bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Performance Associated With Self-care Activities in Mexican Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Compeán-Ortiz Lidia G. , Gallegos Esther C. , Gonzalez-Gonzalez José G. , Gomez-Meza Marco V. , Therrien Barbara , Salazar Bertha C. 
Published: February 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of memory-learning on self-care activities in adults with type 2 diabetes moderated by previous education/ understanding in diabetes and to explore the explicative capacity of age, gender, schooling, diabetes duration, and glycemic control in memory-learning. Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted in a randomized sample of 105 Mexican adult patients with type 2 diabetes at a community-based outpatient clinic. Evaluation measures included the Wechsler Memory Scale for memory-learning; 2 questionnaires for self-care activities and previous education/understanding in diabetes, respectively; and glycosylated hemoglobin for glycemic control. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the effect of memory-learning on self-care activities and the moderator capacity of previous education/understanding on diabetes. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the capacity of age, schooling, diabetes duration, and glycemic control in memory-learning types. Results A significant positive effect of memory-learning on self-care activities was found. Education/understanding in diabetes moderated the relationship between immediate and delayed memory-learning and self-care in glucose monitoring and diet. Gender, schooling, and the gender-glycemic control interaction explained memory-learning performance. Conclusions Immediate and delayed verbal and visual memory-learning were important for the patient to carry out self-care activities, and this relationship can be moderated by previous education/understanding in diabetes. These findings suggest potential benefits in emphasizing cognitive strategies to promote relearning of self-care behaviors in persons who live with diabetes.
Risks to health professionals from hazardous drugs in Japan: A pilot study of environmental and biological monitoring of occupational exposure to cyclophosphamide
Authors: Sugiura Shin-ichi , Asano Mika , Kinoshita Kuninori , Tanimura Manabu , Nabeshima Toshitaka 
Published: February 2010

Purpose. In Japan, concerns exist regarding the dangers inherent when handling cytotoxic drugs, particularly drugs such as 5-FU, Thiotepa, Cytarabine, Tegaful, and Sizofiran which are contained in ampoules or vials, since nurses and medical doctors have been preparing these cytotoxic drugs in the open spaces of wards in the absence of appropriate garments and personal protective equipment. In addition, the administration tubes for these dangerous drugs have been exchanged at the patients’ bedside, typically in rooms shared by several patients. To gain insight into the severity of the occupational hazards posed by these practices, we conducted a pilot study of environmental and biological monitoring of occupational exposure to cyclophosphamide (CP). Setting. At Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan, in February 2006, two departments, A and B, were monitored with surface-wipe, and urine samples were analyzed using the Sessink method (exposure control, The Netherlands). Department A had a preparation room with biological safety cabinet (BSC) where the pharmacists prepare cytotoxic drugs. Department B did not have a BSC. Results. Many areas of the treatment rooms were contaminated with CP. CP was detected on tables and telephone stands where cytotoxic drugs were not used as well as tables used to prepare cytotoxic drugs. Significant differences in CP concentrations were detected from the urine of two of the three nurses who cared for the same patients without gloves. The nurses rotated and inherited the patient who had the highest risk of contamination. CP was detected only once from the urine of the medical doctor who prepared CP. He was not wearing any PPE other than gloves. All of the pharmacists wearing PPE were free from contamination of CP. Discussion. Regardless of the use of BSC, wards were contaminated with CP. The contamination may not occur due to the sealing used in CP containers and administration tubes when discarding them. CP was detected only once in the urine of a medical doctor who prepared CP by warming it. The cause may be inhalation of CP gas from the injector. The contamination of the nurses may be from dermal absorption because absorption continued even after the shift ended and the nurses left the facility. CP was not detected in pharmacists who followed the guidelines for preparation of CP. All of the medical staff should follow the guidelines when they handle CP.
Exploring the evolutionary dynamics of plasmids: the Acinetobacter pan-plasmidome
Authors: Fondi Marco , Bacci Giovanni , Brilli Matteo , Papaleo Maria Cristiana , Mengoni Alessio , Vaneechoutte Mario , Dijkshoorn Lenie , Fani Renato 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Prokaryotic plasmids have a dual importance in the microbial world: first they have a great impact on the metabolic functions of the host cell, providing additional traits that can be accumulated in the cell without altering the gene content of the bacterial chromosome. Additionally and/or alternatively, from a genome perspective, plasmids can provide a basis for genomic rearrangements via homologous recombination and so they can facilitate the loss or acquisition of genes during these events, which eventually may lead to horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Given their importance for conferring adaptive traits to the host organisms, the interest in plasmid sequencing is growing and now many complete plasmid sequences are available online.

