bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing satisfaction and well‐being among parents of congenital heart disease children: development of a conceptual model based on the literature review
Authors: Lawoko Stephen
Published: April 2007

Aim and method: The treatment and management of congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved dramatically over the past 25 years, necessitating re‐evaluation of satisfaction with care and well‐being among CHD children and their parents (PCCHD). The present study reviews the published literature over the past 25 years on parental satisfaction with the paediatric care of CHD and well‐being among the parents, with the specific aim of: (a) assessing the extent of psychosocial problems and grade of satisfaction with care and (b) modelling factors associated with satisfaction and well‐being among the parents.

Results: There is general agreement in the literature that PCCHD experience psychosocial morbidity to a higher degree than parents of children with other paediatric conditions and parents of healthy children. The research on satisfaction with care among PCCHD is not conclusive, though there is considerable agreement that a substantial proportion of PCCHD may not be receiving adequate information regarding the ill‐child's condition, treatment and medical prognosis. Finally, based on the review of factors affecting satisfaction and well‐being, a model is generated indicating that interactions between parental perception of CHD, psychosocial resources and social vulnerability may account for differences in well‐being among PCCHD, which in turn may explain differences in satisfaction with care among them.

Conclusion: A holistic approach to the care of CHD that acknowledges the role of parents’ perception of CHD, need for psychosocial resources and social vulnerability in the adaptation process is recommended to improve parental satisfaction with the care of CHD.
‘Oral health is not my department’ Perceptions of elderly patients’ oral health by general medical practitioners in primary health care centres: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Andersson Kerstin , Furhoff Anna‐Karin , Nordenram Gunilla , Wårdh Inger
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore general medical practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions of the oral health of their elderly patients. The design was a qualitative study based on individual in‐depth interviews with GPs. The criterion for inclusion in the study was that the GP was a specialist in family medicine working in a primary health care centre (PHCC:s) in the county of Stockholm. The participants took part in the study after informed consent. Eleven GPs were interviewed. The interview started with semi‐structured questions about the respondents’ clinical presentation of their elderly patients’, e.g. medication, medical treatment and socioeconomic status. The interview concluded with questions about the respondents’ experiences of and perceptions of the oral health of their patients. This process started with the first interview and proceeded with successive interviews until no new relevant information was forthcoming. The initial semi‐structured part of the interview guide was analysed for content with special reference to descriptive answers. The final open questions were analysed by a method inspired by grounded theory (GT) and comprised three stages: open coding, axial coding and selective coding. In the GT influenced analysis process, three categories, health perspective, working conditions and cultural differences, each in turn containing subcategories, were identified and labelled. The most significant category, cultural differences, was identified as the core category, explaining the central meaning of the respondents’ perceptions of the oral health of their elderly patients. The GPs in this study showed little or no awareness of the oral health of their elderly patients. The interviews disclosed several contributing factors. Barriers to closer integration of oral and general health in the elderly were identified. There existed a cultural gap between the disciplines of dentistry and medicine, which does not enhance and may be detrimental to the overall well‐being of elderly patients.
Outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain treated using instrumented fusion
Authors: Bentsen Signe Berit , Wahl Astrid K , Hanestad Berit R , Strand Liv Inger
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to describe the pain experience at 1–8 years follow‐up of patients who were treated with instrumented fusion because of chronic low back pain, and to evaluate the impact of demographic‐ and disease‐specific variables on pain. The sample comprised 101 of 126 Norwegian patients (response rate 80%), aged 25–60 years (mean 46 years) who were treated in a Swedish hospital between 1993 and 2000. The visual analogue scale and Norwegian Pain Questionnaire were used to evaluate pain. Independent t‐tests, anova, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Sixteen per cent of patients reported no pain, 17% mild pain, 29% moderate pain and 38% strong to excruciating pain following treatment using instrumented fusion. Demographic‐ and disease‐specific variables explained 29% of the variance in back and hip pain intensities, and 19%, 30%, 6% and 23% of the sensory, affective, evaluative and total pain experience, respectively. Patients who needed to use pain‐killing reported more pain than those who did not (p < 0.001). Patients suffering from other chronic conditions also reported more affective pain (p < 0.001). In conclusion, at 1–8 years follow up after instrumented fusion most of the patients suffered from moderate pain or less. Further, amount of pain‐killing and comorbidity conditions seemed to be highly related to pain in patients treated with instrumented fusion.
Cognitive function and pressure ulcers in hip fracture patients
Authors: Söderqvist Anita , Ponzer Sari , Tidermark Jan
Published: April 2007

