bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal gene transfer of a chloroplast DnaJ-Fer protein to Thaumarchaeota and the evolutionary history of the DnaK chaperone system in Archaea
Authors: Petitjean Céline , Moreira David , López-García Purificación , Brochier-Armanet Céline 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
In 2004, we discovered an atypical protein in metagenomic data from marine thaumarchaeotal species. This protein, referred as DnaJ-Fer, is composed of a J domain fused to a Ferredoxin (Fer) domain. Surprisingly, the same protein was also found in Viridiplantae (green algae and land plants). Because J domain-containing proteins are known to interact with the major chaperone DnaK/Hsp70, this suggested that a DnaK protein was present in Thaumarchaeota. DnaK/Hsp70, its co-chaperone DnaJ and the nucleotide exchange factor GrpE are involved, among others, in heat shocks and heavy metal cellular stress responses.

Results
Using phylogenomic approaches we have investigated the evolutionary history of the DnaJ-Fer protein and of interacting proteins DnaK, DnaJ and GrpE in Thaumarchaeota. These proteins have very complex histories, involving several inter-domain horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) to explain the contemporary distribution of these proteins in archaea. These transfers include one from Cyanobacteria to Viridiplantae and one from Viridiplantae to Thaumarchaeota for the DnaJ-Fer protein, as well as independent HGTs from Bacteria to mesophilic archaea for the DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE system, followed by HGTs among mesophilic and thermophilic archaea.

Conclusions
We highlight the chimerical origin of the set of proteins DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE and DnaJ-Fer in Thaumarchaeota and suggest that the HGT of these proteins has played an important role in the adaptation of several archaeal groups to mesophilic and thermophilic environments from hyperthermophilic ancestors. Finally, the evolutionary history of DnaJ-Fer provides information useful for the relative dating of the diversification of Archaeplastida and Thaumarchaeota.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from faecal samples of the Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria
Authors: Akobi Babatunji , Aboderin Oladipo , Sasaki Takashi , Shittu Adebayo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundBats (Chiroptera) are one of the most diverse groups of mammals which carry out important ecological and agricultural functions that are beneficial to humans. However, they are increasingly recognized as natural vectors for a number of zoonotic pathogens and favourable hosts for zoonotic infections. Large populations of the Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum) colonize the main campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, but the public health implications of faecal contamination and pollution by these flying mammals is unknown. This study characterizedS. aureusobtained from faecal samples of these migratory mammals with a view to determining the clonal types of the isolates, and to investigate the possibility of these flying animals as potential reservoir for zoonoticS. aureusinfections.ResultsOne hundred and seven (107)S. aureusisolates were recovered from 560 faecal samples in eleven roosting sites from January 2008 to February 2010. A large proportion of the isolates were susceptible to antibiotics, and molecular characterization of 70 isolates showed that 65 (92.9%) were assigned in coagulase type VI, while accessory gene typing classified 69 isolates into the following: type I (12; 17.1%), type II (3; 4.3%), type III (1; 1.4%) and type IV (53; 75.7%). On the whole, the isolates were grouped in five (A-E) main genotypes. Of the ten representative isolates selected for multilocus sequence typing (MLST), nine isolates were assigned with new sequence types: ST1725, ST1726, ST1727, ST2463-ST2467 and ST2470. Phylogenetic analysis provided evidence thatS. aureusisolates in group C were closely related with ST1822 and associated clones identified in African monkeys, and group D isolates with ST75, ST883 and ST1223. The two groups exhibited remarkable genetic diversity compared to the majorS. aureusclade.ConclusionsAntibiotic resistance in faecalS. aureusisolates ofE. helvumis low and multiple uniqueS. aureuslineages co-existed withE. helvum. The Straw-Coloured Fruit Bat in Ile-Ife, Nigeria is colonized predominantly by ST1725, ST1726, ST2463 and ST2470 with distinct genotypic characteristics that are rarely found in humans. This study has demonstrated on the possible existence of a reservoir of indigenous and anciently-divergentS. aureusclones among mammals in Africa.
Emphysematous cystitis following a transrectal needle guided biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Hashimoto Takeshi , Namiki Kazunori , Tanaka Ayako , Shimodaira Kenji , Gondo Tatsuo , Tachibana Masaaki 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a comparatively rare urinary tract infection characterized by air within the bladder wall and lumen and is usually associated with immunosuppression or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus.

Case presentation
We report a case of EC in a 70-year-old man who recently underwent transrectal ultrasound needle-guided prostate biopsy, after which he underwent pylorogastrectomy. He did not have any history of diabetes mellitus or any immunosuppressive disease. The patient developed severe sepsis, requiring intravenous antibiotics and urinary catheterization. Despite therapy, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, he was admitted to the intensive care unit, antibiotic coverage was broadened, and danaparoid sodium and sivelestat sodium hydrate was administered. After 20 days, the patient’s condition improved, and on the 28th day, the patient was discharged to home in a good condition without any sequelae.

