bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of aspartyl aminopeptidase from theapeBgene ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Natarajan Sampath , Mathews Rita 
Published: January 2012

Aminopeptidases (APs) are a group of exopeptidases that catalyze the removal of amino acids from the N-termini of proteins and peptides. The APs are ubiquitous in nature and are of critical biological and medical importance because of their key role in protein degradation.Pseudomonas aeruginosaaspartyl aminopeptidase (PaAAP), which is encoded by theapeBgene, was expressed inEscherichia coli, purified and crystallized using the microbatch method. A preliminary structural study has been performed using the X-ray crystallographic method. The PaAAP crystal diffracted to 2.0 Å resolution and belonged to the rhombohedral space groupH3, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 133.6,c= 321.2. The unit-cell volume of the crystal is compatible with the presence of four monomers in the asymmetric unit, with a corresponding Matthews coefficientVMof 2.95 Å3 Da−1and a solvent content of 58.3%.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of anL-amino-acid oxidase fromBothrops jararacussuvenom
Authors: Ullah Anwar , Coronado Monika , Murakami Mário T. , Betzel Christian , Arni Raghuvir K. 
Published: January 2012

Snake-venom L-amino-acid oxidases (SV-LAAOs) trigger a wide range of local and systematic effects, including inhibition of platelet aggregation, cytotoxicity, haemolysis, apoptosis and haemorrhage. These effects mainly arise from the uncontrolled release of the hydrogen peroxide that is produced by the redox reaction involving L-amino acids catalyzed by these flavoenzymes. Taking their clinical relevance into account, few SV-LAAOs have been structurally characterized and the structural determinants responsible for their broad direct and indirect pharmacological activities remain unclear. In this work, an LAAO fromBothrops jararacussuvenom (BJu-LAAO) was purified and crystallized. The BJu-LAAO crystals belonged to space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa = 66.38,b= 72.19,c= 101.53 Å, β = 90.9°. The asymmetric unit contained two molecules and the structure was determined and partially refined at 3.0 Å resolution.
Does smoking cannabis affect work commitment?
Authors: Hyggen Christer 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAims This study aimed to examine the associations between cannabis use and work commitmentDesign We used a 25‐year panel survey initiated in 1985 with follow‐ups in 1987, 1989, 1993, 2003 and 2010. Registered data from a range of public registers were matched with individual responses for the entire period.Setting The panel survey was a nation‐wide study set in Norway.Participants A total of 1997 respondents born between 1965 and 1968 were included in the panel.Measurements Work involvement scale (WIS) was used to assess work commitment. Involvement with cannabis was based on self‐reported smoking of cannabis within the last 12 months and exposure to cannabis through friends. This information was categorized into ‘abstaining’, ‘exposed’, ‘experimented’ and ‘involved’. Control measures included socio‐economic background, mental health (HSCL‐10), education, work satisfaction, unemployment, receipt of social assistance, consumption of alcohol, alcohol‐related problems and use of other illicit drugs.Findings The level of work commitment was associated with involvement with cannabis. In 1993, when the respondents were in their mid‐20s, those who were involved or had experimented with cannabis displayed lower levels of work commitment than those who were abstaining or merely exposed to cannabis through friends (P < 0.05). Work commitment among those who experimented with cannabis converged towards the levels reported by abstainers and the exposed as they grew older, whereas those involved reported decreasing work commitment into adulthood (P < 0.001). Using linear regression models for panel data, an association with continued use of cannabis across the life‐course and a lowering of work commitment was established. Results remained significant even when controlling for a range of other factors known to be related to work commitment, such as socio‐economic background, education, labour market experiences, mental health and family characteristics (P < 0.05).Conclusions In Norway the use of cannabis is associated with a reduction in work commitment among adults.
Continuing to wear nicotine patches after smoking lapses promotes recovery of abstinence
Authors: Ferguson Stuart G. , Gitchell Joseph G. , Shiffman Saul 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTAims  Smokers who lapse during a cessation attempt are at particularly high risk of relapse, so interventions to help smokers recover from lapses are urgently needed. Two recent studies have suggested continuing to use nicotine patches following a lapse may be a beneficial relapse prevention strategy. However, to date no study that uses approved doses of nicotine patches under real‐world conditions has tested this hypothesis.Design and setting  Clinical trial conducted across eight US study sites.Participants and measurements  Using data from 509 subjects (240 active; 269 placebo) who lapsed during weeks 3–5 of treatment in a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of 21‐mg nicotine patches, we examined whether active nicotine patch use improved the chances of recovering abstinence (7‐day point‐prevalence) at weeks 6 and 10.Findings  Active patch use (versus placebo) increased the likelihood of recovery from a lapse both at 6 weeks [8.3% versus 0.8%; relative risk (RR) = 11.0, P < 0.001] and at 10 weeks (9.6% versus 2.6%; RR = 3.7, P < 0.001).Conclusions  Continuing treatment to aid smoking cessation with active patches promotes recovery from lapses. Smokers should be encouraged to persist with patch treatment if they lapse to smoking.
Acceleration data reveal the energy management strategy of a marine ectotherm during reproduction
Authors: Fossette Sabrina , Schofield Gail , Lilley Martin K. S. , Gleiss Adrian C. , Hays Graeme C. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract1. Maintaining a high and stable body temperature is often critical for female ectotherms during reproduction. Yet this strategy may be energetically costly, and therefore challenging, during this period of already high‐energy demand.2. Here, the 6‐week deployment of tri‐axial accelerometers (n = 6) on a marine ectotherm, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), reproducing at the northern limit of the species’ breeding range (i.e. in a thermally dynamic environment) revealed the behavioural mechanisms underlying its energy management strategy during the breeding season.3. The estimated activity levels of female loggerheads using overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) were high during the breeding season, suggesting that marine turtles may not be able to remain inactive for long periods in the same manner as terrestrial ectotherms, because of the thermally dynamic nature of their environment.4. However, activity levels were not constant throughout the season, being impacted by both ambient water temperature and female reproductive status. In cold water at the beginning of the nesting season, high levels of activity suggested that females behaviourally thermoregulated by seeking out warm water patches along the shoreline. Interactions with male turtles (courtship and/or avoidance) may also explain this high level of activity. As sea temperatures warmed up and the amount of energy devoted to reproduction probably increased, the turtles spent more time resting during long sequential flat‐bottomed dives, and reduced any unnecessary locomotory activity.5. Turtles may therefore adjust their activity patterns in response to seasonal variations in abiotic (i.e. ambient temperature) and biotic (i.e. reproductive status) factors. This may help minimize activity‐linked metabolic rate and maximize reproductive output over a season while breeding in thermally dynamic environments.6. A mechanistic model gave support to these empirical results. The model revealed that actively maintaining high and stable body temperature is of clear benefit to female turtles at temperate breeding sites. While energetically costly, such active thermoregulatory behaviour may speed up egg maturation, allowing turtles to initiate nesting earlier in the season, and hence maximize reproductive output.
Flow cytometric detection and quantification of CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM) expression in diffuse large B cell lymphomas and review of the literature
Authors: Stacchini Alessandra , Barreca Antonella , Demurtas Anna , Aliberti Sabrina , di Celle Paola Francia , Novero Domenico 
Published: January 2012