Results
By using the newly developed Blast2Network bioinformatic tool, a comparative analysis was performed on the plasmid and chromosome sequence data available for bacteria belonging to the genus Acinetobacter, an ubiquitous and clinically important group of γ-proteobacteria. Data obtained showed that, although most of the plasmids lack mobilization and transfer functions, they have probably a long history of rearrangements with other plasmids and with chromosomes. Indeed, traces of transfers between different species can be disclosed.

Conclusions
We show that, by combining plasmid and chromosome similarity, identity based, network analysis, an evolutionary scenario can be described even for highly mobile genetic elements that lack extensively shared genes. In particular we found that transposases and selective pressure for mercury resistance seem to have played a pivotal role in plasmid evolution in Acinetobacter genomes sequenced so far.
Microevolutionary dynamics of a macroevolutionary key innovation in a Lepidopteran herbivore
Authors: Heidel-Fischer Hanna M , Vogel Heiko , Heckel David G , Wheat Christopher W 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
A molecular population genetics understanding is central to the study of ecological and evolutionary functional genomics. Population genetics identifies genetic variation and its distribution within and among populations, it reveals the demographic history of the populations studied, and can provide indirect insights into historical selection dynamics. Here we use this approach to examine the demographic and selective dynamics acting of a candidate gene involved in plant-insect interactions. Previous work documents the macroevolutionary and historical ecological importance of the nitrile-specifier protein (Nsp), which facilitated the host shift of Pieridae butterflies onto Brassicales host plants ~80 Myr ago.

Results
Here we assess the microevolutionary dynamics of the Nsp gene by studying the within and among-population variation at Nsp and reference genes in the butterfly Pieris rapae (Small Cabbage White). Nsp exhibits unexpectedly high amounts of amino acid polymorphism, unequally distributed across the gene. The vast majority of genetic variation exists within populations, with little to no genetic differentiation among four populations on two continents. A comparison of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions in 70 randomly chosen genes among P. rapae and its close relative Pieris brassicae (Large Cabbage White) finds Nsp to have a significantly relaxed functional constraint compared to housekeeping genes. We find strong evidence for a recent population expansion and no role for strong purifying or directional selection upon the Nsp gene.

