bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of first‐episode and chronic patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: symptoms and childhood trauma
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xue Zhimin , Pu Weidan , Yang Bo , Li Li , Yi Wenyin , Wang Peng , Liu Chang , Wu Guowei , Liu Zhening , Rosenheck Robert A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimThere has been considerable interest in identifying and addressing the specific needs of early‐episode patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in the hope that by addressing such needs early, chronic disabilities can be avoided.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐eight early‐episode and 571 chronic patients were compared on socio‐demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and history of childhood trauma. Symptoms were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and trauma with the short version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.ResultsFirst‐episode patients scored 9.3% higher than chronic patients on the PANSS positive symptom scale and 16.3% lower on the negative symptom scale. More first episode patients reported childhood sexual abuse (P = 0.033); however, fewer reported childhood emotional neglect (P = 0.01). Childhood trauma was associated with positive symptoms, specifically with hallucinations in first‐episode patients (r = 0.174; P = 0.049). Moreover, fewer parents of first episode patients were living alone (P = 0.008). On multiple logistic regression, the first‐episode patients were younger (odds ratio = 0.92), had higher PANSS positive symptom scores (odds ratio 1.04) and lower negative symptom scores (odds ratio 0.948 recalculate).ConclusionsMore positive symptoms, fewer negative symptoms, less isolated parents and greater risk of childhood sexual abuse might warrant attention in first episode schizophrenia and perhaps should be a focus for the development of targeted interventions.
Searching for links in the biotic characteristics and abiotic parameters of nine different biogas plants
Authors: Walter Andreas , Knapp Brigitte A. , Farbmacher Theresa , Ebner Christian , Insam Heribert , Franke‐Whittle Ingrid H. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryTo find links between the biotic characteristics and abiotic process parameters in anaerobic digestion systems, the microbial communities of nine full‐scale biogas plants in South Tyrol (Italy) and Vorarlberg (Austria) were investigated using molecular techniques and the physical and chemical properties were monitored. DNA from sludge samples was subjected to microarray hybridization with the ANAEROCHIP microarray and results indicated that sludge samples grouped into two main clusters, dominated either by Methanosarcina or by Methanosaeta, both aceticlastic methanogens. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens were hardly detected or if detected, gave low hybridization signals. Results obtained using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) supported the findings of microarray hybridization. Real‐time PCR targeting Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta was conducted to provide quantitative data on the dominating methanogens. Correlation analysis to determine any links between the microbial communities found by microarray analysis, and the physicochemical parameters investigated was conducted. It was shown that the sludge samples dominated by the genus Methanosarcina were positively correlated with higher concentrations of acetate, whereas sludge samples dominated by representatives of the genus Methanosaeta had lower acetate concentrations. No other correlations between biotic characteristics and abiotic parameters were found. Methanogenic communities in each reactor were highly stable and resilient over the whole year.
Categorizing segmentation quality using a quantitative quality assurance algorithm
Authors: Rodrigues George , Louie Alexander , Videtic Gregory , Best Lara , Patil Nikhilesh , Hallock Abhirami , Gaede Stewart , Kempe Jeff , Battista Jerry , de Haan Patricia , Bauman Glenn 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionObtaining high levels of contouring consistency is a major limiting step in optimizing the radiotherapeutic ratio. We describe a novel quantitative methodology for the quality assurance (QA) of contour compliance referenced against a community set of contouring experts.MethodsTwo clinical tumour site scenarios (10 lung cases and one prostate case) were used with QA algorithm. For each case, multiple physicians (lung: n = 6, prostate: n = 25) segmented various target/organ at risk (OAR) structures to define a set of community reference contours. For each set of community contours, a consensus contour (Simultaneous Truth and Performance Level Estimation (STAPLE)) was created. Differences between each individual community contour versus the group consensus contour were quantified by consensus‐based contouring penalty metric (PM) scores. New observers segmented these same cases to calculate individual PM scores (for each unique target/OAR) for each new observer–STAPLE pair for comparison against the community and consensus contours.ResultsFour physicians contoured the 10 lung cases for a total of 72 contours for quality assurance evaluation against the previously derived community consensus contours. A total of 16 outlier contours were identified by the QA system of which 11 outliers were due to over‐contouring discrepancies, three were due to over‐/under‐contouring discrepancies, and two were due to missing/incorrect nodal contours. In the prostate scenario involving six physicians, the QA system detected a missing penile bulb contour, systematic inner‐bladder contouring, and under‐contouring of the upper/anterior rectum.ConclusionA practical methodology for QA has been demonstrated with future clinical trial credentialing, medical education and auto‐contouring assessment applications.