The primary aim of this study was to analyse the documented frequency of pressure ulcers in relation to the patients’ cognitive status during the acute care after a hip fracture. The secondary aim was to investigate to what extent the information about pressure ulcers is passed on to the next caregiver. The patient population consisted of 356 patients being admitted to hospital because of a hip fracture. The patients’ cognitive function was assessed with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. The outcome for patients with severe cognitive dysfunction was compared with the outcome for those without severe cognitive dysfunction. The overall incidence of pressure ulcers was 16%. Twenty‐three percent of the patients with severe cognitive dysfunction developed a pressure ulcer during hospitalization compared with 14% of patients without severe cognitive dysfunction (p < 0.05). Although patients with severe cognitive dysfunction had an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, the severity and the localization of their ulcers were comparable to those without severe cognitive dysfunction. Information regarding the presence of the pressure ulcers in the nurses’ report to the next caregiver was lacking for 42% of the patients with ulcers regardless of the cognitive function status. In summary, the incidence of pressure ulcers was increased in hip fracture patients with severe cognitive dysfunction. In the acute setting in routine health care, the caregiver needs a validated and feasible instrument for assessing the patient's cognitive function as well as robust criteria for identifying patients at risk for developing pressure ulcers.
Fifty‐two polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rust fungus, Cronartium quercuum f.sp. fusiforme
Authors: BURDINE C. S. , KUBISIAK T. L. , JOHNSON G. N. , NELSON C. D.
Published: April 2007

We report on 52 microsatellite markers for use in Cronartium quercuum f.sp. fusiforme. The markers were developed from di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeat‐enriched genomic libraries. In 46 isolates collected from two natural populations in the southeastern USA, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 20 (mean 6.94) with gene diversity values ranging from 0.043 to 0.933 (mean 0.537). The markers should prove highly useful for genetic ‘fingerprinting’ of single‐spore isolates commonly used in host–pathogen gene interaction studies, as marker loci for linkage mapping studies, and for examining fine‐scale population genetic structure in natural populations of the fungus.
Antiplatelet drug use preceding the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with increased mortality
Authors: Lacut Karine , Le Gal Gregoire , Seizeur Romuald , Prat Gwenael , Mottier Dominique , Oger Emmanuel
Published: April 2007

Recent studies highlight the contribution of antiplatelet therapy to clinical severity and increased mortality of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) but results are discrepant. The aim of this report was to evaluate the association between antiplatelet drug use preceding the onset of ICH and the mortality, assessed at regular intervals, among patients with acute ICH. We analyzed data from a randomized study which enrolled consecutive patients with a documented acute ICH to evaluate the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression of the legs in venous thrombosis prevention. Clinical characteristics and treatment used before the onset of ICH were checked at the time of inclusion. Mortality was assessed at regular intervals until 3 months after ICH diagnosis. Among 138 patients included in this report, 30 were current users of antiplatelet therapy at the time of ICH; they were significantly older and less frequently heavy drinkers than non‐users of antiplatelet drugs. Mortality rates were 20% at 8 days, 40% at 1 month, and 47% at 3 months among antiplatelet drug users compared with 6.5%, 13% and 19% among non‐users. The corresponding estimated risks for mortality related to antiplatelet drug use were 3.6 (95% CI 1.1–12), 4.5 (95% CI 1.8–11), and 3.6 (95% CI 1.5–8.6). Adjusted for age, hypertension and alcohol over use, antiplatelet therapy remained significantly associated with an increased mortality rate of acute ICH. Current antiplatelet drug use preceding the onset of ICH is associated with increased short‐term ICH mortality, independently of age.
A Model for Life‐Story Work: Facilitating the Construction of Personal Narrative for Foster Children
Authors: Cook‐Cottone Catherine , Beck Meredith
Published: April 2007

The life‐story work model is an interactive model of the self and the external systems interconnected by attunement, facilitated by an individual's construction of self. It is posited that the co‐construction of the life‐story is a critical aspect of the development of self and therefore plays an important role in the attunement one experiences within the nexus of the two systems.
Effects of implementation of psychiatric guidelines on provider performance and patient outcome: systematic review
Authors: Weinmann S. , Koesters M. , Becker T.
Published: April 2007

Objective:  To identify evidence from comparative studies on the effects of psychiatric guideline implementation on provider performance and patient outcome. Effects of different implementation strategies were reviewed.

Method:  Articles published between 1966 and March 2006 were searched through electronic databases and hand search. A systematic review of comparative studies of structured implementation of specific psychiatric guidelines was performed. Rates of guideline adherence, provider performance data, illness detection and diagnostic accuracy rates were extracted in addition to patient relevant outcome data.

Results:  Eighteen studies (nine randomized‐controlled trials, six non‐randomized‐controlled studies and three quasiexperimental before‐and‐after studies) were identified. Effects on provider performance or patient outcome were moderate and temporary in most cases. Studies with positive outcomes used complex multifaceted interventions or specific psychological methods to implement guidelines.

Conclusion:  There is insufficient high‐quality evidence to draw firm conclusions on the effects of implementation of specific psychiatric guidelines.
Psychotherapy for depression among children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Watanabe N. , Hunot V. , Omori I. M. , Churchill R. , Furukawa T. A.
Published: April 2007

Objective:  To examine the clinical benefit, the harm and the cost‐effectiveness of psychotherapies in comparison with no treatment, waiting‐list controls, attention‐placebos, and treatment as usual in depressed youths.

Method:  Meta‐analyses were undertaken by using data from all relevant randomized‐controlled trials identified by a comprehensive literature search. The primary outcome was relative risk (RR) of response.

