bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid‐mediated signalling between two Pseudomonas species
Authors: Fernández‐Piñar Regina , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Dubern Jean‐Frederic , Heeb Stephan , Ramos Juan L. , Cámara Miguel 
Published: May 2012

SummaryWe report the identification of fatty acids as mediators of intercellular signalling in Pseudomonas putida, and between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida. Tetradecanoic acid and fatty acids of similar chain length are present in supernatants of these strains and activate population density‐dependent expression of ddcA, a gene involved in corn seed and root colonization by P. putida KT2440. Consistently, significant amounts of these compounds were also found in corn root exudates. The signalling pathway involves the two‐component regulatory system formed by RoxS and RoxR, which had been previously shown to control expression of ddcA and of a set of genes related to the redox balance of P. putida cells. Production of the fatty acid signal in P. aeruginosa is under the control of the LasI/LasR and RhlI/RhlR quorum sensing systems. Our data indicate that in terms of cell–cell communication, P. putida KT2440 employs mechanisms closer to those of plant pathogens such as Xanthomonas spp. and fungi like Candida, which also rely on fatty acid derivatives.
Comparison of an inertial sensor system of lameness quantification with subjective lameness evaluation
Authors: McCracken M. J. , Kramer J. , Keegan K. G. , Lopes M. , Wilson D. A. , Reed S. K. , LaCarrubba A. , Rasch M. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Subjective evaluation of mild lameness has been shown to have poor interobserver reliability. Traditional methods of objective lameness evaluation require specialised conditions and equipment. Wireless inertial sensor systems have been developed to allow for simple, rapid, objective lameness detection in horses trotted over ground.Objective:The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivities of an inertial sensor system and subjective evaluation performed by experienced equine practitioners at detecting lameness in horses. We hypothesised that the inertial sensor system would identify lameness at a lower level of sole pressure than a consensus of 3 experienced equine veterinarians.Methods:Fifteen horses were fitted with special shoes that allowed for lameness induction via sole pressure. Horses were simultaneously evaluated by 3 equine veterinarians and a wireless inertial sensor system. Horses were subjected to multiple trials: 1) before inserting the screw; 2) after inserting the screw to just touch the sole; and 3) after tightening the screw in half turn increments. The number of screw turns required for lameness identification in the correct limb by the inertial sensors and by consensus of 3 equine veterinarians was compared using the Wilcoxon test.Results:The inertial sensor system selected the limb with the induced lameness after fewer screw turns than did the 3 veterinarians (P<0.0001). The inertial sensor system selected the correct limb before the 3 veterinarians in 35 trials (58.33%), the evaluators selected the correct limb before the inertial sensors in 5 trials (8.33%), and in 20 trials (33.33%) they selected the correct limb at the same time.Potential relevance:The inertial sensor system was able to identify lameness at a lower level of sole pressure than the consensus of 3 equine veterinarians. The inertial sensor system may be an effective aid to lameness localisation in clinical cases.
The use of intrathecal analgesia and contrast radiography as preoperative diagnostic methods for digital flexor tendon sheath pathology
Authors: FISKE‐JACKSON A. R. , BARKER W. H. J. , ELIASHAR E. , FOY K. , SMITH R. K. W. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:The sensitivity of ultrasonography for the diagnosis ofmanica flexoria(MF) tears within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) is lower than for diagnosis of marginal tears of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Additional diagnostic tools would assist in appropriate decision making for either conservative or surgical management.Objectives:To evaluate the improvement in lameness of horses with MF or DDFT tears following intrathecal analgesia and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of contrast radiography for the diagnosis of these tears.Methods:The case records of horses presented to a referral clinic over a 7‐year period that underwent intrathecal diagnostic analgesia, or intrathecal analgesia and contrast radiography, of the DFTS with subsequent tenoscopy were examined.Results:Fifty‐three limbs had intrathecal diagnostic analgesia performed and 23 contrast tenograms were assessed in horses undergoing DFTS tenoscopy. Horses with DDFT tears were significantly more likely to respond positively to intrathecal diagnostic analgesia than those with MF tears (P = 0.02). Using contrast radiography, tears of the MF were predicted with an overall sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 80%; marginal tears of the DDFT were predicted with an overall sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 84%.Conclusions:The results of intrathecal analgesia of the DFTS in combination with contrast radiography have a high sensitivity for predicting MF tears. The sensitivity of contrast radiography for predicting tears of the DDFT is lower but the specificity remains high.Potential relevance:Contrast radiography performed at the same time as intrathecal analgesia provides useful information regarding the presence of MF tears and DDFT tears, which can assist in the decision of whether to manage the lameness conservatively or with tenoscopic evaluation.