Contrast‐enhanced MRI predicts local recurrence of osteoid osteoma after radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Mahnken Andreas H , Bruners Philipp , Delbrück Heide , Günther Rolf W , Plumhans Cedric 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionOsteoid osteoma is a painful benign tumour, which is commonly treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The goal of this study is to assess the value of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting clinical success after RFA of osteoid osteoma.MethodsTwenty consecutive patients (14 male, 6 female; mean age 23.3 ± 13.4 years) suffering from osteoid osteoma underwent unenhanced and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI the day after RFA. Post‐interventional contrast enhancement of the nidus was analyzed by comparing signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) of the nidus before and after contrast administration. The SNR between pre‐ and post‐contrast scans was computed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in SNR between pre‐ and post‐contrast scans in the area of ablation (P = 0.1583), while the SNR exceeded one in four patients, indicating residual contrast enhancement. In three of these patients clinical symptoms recurred, requiring re‐ablation, while one patient remained free from symptoms during follow‐up. In patients with a pre‐ and post‐contrast SNR of ≤1.18 no local recurrence was observed.ConclusionsContrast enhancement on T1‐weighted MRI imaging seems to be predictive of clinically unsuccessful RFA in osteoid osteoma. Patients with a SNR increase of ≥20% after contrast administration might be considered for re‐ablation to avoid symptomatic tumour recurrence.
Employing an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour to predict breastfeeding intention, initiation, and maintenance in White British and South‐Asian mothers living in Bradford
Authors: Lawton Rebecca , Ashley Laura , Dawson Shoba , Waiblinger Dagmar , Conner Mark 
Published: September 2012

Background. Despite reported differences in breastfeeding rates amongst women of different ethnic groups, little research has investigated whether the thoughts and feelings (social cognitions) of women from these different groups during pregnancy influence their later breastfeeding behaviour.Objective. This study investigates the extent to which social cognitions (based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour; TPB) predict differences in breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and maintenance between White British (WB) and South Asian (SA) women.Design and methods. Two hundred and fifty women (predominantly WB or SA) in the last trimester of pregnancy completed a questionnaire based on the TPB. The women were followed up 6 months later and their breastfeeding during the previous 6 months was recorded.Results. The TPB predicted significant variance in breastfeeding across the sample and was able to account for differences between SA and WB women. Affective attitudes (emotional reactions to breastfeeding) and moral norms (reactions about whether breastfeeding is right or wrong) were the strongest predictors of intentions. Intentions and affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding initiation, whilst only affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding maintenance.Conclusion. Stronger intentions to breastfeed led to higher rates of breastfeeding amongst SA women. In turn, intentions were predicted by emotional and moral beliefs about breastfeeding, beliefs that were less positive amongst a WB sample. This suggests that those tasked with encouraging breastfeeding may need to have a different conversation with women about breastfeeding that goes beyond a focus on costs and benefits.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subjectSouth Asian women living in Britain are more likely to breastfeed their infants than White British women. The constructs of the Theory of Planned Behaviour have been shown to predict breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. However, few studies measure longer term breastfeeding or test whether TPB constructs from the extended TPB measured before the delivery of the baby predict breastfeeding initiation or maintenance. No studies have explored this amongst a British South Asian population.What this study addsThis study demonstrates that intentions and affective attitudes are strong predictors of initiation of breastfeeding, but that only affective attitude predicted maintenance of breastfeeding for 6 months. Moreover, we demonstrated that stronger intentions were able to explain the higher breastfeeding initiation rates and affective attitudes were able to explain the greater likelihood of maintenance of breastfeeding amongst South Asian women.