Results:  We identified 27 studies containing 35 comparisons and 1744 participants. At post‐treatment, psychotherapy was significantly superior (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.18–1.65, P = 0.0001, number‐needed to treat 4.3). There was an evidence of the existence of small study effects, including a publication bias (P < 0.001). The superiority of psychotherapy was no longer statistically significant (1.18 [0.94–1.47], P = 0.15) at 6‐month follow‐up. None of the studies reported adverse effects or cost‐effectiveness outcomes.

Conclusion:  Although the findings were biased by some small positive trials, psychotherapies appear to help depressed youths for the short term, but are no longer significantly favourable at 6‐month follow‐up.
Limited usefulness of CA125 measurement in the management of Hodgkin's and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Bonnet Christophe , Beguin Yves , Fassotte Marie‐France , Seidel Laurence , Luyckx Françoise , Fillet Georges
Published: April 2007

Background: Several papers have reported an association of high CA125 serum levels with advanced non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) as well as a relationship between high CA125 values and poor outcome.

Patients and methods: Ninety‐nine patients with NHL or Hodgkin's disease (HD) underwent serum CA125 assessment at diagnosis. Gender, age, presence of B symptoms, performance status (PS), histology, sites of tumor involvement, presence of effusion, clinical stage, age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index, C‐reactive protein (CRP), Hb, lactate deshydrogenase (LDH) andβ2‐microglobulin were evaluated for their association with serum CA125 levels. The impact of CA125 levels and other features on overall (OS) and progression‐free (PFS) survival was also assessed.

Results: CA125 serum levels were elevated in 34% of the patients, including 19% of patients with aggressive NHL, 45% of patients with indolent NHL, and 29% of patients with HD. Univariate analyses showed that CA125 levels correlated with poor PS, the presence of B symptoms, advanced clinical stage, abdominal, bone marrow or mediastinal involvement, presence of effusions, high aaIPI, low Hb levels and high CRP, LDH orβ2‐microglobulin levels. In multivariate analysis, bone marrow involvement, the presence of effusions, and high aaIPI were all associated with high CA125 serum levels. In univariate analyses, OS and PFS were affected by age (PFS only), poor PS, B symptoms, advanced clinical stage, bone marrow or abdominal involvement (PFS only), high aaIPI, low Hb, high CRP orβ2‐microglobulin levels. OS and PFS were not different in patients with normal or elevated CA125 levels. Multivariate analyses showed significantly inferior OS and PFS in patients with highβ2‐microglobulin but no influence of CA125.

Conclusion: While CA125 serum level correlates significantly with a number of features associated with more aggressive disease, it does not enhance the performance of standard prognostic markers in the management of patients with NHL or HD.
Health‐related quality of life measured by the Short Form 36 in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a cross‐sectional survey in China
Authors: Zhou Zeping , Yang Li , Chen Zhenping , Chen Xiaoli , Guo Ye , Wang Xiaoyan , Dong Xunwei , Wang Tingting , Zhang Lei , Qiu Zhiyong , Yang Renchi
Published: April 2007

Objectives:  The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of Chinese adults with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Methods:  The Chinese (mainland) version of Medical Outcome Study SF‐36 form (SF‐36) Health Survey was used to measure health‐related QoL of 236 adults with ITP in a cross‐sectional study.

Results:  Comparison of SF‐36 subscores of patients with ITP with healthy individuals revealed the reduction of QoL in all of the eight SF‐36 dimensions. The difference on statistical significance presented in six of eight dimensions of SF‐36 including physical functioning (PF), role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health perception (GH), social functioning (SF), and role limitations due to emotional problems (RE) between the patients with ITP and the normal population (P < 0.01). The acute ITP group showed better scores in three dimensions including GH, energy/vitality, and RE than chronic ITP (P < 0.01). Meanwhile through classification with platelet count, three subgroups of patients also experienced significant differences in PF, GH, and SF from the eight dimensions. Age was a significant negative predictor of all eight dimensions other than the SF while current platelet count was a significant negative predictor of GH. Moreover, the treatment cost and family income also influenced the QoL scores. The subjective feeling of fear about bleeding had a detrimental impact on QoL.

Conclusions:  QoL was impaired in patients with ITP, especially in the acute patients. The platelet count and the feeling of fear about bleeding had a detrimental impact on QoL.
Lysophosphatidic acid protection against apoptosis in the human pre‐B‐cell line Nalm‐6
Authors: Satoh Yumiko , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Higashi Katsumi , Kaneko Makoto , Yokota Hiromitsu , Aoki Junken , Arai Hiroyuki , Yuasa Yasuhito , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: April 2007