Conclusion
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are warranted to prevent potential morbidity of and mortality in cases of EC.
Peri-operative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice of pressure injury risk assessment and prevention: A before-after intervention study
Authors: Sutherland-Fraser Sally , McInnes Elizabeth , Maher Elizabeth , Middleton Sandy 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Patients are at risk of developing pressure injuries in the peri-operative setting. Studies evaluating the impact of educational interventions on peri-operative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice are scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention on peri-operative nurses’ (a) knowledge of pressure injury risks, risk assessment and prevention strategies for patients in the operating suite; and (b) reported practice relating to risk assessment practices and implementation of prevention strategies for patients in the operating suite.

Methods
A before-after research design was used. A convenience sample of all registered and enrolled nurses employed in two hospitals’ operating suites was recruited. A multifaceted intervention was delivered which comprised a short presentation, educational materials and reminder posters. A 48-item survey tool was completed pre-and post-intervention to measure self-reported knowledge and practice.

Results
70 eligible peri-operative nurses completed both surveys. Post-intervention, statistically significant improvements were seen in knowledge of correct descriptions of pressure injury stages (p=0.001); appropriate reassessment for patients with a new pressure injury (p=0.05); appropriate actions for patients with an existing stage 1 (p=0.02) and stage 2 pressure injury (p=0.04). Statistical improvements were also seen in reported practice relating to an increase in the use of a risk assessment tool in conjunction with clinical judgement (p=0.0008); verbal handover of patients’ pressure injury risk status from the operating room nurse to the recovery room (p=0.023) and from the recovery room nurse to the postoperative ward nurse (p=0.045). The number of participants reporting use of non-recommended and recommended pressure-relieving strategies was unchanged.

Conclusion
A multi-faceted educational intervention can improve some aspects of perioperative nurses’ knowledge and reported practice such as risk assessment practices but not others such as use of recommended pressure-relieving devices. Further research is required to ascertain effective interventions which improve all areas of practice and knowledge, particularly in the use of appropriate pressure-relieving devices in order to prevent pressure injuries in surgical patients.
Using patient reported outcome measures in health services: A qualitative study on including people with low literacy skills and learning disabilities
Authors: Jahagirdar Deepa , Kroll Thilo , Ritchie Karen , Wyke Sally 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are self-report measures of health status increasingly promoted for use in healthcare quality improvement. However people with low literacy skills or learning disabilities may find PROMs hard to complete. Our study investigated stakeholder views on the accessibility and use of PROMs to develop suggestions for more inclusive practice.

Methods
Taking PROMs recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an example, we conducted 8 interviews with people with low literacy skills and/or learning disabilities, and 4 focus groups with 20 health professionals and people with COPD. Discussions covered the format and delivery of PROMs using the EQ-5D and St George Respiratory Questionnaire as prompts. Thematic framework analysis focused on three main themes: Accessibility, Ease of Use, and Contextual factors.

Results

Accessibility included issues concerning the questionnaire format, and suggestions for improvement included larger font sizes and more white space. Ease of Use included discussion about PROMs’ administration. While health professionals suggested PROMs could be completed in waiting rooms, patients preferred settings with more privacy and where they could access help from people they know. Contextual Factors included other challenges and wider issues associated with completing PROMs. While health professionals highlighted difficulties created by the system in managing patients with low literacy/learning disabilities, patient participants stressed that understanding the purpose of PROMs was important to reduce intimidation.

