bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-domain inhibition of TACE ectodomain
Authors: Tape Christopher J. , Willems Sofie H. , Dombernowsky Sarah L. , Stanley Peter L. , Fogarasi Marton , Ouwehand Willem , McCafferty John , Murphy Gillian
Published: March 2011

Proteolytic release from the cell surface is an essential activation event for many growth factors and cytokines. TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) is a membrane-bound metalloprotease responsible for solubilizing many pathologically significant membrane substrates and is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer and arthritis. Prior attempts to antagonize cell-surface TACE activity have focused on small-molecule inhibition of the metalloprotease active site. Given the highly conserved nature of metalloprotease active sites, this paradigm has failed to produce a truly specific TACE inhibitor and continues to obstruct the clinical investigation of TACE activity. We report the bespoke development of a specific TACE inhibitory human antibody using “two-step” phage display. This approach combines calculated selection conditions with antibody variable-domain exchange to direct individual antibody variable domains to desired epitopes. The resulting “cross-domain” human antibody is a previously undescribed selective TACE antagonist and provides a unique alternative to small-molecule metalloprotease inhibition.
Stick numbers of 2-bridge knots and links
Authors: Huh Youngsik , No Sungjong , Oh Seungsang
Published: March 2011

Negami found an upper bound on the stick number

s
(
K
)

s(K)

of a nontrivial knot

K
K

in terms of the minimal crossing number

c
(
K
)

c(K)

of the knot, which is

s
(
K
)
≤
2
c
(
K
)

s(K) \leq 2 c(K)

. Furthermore, McCabe proved that

s
(
K
)
≤
c
(
K
)
+
3

s(K) \leq c(K) + 3

for a

2
2

-bridge knot or link, except in the cases of the unlink and the Hopf link. In this paper we construct any

2
2

-bridge knot or link

K
K

of at least six crossings by using only

c
(
K
)
+
2

c(K)+2

straight sticks. This gives a new upper bound on stick numbers of

2
2

-bridge knots and links in terms of crossing numbers.
Integrative network alignment reveals large regions of global network similarity in yeast and human
Authors: Kuchaiev Oleksii , Pržulj Nataša
Published: March 2011

Motivation: High-throughput methods for detecting molecular interactions have produced large sets of biological network data with much more yet to come. Analogous to sequence alignment, efficient and reliable network alignment methods are expected to improve our understanding of biological systems. Unlike sequence alignment, network alignment is computationally intractable. Hence, devising efficient network alignment heuristics is currently a foremost challenge in computational biology.

Results: We introduce a novel network alignment algorithm, called Matching-based Integrative GRAph ALigner (MI-GRAAL), which can integrate any number and type of similarity measures between network nodes (e.g. proteins), including, but not limited to, any topological network similarity measure, sequence similarity, functional similarity and structural similarity. Hence, we resolve the ties in similarity measures and find a combination of similarity measures yielding the largest contiguous (i.e. connected) and biologically sound alignments. MI-GRAAL exposes the largest functional, connected regions of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network similarity to date: surprisingly, it reveals that 77.7% of proteins in the baker's yeast high-confidence PPI network participate in such a subnetwork that is fully contained in the human high-confidence PPI network. This is the first demonstration that species as diverse as yeast and human contain so large, continuous regions of global network similarity. We apply MI-GRAAL's alignments to predict functions of un-annotated proteins in yeast, human and bacteria validating our predictions in the literature. Furthermore, using network alignment scores for PPI networks of different herpes viruses, we reconstruct their phylogenetic relationship. This is the first time that phylogeny is exactly reconstructed from purely topological alignments of PPI networks.

Availability: Supplementary files and MI-GRAAL executables: http://bio-nets.doc.ic.ac.uk/MI-GRAAL/.

Contact:  natasha@imperial.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Riemann hypothesis and the zero distribution of angular lattice sums
Authors: McPhedran Ross C. , Botten Lindsay C. , Williamson Dominic J. , Nicorovici Nicolae-Alexandru P.
Published: March 2011

We give analytical results pertaining to the distributions of zeros of a class of sums which involve complex powers of the distance to points in a two-dimensional square lattice and trigonometric functions of their angle. Let

denote the product of the Riemann zeta function and the Catalan beta function, and let

denote a particular set of angular sums. We then introduce a function that is the quotient of the angular lattice sums

with

, and use its properties to prove that

obeys the Riemann hypothesis for any
m
if and only if

obeys the Riemann hypothesis. We furthermore prove that if the Riemann hypothesis holds, then

and

have the same distribution of zeros on the critical line (in a sense made precise in the proof). We also show that if

obeys the Riemann hypothesis and all its zeros on the critical line have multiplicity one, then all the zeros of every

have multiplicity one. We give numerical results illustrating these and other results.
Role of DLP12 lysis genes in Escherichia coli biofilm formation
Authors: Toba Faustino A. , Thompson Mitchell G. , Campbell Bryan R. , Junker Lauren M. , Rueggeberg Karl-Gustav , Hay Anthony G.
Published: March 2011