Conclusions
The microevolutionary dynamics of the Nsp gene in P. rapae are dominated by recent population expansion and variation in functional constraint across the repeated domains of the Nsp gene. While the high amounts of amino acid diversity suggest there may be significant functional differences among allelic variants segregating within populations, indirect tests of selection could not conclusively identify a signature of historical selection. The importance of using this information for planning future studies of potential performance and fitness consequences of the observed variation is discussed.
TAF6δ orchestrates an apoptotic transcriptome profile and interacts functionally with p53
Authors: Wilhelm Emmanuelle , Kornete Mara , Targat Brice , Vigneault-Edwards Jimmy , Frontini Mattia , Tora Laszlo , Benecke Arndt , Bell Brendan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundTFIID is a multiprotein complex that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription owing to its core promoter recognition and co-activator functions. TAF6 is a core TFIID subunit whose splice variants include the major TAF6α isoform that is ubiquitously expressed, and the inducible TAF6δ. In contrast to TAF6α, TAF6δ is a pro-apoptotic isoform with a 10 amino acid deletion in its histone fold domain that abolishes its interaction with TAF9. TAF6δ expression can dictate life versus death decisions of human cells.ResultsHere we define the impact of endogenous TAF6δ expression on the global transcriptome landscape. TAF6δ was found to orchestrate a transcription profile that included statistically significant enrichment of genes of apoptotic function. Interestingly, gene expression patterns controlled by TAF6δ share similarities with, but are not equivalent to, those reported to change following TAF9 and/or TAF9b depletion. Finally, because TAF6δ regulates certain p53 target genes, we tested and demonstrated a physical and functional interaction between TAF6δ and p53.ConclusionTogether our data define a TAF6δ-driven apoptotic gene expression program and show crosstalk between the p53 and TAF6δ pathways.
Using genetic algorithms to optimise current and future health planning - the example of ambulance locations
Authors: Sasaki Satoshi , Comber Alexis J , Suzuki Hiroshi , Brunsdon Chris 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Ambulance response time is a crucial factor in patient survival. The number of emergency cases (EMS cases) requiring an ambulance is increasing due to changes in population demographics. This is decreasing ambulance response times to the emergency scene. This paper predicts EMS cases for 5-year intervals from 2020, to 2050 by correlating current EMS cases with demographic factors at the level of the census area and predicted population changes. It then applies a modified grouping genetic algorithm to compare current and future optimal locations and numbers of ambulances. Sets of potential locations were evaluated in terms of the (current and predicted) EMS case distances to those locations.

Results
Future EMS demands were predicted to increase by 2030 using the model (R2 = 0.71). The optimal locations of ambulances based on future EMS cases were compared with current locations and with optimal locations modelled on current EMS case data. Optimising the location of ambulance stations locations reduced the average response times by 57 seconds. Current and predicted future EMS demand at modelled locations were calculated and compared.

Conclusions
The reallocation of ambulances to optimal locations improved response times and could contribute to higher survival rates from life-threatening medical events. Modelling EMS case 'demand' over census areas allows the data to be correlated to population characteristics and optimal 'supply' locations to be identified. Comparing current and future optimal scenarios allows more nuanced planning decisions to be made. This is a generic methodology that could be used to provide evidence in support of public health planning and decision making.
Prophylactic Antifungal Agents Used After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Marino Elizabeth , Gallagher Jason C 
Published: February 2010

