bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Genetic Diversity in the Chemoreceptor Superfamily of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Stewart Mary K , Clark Nathaniel L , Merrihew Gennifer , Galloway Evan M , Thomas James H 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
We investigated genetic polymorphism in the Caenorhabditis elegans srh and str chemoreceptor gene families, each of which consists of ∼300 genes encoding seven-pass G-protein-coupled receptors. Almost one-third of the genes in each family are annotated as pseudogenes because of apparent functional defects in N2, the sequenced wild-type strain of C. elegans. More than half of these “pseudogenes” have only one apparent defect, usually a stop codon or deletion. We sequenced the defective region for 31 such genes in 22 wild isolates of C. elegans. For 10 of the 31 genes, we found an apparently functional allele in one or more wild isolates, suggesting that these are not pseudogenes but instead functional genes with a defective allele in N2. We suggest the term “flatliner” to describe genes whose functional vs. pseudogene status is unclear. Investigations of flatliner gene positions, dN/dS ratios, and phylogenetic trees indicate that they are not readily distinguished from functional genes in N2. We also report striking heterogeneity in the frequency of other polymorphisms among these genes. Finally, the large majority of polymorphism was found in just two strains from geographically isolated islands, Hawaii and Madeira. This suggests that our sampling of wild diversity in C. elegans is narrow and that identification of additional strains from similarly isolated regions will greatly expand the diversity available for study.
Dispersive estimates for principally normal pseudodifferential operators
Authors: Koch Herbert , Tataru Daniel 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this article we construct parametrices and obtain dispersive estimates for a large class of principally normal pseudodifferential operators. The main motivation for this comes from unique continuation problems. Such estimates can be used to prove Lq Carleman inequalities, which in turn yield unique continuation results for various partial differential operators with rough potentials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No association between subjective memory complaints and apolipoprotein E genotype in cognitively intact elderly
Authors: Harwood Dylan G. , Barker Warren W. , Ownby Raymond L. , Mullan Michael , Duara Ranjan 
Published: November 2004

AbstractObjectiveThis cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between subjective memory complaints and the apolipoprotein epsilon 4 allele (ε4), a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), among cognitively normal subjects identified from a community memory screening.DesignThe sample comprised 232 consecutive white non‐Hispanic older adults who presented to a free community‐based memory‐screening program at a University affiliated memory disorders center. Participants were classified as cognitively normal based on scores on the age and educated adjusted Folstein Mini‐Mental Status Exam (MMSAdj) and a brief Delayed Verbal Recall Test (DRT). Subjects were assessed for APOE genotype, subjective memory complaints (Memory Questionnaire, MQ), depressive symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HDRS), and history of four major medical conditions that have been associated with memory loss (stroke/transient ischemic attack [TIA], atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes). A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the association between APOE genotype and memory complaints after controlling for a host of potential confounding factors.ResultsThe APOE ε4 allele frequency for cognitively normal subjects was 0.13. Subjective memory complaints were predicted by depressive symptoms and a history of stroke/TIA. They were not associated with APOE genotype, MMSAdj score, DRT score, age, education, gender, and reported history of atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes.ConclusionThe results did not suggest an association between subjective memory complaints and the APOE ε4 allele in this sample of cognitively intact subjects. This indicates that memory complaints may confer risk for future dementia through pathways independent of APOE genotype. The results also show that older adults with memory complaints are at increased risk for underlying depression. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoskeletal actin degradation induced by lovastatin in cardiomyocytes is mediated through caspase‐2
Authors: Kong Jennifer Y. , Rabkin Simon W. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that cytoskeletal actin fragmentation is mediated through caspase‐2, specifically examining the ability of a caspase‐2 inhibitor to interfere with actin fragmentation, in comparison with a caspase‐3 inhibitor. Cardiomyocytes were cultured from embryonic chick heart. The fine structural element of cellular F‐actin was visualized by staining cardiomyocytes with NBD‐phallacidin. Lovastatin induced a dramatic and concentration‐dependent loss of intact F‐actin. The selectivity of this effect of lovastatin was demonstrated by the absence of similar changes in F‐actin when cardiomyocytes were treated with the apoptotic stimulus palmitate, the metabolism of which produces acetyl CoA, the early substrate of cholesterol synthesis, through the mevalonate pathway. FACS analysis of NBD‐phallacidin‐stained cells was used to quantify the amount of F‐actin loss. Actin fragmentation produced by lovastatin was operative through a caspase‐2 pathway, as the caspase‐2 inhibitor, z‐VDVAD‐fmk, significantly blocked lovastatin‐induced changes in F‐actin, but the caspase‐3 inhibitor, Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, did not. Interruption of the mevalonate pathway was in part responsible for lovastatin's action, as the downstream metabolite mevalonate partially reversed the effect of lovastatin on actin fragmentation. These data indicate a previously unrecognized link between cytoskeletal actin and caspase‐2.