Phages have recently been implicated as important in biofilm development, although the mechanisms whereby phages impact biofilms remain unclear. One defective lambdoid phage carried by Escherichia coli K-12 is DLP12. Among the genes found in DLP12 are essD, ybcS and rzpD/rzoD, which are homologues of the Lambda phage genes encoding cell-lysis proteins (S, R and Rz/Rz1). The role that these DLP12 lysis genes play in biofilm formation was examined in deletion mutants of E. coli PHL628, a curli-overproducing, biofilm-forming K-12 derivative. Strains lacking essD, ybcS and rzpD/rzoD were unable to form wild-type biofilms. While all mutants were compromised in attachment to abiotic surfaces and aggregated less well than the wild-type, the effect of the essD knockout on biofilm formation was less dramatic than that of deleting ybcS or rzpD/rzoD. These results were consistent with electron micrographs of the mutants, which showed a decreased number of curli fibres on cell surfaces. Also consistent with this finding, we observed that expression from the promoter of csgB, which encodes the curli subunits, was downregulated in the mutants. As curli production is transcriptionally downregulated in response to cell wall stress, we challenged the mutants with SDS and found them to be more sensitive to the detergent than the wild-type. We also examined the release of 14C-labelled peptidoglycan from the mutants and found that they did not lose labelled peptidoglycan to the same extent as the wild-type. Given that curli production is known to be suppressed by N-acetylglucosamine 6-phosphate (NAG-6P), a metabolite produced during peptidoglycan recycling, we deleted nagK, the N-acetylglucosamine kinase gene, from the lysis mutants and found that this restored curli production. This suggested that deletion of the lysis genes affected cell wall status, which was transduced to the curli operon by NAG-6P via an as yet unknown mechanism. These observations provide evidence that the S, R and Rz/Rz1 gene homologues encoded by DLP12 are not merely genetic junk, but rather play an important, though undefined, role in cell wall maintenance.
Characterization of the tyramine-producing pathway in Sporolactobacillus sp. P3J
Authors: Coton Monika , Fernández María , Trip Hein , Ladero Victor , Mulder Niels L. , Lolkema Juke S. , Alvarez Miguel A. , Coton Emmanuel
Published: March 2011

A sporulated lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolated from cider must was shown to harbour the tdc gene encoding tyrosine decarboxylase. The isolate belonged to the Sporolactobacillus genus and may correspond to a novel species. The ability of the tdc-positive strain, Sporolactobacillus sp. strain P3J, to produce tyramine in vitro was demonstrated by using HPLC. A 7535 bp nucleotide sequence harbouring the putative tdc gene was determined. Analysis of the obtained sequence showed that four tyramine production-associated genes [tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (tyrS), tyrosine decarboxylase (tdc), tyrosine permease (tyrP) and Na+/H+ antiporter (nhaC)] were present and were organized as already described in other tyramine-producing LAB. This operon was surrounded by genes showing the highest identities with mobile elements: a putative phage terminase and a putative transposase (downstream and upstream, respectively), suggesting that the tyramine-forming trait was acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Transcription analyses of the tdc gene cluster suggested that tyrS and nhaC are expressed as monocistronic genes while tdc would be part of a polycistronic mRNA together with tyrP. The presence of tyrosine in the culture medium induced the expression of all genes except for tyrS. A clear correlation was observed between initial tyrosine concentration and tyramine production combined with an increase in the final pH reached by the culture. Finally, cloning and expression of the tyrP gene in Lactococcus lactis demonstrated that its product catalyses the exchange of tyrosine and tyramine.
Ultrasound‐guided spinal accessory nerve blockade in the diagnosis and management of trapezius muscle‐related myofascial pain
Authors: Townsley P. , Ravenscroft A. , Bedforth N.
Published: March 2011

We report the first description of ultrasound‐guided spinal accessory nerve blockade using single‐shot and subsequently continuous infusion (via a perineural catheter) local anaesthetic techniques, for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain affecting the trapezius muscle. A 38‐year‐old man presented with a two‐year history of incapacitating left suprascapular pain after a fall onto his outstretched hand. The history and clinical examination was suggestive of myofascial pain affecting the trapezius muscle. This had been unresponsive to pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy or suprascapular nerve blockade. Following identification of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck, we performed ultrasound‐guided nerve blocks, first using a single injection of local anaesthetic and subsequently using a continuous infusion via a perineural catheter, to block the nerve and temporarily relieve the patient’s pain. We have demonstrated that the spinal accessory nerve is identifiable in the posterior triangle of the neck and can be blocked successfully using ultrasound guidance. This technique can aid the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain originating from the trapezius muscle.
Autologous stem cell transplant for early relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: results from two transplant centres
Authors: Smith Stephen D. , Moskowitz Craig H. , Dean Robert , Pohlman Brad , Sobecks Ronald , Copelan Edward , Andresen Steven , Bolwell Brian , Maragulia Jocelyn C. , Vanak Jill M. , Sweetenham John , Moskowitz Alison J.
Published: March 2011