Conclusions
Adjusting PROMs’ format, giving an explicit choice of where patients can complete them, and clearly conveying PROMs’ purpose and benefit to patients may help to prevent inequality when using PROMs in health services.
Association studies of several cholesterol-related genes (ABCA1, CETP and LIPC) with serum lipids and risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xiao Zhijie , Wang Juan , Chen Weirong , Wang Peng , Zeng Houlin , Chen Weixi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesAccumulating evidence suggested that dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis might be a major etiologic factor in initiating and promoting neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), hepatic lipase (HL, coding genes named LIPC) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) are important components of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) implicated in atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we will investigate the possible association of several common polymorphisms (ABCA1R219K, CETPTaqIB and LIPC-250 G/A) with susceptibility to AD and plasma lipid levels.MethodsCase–control study of 208 Han Chinese (104 AD patients and 104 non-demented controls) from Changsha area in Hunan Province was performed using the PCR-RFLP analysis. Cognitive decline was assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) as a standardized method. Additionally, fasting lipid profile and the cognitive testing scores including Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were recorded.Results and conclusionsWe found significant differences among the genotype distributions of these three genes in AD patients when compared with controls. But after adjusting other factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed only ABCA1R219K (B = −0.903,P = 0.005, OR = 0.405, 95%CI:0.217-0.758) and LIPC-250 G/A variants(B = −0.905,P = 0.018, OR = 0.405, 95%CI:0.191-0.858) were associated with decreased AD risk. There were significantly higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoproteinA-I in the carriers of KK genotype and K allele (P < 0.05), and B2B2 genotype of CETP Taq1B showed significant association with higher HDL-C levels than other genotypes (F = 5.598,P = 0.004), while -250 G/A polymorphisms had no significant effect on HDL-C. In total population, subjects carrying ABCA1219K allele or LIPC-250A allele obtained higher MMSE or WMS scores than non-carriers, however, no significant association was observed in AD group or controls. Therefore, this preliminary study showed that the gene variants of ABCA1R219K and LIPC-250 G/A might influence AD susceptibility in South Chinese Han population, but the polymorphism of CETPTaq1B didn't show any association in despite of being a significant determinant of HDL-C.
Metallic conduction and large electron-phonon-impurity interference effect in single TiSi nanowires
Authors: Hsu Wei-Che , Chen Chao-Chun , Lin Yong-Han , Lin Huang-Kai , Chiu Hsin-Tien , Lin Juhn-Jong 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We report on the first electrical characterizations of single-crystalline TiSi nanowires (NWs) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition reactions. By utilizing the focused-ion-beam-induced deposition technique, we have delicately made four-probe contacts onto individual NWs. The NW resistivities have been measured between 2 and 300 K, which reveal overall metallic conduction with small residual resistivity ratios in the NWs. Surprisingly, we find that the effect due to the interference processes between the elastic electron scattering and the electron-phonon scattering largely dominates over the usual Boltzmann transport even at room temperature. Such prominent electron-phonon-impurity interference effect is ascribed to the presence of large amounts of disorder and high Debye temperatures in TiSi NWs.
Inhibitory effect of topical Adelmidrol on antigen-induced skin wheal and mast cell behavior in a canine model of allergic dermatitis
Authors: Cerrato Santiago , Brazis Pilar , della Valle Maria Federica , Miolo Alda , Puigdemont Anna 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundAdelmidrol is a semisynthetic derivative of azelaic acid and analogue of the anti-inflammatory compound palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). Based upon its physicochemical properties, adelmidrol is suitable for topical application. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical adelmidrol emulsion on early and late inflammatory responses in hypersensitive dogs. Repeated intradermal injections ofAscaris suumextract were performed in both lateral thoracic areas of six conscious hypersensitive Beagle dogs, topically treated during 8 consecutive days. Adelmidrol (2%) was applied to one side and vehicle to the other. 24 hours after the last antigen challenge, two biopsies (adelmidrol- and vehicle-treated side) were obtained for each dog at the antigen injection site.ResultsA significant reduction in the antigen-induced wheal areas was observed on the 4thand 7thday of adelmidrol treatment. Moreover, cutaneous mast cell numbers were significantly decreased in biopsies obtained after 8 consecutive days of topical adelmidrol treatment.ConclusionsThe results obtained in the present study show that topical treatment with adelmidrol might represent a new therapeutic tool in controlling the early and late allergic inflammatory skin responses in companion animals.
Importance and challenges of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength
Authors: Soysa Achini , Hiller Claire , Refshauge Kathryn , Burns Joshua 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundIntrinsic foot muscle weakness has been implicated in a range of foot deformities and disorders. However, to establish a relationship between intrinsic muscle weakness and foot pathology, an objective measure of intrinsic muscle strength is needed. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the anatomy and role of intrinsic foot muscles, implications of intrinsic weakness and evaluate the different methods used to measure intrinsic foot muscle strength.MethodLiterature was sourced from database searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, PEDro and CINAHL up to June 2012.ResultsThere is no widely accepted method of measuring intrinsic foot muscle strength. Methods to estimate toe flexor muscle strength include the paper grip test, plantar pressure, toe dynamometry, and the intrinsic positive test. Hand‐held dynamometry has excellent interrater and intrarater reliability and limits toe curling, which is an action hypothesised to activate extrinsic toe flexor muscles. However, it is unclear whether any method can actually isolate intrinsic muscle strength. Also most methods measure only toe flexor strength and other actions such as toe extension and abduction have not been adequately assessed. Indirect methods to investigate intrinsic muscle structure and performance include CT, ultrasonography, MRI, EMG, and muscle biopsy. Indirect methods often discriminate between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, but lack the ability to measure muscle force.ConclusionsThere are many challenges to accurately measure intrinsic muscle strength in isolation. Most studies have measured toe flexor strength as a surrogate measure of intrinsic muscle strength. Hand‐held dynamometry appears to be a promising method of estimating intrinsic muscle strength. However, the contribution of extrinsic muscles cannot be excluded from toe flexor strength measurement. Future research should clarify the relative contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles during intrinsic foot muscle strength testing.
Intensity-dependent effect of treadmill running on lubricin metabolism of rat articular cartilage
Authors: Ni Guo-Xin , Lei Lei , Zhou Yue-Zhu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
We aimed to understand the changes in cartilage lubricin expression and immunolocalisation in responsed to treadmill running with different intensities in a rat model.

