bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X‐ray crystallography and NMR studies of domain‐swapped canecystatin‐1
Authors: Valadares Napoleão F. , de Oliveira‐Silva Rodrigo , Cavini Italo A. , de Almeida Marques Ivo , D'Muniz Pereira Humberto , Soares‐Costa Andrea , Henrique‐Silva Flavio , Kalbitzer Hans R. , Munte Claudia E. , Garratt Richard C. 
Published: December 2012

The three‐dimensional structure of canecystatin‐1, a potent inhibitor of cysteine proteases from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), has been solved in two different crystal forms. In both cases, it is seen to exist as a domain‐swapped dimer, the first such observation for a cystatin of plant origin. Size exclusion chromatography and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy show the dimer to be the dominant species in solution, despite the presence of a measurable quantity of monomer undergoing slow exchange. The latter is believed to be the active species, whereas the domain‐swapped dimer is presumably inactive, as its first inhibitory loop has been extended to form part of a long β‐strand that forms a double‐helical coiled coil with its partner from the other monomer. A similar structure is observed in human cystatin C, but the spatial disposition of the two lobes of the dimer is rather different. Dimerization is presumably a mechanism by which canecystatin‐1 can be kept inactive within the plant, avoiding the inhibition of endogenous proteases. The structure described here provides a platform for the rational design of specific cysteine protease inhibitors for biotechnological applications.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the accession codes 3UL5 and 3UL6.Structured digital abstract

Canecystatin-1 and Canecystatin-1 bind by molecular sieving (View Interaction: 1, 2)

Canecystatin-1 and Canecystatin-1 bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)

Canecystatin-1 and Canecystatin-1 bind by dynamic light scattering (View interaction)

Canecystatin-1 and Canecystatin-1 bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
CpG ODN‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐13 expression is mediated via activation of the ERK and NF‐κB signalling pathways in odontoblast cells
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhu Q. L. , Huang P. , Yu Q. , Wang Z. H. , Cooper P. R. , Smith A. J. , He W. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of CpG ODN (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides) to model the action of bacterial challenge on pulpal matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) expression and elucidate the associated intracellular signalling pathways.MethodologyReal‐time PCR was used to detect the effects of CpG ODN on MMP‐13 mRNA expression levels in a murine odontoblast‐lineage cell line (OLCs). The possible involvement of TLR9/MyD88, NF‐κB or MAPK pathways involved in the CpG ODN‐induced MMP‐13 expression was examined by real‐time PCR, transient transfection, luciferase activity assay and ELISA. Western blotting was performed to assay the phosphorylation of ERK at a range of time points.ResultsMMP‐13 was constitutively expressed in OLCs, and their exposure to CpG ODN significantly increased MMP‐13 expression. Pre‐treatment of OLCs with the inhibitory peptide MyD88, or chloroquine, attenuated the CpG ODN‐induced expression of MMP‐13. Treatment of the OLCs with CpG ODN increased NF‐κB‐luciferase activity. This activity was decreased by the over‐expression of a nondegrading mutant of IκBα (IκBαSR), although enhanced by the over‐expression of NF‐κB p65. MMP‐13 expression induced by CpG ODN was markedly suppressed by NF‐κB inhibitors (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, PDTC), IκBα phosphorylation inhibitors (Bay 117082) or IκB protease inhibitor (L‐1‐tosylamido‐2‐phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone, TPCK). The inhibitor of ERK1/2, U0126, but not inhibitors of p38 MAPK and JNK, SB203580 and SP600125, decreased CpG ODN‐mediated MMP‐13 expression.ConclusionThe CpG ODN‐induced MMP‐13 expression in OLCs is mediated through TLR9, NF‐κB and the ERK pathway indicating that potentially the recognition of CpG ODN by TLR9 on odontoblasts may regulate the remodelling of injured dental pulp and hard tissues by inducing MMP‐13 expression.