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) promotes survival, growth, differentiation, and motility in a variety of cell types, and has been reported to act as a cell survival and growth factor in B lymphocytes. Autotaxin (ATX), through its lysophospholipase D activity, generates LPA from lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). In this study, we investigated the effects of LPA and also the expression of ATX and LPA receptor, in the human pre‐B‐cell line Nalm‐6. It was found that LPA protects Nalm‐6 cells against both spontaneous and staurosporine‐induced apoptosis. Furthermore, ATX expression on the cell surface and ATX activity in the cell lysate were detected. No accumulation of LPA in the culture medium was, however, detected when the Nalm‐6 cells were cultured with LPC. The pre‐B cells were found to express the mRNA transcript for lipid phosphate phosphatase‐1 and LPA degradation was inhibited in the presence of the phosphatase inhibitor vanadate, it was surmised that LPA production in the culture medium may have been masked by LPA degradation by this ecto‐phosphatase. Abundant expression of LPA receptors, especially, LPA4, was detected by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. Our results suggest an important and autocrine role of LPA in the survival of this well‐established model cell line, although the direct involvement of ATX in the production of LPA in these cells was not confirmed.
Comparison of rectal and infrared thermometry for obtaining body temperature in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Sikoski P. , Banks M.L. , Gould R. , Young R.W. , Wallace J.M. , Nader M.A.
Published: April 2007

Background  It would be clinically advantageous to develop a method of body temperature evaluation in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that did not require sedation, restraint, surgical manipulation, or expensive equipment.

Methods  Body temperatures of 51 cynomolgus macaques were taken with rectal thermometry and non‐contact infrared thermometry (NIFT) on the shoulder, face, abdomen, and axillary region.

Results and conclusions  Body temperature measurements from NIFT were statistically different (P < 0.0001) from rectal thermometry. In addition, there was greater between‐ and within‐subject variability in values using NIFT. There was no correlation between any sites of the NIFT and rectal thermometry. It was concluded that NIFT was not a valid alternative to rectal thermometry in cynomolgus macaques.
Assessment of in vitro and in vivo recovery of sinomenine using microdialysis
Authors: Zheng Hong , Shi Li‐Fu , Hu Jin‐Hong
Published: April 2007

Background/purpose: For microdialysis studies in the skin, laboratory‐made linear probes are often used. The application of the microdialysis technique to the investigation of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs requires careful assessment of the linear probes' performance to ensure validity of the data obtained using this technique. The aim of this study was to establish and validate the microdialysis technique for investigation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sinomenine.

Methods: Using different lengths of the dialysis membrance and different perfusion flow rates, a flow rate of 2 μL/min with 20‐min sampling intervals was selected for the subsequent studies, based on the analysis of sinomenine from the microdialysis probe. In vitro recovery of sinomenine from the microdialysis probe was independent of concentration, stable over an 8‐h period. Comparable in vitro recoveries were obtained by different established approaches including recovery estimation by gain, loss and the zero‐net flux (ZNF) method. Recovery by loss was used to study the in vivo recovery of sinomenine from rat subcutaneous tissue.

Results: The performance of the microdialysis system was stable over an 8‐h study, resulting in a mean in vitro recovery of 51.91±1.29%. Recovery obtained using the ZNF plot was 52.43%. In vivo recovery of sinomenine was 34.46±0.76% and was stable over the 7‐h study period.

Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo performance of the microdialysis technique was established for the study of sinomenine. It would prove to be a useful and reliable tool to study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sinomenine. The data obtained in our study highlight the importance of a systematic examination of microdialysis linear probe validation.
In vivo visualization of hyaluronic acid injection by high spatial resolution T2 parametric magnetic resonance images
Authors: Gensanne D. , Josse G. , Schmitt A. M. , Lagarde J. M. , Vincensini D.
Published: April 2007

Background/purpose: In recent years, increasing use of injectable resorbable fillings has been reported for facial wrinkle treatment. However, the physiological processes involved such as the localization and subsequent diffusion of the injected product in skin tissues are poorly documented. This may be noninvasively achieved using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is duly presented in this pilot study.

Methods: Hyaluronic acid (HA) was injected intradermally in the forearm of a young male volunteer. High‐resolution MRI scans using a surface antenna were performed just after injection, and after 2, 4 and 9 months. Morphological images were compared with transverse relaxation time (T2) images computed from a pixel‐by‐pixel analysis.

Results: On high‐resolution morphological MR images the HA injection is barely visible, but with quantitative MRI the zone of injection is clearly seen. This is due to HA having a distinctly different transverse relaxation time, T2∼600 ms, compared with dermal and hypodermal tissues, 35 and 80 ms, respectively.

Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate the ability of the T2 images for in vivo visualization of the filler agent and also for characterization of tissue modifications. In addition, the diffusion and progressive degradation of the filler agent can be monitored by T2 measurements over time.
EBV detection in HIV‐related oral plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Ferrazzo KL , Mesquita RA , Aburad ATT , Nunes FD , De Sousa SOM
Published: April 2007

Objectives:  Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) of the oral cavity is an aggressive neoplasm derived from B cell, considered to be the second more common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated malignancies. As Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been associated with this neoplasm, the aim of the present study was to assess the presence of EBV in 11 cases of oral HIV‐related PBL and investigate the controversial issue of the presence of Human herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) in these tumors.

Methods:  DNA was extracted from nine cases of HIV‐associated oral lymphomas, diagnosed as PBL, and genomic material was amplified by polymerase chain reaction to verify the presence of EBV. In situ hybridization (ISH) for EBV was performed in five cases. Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to confirm previous diagnosis and verify HHV‐8 infection.

