bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Consulting Challenge: A Case Competition
Authors: Sachau Daniel A. , Naas Patricia A.
Published: January 2010

The Consulting Challenge is a yearly case competition in which teams of graduate students respond to a request for proposals (RFP) for consulting services. The case and RFP are based on a problem that a host organization has experienced. Over 3 days, students meet with representatives of the host organization, analyze data, prepare a proposal for a consulting project, and then present the proposal to a panel of judges. This article includes a description of the Consulting Challenge, sample cases, and a planning guide. This article also includes an assessment of the competition completed by contestants and judges who had participated in one or more Consulting Challenge events over a 13-year period. Participants felt that the Consulting Challenge helped them be effective teammates, manage heavy workloads, apply theory, solve organizational problems, present a persuasive argument to a client, and manage their emotions. Judges and participants indicated that these skills are relevant to success in human resource management and consulting jobs.
Character Development in Business Education: A Comparison of Coeducational and Single-Sex Environments
Authors: Davis James H. , Ruhe John , Lee Monle , Rajadhyaksha Ujvala
Published: January 2010

This study questions the widely held assumption, particularly in the United States, that coeducation is best. Previous research supports the development of single-sex education for both female and male students. This study examines how the learning climate of the coeducation environment seems to affect the character development of female business students. Female business students from 11 single-sex colleges (secular and religious) perceived more reinforcement in 13 of 21 character traits than female (and male) students in 3 coeducational institutions. Several of these character traits are related to ethical behavior, such as honesty, compassion, and independence, and are sorely needed in the workplace. Improved ethics education may enable women to play a larger role in avoiding future ethical crises.
Frequent Visitors
Authors: Shannon Robin Adair , Bergren Martha Dewey , Matthews Alicia
Published: January 2010

There is a gap in the nursing literature regarding children who frequently visit school nurses’ offices with recurrent unexplained physical symptoms. A review of the scientific health literature was undertaken to examine the clinical presentation, associated variables, and implications for school nurses regarding children who are frequent school health office visitors with somatic symptoms. This subset of students with medically unexplained symptoms accounts for disproportionate use of primary care and school health resources. Common somatic complaints in school-age children, such as headache and stomachache, are associated with the psychosocial variables of anxiety and depression, childhood adversity, and school stress. Effective and practical treatment approaches to this complicated child health issue require accurate identification, appropriate referral, screening for associated conditions, and individualized treatment plans. Research to identify effective interventions for frequent health office visitors is needed.
Perceived Stress and Wellness in Early Adolescents Using the Neuman Systems Model
Authors: Yarcheski Thomas J. , Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Adela , Hanks Michele M.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and wellness in early adolescents and to test primary appraisal as a mediator of this relationship using the Neuman Systems Model as the primary framework. The sample consisted of 144 adolescents, ages 12–14, who responded to instruments measuring perceived stress, primary appraisal, and wellness in classroom settings. Correlational analysis supported the three hypothesized relationships. A series of regression analyses indicated that primary appraisal was a weak mediator of the relationship between perceived stress and wellness. Implications for nursing and recommendations for future studies were addressed.
Teacher—Student Relationships Among Behaviorally At-Risk African American Youth From Low-Income Backgrounds: Student Perceptions, Teacher Perceptions, and Socioemotional Adjustment Correlates
Authors: Murray Christopher , Zvoch Keith
Published: January 2010

This investigation examines teacher—student relationships among African American youth from low-income backgrounds ( N = 193). Students and their teachers completed measures of teacher—student relationship quality and measures pertaining to emotional, behavioral, and school-related adjustment. Results indicated that African American youth who fell above the clinical cut point on the externalizing scale of the Child Behavior Checklist ( n = 64) reported lower trust in relationships with teachers than did similarly matched students who did not have clinically significant externalizing symptomology. In addition, teachers rated students in the externalizing subgroup as lower in relational closeness and greater in relational conflict. Multiple regression analyses applied to data obtained from the behavioral risk group indicated that both student and teacher perceptions of teacher—student relationship quality were associated with student- and teacher-rated emotional, behavioral, and school-related adjustment. The strength of these associations varied as a function of data source and the specific relationship dimension investigated. Implications for future research and practice efforts aimed at building positive teacher—student relationships are discussed.
Stress and Coping on the Home Front: Guard and Reserve Spouses Searching for a New Normal
Authors: Lapp Cheryl Ann , Taft Lois B. , Tollefson Thora , Hoepner Ann , Moore Kevin , Divyak Katie
Published: January 2010