Targeting the Substrate Preference of a Type I Nitroreductase To Develop Antitrypanosomal Quinone-Based Prodrugs
Authors: Hall Belinda S. , Meredith Emma Louise , Wilkinson Shane R. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Nitroheterocyclic prodrugs are used to treat infections caused by
Trypanosoma cruzi
and
Trypanosoma brucei
. A key component in selectivity involves a specific activation step mediated by a protein homologous with type I nitroreductases, enzymes found predominantly in prokaryotes. Using data from determinations based on flavin cofactor, oxygen-insensitive activity, substrate range, and inhibition profiles, we demonstrate that NTRs from
T. cruzi
and
T. brucei
display many characteristics of their bacterial counterparts. Intriguingly, both enzymes preferentially use NADH and quinones as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively, suggesting that they may function as NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductases in the parasite mitochondrion. We exploited this preference to determine the trypanocidal activity of a library of aziridinyl benzoquinones against bloodstream-form
T. brucei
. Biochemical screens using recombinant NTR demonstrated that several quinones were effective substrates for the parasite enzyme, having
K
cat
/

K
m

values 2 orders of magnitude greater than those of nifurtimox and benznidazole. In tests against
T. brucei
, antiparasitic activity mirrored the biochemical data, with the most potent compounds generally being preferred enzyme substrates. Trypanocidal activity was shown to be NTR dependent, as parasites with elevated levels of this enzyme were hypersensitive to the aziridinyl agent. By unraveling the biochemical characteristics exhibited by the trypanosomal NTRs, we have shown that quinone-based compounds represent a class of trypanocidal compound.
Regulation of RamA by RamR in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium: Isolation of a RamR Superrepressor
Authors: Ricci Vito , Busby Stephen J. W. , Piddock Laura J. V. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

RamA is a transcription factor involved in regulating multidrug resistance in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium SL1344. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter fusions were exploited to investigate the regulation of RamA expression by RamR. We show that RamR represses the
ramA
promoter by binding to a palindromic sequence and describe a superrepressor RamR mutant that binds to the
ramA
promoter sequence more efficiently, thus exhibiting a
ramA
inactivated phenotype.
Comparison of Fluconazole Renal Penetration Levels in Healthy and Candida albicans-Infected Wistar Rats
Authors: Azeredo Francine Johansson , de Araújo Bibiana Verlindo , Haas Sandra Elisa , Torres Bruna , Pigatto Maiara , de Andrade Cristiane , Dalla Costa Teresa 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to evaluate free levels of fluconazole (FCZ) in the kidneys of healthy and
Candida albicans
-infected Wistar rats using microdialysis and to establish the relationship between free renal and total plasma levels under both conditions. Microdialysis recovery rates were determined
in vitro
by dialysis, and retrodialysis recovery rates were determined
in vivo
by retrodialysis. The recovery rate was around 50%, independent of the method, drug concentration, or condition (
in vitro
or
in vivo
) used. FCZ kidney penetration in healthy and infected rats was investigated after the administration of 10 mg/kg of body weight intravenously (i.v.) or 50 mg/kg orally (
n
= 6/group) and blood and microdialysate sample harvesting at predetermined time points up to 24 and 18 h, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the area under the free concentration-time curve (AUC
0–∞
) values in plasma and in tissue for either healthy or infected groups for the same dose regimen investigated. The antifungal tissue penetrations were similar for both doses and under all conditions investigated (ranging from 0.77 to 0.84). The unbound fraction of FCZ was concentration independent (86.0% ± 2.0%), allowing the prediction of free renal levels using pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from total plasma fitting. The results showed that free renal and free plasma levels are similar in healthy and systemically
C. albicans
-infected rats. Therefore, free plasma levels are a good surrogate to estimate free FCZ renal concentrations in systemic candidiasis and can be used to optimize dosing regimens for this drug.
