bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Role of Glycerol in Candida albicans Biofilm Formation
Authors: Desai Jigar V. , Bruno Vincent M. , Ganguly Shantanu , Stamper Ronald J. , Mitchell Kaitlin F. , Solis Norma , Hill Elizabeth M. , Xu Wenjie , Filler Scott G. , Andes David R. , Fanning Saranna , Lanni Frederick , Mitchell Aaron P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Biofilm formation by
Candida albicans
on medically implanted devices poses a significant clinical challenge. Here, we compared biofilm-associated gene expression in two clinical
C. albicans
isolates, SC5314 and WO-1, to identify shared gene regulatory responses that may be functionally relevant. Among the 62 genes most highly expressed in biofilms relative to planktonic (suspension-grown) cells, we were able to recover insertion mutations in 25 genes. Twenty mutants had altered biofilm-related properties, including cell substrate adherence, cell-cell signaling, and azole susceptibility. We focused on one of the most highly upregulated genes in our biofilm proles,
RHR2
, which specifies the glycerol biosynthetic enzyme glycerol-3-phosphatase. Glycerol is 5-fold-more abundant in biofilm cells than in planktonic cells, and an
rhr2
Δ/Δ strain accumulates 2-fold-less biofilm glycerol than does the wild type. Under
in vitro
conditions, the
rhr2
Δ/Δ mutant has reduced biofilm biomass and reduced adherence to silicone. The
rhr2
Δ/Δ mutant is also severely defective in biofilm formation
in vivo
in a rat catheter infection model. Expression profiling indicates that the
rhr2
Δ/Δ mutant has reduced expression of cell surface adhesin genes
ALS1
,
ALS3
, and
HWP1
, as well as many other biofilm-upregulated genes. Reduced adhesin expression may be the cause of the
rhr2
Δ/Δ mutant biofilm defect, because overexpression of
ALS1
,
ALS3
, or
HWP1
restores biofilm formation ability to the mutant
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Our findings indicate that internal glycerol has a regulatory role in biofilm gene expression and that adhesin genes are among the main functional Rhr2-regulated genes.

IMPORTANCE
Candida albicans
is a major fungal pathogen, and infection can arise from the therapeutically intractable biofilms that it forms on medically implanted devices. It stands to reason that genes whose expression is induced during biofilm growth will function in the process, and our analysis of 25 such genes confirms that expectation. One gene is involved in synthesis of glycerol, a small metabolite that we find is abundant in biofilm cells. The impact of glycerol on biofilm formation is regulatory, not solely metabolic, because it is required for expression of numerous biofilm-associated genes. Restoration of expression of three of these genes that specify cell surface adhesins enables the glycerol-synthetic mutant to create a biofilm. Our findings emphasize the significance of metabolic pathways as therapeutic targets, because their disruption can have both physiological and regulatory consequences.
(123I)FP-CIT SPECT in suspected dementia with Lewy bodies: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Siepel Françoise J , Rongve Arvid , Buter Tirza C , Beyer Mona K , Ballard Clive G , Booij Jan , Aarsland Dag 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesLittle is known regarding the ‘false-negative’ or ‘false-positive’ striatal dopamine transporter binding on SPECT for the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We explored the clinical course in patients fulfilling the criteria for clinical DLB with a normal (123I)FP-CIT SPECT (ie, SPECT scan negative, clinical features positive (S−CF+)) and patients not fulfilling DLB criteria with an abnormal scan (S+CF−).DesignLongitudinal case study over 2–5 years.SettingConsecutive referrals of patients with mild dementia to dementia clinics in western Norway.Participants50 patients (27 men and 23 women; mean age at baseline of 74 (range 52–88)) with (123I)FP-CIT SPECT images underwent cluster analysis: 20/50 patients allocated to a ‘DLB’ and 8 to a ‘non-DLB’ cluster were included.Outcome measuresScores on standardised clinical rating scales for hallucinations, parkinsonism, fluctuations, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder and visually rated (123I)FP-CIT SPECT.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, in the S+CF− group (n=7), frequency and severity of DLB symptoms tended to increase, particularly parkinsonism (7/7) and cognitive fluctuations (7/7), while severity of visual hallucinations and REM sleep behaviour disorder remained stable. The S−CF+ (n=3) fulfilled the operationalised criteria for probable DLB both at baseline and at the end of the follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that systematic visual analyses of (123I)FP-CIT SPECT can detect people with DLB prior to the development of the full clinical syndrome. In addition, the study indicates that some patients fulfilling clinical criteria for probable DLB have a normal scan, and further studies are required to characterise these patients better.
Completing a2×2Block Matrix of Real Quaternions with a Partial Specified Inverse
Authors: Lin Yong , Wang Qing-Wen 
Published: April 2013