Impact of prescriber’s handwriting style and nurse’s duty duration on the prevalence of transcription errors in public hospitals
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi , Rahman Nisar‐Ur , Ahmad Mahmood , Debray Marcel , Yliperttula Marjo , Declèves Xavier 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the prevalence of transcription errors in a main public hospital in Pakistan and to test the impact of medication name and dose writing styles and the nurse duty duration on the occurrence of transcription errors.Background.  Medication errors occur frequently in public hospitals. Errors occurring at the transcription stage have not been sufficiently investigated.Design.  Medications transcripts and dispensed item labels were prospectively reviewed. In the second stage, nurses (n = 25) transcribed medication charts in a double‐blind randomised cross‐over design administered at one, six and 10 hours after the commencement of their duty.Methods.  Inpatient (n = 1000), discharge patient (n = 1000) medication transcripts and labels of dispensed items for (n = 1000) transcripts were reviewed. On medication charts, orthographically similar medications (n = 20) were written in lowercase and Tall Man, decimal doses were written covered and uncovered, and metric doses were written with and without trailing zeros.Results.  Of the 6583 and 5329 medications transcribed from inpatient and discharge patient charts, error rates were 16·9 and 13·8%, respectively. Labels for 6734 dispensed items were reviewed, and error rate was 6·1%. Tall Man, covered decimal points and avoiding trailing zeros with decimal units significantly reduced transcription errors.Conclusion.  Errors increased with increasing nurse duty duration. Highlighting orthographically similar medications and the use of proper decimal and metric units reduce errors.Relevance to clinical practice.  Transcription errors are highly prevalent in Pakistan public hospitals; therefore, elimination of transcription stage is encouraged.
Family functioning, health and social support assessed by aged home care clients and their family members
Authors: Hautsalo Katja , Rantanen Anja , Astedt‐Kurki Päivi 
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to describe aged home care clients' and their family members' experiences of their family functioning, family health and social support received. An additional purpose was to determine which factors are connected with social support.BackgroundIncreasing life expectancy and ageing of the population require consideration of the adequacy of home care services and the role of family members as care providers. The older population is a very heterogeneous group because of their variable needs and several disabilities. To ensure the quality of home care, experimental information is needed from clients and their family members.DesignA survey design with convenience sampling.MethodsThe home care client and a family member of his/her answered a questionnaire together, including background questions, the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support instrument and an open question about support received from home care. Statistical methods were used to describe quantitative data, and content analysis was used in analysing the replies to the open question.ResultsFamily health was noted as good, and family functioning and overall social support fairly good. An older person's higher basic education, higher age of the family member, better family health and male gender were connected with better social support received. The relationship of the older person and the family member as well as the duration of home care service use had an effect on social support received. The content analysis raised expectations related to time, planning of service, organisational factors and caring practise.ConclusionsHome care clients' and families' needs for support vary, and therefore, the assessment of needs, care planning and updating are important.Relevance to clinical practiceThe variable support needs of older people and their family members require flexible and adaptable home services. Cooperation between all participants involved in care would promote the well‐being of the older person and the entire family.
Medication administration errors by nurses: adherence to guidelines
Authors: Kim Jeongeun , Bates David W 
Published: December 2012

Aims & objectivesMedication administration errors represent one of the major concerns in patient safety. We aimed to study the rate using more robust methods for the correct results.BackgroundsVery few studies have been carried out on medication administration error frequency. Previous studies of medication error frequency have used mainly surveys of clinical nurses, which may result in substantial undercounts.Design & MethodsWe developed a checklist using basic medication guidelines including the Five Rights, infection recommendations and medication recording rules. After validity and reliability were confirmed, we performed direct observation using a checklist to evaluate the medication activities of clinical nurses.ResultsWe observed total 293 cases of medication activities, collected data and calculated adherence ratios per item. Only 45·6% of nurses verified the amount of medication indicated on the vial at least once for at least one‐second. In addition, only 6·5% read the name of the patient from the wristband. Administering the medication at the correct time guideline was observed 41·0% of the time. The guideline regarding hand washing before external and oral medications was followed only 4·5% of the time, although this figure was much higher for intravenous medications at 96·6%. Overall, among 31 categories regarding drug administration, 17·2 (± 3·6) items per person were followed, whereas 5·7 (± 1·2) items per person were violated.ConclusionThus, the results overall showed low rates of adherence to guidelines, suggesting that many medication administration guidelines are not strictly followed. We found key instances in which nurses did not follow the guidelines, including many from the Five Rights. About one in four elements were violated overall.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of this study could be adopted to make guidelines of medication administration more practical for the clinical nurses to adhere.
