bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level of oral health impacts among patients participating in PEARL: a dental practice‐based research network
Authors: Botello‐Harbaum Maria T. , Matthews Abigail G. , Collie Damon , Vena Donald A. , Craig Ronald G. , Curro Frederick A. , Thompson Van P. , Broder Hillary L. ,   The PEARL Network
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To determine whether participants of a dental practice–based research network (PBRN) differ in their level of oral health impact as measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 2410 patients contributed 2432 OHIP measurements (median age = 43 years; interquartile range = 28) were enrolled in four dental studies. All participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) during a baseline visit. The main outcome of this study was the level of oral health impact, defined as follows: no impact (‘Never’ reported on all items); low (‘Occasionally’ or ‘Hardly ever’ as the greatest frequency score reported on any item); and high (‘Fairly often’ or ‘Very often’ as the greatest frequency reported on any item). Polychotomous logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model for the level of oral health impact considering the following predictors: patient's age, gender, race, practice location, type of dentist, and number of years the enrolling dentist has been practicing.

Results

A high level of oral health impacts was reported in 8% of the sample; almost a third (29%) of the sample reported a low level of impacts, and 63% had no oral health impacts. The prevalence of impacts differed significantly across protocols (P < 0.001). Women were more likely to be in the high oral impact group than in the no impact group compared to men (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.06–1.99). African Americans were more likely to report high oral impacts when compared to other racial/ethnic groups (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.26–3.55). Protective effects for being in the high or in the low‐impact groups were observed among patients enrolled by a solo practice (P < 0.001) or by more experienced dentists (P = 0.01). A small but highly significant statistical association was obtained for patient age (P < 0.001). In the multivariate model, patient's age, practice size, and gender were found to jointly be significant predictors of oral health impact level.

Conclusions

Patients' subjective report of oral health impact in the clinical setting is of importance for their health. In the context of a dental PBRN, the report of oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) was different across four dental studies. The observed findings validate the differential impact that oral health has on the patients' perception of OHRQoL particularly among specific groups. Similar investigations to elucidate the factors associated with patient's report of quality of life are warranted.
The β‐diversity of arable weed communities on organic and conventional cereal farms in two contrasting regions
Authors: Armengot Laura , Sans Francesc Xavier , Fischer Christina , Flohre Andreas , José‐María Laura , Tscharntke Teja , Thies Carsten
Published: March 2012

Questions

Do diversity components (α, β and γ) differ across contrasting regions? What is the relative contribution of organic and conventional farming practices to the structuring of arable weed species diversity and different functional groups (legumes, grasses and broad‐leaves)? To what extent do arable weed communities differ between regions and farming systems (organic vs conventional)?

Location

Twenty‐six farms in total in northeast Spain (Catalonia) and north Germany (Lower Saxony).

Methods

We examined the weed flora in paired organic and conventional farms at each locality and assessed diversity components by additive partitioning of species richness (α, β and γ).

Results

The weed species composition differed greatly between the two regions. Only 18 of 135 arable weed species were shared. The α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity of all functional groups was significantly higher under organic farming practices for both regions, indicating an increasing homogenization of local communities by agricultural intensification within each region. β‐diversity contributed most to the total observed species richness in both regions (69.8% and 35.8% on organic and conventional farms, respectively, in Catalonia; and 62.4% and 53.0% on organic and conventional farms, respectively, in Lower Saxony). These results demonstrate the great importance of environmental heterogeneity and of farm‐specific differences in agricultural practices for the richness of arable weed species.

Conclusions

Regardless of the substantial differences in arable weed community composition across regions, our study emphasizes the great importance of organic farming for arable weed species richness. Understanding the patterns and causes of the dissimilarity of local communities appears to be a key factor for species conservation and the development of effective European‐wide agri‐environmental schemes at landscape and regional scales. This approach is in contrast to current nature conservation practices that are restricted primarily to local (field‐ and farm‐scale) implementation.
Are abandoned wooded pastures suitable refugia for forest species?
Authors: Vojta Jaroslav , Drhovská Lucie
Published: March 2012

Questions

Is the species composition of the forest community in abandoned pastures different from that in ancient ungrazed forests? Do abandoned wooded pastures serve as refugia for forest species? Which factors influence forest species communities and the diversity of pastures more than 50 years after abandonment?

Location

Doupovské hory, Czech Republic.

Methods

The species composition of the forest plant community was assessed in 90 plots located in abandoned pastures with different continuities of woody vegetation. The abandoned pastures were compared to 111 other plots located in ancient ungrazed forest. The effects of forest continuity, isolation, pH, canopy cover and terrain were analysed using CCA and GLMs.