Objective: To review the data supporting available antifungal agents and compare regimens utilized to prevent fungal infection in lung transplant recipients. Data Sources: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1950 through October 2009) and United Network for Organ Sharing online database (available data through October 2009), using the terms lung transplantation, prophylaxis, and fungal infection. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Study Selection And Data Extraction: All articles or related abstracts in English identified from the data sources above were evaluated. Literature including adult lung transplant recipients who received systemic antifungal prophylaxis to prevent invasive fungal infections (IFIs) was included in the review. Data Synthesis: IFIs after lung transplantation remain a common postoperative problem and are associated with high mortality. The lung is the most vulnerable solid organ to be transplanted, as it is the main organ responsible for gas exchange and therefore the high risk for pulmonary-related IFIs. It is most susceptible to developing an IFI, as it serves as a medium for organisms traveling from air to human tissue, potentially causing life-threatening infections. Such infections typically involve Candida and Aspergillus spp. and tend to occur within the first 12 months after transplant. Although there has been an increase in lung transplants performed over the past decade, no standard antifungal prophylactic regimen exists. Literature describing antifungals used to prevent IFI after transplant is scarce, which may be due to a lack of consistency in regimens used between transplant centers. Several regimens have been described utilizing different antifungal agents as both monotherapy and combination therapy. The majority of the literature reviewed here describes aerosolized amphotericin B formulations and azole antifungals demonstrating an overall decreased risk of fungal infection after lung transplantation. It has become the standard of practice to initiate some form of antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Conclusions: The risk of fungal infection after lung transplant is multifactorial and optimal prophylactic regimens should include agents with adequate activity against the most pathogenic fungi.
Natural and engineered kallikrein inhibitors: an emerging pharmacopoeia
Authors: Swedberg Joakim E. , de Veer Simon J. , Harris Jonathan M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe kallikreins and kallikrein-related peptidases are serine proteases that control a plethora of developmental and homeostatic phenomena, ranging from semen liquefaction to skin desquamation and blood pressure. The diversity of roles played by kallikreins has stimulated considerable interest in these enzymes from the perspective of diagnostics and drug design. Kallikreins already have well-established credentials as targets for therapeutic intervention and there is increasing appreciation of their potential both as biomarkers and as targets for inhibitor design. Here, we explore the current status of naturally occurring kallikrein protease-inhibitor complexes and illustrate how this knowledge can interface with strategies for rational re-engineering of bioscaffolds and design of small-molecule inhibitors.
Analysis of an engineered plasma kallikrein inhibitor and its effect on contact activation
Authors: Stoop A. Allart , Joshi Ravi V. , Eggers Christopher T. , Craik Charles S. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractEngineering of protein-protein interactions is used to enhance the affinity or specificity of proteins, such as antibodies or protease inhibitors, for their targets. However, fully diversifying all residues in a protein-protein interface is often unfeasible. Therefore, we limited our phage library for the serine protease inhibitor ecotin by restricting it to only tetranomial diversity and then targeted all 20 amino acid residues involved in protein recognition. This resulted in a high-affinity and highly specific plasma kallikrein inhibitor, ecotin-Pkal. To validate this approach we dissected the energetic contributions of each wild type (wt) or mutated surface loop to the binding of either plasma kallikrein (PKal) or membrane-type serine protease 1. The analysis demonstrated that a mutation in one loop has opposing effects depending on the sequence of surrounding loops. This finding stresses the cooperative nature of loop-loop interactions and justifies targeting multiple loops with a limited diversity. In contrast to ecotin wt, the specific loop combination of ecotin-Pkal discriminates the subtle structural differences between the active enzymes, PKal and Factor XIIa, and their respective zymogen forms. We used ecotin-Pkal to specifically inhibit contact activation of human plasma at the level mediated by plasma kallikrein.
Combined analysis of survivin autoantibody and carcinoembryonic antigen biomarkers for improved detection of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Jinn-Shiun , Chen Kuei-Tien , Fan Wen-Chun , Yu Jau-Song , Chang Yu-Sun , Chan Err-Cheng 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins that is overexpressed in several human tumors. Previous studies have found that overexpression of survivin in cancer cells induces an antibody response.

Methods: We compared 232 serum samples from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and 365 samples from healthy volunteers using an in vitro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the survivin autoantibody response in patients.

Results: The sensitivity of the anti-survivin response from patients with CRC was 56.9%, and the specificity was 64.1%. When a cut-off value of 5.0 ng/mL was chosen for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in these same serum samples, the values for sensitivity and specificity were 40.9% and 86.6%, respectively. Combined detection using survivin autoantibodies and CEA produced better sensitivity (51.3%) and specificity (89.9%) compared to the sensitivity of CEA (40.9%) and the specificities of the individual markers (64.1% and 86.6%, respectively). The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.617 for survivin autoantibodies, 0.630 for CEA and 0.694 for both markers together.

Conclusions: A positive association between autoantibodies against survivin and preoperative CEA concentrations in sera of patients with CRCs was established. Our results suggest that analysis of both parameters would assist in screening patients with CRC.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:719–25.
The Coxsackievirus–Adenovirus Receptor Reveals Complex Homophilic and Heterophilic Interactions on Neural Cells
Authors: Patzke Christopher , Max Klaas E. A. , Behlke Joachim , Schreiber Jadwiga , Schmidt Hannes , Dorner Armin A. , Kröger Stephan , Henning Mechthild , Otto Albrecht , Heinemann Udo , Rathjen Fritz G. 
Published: February 2010