Prior series have demonstrated that early relapsed (within 1 year) or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is associated with poor prognosis. To determine the outcome for patients with early relapsed/refractory HL in the modern era, we combined data from two large transplant centres, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute (CCTCI) and Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and analysed consecutive patients transplanted for relapsed/refractory HL following induction failure or remission durations of <1 year. Two hundred and fourteen patients were analysed and the event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 6 years for all patients were 45% and 55%, respectively. Factors significant for prognosis in multivariate analysis were extranodal disease and bulky disease (≥5 cm). Patients with 0, 1, or 2 risk factors achieved 6 year EFS of 65%, 47%, and 24% and 6 year OS of 81%, 55%, and 27%, respectively. Patients with the sole risk factor of early relapsed/refractory disease achieved good outcomes in this large series; however the presence of bulk and/or extranodal disease significantly reduced EFS and OS. Patients with these additional risk factors are best suited for clinical trials investigating novel salvage regimens and post‐transplant maintenance strategies.
Morphological and immunohistological study of testicular lymphomas
Authors: Wilkins B. S. , Williamson J. M. S. , O'brien C. J.
Published: March 2011

We have studied normal testis, seminomas and malignant lymphomas of the testis using routine stains and a panel of antibodies directed against lymphoid and basement membrane antigens. The results show that normal testis contains, at most, a minor population of T‐lymphocytes; seminomas contain mixed T‐ and B‐cell populations with a predominance of B‐lymphocytes; and most primary lymphomas are B‐cell tumours of large centroblastic type. Solid testicular lymphomas presenting secondarily to acute lymphoblastic leukaemias showed intact seminiferous tubular basement membranes with predominantly interstitial lymphomatous infiltrates, whereas the tubules in primary cases were over‐run by lymphoma cells and basement membranes were disrupted.
Evaluation of harvested mushrooms and viability of Agaricus bisporus growth using casing materials made from spent mushroom substrate
Authors: Pardo‐Giménez Arturo , Pardo‐González José E. , Zied Diego C.
Published: March 2011

The present work evaluates of harvested mushroom and viability of Agaricus bisporus growth in several casing materials based on spent mushroom substrate. The experiment consisted of eight casing layer, which six were made with spent mushroom substrate. The results confirm the usefulness of reincorporating the spent substrate in new cultivation cycles as an ingredient of casing mixtures. In general, biological efficiency was high, three of the SMS based‐casings surpassing the threshold value of 100 kg 100 kg−1 of compost. The high electrical conductivity of mixtures containing a large proportion of spent substrate limits the extent to which it can be used, although mixing it with other materials (such as peat) reduces these values to acceptable levels. In short, it makes economic and environmental sense to reuse spent mushroom substrate as an ingredient of alternative casing materials.
Comparative assessment of proximate composition, physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile and mineral content in farmed and wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Fallah Aziz A. , Siavash Saei‐Dehkordi S. , Nematollahi Amin
Published: March 2011

This study was conducted to determine differences between farmed and wild rainbow trout in terms of proximate and fatty acid composition, physicochemical parameters and mineral content. Fat content of farmed fish fillets was higher, while moisture content was lower than wild fish. However, wild fish had higher pH value and water‐holding capacity comparing to farmed fish. The muscle lipids of farmed fish contained higher proportions of 20:0, 18:1n‐9 and 20:1n‐9; and lower proportions of 18:2n‐6, 20:2cis, 18:3n‐3, 20:3n‐6, 20:4n‐6, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 fatty acids than wild fish. The percentage of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was similar in both fish. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n‐3 PUFAs and n‐3/n‐6 PUFAs ratio were higher in the wild fish comparing to farmed fish, whereas its total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n‐6 PUFAs contents were lower. Among the seventeen minerals analysed in fish flesh, differences existed between farmed and wild rainbow trout in Ca and Fe contents. Moreover, toxic trace minerals (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) were all present in amounts below their toxic levels. The differences observed between farmed and wild fish may be attributed to the diet constituents and environmental conditions of the fish.
Comparative study of the mineral composition of several varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from different countries cultivated in Canary Islands (Spain)
Authors: Luis Gara , Rubio Carmen , González‐Weller Dailos , Gutiérrez Angel J. , Revert Consuelo , Hardisson Arturo
Published: March 2011

Potatoes are a basic component of human diets worldwide being an excellent source of minerals linked the maintenance of health. Contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), cupper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in seventy‐four fresh potato samples from different varieties consumed in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain) were determined by flame atomic absorption spetrometry (FAAS). The mean concentrations were 60.1 mg kg−1, 222 mg kg−1, 5047 mg kg−1, 125 mg kg−1, 1.69 mg kg−1, 8 mg kg−1, 1.70 mg kg−1, 3.88 mg kg−1, 62.7 μg kg−1 and 19.9 μg kg−1 for Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Cr, respectively. The varieties of local potatoes presented higher mineral contents than imported potatoes. Potassium presented the highest contents in all varieties of potatoes. Iron was the most abundant microelement. Local potatoes offer greater nutritional contributions to the recommended intakes than imported varieties. Within the macrominerals, the highest contribution to the intakes was observed for K, while Fe was the trace element with the largest contribution to the proposed intake.
Effect of ultrasonic treatment on the rheological properties and particle size of gum tragacanth dispersions from different species
Authors: Farzi Mina , Saffari Mohammad Mahdi , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin
Published: March 2011