Results

The forest species communities in abandoned pastures differ from those in ancient ungrazed forests. The number of forest species in abandoned pastures was relatively high. However, abandoned pastures lack some species considered as indicators of ancient forests in Europe. The abandoned wooded pastures and more recently overgrown pastures generally lacked the same set of species in comparison to ancient forests. Additionally, we found no regular association of ancient forest indicators with wooded pastures compared to more recently overgrown pastures. The forest species communities in abandoned pastures are significantly influenced by continuity, soil pH (KCl) and habitat isolation. Forest species richness depends on continuity (with significantly more species in the abandoned wooded pastures than in most recently overgrown pastures). Furthermore, species richness is negatively correlated with habitat isolation particularly under the open canopy.

Conclusions

Abandoned pastures and wooded pastures offer suitable habitats for forest species. However, these forest communities remained unsaturated after more than a half‐century of succession. Surprisingly, pastures with a long continuity in woody cover (wooded pastures) were not better refugia for forest species than more recently overgrown pastures. The importance of habitat isolation, soil pH and light conditions for forest species community composition and richness was confirmed.
Structural analysis, enzymatic characterization, and catalytic mechanisms of β‐galactosidase from Bacillus circulans sp. alkalophilus
Authors: Maksimainen Mirko , Paavilainen Sari , Hakulinen Nina , Rouvinen Juha
Published: March 2012

Crystal structures of native and α‐d‐galactose‐bound Bacillus circulans sp. alkalophilusβ‐galactosidase (Bca‐β‐gal) were determined at 2.40 and 2.25 Å resolutions, respectively. Bca‐β‐gal is a member of family 42 of glycoside hydrolases, and forms a 460 kDa hexameric structure in crystal. The protein consists of three domains, of which the catalytic domain has an (α/β)8 barrel structure with a cluster of sulfur‐rich residues inside the β‐barrel. The shape of the active site is clearly more open compared to the only homologous structure available in the Protein Data Bank. This is due to the number of large differences in the loops that connect the C‐terminal ends of the β‐strands to the N‐terminal ends of the α‐helices within the (α/β)8 barrel. The complex structure shows that galactose binds to the active site as an α‐anomer and induces clear conformational changes in the active site. The implications of α‐d‐galactose binding with respect to the catalytic mechanism are discussed. In addition, we suggest that β‐galactosidases mainly utilize a reverse hydrolysis mechanism for synthesis of galacto‐oligosaccharides.

Database
 The coordinates for free and α‐d‐galactose‐bound Bca‐β‐gal structures have been deposited in the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) Protein Data Bank under accession codes 3TTS and 3TTY, respectively.
Fidelity of After‐School Program Implementation Targeting Adolescent Youth: Identifying Successful Curricular and Programmatic Characteristics
Authors: Rajan Sonali , Basch Charles E.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: This study consisted of a formative evaluation of an after‐school health education program designed for adolescent females, entitled Girls on Track. Evidence‐based after‐school programs have potential to supplement the traditional school day, encourage social and emotional skill development, improve the quality of student health, and contribute to a healthier school environment. Implementing comprehensive programs outside of the classroom, however, is challenging and gaps exist in the literature regarding implementation fidelity.

METHODS: The national program was in a cohort of adolescent females from 11 Girls on Track locations in fall 2008 and 10 locations in spring 2009. Mixed‐method analyses evaluated fidelity of lesson implementation, described curricular and programmatic characteristics associated with implementation fidelity, and assessed coach perceptions toward program quality and feasibility.

RESULTS: Specific lesson characteristics associated with higher rates of implementation fidelity and favorable coach perceptions toward program feasibility included improved lesson clarity, more time to process health topics, teaching and learning objectives that were well aligned with lesson activities, incorporation of alternative activities for less‐motivated participants, and provision of resources on key health topics for coaches.

CONCLUSION: Girls on Track is currently being implemented across the United States and Canada, reaching over 5000 adolescent females annually. Identifying and incorporating specific curricular and programmatic characteristics associated with high levels of implementation fidelity can enhance the quality and benefits of after‐school programs.
Measuring the Performance of Partnerships: Why, What, How, When?
Authors: Kelly Claire
Published: March 2012

Partnerships have become increasingly prevalent across a wide range of sectors for the delivery of services and implementation of policy. Partnerships are seen as a more effective way of delivering policy interventions than state‐led or ‘top‐down’ approaches. Evaluating partnership performance is therefore crucial in order to determine whether partnerships really are better than more traditional methods of policy implementation. To date, however, partnership effectiveness has often been conceptualised as cumulative; the result of a set of variables acting in a one‐dimensional, linear way which results in the ability (or not) of a partnership to achieve its goals. This paper highlights the shortcomings of such a linear conceptualisation of effectiveness and argues instead that when evaluating partnerships, effectiveness should be viewed as a non‐linear, multi‐faceted composite which changes in space and time.
Environment, Business and the Firm
Authors: Caprotti Federico
Published: March 2012

