulate inlet water temperature of a liquid conditioning garment (LCG) during 130 min of passive exposure to −20°C interspersed with a 10 min period of moderate exercise at the 65th minute using a double-blind experiment.Participants:Eleven volunteers (5 women; 23.40 (SD 2.09) years; BMI: 23.24 (SD 2.19)) who lacked previous experience with LCG and cold exposure experiments.Results:Despite variations in core and skin temperatures, thermal comfort, thermal sensation, and mean body temperature did not fluctuate significantly over time. Participants were able to find a desired level of LCG inlet temperature within 25 minutes which was maintained at similar levels until the 65th minute of the cold exposure. During exercise, LCG inlet water temperature decreased significantly. Regression models demonstrated that mean skin temperature and change in mean body temperature were significantly associated with thermal comfort and thermal sensation. Subsequent models revealed that, although all temperature variables were associated with LCG inlet water temperature, the coefficient of determination mainly depended on mean skin temperature and change in mean body temperature. The involvement of skin temperature was anticipated as the liquid conditioning garment was in contact with the skin.Conclusions:Humans generate conscious thermoregulatory responses in resting and exercise conditions during exposures to cold environments that are aimed towards maintaining a threshold mean body temperature, rather than temperature changes in individual body regions.
Tobacco control indicators and lung cancer rates in young adults by state in the United States
Authors: Polednak A P 
Published: January 2008

Objective:To determine the association between a tobacco control index (TCI) for 1992–93 for each US state and lung and bronchus cancer mortality and incidence rates by state for younger adults, as the best indicator of the effects of recent progress in tobacco control on lung cancer control.Design:For all 51 US areas (50 states and the District of Columbia), correlation coefficients between the state’s TCI and lung cancer rate were analysed. Multiple linear regression models (MLR) predicting cancer rates included sociodemographic variables by state (from the 2000 census). In addition, the 51 areas also were divided into tertiles, from highest to lowest TCI, and means for lung cancer rates were compared.Subjects and settings:All areas with available data on lung cancer mortality and incidence rates.Main outcome measures:Age-standardised mortality rates were available for all 51 areas (50 states and the District of Columbia) for 1989–93, 1994–98 and 1999–2003 for lung cancer at age 15–44 years. Lung cancer incidence rates for 1999–2002 were available for age 20–44 years for 44 states.Results:The correlation between the TCI and lung cancer mortality rate increased in magnitude from 1989–93 to 1999–2003, and the association was statistically significant in MLR models for 1994–98 and 1999–2003 (but not 1989–93). The TCI was statistically significantly correlated with the lung cancer incidence rate in 1999–2002 by state, and the association persisted in an MLR model.Conclusions:Within the limitations of ecologic analyses, findings are consistent with effects of state tobacco control efforts on reducing state-wide lung cancer rates in younger adults.
Markers of the denormalisation of smoking and the tobacco industry: Table 1
Authors: Chapman S , Freeman B 
Published: January 2008

Background:In nations with histories of declining smoking prevalence and comprehensive tobacco control policies, smoking-positive cultures have been severely eroded. Smoking, smokers and the tobacco industry are today routinely depicted in everyday discourse and media representations in a variety of overwhelmingly negative ways. Several authors have invoked Erving Goffman’s notions of stigmatisation to describe the process and impact of this radical transformation, which importantly includes motivating smoking cessation. Efforts to describe nations’ progress toward comprehensive tobacco control have hitherto taken little account of the role of cultural change to the meaning of smoking and the many ways in which it has become denormalised.Methods:This paper identifies a diversity of generally undocumented yet pervasive markers of the “spoiled identity” of smoking, smokers and the tobacco industry, illustrated with examples from Australia, a nation with advanced tobacco control.Results:We caution about some important negative consequences arising from the stigmatisation of smokers.Conclusions:We recommend that schemes rating the comprehensiveness of national tobacco control should be supplemented by documentation of markers of this denormalisation.