Results:  The 11 cases had diagnosis confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. Only nine cases presented an adequate amount of DNA for analysis, and EBV was detected in seven of them. The five cases tested for EBV viral infection by ISH showed positive signals. All 11 cases were negative for HHV‐8.

Conclusion:  The presence of EBV in all cases studied favors a direct role of this virus in the development of HIV‐related PBL, and this finding could be considered when dealing with HIV patients.
Imaging of Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Czerny C. , Krestan C. , Formanek M.
Published: April 2007

This paper describes the modern imaging methods, techniques, ability and performance in detecting and staging head and neck lymph nodes. Furthermore, the imaging morphologies of benign and malignant lymph nodes according to the different imaging techniques are shown. The imaging techniques of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion‐weighted imaging and contrast‐enhanced iron oxide MRI are explained. Imaging examples of the different modalities of benign‐ and malignant‐transformed lymph nodes are shown. Additionally, the diagnostic sensitivity of each modality are delineated and further aspects of modern lymph node staging of the head and neck region, such as those with special contrast agents are described. These modern imaging modalities have sensitivity rates of 70–80% depending on the technical equipment and ability and on the experience of the investigator. The value of biopsy techniques including recently developed ultrasonography guided needle biopsy with molecular analysis of the cells of about 97–100% accuracy in diagnosing benign from malignant lymph nodes are mentioned. Overall, the reader gets an overview of the present imaging modalities to potentially stage correctly lymph nodes in the head and neck region to facilitate the therapeutic procedure.
The Value of CT Scan in Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Lymphoma: A Clinical Practice‐Oriented Overview
Authors: Datz L.
Published: April 2007

The impact of computed tomography (CT) scanning on the accurate diagnosis of malignant lymphoma (ML) and the assessment of the course of disease has rapidly improved over the last years. This is mainly due to the development of multi‐slice CT (MSCT) with its unique utility to perform high‐resolution full‐body scans within a very short period of time. Its standardized sectional views permit excellent comparability to previously performed images with high inter‐observer agreement. MSCT is the method of choice for the chest, abdominal and urinary tract regions which is also true with some restrictions to the head and neck region. In the musculoskeletal system the accuracy is lower when compared with magnetic resonance imaging. Among the variety of imaging technologies MSCT plays a central role for staging and restaging of ML with a major impact on therapeutic decisions.
Nucleosome positioning in relation to nucleosome spacing and DNA sequence‐specific binding of a protein
Authors: Pusarla Rama‐Haritha , Vinayachandran Vinesh , Bhargava Purnima
Published: April 2007

Nucleosome positioning is an important mechanism for the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. Folding of the chromatin fiber can influence nucleosome positioning, whereas similar electrostatic mechanisms govern the nucleosome repeat length and chromatin fiber folding in vitro. The position of the nucleosomes is directed either by the DNA sequence or by the boundaries created due to the binding of certain trans‐acting factors to their target sites in the DNA. Increasing ionic strength results in an increase in nucleosome spacing on the chromatin assembled by the S‐190 extract of Drosophila embryos. In this study, a mutant lac repressor protein R3 was used to find the mechanisms of nucleosome positioning on a plasmid with three R3‐binding sites. With increasing ionic strength in the presence of R3, the number of positioned nucleosomes in the chromatin decreased, whereas the internucleosomal spacings of the positioned nucleosomes in a single register did not change. The number of the positioned nucleosomes in the chromatin assembled in vitro over different plasmid DNAs with 1–3 lac operators changed with the relative position and number of the R3‐binding sites. We found that in the presence of R3, nucleosomes were positioned in the salt gradient method of the chromatin assembly, even in the absence of a nucleosome‐positioning sequence. Our results show that nucleosome‐positioning mechanisms are dominant, as the nucleosomes can be positioned even in the absence of regular spacing mechanisms. The protein‐generated boundaries are more effective when more than one binding site is present with a minimum distance of ∼ 165 bp, greater than the nucleosome core DNA length, between them.
The activity of adenylyltransferase in Rhodospirillum rubrum is only affected by α‐ketoglutarate and unmodified PII proteins, but not by glutamine, in vitro
Authors: Jonsson Anders , Teixeira Pedro F. , Nordlund Stefan
Published: April 2007

Ammonium assimilation is tightly regulated in nitrogen‐fixing bacteria; the target of regulation is primarily the activity of the key enzyme glutamine synthetase that is regulated by reversible covalent modification by AMP groups in reactions catalysed by the bifunctional adenylyltransferase (ATase). The properties and regulation of ATase from Escherichia coli have been studied in great detail. We have investigated the regulation of ATase from Rhodospirillum rubrum, a photosynthetic nitrogen‐fixing bacterium. In this diazotroph, nitrogenase is regulated at the metabolic level in addition to the transcriptional regulation operating in all diazotrophic bacteria, which makes understanding the regulatory features of nitrogen assimilation even more interesting. We show that in R. rubrum, in contrast to the E. coli system, ATase is primarily regulated by α‐ketoglutarate and that glutamine has no effect on neither the adenylylation nor the deadenylylation of glutamine synthetase. Furthermore, the role of the regulatory PII proteins is only to stimulate the adenylylation reaction, as there is no effect on the reverse reaction. We propose that in R. rubrum and possibly other diazotrophs α‐ketoglutarate plays the central role in the regulation of ATase and thus glutamine synthetase activity.
Negative pressure wound therapy via vacuum‐assisted closure following partial foot amputation: what is the role of wound chronicity?
Authors: Armstrong David G , Lavery Lawrence A , Boulton Andrew JM
Published: April 2007

Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate diabetic foot wound therapies have systematically eliminated large acute wounds from evaluation, focusing only on smaller chronic wounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proportion and rate of wound healing in acute and chronic wounds after partial foot amputation in individuals with diabetes treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) delivered by the vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC®) device or with standard wound therapy (SWT). This study constitutes a secondary analysis of patients enrolled in a 16‐week RCT of NPWT: 162 open foot amputation wounds (mean wound size = 20·7 cm2) were included. Acute wounds were defined as the wounds less than 30 days after amputation, whereas chronic wounds as the wounds greater than 30 days. Inclusion criteria consisted of individuals older than 18 years, presence of a diabetic foot amputation wound up to the transmetatarsal level and adequate perfusion. Wound size and healing were confirmed by independent, blinded wound evaluators. Analyses were done on an intent‐to‐treat basis. There was a significantly higher proportion of acute wounds (SWT = 59; NPWT = 63) than chronic wounds (SWT = 26; NPWT = 14), evaluated in this clinical trial (P = 0·001). There was no significant difference in the proportion of acute and chronic wounds achieving complete wound closure in either treatment group. Despite this finding, the Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated statistically significantly faster healing in the NPWT group in both acute (P = 0·030) and chronic wounds (P = 0·033). Among the patients treated with NPWT via the VAC, there was not a significant difference in healing as a function of chronicity. In both the acute and the chronic wound groups, results for patients treated with NPWT were superior to those for the patients treated with SWT. These results appear to indicate that wound duration should not deter the clinician from using this modality to treat complex wounds.
The role of vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in wound healing
Authors: Conway Kevin P , Price Patricia , Harding Keith G , Jiang Wen G
Published: April 2007

Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) is an endothelial cell‐specific cytokine and a potent inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The role of VEGI in angiogenesis related to tissue repair has previously not been investigated. Biopsies from different wound types were analysed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the presence of VEGI protein and transcript, respectively. Human vascular endothelial cell line was transfected with VEGI expression plasmid and tested for their in vitro angiogenesis properties. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGI showed reduced expression in the dermal layer of the acute wounds compared with the chronic wound or normal skin. The ability of VEGI to prevent angiogenesis by in vitro assays showed that VEGI acts as a suppressor to the proliferation and microtubule formation of endothelial cells, and the addition of Hepatocyte Growth Factor had little effect on the ability of cell lines expressing the VEGI gene to increase microtubule formation. The aberrant expression of VEGI in different wound types appears to be linked to the outcome of the healing in these wounds. The altered expression of VEGI in chronic wounds constitutes an important target of future therapies.
EntonoxTM as a sedative for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Authors: GUDGIN E. J. , BESSER M. W. , CRAIG J. I. O.
Published: April 2007

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy can be a painful procedure. Sedation techniques may make this investigation more acceptable to patients, but have the potential to cause life‐threatening complications, as well as requiring additional staff and equipment for safe administration. We assessed the use of EntonoxTM, a 50 : 50 mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen, as a sedation and analgesic agent, and compared it to previous experience with the intravenous (i.v.) benzodiazepine midazolam. Patients’ perception of pain, and both the operator and patient's views on the ease of the procedure and safety factors were recorded. Twenty‐two patients who had previously required i.v. midazolam sedation (16), or who requested sedation (6) were studied. Fifteen of 16 (94%) found EntonoxTM better or equal to midazolam, and only one patient (6%) found it worse. There were no serious adverse events due to EntonoxTM. We have shown, in this small group of patients, that EntonoxTM is an effective, safe alternative to intravenous midazolam for sedation during bone marrow biopsy, and is considered acceptable by both patients and staff. It has the major advantage that no additional staff or facilities are required for safe administration or monitoring the patient during or after the procedure.
Aberrant co‐expression of CD19 and CD56 as surrogate markers of acute myeloid leukemias with t(8;21) in Taiwan
Authors: CHEN S.‐W. , LI C.‐F. , CHUANG S.‐S. , TZENG C.‐C. , HSIEH Y.‐C. , LEE P.‐S. , CHEN C.‐H. , HUANG W.‐T. , HWANG W.‐S. , TSAO C.‐J.
Published: April 2007