From wind turbines and renewable energy landscapes to environmental talks at the UN summits in Copenhagen (2009) and Cancún (2010), there is growing interest in the links between business and the environment. Much geographical work has critically focused on state‐environment links, while economic geographers have attempted to theorize the emergence of markets and economies, in part through understanding the economy through a relational, cultural lens. However, while there has been significant work on critical approaches to the environment and capitalism, there has been a lack in explicit focus on the firm and its role, firstly, in mediating economic‐environmental relations, and secondly in the production of specific environmental outcomes. Drawing on literatures on cultural political economy (CPE), Science and Technology Studies (STS), Actor Network Theory (ANT) and political ecology, the paper argues for a reincorporation of the firm into critical work on the environment in geography, and proposes three ways in which the firm can be usefully theorized in such work: as a relational economic and cultural actor, as a sociotechnical mediator, and as the producer of hybrid socionatures.
Transmission dynamics and risk factors for pandemic H1N1‐related illness: outbreak investigation in a rural community of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Janjua Naveed Z. , Skowronski Danuta M. , Hottes Travis S. , Osei William , Adams Evan , Petric Martin , Lem Marcus , Tang Patrick , De Serres Gaston , Patrick David M. , Bowering David
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Janjua et al. (2012) Transmission dynamics and risk factors for pandemic H1N1‐related illness: outbreak investigation in a rural community of British Columbia, Canada. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e54–e62.

Objective  To characterize the first‐wave epidemiologic features of influenza‐like illness (ILI) associated with the novel pandemic A/H1N1 [A(H1N1)pdm09] virus.

Methods  We used generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to assess risk factors and non‐parametric and/or parametric distributions to estimate attack rates, secondary attack rates (SAR), duration of illness, and serial interval during a laboratory‐confirmed community outbreak of A(H1N1)pdm09 clustered around on‐reserve residents and households of an elementary school in rural British Columbia, Canada, in late April/early May 2009. ILI details were collected as part of outbreak investigation by community telephone survey in early June 2009.

Results  Overall, 92/408 (23%) of participants developed ILI and 36/408 (9%) experienced medically attended ILI (MAILI). The overall SAR in households was 22%: highest among participants 1–4 years of age (yoa) (50%) followed by <1 yoa (38%), 5–8 yoa (20%), 10–19 yoa (13%), 20–49 yoa (20%), and 50–64 yoa (0%). The median serial interval was estimated at 3·5 days (95% CI: 2·1–5·1). In multivariable GLMM analysis, having a chronic condition (OR: 2·58; 95% CI: 1·1–6·04), younger age [1–8 yoa: OR: 4·63; 95% CI: 2·25–9·52; 9–19 yoa: OR: 1·95; 95% CI: 0·97–3·9 (referent: ≥20 yoa)] and receipt of 2008–2009 influenza vaccine (OR: 2·68; 95% CI: 1·37–5·25) were associated with increased risk of ILI. Median duration of illness was 9 days, longer among those with chronic conditions (21 days). Median time to seeking care after developing illness was 4·5 days. On‐reserve participants had higher chronic conditions, household density, ILI, MAILI, and SAR.

Conclusions  During a community outbreak of A(H1N1)pdm09‐related illness, we identified substantial clinical ILI attack rates exceeding 20% with secondary household attack rates as high as 50% in young children. The serial interval was short suggesting a narrow period to prevent transmission.
Effect of Amino Acids on Red Pigments and Citrinin Production in Monascus ruber
Authors: Hajjaj Hassan , François Jean‐Marie , Goma Gérard , Blanc Philippe J.
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT:  Amino acids were used as sole nitrogen sources to examine their effects on the production of water‐soluble red pigments and citrinin by Monascus ruber ATCC 96218 cultivated on chemically defined media. In general, when glycine, tyrosine, arginine, serine, or histidine were used as sole nitrogen sources, they favored the production of red pigments, and restricted the synthesis of the mycotoxin. In contrast, the production of citrinin was enhanced in media supplemented with either glutamate, alanine, or proline. Histidine was found to be the most valuable amino acid as it resulted in the highest production of red pigments and almost completely eliminated the formation of mycotoxin.
Black Rice Bran as an Ingredient in Noodles: Chemical and Functional Evaluation
Authors: Kong Suhyun , Kim Dae‐Jung , Oh Sea‐Kwan , Choi Im‐Soo , Jeong Heon‐Sang , Lee Junsoo
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This study examined the feasibility of using black rice bran (BRB) as an ingredient of noodles and evaluated the effect of BRB incorporation in noodles in terms of chemical and functional attributes. Noodles were prepared with BRB as an ingredient at different levels (2%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Addition of BRB (5%, 10%, and 15%) significantly decreased the cohesiveness of noodles in texture evaluation. Noodles with different levels of BRB were functionally evaluated and content of polyphenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were improved compared to the control. Additionally, antioxidant activity of BRB noodles was increased compared to the control. BRB can be an excellent ingredient to increase the nutritional value and antioxidant properties of noodles.
Cold Plasma Reduction of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Almonds Using Ambient Pressure Gases
Authors: Niemira Brendan A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Contamination of raw nuts, including almonds, is a food safety concern. Cold plasma is a novel antimicrobial intervention that can eliminate foodborne pathogens. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of rapid cold plasma treatments in eliminating Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from dry almonds. Three isolates of Salmonella (S. Anatum F4317, S. Stanley H0558, and S. Enteritidis PT30) and 3 isolates of E. coli O157:H7 (C9490, ATCC 35150, and ATCC 43894) were separately grown and spot‐inoculated (10 μL) onto whole almonds and allowed to dry for 10 min. Inoculated almonds were treated with a cold plasma jet, with treatment variables evaluated in a factorial design for each isolate: time, distance, and feed gas. Treatment time was 0 s (control), 10 s, or 20 s. Distance from the emitter was 2, 4, or 6 cm. Feed gas was dry air or nitrogen. After treatment, the almonds were sampled using swabs. Survivors were enumerated on tryptic soy agar (TSA) plates. Cold plasma significantly reduced both pathogens on almonds. The greatest reduction observed was 1.34 log cfu/mL reduction of E. coli O157:H7 C9490 after 20 s treatment at 6 cm spacing. The interaction of treatment time with distance from plasma emitter head was complex, and isolate‐dependent. Longer duration of treatment did not always result in enhanced reductions. In general, nitrogen as a feed gas resulted in a reduced antimicrobial efficacy compared to dry air. These results indicate that short pulses of atmospheric pressure cold plasma can significantly reduce Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 on almonds.