Properties of the reversible nonoxidative vanillate / 4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase fromBacillus subtilis
Authors: Lupa Boguslaw , Lyon Delina , Shaw Lindsey N. , Sieprawska-Lupa Magdalena , Wiegel Juergen 
Published: January 2008

Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051) reversibly decarboxylates vanillate and 4-hydroxybenzoate under both aerobic and anoxic conditions. Thus, we have identified on the basis of gene sequence homology with Sedimentibacter hydroxybenzoicus and Streptomyces sp. strain D7, a putative B. subtilis hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase. The native form of this enzyme is encoded by 3 genes yclBCD (GI Sequence Identification Nos.: 2632649, 2632650, 2632651) that we have renamed during this research as bsdBCD to align with existing nomenclature. The bsdD gene is reported in the database to be 690 bp; however, our sequence analysis revealed that the size of this gene is in fact 228 bp, an observation that results in a shortening of YclD (i.e., BsdD) from 229 to 75 aa. The corresponding bsdBCD genes were cloned into Escherichia coli , and the heterologously expressed enzyme was assayed for activity. The decarboxylase exhibited a narrow substrate range, with only 2 of the tested substrates, vanillate (Kmapp = 4 mmol·L–1) and 4-hydroxybenzoate (Kmapp = ~1 mmol·L–1), being decarboxylated. The recombinant enzyme had properties similar to that of the native enzyme in respect to specific activity, kinetic properties, bidirectional decarboxylase–carboxylase activity, oxygen insensitivity, and substrate specificity.
Effect of temperature onBrettanomyces bruxellensis: metabolic and kinetic aspects
Authors: Brandam Cédric , Castro-Martínez Claudia , Délia Marie-Line , Ramón-Portugal Felipe , Strehaiano Pierre 
Published: January 2008

The effect of temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C on a culture of Brettanomyces bruxellensis was investigated in regards to thermodynamics, metabolism, and kinetics. In this temperature range, we observed an increase in growth and production rates. The growth behavior was well represented using the Arrhenius model, and an apparent activation energy of 16.61 kcal/mol was estimated. A stuck fermentation was observed at 35 °C as represented by high cell death. The carbon balance established that temperature had no effect on repartition of the glucose consumption between biomass and products. Hence, the same biomass concentration was obtained for all temperatures, except at 35 °C. Moreover, using logistic and Luedeking–Piret models, we demonstrated that production rates of ethanol and acetic acid were partially growth associated. Parameters associated with growth (αethand αaa) remained constant with changing temperature, whereas, parameters associated with the population (βethand βaa) varied. Optimal values were obtained at 32 °C for ethanol and at 25 °C for acetic acid.
The Gataia Pleistocene lamproite: a new occurrence at the southeastern edge of the Pannonian Basin, Romania
Authors: Seghedi I. , Ntaflos T. , Pécskay Z. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

The petrological identity of the lamproite occurrence situated
c
. 5 km south of Gătaia (Banat, western Romania), until now considered to be an alkali basalt, has been revealed by exploration drilling. This drilling programme pierced a slightly vesicular lava flow inside the Şumiga hill (198 m above sea level), revealing a sequence of vesicular lava intercalated with fallout scoria deposits. The isolated lamproite volcano, dated at 1.32±0.06 Ma (whole-rock K/Ar method), is situated at the southeastern margin of the Pannonian Basin and at the western margin of the South Carpathians, along an important NE–SW fault system. The lamproite magma erupted through flat-lying Miocene sedimentary rocks, which overlie older crystalline basement that experienced intense lithospheric deformation and orogeny during Cretaceous times. The lamproite is associated with contemporaneous volcanic activity that lies 50–150 km to the NNE, along the South Transylvanian fault system (Lucareţ alkali basalts, Uroiu shoshonites); these rocks, however, are not consanguineous, and derive from different mantle sources. There are, however, similarities to Oligocene lamproites from Serbia (Bogovina), generated on similar basement. The lamproite is fresh and has a slightly porphyritic texture with phenocrysts of high-Mg olivine and microphenocrysts of euhedral leucite in a glassy matrix. The matrix also contains microcrysts of olivine, armalcolite, apatite, sanidine, low Al-diopside, fluorine-bearing titanium phlogopite, fluorine-bearing amphibole and accessory chrome spinels. Ba-sulphate aggregates fill small vesicles. Very rare clots of corroded Al-phlogopite surrounded by secondary spinels are enclosed by leucite aggregates, suggesting formation during an earlier event. Major and trace element geochemistry and Sr and Nd isotopes show that the rock is a typical lamproite, close to the compositions of Leucite Hills and Gaussberg lamproites. The source for the Gătaia lamproite was probably a garnet harzburgite lithospheric mantle, metasomatized by alkaline mafic melts, most probably active at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary. Metasomatism by alkaline melts is indicated by high abundances of incompatible trace elements, such as Ba, Sr, Rb and Zr. The Gătaia lamproite probably had a limited available source volume for melting that reflects the ambient thermal regime in the typical post-collisional tectonic setting active during Late Neogene to Quaternary time. Emplacement of this lamproite was probably a result of surface uplift and erosion at the base of the lithosphere, marking the collapse of the Alpine orogen.
