Current smoking and the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction in the WHO MONICA Project populations

Background: Cohort studies have shown that smoking has a substantial influence on coronary heart disease mortality in young people. Population based data on non-fatal events have been sparse, however. Objective: To study the impact of smoking on the risk of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (MI) in young middle age people. Methods: From 1985 to 1994 all non-fatal MI events in the age group 35 - 64 were registered in men and women in the WHO MONICA ( multinational monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) project populations ( 18 762 events in men and 4047 in women from 32 populations from 21 countries). In the same populations and age groups 65 741 men and 66 717 women participated in the surveys of risk factors ( overall response rate 72%). The relative risk of non-fatal MI for current smokers was compared with non-smokers, by sex and five year age group. Results: The prevalence of smoking in people aged 35 - 39 years who experienced non-fatal MI events was 81% in men and 77% in women. It declined with increasing age to 45% in men aged 60 - 64 years and 36% in women, respectively. In the 35 - 39 years age group the relative risk of non-fatal MI for smokers was 4.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9 to 6.1) in men and 5.3 ( 95% CI 3.2 to 8.7) in women, and the population attributable fractions were 65% and 55%, respectively. Conclusions: During the study period more than half of the non-fatal MIs occurring in young middle age people can be attributed to smoking.

A non-invasive method for silencing gene transcription in honeybees maintained under natural conditions

in the Apis mellifera post-genomic era, RNAi protocols have been used in functional approaches. However, sample manipulation and invasive methods such as injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can compromise physiology and survival. To circumvent these problems, we developed a non-invasive method for honeybee gene knockdown, using a well-established vitellogenin RNAi system as a model. Second instar larvae received dsRNA for vitellogenin (dsVg-RNA) in their natural diet. For exogenous control, larvae received dsRNA for GFP (dsGFP-RNA). Untreated larvae formed another control group. Around 60% of the treated larvae naturally developed until adult emergence when 0.5 mu g of dsVg-RNA or dsGFP-RNA was offered while no larvae that received 3.0 mu g of dsRNA reached pupal stages. Diet dilution did not affect the removal rates. Viability depends not only on the delivered doses but also on the internal conditions of colonies. The weight of treated and untreated groups showed no statistical differences. This showed that RNAi ingestion did not elicit drastic collateral effects. Approximately 90% of vitellogenin transcripts from 7-day-old workers were silenced compared to controls. A large number of samples are handled in a relatively short time and smaller quantities of RNAi molecules are used compared to invasive methods. These advantages culminate in a versatile and a cost-effective approach. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dibucaine effects on structural and elastic properties of lipid bilayers

In this work we report the interaction effects of the local anesthetic dibucaine (DBC) with lipid patches in model membranes by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Supported lipid bilayers (egg phosphatidylcholine, EPC and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, DMPQ were prepared by fusion of unilamellar vesicles on mica and imaged in aqueous media. The AFM images show irregularly distributed and sized EPC patches on mica. On the other hand DMPC formation presents extensive bilayer regions on top of which multibilayer patches are formed. In the presence of DBC we observed a progressive disruption of these patches, but for DMPC bilayers this process occurred more slowly than for EPC. In both cases, phase images show the formation of small structures on the bilayer surface suggesting an effect on the elastic properties of the bilayers when DBC is present. Dynamic surface tension and dilatational surface elasticity measurements of EPC and DMPC monolayers in the presence of DBC by the pendant drop technique were also performed, in order to elucidate these results. The curve of lipid monolayer elasticity versus DBC concentration, for both EPC and DMPC cases, shows a maximum for the surface elasticity modulus at the same concentration where we observed the disruption of the bilayer by AFM. Our results suggest that changes in the local curvature of the bilayer induced by DBC could explain the anesthetic action in membranes. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visible and near-infrared luminescent Eu(3+) or Er(3+) doped laponite-derived xerogels and thick films: Structural and spectroscopic properties

Laponite-derived materials represent promising materials for optical applications. In this work, Eu(3+)- or Er(3+)-doped laponite xerogels and films were prepared from colloidal dispersion. Homogeneous, crack-free and transparent single layers were deposited on soda-lime substrates with a thickness of 10 mu m. Structural and spectroscopic properties were analyzed by thermal analyses, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy. The addition of a rare earth ion to the laponite does not promote any changes in thermal stability or phase transition. Laponite clay was identified after annealing up to 500 degrees C, with a decrease in basal spacing when the annealing temperature is changed from 100 degrees C to 500 degrees C. Enstatite polymorphs and amorphous silicate phases were observed after heat treatment at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C. Stationary and time-dependent luminescence spectra in the visible region for Eu(3+), and (5)D(0) lifetime are discussed in terms of thermal treatment and structural evolution. In the layered host, the Eu(3+) ions are distributed in many different local environments. However, Eu(3+) ions were found to occupy at least two symmetry sites, and the ions are preferentially incorporated into the crystalline enstatite for the materials annealed at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C. A (5)D(0) lifetime of 1.3 ms and 3.1 ms was obtained for Eu(3+) ions in an amorphous silicate and crystalline MgSiO(3) local environment, respectively. Strong Er(3+) emission at the 1550 nm region was observed for the materials annealed at 900 degrees C, with a bandwidth of 44 nm. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biochemical and structural characterization of a beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Bacillus subtilis 168