Dispersions of different species of gum tragacanth were sonicated at a frequency of 24 kHz with a total nominal output power of 200 W for different time intervals (0, 7, 15, 45 and 90 s). Various species behave differently under sonication, which is related to structural differences in these species. In the case of Astragaslus compactus and A. rahensus dispersions, as the sonication time increased, the viscosity and particle size of the dispersions decreased, just as in gum Arabic solutions. However, A. gossypinus gum behaved differently compared to the other species. At early stages of sonication (up to 15 s), the viscosity of the dispersions increased sharply and reached its maximum value (106.04 mPa s) as the particle size increased slightly to 275.69 μm. Continuing sonication led to a decrease in the viscosity of the dispersions, though the particle size did not show any changes. This behaviour is thought to be due to the rupture and aggregation of particles.
Optimisation of electroplasmolysis application for increased juice yield in carrot juice production
Authors: Rayman Ahsen , Baysal Taner , Demirdöven Aslıhan
Published: March 2011

Electroplasmolysis (EP) which is among electrical methods and helps to increase cell permeability was used in this study as a pretreatment on carrot juice production for improving yield. A voltage range of 20–60 V and an application time of 30–90 s were studied using the electroplasmolyzator. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for determining the appropriate voltage gradient and time that are effective on breakage of vegetable tissues. After the conditions were optimised, carrot juice was produced and compared with untreated control juices on the aspect of yield and some quality characteristics. As a result, yield was increased 10.49% by EP application. Relative to control samples total pectin (14.78%) and total phenolic content (4.73%) have significant increase. In addition by the effect of electrical pretreatment there was an improvement in soluble solid, pulp content and acidity of juices. The results suggested that juice yield and functional properties were improved by EP application.
Changes during fishing season in the fat content and fatty acid profile of edible muscle, liver and gonads of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) caught in the Turkish Black Sea
Authors: Tufan Bekir , Koral Serkan , Köse Sevim
Published: March 2011

This study aimed to determine the fat content and fatty acid (FA) composition of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus, Linnaeus, 1758) in their edible muscle, liver and gonad during the catching season (between September 2008 and April 2009) in The Black Sea Region, Turkey. The most abundant FAs in all samples were palmitic acid (ranged as 15.93–27.34%) amongst saturated fatty acids (SFAs), oleic acid (10.72–21.37%) amongst monounsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (5.28–14.11%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (9.83–22.34%) amongst polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). At the beginning of winter, significant increase in edible muscle and liver’s PUFAs and ∑n3/∑n6 were observed (P < 0.05). The highest contents of ∑PUFAs for muscle and liver were observed in January as 38.52% and 38.82%, respectively, while highest n3/n6 ratios were found in April as 10.13% for muscle and in January for liver samples as 9.15%. This study indicates that anchovy is a good nutritional source for human consumption with high contents of omega 3 fatty acids, particularly during winter. In November, about 130 g of anchovy edible meat is found to be in the satisfactory level for EPA + DHA according to the recommended weekly requirement.
Microalgal and cyanobacterial cell extracts for use as natural antibacterial additives against food pathogens
Authors: Catarina Guedes Ana , Barbosa Catarina R. , Amaro Helena M. , Pereira Cláudia I. , Xavier Malcata Francisco
Published: March 2011

Intra‐ and extracellular extracts of thirteen cyanobacteria and twelve microalgae were screened for their activity against a few of the most relevant food‐borne pathogens – viz. Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Strain M2‐1 of Scenedesmus obliquus was the microalga that exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, except against Salmonella sp. Although cyanobacteria possessed in general wider antibacterial spectra than microalgae, the former have also been associated with toxin production – and may thus be less useful in food formulation. Nostoc sp. was particularly effective against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, whereas Gloeothece sp. stood out because of its capacity to inhibit all food pathogens tested. Typically, the intracellular extracts were more powerful than their extracellular counterparts; and those with antibacterial features were found to possess high contents of long chain fatty acids – some of which are well‐known for their antibacterial activities.
Application of tristimulus colorimetry to evaluate colour changes during the ripening of Colombian guava (Psidium guajavaL.) varieties with different carotenoid pattern
Authors: González Ivonne Alejandra , Osorio Coralia , Meléndez‐Martínez Antonio Jesús , González‐Miret Maria Lourdes , Heredia Francisco José
Published: March 2011

The pigment composition of three Colombian guava varieties,Regional roja,Regional blanca, andPalmira ICA‐1,in unripe, turning and full ripe maturity stages was studied. Lycopene was identified as the major carotenoid ofRegional rojaandPalmira ICA‐1(18.25 and 28.07 mg kg−1fruit, respectively in full ripe fruits) although a small amount of lutein was also found in the two varieties. β‐Carotene was only found inPalmira ICA‐1, whilst no detectable levels of carotenoids were found in the white‐fleshed guava (Regional blanca). A good correlation between the total carotenoid content and the colour parameters of guava peel was found, such that theRegional rojaandRegional blancavarieties could be discerned by colour coordinates. The most remarkable differences were found when comparing the pulp colour.
Suitability for minimal processing of non‐melting clingstone peaches
Authors: González‐Buesa Jaime , Arias Esther , Salvador María L. , Oria Rosa , Ferrer‐Mairal Ana
Published: March 2011