Estimating Rain Rates from Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauge Measurements
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Fisher Brad L. , Wolff David B. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This paper describes the cubic spline–based operational system for the generation of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 1-min rain-rate product 2A-56 from tipping-bucket (TB) gauge measurements. A simulated TB gauge from a Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer is employed to evaluate the errors of the TB rain-rate estimation. These errors are very sensitive to the time scale of rain rates. One-minute rain rates suffer substantial errors, especially at low rain rates. When 1-min rain rates are averaged over 4–7-min intervals or longer, the errors dramatically reduce. Estimated lower rain rates are sensitive to the event definition whereas the higher rates are not. The median relative absolute errors are about 22% and 32% for 1-min rain rates higher and lower than 3 mm h−1, respectively. These errors decrease to 5% and 14% when rain rates are used at the 7-min scale. The radar reflectivity–rain-rate distributions drawn from the large amount of 7-min rain rates and radar reflectivity data are mostly insensitive to the event definition. The time shift due to inaccurate clocks can also cause rain-rate estimation errors, which increase with the shifted time length. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for possible improvements of rainfall measurements and rain-rate estimations.
Manifest Anxiety in Economically Deprived Children in Rural Appalachia
Authors: Southworth Lois E. , Albert Zoe E. , Gravatt Arthur E. 
Published: January 2008

The purposes of this study were to obtain data on the Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (CMAS) administered to children in an Appalachian area, to compare these data with appropriate studies reported in the literature for other groups of children in the United States, and to discuss results in terms of child‐rearing practices.The CMAS was administered to 176 fifth and sixth grade children from families of low socioeconomic level in a rural Appalachian area of East Tennessee. Mean scores were higher than for most groups of middle‐class Midwest children reported in the literature, especially for fifth grade girls, but were commensurate with reported scores of children from a Southeastern area, black children, and a psychiatric outpatient group in Minnesota. Results of an item analysis and chi‐square analysis of sex differences were compared with a St. Louis study. Findings are discussed in terms of child‐rearing practices in Appalachia since reports of cross‐cultural CMAS studies have stressed this aspect when reporting comparative data.
Neutrophil-selective CD18 silencing using RNA interference in vivo
Authors: Cullere Xavier , Lauterbach Michael , Tsuboi Naotake , Mayadas Tanya N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTissue-specific silencing of genes may be used for genetic engineering in mice and has possible therapeutic applications in humans. Current strategies in mice rely on Cre/loxP technology requiring the generation of multiple transgenic lines and breeding strategies. Here, we describe the selective silencing of CD18, a leukocyte-specific integrin in neutrophils using a micro RNA (miRNA) strategy that requires the generation of one transgenic line. CD18-specific miRNA hairpin driven by the myeloid specific human MRP8 promoter resulted in the generation of transgenic lines with 75% to 95% reduction in CD18 protein levels in neutrophils and monocytes. Minimal decreases in T cells and a partial diminution in macrophages were observed. Neutrophil CD18 silencing resulted in neutrophilia, splenomegaly, and significant defects in neutrophil trafficking with the degree of alterations correlating with the extent of CD18 silencing. Thus, our data demonstrate the utility of using miRNA approaches to silence genes in neutrophils, which are terminally differentiated cells with a short half-life that largely precludes their genetic manipulation in vitro. Furthermore, the mouse models provide a valuable tool to examine the contribution of CD18 on neutrophils to leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I), a complex inherited disorder in which reduced or absent CD18 expression in multiple leukocyte subsets leads to impaired innate and adaptive immune responses.