Aberrant antigen expression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been extensively studied in the West with limited reports from Taiwan. We carried out this retrospective study to characterize the frequency and significance of aberrant antigen expression of AML in Taiwan. Among 111 cases, 58 (52%) showed aberrant antigen expression, most frequently CD7 (27%) and CD56 (23%). Aberrant CD7 expression was observed in all non‐AML‐M3 subtypes, most frequently in AML‐M7 (4/6, 67%); while CD19 expression was only observed in AML‐M2 (5/36, 14%). CD56 expression was most common in AML‐M5 (4/8, 50%). The relative frequency of CD19 and CD56 expression in AML with t(8;21) was higher than those with other chromosomal abnormalities or normal karyotype (P = 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). In non‐M3 AML, aberrant antigen expression was identified in 56/96 (58%) cases, in contrast to 2/15 (13%) AML‐M3 cases (P = 0.001). CD7, CD19 and CD56 expression was not correlated with remission rate. We concluded that aberrant immunophenotype was more frequent in non‐M3 leukemias in Taiwan. The relative frequency of CD19 and/or CD56 expression in AML with t(8;21) was significantly higher than those without this translocation and co‐expression of these two antigens may serve as the surrogate markers for AML with t(8;21).
An ATP Gate Controls Tubulin Binding by the Tethered Head of Kinesin-1
Authors: Alonso Maria C. , Drummond Douglas R. , Kain Susan , Hoeng Julia , Amos Linda , Cross Robert A.
Published: April 2007

Kinesin-1 is a two-headed molecular motor that walks along microtubules, with each step gated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding. Existing models for the gating mechanism propose a role for the microtubule lattice. We show that unpolymerized tubulin binds to kinesin-1, causing tubulin-activated release of adenosine diphosphate (ADP). With no added nucleotide, each kinesin-1 dimer binds one tubulin heterodimer. In adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, each kinesin-1 dimer binds two tubulin heterodimers. The data reveal an ATP gate that operates independently of the microtubule lattice, by ATP-dependent release of a steric or allosteric block on the tubulin binding site of the tethered kinesin-ADP head.
Synchronized Oscillation in Coupled Nanomechanical Oscillators
Authors: Shim Seung-Bo , Imboden Matthias , Mohanty Pritiraj
Published: April 2007

We report measurements of synchronization in two nanomechanical beam oscillators coupled by a mechanical element. We charted multiple regions of frequency entrainment or synchronization by their corresponding Arnold's tongue diagrams as the oscillator was driven at subharmonic and rational commensurate frequencies. Demonstration of multiple synchronized regions could be fundamentally important to neurocomputing with mechanical oscillator networks and nanomechanical signal processing for microwave communication.
Binding of the Human Prp31 Nop Domain to a Composite RNA-Protein Platform in U4 snRNP
Authors: Liu Sunbin , Li Ping , Dybkov Olexandr , Nottrott Stephanie , Hartmuth Klaus , Lührmann Reinhard , Carlomagno Teresa , Wahl Markus C.
Published: April 2007

Although highly homologous, the spliceosomal hPrp31 and the nucleolar Nop56 and Nop58 (Nop56/58) proteins recognize different ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles. hPrp31 interacts with complexes containing the 15.5K protein and U4 or U4atac small nuclear RNA (snRNA), whereas Nop56/58 associate with 15.5K–box C/D small nucleolar RNA complexes. We present structural and biochemical analyses of hPrp31-15.5K-U4 snRNA complexes that show how the conserved Nop domain in hPrp31 maintains high RNP binding selectivity despite relaxed RNA sequence requirements. The Nop domain is a genuine RNP binding module, exhibiting RNA and protein binding surfaces. Yeast two-hybrid analyses suggest a link between retinitis pigmentosa and an aberrant hPrp31-hPrp6 interaction that blocks U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP formation.
The Deep Ocean During the Last Interglacial Period
Authors: Duplessy J. C. , Roche D. M. , Kageyama M.
Published: April 2007

Oxygen isotope analysis of benthic foraminifera in deep sea cores from the Atlantic and Southern Oceans shows that during the last interglacial period, North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) was 0.4° ± 0.2°C warmer than today, whereas Antarctic Bottom Water temperatures were unchanged. Model simulations show that this distribution of deep water temperatures can be explained as a response of the ocean to forcing by high-latitude insolation. The warming of NADW was transferred to the Circumpolar Deep Water, providing additional heat around Antarctica, which may have been responsible for partial melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.
A Conserved Family of Enzymes That Phosphorylate Inositol Hexakisphosphate
Authors: Mulugu Sashidhar , Bai Wenli , Fridy Peter C. , Bastidas Robert J. , Otto James C. , Dollins D. Eric , Haystead Timothy A. , Ribeiro Anthony A. , York John D.
Published: April 2007

Inositol pyrophosphates are a diverse group of high-energy signaling molecules whose cellular roles remain an active area of study. We report a previously uncharacterized class of inositol pyrophosphate synthase and find it is identical to yeast Vip1 and Asp1 proteins, regulators of actin-related protein-2/3 (ARP 2/3) complexes. Vip1 and Asp1 acted as enzymes that encode inositol hexakisphosphate (IP
6
) and inositol heptakisphosphate (IP
7
) kinase activities. Alterations in kinase activity led to defects in cell growth, morphology, and interactions with ARP complex members. The functionality of Asp1 and Vip1 may provide cells with increased signaling capacity through metabolism of IP
6
.
Direct-Current Nanogenerator Driven by Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Wang Xudong , Song Jinhui , Liu Jin , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: April 2007