This paper considers a completion problem of a nonsingular2×2block matrix over the real quaternion algebraℍ: Letm1,  m2,  n1,  n2be nonnegative integers,m1+m2=n1+n2=n>0, andA12∈ℍm1×n2, A21∈ℍm2×n1, A22∈ℍm2×n2, B11∈ℍn1×m1be given. We determine necessary and sufficient conditions so that there exists a variant block entry matrixA11∈ℍm1×n1such thatA=(A11A12A21A22)∈ℍn×nis nonsingular, andB11is the upper left block of a partitioning ofA-1. The general expression forA11is also obtained. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the theoretical findings.
Assessing Tobacco Use by Cancer Patients and Facilitating Cessation: An American Association for Cancer Research Policy Statement
Authors: Toll Benjamin A. , Brandon Thomas H. , Gritz Ellen R. , Warren Graham W. , Herbst Roy S. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
When diagnosed with cancer, patients can immediately make a meaningful positive impact on their health by stopping their tobacco use. Scientific evidence clearly shows that tobacco use in patients with cancer leads to poorer outcomes. The specific biological processes driving tobacco consumption's interference in cancer therapy are the subject of continuing research, but the evidence is clear that tobacco use in patients with cancer leads to decreased treatment efficacy and safety, decreased survival, decreased quality of life, increased treatment-related toxicity, and increased risk of cancer recurrence and second primary tumors. Data suggest that tobacco cessation can improve outcomes and survival in patients with cancer, yet full execution of evidence-based cessation interventions is infrequent in oncology settings. Therefore, both improved provision of cessation assistance to all patients with cancer who use tobacco or have recently quit and further study of the deleterious effects of tobacco use and benefits of tobacco cessation on cancer progression and treatment are needed and recommended by the American Association for Cancer Research. Progress on both fronts begins with universal assessment and documentation of tobacco use as a standard of quality cancer care regardless of treatment setting and will be further facilitated through the development of reliable, valid, and standard measures of tobacco use, incorporation of evidence-based procedures into quality and accreditation procedures, and the development of appropriate training, clinical infrastructure, and incentives for delivery of tobacco cessation interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 1941–8. ©2013 AACR.
Results From a Single-Blind, Randomized Study Comparing the Impact of Different Ablation Approaches on Long-Term Procedure Outcome in Coexistent Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter (APPROVAL)
Authors: Mohanty Sanghamitra , Mohanty Prasant , Di Biase Luigi , Bai Rong , Santangeli Pasquale , Casella Michela , Russo Antonio Dello , Tondo Claudio , Themistoclakis Sakis , Raviele Antonio , Rossillo Antonio , Corrado Andrea , Pelargonio Gemma , Forleo Giovanni , Natale Andrea 
Published: April 2013

Background—
This study examined the impact of different ablation strategies on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and quality of life in coexistent AF and atrial flutter (AFL).

Methods and Results—

Three-hundred sixty enrolled patients with documented AF and AFL were blinded and randomized to group 1, AF±AFL ablation (n=182), or group 2, AFL ablation only (n=178). AF recurrence was evaluated with event recording and 7-day Holter at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month follow-ups. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up with 4 questionnaires: the Medical Outcome Study Short Form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Of the 182 patients in group 1, 58 (age, 63±8 years; 78% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±8%) had AF+AFL ablation and 124 (age, 61±11 years; 72% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 59±7%) had AF ablation only. In group 2 (age, 62±9 years; 76% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 58±10%), only AFL was ablated by achieving bidirectional isthmus conduction block. Baseline characteristics were not different across groups. At 21±9 months of follow-up, 117 in group 1 (64%) and 34 in group 2 (19%) were arrhythmia free (
P
<0.001). In group 1, scores on most quality-of-life subscales showed significant improvement at follow-up, whereas group 2 patients derived relatively minor benefit.

