bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycoplasma pneumoniaeinduces airway epithelial cell expression of MUC5AC in asthma
Authors: Kraft M. , Adler K. B. , Ingram J. L. , Crews A. L. , Atkinson T. P. , Cairns C. B. , Krause D. C. , Chu H. W. 
Published: December 2007

As excess mucin expression can contribute to the exacerbation of asthma, the present authors hypothesised thatMycoplasma pneumoniaesignificantly induces MUC5AC (the major airway mucin) expression in airway epithelial cells isolated directly from asthmatic subjects.A total of 11 subjects with asthma and six normal controls underwent bronchoscopy with airway brushing. Epithelial cells were cultured at an air–liquid interface and incubated with and withoutM. pneumoniaefor 48 h, and in the presence and absence of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and a toll-like receptor (TLR)2 inhibitor. Quantitative PCR was performed for MUC5AC and TLR2 mRNA. MUC5AC protein and total protein were determined by ELISA.M. pneumoniaeexposure significantly increased MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression after 48 h in epithelial cells isolated from asthmatic, but not from normal control subjects, at all concentrations as compared to unexposed cells. TLR2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in asthmatic epithelial cells at 4 h compared with unexposed cells. NF-κB and TLR2 inhibition reduced MUC5AC expression to the level of the unexposed control in both groups.Mycoplasma pneumoniaeexposure significantly increased MUC5AC mRNA and protein expression preferentially in airway epithelial cells isolated from asthmatic subjects. The toll-like receptor 2 pathway may be involved in this process.
Enhancement of pulmonary vascular remodelling and inflammatory genes with VIP gene deletion: Table 1—
Authors: Hamidi S. A. , Prabhakar S. , Said S. I. 
Published: December 2007

The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains poorly understood. The present authors recently reported that mice with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gene disruption show a spontaneous phenotype of PAH, with pulmonary vascular remodelling and lung inflammation.To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in this model, it was examined whether absence of the VIP gene might alter the expression of additional genes involved in the pathogenesis of PAH, as single-gene deletions, in the absence of hypoxia, rarely result in significant pulmonary vascular remodelling.Lung tissue from mice with targeted disruption of the vasoactive intestinal peptide gene (VIP-/-mice) and from control mice was subjected to whole-genome gene microarray analysis, and the results validated with quantitative, real-time PCR. Lungs from VIP-/-mice showed a wide range of significant gene expression alterations, including overexpression of genes that promote pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, underexpression of antiproliferative genes and upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes.In conclusion, vasoactive intestinal peptide is a pivotal modulator of genes controlling the pulmonary vasculature, its deficiency alone resulting in gene expression alterations that can readily explain both the vascular remodelling and associated inflammatory response in pulmonary arterial hypertension. The present findings shed more light on the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and could lead to better understanding of the pathogenesis of human pulmonary arterial hypertension, and hence to improved therapy.
Complex chronic comorbidities of COPD
Authors: Fabbri L. M. , Luppi F. , Beghé B. , Rabe K. F. 
Published: December 2007

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by fixed airflow limitation associated with an abnormal pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response of the lungs to cigarette smoke.The systemic inflammation induced by smoking may also cause chronic heart failure, metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases, which may contribute to the clinical manifestations and natural history of COPD. Thus COPD can no longer be considered a disease only of the lungs, as it is often associated with a wide variety of systemic consequences.A better understanding of the origin and consequences of systemic inflammation, and of potential therapies, will most likely lead to better care of patients with COPD. Medical textbooks and clinical guidelines still largely ignore the fact that COPD seldom occurs in isolation.As the diagnosis and assessment of severity of COPD may be greatly affected by the presence of comorbid conditions, the current authors believe that lung function measurement, noninvasive assessment of cardiovascular and metabolic functions, and circulating inflammatory markers (e.g.C-reactive protein) might help to better characterise these patients. Similarly, preventive and therapeutic interventions should address the patient in their complexity.
Air pollution, oxidative stress and dietary supplementation: a review
Authors: Romieu I. , Castro-Giner F. , Kunzli N. , Sunyer J. 
Published: December 2007