Methods
A total of 24 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups of control (CON), low-intensity running (LIR), moderate-intensity running (MIR), and high-intensity running (HIR). Rats in LIR, MIR, and HIR groups were trained for 8 weeks on the treadmill with low, moderate, and high intensity, respectively. After sacrifice, femoral condyles were collected to take histological observation for cartilage characteristics, and immunohistochemistry for lubricin. In addition, cartilage samples were obtained to assess PRG4 and TGF-β mRNA expression by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results
Histological examination showed osteoarthritic changes in rats after eight weeks of high intensity running. In comparison to CON group, significantly lower Mankin score was found in LIR and MIR groups, whereas, HIR group had significantly higher Mankin score than either CON, LIR, or MIR group. On the other hand, both LIR and MIR groups have significantly higher lubricin content than CON group, whereas, significantly lower lubricin content was found in HIR group compared with CON, LIR or MIR group. A significant inverse correlation was detected between the lubricin content and Mankin score. In addition, considerably higher mRNA gene expression of PRG4 and TGF-β was found in LIR and MIR groups, compared with those in CON and HIR groups.

Conclusions
There is a marked intensity-specific effect of running on the immunolocalisation and gene expression of lubricin in cartilage, which is inversely correlated with Mankin score. Our findings provide evidences that mechanical factors are key determinants of lubricin metabolism in vivo.
The fifth estate: Media and ethics
Authors: Hidri Abdallah 
Published: November 2012

This article deals with new and social media as a fifth power influencing the public sphere and public opinion. However, in order to understand the concept of ‘fifth power’ we need first to deconstruct and analyze the elements of the concept of ‘fourth power’
that has been connected to traditional media. The new and social media, as an open and free communication activity over the Internet, can be considered today as (an effective) mechanism to monitor and watch over the ‘fourth power’. It appears that the new and social media construct
social reality utilizing techniques and a style that do not adhere to the format, rules and canon of traditional media. It also seems that those who possess a certain level of digital knowledge are capable of constructing reality through reproducing the dominant ideology in society –
a function that was exclusive to traditional media in the past. The role of the new and social media as a ‘fifth power’ raises numerous problems connected to communication ethics. In this sense, what type of ethics should govern this new communication order? And is it possible
to talk of a ‘fifth power’ devoid of any sort of communication ethics?
Processor's Preferences and Basic Differentiation Strategies for Potatoes, Milk, and Wheat in Switzerland
Authors: Boesch Irene , Weber Michael 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we aim to shed light on processors’ preferences for attributes of wheat, industrial potatoes as well as fresh milk and assess the potential for differentiation strategies for Swiss farmers. Thus, we determine the attributes and levels that drive the buying decisions of Swiss processing companies. We then determine the relative importance of each attribute using adaptive choice–based conjoint analysis and hierarchical Bayes estimation methods. We apply randomized first-choice models to evaluate three differentiation strategies: 1) targeting processor preferences, 2) targeting the final consumers’ preferences, and 3) following a country-of-origin strategy. Results show that although price is an important buying criterion, environmental attributes and country of origin can be used to segment the market if the price difference is held within limits and technical and quality requirements are met. Strategies focusing on attributes valued by final customers prove promising for the milk market, while targeting industrial buyers’ internal preferences is more suitable for the industrial potato market. In the wheat market, the three strategies are almost equally important. Focusing on country of origin is less important in all three markets. Additionally, the different results for the different primary products indicate the need to design strategies by looking closely at the specific market and final good in question.
Studies on Deactivation of the Catalyst in Direct Dimethyl Ether Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Li Wei , Xiao Wende 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Direct dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis from syngas has been increasingly attracted attentions. Relationship between the synergistic effect and the deactivation behavior of hybrid catalysts was studied in this paper. Two kinds of catalysts with different synergistic effect were tested in a fixed bed reactor and the catalysts before and after stability testing were characterized by XRD, N2-adsorption and TGA. Results show that the deactivation behavior of the catalyst is mainly caused by the deactivation of the methanol synthesis catalyst. Sintering of Cu particles is the main reason of the catalyst deactivation. In addition, coking during synthesis is another reason for the catalyst deactivation. Both the two reasons are deeply affected by the synergistic effect.