UVC Light Prophylaxis for Cutaneous Wound Infections in Mice
Authors: Dai Tianhong , Garcia Barbara , Murray Clinton K. , Vrahas Mark S. , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

UVC light has long been known to be highly germicidal but has not been much developed as a therapy for infections. This study investigated the potential of UVC light for the prophylaxis of infections developing in highly contaminated superficial cutaneous wounds.
In vitro
studies demonstrated that the pathogenic bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
were inactivated at UVC light exposures much lower than those needed for a similar effect on mammalian keratinocytes. Mouse models of partial-thickness skin abrasions infected with bioluminescent
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
were developed. Approximately 10
7
bacterial cells were inoculated onto wounds measuring 1.2 by1.2 cm on the dorsal surfaces of mice. UVC light was delivered at 30 min after bacterial inoculation. It was found that for both bacterial infections, UVC light at a single radiant exposure of 2.59 J/cm
2
reduced the bacterial burden in the infected mouse wounds by approximately 10-fold in comparison to those in untreated mouse wounds (
P
< 0.00001). Furthermore, UVC light increased the survival rate of mice infected with
P. aeruginosa
by 58.3% (
P
= 0.0023) and increased the wound healing rate in mice infected with
S. aureus
by 31.2% (
P
< 0.00001). DNA lesions were observed in the UVC light-treated mouse wounds; however, the lesions were extensively repaired by 48 h after UVC light exposure. These results suggested that UVC light may be used for the prophylaxis of cutaneous wound infections.
Induction of Mycobacterial Resistance to Quinolone Class Antimicrobials
Authors: Malik Muhammad , Chavda Kalyan , Zhao Xilin , Shah Nirali , Hussain Syed , Kurepina Natalia , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Kerns Robert J. , Drlica Karl 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

An agar plate assay was developed for detecting the induction of drug-resistant mycobacterial mutants during exposure to inhibitors of DNA gyrase. When
Mycobacterium smegmatis
on drug-containing agar, resistant colonies arose over a period of 2 weeks. A
recA
deficiency reduced mutant recovery, consistent with involvement of the SOS response in mutant induction. The C-8-methoxy compounds gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin allowed the recovery of fewer resistant mutants than either ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin when present at the same multiple of the MIC; a quinolone-like 8-methoxy-quinazoline-2,4-dione was more effective at restricting the emergence of resistant mutants than its cognate fluoroquinolone. Thus, the structure of fluoroquinolone-like compounds affects mutant recovery. A spontaneous mutator mutant of
M. smegmatis
, obtained by growth in medium containing both isoniazid and rifampin, increased mutant induction during exposure to ciprofloxacin. Moreover, the mutator increased the size of spontaneous resistant mutant subpopulations, as detected by population analysis. Induction of ciprofloxacin resistance was also observed with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
H37Rv. When measured with clinical isolates, no difference in mutant recovery was observed between multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pansusceptible isolates. This finding is consistent with at least some MDR isolates of
M. tuberculosis
lacking mutators detectable by the agar plate assay. Collectively, the data indicate that the use of fluoroquinolones against tuberculosis may induce resistance and that the choice of quinolone may be important for restricting the recovery of induced mutants.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Giant Pseudomonas Phage Lu11
Authors: Adriaenssens E. M. , Mattheus W. , Cornelissen A. , Shaburova O. , Krylov V. N. , Kropinski A. M. , Lavigne R. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of the giant
Pseudomonas
phage Lu11 was determined, comparing 454 and Sanger sequencing. The double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome is 280,538 bp long and encodes 391 open reading frames (ORFs) and no tRNAs. The closest relative is
Ralstonia
phage φRSL1, encoding 40 similar proteins. As such, Lu11 can be considered phylogenetically unique within the
Myoviridae
and indicates the diversity of the giant phages within this family.
Patient satisfaction with the colonoscopy procedure: endoscopists overestimate the importance of adverse physical symptoms: Table 1
Authors: Denters Maaike J , Deutekom Marije , Derkx Bert , Bossuyt Patrick M , Fockens Paul , Dekker Evelien 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundColonoscopy is a frequently performed procedure associated with a substantial burden for the patient. Most of what is known about patient satisfaction stems from surveys that target issues doctors believe to be important. It has been noticed that patients often focus on different aspects.AimTo have patients and endoscopists rate the extent to which each of a list of patient-generated issues-of-concern contributes to patient satisfaction with the colonoscopy procedure.SubjectsA sample of consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy in a Dutch tertiary teaching hospital and a convenience sample of endoscopists.MethodsColonoscopy patients and endoscopists were asked to rate on a five-point Likert scale the importance of 55 items concerning the colonoscopy procedure for patient satisfaction. Items were derived from focus group sessions with colonoscopy patients. Endoscopists were invited to rate the importance of the same set of items from a patient perspective. An analysis was carried out of whether patients and endoscopists rated the importance of items differently.Results69 patients and 34 endoscopists completed the questionnaire. The ratings of the endoscopists were significantly different from those of patients (p<0.0001). Endoscopists underestimated the importance of involving patients in decisions, discussing risks and complications, providing the opportunity for substantive questions and offering a comfortable temperature in the examination room. Endoscopists overestimated the importance of adverse physical symptoms, such as pain and abdominal cramps, and the role of the treating doctor.ConclusionsEndoscopists do not have a good perception of the items that contribute most to patient satisfaction with the colonoscopy procedure. Overcoming this gap may be an essential step towards improving patient satisfaction by targeting those concerns most relevant to patients.