The aim of the present review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the biological and epidemiological evidence of the role of oxidative stress as a major underlying feature of the toxic effect of air pollutants, and the potential role of dietary supplementation in enhancing antioxidant defences.A bibliographic search was conducted through PubMed. The keywords used in the search were “air pollutant”, “oxidative stress”, “inflammation”, “antioxidant polyunsaturated fatty acids” and “genetics”. In addition, the authors also searched for biomarkers of oxidative stress and nutrients.The review presents the most recent data on: the biological and epidemiological evidence of the oxidative stress response to air pollutants; the role of dietary supplementation as a modulator of these effects; and factors of inter-individual variation in human response. The methodology for further epidemiological studies will be discussed in order to improve the current understanding on how nutritional factors may act.There is substantial evidence that air pollution exposure results in increased oxidative stress and that dietary supplementation may play a modulating role on the acute effect of air pollutants. Further epidemiological studies should address the impact of supplementation strategies in the prevention of air-pollution-related long-term effects in areas where people are destined to be exposed for the distant future.
Treating post-traumatic stress disorder in the ‘real world’: evaluation of a specialist trauma service and adaptations to standard treatment approaches
Authors: Lab Damon , Santos Ines , de Zulueta Felicity 
Published: December 2007

Aims and MethodTo evaluate the effectiveness of treatment at the Traumatic Stress Service (TSS) by comparing pre- and post-treatment scores on patient self-report measures. Through a questionnaire survey, to explore therapists' views of problems presenting in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how, as a result, they adapted their approach to trauma work.ResultsTherapists reported that their patients present with a range of complex problems, and self-report measures show that patients suffer particularly high levels of psychopathology. Therapists identified a number of adaptations to trauma-focused work to deal with these additional problems. Of the 112 patients who completed therapy, 43% filled in pre- and post-treatment questionnaire measures. Analysis showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in levels of PTSD, depression and social functioning.Clinical ImplicationsThe typical presentation of trauma survivors is often not ‘simple’ PTSD, but PTSD resulting from chronic and multiple traumas and complicated by additional psychological and social difficulties. Adaptations to trauma-focused work can successfully treat such ‘complex’ PTSD.
Risk assessment of psychiatric in-patients: audit of completion of a risk assessment tool
Authors: Masson Neil , Liew Ashley , Taylor John , McGuigan Frank 
Published: December 2007

Aims and MethodTwo complete audit cycles were used to assess the completion of a bespoke risk assessment tool and whether an educational intervention, and subsequently the introduction of a standardised admission pack, led to improvements in completion rates.ResultsThe total rate of completion of forms improved from 60% to 81% following a brief educational intervention in the form of a lecture and email about the audit. The subsequent introduction of a standardised admission pack containing the tool maintained completion rates.Clinical ImplicationsAudit coupled with a simple educational intervention can improve the completion of risk assessment forms by medical and nursing staff.
Consent to ECT: patients' experiences in an Irish ECT clinic
Authors: Rush Gavin , McCarron Shane , Lucey James V. 
Published: December 2007

Aims and MethodThe aim of this study was to examine the subjective experience of the procedure for obtaining consent for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in an Irish setting. A total of 89 consecutively treated patients were sent a postal survey at an average of 17 weeks after ECT treatment.ResultsThis survey revealed low rates of perceived coercion in relation to consenting to ECT. Overall, there were high rates of satisfaction with the consenting procedure in terms of information and staff support.Clinical ImplicationsIn an accredited clinic, the consenting procedure can be conducted in an environment free of coercion, resulting in higher levels of patient satisfaction than previously reported.
New procedures to cut delays in transfer of mentally ill prisoners to hospital
Authors: McKenzie Nigel , Sales Becky 
Published: December 2007