During deployment of National Guard or reserve troops to Iraq or Afghanistan, spouses on the home front have been largely invisible to our collective consciousness. A total of 18 spouses living in rural Wisconsin were interviewed to identify sources of stress and coping strategies. Stressors varied from predeployment through postdeployment, as did coping responses. During predeployment, spouses articulated that the primary stressor was their lives being “on hold.” During deployment, five stressors summarize the experience: worrying, waiting, going it alone, pulling double duty, and loneliness. Communication technology made it possible for most spouses to stay in touch using telephone, e-mail, or even Webcam. Keeping busy—managing personal, family, and household responsibilities—was the most commonly identified coping strategy. Postdeployment was a period of adjustment while couples searched for a new normal. Throughout all deployment phases, skilled and astute nurses can assist families toward health and healing.
Accurate Heterogeneous Communication Models and a Software Tool for Their Efficient Estimation
Authors: Lastovetsky Alexey , Rychkov Vladimir , O'Flynn Maureen
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we analyze the restrictions of traditional communication performance models that affect the accuracy of analytical prediction of the execution time of collective communication operations on homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters. In particular, we show that the constant and variable contributions of processors and the network are not fully separated in these models. Full separation of the contributions that have different natures and arise from different sources would lead to more intuitive and accurate models, but the parameters of such models cannot be estimated from only the point-to-point experiments, which are usually used for traditional models. The paper presents such an intuitive and accurate point-to-point model and describes a set of communication experiments sufficient for estimation of its parameters. It also presents an implementation of the new model in the form of a software tool that automates the estimation of both this model and heterogeneous extensions of traditional communication performance models. We conclude with a presentation of experimental results demonstrating that the elaborated model much more accurately predicts the execution time of different algorithms of collective operations than traditional models.
Lifestyle during pregnancy: Neurodevelopmental effects at 5 years of age. The design and implementation of a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Underbjerg Mette , Kilburn Tina Røndrup , Bakketeig Leiv , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Landrø Nils Inge , Schendel Diana , Bertrand Jacquelyn , Grove Jakob , Ebrahim Shahul , Thorsen Poul
Published: January 2010

Background: It has been suggested that even mild exposure to alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and poor diet may have adverse long-term neurodevelopmental effects. In addition, there is evidence that timing of high exposures (e.g. binge drinking) can have particularly negative effects. This paper describes the design and implementation of The Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study addressing major methodological challenges for studies in this field. The study examines the effects of lifestyle during pregnancy on offspring neurodevelopment. Methods: In 2003, we initiated a prospective follow-up of 1750 mother—child pairs, sampled on the basis of maternal alcohol drinking patterns from The Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC), a study of 101,042 pregnancies enrolled 1997—2003. Data collection in the DNBC involved four prenatal and postnatal maternal interviews, providing detailed information on maternal alcohol drinking patterns before and during pregnancy, caffeine intake, smoking, diet, and other lifestyle, medical, and sociodemographic factors. Results: At the age of 5 years, the children and their mothers participated in a comprehensive assessment of neurobehavioural development focusing on global cognition, specific cognitive functions, and behaviour. Two new tests assessing attention and speed of information processing among children were developed, and data on important potential confounders such as maternal intelligence quotient, vision, and hearing abilities were collected. Efforts were made to standardise procedures and obtain high inter-rater reliability. Conclusions: We expect that the study will illuminate the significance or lack of significance of maternal lifestyle during pregnancy and contribute to better understanding the effects of alcohol drinking during pregnancy at low to moderate consumption levels.
Time trends in physical activity in leisure time in the Danish population from 1987 to 2005
Authors: Petersen Christina Bjørk , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Helge Jørn Wulff , Grønbæk Morten , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann
Published: January 2010

Aims: To examine time trends in leisure-time physical activity in the Danish population from 1987 to 2005. Methods: Analyses were based on four national representative population surveys of 4752 respondents in 1987, 4667 in 1994, 16,688 in 2000, and 14,566 in 2005. Associations between leisure-time physical activity (dichotomised into high versus low) and temporal changes according to year of birth, age, and calendar-year were estimated in an age-period-cohort logistic regression model. Time trends in socioeconomic differences in physical activity were analysed by testing interaction terms. Results: The odds ratio (OR) of being highly physically active in leisure time in 2005 compared to 1987 was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3—1.9) among men and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5—2.2) among women. The age- and calendar-year-adjusted probability of being highly physically active increased with year of birth. The OR of being highly physically active among men and women with 13 or more years of education were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.8—2.3) and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.7—2.2), respectively, compared to individuals with less than 10 years of education. There was no significant interaction between educational level and year of interview (p>0.05). Conclusions: During the past 20 years, physical activity in leisure time has increased. Younger generations seem to be more physically active in leisure time than older generations. Due to the stable socioeconomic inequality gap in physical activity, future intervention strategies should target these inequalities.
Willingness to pay for health improvements of physical activity on prescription
Authors: Romé Åsa , Persson Ulf , Ekdahl Charlotte , Gard Gunvor
Published: January 2010