‘The whole is always smaller than its parts’ – a digital test ofGabrielTardes' monads
Authors: Latour Bruno , Jensen Pablo , Venturini Tommaso , Grauwin Sébastian , Boullier Dominique 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper we argue that the new availability of digital data sets allows one to revisitGabrielTarde's (1843–1904) social theory that entirely dispensed with using notions such as individual or society. Our argument is that when it was impossible, cumbersome or simply slow to assemble and to navigate through the masses of information on particular items, it made sense to treat data about social connections by defining two levels: one for the element, the other for the aggregates. But once we have the experience of following individuals through their connections (which is often the case with profiles) it might be more rewarding to begin navigating datasets without making the distinction between the level of individual component and that of aggregated structure. It becomes possible to give some credibility to Tarde's strange notion of ‘monads’. We claim that it is just this sort of navigational practice that is now made possible by digitally available databases and that such a practice could modify social theory if we could visualize this new type of exploration in a coherent way.
Policing native pleasures: a colonial history
Authors: Jabbar Naheem 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe moral modality of colonial power is still with us when it comes to the recreation of sexual norms of traditional or feudal society. We can examine the emergent properties of colonial knowledge anew by exploring how the colonial regime's strategic attention of regulating brothels in India differed from the analytic of power Foucault described for sexuality in European society. It turns out that amongst other things, public anxieties about the failure of adaptation by South Asians are incapable of leaving sexuality aside as a key interpretive device for their culture. The British preoccupation with reproducing the dynamics of the bourgeois matrimonial market on foreign soil in the mid‐nineteenth century similarly necessitated a sociological pretext for racial purity. However, the kind of knowledge a typical traveller and employee of the East India Company brought to the Victorian public from his own researches in the brothels and streets of colonial India, which revealed how popular prostitution was as a vice amongst the officer class, was also more than a welcome imaginary relief from Christian morality; it was an alternative vision of modernity.
Scar formation and lack of regeneration in adult and neonatal liver after stromal injury
Authors: Masuzaki Ryota , Zhao Sophia R. , Csizmadia Eva , Yannas Ioannis , Karp Seth J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractKnown as a uniquely regenerative tissue, the liver shows a remarkable capacity to heal without scarring after many types of acute injury. In contrast, during chronic liver disease, the liver responds with fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver failure. The cause of this shift from a nonfibrotic to a fibrotic response is unknown. We hypothesized that stromal injury is a key event that prevents restoration of normal liver architecture. To test this, we developed a model of stromal injury using a surgical incision through the normal liver in adult and neonatal mice. This injury produces minimal cell death but locally complete stromal (extracellular matrix) disruption. The adult liver responds with inflammation and stellate cell activation, culminating in fibrosis characterized by collagen deposition. This sequence of events is remarkably similar to the fibrotic response leading to cirrhosis. Studies in neonates reveal a similar fibrotic response to a stromal injury. These findings suggest that extracellular matrix disruption leads not to regeneration but rather to scar, similar to other mammalian organs. These findings may shed light on the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease, and suggest therapeutic strategies.