Reducing Diagnostic Errors in Musculoskeletal Trauma by Reviewing Non-Admission Orthopaedic Referrals in the Next-Day Trauma Meeting
Authors: Sharma H , Bhagat S , Gaine WJ 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Diagnostic errors in orthopaedics are usually caused by missing a fracture or misreading radiographs. The aim of this study was to document the pick-up rate of the wrong diagnoses by reviewing X-rays and casualty notes in the next-day trauma meeting. PATIENTS AND METHODS The casualty notes and radiographs of 503 patients were prospectively reviewed in the daily trauma meeting between August 2002 and December 2002 in a district general hospital. The relevant data were collected and analysed by a single assessor. RESULTS The false positive rate for making an orthopaedic diagnosis was 12.6% (i.e.) diagnosing a fracture, when none existed). The false negative (missing) rate was 4%, while 2.4% incidental findings were missed, or at least not documented, after reading the X-rays. There were 7.8% wrong diagnoses made. The majority of the patients were seen by the senior house officers. CONCLUSIONS The medicolegal significance of false negative diagnosis is obviously greater. In a busy emergency department, where a large number of patients are seen, there is a greater risk. This study shows the importance in a small-to-medium sized accident and emergency unit as well, where there is no senior cover available out-of-hours for final radiological interpretation. A morning trauma meeting which covers reviewing admitted patients as well as non-admission orthopaedic referrals has an effective risk management solution to early detection of missed and wrong diagnoses.
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery is Effective in Obese Patients with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Ng Vivien V , Booth Michael I , Stratford Jane J , Jones Linda , Sohanpal J , Dehn Thomas CB 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Obesity has long been regarded as a risk factor for the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It has been claimed that surgical efficacy of laparoscopic anti-reflux operations is decreased in obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is effective in obese patients with GORD compared to non-obese patients. PATIENT AND METHODS A total of 366 patients (mean age 44 years; range, 12–86 years) underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery between 1997–2003. Of these, 74 patients were considered obese; 58 patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 30–34 kg/m2 and 16 were classified as morbidly obese with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Pre-operative symptomatic scoring, indications for surgery, pH studies, operative times and complications were compared between obese and non-obese patients. Symptomatic outcome and Visick score between the two groups were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following surgery. RESULTS Failure of medical treatment was the main reason for surgery in all groups. Operative time was longer in obese patients (mean time 93 min compared to 81 min; P = 0.0007), the main difficulty being gaining access because of their body habitus. All groups found the procedure to be effective in symptomatic outcome, 91% of obese patients compared to 92% of non-obese patients scored Visick I or II at 6 weeks' postoperatively. Similar Visick scoring was shown between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year, and in the morbidly obese group. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is similar between obese and non-obese patients with no trend towards a worse outcome in the obese or morbidly obese. Obesity should not be seen as a contra-indication, although it may be more technically challenging in this group of patients. Good results can be achieved in obese patients.
A 5-Year Audit of Rhinology Procedures Carried Out in a District General Hospital
Authors: Mehrzad H , Irvine M , Kundu S , Bleach N 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Although there has been many studies quoting ENT and rhinology complications, there have been none looking at the complication rates of one department with a single specialist rhinologist over a 5-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 5-year period between 1998 and 2002, the number of operative procedures undertaken in the ENT department in a busy district general hospital was collected in a prospective manner. RESULTS A total of 10,768 ENT procedures were undertaken in the department which comprised four consultants and associated junior staff (SpRs/SASs/SHOs); 2507 of these procedures were rhinology cases. There were 39 recorded complications following nasal surgery, giving an overall rhinology complication rate of 1.56%. This included 12 postoperative nose bleeds (0.48%), 5 cases of infection following septal surgery (0.56%), 7 cases of septal perforation (0.75%) and various minor functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) complications (2.17%). These figures are either below or within the quoted literature rates. There were no major complications or deaths recorded following nasal surgery. CONCLUSIONS These results compare favourably with those of other studies.
Efficacy and Economics of Postoperative Blood Salvage in Patients Undergoing Elective Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Mirza Saqeb B , Campion Jon , Dixon John H , Panesar Sukhmeet S 
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION Patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) regularly receive allogenic blood transfusions. The infusion of allogenic blood exposes the recipient to significant risks including the transmission of infection, anaphylactic and haemolytic reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of introducing a system to retransfuse salvaged drainage blood in patients undergoing primary THR. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed records of 109 consecutive patients who underwent THR following the introduction of the ABTrans™ autologous retransfusion system at our institution in January 2000. For comparison, we reviewed the medical records of 109 patients who underwent the same procedure immediately before the introduction of the retransfusion system. RESULTS Overall, 9% of patients treated with blood salvage and 30% treated without blood salvage required allogenic blood transfusions. Patients treated with the salvage system had significantly smaller haemoglobin drops in the peri-operative period (difference 0.56 g/dl; P = 0.001). The overall cost of using the retransfusion system was similar to that of routine vacuum drainage when the savings of reduced allogenic blood transfusion were taken into account. CONCLUSIONS The retransfusion of postoperative drainage blood is a simple, effective and safe way of providing autologous blood for patients undergoing primary THR.