Lack of Lipid A Pyrophosphorylation and Functional
lptA
Reduces Inflammation by Neisseria Commensals
Authors: John Constance M. , Liu Mingfeng , Phillips Nancy J. , Yang Zhijie , Funk Courtney R. , Zimmerman Lindsey I. , Griffiss J. McLeod , Stein Daniel C. , Jarvis Gary A. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The interaction of the immune system with
Neisseria
commensals remains poorly understood. We have previously shown that phosphoethanolamine on the lipid A portion of lipooligosaccharide (LOS) plays an important role in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. For pathogenic
Neisseria
, phosphoethanolamine is added to lipid A by the phosphoethanolamine transferase specific for lipid A, which is encoded by
lptA
. Here, we report that Southern hybridizations and bioinformatics analyses of genomic sequences from all eight commensal
Neisseria
species confirmed that
lptA
was absent in 15 of 17 strains examined but was present in
N. lactamica
. Mass spectrometry of lipid A and intact LOS revealed the lack of both pyrophosphorylation and phosphoethanolaminylation in lipid A of commensal species lacking
lptA
. Inflammatory signaling in human THP-1 monocytic cells was much greater with pathogenic than with commensal
Neisseria
strains that lacked
lptA
, and greater sensitivity to polymyxin B was consistent with the absence of phosphoethanolamine. Unlike the other commensals, whole bacteria of two
N. lactamica
commensal strains had low inflammatory potential, whereas their lipid A had high-level pyrophosphorylation and phosphoethanolaminylation and induced high-level inflammatory signaling, supporting previous studies indicating that this species uses mechanisms other than altering lipid A to support commensalism. A meningococcal
lptA
deletion mutant had reduced inflammatory potential, further illustrating the importance of lipid A pyrophosphorylation and phosphoethanolaminylation in the bioactivity of LOS. Overall, our results indicate that lack of pyrophosphorylation and phosphoethanolaminylation of lipid A contributes to the immune privilege of most commensal
Neisseria
strains by reducing the inflammatory potential of LOS.
Streptococcal M1 Protein Triggers Farnesyltransferase-Dependent Formation of CXC Chemokines in Alveolar Macrophages and Neutrophil Infiltration of the Lungs
Authors: Zhang Songen , Rahman Milladur , Zhang Su , Jeppsson Bengt , Herwald Heiko , Thorlacius Henrik 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe M1 serotype ofStreptococcus pyogenesplays an important role in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit streptococcal M1 protein-induced acute lung damage, although downstream mechanisms remain elusive. Protein isoprenylation, such as farnesylation and geranylgeranylation, has been suggested to regulate anti-inflammatory effects exerted by statins. Here, we examined the effect of a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI-277) on M1 protein-triggered lung inflammation. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with FTI-277 prior to M1 protein challenge. Bronchoalveolar fluid and lung tissue were harvested for quantification of neutrophil recruitment, edema, and CXC chemokine formation. Flow cytometry was used to determine Mac-1 expression on neutrophils. The gene expression of CXC chemokines was determined in alveolar macrophages by using quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We found that the administration of FTI-277 markedly decreased M1 protein-induced accumulation of neutrophils, edema formation, and tissue damage in the lung. Notably, inhibition of farnesyltransferase abolished M1 protein-evoked production of CXC chemokines in the lung and gene expression of CXC chemokines in alveolar macrophages. Moreover, FTI-277 completely inhibited chemokine-induced neutrophil migrationin vitro. However, farnesyltransferase inhibition had no effect on M1 protein-induced expression of Mac-1 on neutrophils. Our findings suggest that farnesyltransferase is a potent regulator of CXC chemokine formation in alveolar macrophages and that inhibition of farnesyltransferase not only reduces neutrophil recruitment but also attenuates acute lung injury provoked by streptococcal M1 protein. We conclude that farnesyltransferase activity is a potential target in order to attenuate acute lung damage in streptococcal infections.