Clingstone non‐melting peach cultivars (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are used primarily for canning, but their processing as fresh‐cut products is also of interest. Four clingstone peach cultivars (‘Andross’, ‘Babygold 8′, ‘Calante’ and ‘Romea’) were evaluated for their suitability for minimal processing (washing, peeling and slicing) followed by storage for 9 days at 4 °C in a modified atmosphere using microperforated films. Romea cultivar, which has low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity, proved to be the most suitable cultivar for minimal processing, given its lower degree of browning as well as the results from a sensory evaluation. Maturity indicators varied slightly during storage at a different degree depending on cultivars. We have found that PPO activity and browning potential are adequate indicators for surface browning in fresh‐cut non‐melting peaches.
Effectiveness of polyethylene covers versus carbomer drops (Viscotears®) to prevent dry eye syndrome in the critically ill
Authors: Kocaçal Güler Elem , Eşer İsmet , Eğrilmez Sait
Published: March 2011

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the polyethylene covers versus carbomer eye drops to prevent dry eye syndrome in intensive care unit patients.

Background.  Concerns about eye care for critically ill patients remain an issue. Few studies have focused on the effect of polyethylene covers and eye drops. In addition, there are no studies comparing polyethylene covers and carbomer eye drops for critically ill patients.

Design.  A prospective, randomised and contralateral eye study was conducted.

Methods.  The study took place in an intensive care unit in 2007. Thirty‐six eyes of 18 patients, who were under mechanical ventilation or unconscious for more than 24 hours in the intensive care unit, were studied. After examining the eyes of the patients with the Schirmer 1 test and fluorescein dye test, suitable patients were included in the study. One eye of the patient was randomly covered with a polyethylene cover every 12 hours, and carbomer drops were instilled on the other eye every six hours. All eyes were checked for an ocular surface abnormality by the same ophthalmologist everyday. The study interventions were continued until a defect was detected or for five days. Patients with a defect detected completed the study and were recorded as positive for the primary endpoint.

Results.  Carbomer drop was effective in prophylaxis of dry eye syndrome in only three of 18 patients, whereas polyethylene cover showed greater effect in 18 of 18 eyes at the end of the study (SD 0·3835, Z = −3·873, p < 0·001). A negative effect of greater rima palpebra in the resting position was observed in the efficacy of carbomer drop (r = −0·476, p < 0·05).

Conclusion.  This study suggests that a polyethylene cover is significantly effective in prevention of dry eye syndrome in intensive care patients. As an eye care intervention, the effectiveness of polyethylene cover should be supported by further studies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study, which is an initial step in preventing dry eye syndrome in critically ill patients, also offers a new and effective eye care method in these patients.
BacM, an N‐terminally processed bactofilin of Myxococcus xanthus, is crucial for proper cell shape
Authors: Koch Matthias K. , McHugh Colleen A. , Hoiczyk Egbert
Published: March 2011

Bactofilins are fibre‐forming bacterial cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we report the structural and biochemical characterization of MXAN_7475 (BacM), one of the four bactofilins of Myxococcus xanthus. Absence of BacM leads to a characteristic ‘crooked’ cell morphology and an increased sensitivity to antibiotics targeting cell wall biosynthesis. The absence of the other three bactofilins MXAN_4637–4635 (BacN‐P) has no obvious phenotype. In M. xanthus, BacM exists as a 150‐amino‐acid full‐length version and as a version cleaved before Ser28. In the cell, native BacM forms 3 nm wide fibres, which assemble into bundles forming helix‐like cytoplasmic cables throughout the cell, and in a subset of cells additionally a polarly arranged lateral rod‐like structure. Isolated fibres consist almost completely of the N‐terminally truncated version, suggesting that the proteolytic cleavage occurs before or during fibre formation. Fusion of BacM to mCherry perturbs BacM function and cellular fibre arrangement, resulting for example in the formation of one prominent polar corkscrew‐like structure per cell. Immunofluorescence staining of BacM and MreB shows that their cellular distributions are not matching. Taken together, these data suggest that rod‐shaped bacteria like M. xanthus use bactofilin fibres to achieve and maintain their characteristic cell morphology and cell wall stability.
Expression of the α‐thionin gene from barley in tobacco confers enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens
Authors: Carmona Maria José , Molina Antonio , Fernández José Antonio , López‐Fando Juan José , García‐Olmedo Francisco
Published: March 2011

Thionins are cysteine‐rich, 5 kDa polypeptides which are toxic to plant pathogens in vitro. Expression of the gene encoding α‐thionin from barley endosperm, under the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus, conferred to transgenic tobacco enhanced resistance to the bacterial plant pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 153 and P. syringae pv. syringae. The barley α‐thionin gene, which has two introns, was correctly spliced in tobacco. The α‐thionin in transgenic plants had the expected mobility in the gradient, when separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography, reacted with monospecific antibodies and showed the expected antibiotic properties in vitro.
Venous ulcer: clinical characteristics and risk factors
Authors: Abbade Luciana P. F. , Lastória Sidnei , de Almeida Rollo Hamilton
Published: March 2011

Background  Lower limb venous ulceration ranks among the 10 most common medical problems in Western countries and has significant socioeconomic impact. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for unhealed, recurrent, and large ulcers and to characterize patients with active or recently healed venous ulcers.