Aims and MethodWe sought to determine whether new procedures recommended by the UK Department of Health in partnership with the Home Office reduced delays in transferring mentally ill prisoners to hospital. Our main outcome measure was time taken from identification of a prisoner's need for transfer to actual transfer to hospital. Waiting times for transfers that took place during 6-month periods before and after introduction of the new procedures were assessed. We also assessed adherence to medication while awaiting transfer.ResultsThere was a reduction in mean waiting time from 77 days to 53 days (24 days; 95% CI –2 to 50). Approximately 50% of patients offered medication while awaiting transfer were non-adherent.Clinical ImplicationsDespite the new procedures, many individuals with acute mental illness remain untreated in prison for several months while awaiting transfer to hospital. We recommend that time limits should be specified for hospital transfers from prison comparable to norms under civil sections.
Confronting Terrorism: Teaching the History of Lynching Through Photography
Authors: Cooks Bridget R. 
Published: December 2007

Cooks describes how she incorporates her personal experience viewing Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America, a traveling exhibit from 2000 to 2005, in her art history and ethics studies classes. For the purpose of analysis alone, she divides the photographs into four categories: crowd, crowd with lynching victim(s), lynching victim(s) alone, and souvenirs. Students respond in speechless and somber disbelief when confronted with the shameless desire to document and openly celebrate the destruction of the human body. However, the lynching photographs (four of which are included in the essay) are a catalyst for a complex system of varied responses beyond the immediate paralyzing effect.
The history of lynching and the continued threat of racial violence are difficult subjects to teach, but the engagement with this history through lynching imagery and the exhibition history of Without Sanctuary has proven to be an important life experience for both Cooks and her students.
Empathy, Primitive Reactions and the Modularity of Emotion
Authors: Jacobson Anne J. 
Published: December 2007

Are emotion-producing processes modular? Jerry Fodor, in his classic introduction of the notion of modularity (Fodor 1983), holds that its most important feature is cognitive impenetrability or information encapsulation. If a process possesses this feature, then, as standardly understood (Currie and Sterelny 2000), “what we want or believe makes no difference to how [it] works” (147).In this paper, we will start with the issue of the cognitive impenetrability of emotion-producing processes. It turns out that, while there is abundant evidence of emotion-producing processes that are not cognitively impenetrable, some nonetheless are. We will look at two sorts of case. The first concerns emotional reactions to observed faces, and the second involves what we can call “primitive emotions,” emotions that can be activated by non-doxastic input into regions of the brain we share with more primitive animals.In seeing how some emotion-producing processes can be cognitively impenetrable while others are not, we need to use two commonsensical theses. First, a discussion of modularity must in general operate with a taxonomy that allows for sub-processes or stages of processes.
Shame and Other Cases of Modularity without Modules
Authors: Ogien Ruwen 
Published: December 2007

On the surface, self-centred emotions like shame or pride are related to subtle understandings of one's own identity and relevant objects (Taylor 1985; Ben Ze'ev 2000). Changes of beliefs about these objects often result in changes in the related emotions.If I am very proud that, on the first of April, I won the Jacques Chirac Prize for moral philosophy and then realize that it was just an April Fool's joke, my pride will probably vanish. I will probably be ashamed that I believed it. Cases like this support the idea that having beliefs is a necessary condition for feeling pride or shame.If this is true and if we endorse Jerry Fodor's views about modularity, it follows that shame can't be modular because, according to these views, no beliefs or other central mental processes are supposed to be involved in the operation of modules (Fodor 1983). Further, contempt, derision, or avoidance are supposed to be typical causes of shame, but they may trigger other emotions as well: hatred, anger, self-pity, or sadness, etc.
Is Emotion a Form of Perception?
Authors: Prinz Jesse J. 
Published: December 2007

