bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposing the third chromosome of Burkholderia cepacia complex strains as a virulence plasmid
Authors: Agnoli K. , Schwager S. , Uehlinger S. , Vergunst A. , Viteri D. F. , Nguyen D. T. , Sokol P. A. , Carlier A. , Eberl L. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) consists of 17 closely related species of opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which are particularly problematic for cystic fibrosis patients and immunocompromised individuals. Bcc genomes consist of multiple replicons, and each strain sequenced to date has three chromosomes. In addition to genes thought to be essential for survival, each chromosome carries at least one rRNA operon. We isolated three mutants during a transposon mutagenesis screen that were non‐pathogenic in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. It was demonstrated that these mutants had lost chromosome 3 (c3), and that the observed attenuation of virulence was a consequence of this. We constructed a c3 mini‐replicon and used it to cure c3 from strains of several Bcc species by plasmid incompatibility, resulting in nine c3‐null strains covering seven Bcc species. Phenotypic characterization of c3‐null mutants revealed that they were attenuated in virulence in multiple infection hosts (rat, zebrafish, C. elegans, Galleria mellonella and Drosophila melanogaster), that they exhibited greatly diminished antifungal activity, and that c3 was required for d‐xylose, fatty acid and pyrimidine utilization, as well as for exopolysaccharide production and proteolytic activity in some strains. In conclusion, we show that c3 is not an essential chromosomal element, rather a large plasmid that encodes virulence, secondary metabolism and other accessory functions in Bcc bacteria.
Methodology matters: what type of research is suitable for evaluating community treatment supporters for HIV and tuberculosis treatment?
Authors: Maher Dermot , Harries Anthony D. , Nachega Jean B. , Jaffar Shabbar 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe choice of research method relevant to the evaluation of delivery of a health intervention is not always straightforward. We use the evaluation of HIV and tuberculosis community treatment supporters in promoting adherence to treatment in Africa as a case study to illustrate the pros and cons of operational research and randomised controlled trials. The choice of this intervention for the case study reflects the importance of maximising the benefits of unprecedented efforts to scale‐up treatments of these two epidemics. International policy supporting the role of community treatment supporters in tuberculosis is largely based on the findings of operational research studies. This reflects the advantages that operational research is less costly than randomised controlled trials, provides more rapid answers to policy questions, enables standard evaluation of the intervention in ‘real life’ conditions in several diverse settings and has in‐built potential to influence policy and practice, because the research is conducted within health programmes. Recent evidence on the role of community treatment supporters in HIV is largely based on randomised trials. This reflects the advantages that randomised trials compared to operational research are more rigorous and generate a more convincing result. Operational research and randomised trials may be viewed as providing complementary findings to inform new policies and practice aimed at improving programme performance and patient outcomes. However, in practice, insufficient funds are likely to be made available for randomised trials to answer all the current research questions on delivery of programme interventions. In deciding on the type of research to evaluate a particular health intervention, dialogue is necessary with policy‐makers to weigh up explicitly the trade‐offs between research rigour and other factors such as cost, speed of implementation of research and speed of policy uptake and of change in programme practice.
Stress intensity factors of cracks emanating from a surface square hole in infinite body in tension
Authors: YAN XIANGQIAO , LIU BAOLIANG , YU JIJUN 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with such a kind of surface crack problem with a same depth (called a liked‐plane crack problem for short). Based on the previous investigations on an internal rectangular crack and a surface rectangular crack in an infinite solid in tension and the hybrid displacement discontinuity method, a numerical approach for the liked‐plane crack problem is presented. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the numerical approach is simple, yet accurate for calculating the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of the liked‐plane crack problem. Specifically, SIFs of a pair of cracks emanating from a surface square hole in an infinite body in tension are investigated in detail.
Association of overactive bladder and C‐reactive protein levels. Results from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey
Authors: Kupelian Varant , Rosen Raymond C. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael B. , McKinlay John B. 
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Aetiology (cohort)Level of Evidence 3aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Evidence of chronic inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasia suggests a role of inflammation in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, few studies have investigated the association of inflammation and overactive bladder in both men and women. Results of this population‐based study show a consistent association of increased C‐reactive protein levels with overactive bladder in both men and women. These results support the hypothesized role of inflammation in the development of overactive bladder.OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in a population‐based sample of men and women.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Epidemiological survey of urological symptoms among men and women aged 30–79 years. A multi‐stage stratified cluster design was used to randomly sample 5503 adults from the city of Boston. Analyses were conducted on 1898 men and 1854 women with available CRP levels.
The International Continence Society defines OAB as ‘Urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia.’ OAB was defined as: (1) urgency, (2) urgency with frequency, and (3) urgency with frequency and nocturia.
Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of the CRP and OAB association were estimated using logistic regression.