Bleeding induced by SSRIs
Authors: Ceylan M.E. , Alpsan-Omay M.H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been accused of causing bleeding problems as a side effect. Theories about the mechanism are still being discussed. We report a case, presenting bleeding problems, during sertraline treatment. The SSRIs are widely used to treat depression and many other psychiatric disorders. Their lower severity of side effects and being markedly safer in overdose are some of the reasons of their preference as primary choice in most of the cases. Besides their common side effects like, agitation, headache, insomnia, weight gain or loss, and sexual dysfunction, SSRIs also have been suspected of increasing the risk of bleeding. A population-based cohort study supported the hypothesis of an increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding during the use of SSRIs, and they also indicated that this effect is potentiated with concurrent use of NSAIDs or low-dose aspirin. We would like to report our recent experience with one patient who was on sertraline, 50mg/day.
The Photochemical Oxidation of Phosphine above the Upper Explosion Limit
Authors: Melville H. W. , Roxburgh H. L. 
Published: November 2004

An investigation has been made of the kinetics of the photochemical oxidation of phosphine above the upper explosion limit. The results are summarized by the equations
Mercury sensitized reaction — d[PH3]/dt = const. [PH3]/[O2]2 intensity.
Direct photo-reaction — d[PH3]/dt = const. [PH3]2/[O2]2.
The reactions are shown to be of the chain type and inhibited by oxygen. On the basis of previous knowledge of the propagation of the chains, the question of termination was examined and it is shown that out of six possible cases, only one is in agreement with the experimental facts. This is that the chain carrier, which normally reacts with phosphine, is destroyed in a ternary collision with two oxygen molecules or with one oxygen and one nitrogen molecule (or an argon atom). The efficiency of the collision is about 0.5. In view of these results, it is highly probable that this carrier is an oxygen atom. In the photosensitized reaction one-fifth of the collisions between oxygen molecules and excited mercury atoms results in the initiation of a chain. These results are shown to be quantitatively consistent with the shape and also the position of the upper limiting explosion curve, except that the limiting pressure is a little higher than that calculated by a strict application of the theory of branched chains. The upper limit is displaced to higher pressures by illumination of the mixture, a phenomenon not predicted by theory. The effect is of short duration, &lt;2 sec. and it is not exhibited at the lower limit. The significance of this result is discussed in relation to the theory of the reaction.
A pRb-independent mechanism preserves the postmitotic state in terminally differentiated skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Camarda Grazia , Siepi Francesca , Pajalunga Deborah , Bernardini Camilla , Rossi Rossella , Montecucco Alessandra , Meccia Ettore , Crescenzi Marco 
Published: November 2004

In skeletal muscle differentiation, the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) is absolutely necessary to establish definitive mitotic arrest. It is widely assumed that pRb is equally essential to sustain the postmitotic state, but this contention has never been tested. Here, we show that terminal proliferation arrest is maintained in skeletal muscle cells by a pRb-independent mechanism.