We have developed a nanowire nanogenerator that is driven by an ultrasonic wave to produce continuous direct-current output. The nanogenerator was fabricated with vertically aligned zinc oxide nanowire arrays that were placed beneath a zigzag metal electrode with a small gap. The wave drives the electrode up and down to bend and/or vibrate the nanowires. A piezoelectric-semiconducting coupling process converts mechanical energy into electricity. The zigzag electrode acts as an array of parallel integrated metal tips that simultaneously and continuously create, collect, and output electricity from all of the nanowires. The approach presents an adaptable, mobile, and cost-effective technology for harvesting energy from the environment, and it offers a potential solution for powering nanodevices and nanosystems.
Nosocomial Outbreak of
Corynebacterium striatum
Infection in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Renom Feliu , Garau Margarita , Rubí Mateu , Ramis Ferran , Galmés Antònia , Soriano Joan B.
Published: April 2007

We describe an unusual cluster of
Corynebacterium striatum
infections in 21 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) admitted to a medium-size respiratory unit. Eleven isolates from eight patients occurred simultaneously within a month.
C. striatum
is a potentially pathogenic microorganism with the ability to produce nosocomial infectious outbreaks and respiratory colonization in patients with advanced COPD.
Addition of
neuA
, the Gene Encoding
N
-Acylneuraminate Cytidylyl Transferase, Increases the Discriminatory Ability of the Consensus Sequence-Based Scheme for Typing
Legionella pneumophila
Serogroup 1 Strains
Authors: Ratzow Sandra , Gaia Valeria , Helbig Jürgen Herbert , Fry Norman K. , Lück Paul Christian
Published: April 2007

The standard sequence-based method for the typing of
Legionella pneumophila
serogroup 1 strains was extended by using the
gspA
and
neuA
alleles. The use of
neuA
as a seventh allele for typing significantly increased the index of discrimination calculated for a panel of unrelated strains (from 0.932 to 0.963) and subdivided some known large common complexes (e.g., 1,4,3,1,1,1). This modification to the standard method is proposed as the method of choice in the epidemiological investigation of
L. pneumophila
infections.
Epidemiologic Distribution of the Arginine Catabolic Mobile Element among Selected Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates
Authors: Goering Richard V. , McDougal Linda K. , Fosheim Greg E. , Bonnstetter Kristin K. , Wolter Daniel J. , Tenover Fred C.
Published: April 2007

We tested 214
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates for the
arcA
locus of the arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME). All USA300 SCC
mec
IVa isolates, but no isolates containing other SCC
mec
subtypes, were
arcA
positive.
arcA
was also detected in selected methicillin-susceptible USA300 and methicillin-resistant USA100 isolates. DNA sequence analysis confirmed the integration of ACME in
orfX
.
Identification of an Emerging Pathogen,
Mycobacterium massiliense
, by
rpoB
Sequencing of Clinical Isolates Collected in the United States
Authors: Simmon Keith E. , Pounder June I. , Greene John N. , Walsh Frank , Anderson Clint M. , Cohen Samuel , Petti Cathy A.
Published: April 2007

Mycobacterium massiliense
is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that is indistinguishable from
Mycobacterium chelonae
/
M. abscessus
by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We sequenced
rpoB
,
sodA
, and
hsp65
genes from isolates previously identified as being
M. chelonae/M. abscessus
and identified
M. massiliense
from isolates from two patients with invasive disease representing the first reported cases in the United States.
Effective T-Cell Responses Select Human Immunodeficiency Virus Mutants and Slow Disease Progression
Authors: Frater A. J. , Brown H. , Oxenius A. , Günthard H. F. , Hirschel B. , Robinson N. , Leslie A. J. , Payne R. , Crawford H. , Prendergast A. , Brander C. , Kiepiela P. , Walker B. D. , Goulder P. J. R. , McLean A. , Phillips R. E.
Published: April 2007

The possession of some HLA class I molecules is associated with delayed progression to AIDS. The mechanism behind this beneficial effect is unclear. We tested the idea that cytotoxic T-cell responses restricted by advantageous HLA class I molecules impose stronger selection pressures than those restricted by other HLA class I alleles. As a measure of the selection pressure imposed by HLA class I alleles, we determined the extent of HLA class I-associated epitope variation in a cohort of European human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals (n= 84). We validated our findings in a second, distinct cohort of African patients (n= 516). We found that key HIV epitopes restricted by advantageous HLA molecules (B27, B57, and B51 in European patients and B5703, B5801, and B8101 in African patients) were more frequently mutated in individuals bearing the restricting HLA than in those who lacked the restricting HLA class I molecule. HLA alleles associated with clinical benefit restricted certain epitopes for which the consensus peptides were frequently recognized by the immune response despite the circulating virus's being highly polymorphic. We found a significant inverse correlation between the HLA-associated hazard of disease progression and the mean HLA-associated prevalence of mutations within epitopes (P= 0.028;R2= 0.34). We conclude that beneficial HLA class I alleles impose strong selection at key epitopes. This is revealed by the frequent association between effective T-cell responses and circulating viral escape mutants and the rarity of these variants in patients who lack these favorable HLA class I molecules, suggesting a significant pressure to revert.