Conclusions—
In coexistent AF and AFL, lower recurrence rate and better quality of life are associated with AF ablation only or AF+AFL ablation than with lone AFL ablation. Furthermore, quality of life directly correlates with freedom from arrhythmia, as shown in this study for the first time in patients blinded to the procedure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01439386.
Fairness in the Social Regulation of Labor Markets: Reasons for Hope?
Authors: Babones Salvatore , Babcicky Philipp , Guillen Pablo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Over the past thirty years the spread of neoliberal ideology has put collective mechanisms for the social regulation of labor markets under severe stress. On the other hand, social norms of fairness, particularly with regard to rewards for work, are very strong. We argue that neoliberal practices have spread less widely and deeply than is commonly imagined. We use ICTWSS data for 34 OECD countries to construct an index of corporatism for each country and a cross-national average for countries in each of six welfare models. Over the period 1960–2010 corporatism declines dramatically in Anglo-Saxon countries but converges to the Continental European mean for the three main groups of European countries. This circumstantial evidence suggests that norms of fairness in the social regulation of labor markets are at least resilient to the encroachment of neoliberal labor market practices.
Social Class and Cultural Consumption: The Impact of Modernisation in a Comparative European Perspective
Authors: Gerhards Jürgen , Hans Silke , Mutz Michael 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Pierre Bourdieu’s work has argued that there is a homology of social classes on the one hand and cultural consumption on the other. In contrast, theories of individualisation posit that social class plays only a minor role in shaping lifestyle in contemporary societies. In this paper we examine a) how much contemporary highbrow lifestyles in 27 European countries are structured by class membership, b) the extent to which highbrow consumption varies according to the level of modernisation of a society and c) whether the explanatory power of social class in relation to highbrow consumption decreases in more modernised European countries. The findings show that highbrow lifestyles are strongly influenced by social class, and that highbrow consumption is more common in more modernised societies. Moreover, the findings confirm the hypothesis that the formative power of social class on lifestyle decreases in highly modernised societies, albeit without disappearing completely.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Divorce: A Fifteen-Country Study with the Fertility and Family Survey
Authors: Diekmann Andreas , Schmidheiny Kurt 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Studies mainly from the United States provide evidence that children of divorced parents face a higher risk of divorce in their own marriages. We estimate and analyze the effects of divorce transmission using comparative individual data from the United Nations for 13 eastern and western European countries as well as for Canada and the United States. We find substantial and highly statistically significant transmission effects in all samples. This shows that the intergenerational transmission of divorce is a widespread phenomenon observed without a single exception in our data covering a large number of countries with differing historical, institutional, and cultural contexts.
The effect of nano-hydroxyapatite on the microstructure and properties of Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy
Authors: Sun Jin’e , Chen Minfang , Cao Genghua , Bi Yanze , Liu Debao , Wei Jun 
Published: April 2013

In order to meet the clinical application requirements of biodegradable materials in orthopedic surgery field, novel Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/ xHA ( x = 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt%) composites have been developed by melting under the mechanical stirring and the heat extrusion route. The thorough examination on the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) particles on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy was carried out. The results indicated that the gelatin-coated nano-HA particles could more uniformly distribute in the matrix and the grain size was refined to be approximately 10 µm. More non-basal dislocations presented in the composite with the increment of nano-HA particles. Compared with the Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr alloy, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/1.5HA composite had been improved and reached 302 MPa, 275 MPa and 20.9%, respectively. Furthermore, Mg–3Zn–0.5Zr/1HA composite showed the optimal degradation rate of 6.45 mm/yr in the in vitro corrosion tests. From the clinical application requirements of biodegradable materials point of view, the composite containing 1 wt% nano-HA particles could be evidently believed to be a promising bone fixation material for the application.
Business coaching for information professionals
Authors: Trenner Lesley 
Published: April 2013