beta-1,3-1,4-Glucanases (E.C. 3.2.1.73) hydrolyze linked beta-D-glucans, such as lichenan and barley beta-glucan. Recombinant beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Bacillus subtilis expressed in Escherichia coil and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography exhibited optimum activity at 50 degrees C and pH 6.0. The catalytic half-life at 60 degrees C decreased from 90 to 5 min when the enzyme was incubated in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) respectively. The kinetic parameters of lichenan hydrolysis were 2695, 3.1 and 1220 for V(max) (mu mol/min/mg), K(m) (mg mL(-1)) and K(cat) (s(-1)), respectively. Analysis by DLS, AUC and SAXS demonstrated the enzyme is monomeric in solution. Chemical denaturation monitored by ITFE and far-UV CD yielded Delta G(H2O) values of 9.6 and 9.1 kcal/mol, respectively, showing that the enzyme has intermediate stability when compared with other Bacillus beta-1,3-1,4-glucanases. The crystal structure shows the anti-parallel jelly-roll beta-sheet conserved in all GH16 beta-1,3-1,4-glucanases, with the amino acid differences between Bacillus sp. enzymes that are likely determinants of stability being distributed throughout the protein. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Teleportation in a non-inertial frame

In this work, we describe the process of teleportation between Alice in an inertial frame, and Rob who is in uniform acceleration with respect to Alice. The fidelity of the teleportation is reduced due to Davies-Unruh radiation in Rob's frame. In so far as teleportation is a measure of entanglement, our results suggest that quantum entanglement is degraded in non-inertial frames. We discuss this reduction in fidelity for both bosonic and fermionic resources.

The use of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry on the structural characterization of novel asymmetric metallo-organic supermolecules, based on pentafluorophenylporphyrins and ruthenium complexes

The novel asymmetric metallo-organic triads cis- and trans-[B(4-py)BPFPH(2){Ru(3)O(Ac)(6)(py)(2)}(Ru(bpy)(2)Cl}](PF(6))(2) (5a,b) for which cis- and trans-B(4-py)BPFPH(2)=5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-15,20-bis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin and 5,15-bis(pentafluorophenyl)-10,20-bis(4-pyridyl)porphyrin, respectively; Ac = acetate; py = pyridine and bpy = 2,2`-bipyridine, as well as their corresponding monosubstituted dyads cis- and trans-[B(4-py)BPFPH(2){Ru(3)O(Ac)(6)(py)(2)}]PF(6) (4a,b) have been structurally characterized via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS). The ESI-MS of dyads 4a,b display two characteristic Ru-multicomponent clusters of isotopologue ions corresponding to singly charged ions 4a,b(+) of m/z 1629 and doubly charged ions [4a,b+H](2+) of m/z 815 and the triads 5a,b are detected by ESI-MS as the intact doubly charged cluster of isotopologue ions of m/z 1039 [5a,b](2+). The ESI-MS/MS of 4a,b(+), [4a,b+H](2+) and [5a,b](2+) reveal characteristic dissociation pathways, which confirm the structural assignments providing additional information on the intrinsic binding strengths of the gaseous ions. Although the gas-phase behavior of each pair of isomers was rather similar, the less symmetric dyads 4a,b are distinguished via the (1)H NMR spectral profile of the pyrrolic signals. Exploratory photophysical assays have shown that both modifying motifs alter the porphyrinic core emission profile, opening the possibility to use these asymmetric systems as photophysical devices. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Er(3+) doped phosphoniobate glasses and planar waveguides: structural and optical properties

Phosphoniobate glasses with composition (mol%) (100-x) NaPO(3)-xNb(2)O(5) ( x varying from 11 to 33) were prepared and characterized by means of thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering and (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance. The addition of Nb(2)O(5) to the polyphosphate base glass leads to depolymerization of the metaphosphate structure. Different colors were observed and assigned as indicating the presence of Nb(4+) ions, as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. The color was observed to depend on the glass composition and melting temperature as well. Er(3+) containing samples were also prepared. Strong emission in the 1550 nm region was observed. The Er(3+4)I(15/2) emission quantum efficiency was observed to be 90% and the quenching concentration was observed to be 1.1 mol%( 1.45 x 10(20) ions cm(-3)). Planar waveguides were prepared by Na(+)-K(+)-Ag(+) ion exchange with Er(3+) containing samples. Optical parameters of the waveguides were measured at 632.8, 543.5 and 1550 nm by the prism coupling technique as a function of the ion exchange time and Ag(+) concentration. The optimized planar waveguides show a diffusion depth of 5.9 mu m and one propagating mode at 1550 nm.