Comparative Genome Analysis of Three Eukaryotic Parasites with Differing Abilities To Transform Leukocytes Reveals Key Mediators of
Theileria
-Induced Leukocyte Transformation
Authors: Hayashida Kyoko , Hara Yuichiro , Abe Takashi , Yamasaki Chisato , Toyoda Atsushi , Kosuge Takehide , Suzuki Yutaka , Sato Yoshiharu , Kawashima Shuichi , Katayama Toshiaki , Wakaguri Hiroyuki , Inoue Noboru , Homma Keiichi , Tada-Umezaki Masahito , Yagi Yukio , Fujii Yasuyuki , Habara Takuya , Kanehisa Minoru , Watanabe Hidemi , Ito Kimihito , Gojobori Takashi , Sugawara Hideaki , Imanishi Tadashi , Weir William , Gardner Malcolm , Pain Arnab , Shiels Brian , Hattori Masahira , Nene Vishvanath , Sugimoto Chihiro 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

We sequenced the genome of
Theileria orientalis
, a tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan parasite of cattle. The focus of this study was a comparative genome analysis of
T
.
orientalis
relative to other highly pathogenic
Theileria
species,
T
.
parva
and
T
.
annulata
.
T
.
parva
and
T
.
annulata
induce transformation of infected cells of lymphocyte or macrophage/monocyte lineages; in contrast,
T
.
orientalis
does not induce uncontrolled proliferation of infected leukocytes and multiplies predominantly within infected erythrocytes. While synteny across homologous chromosomes of the three
Theileria
species was found to be well conserved overall, subtelomeric structures were found to differ substantially, as
T
.
orientalis
lacks the large tandemly arrayed subtelomere-encoded variable secreted protein-encoding gene family. Moreover, expansion of particular gene families by gene duplication was found in the genomes of the two transforming
Theileria
species, most notably, the TashAT/TpHN and Tar/Tpr gene families. Gene families that are present only in
T
.
parva
and
T
.
annulata
and not in
T
.
orientalis
,
Babesia bovis
, or
Plasmodium
were also identified. Identification of differences between the genome sequences of
Theileria
species with different abilities to transform and immortalize bovine leukocytes will provide insight into proteins and mechanisms that have evolved to induce and regulate this process. The
T
.
orientalis
genome database is available at
http://totdb.czc.hokudai.ac.jp/
.

IMPORTANCE
Cancer-like growth of leukocytes infected with malignant
Theileria
parasites is a unique cellular event, as it involves the transformation and immortalization of one eukaryotic cell by another. In this study, we sequenced the whole genome of a nontransforming
Theileria
species,
Theileria orientalis
, and compared it to the published sequences representative of two malignant, transforming species,
T
.
parva
and
T
.
annulata
. The genome-wide comparison of these parasite species highlights significant genetic diversity that may be associated with evolution of the mechanism(s) deployed by an intracellular eukaryotic parasite to transform its host cell.
Guideline for the management of terminal haemorrhage in palliative care patients with advanced cancer discharged home for end-of-life care
Authors: Ubogagu Edith , Harris Dylan G 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTerminal haemorrhage is a rare and distressing emergency in palliative oncology. We present an algorithm for the management of terminal haemorrhage in patients likely to receive end-of-life care at home, based on a literature review of the management of terminal haemorrhage for patients with advanced cancer, where a DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation) order is in place and the patient wishes to die at home.MethodA literature review was conducted to identify literature on the management of terminal haemorrhage in patients with advanced cancer who are no longer amenable to active interventional/invasive procedures. Electronic databases, the grey literature, local guidelines from hospitals and hospices, and online web portals were all searched systematically. The literature review was used to formulate a management algorithm.ResultsThe evidence base is very limited. A three-step practical algorithm is suggested: preparing for the event, managing the event (‘ABC’) and ‘aftercare’. Step 1 involves the identification and optimisation of risk factors. Step 2 (the event) consists of A (assure and re-assure the patient), B (be there – above all stay with the patient) and C (comfort, calm, consider dark towels and anxiolytics if possible). Step 3 (the aftercare) involves the provision of practical and psychological support to those involved including relatives and professionals.ConclusionTerminal haemorrhage is a rare yet highly feared complication of advanced cancer, for which there is a limited evidence base to guide management. The suggested three-step approach to managing this situation gives professionals a logical framework within which to work.