Subjective Response to Alcohol Among Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals: Effects of the Mu‐Opioid Receptor (OPRM1) Gene and Alcoholism Severity
Authors: Ray Lara A. , Bujarski Spencer , MacKillop James , Courtney Kelly E. , Monti Peter M. , Miotto Karen 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundSubjective response to alcohol has been examined as a marker of alcoholism risk. The A118G single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene has been previously associated with subjective response to alcohol in heavy drinkers. This study seeks to extend the literature by examining the effect of OPRM1 genotype on responses to alcohol in a sample of alcohol‐dependent individuals. A secondary aim of this study is to examine alcoholism severity as a predictor of subjective responses to alcohol.MethodsNontreatment seeking problem drinkers (n = 295) were assessed in the laboratory for clinical dimensions of alcohol dependence. Following prospective genotyping, 43 alcohol‐dependent individuals across the 2 genotype conditions (AA, n = 23 and AG/GG, n = 20) were randomized to 2 intravenous infusion sessions: 1 of alcohol (target breath alcohol concentration = 0.06 g/dl) and 1 of saline. Measures of subjective responses to alcohol were administered in both infusion sessions.ResultsAlcohol‐dependent G‐allele carriers reported greater alcohol‐induced stimulation, vigor, and positive mood, as compared to A‐allele homozygotes. There was no genotype effect on alcohol‐induced sedation or craving. There was a statistical trend‐level severity × alcohol interaction such that individuals at higher levels of severity reported greater alcohol‐induced tension reduction.ConclusionsThese results support the hypothesis that OPRM1 genotype moderates the hedonic effects of alcohol, but not the sedative and unpleasant effects of alcohol, in a sample of alcohol‐dependent patients. Results are discussed in light of a clinical neuroscience framework to alcoholism.
Cognitive Impairment and Its Relation to Imaging Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A Study Using a Computerized Battery
Authors: Pellicano Clelia , Kane Robert L. , Gallo Antonio , Xiaobai Li , Stern Susan K. , Ikonomidou Vasiliki N. , Evangelou Iordanis E. , Ohayon Joan M. , Ehrmantraut Mary , Cantor Fredric K. , Bagnato Francesca 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECognitive impairment (CI) is an important component of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability. A complex biological interplay between white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) disease likely sustains CI. This study aims to address this issue by exploring the association between the extent of normal WM and GM disease and CI.METHODSCognitive function of 24 MS patients and 24 healthy volunteers (HVs) was studied using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) battery. WM focal lesions and normal appearing WM (NAWM) volume in patients, cortical thickness (CTh) and deep GM structure volumes in both patients and HVs were measured by high field strength (3.0‐Tesla; 3T) imaging.RESULTSAn analysis of covariance showed that patients performed worse than HVs on Code Substitution Delayed Memory (P= .04) and Procedural Reaction Time (P= .05) indicative of reduced performance in memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. A summary score (Index of Cognitive Efficiency) indicating global test battery performance was also lower for the patient group (P= .04). Significant associations, as determined by the Spearman rank correlation tests, were noted between each of these 3 cognitive scores and measures of NAWM volume [CDD‐TP1(r= .609; P= .0035), PRO‐TP1 (r= .456; P= .029) and ICE (r= .489; P= .0129)], CTh (r= .5; P≤ .05) and volume of subcortical normal appearing GM (NAGM) structures (r= .4; P≤ .04), but not WM lesions.CONCLUSIONSBoth NAWM and NAGM volumes are related to CI in MS. The results highlight once again the urgent need to develop pharmacological strategies protecting patients from widespread neurodegeneration as possible preventive strategies of CI development.