Aims: To estimate the willingness to pay for health improvements among participants in the programme ‘‘Physical Activity on Prescription’’. The objective was also to examine predictors such as income, education level, health status, activity level and BMI, differences for long- and short-term health effects of physical activity and differences between a high- and low-intensity activity group. Methods: Willingness to pay (WTP) data were collected alongside a randomized, controlled trial in Sweden 2007, and 128 sedentary individuals, 20—80 years old (intervention/high-intensity group n = 71, control/low-intensity group n = 57), with lifestyle-related health problems answered open-ended questions in this contingent valuation study. Results: The highest mean WTP (59/SEK 552) was stated for an immediate health improvement, but no significant differences compared with long-term health improvements. The high-intensity group showed higher WTP-values for all health improvements, but without significant differences compared with a low-intensity group. Regression analyses show strong associations between a higher level of education and the WTP for improved well-being and improved health, and also between income and the WTP for improved well-being. There are significant correlations between the WTP and the variables BMI, income and education level, as expected from economic theories. Conclusions: The willingness to pay for the health improvements of exercise is influenced by a higher education level, income and BMI. The highest WTP for a health outcome of physical activity is for an immediate health improvement. The results of this randomized controlled trial in primary health care may be of interest to decision makers when evaluating different approaches to promoting physical activity among people who are sedentary.
Young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service in Finland — A group of men in need of psychosocial support?
Authors: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner K. , Upanne M. , Henriksson M. , Parkkola K. , Stengård E.
Published: January 2010

Aims: The aim of this study was to find out whether young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service constitute a group of young men in need of psychosocial support from the social and health services. Methods: The study involved a total of 356 men exempted from military or civil service and 440 young men conscripted into service. The research data were collected using questionnaires and register data. Results: Men exempted from military or civil service differed from conscripts in terms of psychosocial well-being. Compared with conscripts, they had already been in a more disadvantaged position with regard to their childhood living conditions. As young adults, they had met with a greater number of mental and social problems than conscripts: alcohol-related problems, unemployment, financial problems, homelessness, lack of social support and psychological distress. Young men exempted from service typically suffered from an accumulation of problems. Diverse problems were common particularly among men who had interrupted their service. There was a moderate correlation between current and childhood adversities. Conclusions: Men exempted from military or civil service comprise a group with a wide range of psychosocial problems and are a target group for supportive interventions. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of problems and promotion of well-being of men who interrupt their service. The accumulation of problems poses a challenge for the development of such interventions.
Sleep discontinuity and impaired sleep continuity affect transition to and from obesity over time: Results from the Alameda County Study
Authors: Nordin Maria , Kaplan Robert M.
Published: January 2010

Aims: To investigate the impact of development in sleep continuity on transition to and from obesity over time. Method: The study used self-reported sleep and body mass index (BMI) measures from the 1965, 1974, 1983, and 1994 waves of the longitudinal Alameda County Study. Sleep continuity was assessed by a question on whether the participants had any troubles falling or staying asleep. Change in sleep and BMI were estimated from the sleep and BMI questions in 1965 and 1994 respectively. Multinomial regression analyses were used to examine the risk/chance for a transition to and from obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) due to development in sleep continuity. Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, consistent sleep discontinuity both increases the risk for a transition to obesity and reduces the chance of losing weight, whereas impaired sleep continuity lowers the chance for weight loss. Effects for obesity were non-significant for those with improved sleep continuity. Conclusions: Consistent sleep discontinuity and impaired sleep continuity increases the risk of transition to obesity or of remaining obese.
Group differences in outpatient help-seeking for psychological distress: Results from a national prospective study of Icelanders
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Gudrun , Vilhjalmsson Runar
Published: January 2010

Aims: This study focused on group differences in health care use for psychological distress. Specifically, the study examined if some subgroups and kinds of distress predicted use of particular providers. Methods: The study uses data from a repeated national postal health survey of a random sample of Icelanders aged 18—75. Response rate at the first wave was 69% (n = 1924), and 83% of the participants from the first wave also responded to the second. The dependent variables referred to use of outpatient visits to different types of professionals (doctor, psychiatrist, registered nurse, psychologist, social worker, clergy, and complementary and alternative medicine provider). Results: Gender, age, marital status, residence, education and income affected the selection of healthcare provider. Significant interactions indicated, among other things, that divorced people made the most visits to psychiatrists when depressed, that urban residents visited psychiatrists and psychologists more than others when experiencing anxiety, that the university-educated visited psychologists more when depressed, and that individuals with higher incomes visited psychiatrists, nurses and social workers less when experiencing anxiety or depression. Conclusions: Results indicate considerable group variations in help-seeking. The group in question and the nature of symptoms affected the decision where to seek help. A substantial number of distressed individuals do not seek any professional help, and there are indications of inequity in the distribution of health services. Further studies are needed to better understand the complex social selection processes involved in seeking help for psychological problems.
A pilot study of surveillance of intensive care unit associated infections in Scotland
Authors: McCoubrey Jodie , MacKirdy Fiona , Reilly Jacqui , Timmins Alan , Cairns Shona , Mullings Abigail , Booth Malcolm
Published: January 2010