Acute Rb excision from conditional knockout myotubes caused reexpression of E2F transcriptional activity, cyclin-E and -A kinase activities, PCNA, DNA ligase I, RPA, and MCM2, but did not induce DNA synthesis, showing that pRb is not indispensable to preserve the postmitotic state of these cells. Muscle-specific gene expression was significantly down-regulated, showing that pRb is constantly required for optimal implementation of the muscle differentiation program. Rb-deleted myotubes were efficiently reactivated by forced expression of cyclin D1 and Cdk4, indicating a functionally significant target other than pRb for these molecules. Finally, Rb removal induced no DNA synthesis even in pocket-protein null cells. Thus, the postmitotic state of myotubes is maintained by at least two mechanisms, one of which is pocket-protein independent.
Ethnic differences in the formation of small LDL particles in Asians: a comparison of Koreans, Japanese and Mongolians
Authors: Anuurad E. , Shiwaku K. , Enkhmaa B. , Nogi A. , Kitajima K. , Yamasaki M. , Yamane Y. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  The presence of small, dense LDL particles has been recognized as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) but is not directly representative of CHD mortality rate beyond any given population. We investigated whether such inconsistency between three Asian ethnic groups might have arisen from anthropometric and metabolic factors.Design  We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among adult Koreans (412), Japanese (453) and Mongolians (253).Results  The prevalence of small LDL particles was 36% in the Koreans, 21% in the Japanese and 7% in the Mongolians. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed plasma triglyceride (TG) levels to be the strongest determinant of small LDL particle size in all three groups, with sex, HDL‐cholesterol and non‐HDL‐C being other ethnic‐specific significant determinants. Body mass index (BMI), FFA and insulin resistance were not significant factors in the regression analysis. Of the subjects with low TG levels (< 133 mg dL−1), 25% of the Koreans and 10% of the Japanese, but no Mongolians, had small LDL particles.Conclusions  Results of the present study suggest that traditionally, high‐carbohydrate diets in Korea and Japan possibly contribute to higher TG‐levels compared with BMI‐matched Mongolians, and to the formation of small LDL particles, even in instances of low TG levels.
Weight reduction, but not a moderate intake of fish oil, lowers concentrations of inflammatory markers and PAI‐1 antigen in obese men during the fasting and postprandial state
Authors: Jellema A. , Plat J. , Mensink R. P. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  In obese subjects, chronic low‐grade inflammation contributes to an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, which are reversed by weight loss. Sustained weight loss, however, is difficult to achieve and more insight into dietary approaches on anti‐inflammatory responses in obese subjects is needed. In this respect, fish oil deserves attention.Material and methods  Eleven obese men (BMI: 30–35 kg m−2) received daily fish oil (1·35 g n‐3 fatty acids) or placebo capsules in random order for 6 weeks. Eight subjects continued with a weight reduction study that lasted 8 weeks. Mean weight loss was 9·4 kg. At the end of each experimental period a postprandial study was performed.Results  Relative to fasting concentrations, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels increased by 75% 2 h and by 118% 4 h after the meal (P < 0·001), when subjects consumed the control capsules. In contrast, C‐reactive protein (C‐RP) concentrations decreased slightly by 0·7% and 6·6% (P = 0·046), and those of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) antigen by, respectively, 26% and 53% (P < 0·001). Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; P = 0·330) and soluble TNF‐receptor concentrations (sTNF‐R55 and sTNF‐R75; P = 0·451 and P = 0·108, respectively) did not change. Changes relative to fasting concentrations were not significantly affected by either fish oil or weight reduction. Absolute IL‐6, C‐RP, sTNF‐R55, sTNF‐R75, and PAI‐1 antigen concentrations, however, were consistently lower after weight reduction, but not after fish oil consumption.Conclusion  For slightly obese subjects a moderate intake of fish oil does not have the same favourable effects on markers for a low‐grade inflammatory state as weight reduction.
Treatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor increases interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist levels during engraftment following allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation
Authors: Schwabe M. , Hartert A.‐M. , Bertz H. , Finke J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  The effect of treatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) on interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) plasma concentrations as well as the role of IL‐1ra on leucocyte recovery and parameters of infection within the first 30 days after haematopietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) are not well known.Material and methods  Twenty‐seven patients undergoing myeloablative therapy followed by allogeneic SCT for various haematological disorders were either treated with (n = 18) or without (n = 9) G‐CSF. IL‐1ra plasma levels were serially determined by ELISA starting at day − 1 and continued until patients were engrafted.Results  Patients receiving G‐CSF had significantly shorter neutropenic periods and significantly lower mean C‐reactive protein serum levels during the first 3 weeks succeeding bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Importantly, starting at day + 11 and paralleling the rise of peripheral blood leucocytes, increasing IL‐1ra plasma concentrations were observed in both treatment groups. However, the magnitude of the IL‐1ra surge was far greater in the G‐CSF treatment group. Peak IL‐1ra plasma level observed on day + 19 was 882·3 ± 879·2 pg mL−1 (mean ± SD) in patients receiving G‐CSF compared with 285·8 ± 175·2 pg mL−1 (mean ± SD) in patients not receiving G‐CSF (P = 0·0130). Furthermore, a direct correlation of IL‐1ra with peripheral blood leucocytes was verified by the Spearman rank test (P = 0·0025).Conclusion  Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐mediated acceleration of neutrophil recovery following myeloablative therapy correlated with increased IL‐1ra plasma concentrations. Our data suggest that IL‐1ra constitutes an intrinsic component of the anti‐inflammatory and neutrophil differentiating efficacy of G‐CSF and, thus, IL‐1ra may be required for the in vivo activity of G‐CSF.
Down‐regulation of sarcolipin mRNA expression in chronic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Uemura N. , Ohkusa T. , Hamano K. , Nakagome M. , Hori H. , Shimizu M. , Matsuzaki M. , Mochizuki S. , Minamisawa S. , Ishikawa Y. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  Abnormal intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is an important modulator of chronic atrial fibrillation. Sarcolipin, a homologue of phospholamban, is specifically expressed in the atria, and may play an important role in modulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in the atria. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of sarcolipin mRNA in the atrial myocardium of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.Methods  We analyzed the expression of sarcolipin, phospholamban, cardiac calsequestrin and sodium calcium exchanger mRNAs in the right atrial myocardium from nine patients with mitral valvular disease with atrial fibrillation (MVD/AF), nine patients with MVD who had normal sinus rhythm (MVD/NSR), and 10 control patients with normal sinus rhythm who received open heart surgery (controls). The expression of mRNA was measured using the ABI PRISM 7700 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).Results  Relative expression levels of sarcolipin mRNA were significantly lower in MVD/AF (0·60 ± 0·11) than in either MVD/NSR (1·28 ± 0·17, P < 0·01) or controls (1·10 ± 0·10, P < 0·05). The expression levels of sarcolipin mRNA were significantly lower in the group with high values for right atrial pressure. The expression levels of phospholamban, cardiac calsequestrin and sodium calcium exchanger mRNAs were comparable among all three groups.Conclusions  Chronic electrical and mechanical overload decreased the expression of sarcolipin mRNA in the right atrial myocardium in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Down‐regulation of sarcolipin mRNA may be part of atrial fibrillation‐induced atrial remodelling.