Practical Application:  Contamination of raw nuts, including almonds, is a food safety concern. Cold plasma is a novel antimicrobial intervention that can eliminate foodborne pathogens. The results of this research show that short pulses of atmospheric pressure cold plasma can significantly reduce Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 on almonds. A 20 s treatment was sufficient to achieve up to 1.34 log reduction, depending on treatment parameters. This process is a waterless, contact‐less, chemical‐free method of killing hard‐to‐reach pathogens on almonds.
Light‐Induced Retinal Degeneration Is Prevented by Zinc, a Component in the Age‐related Eye Disease Study Formulation†
Authors: Organisciak Daniel , Wong Paul , Rapp Christine , Darrow Ruth , Ziesel Alison , Rangarajan Rekha , Lang John
Published: March 2012

Mineral supplements are often included in multivitamin preparations because of their beneficial effects on metabolism. In this study, we used an animal model of light‐induced retinal degeneration to test for photoreceptor cell protection by the essential trace element zinc. Rats were treated with various doses of zinc oxide and then exposed to intense visible light for as long as 8 h. Zinc treatment effectively prevented retinal light damage as determined by rhodopsin and retinal DNA recovery, histology and electrophoretic analysis of DNA damage and oxidized retinal proteins. Zinc oxide was particularly effective when given before light exposure and at doses two‐ to four‐fold higher than recommended by the age‐related eye disease study group. Treated rats exhibited higher serum and retinal pigment epithelial zinc levels and an altered retinal gene expression profile. Using an Ingenuity database, 512 genes with known functional annotations were found to be responsive to zinc supplementation, with 45% of these falling into a network related to cellular growth, proliferation, cell cycle and death. Although these data suggest an integrated and extensive regulatory response, zinc induced changes in gene expression also appear to enhance antioxidative capacity in retina and reduce oxidative damage arising from intense light exposure.
Maternal antioxidants prevent β‐cell apoptosis and promote formation of dual hormone‐expressing endocrine cells in male offspring following fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure
Authors: BRUIN Jennifer E. , WOYNILLOWICZ Amanda K. , HETTINGA Bart P. , TARNOPOLSKY Mark A. , MORRISON Katherine M. , GERSTEIN Hertzel C. , HOLLOWAY Alison C.
Published: March 2012

Background:  Fetal and neonatal nicotine exposure causes β‐cell oxidative stress and apoptosis in neonates, leading to adult‐onset dysglycemia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether an antioxidant intervention could prevent nicotine‐induced β‐cell loss.

Methods:  Nulliparous female Wistar rats received daily subcutaneous injections of either saline or nicotine bitartrate (1.0 mg/kg per day) for 2 weeks prior to mating until weaning. Nicotine‐exposed dams received either normal chow or diet containing antioxidants (1000 IU/kg vitamin E, 0.25% w/w coenzyme Q10, and 0.1% w/w α‐lipoic acid) during mating, pregnancy, and lactation; saline‐exposed dams received normal chow. Pancreatic tissue was collected from male offspring at 3 weeks of age to measure β‐cell fraction, apoptosis, proliferation, and the presence of cells coexpressing insulin and glucagon.