Coaching is still a fairly young profession. Definitions of what constitutes business coaching are not universally agreed and there is little validated academic research about the benefits coaching provides. However, there is growing evidence that the use of business coaching is increasing and that coaching is now seen as a highly cost-effective way to enhance professional and personal development. This article looks at what business coaching is, why its use is increasing and how introducing coaching provides hard and soft benefits both for individuals and for organizations. Like other professionals, those in the information industry need to develop skills in areas such as leadership, communication and customer focus. In addition they have some unique challenges: demand for their services is changing; there are more hurdles for career progression; information professionals need to ‘do more with less’, whilst still adding value to the business. More than ever, library, information and knowledge workers have to fight their corner, find new ways to apply information skills and ‘reinvent’ themselves. Coaching can help them to do this. The article concludes with some ‘frequently asked questions’ about how coaching works within organizations. It concludes that, in the current economic climate, there appear to be a range of benefits that information professionals seeking to develop and motivate themselves and others would find it hard to ignore.
The use of ultrasound in the evaluation of the efficacy of calf muscle pump function in primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Crisóstomo R S S , Candeias M S , Armada-Da-Siva P A S 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To evaluate popliteal vein blood flow during calf muscle contraction in chronic venous disease (CVD) patients and healthy controls using ultrasound imaging and to investigate the relationship between venous blood flow and gastrocnemius muscle (GM) morphology. Methods Thirty-one subjects participated in this study (mean age: 40.3 [11.8] years), 15 healthy controls and 16 with CVD (clinical classification: C1–4). Popliteal vein cross-sectional area and venous blood flow velocity (FV) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at baseline and during three sets of 10 tip-toe movement repetitions. Muscle thickness, muscle fascicle length and pennation angle of both medial and lateral GM were measured by ultrasound. Measures were repeated a week later in 17 participants in order to assess reproducibility with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. Results Peak FV was lower in CDV group compared with Control group for both first (40.6 [11.8] versus 62.4 (22.1) cm2/second; P = 0.021) and last (30.4 [9.1] versus 49.5 (22.7) cm2/second; P = 0.024) contraction. In CVD group, peak FV during first contraction increased with GM's muscle fascicle length ( r = 0.63; P = 0.041). Popliteal FV also increased with rising range of muscle fascicles pennation change between ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion ( r = 0.70; P = 0.025). No associations were found between haemodynamics and medial or lateral GM thickness. Calf muscular architecture was similar in both CVD and control participants. Test–retest reliability of FV measured in the same session was high (ICC≈0.70) for measures taken in the first contraction of the set but lowered when using the last contraction (ICC <0.50). Reproducibility of ultrasound evaluation of calf pump is acceptable within the same session but is unsatisfactory when testing in separate days. Conclusion Patients with moderate CVD have lower FV during calf muscles contraction but similar muscle anatomical characteristics compared with healthy controls. Changes in calf muscles flexibility and fatigue resistance may be investigated as possible causes of calf pump dysfunction.
Morphological characteristics of the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous vein
Authors: Jian F-G , Chu H-B , Liu G-Z , Zhao J-H , Xu Y-B , Wang T , Sun H-J , Tang J-Y , Guo W-J , Wu H-J , Zhang S-M 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: To investigate the morphological changes in the walls of thrombophlebitic saphenous veins. Methods: Fifty-four specimens were made into slices for haematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome staining; ultrathin slices were also created. Slices were observed under light microscopy and electron microscopy. Results: Under light microscopy, the tunica intima of venous wall in the thrombophlebitic saphenous veins group was obviously thickened and incomplete; intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia was observed. Hyperplasia of collagenous fibres in the tunica media was observed. Elastic fibres in the tunica externa became fewer, whereas nourishing vessels were significantly increased in number. Infiltration of many inflammatory cells was observed. Under electron microscopy, Auer bodies with high electron density and round granules could be seen in endothelial cells in the thrombophlebitic saphenous veins group. Smooth muscle cells had an irregular karyotype, with blurred cristae in some mitochondria. Myofilaments basically disappeared. Conclusion: Thrombus formation might aggravate re-modelling of the walls of varicose veins.
Medical liability insurance claims after treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Dickhoff C , Cremers J E L , Legemate D A , Koelemay M J W 
Published: April 2013

Objective: Since insight into the reason for filing claims after treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremity might help prevent future claims, we determined the incidence of and reasons for medical liability insurance claims after such treatments in the Netherlands. Method: We performed a retrospective review of all medical liability insurance claims after varicose vein treatment handled by MediRisk between January 1993 and December 2007. Results: A total of 144 claims were filed of which 104 were closed by the end of the study period. Nerve injury ( n = 28), skin necrosis following sclerotherapy ( n = 17), deep vein injury ( n = 11) and insufficient communication ( n = 9) accounted for more than 60% of all claims. Claims were equally distributed among registrars and consultants. Some 41 of the 104 closed claims were accepted. In 27 of the accepted cases, the physician had obviously failed in providing the care as expected from a medical practitioner allowed to perform these treatments. The majority of these 27 claims were due to injury of nerves ( n = 11) or deep veins ( n = 9). Conclusion: The incidence of claims after treatment of varicose veins in the Netherlands is low. Proper knowledge of anatomy and adequate communication, along with the introduction of less invasive treatments might prevent future claims.
Haemostatic activation and Inflammatory response after three methods of treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence
Authors: Dzieciuchowicz L , Espinosa G , Páramo J A 
Published: April 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the activation of haemostasis and inflammatory response after three different methods of treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. Material and methods: Forty-five patients with GSV incompetence were assigned to one of the three types of treatment: high ligation and stripping (HL&S), radiofrequency ablation with ClosureFast (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with 810 nm diode laser with miniphlebectomy if required. Peripheral blood samples were obtained in the morning before the surgery and 24 hours and 10 days after the procedure. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1 + 2), antigen of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) were determined. The results were statistically analysed with SPSS for Windows 15.0. Results: Thirty-eight patients completed the study: 13 from RFA, 14 from EVLA and 11 from HL&S group. The baseline data did not differ among groups. There was a significant increase of D-dimer in HL&S group after 24 hours ( P = 0.002). The changes in RFA and EVLA groups did not show statistical significance ( P = 0.092). PAI-1 decreased in RFA patients after 24 hours ( P = 0.02), did not change in EVLA patients, and tended to increase after HL&S (P = 0.08). The highest CRP increase was observed in HL&S group ( P = 0.003). No significant changes in F1 + 2, t-PA and vWF were observed in any group of patients at 24 hours. At 10 days, a further significant increase of D-dimer ( P = 0.04) and CRP ( P = 0.018) concentrations in HL&S but not RFA and EVLA patients was observed. Conclusions: Endovenous thermal ablation is associated with significantly less activation of haemostasis and inflammatory response when compared with HL&S.