Healthcare associated infections (HCAI) are a significant problem in healthcare settings worldwide. H The risk of HCAI is higher in patients undergoing multiple invasive procedures such as those requiring intensive care. A pilot study was undertaken to determine the incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) acquired infection in Scotland and to test the feasibility of the implementation of a surveillance system to measure ICU acquired infection in Scottish hospitals. The overall incidence of ICU acquired infection, namely pneumonia, bloodstream infection and central venous catheter related infection, was 30.5 infections per 1000 patient days with the majority being pneumonia. Implementation of the surveillance system was found to feasible and as such may have an important role in the monitoring of ICU acquired infection.
Exchange coupled nanocomposite hard magnetic alloys
Authors: Betancourt I. , Davies H. A.
Published: January 2010

The processing, structures and phase constitutions and the magnetic properties of nanocomposite hard magnetic alloys are reviewed. The emphasis is on rare earth (RE)–iron–boron alloys in which the hard magnetic phase RE2Fe14B is intermixed with one or more soft magnetic phases. Processing–structure–property relationships are the principal focus, in particular, the role of the hard and soft nanocrystallite dimensions in promoting intergrain ferromagnetic exchange coupling and the consequent enhancement of remanent magnetisation and the technologically important maximum energy density. The powder processing, chill block melt spinning, mechanical alloying and thin film deposition routes to develop nanocrystalline and nanocomposite structures are reviewed. The coercivity mechanism in ultrafine grained alloys and the influence of crystallite dimensions are discussed, as are the effects on intrinsic and extrinsic properties of RE substitutions, replacement of iron by other transition metals and enrichment of the boron content. Exchange enhancements in Sm–Co based nanocomposite bulk alloys and in nanoscale FePt/ α-Fe composite thin films are briefly considered, together with thin film materials involving exchange coupling between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases, in core–shell type structures of transition metal compounds surrounded by oxides and in mechanically alloyed materials. The processing and magnetic properties of bonded magnets based on nanocrystalline/nanocomposite REFeB alloys are discussed. The possibility of producing anisotropic hard/soft composites with properties approaching the theoretical maximum is considered and the extent to which this goal has been realised for fully dense alloys identified.
Phase transformations induced by mechanical alloying of Ag–28 at.-%Al alloy
Authors: Esquivel-Gonzalez R. , Dorantes-Rosales H. J. , López-Hirata V. M. , González-Velázquez J. L. , Contreras-Piedras E. , Saucedo-Muñoz M. L. , Hernández Santiago F.
Published: January 2010

A Ag–28 at.-%Al alloy was obtained by mechanical alloying in a SPEX 8000D mill from elemental Ag and Al powders. Two vials with different internal volume and two ball powder weight ratios were used to analyse the phase evolution. Microstructural characterisation was carried out by X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM. The sequence of phase transformation during the milling process was as follows: Ag+Al (powders)→ α→ α+ ζ→ α+ ζ+ μ→ μ+ ζ→ μ. The formation of the α and ζ phases is favoured by the energy of the impacts in the early stage of milling, while the formation kinetics rate of the μ phase was faster for the higher vial volume and ball/powder weight ratio. TEM images confirm the presence of the μ phase with a nanometric grain size.
Effort required to finish shotgun-generated genome sequences differs significantly among vertebrates
Authors: Blakesley Robert W , Hansen Nancy F , Gupta Jyoti , McDowell Jennifer C , Maskeri Baishali , Barnabas Beatrice B , Brooks Shelise Y , Coleman Holly , Haghighi Payam , Ho Shi-Ling , Schandler Karen , Stantripop Sirintorn , Vogt Jennifer L , Thomas Pamela J ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Bouffard Gerard G , Green Eric D
Published: January 2010

Background

The approaches for shotgun-based sequencing of vertebrate genomes are now well-established, and have resulted in the generation of numerous draft whole-genome sequence assemblies. In contrast, the process of refining those assemblies to improve contiguity and increase accuracy (known as 'sequence finishing') remains tedious, labor-intensive, and expensive. As a result, the vast majority of vertebrate genome sequences generated to date remain at a draft stage.

Results

To date, our genome sequencing efforts have focused on comparative studies of targeted genomic regions, requiring sequence finishing of large blocks of orthologous sequence (average size 0.5-2 Mb) from various subsets of 75 vertebrates. This experience has provided a unique opportunity to compare the relative effort required to finish shotgun-generated genome sequence assemblies from different species, which we report here. Importantly, we found that the sequence assemblies generated for the same orthologous regions from various vertebrates show substantial variation with respect to misassemblies and, in particular, the frequency and characteristics of sequence gaps. As a consequence, the work required to finish different species' sequences varied greatly. Application of the same standardized methods for finishing provided a novel opportunity to "assay" characteristics of genome sequences among many vertebrate species. It is important to note that many of the problems we have encountered during sequence finishing reflect unique architectural features of a particular vertebrate's genome, which in some cases may have important functional and/or evolutionary implications. Finally, based on our analyses, we have been able to improve our procedures to overcome some of these problems and to increase the overall efficiency of the sequence-finishing process, although significant challenges still remain.