Optical and electronic properties of RuO2 from first principles
Authors: Yang Z.J. , Li J. , Linghu R.F. , Cheng X.L. , Yang X.D. 
Published: May 2012

The systematic trends of electronic structure and optical properties of RuO2 consisting of its four phases have been studied by using norm-conserving pseudopotential within the generalized gradient approximation for the exchange–correlation potential. The total density of states (DOS) and energy band structure investigations revealed that the fluorite phase possesses the broadest conduction bandwidth (0–30 eV) and the pyrite phase possesses the narrowest conduction bandwidth (0–5 eV). Study on partial DOS we found that O 2p electrons of the fluorite phase present a significant shift towards the Fermi level and Ru s and p electrons of the rutile phase contribute little to the orbital energy level formation. For the first time, we found that the norm-conserving pseudopotential failed to obtain the normal DOS and energy band distributions for a rutile Ru atom below about –40 eV, whereas such missing electronic distributions could be obtained successfully using an ultrasoft pseudo potential. Investigations on the optical properties further found that the rutile and CaCl2-type phases behave more similarly and the fluorite phase shows the most sensitive response in the whole radiation reaction region. The electron energy loss function revealed that the pyrite phase corresponds to the least relative intensity.
Documentation quality and time costs
Authors: Brown Steven , Rosenbloom Trent S. , Hardenbrook Shawn P. , Clark Terry , Fielstein Elliot , Elkin Peter , Speroff Ted 
Published: May 2012

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) performs over 800,000 disability exams and distributes over $37 billion in disability benefits per year. VA developed and deployed a computer-based disability exam documentation system in order to improve exam report quality and timeliness. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing joint disability examinations supported by computerized templates to the examinations documented via dictation, to determine if the system met the intended goals or had unintended consequences. Consenting veterans were randomized to undergo exams documented using computerized templates or via dictation. We compared exam report quality, documentation time costs, encounter length, total time to fulfill an exam request with a finalized exam report, and veteran satisfaction. Computer-based templates resulted in disability exam reports that had higher quality scores (p. 0.042) and were returned to the requesting office faster than exam reports created via dictation (p. 0.02).
Documentation time and veteran satisfaction were similar for both the documentation techniques. Encounter length was significantly longer for the template group. Computer-based templates impacted the VA disability evaluation system by improving report quality scores and production time and lengthening encounter times. Oversight bodies have called for mandated use of computer-based templates nationwide. We believe mandates regarding use of health information technology should be guided by data regarding its positive and negative impacts.
Smoking Behavior and Exposure to Tobacco Toxicants during 6 Months of Smoking Progressively Reduced Nicotine Content Cigarettes
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , Dains Katherine M. , Hall Sharon M. , Stewart Susan , Wilson Margaret , Dempsey Delia , Jacob Peyton 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Recent federal legislation gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate the nicotine content of cigarettes. A nationwide strategy for progressive reduction of the nicotine content of cigarettes is a potential way to reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes, to prevent new smokers from becoming addicted, and to facilitate quitting in established smokers. We conducted a trial of progressive nicotine content tapering over 6 months to determine the effects on smoking behaviors and biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure and cardiovascular effects.
Methods: One hundred and thirty-five healthy smokers were randomly assigned to one of two groups. A research group smoked their usual brand of cigarettes followed by five types of research cigarettes with progressively lower nicotine content, each smoked for one month. A control group smoked their own brand of cigarettes for the same period of time.
Results: Nicotine intake, as indicated by plasma cotinine concentration, declined progressively as the nicotine content of cigarettes was reduced. Cigarette consumption and markers of exposure to carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as cardiovascular biomarkers remained stable, whereas urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) excretion decreased. No significant changes in biomarkers of exposure or cardiovascular effects were observed in controls.
Conclusions: Our data support the proposition that the intake of nicotine from cigarettes of smokers can be substantially lowered without increasing exposure to other tobacco smoke toxins.
Impact: These findings support the feasibility and safety of gradual reduction of the nicotine content in cigarettes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 761–9. ©2012 AACR.