Altered body image: appearance‐related concerns of people with visible disfigurement
Authors: Rumsey Nichola , Clarke Alex , White Paul , Wyn‐Williams Menna , Garlick Wendy 
Published: November 2004

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a study to establish the extent and type of psychosocial needs of outpatients attending for treatment of a wide range of disfiguring conditions.Background.  Visible disfigurements can be associated with extensive psychosocial difficulties. The majority of research to date has been carried out with people identified by themselves or others as experiencing difficulties. Little is known about levels of distress in the broader population of patients receiving treatment for a range of disfiguring conditions.Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, with a convenience sample. Participants (n = 458) drawn from 15 outpatient clinics completed standardized measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), social anxiety and avoidance (Derriford Appearance Scale short‐form) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale). A semi‐structured interview was used to generate further quantitative and qualitative data about individual concerns, and satisfaction with the provision of care. Staff views about levels of psychosocial distress were elicited through group discussions.Results.  The results revealed high levels of psychological distress in the sample, compared with normative values. The majority of difficulties related to problems experienced in social situations. Patient satisfaction with care was generally high; however, and 71% of participants expressed a moderate to strong desire for a health care professional with training to deal with their appearance‐related concerns. Nursing staff felt unable to address patients’ appearance‐related difficulties because of time constraints, lack of an environment conducive to the discussion of patients’ concerns, and lack of appropriate knowledge and training.Conclusion.  A significant proportion of participants experienced psychosocial distress in relation to their visible difference. Psychosocial needs were poorly met in current outpatient care provision, and a range of options could be considered to address these more effectively.
Factors affecting quality of oral care in intensive care units
Authors: Allen Furr L. , Binkley Catherine J. , McCurren Cynthia , Carrico Ruth 
Published: November 2004

Aims.  This paper presents a study to assess to nurses’ attitudes and practices concerning oral care and to determine predictors of the quality of oral care in intensive care units.Background.  The oropharynx of critically ill patients becomes colonized with potential respiratory pathogens; oral care has been shown to reduce oropharyngeal bacteria and ventilator‐associated pneumonia.Methods.  In April 2002, a random and national sample of 420 intensive care unit directors was asked to participate in the survey. Of invited directors, 126 (30%) agreed to participate and were sent questionnaires to be completed anonymously by their staff, and 102 institutions returned 556 surveys. This gave a response rate of 83% of those who consented to participate.Results.  The path model shows that nurses’ oral care education, having sufficient time to provide care, prioritizing oral care, and not viewing oral care as unpleasant had direct effects on the quality of provided care. Intensive care unit experience, oral care education, and having sufficient time had indirect effects.Conclusion.  Improving the quality of oral care in intensive care units is a multi‐layered task. Reinforcing proper oral care in education programmes, de‐sensitizing nurses to the often‐perceived unpleasantness of cleaning oral cavities, and working with hospital managers to allow sufficient time to attend to oral care are recommended.
Relationship between two anxiety instruments in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support
Authors: Chlan Linda L. 
Published: November 2004

Aims.  The primary aim of this paper is to discuss the relationship between the Visual Analog Scale‐Anxiety (VAS‐A) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. A secondary aim is to provide suggestions for the nurse‐researcher to consider when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety.Background.  Anxiety is a common experience for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. It is a challenge, however, for nurse‐researcher to select an instrument to measure anxiety that is valid and reliable yet does not cause great response burden for participants. Visual analog scales may reduce response burden, but lack sound validation in research participants receiving mechanical ventilatory support.Methods.  This study used a correlational design. A convenience sample of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support (n = 200) were asked to rate their current level of anxiety on the 20‐item Spielberger SAI and a 100‐mm VAS‐A.Results.  Eight participants were unable to complete the Spielberger SAI; 100% completed the VAS‐A. The two instruments were found to be significantly correlated at r = 0·50; P = 0·01.Conclusion.  The VAS‐A was found to be less burdensome for research participants than the Spielberger SAI, resulting in no missing data on the VAS‐A. Findings from this study provide initial validation of the VAS‐A as a justifiable instrument to measure anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Researchers are advised to balance reliability and validity properties with response burden when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety in patients with communication challenges and energy limitations.