Conclusion

Our findings have important implications for the eventual finishing of the draft whole-genome sequences that have now been generated for a large number of vertebrates.
High-content siRNA screening of the kinome identifies kinases involved in Alzheimer's disease-related tau hyperphosphorylation
Authors: Azorsa David O , Robeson RiLee H , Frost Danielle , hoovet Bessie Meec , Brautigam Gillian R , Dickey Chad , Beaudry Christian , Basu Gargi D , Holz David R , Hernandez Joseph A , Bisanz Kristen M , Gwinn Leslie , Grover Andrew , Rogers Joseph , Reiman Eric M , Hutton Michael , Stephan Dietrich A , Mousses Spyro , Dunckley Travis
Published: January 2010

Background

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), a cardinal neuropathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that is highly correlated with synaptic loss and dementia severity, appear to be partly attributable to increased phosphorylation of the microtubule stabilizing protein tau at certain AD-related residues. Identifying the kinases involved in the pathologic phosphorylation of tau may provide targets at which to aim new AD-modifying treatments.

Results

We report results from a screen of 572 kinases in the human genome for effects on tau hyperphosphorylation using a loss of function, high-throughput RNAi approach. We confirm effects of three kinases from this screen, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α kinase 2 (EIF2AK2), the dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), and the A-kinase anchor protein 13 (AKAP13) on tau phosphorylation at the 12E8 epitope (serine 262/serine 356). We provide evidence that EIF2AK2 effects may result from effects on tau protein expression, whereas DYRK1A and AKAP13 are likely more specifically involved in tau phosphorylation pathways.

Conclusions

These findings identify novel kinases that phosphorylate tau protein and provide a valuable reference data set describing the kinases involved in phosphorylating tau at an AD-relevant epitope.
Characterization of a variant vlhA gene of Mycoplasma synoviae, strain WVU 1853, with a highly divergent haemagglutinin region
Authors: Béjaoui Khiari Awatef , Guériri Ibtissem , Ben Mohammed Radhia , Ben Abdelmoumen Mardassi Boutheina
Published: January 2010

Background

In Mycoplasma synoviae, type strain WVU 1853, a single member of the haemaglutinin vlhA gene family has been previously shown to be expressed. Variants of vlhA are expressed from the same unique vlhA promoter by recruiting pseudogene sequences via site-specific recombination events, thus generating antigenic variability. Using a bacterial stock of M. synoviae WVU 1853 that had been colony purified thrice and maintained in our laboratory at low passage level, we previously identified a vlhA gene-related partial coding sequence, referred to as MS2/28.1. The E. coli-expressed product of this partial coding sequence was found to be immunodominant, suggesting that it might be expressed.

Results

Reverse transcription-PCR amplification (RT-PCR), using a sense primer located at the 5'-end region of the expected vlhA transcript and a reverse primer located at the 3' end of MS2/28.1 coding sequence, yielded a consistent amplification product showing that MS2/28.1 was indeed transcribed. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the RT-PCR product identified an 1815-nucleotide full-length open reading frame (ORF), immediately preceded by a nucleotide sequence identical to that previously reported for expressed vlhA genes. PCR amplifications using genomic DNA isolated from single colonies further confirmed that the full-length ORF of MS2/28.1 was located downstream of the unique vlhA promoter sequence. The deduced 604-amino acid (aa) sequence showed a perfect sequence identity to the previously reported vlhA expressed genes along the first 224 residues, then highly diverged with only 37.6% aa identity. Despite the fact that this M. synoviae clone expressed a highly divergent and considerably shorter C-terminal haemagglutinin product, it was found to be expressed at the surface of the bacterium and was able to haemagglutinate chicken erythrocytes. Importantly, the E. coli-expressed C-terminal highly divergent 60 residues of MS2/28.1 proved haemagglutination competent.

Conclusions

In contrast to the previously characterized vlhA expressed variants, MS2/28.1 displayed a highly divergent sequence, while still able to haemagglutinate erythrocytes. Overall, the data provide an indication as to which extent the M. synoviae
vlhA gene could vary its antigenic repertoire.
New structural and functional defects in polyphosphate deficient bacteria: A cellular and proteomic study
Authors: Varela Cristian , Mauriaca Cecilia , Paradela Alberto , Albar Juan P , Jerez Carlos A , Chávez Francisco P
Published: January 2010

Background

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of tens or hundreds of phosphate residues linked by ATP-like bonds, is found in all organisms and performs a wide variety of functions. PolyP is synthesized in bacterial cells by the actions of polyphosphate kinases (PPK1 and PPK2) and degraded by exopolyphosphatase (PPX). Bacterial cells with polyP deficiencies due to knocking out the ppk1 gene are affected in many structural and important cellular functions such as motility, quorum sensing, biofilm formation and virulence among others. The cause of this pleiotropy is not entirely understood.