Quelle destinée pour la «politique sociale» de l'Union européenne? De la Stratégie de Lisbonne à l'Europe 2020: évolution du discours politique
Authors: BARBIER Jean‐Claude 
Published: December 2012

Résumé.L'auteur examine une sélection de documents de la Commission européenne et du Conseil européen, pour identifier les constantes et les changements dans le discours de politique sociale de l'UE et rechercher leurs déterminants potentiels. Il distingue trois périodes: la Stratégie de Lisbonne, les réformes qui ont suivi (2005–2009) et l'«Europe 2020». La période la plus récente témoigne d'une marginalisation radicale et de la réduction à des mesures purement symboliques de la politique sociale par rapport aux considérations macroéconomiques et financières. Parallèlement, les institutions de l'UE ont pris le pas sur la compétence nationale en la matière. Une redistribution des rôles entre les acteurs principaux semble expliquer ces changements.
Principles of periodontology
Authors: Dentino Andrew , Lee Seokwoo , Mailhot Jason , Hefti Arthur F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPeriodontal diseases are among the most common diseases affecting humans. Dental biofilm is a contributor to the etiology of most periodontal diseases. It is also widely accepted that immunological and inflammatory responses to biofilm components are manifested by signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. The outcome of such interaction is modulated by risk factors (modifiers), either inherent (genetic) or acquired (environmental), significantly affecting the initiation and progression of different periodontal disease phenotypes. While definitive genetic determinants responsible for either susceptibility or resistance to periodontal disease have yet to be identified, many factors affecting the pathogenesis have been described, including smoking, diabetes, obesity, medications, and nutrition. Currently, periodontal diseases are classified based upon clinical disease traits using radiographs and clinical examination. Advances in genomics, molecular biology, and personalized medicine may result in new guidelines for unambiguous disease definition and diagnosis in the future. Recent studies have implied relationships between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions. Answering critical questions regarding host‐parasite interactions in periodontal diseases may provide new insight in the pathogenesis of other biomedical disorders. Therapeutic efforts have focused on the microbial nature of the infection, as active treatment centers on biofilm disruption by non‐surgical mechanical debridement with antimicrobial and sometimes anti‐inflammatory adjuncts. The surgical treatment aims at gaining access to periodontal lesions and correcting unfavorable gingival/osseous contours to achieve a periodontal architecture that will provide for more effective oral hygiene and periodontal maintenance. In addition, advances in tissue engineering have provided innovative means to regenerate/repair periodontal defects, based upon principles of guided tissue regeneration and utilization of growth factors/biologic mediators. To maintain periodontal stability, these treatments need to be supplemented with long‐term maintenance (supportive periodontal therapy) programs.
EQUILIBRIUM FARM GATE PRICE IN THE CASE OF TWO SUCCESSIVE MARKETS WITH FIXED SUPPLY
Authors: MALAN BENOîT B. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study aims to describe the evolution of the organisational structure of raw agricultural product markets in West African countries (the supply may be regarded as fixed) using microeconomic models to assess the evolution of the farm gate price; and focusing on the impact of the vertical integration of some firms on the producer price. This paper shows that the evolution of the commercial organisational structure of agricultural products has led to a gradual improvement in the producer price. It also shows that whatever the degree of vertical integration on these markets, it has a positive impact on the farm gate price. However, even if vertical integration also improves the price of agricultural input on the intermediary market, the intermediary firms undergo a deteriorating situation.
THE ECONOMICS OF SUICIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: BOTHA FERDI 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the economics of suicide in South Africa using the Mortality and Causes of Death data from death notification as well as regional economic data for the 2006‐2008 period. Using an inflation rate that varies by month and across province of residence as a proxy for economic performance, the results indicate a negative relationship between inflation and suicide, suggesting that suicides are countercyclical. When controlling for month and province fixed effects, however, the inflation coefficient, albeit remaining negative, is no longer significant, except in the female sample. Suicide is more prevalent among younger individuals, while the greatest proportion of suicide is seen among men. Suicides also exhibit a strong seasonal variation, with peaks in spring and summer, with December having the highest suicide prevalence. The overall results indicate a negative but insignificant relationship between economic performance and suicide in South Africa, with socio‐economic differences and individual characteristics accounting for most of the variation in suicide.