Molecular adaptability of nucleoside diphosphate kinase b from trypanosomatid parasites: stability, oligomerization and structural determinants of nucleotide binding

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases play a crucial role in the purine-salvage pathway of trypanosomatid protozoa and have been found in the secretome of Leishmania sp., suggesting a function related to host-cell integrity for the benefit of the parasite. Due to their importance for housekeeping functions in the parasite and by prolonging the life of host cells in infection, they become an attractive target for drug discovery and design. In this work, we describe the first structural characterization of nucleoside diphosphate kinases b from trypanosomatid parasites (tNDKbs) providing insights into their oligomerization, stability and structural determinants for nucleotide binding. Crystallographic studies of LmNDKb when complexed with phosphate, AMP and ADP showed that the crucial hydrogen-bonding residues involved in the nucleotide interaction are fully conserved in tNDKbs. Depending on the nature of the ligand, the nucleotide-binding pocket undergoes conformational changes, which leads to different cavity volumes. SAXS experiments showed that tNDKbs, like other eukaryotic NDKs, form a hexamer in solution and their oligomeric state does not rely on the presence of nucleotides or mimetics. Fluorescence-based thermal-shift assays demonstrated slightly higher stability of tNDKbs compared to human NDKb (HsNDKb), which is in agreement with the fact that tNDKbs are secreted and subjected to variations of temperature in the host cells during infection and disease development. Moreover, tNDKbs were stabilized upon nucleotide binding, whereas HsNDKb was not influenced. Contrasts on the surface electrostatic potential around the nucleotide-binding pocket might be a determinant for nucleotide affinity and protein stability differentiation. All these together demonstrated the molecular adaptation of parasite NDKbs in order to exert their biological functions intra-parasite and when secreted by regulating ATP levels of host cells.

Non-diagonal solutions of the reflection equation for the trigonometric A((1)) (n-1) vertex model

We obtain a class of non-diagonal solutions of the reflection equation for the trigonometric A(n-1)((1)) vertex model. The solutions can be expressed in terms of intertwinner matrix and its inverse, which intertwine two trigonometric R-matrices. In addition to a discrete (positive integer) parameter l, 1 less than or equal to l less than or equal to n, the solution contains n + 2 continuous boundary parameters.

Shared structural determinants for the calcium-independent liposome membrane permeabilization and sarcolemma depolarization in Bothropstoxin-I, a LYS49-PLA(2) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu

The structural determinants of myotoxicity of bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), a Lys49 phospholipase A(2) from Bothrops jararacussu venom, were studied by measuring the resting membrane potential in the mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. This method proved to be around 100-fold more sensitive than the creatine kinase release assay, and was used to evaluate a total of 31 site-directed BthTX-I alanine scanning mutants. Mutants that reduced the resting membrane potential were located in a surface patch defined by residues in the C-terminal loop (residues 115-129), positions 37-39 in the membrane interfacial recognition surface (Y46 and K54), and residue K93. These results expand the known structural determinants of the biological activity as evaluated by previous creatine kinase release experiments. Furthermore, a strong correlation is observed between the structural determinants of sarcolemma depolarization and calcium-independent disruption of liposome membranes, suggesting that a common mechanism of action underlies the permeabilization of the biological and model membranes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduced pH induces an inactive non-native conformation of the monomeric bothropstoxin-I (Lys49-PLA(2))

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTx-I), a Lys49-PLA(2) from Bothrops jararacussu venom, permeabilizes membranes by a non-hydrolytic Ca(2+)-independent mechanism. The BthTx-I showed activity against liposomes including 10% and 50% negatively charged lipids at pH 7.0, but not at pH 5.0. Nevertheless, ultracentrifugation and FRET demonstrated that at pH 5.0 the BthTx-I is bound to 50% negatively charged membranes. ANS binding identified a non-native monomeric conformation at pH 5.0, suggesting that tertiary structure alterations result in activity loss of the BthTx-I at low pH. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

C(alpha)-HOLDER CLASSICAL SOLUTIONS FOR NON-AUTONOMOUS NEUTRAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this paper we discuss the existence of alpha-Holder classical solutions for non-autonomous abstract partial neutral functional differential equations. An application is considered.

Experience-induced preference for oviposition repellents derived from a non-host plant by a specialist herbivore

Foraging adults of phytophagous insects are attracted by host-plant volatiles and supposedly repelled by volatiles from non-host plants. In behavioural control of pest insects, chemicals derived from non-host plants applied to crops are expected to repel searching adults and thereby reduce egg laying. How experience by searching adults of non-host volatiles affects their subsequent searching and oviposition behaviour has been rarely tested. In laboratory experiments, we examined the effect of experience of a non-host-plant extract on the oviposition behaviour of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, a specialist herbivore of cruciferous plants. Naive ovipositing DBM females were repelled by an extract of dried leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium, a non-host plant of DBM, but experienced females were not repelled. Instead they were attracted by host plants treated with the non-host-plant extract and laid a higher proportion of eggs on treated than on untreated host plants. Such behavioural changes induced by experience could lead to host-plant range expansion in phytophagous insects and play an important role in determining outcome for pest management of some behavioural manipulation methods.