Results

The overexpression of exopolyphosphatase in bacteria mimicked some pleitropic defects found in ppk1 mutants. By using this approach we found new structural and functional defects in the polyP-accumulating bacteria Pseudomonas sp. B4, which are most likely due to differences in the polyP-removal strategy. Colony morphology phenotype, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure changes and cellular division malfunction were observed. Finally, we used comparative proteomics in order to elucidate the cellular adjustments that occurred during polyP deficiency in this bacterium and found some clues that helped to understand the structural and functional defects observed.

Conclusions

The results obtained suggest that during polyP deficiency energy metabolism and particularly nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) formation were affected and that bacterial cells overcame this problem by increasing the flux of energy-generating metabolic pathways such as tricarboxilic acid (TCA) cycle, β-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation and by reducing energy-consuming ones such as active transporters and amino acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, our results suggest that a general stress response also took place in the cell during polyP deficiency.
The clinical presentations of ectopic biliary drainage into duodenal bulbus and stomach with a thorough review of the current literature
Authors: Saritas Ulku , Senol Altug , Ustundag Yucel
Published: January 2010

Background

Ectopic biliary drainage is a rare congenital anomaly on which we have scarce data in the current literature.

Methods

The data were collected from the records of 400 endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). In this report, we present 10 cases (male/female: 9/1, mean age 54 years, range 38-74) with ectopic biliary openings into the duodenum and/or stomach diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP).

Results

In our series, the frequency of ectopic biliary drainage is 2% (10 out of 400 ERCPs). Recurrent attacks of cholangitis and complicated ulcer formation in the distal stomach and bulbar duodenum were the most common signs in the present series. The sites of ectopic biliary drainage were the stomach in 1 case, the duodenum bulbus in 7 cases and the postbulbar duodenum in 2 cases. Bulbar ulcer, deformed pylorus and bulbus were present in 7 cases, apical bulbar stricture in 2, gastric ulcer in 1, pyloroplasty and/or gastroenterostomy in 3 cases. One case had had previous bleeding episode. Some of them had undergone previous surgeries for gall-stone disease (cholecystectomy in 5 cases, bile duct operation in 3 cases) and ulcer complications (pyloroplasty/gastroenterostomy in 3 cases). ERCP revealed dilatation of the biliary tree and hook shaped distal choledochus in all cases, choledocholithiasis in 7 and Mirizzi syndrome in 1. Endoscopic balloon dilatations for gastric outlet obstruction, extraction of bile stones after balloon dilating the ectopic site, surgery for difficult cases with large bile duct stones or with gastric outlet obstruction were preferred methods in this series of patients.

Conclusion

With this report, we have to remind that ectopic biliary drainage must be considered in the differential diagnosis when the clinician faces cases with gastric outlet obstruction due to peptic ulcer formation accompanied by cholangitis/cholestasis.
Bone invading NSCLC cells produce IL-7: mice model and human histologic data
Authors: Roato Ilaria , Caldo Davide , Godio Laura , D'Amico Lucia , Giannoni Paolo , Morello Emanuela , Quarto Rodolfo , Molfetta Luigi , Buracco Paolo , Mussa Antonio , Ferracini Riccardo
Published: January 2010

Background

Bone metastases are a common and dismal consequence of lung cancer that is a leading cause of death. The role of IL-7 in promoting bone metastases has been previously investigated in NSCLC, but many aspects remain to be disclosed. To further study IL-7 function in bone metastasis, we developed a human-in-mice model of bone aggression by NSCLC and analyzed human bone metastasis biopsies.

Methods

We used NOD/SCID mice implanted with human bone. After bone engraftment, two groups of mice were injected subcutaneously with A549, a human NSCLC cell line, either close or at the contralateral flank to the human bone implant, while a third control group did not receive cancer cells. Tumor and bone vitality and IL-7 expression were assessed in implanted bone, affected or not by A549. Serum IL-7 levels were evaluated by ELISA. IL-7 immunohistochemistry was performed on 10 human bone NSCLC metastasis biopsies for comparison.