The Impact of Race and Comorbidity on Survival in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Olson Sara H. , Atoria Coral L. , Cote Michele L. , Cook Linda S. , Rastogi Radhai , Soslow Robert A. , Brown Carol L. , Elkin Elena B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground: Poorer survival from endometrial cancer in blacks than in whites is well documented. The aims of this study were to determine whether diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions influence survival and whether accounting for these conditions reduces this racial disparity.Methods: Using the SEER-Medicare database, we investigated the influence of diabetes, hypertension, and other comorbid conditions on survival in black and white women age ≥66 with endometrial cancer. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the influence of comorbidities on survival for blacks and whites separately and to study survival differences between blacks and whites after adjustment for diabetes, hypertension, and other medical conditions, as well as for demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment.Results: In both racial subgroups, women with diabetes or other conditions had poorer overall survival, whereas hypertensive black women experienced better survival [HR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60–0.92]. For disease-specific survival, diabetes was associated with poorer survival in white women (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06–1.35) but not in blacks (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.73–1.30); hypertension and other conditions were not significantly related to survival. After adjustment, black women had poorer survival than white women, with HRs of 1.16 (95% CI, 1.05–1.28) for overall and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.08–1.49) for disease-specific survival.Conclusions: Diabetes influences disease-specific survival in white women but not in blacks. The racial disparity in survival is not explained by the presence of other health conditions.Impact: Further research should focus on the unknown factors that lead to poorer survival in black women compared with whites. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 753–60. ©2012 AACR.
Body Mass Index and Colon Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maruthur Nisa M. , Bolen Shari , Gudzune Kimberly , Brancati Frederick L. , Clark Jeanne M. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Obesity is associated with increased colon cancer mortality and lower rates of mammography and Pap testing.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine whether obesity is associated with lower rates of colon cancer screening. We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Two investigators reviewed citations, abstracts, and articles independently. Two investigators abstracted study information sequentially and evaluated quality independently using standardized forms. We included all studies in our qualitative syntheses. We used random effects meta-analyses to combine those studies providing screening results by the following body mass index (BMI) categories: Normal, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (reference); overweight, 25–29.9 kg/m2; class I obesity, 30–34.9 kg/m2; class II obesity, 35–39.9 kg/m2; and class III obesity, ≥ 40 kg/m2.
Results: Of 5,543 citations, we included 23 articles. Almost all studies were cross-sectional and ascertained BMI and screening through self-report. BMI was not associated with colon cancer screening overall. The subgroup of obese white women reported lower rates of colon cancer screening compared with those with a normal BMI with combined ORs (95% CI) of 0.87 (0.82–0.93), 0.80 (0.65–0.99), and 0.73 (0.58–0.94) for class I, II, and III obesity, respectively. Results were similar among white men with class II obesity.
Conclusions: Overall, BMI was not associated with colon cancer screening. Obese white men and women may be less likely to undergo colon cancer screening compared with those with a normal BMI.
Impact: Further investigation of this disparity may reduce the risk of obesity-related colon cancer death. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 737–46. ©2012 AACR.
Hazard of Recurrence among Women after Primary Breast Cancer Treatment—A 10-Year Follow-up Using Data from SEER-Medicare
Authors: Cheng Lee , Swartz Michael D. , Zhao Hui , Kapadia Asha S. , Lai Dejian , Rowan Paul J. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Giordano Sharon H. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground: Few studies have used SEER-Medicare data to describe recurrence of breast cancer after primary treatment for U.S. women.Methods: We used SEER-Medicare data to estimate the annual hazard rate (HR) of recurrence for women with breast cancer between 1991 and 1997 with 10 years of follow-up. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to derive the HR. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the relative hazard of the recurrence-associated prognostic factors.Results: Of 20,027 women, 36.8% had recurrence within 10 years, with most of these recurrences (81.9%) occurring within 5 years after diagnosis. Women with stage III cancer showed the highest HR peak and largest magnitude than women with stage I or II disease (both P &lt; 0.01) within the first 5 years. Women with negative tumor hormone receptor status had a higher peak hazard of developing recurrence within the first 5 years (P &lt; 0.01), but the hazards were remarkably lower beyond 5 years of follow-up than in women with positive or unknown hormone receptor status (P &gt; 0.05). Women with poorly differentiated histologic grade tumors showed higher HR in the first 5 years than women with other grades after primary treatment (both P &lt; 0.01). The increased risk of recurrence of breast cancer was associated with advanced stage, moderate and poorly differently grades, and negative hormone receptor status (all P &lt; 0.01).Conclusion: The HRs of the recurrence are dynamic over 10 years and are markedly determined by prognostic factors at diagnosis.Impact: Our study suggests that the optimal follow-up may differ among women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 800–9. ©2012 AACR.