The coxsackievirus–adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a member of the Ig superfamily strongly expressed in the developing nervous system. Our histological investigations during development reveal an initial uniform distribution of CAR on all neural cells with a concentration on membranes that face the margins of the nervous system (e.g., the basal laminae and the ventricular side). At more advanced stages, CAR becomes downregulated and restricted to specific regions including areas rich in axonal and dendritic surfaces.To study the function of CAR on neural cells, we used the fiber knob of the adenovirus, extracellular CAR domains, blocking antibodies to CAR, as well as CAR-deficient neural cells. Blocking antibodies were found to inhibit neurite extension in retina organ and retinal explant cultures, whereas the application of the recombinant fiber knob of the adenovirus subtype Ad2 or extracellular CAR domains promoted neurite extension and adhesion to extracellular matrices.We observed a promiscuous interaction of CAR with extracellular matrix glycoproteins, which was deduced from analytical ultracentrifugation experiments, affinity chromatography, and adhesion assays. The membrane proximal Ig domain of CAR, termed D2, was found to bind to a fibronectin fragment, including the heparin-binding domain 2, which promotes neurite extension of wild type, but not of CAR-deficient neural cells. In contrast to heterophilic interactions, homophilic association of CAR involves both Ig domains, as was revealed by ultracentrifugation, chemical cross-linking, and adhesion studies. The results of these functional and binding studies are correlated to a U-shaped homodimer of the complete extracellular domains of CAR detected by x-ray crystallography.
Flachheitsbasierte Trajektorienplanung für semilineare hyperbolische Systeme mit RandeingriffFlatness based Trajectory Planning for Boundary Controlled Semi-linear Hyperbolic Systems
Authors: Knüppel Torsten , Rudolph Joachim , Woittennek Frank 
Published: February 2010

Zusammenfassung
Für örtlich eindimensionale semilineare hyperbolische Systeme werden die Trajektorienplanung und der Steuerungsentwurf betrachtet. Eine “flachheitsbasierte” Methode wird exemplarisch anhand eines durch Transportgleichungen beschriebenen Rohrreaktors untersucht, der gegebenenfalls über ein als Wärmetauscher fungierendes zweites Rohr gekühlt wird. Die auf den Charakteristiken basierende Methode ist allgemein auf solche Randwertprobleme anwendbar, die auf Anfangswertprobleme bezüglich der Ortskoordinate zurückgeführt werden können.
Once‐Daily Gentamicin Dosing in Pediatric Patients Without Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: McDade Erin J. , Wagner Jeffrey L. , Moffett Brady S. , Palazzi Debra L. 
Published: February 2010

Study Objective. To estimate an appropriate once‐daily gentamicin dose and dosing interval for non‐critical care pediatric patients older than 3 months of age without cystic fibrosis.Design. Pharmacokinetic analysis of data from a retrospective medical record review.Setting. Large academic children's hospital.Patients. One hundred fourteen non‐critical care pediatric patients older than 3 months of age without cystic fibrosis who received multiple‐daily dosing regimens of gentamicin between September 2007 and April 2008.Measurements and Main Results. Patient‐specific pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using drug concentrations obtained at steady state. Once‐daily doses were extrapolated for each patient to achieve goal peak and trough concentrations. Using the average of these doses and the patient‐specific pharmacokinetic parameters, theoretical once‐daily peak and trough concentrations were calculated for each patient. Patient characteristics were analyzed to determine differences between patients who did and those who did not achieve adequate peak concentrations. Mean ± SD pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: elimination rate constant 0.32 ± 0.06 hour−1, half‐life 2.28 ± 0.54 hours, and volume of distribution 0.24 ± 0.08 L/kg. The only patient demographic characteristic found to have a significant effect on the extrapolated peak concentration was age. The following age‐specific once‐daily doses were calculated: 3 months to less than 2 years, 9.5 mg/kg; 2 years to less than 8 years, 8.5 mg/kg; and 8–18 years, 7 mg/kg.Conclusion. Age was the primary factor in determining the once‐daily dose of gentamicin in our pediatric population. Further prospective research is necessary to determine the safety and efficacy of these age‐based, once‐daily doses for gentamicin.