Methods  We identified 97 patients and assessed 103 ulcerated limbs in 90 patients. All patients underwent clinical examination, arterial and venous system evaluation, ankle‐brachial index determination, and ultrasound of the affected limb. Clinical characteristics included age, gender, race, ulcer duration, time since first episode, history of recurrence, localization of ulcer, ulcer area, eczema, ochre dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis, pain, body mass index, and medical history data. Risk factors were identified by univariate analysis and estimated odds ratios.

Results  We assessed 90 patients (103 limbs) with active or healed venous leg ulcers, of whom 84.4% were Caucasian and 68.9% were female. Mean age was 56.0 ± 13.3 years. Ulcers had remained unhealed for <1 year in 40.7%. Lipodermatosclerosis, lower limb hyperpigmentation, edema, and eczema were seen in 96.7%, 95.6%, 94.4%, and 51.1% of patients, respectively. Pain was a frequent symptom in 74.4%. Body mass index was assessed in 85 patients: 30.6% were slightly, 36.5% moderately, and 7% severely obese. Patient age >60 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.0), extensive lipodermatosclerosis (OR 8.7), and previous history of ulceration (OR 19.9) were risk factors for unhealed ulcers. Time since first ulcer episode ≥2 years (OR 29.2) and incompetence of venous systems (OR 1.6) were risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusions  Longstanding and large ulcers and recurrences are the main problems encountered by venous ulcer patients. Severe lipodermatosclerosis, previous ulcer history, and time since first ulcer episode ≥2 years are significant risk factors.
Risk factors for late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease in donor seropositive/recipient seronegative kidney transplant recipients who receive antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: Boudreault A.A. , Xie H. , Rakita R.M. , Scott J.D. , Davis C.L. , Boeckh M. , Limaye A.P.
Published: March 2011

A.A. Boudreault, H. Xie, R.M. Rakita, J.D. Scott, C.L. Davis, M. Boeckh, A.P. Limaye. Risk factors for late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease in donor seropositive/recipient seronegative kidney transplant recipients who receive antiviral prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 244–249. All rights reserved

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease occurs frequently after cessation of antiviral prophylaxis in CMV‐seronegative kidney transplant recipients from seropositive donors (D+R−), and the risk factors are incompletely defined.

Method. We retrospectively assessed the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors for CMV disease in a cohort of D+R− kidney transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis at a single US transplant center using descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results. CMV disease developed in 29 of 113 (26%) D+R− patients at a median of 185 days (interquartile range 116–231 days) post transplant, including CMV syndrome (66%) and tissue invasive disease (34%). The incidence of CMV disease was higher in patients who underwent re‐transplantation (57% vs. 24%) and this factor was independently associated with a higher risk of CMV disease in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 4.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13; P=0.016). Other demographic and transplant variables were not independently associated with a risk of late‐onset CMV disease.

Conclusions. Despite a comprehensive analysis of patient and transplant variables, only re‐transplantation was identified as a risk factor for CMV disease in D+R− kidney transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis, but had limited clinical predictive value. The development of novel laboratory markers to identify patients at greatest risk for CMV disease should be a priority for future studies.
Connectivity between mitochondrial functions and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Hroudová Jana , Fišar Zdeněk
Published: March 2011

Mitochondria provide most of the energy production in cells. They are involved in the regulation of free radicals, calcium buffering, and redox signaling and take part in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Mutations or polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA, mitochondria‐mediated oxidative stress, decrease of adenosine triphosphate production, changes of intracellular calcium and oxidative stress are concerned in various diseases. There is increasing evidence that impaired functions of mitochondria are associated with mood disorders. It is suggested that disturbed energetic metabolism and/or reactive oxygen species production take part in the pathophysiology of mood disorders and could participate in the therapeutic effects or side‐effects of antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
Attitudes of Japanese psychiatrists toward forensic mental health as revealed by a national survey
Authors: Haraguchi Tadashi , Fujisaki Mihisa , Shiina Akihiro , Igarashi Yoshito , Okamura Naoe , Fukami Goro , Shiraishi Tetsuya , Nakazato Michiko , Iyo Masaomi
Published: March 2011

Aim:  In Japan, a new comprehensive forensic mental health service was established and enforced in 2005. However, the shortage of psychiatrists dedicated to this service is a problem. Therefore, we investigated the attitudes of general psychiatrists in Japan toward this field in order to develop measures for dealing with this issue.

Methods:  Questionnaires were sent to 3205 psychiatric facilities in Japan in January 2007. The questions explored the experience of the respondents with forensic evaluations; the respondents' recognition of, experience with, and attitude toward the Medical Treatment and Supervision (MTS) Act; and attitudes toward forensic mental health in general.