Results:  The birth weight of offspring born to nicotine‐exposed dams was significantly reduced in those receiving dietary antioxidants compared with those fed normal chow. Most interestingly, the antioxidant intervention to nicotine‐exposed dams prevented the β‐cell loss and apoptosis observed in nicotine‐exposed male offspring whose mothers did not receive antioxidants. Male pups born to nicotine‐treated mothers receiving antioxidants also had a tendency for increased β‐cell proliferation and a significant increase in islets containing insulin/glucagon bihormonal cells compared with the other two treatment groups.

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that exposure to maternal antioxidants protects developing β‐cells from the damaging effects of nicotine, thus preserving β‐cell mass.
Investigating the ecology and evolution of cryptic marine nematode species through quantitative real‐time PCR of the ribosomal ITS region
Authors: DERYCKE S. , SHEIBANI TEZERJI R. , RIGAUX A. , MOENS T.
Published: March 2012

The presence of morphologically similar but genetically distinct species has impacted biogeographical and ecological paradigms. In marine sediments, free‐living nematodes form one of the most abundant and diverse faunal groups. Inferring the importance of nematode diversity for ecosystem functioning requires species‐level identification, which is hampered by the lack of easily observable diagnostic characters and the presence of cryptic species. New techniques are urgently needed to adequately study the ecology and evolution of cryptic species. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of a quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assay using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA to detect and quantify cryptic species of the R. (P.) marina complex. All primer pairs proved to be highly specific, and each primer pair was able to detect a single juvenile in a pool of 100 nematodes. Ct values were significantly different between developmental stages for all species except for PmIII. Despite differences between developmental stages, a strong correlation was observed between the amount of extracted DNA and the number of nematodes present. Relative and absolute quantification estimates were comparable and resulted in strong positive correlations between the qPCR estimate and the actual number of nematodes present in the samples. The qPCR assay developed here provides the ability to quickly identify and quantify cryptic nematode species and will facilitate their study in laboratory and field settings.
Two‐ and Four‐Year‐Olds Learn to Adapt Referring Expressions to Context: Effects of Distracters and Feedback on Referential Communication
Authors: Matthews Danielle , Butcher Jessica , Lieven Elena , Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2012

Children often refer to things ambiguously but learn not to from responding to clarification requests. We review and explore this learning process here. In Study 1, eighty‐four 2‐ and 4‐year‐olds were tested for their ability to request stickers from either (a) a small array with one dissimilar distracter or (b) a large array containing similar distracters. When children made ambiguous requests, they received either general feedback or specific questions about which of two options they wanted. With training, children learned to produce more complex object descriptions and did so faster in the specific feedback condition. They also tended to provide more information when requesting stickers from large arrays. In Study 2, we varied only distracter similarity during training and then varied array size in a generalization test. Children found it harder to learn in this case. In the generalization test, 4‐year‐olds were more likely to provide information (a) when it was needed because distracters were similar to the target and (b) when the array size was greater (regardless of need for information). We discuss how clear cues to potential ambiguity are needed for children to learn to tailor their referring expression to context and how several cues of heuristic value (e.g., more distracters > say more) can promote the efficiency of communication while language is developing. Finally, we consider whether it would be worthwhile drawing on the human learning process when developing algorithms for the production of referring expressions.
Alignment in Interactive Reference Production: Content Planning, Modifier Ordering, and Referential Overspecification
Authors: Goudbeek Martijn , Krahmer Emiel
Published: March 2012

Psycholinguistic studies often look at the production of referring expressions in interactive settings, but so far few referring expression generation algorithms have been developed that are sensitive to earlier references in an interaction. Rather, such algorithms tend to rely on domain‐dependent preferences for both content selection and linguistic realization. We present three experiments showing that humans may opt for dispreferred attributes and dispreferred modifier orderings when these were primed in a preceding interaction (without speakers being consciously aware of this). In addition, we show that speakers are more likely to produce overspecified references, including dispreferred attributes (although minimal descriptions with preferred attributes would suffice), when these were similarly primed.
The Body in the Mind: On the Relationship Between Interoception and Embodiment
Authors: Herbert Beate M. , Pollatos Olga
Published: March 2012

The processing, representation, and perception of bodily signals (interoception) plays an important role for human behavior. Theories of embodied cognition hold that higher cognitive processes operate on perceptual symbols and that concept use involves reactivations of the sensory‐motor states that occur during experience with the world. Similarly, activation of interoceptive representations and meta‐representations of bodily signals supporting interoceptive awareness are profoundly associated with emotional experience and cognitive functions. This article gives an overview over present findings and models on interoception and mechanisms of embodiment and highlights its relevance for disorders that are suggested to represent a translation deficit of bodily states into subjective feelings and self‐awareness.
Feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Tanaka E , Okabe H , Tsunoda S , Obama K , Kan T , Kadokawa Y , Akagami M , Sakai Y
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Minimally invasive esophagectomy has been increasingly accepted to treat esophageal cancer. In Japan, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery has become the standard procedure for advanced esophageal cancer. A randomized control study has shown neoadjuvant chemotherapy's survival benefits, but it is unknown whether minimally invasive esophagectomy after chemotherapy is viable. This study investigated the feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

From a database of patients with esophageal cancer, 105 patients who had undergone thoracoscopic esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 51 patients had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin (NAC group). Their operative outcomes, including operative duration, blood loss, the number of dissected lymph nodes, and postoperative morbidity and mortality, were compared with those of 54 patients who underwent surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (control group). The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was also assessed.