Theories of emotions traditionally divide into two categories. According to some researchers, emotions are or essentially involve evaluative thoughts or judgments. These are calledcognitive theories.According to other researchers, an emotion can occur without any thought. These are callednon-cognitive theories.Some defenders of non-cognitive theories argue that emotions are action tendencies, others say they are feelings, and still others say they are affect programs, which encompass a range of internal and external events. One of the most celebrated non-cognitive theories owes, independently, to William James and Carl Lange. According to them, emotions are perceptions of patterned changes in the body. I think the perceptual theory of emotions is basically correct, but it needs to be updated. In this discussion, I will offer a summary and defence.The question I am addressing bears on the question of modularity. Within cognitive science, there is a widespread view that perceptual systems are modular.
Emotions Are Not Modules1
Authors: Russell James A. 
Published: December 2007

Jane is calmly strolling through the forest one lovely day. Suddenly, a large spider drops in front of her face. She immediately freezes; her heart races; her hands tremble; her face broadcasts “fear.” She screams and runs away. Both before and after, she concedes that spiders in this forest are harmless.Jane's reaction to the spider contrasts greatly with the way she normally reacts to events. Normally, or so the story goes, Jane weighs her options thoughtfully, choosing a course of action consistent with her beliefs and with the greatest benefit. Indeed, her reaction to the spider contrasts so greatly with calm, rational, deliberate, belief-consistent action that traditional folk psychology supposed two different kinds of mechanism are at work: animal-like emotion (located in the heart and gut) versus human reason (located in the mind). Her emotion explains her reaction to the spider. Her emotion made her do it.
Assembling the Emotions
Authors: Bergeron Vincent , Matthen Mohan 
Published: December 2007