Results:  The data of 1770 respondents were analyzed in this study. Three main findings were obtained: psychiatrists generally had little experience with criminal responsibility evaluations, and a small percentage of psychiatrists tended to have conducted the majority of these evaluations; although psychiatrists widely recognized the enactment of the MTS Act, they were not sufficiently familiar with the details of the MTS Act; and in spite of a reluctance to address forensic mental health issues, the respondents harbored a general interest in these topics.

Conclusions:  Despite a general interest, general psychiatrists in Japan tend to possess insufficient knowledge of this subspecialty and lack experience in and opportunities to work in this subspecialty. The reluctance of psychiatrists to work in forensic mental health might be partly responsible for this situation. These results suggest that the enrichment of education systems for forensic psychiatry is necessary for the development of forensic psychiatry in Japan.
Oral administration of glycine increases extracellular serotonin but not dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of rats
Authors: Bannai Makoto , Kawai Nobuhiro , Nagao Kenji , Nakano Sayako , Matsuzawa Daisuke , Shimizu Eiji
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Glycine, one of the non‐essential amino acids, has been reported to be effective in reducing negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Recently, we found that glycine improves subjective sleep quality in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral glycine administration on endogenous 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of living rats.

Methods:  Microdialysis probes were inserted stereotaxically into the rat prefrontal cortex. Cortical levels of 5‐HT and dopamine were measured following oral administration of 1 or 2 g/kg glycine, 2 g/kg d‐serine, or 2 g/kg L‐serine.

Results:  Both glycine and d‐serine significantly increased extracellular 5‐HT levels for 10 min, whereas dopamine levels remained unchanged. L‐serine, in contrast, had no significant effects on 5‐HT levels.

Conclusions:  It is possible that the increase in 5‐HT in response to glycine and d‐serine was mediated by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors. The transient increase in 5‐HT in the PFC might be associated with the alleviation of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and the amelioration of sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
Diabetes inpatients: a case of lose, lose, lose. Is it time to use a ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’ to assess the impact of diabetes?
Authors: Simmons D. , Wenzel H.
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1123–1130 (2011)

Aims  The UK National Health Service in England pays for inpatients using a formula (‘tariff’). The appropriateness of the tariff for people with diabetes is unknown. We have compared the tariff paid and costs for inpatients with/without diabetes and tested the concept of a ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’.

Methods  This was a cross‐sectional, retrospective 12‐month audit in a single teaching hospital assessing mortality, bed days per annum and ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’ (i.e. the proportion of costs for all patients with diabetes in excess of that paid for comparable patients without diabetes).

Results  There were 64 829 inpatient admissions, with 4864 of those coded as having diabetes; 12.9% was estimated to be the number of patients having diabetes but not coded. People with diabetes occupied 13.9% of all bed days and were 18.1% (1.3–37.8%) more likely to die (age adjusted). The mean bed days per annum were greatest among those with (vs. without) diabetes (men 10.9 ± 17.0 vs. 6.3 ± 12.8; women 11.4 ± 19.4 vs. 5.9 ± 11.6; P < 0.001). The greatest excess admission rates were among those aged 25–64 years. The annual mean tariff was greater for those with diabetes (5380 ± 8740) than those without diabetes (3706 ± 6221) (P < 0.001). The overall cost was even higher among those with diabetes: 5835 ± 11 246 vs. 3567 ± 7238 (P < 0.001). The diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost was 46.5% (9 125 085). An HbA1c > 10.0% (> 86 mmol/mol) was associated with excess hospitalization.

Conclusions  Those with diabetes cost more and are more likely to die when inpatients. The tariff paid for diabetes is high, but in this centre less than the actual costs. Approaches known to reduce hospitalization are urgently required.
Towards a Social Theory of Agency
Authors: Wiseman Robert M. , Cuevas‐Rodríguez Gloria , Gomez‐Mejia Luis R.
Published: March 2011

abstract

We challenge critics of agency theory who suggest that agency theory's value does not extend outside a narrow context dominated by egocentric agents seeking only to maximize wealth at the expense of the principal. Instead, we argue that agency theory's flexibility allows for its application to a variety of non‐traditional settings where the key elements of agency theory, such as self‐interest, information asymmetry, and the mechanisms used to control agency costs can vary beyond the narrow assumptions implied in traditional agency‐based research. We suggest that extending agency theory to diverse settings using a deductive approach can be accomplished by formally recognizing and incorporating the institutional context surrounding principal–agent (P–A) relations into agency‐based models. Thus, criticisms that agency theory fails to acknowledge the social context in which P–A relations occur provides not a barrier but an opportunity for extending our understanding of P–A relations to a variety of diverse contexts.
Severe drought and the vitamin A status of rural pre‐school children in India
Authors: Arlappa N. , Venkaiah K. , Brahmam G.N.V.
Published: March 2011