Results

The operating time in the NAC group was significantly longer than in the control group (543 vs 472 min, P < 0.001), but the blood loss was less (323 vs 528 mL, P < 0.001). Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was the most frequently observed complication in both groups (27% vs 32%, P = 0.65). No significant differences were observed in the frequency of postoperative complications. There was no mortality in either group. In the NAC group, 43 patients (84.3%) underwent curative resection, and response of more than two‐thirds of the pathological tumor was achieved in 11 patients (21.6%), including complete response in one patient (2.0%).

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemotherapy could be safely adopted for patients with advanced esophageal cancer.
The power of habits: Unhealthy snacking behaviour is primarily predicted by habit strength
Authors: Verhoeven Aukje A. C. , Adriaanse Marieke A. , Evers Catharine , de Ridder Denise T. D.
Published: March 2012

Objective. Although increasing evidence shows the importance of habits in explaining health behaviour, many studies still rely solely on predictors that emphasize the role of conscious intentions. The present study was designed to test the importance of habit strength in explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour in a large representative community sample (N= 1,103). To test our hypothesis that habits are crucial when explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour, their role was compared to the ‘Power of Food’, a related construct that addresses sensitivity to food cues in the environment. Moreover, the relation between Power of Food and unhealthy snacking habits was assessed.

Design and Methods. A prospective design was used to determine the impact of habits in relation to intention, Power of Food and a number of demographic variables. One month after filling out the questionnaire, including measures of habit strength and Power of Food, participants reported their unhealthy snacking behaviour by means of a 7‐day snack diary.

Results. Results showed that habit strength was the most important predictor, outperforming all other variables in explaining unhealthy snack intake.

Conclusions. The findings demonstrate that snacking habits provide a unique contribution in explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour, stressing the importance of addressing habit strength in further research and interventions concerning unhealthy snacking behaviour.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Although increasing evidence shows the importance of habits in predicting a variety of behaviours (e.g., Aarts, Verplanken, & Van Knippenberg, 1998), including health behaviours (e.g., De Bruijn, 2010), with regard to unhealthy snacking behaviour, only one study demonstrated that habit strength is the most important predictor of unhealthy snacking behaviour (Verplanken, 2006). However, as this study was conducted among a student sample, the role of habits in unhealthy snacking behaviour has as of yet not been examined in a community sample. In addition, the role of habits has not yet been compared to the ‘Power of Food’, a related construct that addresses sensitivity to food cues in the environment.

What does this study add?

The present study was the first to examine unhealthy snacking behaviour among a large representative community sample (N = 1103), showing that the importance of habits in unhealthy snacking behaviour can be extended to the general population. In addition, the present study included the intention to eat more healthily, habit strength and the Power of Food, and demonstrated that habit strength is the most important predictor of unhealthy snacking behaviour, stressing the importance of addressing habits in further research and interventions concerning unhealthy snacking behaviour.
Functional Analysis of the Degradation of Cellulosic Substrates by a Chaetomium globosum Endophytic Isolate
Authors: Longoni Paolo , Rodolfi Marinella , Pantaleoni Laura , Doria Enrico , Concia Lorenzo , Picco Anna Maria , Cella Rino
Published: March 2012

Most photosynthetically fixed carbon is contained in cell wall polymers present in plant biomasses, the largest organic carbon source in the biosphere. The degradation of these polymers for biotechnological purposes requires the combined action of several enzymes. To identify new activities, we examined which enzymes are activated by an endophytic strain ofChaetomium globosumto degrade cellulose-containing substrates. After biochemical analyses of the secretome of the fungus grown on cellulose or woody substrates, we took advantage of the available genomic data to identify potentially involved genes. Afterin silicoidentification of putative genes encoding either proteins able to bind to cellulose or glycohydrolases (GHs) of family 7, we investigated their transcript levels by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Our data suggest that eight genes compose the core of the cellulose-degrading system ofC. globosum. Notably, the related enzymes belong structurally to the well-described GH families 5, 6, 7, 16, and 45, which are known to be the core of the cellulose degradation systems of several ascomycetes. The high expression levels of cellobiose dehydrogenase and two GH 61 enzymes suggest the involvement of this oxidoreductive synergic system inC. globosum. Transcript analysis along with relevant coding sequence (CDS) isolation and expression of recombinant proteins proved to be a key strategy for the determination of the features of two endoglucanases used byC. globosumfor the first attack of crystalline cellulose. Finally, the possible involvement of transcriptional regulators described for other ascomycetes is discussed.
Selection of a Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.
lactis
Strain with a Decreased Ability To Produce Acetic Acid
Authors: Margolles Abelardo , Sánchez Borja
Published: March 2012