Endogenous depression is highly correlated with low levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. Does this imply or suggest that this sort of depressionjust isthis neurochemical deficit? Scorning such an inference, Antonio Damasio writes:If feeling happy or sad … corresponds in part to the cognitive modes under which your thoughts are operating, then the explanation also requires that the chemical acts on the circuits which generate and manipulate [such thoughts]. Which means that reducing depression to a statement about the availability of serotonin or norepinephrine in general- a popular statement in the days and age of Prozac- is unacceptably rude (1995, 161).Damasio's thought is that depression isessentiallya modification of how we perceive the world, reason about it, and make decisions about how to act in it - in other words, that it is essentially cognitive. A reduced level of serotonin might cause the said modification, but no adequate account of depression would identify the malady with its cause. A proper account would minimally need to say how cognitive processing is affected by a reduced level of serotonin.
HNF4α orchestrates a set of 14 genes to down-regulate cell proliferation in kidney cells
Authors: Grigo Karen , Wirsing Andrea , Lucas Belén , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Ryffel Gerhart U. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractFew genes are known to be involved in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development and progression. The cell-specific transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is down-regulated in RCC and we have shown that HNF4α inhibits cell proliferation in the embryonic kidney cell line HEK293. To clarify the possible tumor suppressor activity of HNF4α we analyzed the whole human expression profile in HEK293 cells upon HNF4α induction. By comparing induced and uninduced cells, we identified 1411 differentially expressed genes. Using RNA interference, we screened 56 HNF4α-regulated genes for their possible role in mediating inhibition of cell proliferation triggered by HNF4α. We demonstrate that 14 of these regulated genes are able to contribute to the inhibitory effect of HNF4α on cell proliferation, including well-known cancer genes, such as CDKN1A (p21), TGFA, MME (NEP) and ADAMTS1. In addition, the genes SEPP1, THEM2, BPHL, DSC2, ANK3, ALDH6A1, EPHX2, NELL2, EFHD1 and PROS1 are also part of the network of HNF4α target genes that regulate proliferation in HEK293 cells. Therefore, we postulate that HNF4α orchestrates, at least, these 14 genes to regulate cell proliferation in HEK293 cells and that down-regulation of HNF4α could contribute to the progression of kidney cancer.
Secondary structures and functional requirements for thiM riboswitches from Desulfovibrio vulgaris, Erwinia carotovora and Rhodobacter spheroides
Authors: Rentmeister Andrea , Mayer Günter , Kuhn Nicole , Famulok Michael 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Bacterial thiM riboswitches contain aptamer domains that bind the metabolite thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). Binding of TPP to the aptamer domain induces structural rearrangements that are relayed to the expression domain, thereby interfering with gene expression. Here, we report identification of three putative thiM riboswitches from different bacteria and analysis of their secondary structures. Chemical probing revealed that the riboswitches share similar secondary structures in their aptamer domains that can communicate with the highly variant expression domains in a mechanism likely involving sequestration of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Remarkably, the aptamer domain of the thiM gene of Desulfovibrio vulgaris binds TPP with similar affinity and selectivity as that of Escherichia coli, although nucleotides previously shown to form direct contacts to the metabolite are mutated. We also designed small RNA hairpins for each riboswitch that bind the RNA only in the absence of the metabolite. Our study shows that aptamer domains in riboswitches with high similarity in their secondary structures can communicate with a broad variety of non-related expression domains by similar mechanisms.
Tissue-specific promoter utilisation of the kallikrein-related peptidase genes,KLK5andKLK7, and cellular localisation of the encoded proteins suggest roles in exocrine pancreatic function
Authors: Dong Ying , Matigian Nick , Harvey Tracey J. , Samaratunga Hemamali , Hooper John D. , Clements Judith A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTissue kallikrein (kallikrein 1) was first identified in pancreas and is the namesake of the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK) family. KLK1 and the other 14 members of the human KLK family are encoded by 15 serine protease genes clustered at chromosome 19q13.4. Our Northern blot analysis of 19 normal human tissues for expression ofKLK4toKLK15identified pancreas as a common expression site for the gene cluster spanningKLK5toKLK13, as well as forKLK15which is located adjacent toKLK1. Consistent with previous reports detailing the ability ofKLKgenes to generate organ- and disease-specific transcripts, detailed molecular andin silicoanalyses indicated thatKLK5andKLK7generate transcripts in pancreas variant from those in skin or ovary. Consistently, we identified in the promoters of theseKLKgenes motifs which conform with consensus binding sites for transcription factors conferring pancreatic expression. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed predominant localisation of KLK5 and KLK7 in acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas, suggesting roles for these enzymes in digestion. Our data also support expression patterns derived from gene duplication events in the humanKLKcluster. These findings suggest that, in addition to KLK1, other related KLK enzymes will function in the exocrine pancreas.
Evaluation of the ‘side door’ in carboxylesterase-mediated catalysis and inhibition
Authors: Streit Timothy M. , Borazjani Abdolsamad , Lentz Shellaine E. , Wierdl Monika , Potter Philip M. , Gwaltney Steven R. , Ross Matthew K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Structures of mammalian carboxylesterases (CEs) reveal the presence of a ‘side door’ that is proposed to act as an alternative pore for the trafficking of substrates and products. p-Nitrobenzyl esterase (pnb CE) from Bacillus subtilis exhibits close structural homology and a similar side-door domain as mammalian CEs. We investigated the role of a specific ‘gate’ residue at the side door (i.e., Leu 362) during pnb CE-catalyzed hydrolysis of model esters, pesticides, and lipids. Recombinant pnb CE proteins containing mutations at position 362 demonstrated markedly lower k
cat and k
cat/K
m values. The mutation with the most significant impact on catalysis was the L362R mutant (k
cat/K
m was 22-fold lower). Moreover, the ability of the L362R mutant to be inhibited by organophosphates (OP) was also lower. Investigation into the altered catalytic proficiency using pH-activity studies indicated that the catalytic triad of the mutant enzyme was preserved. Furthermore, viscosity variation and carbamate inhibition experiments indicated that rates of substrate association and acylation/deacylation were lower. Finally, recombinant CEs were found to possess lipolytic activity toward cholesteryl oleate and 2-arachidonylglycerol. In summary, the L362R mutant CE markedly slowed the rate of ester hydrolysis and was less sensitive to OP inhibition. The apparent causes of the diminished catalysis are discussed.