Results

At 12 weeks after bone implant, we observed osteogenic activity and neovascularization, confirming bone vitality. Tumor aggressive cells implanted close to human bone invaded the bone tissue. The bone-aggressive cancer cells were positive for IL-7 staining both in the mice model and in human biopsies. Higher IL-7 serum levels were found in mice injected with A549 cells close to the bone implant compared to mice injected with A549 cells in the flank opposite to the bone implant.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that bone-invading cells express and produce IL-7, which is known to promote osteoclast activation and osteolytic lesions. Tumor-bone interaction increases IL-7 production, with an increase in IL-7 serum levels. The presented mice model of bone invasion by contiguous tumor is suitable to study bone-tumor cell interaction. IL-7 plays a role in the first steps of metastatic process.
Study protocol of effectiveness of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in the evolution of non-speficic sub-acute low back pain in the working population: cluster randomised trial
Authors: Rodriguez-Blanco Teresa , Fernández-San-Martin Isabel , Balagué-Corbella Montserrat , Berenguera Anna , Moix Jenny , Montiel-Morillo Elena , Núñez-Juárez Esther , González-Moneo Maria J , Pie-Oncins Magda , Martín-Peñacoba Raquel , Roura-Olivan Mercè , Núñez-Juárez Montse , Pujol-Ribera Enriqueta
Published: January 2010

Background

Non-specific low back pain is a common cause for consultation with the general practitioner, generating increased health and social costs. This study will analyse the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention to reduce disability, severity of pain, anxiety and depression, to improve quality of life and to reduce the incidence of chronic low back pain in the working population with non-specific low back pain, compared to usual clinical care.

Methods/Design

A Cluster randomised clinical trial will be conducted in 38 Primary Health Care Centres located in Barcelona, Spain and its surrounding areas. The centres are randomly allocated to the multidisciplinary intervention or to usual clinical care. Patients between 18 and 65 years old (n = 932; 466 per arm) and with a diagnostic of a non-specific sub-acute low back pain are included. Patients in the intervention group are receiving the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, in addition to a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention consisting of group educational sessions lasting a total of 10 hours. The main outcome is change in the score in the Roland Morris disability questionnaire at three months after onset of pain. Other outcomes are severity of pain, quality of life, duration of current non-specific low back pain episode, work sick leave and duration, Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Goldberg Questionnaires. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Analysis will be by intention to treat. The intervention effect will be assessed through the standard error of measurement and the effect-size. Responsiveness of each scale will be evaluated by standardised response mean and receiver-operating characteristic method. Recovery according to the patient will be used as an external criterion. A multilevel regression will be performed on repeated measures. The time until the current episode of low back pain takes to subside will be analysed by Cox regression.

Discussion

We hope to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in avoiding the chronification of low back pain, and to reduce the duration of non-specific low back pain episodes. If the intervention is effective, it could be applied to Primary Health Care Centres.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN21392091
Classic swine fever virus NS2 protein leads to the induction of cell cycle arrest at S-phase and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Tang Qing-hai , Zhang Yan-ming , Fan Li , Tong Gang , He Lei , Dai Chen
Published: January 2010

Background

Classical swine fever (CSF) caused by virulent strains of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a haemorrhagic disease of pigs, characterized by disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopoenia and immunosuppression, and the swine endothelial vascular cell is one of the CSFV target cells. In this report, we investigated the previously unknown subcellular localization and function of CSFV NS2 protein by examining its effects on cell growth and cell cycle progression.

Results

Stable swine umbilical vein endothelial cell line (SUVEC) expressing CSFV NS2 were established and showed that the protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cellular analysis revealed that replication of NS2-expressing cell lines was inhibited by 20-30% due to cell cycle arrest at S-phase. The NS2 protein also induced ER stress and activated the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB). A significant increase in cyclin A transcriptional levels was observed in NS2-expressing cells but was accompanied by a concomitant increase in the proteasomal degradation of cyclin A protein. Therefore, the induction of cell cycle arrest at S-phase by CSFV NS2 protein is associated with increased turnover of cyclin A protein rather than the down-regulation of cyclin A transcription.

Conclusions

All the data suggest that CSFV NS2 protein modulate the cellular growth and cell cycle progression through inducing the S-phase arrest and provide a cellular environment that is advantageous for viral replication. These findings provide novel information on the function of the poorly characterized CSFV NS2 protein.
Deciphering chemotaxis pathways using cross species comparisons
Authors: Hamer Rebecca , Chen Pao-Yang , Armitage Judith P , Reinert Gesine , Deane Charlotte M
Published: January 2010

Background

Chemotaxis is the process by which motile bacteria sense their chemical environment and move towards more favourable conditions. Escherichia coli utilises a single sensory pathway, but little is known about signalling pathways in species with more complex systems.

Results

To investigate whether chemotaxis pathways in other bacteria follow the E. coli paradigm, we analysed 206 species encoding at least 1 homologue of each of the 5 core chemotaxis proteins (CheA, CheB, CheR, CheW and CheY). 61 species encode more than one of all of these 5 proteins, suggesting they have multiple chemotaxis pathways. Operon information is not available for most bacteria, so we developed a novel statistical approach to cluster che genes into putative operons. Using operon-based models, we reconstructed putative chemotaxis pathways for all 206 species. We show that cheA-cheW and cheR-cheB have strong preferences to occur in the same operon as two-gene blocks, which may reflect a functional requirement for co-transcription. However, other che genes, most notably cheY, are more dispersed on the genome. Comparison of our operons with shuffled equivalents demonstrates that specific patterns of genomic location may be a determining factor for the observed in vivo chemotaxis pathways.