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out in six drought‐affected areas of India in 2003 to assess the impact of drought on the vitamin A status of 3,657 rural pre‐school children. The prevalence of Bitot's spots was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher (1.8 per cent) during drought (odds ratio (OR) = 2.0; 95 per cent confidence interval: 1.6 –2.7). The dietary intake of vitamin A was lower during drought and in 81 per cent of households it was less than 50 per cent of the recommended rate. Severe drought has an adverse impact on the vitamin A status of rural pre‐school children, particularly those with illiterate mothers and belonging to an older age group (p < 0.01). Communities need to be sensitised, therefore, to vitamin A deficiency through health and nutrition education, and there needs to be wider coverage of vitamin A supplementation, particularly among children in drought‐affected and drought‐prone areas.
The establishment of a standard operation procedure for psychiatric service after an earthquake
Authors: Su Chao‐yueh , Chou Frank Huang‐Chih , Tsai Kuan‐Yi , Lin Wen‐Kuo
Published: March 2011

This study presents information on the design and creation of a standard operation procedure (SOP) for psychiatric service after an earthquake. The strategies employed focused on the detection of survivors who developed persistent psychiatric illness, particularly post‐traumatic stress and major depressive disorders. In addition, the study attempted to detect the risk factors for psychiatric illness. A Disaster‐Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) was designed by five psychiatrists and two public health professionals for rapidly and simply interviewing 4,223 respondents within six months of the September 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake. A SOP was established through a systemic literature review, action research, and two years of data collection. Despite the limited time and resources inherent to a disaster situation, it is necessary to develop an SOP for psychiatric service after an earthquake in order to assist the high number of survivors suffering from subsequent psychiatric impairment.
THE THIRD SECTOR, USER INVOLVEMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM: A CASE STUDY IN THE CO‐GOVERNANCE OF HEALTH SERVICE PROVISION
Authors: MARTIN GRAHAM P.
Published: March 2011

The ‘modernization’ of British public services seeks to broaden public sector governance networks, bringing the views of third sector organizations, the public and service users (among others) to the design, management and delivery of welfare. Building on previous analyses of the contradictions generated by these roles, this paper draws on longitudinal qualitative research to enunciate the challenges faced by one third‐sector organization in facilitating service user influence in a UK National Health Service (NHS) pilot programme, alongside other roles in tension with this advocacy function. The analysis highlights limits in the extent to which lateral governance networks pluralize stakeholder involvement. The ‘framing’ of governance may mean that traditional concerns outweigh the views of new stakeholders such as the third sector and service users. Rather than prioritizing wider stakeholders' views in the design and delivery of public services, placing third sector organizations at the centre of governance networks may do more to co‐opt these organizations in reproducing predominant priorities.
Tourism and Development: A Recent Phenomenon Built on Old (Institutional) Roots?
Authors: Brau Rinaldo , Di Liberto Adriana , Pigliaru Francesco
Published: March 2011

Is tourism an opportunity for lagging countries inthe elusive quest for growth(Easterly, 2002)? Recent empirical evidence suggests that the answer is a cautious yes. Aggregate cross‐country data show that tourism specialisation is likely to be associated with higher per capita GDP growth rates than those observed in industrialised countries. However, this evidence ignores the importance of institutional quality and results are likely to be biased by omitted variable problems. In this paper we frame our starting question within the general debate about the importance of good/bad institutions as fundamental determinants of economic growth (Acemoglu et al., 2001) and ask whether previous positive results of tourism on growth are in fact driven by the presence of growth‐enhancing institutions. Our empirical analysis exploits newly available datasets and controls the robustness of previous results on growth and tourism in the presence of several institutional quality variables. By means of descriptive statistics and some simple cross‐country regressions we confirm that the quality of institutions is important for growth. Yet our results strongly suggest that the weight of tourism in an economy is an independent and robust predictor of higher‐than‐average growth.
Migrainous infarction: a Nordic multicenter study
Authors: Laurell K. , Artto V. , Bendtsen L. , Hagen K. , Kallela M. , Meyer E. Laudon , Putaala J. , Tronvik E. , Zwart J.‐A. , Linde M.
Published: March 2011

Background and purpose:  Migrainous infarction (MI), i.e. an ischemic stroke developing during an attack of migraine with aura is rare and the knowledge of its clinical characteristics is limited. Previous case series using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) included <10 cases which make conclusions less valid. This study aimed to describe characteristics and outcome of MI in a larger sample.

Methods:  We analyzed demographic data, risk factors, migraine medication, stroke localization, symptoms, and outcome in a sample of 33 patients with MI according to second edition of the ICHD criteria collected from seven Nordic headache clinics.

Results:  Amongst 33 patients with MI, there were 20 (61%) women and 13 (39%) men with the median age for stroke of 39 (range 19–76) years. Traditional risk factors for stroke were rare compared with Scandinavian young ischemic stroke populations. During the acute phase, 12 (36%) patients used ergotamines or triptans. Stroke was located in the posterior circulation in 27 (82%) patients and cerebellum was involved in 7 (21%). Except in two patients with brainstem infarctions, the outcome was favorable with total recovery or limited residual symptoms.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of traditional risk factors was low and the infarctions were predominantly located in posterior circulation territory, supporting theories of migraine specific mechanisms. The outcome was in general favorable.