RESULTS
Prevalence of OAB increased with CRP levels in both men and women.
In men, adjusted ORs (95% CI) per log10(CRP) levels were 1.90 (1.26–2.86) with OAB defined as urgency, 1.65 (1.06–2.58) with OAB defined as urgency and frequency, and 1.92 (1.13–3.28) with OAB defined as urgency, frequency and nocturia.
The association was more modest in women with ORs (95% CI) of 1.53 (1.07–2.18) for OAB as defined urgency, 1.51 (1.02–2.23) for OAB defined as urgency and frequency, and 1.34 (0.85–2.12) for OAB defined as urgency, frequency and nocturia.
CONCLUSIONS
Results show a consistent association of increasing CRP levels and OAB among both men and women.
These results support our hypothesis for the role of inflammation in the development of OAB and a possible role for anti‐inflammatory agents in its treatment.
Sexual dysfunction in women with ketamine cystitis: a case‐control study
Authors: Jang Mei‐Yu , Long Cheng‐Yu , Chuang Shu‐Mien , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Lin Hung‐Yu , Wu Wen‐Jen , Juan Yung‐Shun 
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Prevalence (case control)Level of Evidence 3aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Extreme ketamine abuse not only damages the bladder and results in bladder wall fibrosis, but also causes bladder mucosa ulcers. Women with the presence of LUTs and chronic pelvic pain appear to show an impact on sexual functions.Increasing problems of ketamine‐associated cystitis are being seen in daily clinical practice. The present case–control study investigated clinical symptom severity and sexual dysfunction in women with KC. The present study showed, with the exception of the sexual desire domain of the female sexual function index, that patients with KC scored lower on all domains compared to controls. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high in patients with KC.OBJECTIVE
To conduct a case–control study evaluating clinical symptom severity and sexual dysfunction in women with ketamine cystitis (KC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In total, 29 patients with KC and 27 controls completed the symptoms survey.
Participants completed a visual pelvic pain analogue scale, an O'Leary‐Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index questionnaire, a Female Sexual Function Index, and a short form of the Chinese Health Questionnaire‐12.
RESULTS
Both the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index scores were significantly higher in patients with KC compared to controls (P < 0.001).
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high in patients with KC.
There was a difference in total adjusted Female Sexual Function Index scores between the patients with KC and controls: mean (sd) total Female Sexual Function Index score 17.65 (6.15) for KC cases vs 25.87 (4.16) for controls (P < 0.001).
Except for the sexual desire domain of female sexual dysfunction, patients with KC scored lower on all domains compared to controls.
There was no significant difference between patients with KC and controls with respect to mental health as evaluated by the Chinese Health Questionnaire‐12.
CONCLUSIONS
Sexual dysfunction and KC symptoms severely impacted on quality of life.
Mental health had no significant difference between patients with KC and controls.
The Principled Case for Employing Private Military and Security Companies in Interventions for Human Rights Purposes
Authors: BAKER DEANE‐PETER , PATTISON JAMES 
Published: December 2011

abstractThe possibility of using private military and security companies to bolster the capacity to undertake intervention for human rights purposes (humanitarian intervention and peacekeeping) has been increasingly debated. The focus of such discussions has, however, largely been on practical issues and the contingent problems posed by private force. By contrast, this article considers the principled case for privatising humanitarian intervention. It focuses on two central issues. First, does outsourcing humanitarian intervention to private military and security companies pose some fundamental, deeper problems in this context, such as an abdication of a state's duties? Second, on the other hand, is there a case for preferring these firms to other, state‐based agents of humanitarian intervention? For instance, given a state's duties to their own military personnel, should the use of private military and security contractors be preferred to regular soldiers for humanitarian intervention?
Maturation of prepulse inhibition (PPI) in childhood
Authors: Gebhardt J. , Schulz‐Juergensen S. , Eggert P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt is known that sensorimotor gating measured by the prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex (PPI) matures during childhood. Since certain disorders in children, for example, enuresis, show a significant loss in PPI, the PPI as a tool for investigating brainstem reflex control mechanism gains in importance. Therefore, it is crucial to know the natural course of PPI maturation in childhood. A total of 122 healthy children aged from 3–10 years and 10 healthy adults were examined. PPI was initiated by a 120 ms and a 60 ms prepulse and was measured by the EMG of M. orbicularis oculi. For the respective prepulse intervals, the PPI level in each age group increased from 3 to 9 or 10 years and showed a similar course. The findings confirm and extend knowledge about the maturation of PPI during childhood and emphasize the importance of age‐dependent standard values when investigating PPI in children.