We have characterized a new strain,
Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
CECT 7953, obtained by random UV mutagenesis, which produces less acetic acid than the wild type (CECT 7954) in three different experimental settings: De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe broth without sodium acetate, resting cells, and skim milk. Genome sequencing revealed a single Phe-Ser substitution in the acetate kinase gene product that seems to be responsible for the strain's reduced acid production. Accordingly, acetate kinase specific activity was lower in the low acetate producer. Strain CECT 7953 produced less acetate, less ethanol, and more yoghourt-related volatile compounds in skim milk than the wild type did. Thus, CECT 7953 shows promising potential for the development of dairy products fermented exclusively by a bifidobacterial strain.
Toward Homosuccinate Fermentation: Metabolic Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for Anaerobic Production of Succinate from Glucose and Formate
Authors: Litsanov Boris , Brocker Melanie , Bott Michael
Published: March 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of
Corynebacterium glutamicum
for anaerobic succinate production from glucose under nongrowing conditions. In this work, we have addressed two shortfalls of this process, the formation of significant amounts of by-products and the limitation of the yield by the redox balance. To eliminate acetate formation, a derivative of the type strain ATCC 13032 (strain BOL-1), which lacked all known pathways for acetate and lactate synthesis (Δ
cat
Δ
pqo
Δ
pta-ackA
Δ
ldhA
), was constructed. Chromosomal integration of the pyruvate carboxylase gene
pyc
P458S
into BOL-1 resulted in strain BOL-2, which catalyzed fast succinate production from glucose with a yield of 1 mol/mol and showed only little acetate formation. In order to provide additional reducing equivalents derived from the cosubstrate formate, the
fdh
gene from
Mycobacterium vaccae
, coding for an NAD
+
-coupled formate dehydrogenase (FDH), was chromosomally integrated into BOL-2, leading to strain BOL-3. In an anaerobic batch process with strain BOL-3, a 20% higher succinate yield from glucose was obtained in the presence of formate. A temporary metabolic blockage of strain BOL-3 was prevented by plasmid-borne overexpression of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene
gapA
. In an anaerobic fed-batch process with glucose and formate, strain BOL-3/pAN6-
gap
accumulated 1,134 mM succinate in 53 h with an average succinate production rate of 1.59 mmol per g cells (dry weight) (cdw) per h. The succinate yield of 1.67 mol/mol glucose is one of the highest currently described for anaerobic succinate producers and was accompanied by a very low level of by-products (0.10 mol/mol glucose).
Identification of Potential Type III Secretion Proteins via Heterologous Expression of Vibrio parahaemolyticus DNA
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Nydam Seth D. , Christensen Jeffrey E. , Konkel Michael E. , Orfe Lisa , Friel Patrick , Call Douglas R.
Published: March 2012

We employed a heterologous secretion assay to identify proteins potentially secreted by type III secretion systems (T3SSs) in
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
. N-terminal sequences from 32 proteins within T3SS genomic islands and seven proteins from elsewhere in the chromosome included proteins that were recognized for export by the
Yersinia enterocolitica
flagellar T3SS.
Improved Thermostability of Clostridium thermocellum Endoglucanase Cel8A by Using Consensus-Guided Mutagenesis
Authors: Anbar Michael , Gul Ozgur , Lamed Raphael , Sezerman Ugur O. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: March 2012

The use of thermostable cellulases is advantageous for the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass toward the commercial production of biofuels. Previously, we have demonstrated the engineering of an enhanced thermostable family 8 cellulosomal endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), Cel8A, from
Clostridium thermocellum
, using random error-prone PCR and a combination of three beneficial mutations, dominated by an intriguing serine-to-glycine substitution (M. Anbar, R. Lamed, E. A. Bayer, ChemCatChem
2:
997–1003, 2010). In the present study, we used a bioinformatics-based approach involving sequence alignment of homologous family 8 glycoside hydrolases to create a library of consensus mutations in which residues of the catalytic module are replaced at specific positions with the most prevalent amino acids in the family. One of the mutants (G283P) displayed a higher thermal stability than the wild-type enzyme. Introducing this mutation into the previously engineered Cel8A triple mutant resulted in an optimized enzyme, increasing the half-life of activity by 14-fold at 85°C. Remarkably, no loss of catalytic activity was observed compared to that of the wild-type endoglucanase. The structural changes were simulated by molecular dynamics analysis, and specific regions were identified that contributed to the observed thermostability. Intriguingly, most of the proteins used for sequence alignment in determining the consensus residues were derived from mesophilic bacteria, with optimal temperatures well below that of
C. thermocellum
Cel8A.
Long-Range Transcriptional Control of an Operon Necessary for Virulence-Critical ESX-1 Secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hunt Debbie M. , Sweeney Nathan P. , Mori Luisa , Whalan Rachael H. , Comas Iñaki , Norman Laura , Cortes Teresa , Arnvig Kristine B. , Davis Elaine O. , Stapleton Melanie R. , Green Jeffrey , Buxton Roger S.
Published: March 2012