We then examined the chemotaxis pathways of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Here, the PpfA protein is known to be critical for correct partitioning of proteins in the cytoplasmically-localised pathway. We found ppfA in che operons of many species, suggesting that partitioning of cytoplasmic Che protein clusters is common. We also examined the apparently non-typical chemotaxis components, CheA3, CheA4 and CheY6. We found that though variants of CheA proteins are rare, the CheY6 variant may be a common type of CheY, with a significantly disordered C-terminal region which may be functionally significant.

Conclusions

We find that many bacterial species potentially have multiple chemotaxis pathways, with grouping of che genes into operons likely to be a major factor in keeping signalling pathways distinct. Gene order is highly conserved with cheA-cheW and cheR-cheB blocks, perhaps reflecting functional linkage. CheY behaves differently to other Che proteins, both in its genomic location and its putative protein interactions, which should be considered when modelling chemotaxis pathways.
Corticosteroids: way upstream
Authors: Riedemann Therese , Patchev Alexandre V , Cho Kwangwook , Almeida Osborne FX
Published: January 2010

Studies into the mechanisms of corticosteroid action continue to be a rich bed of research, spanning the fields of neuroscience and endocrinology through to immunology and metabolism. However, the vast literature generated, in particular with respect to corticosteroid actions in the brain, tends to be contentious, with some aspects suffering from loose definitions, poorly-defined models, and appropriate dissection kits. Here, rather than presenting a comprehensive review of the subject, we aim to present a critique of key concepts that have emerged over the years so as to stimulate new thoughts in the field by identifying apparent shortcomings. This article will draw on experience and knowledge derived from studies of the neural actions of other steroid hormones, in particular estrogens, not only because there are many parallels but also because 'learning from differences' can be a fruitful approach. The core purpose of this review is to consider the mechanisms through which corticosteroids might act rapidly to alter neural signaling.
Cardiac tamponade and successful pericardiocentesis in an extremely low birth weight neonate with percutaneously inserted central venous line: a case report
Authors: Pizzuti Alfredo , Parodi Emilia , Abbondi Paola , Frigerio Mario
Published: January 2010

Background

Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are rare but life-threatening complications of percutaneosuly inserted central line (PICL) use in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates, with an incidence reported between 0.07% and 2% of PICLs placement. Timely diagnosis and pericardiocentesis has been proven to be life-saving.

Case presentation

The patient was a 620 g birth weight neonate who presented with sudden cardiac instability 18 days after the insertion of a PICL and in spite of a presumed satisfactory position of the catheter tip.

The transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe pericardial effusion with evidence of cardiac tamponade.

Successful urgent subxiphoid pericardiocentesis was performed; totally 2 ml of whitish fluid was collected, which resulted consistent to the composition of the hyperosmolar TPN solution infused.

Conclusion

Cardiac tamponade should be considered in any newborn with a peripherally inserted central catheter who presents with cardiorespiratory instability (bradycardia, cyanosis and metabolic acidosis), even when lines are believed to be placed correctly.
Frequency of Drug‐Resistant Variants of HIV‐1 Coexistent With Wild‐Type in Treatment‐Naive Patients of India
Authors: Sachdeva Naresh , Sehgal Shobha , Arora Sunil K
Published: January 2010

Context

Over the past few years, reports of emergence and transmission of drug‐resistant strains of HIV have increased, especially in western countries. In the context of increased widespread use of zidovudine‐ and lamivudine‐based combinations in India, coupled with the genetic diversity of HIV, it is essential to generate preliminary data on the frequency of zidovudine‐ and lamivudine‐resistant variants of HIV‐1 in North India.

Objectives

In the present study, the authors screened for mutations in the pol gene of HIV‐1 associated with resistance to zidovudine and lamivudine in HIV‐infected treatment‐naive patients from North India.

Design and Patients

The mutations were screened at codons 70 and 215 (conferring resistance to zidovudine) and at codon 184 (conferring resistance to lamivudine) by using a nested amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR) approach from the proviral DNA of 60 patients.

Results

Most of the patients showed a mixture of both wild‐type and mutant virus. In all but 1 patient, wild‐type virus was observed with respect to each codon. Mutant variants were also observed in many patients, especially at codon 70 (48 patients [80%]) and codon 184 (19 patients [31.67%]). In contrast, the frequency of mutation at codon 215 was found to be very low (1 patient [1.67%]).

Conclusion

In this sample of treatment‐naive HIV‐1‐infected patients in North India, a high proportion of mutant variants harbored mutations in the pol gene at codons‐ 70 and 184 coexisting with wild‐type HIV‐1.