Spatiotemporal and frequency domain analysis of auditory paired stimuli processing in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with psychosis
Authors: Hamm Jordan P. , Ethridge Lauren E. , Shapiro John R. , Stevens Michael C. , Boutros Nashaat N. , Summerfelt Ann T. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Sweeney John A. , Pearlson Godfrey , Tamminga Carol A. , Thaker Gunvant , Clementz Brett A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIndividuals with schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar disorder with psychosis (BPP) may share neurophysiological abnormalities as measured in auditory paired‐stimuli paradigms with electroencephalography (EEG). Such investigations have been limited, however, by quantifying only event‐related potential peaks and/or broad frequency bands at limited scalp locations without considering possible mediating factors (e.g., baseline differences). Results from 64‐sensor EEG collected in 180 age‐ and gender‐matched participants reveal (i) accentuated prestimulus gamma oscillations and (ii) reduced P2 amplitudes and theta/alpha oscillations to S1 among participants with both SZ and BPP. Conversely, (iii) N1s in those with SZ to S1 were reduced compared to healthy volunteers and those with BPP, whereas (iv) beta range oscillations 200–300 ms following S2 were accentuated in those with BPP but not those with SZ. Results reveal a pattern of both unique and shared neurophysiological phenotypes occurring within major psychotic diagnoses.
Relation between serum bilirubin levels ≥450 μmol/L and bilirubin encephalopathy; a Danish population‐based study
Authors: Ebbesen Finn , Bjerre Jesper V , Vandborg Pernille K 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  Describe the relation between levels of total serum bilirubin (TsB) ≥450 μmol/L and acute intermediate, acute advanced and chronic bilirubin encephalopathy.Material and methods:  All infants born at gestational age ≥35 weeks in Denmark between 2000 and 2007 with a TsB ≥450 μmol/L according to the national laboratory information system. Infants diagnosed with bilirubin encephalopathy were found in the Danish National Registry of Patients.Results:  502 766 infants at gestational age ≥35 weeks were identified. Two hundred twenty‐four developed a TsB ≥450 μmol/L, equivalent to an incidence of 45/100 000/year, and it increased during the period. Incidence of infants with peak TsB of 450–499, 500–599 and 600–1000 μmol/L were 29.6, 12.7 and 2.2 per 100 000, respectively. Three infants had acute advanced bilirubin encephalopathy and got severe sequelae, whereas the two infants with acute intermediate encephalopathy developed normally. Their peak TsB was ≥544 μmol/L. Having a peak TsB 600–1000 μmol/L, the risk of acute advanced and chronic bilirubin encephalopathy was 27% (95% CI 6;61), and the incidence of these conditions was 0.6 (95% CI 0.1;1.7) per 100 000.Conclusion:  The incidence of infants with TsB ≥450 μmol/L was 45/100 000/year. Infants with a TsB ≥600 μmol/L had a substantial risk of developing acute advanced and chronic bilirubin encephalopathy, and the incidence of these conditions was 0.6 per 100 000.
World Health Organization (WHO) infant and young child feeding indicators: associations with growth measures in 14 low‐income countries
Authors: Marriott Bernadette P. , White Alan , Hadden Louise , Davies Jayne C. , Wallingford John C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEight World Health Organization (WHO) feeding indicators (FIs) and Demographic and Health Survey data for children <24 months were used to assess the relationship of child feeding with stunting and underweight in 14 poor countries. Also assessed were the correlations of FI with country gross national income (GNI). Prevalence of underweight and stunting increased with age and ≥50% of 12–23‐month children were stunted. About 66% of babies received solids by sixth to eighth months; 91% were still breastfeeding through months 12–15. Approximately half of the children were fed with complementary foods at the recommended daily frequency, but <25% met food diversity recommendations. GNI was negatively correlated with a breastfeeding index (P < 0.01) but not with other age‐appropriate FI. Regression modelling indicated a significant association between early initiation of breastfeeding and a reduction in risk of underweight (P < 0.05), but a higher risk of underweight for continued breastfeeding at 12–15 months (P < 0.001). For infants 6–8 months, consumption of solid foods was associated with significantly lower risk of both stunting and underweight (P < 0.001), as was meeting WHO guidance for minimum acceptable diet, iron‐rich foods (IRF) and dietary diversity (P < 0.001); desired feeding frequency was only associated with lower risk of underweight (P < 0.05). Timely solid food introduction, dietary diversity and IRF were associated with reduced probability of underweight and stunting that was further associated with maternal education (P < 0.001). These results identify FI associated with growth and reinforce maternal education as a variable to reduce risk of underweight and stunting in poor countries.