The ESX-1 secretion system ofMycobacterium tuberculosishas to be precisely regulated since the secreted proteins, although required for a successful virulent infection, are highly antigenic and their continued secretion would alert the immune system to the infection. The transcription of a five-gene operon containingespACD-Rv3613c-Rv3612c, which is required for ESX-1 secretion and is essential for virulence, was shown to be positively regulated by the EspR transcription factor. Thus, transcription from the start site, found to be located 67 bp upstream ofespA, was dependent upon EspR enhancer-like sequences far upstream (between 884 and 1,004 bp), which we term theespAactivatingregion (EAR). The EAR contains one of the known binding sites for EspR, providing the firstin vivoevidence that transcriptional activation at theespApromoter occurs by EspR binding to the EAR and looping out DNA between this site and the promoter. Regulation of transcription of this operon thus takes place over long regions of the chromosome. This regulation may differ in some members of theM. tuberculosiscomplex, includingMycobacterium bovis, since deletions of the intergenic region have removed the upstream sequence containing the EAR, resulting in loweredespAexpression. Consequent differences in expression of ESX-1 in these bacteria may contribute to their various pathologies and host ranges. The virulence-critical nature of this operon means that transcription factors controlling its expression are possible drug targets.
Working Together for the Common Good: Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria
Authors: Stevens Ann M. , Schuster Martin , Rumbaugh Kendra P.
Published: March 2012

The 4th ASM Conference on Cell-Cell Communication in Bacteria was held in Miami, FL, from 6 to 9 November 2011. This review highlights three key themes that emerged from the many exciting talks and poster presentations in the area of quorum sensing: sociomicrobiology, signal transduction mechanisms, and interspecies communication.
Characterization of the Flavonoid-Responsive Regulator FrrA and Its Binding Sites
Authors: Wenzel Mandy , Lang Kathrin , Günther Tobias , Bhandari Anita , Weiss Andy , Lulchev Pavel , Szentgyörgyi Erik , Kranzusch Bianca , Göttfert Michael
Published: March 2012

Previous microarray analyses revealed that in
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
, about 100 genes are induced by genistein, an isoflavonoid secreted by soybean. This includes the three genes
freC
,
freA
, and
freB
(systematic designations
bll4319
,
bll4320
, and
bll4321
), which are likely to form a genistein-, daidzein-, and coumestrol-inducible operon and to encode a multidrug efflux system. Upstream of
freCAB
and in the opposite orientation, FrrA (systematic designation Blr4322), which has similarity to TetR-type regulators, is encoded. A deletion of
frrA
leads to increased expression of
freB
in the absence of an inducer. We identified the correct translational start codon of
frrA
and showed that the gene is inducible by genistein and daidzein. The protein, which was heterologously expressed and purified from
Escherichia coli
, binds to two palindrome-like DNA elements (operator A and operator B), which are located in the intergenic region between
freC
and
frrA
. The replacement of several nucleotides or the insertion of additional spacer nucleotides prevented binding. Binding of FrrA was also affected by the addition of genistein. By mapping the transcription start sites, we found that operator A covers the transcriptional start site of
freC
and operator B is probably located between the −35 regions of the two divergently oriented genes. Operator A seems to be conserved in a few similar gene constellations in other proteobacteria. Our data indicate that in
B. japonicum
, besides NodD1 (the LysR family) and NodVW (a two-component response regulator), a third regulator type (a TetR family member) which responds to the plant signal molecules genistein and daidzein exists.
Catatonia in the emergency department
Authors: Jaimes-Albornoz Walter , Serra-Mestres Jordi
Published: March 2012

Disturbances of the level of awareness are a frequent motive of attendance to emergency departments where the initial assessment and management will determine the direction of their outcome. The syndrome of catatonia must be taken into consideration and although it is normally associated with psychiatric diagnoses, it is also very often found in a great variety of neurological and medical conditions. Due to the clinical complexity of catatonia, there are still difficulties in its correct identification and initial management, something that leads to diagnostic delays and increased morbidity and mortality. In this article, a review of the literature on catatonia is presented with the aim of assisting emergency department doctors (and clinicians assessing patients in emergency situations) in considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of stupor due to its high frequency of association with organic pathology.