The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Depression: A Meta‐Analysis 2000–2010
Authors: Feng Chiueng‐Yi , Chu Hsin , Chen Chiung‐Hua , Chang Yu‐Shiun , Chen Tsai‐Hwei , Chou Yuan‐Hwa , Chang Yue‐Cune , Chou Kuei‐Ru 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjective: The goals of the meta‐analysis were to investigate the overall effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for depression and relapse prevention in depression from 2000 to 2010, and to investigate how the variables (episode, residual symptoms, group size, control group, group manual, therapist experience, therapy frequency, session length, and take‐home assignment) of a CBGT study could affect the effect size.Method: This study collected actual study designs sought of CBGT for depression published from 2000 to 2010. These studies were then cross‐referenced using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) with the following keywords: group therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral group therapy, psychotherapy, depression, relapse, and recurrence. The quality of the studies was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. The effect size of CBGT on depression and relapse prevention in depression used the formula devised by Hedges and Olkin (1985).Results: The study investigated the results of 32 studies on the effect of CBGT for depression. The CBGT had an immediate (g=−0.40) and continuous effect over 6 months (g=−0.38), but no continuous effect after 6 months (g=−0.06). The CBGT lowered the relapse rate of depression (RD = 0.16). Variables significantly different from each other in terms of immediate effect were: CBGT versus usual care, therapy sessions lasting longer than 1 hour, and take‐home assignments. Preintervention severity of depression and patient turnover rate were found to be significantly related to the size of the immediate effect. The relapse rate after 6 months was significantly related only to “participants have no residual symptoms/participants did not mention residual symptoms.”Conclusions: Researchers and clinicians should take note that CBGT had a moderate effect on the level of depression and a small effect on the relapse rate of depression. The results of this study suggest that the patient should receive a course of therapy at least every 6 months.
Early panretinal photocoagulation for ERG‐verified ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Kjeka Ole , Jansson Ragnhild W. , Bredrup Cecilie , Krohn Jørgen 
Published: December 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  We have previously shown that photopic cone b‐wave implicit time ≥35.0 ms in 30 Hz flicker electroretinography (ERG) predicts ocular neovascularization (NV) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Here, we evaluate the effects of early panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with ERG‐verified ischaemic CRVO.Methods:  Patients with CRVO, admitted to our department between 2000 and 2008, were classified as having ischaemic or non‐ischaemic CRVO based on the ERG‐results. In a first group of 71 patients, 18 patients had ischaemic CRVO and were assigned to standard treatment that is regular examinations and PRP as soon as NV was found. In a consecutive group of 65 patients, 18 patients with ischaemic CRVO received early PRP. In this group, ERG was performed on average 6 weeks after the first symptoms of CRVO. The patients underwent PRP as soon as possible after the ERG‐examination, and the treatment was completed within one to three sessions.Results:  Twelve patients in the standard treatment group developed neovascular glaucoma during a mean period of 5 months after the CRVO. In the early treatment group, one patient developed subtle iris rubeosis 7 months after PRP. Otherwise, none of the patients showed any signs of ocular NV, and the intraocular pressure remained within normal range, without the necessity of supplementary medication, during a mean follow‐up of 41 months.Conclusions:  This study indicates that ocular NV in patients with CRVO can be predicted by photopic 30 Hz flicker ERG and that early PRP in ERG‐verified ischaemic CRVO could be suggested as standard treatment.
Comparative study of cisplatin‐iodized oil suspension and emulsion for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of rabbit VX2 liver tumors
Authors: Mine Takahiko , Murata Satoru , Ueda Tatsuo , Onozawa Shiro , Onda Munehiko , Naito Zenya , Kumita Shinichiro 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the antitumor effects and hepatotoxicity of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with cisplatin‐iodized oil suspension and emulsion in a rabbit tumor model.Methods:  Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed on 12 rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors using a cisplatin suspension (1 mg/kg cisplatin and 0.1 mL/kg iodized oil, n = 6) or emulsion (1 mg/kg cisplatin, 0.1 mL/kg of iodized oil, and 0.1 mL/kg saline solution, n = 6). Time series changes in plasma platinum concentration were compared over 24 h. All rabbits were killed at 7 days after TACE, and the growth ratio and residual viable proportion of tumors were calculated on the basis of ultrasonographic and histopathological findings. Hepatotoxicity was also evaluated. Differences between the two groups were statistically assessed with the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The animal care committee of our institute approved this study.Results:  Plasma platinum concentrations were significantly higher in the suspension group than in the emulsion group at 0.5–24 h after TACE (P < 0.05). Growth ratios (−24.6 ± 9.98% vs. 21.4 ± 8.87%, respectively; P = 0.004) and residual viable proportions of tumors (25.8 ± 5.02% vs. 51.1 ± 11.4%, respectively; P = 0.009) were significantly lower in the suspension group than in the emulsion group. Hepatotoxicity was transient in all rabbits.Conclusion:  Cisplatin‐iodized oil suspensions facilitated the slow release of cisplatin at the tumor border. A suspension is preferable to an emulsion for drug delivery and the antitumor effect during the treatment of VX2 liver tumors with TACE.