Stacchini A, Barreca A, Demurtas A, Aliberti S, di Celle P F & Novero D  (2012) Histopathology 60, 452–459  Flow cytometric detection and quantification of CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM) expression in diffuse large B cell lymphomas and review of the literatureAim:  To report unusual CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM) expression on diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods and results:  CD56 expression was first detected and quantified on tissues obtained from five cases of DLBCL by flow cytometry (FC), then confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The CD56 expression pattern was heterogeneous among the cases [the molecular equivalent of soluble fluorochrome (MESF) level ranged from 2214 to 133 466]. All were CD10 and Bcl‐6 positive, suggesting their germinal centre origin; one was also CD5 positive. An extranodal presentation occurred in three of five cases.Conclusions:  CD56 expression in B cell lymphoma is a rare occurrence. FC is able to identify aberrant immunophenotypes that can be useful in the identification and monitoring of B cell lymphoma subtypes. The presence of CD56 reported by the literature on certain DLBCL with extranodal presentation might be related to mechanisms involved in growth and expansion.
Relationship between laser fluorescence values and visual evaluation of fissure caries in schoolchildren – a field study
Authors: SEPPÄ LIISA , ANTTONEN VUOKKO , NIINIMAA AHTI , HAUSEN HANNU 
Published: January 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 467–472Background.  In our previous study of oral health intervention in children, laser fluorescence (LF) values of occlusal surfaces were reduced after 1 year.Aim.  The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between DIAGNOdent pen values and clinical status of the occlusal surfaces.Design.  The study conducted in 2007 and 2008 in 700 children aged 13–14 included a clinical examination and LFpen measurement of the occlusal surfaces of first and second molars. Four teams consisting of a dental hygienist and a dental nurse performed the examinations on school premises. The dental hygienist scored the surfaces using the Nyvad criteria for caries assessment; the surfaces were then scanned using a DIAGNOdent pen® device.Results.  The more severe the visual caries category was, the higher the mean LFpen values were. Correlation coefficients between LF values and NY categories were 0.542 and 0.408 in years 2007 and 2008, respectively (all examiners combined). The LFpen values of active and inactive lesions did not differ significantly.Conclusions.  The correlation between the mean LFpen values and the NY categories was significant. Fissures can be reliably examined with LF and by visual inspection on school premises if certain special arrangements are made.
Managerial coaching: a concept analysis
Authors: Batson Vicki D. , Yoder Linda H. 
Published: January 2012

batson v.d. & yoder l.h. (2012) Managerial coaching: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(7), 1658–1669.AbstractAim.  This article presents a report of a concept analysis of managerial coaching.Backgound.  Managerial coaching has been identified as a means for managers to give support to staff nurses, however, no clear delineation of what behaviours and attributes constitute managerial coaching or differentiate it from other career development relationships is provided in the current nursing literature.Data sources.  The CINAHL, ProQuest, Business Source Complete and PscyhIFNO databases were searched for articles published between 1980–2009 using the keywords coaching, managerial coaching, nurse manager support, nursing leadership, self‐efficacy, work environment and empowerment.Review methods.  A hybrid approach was used, incorporating both Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis and King’s conceptual system and Theory of Goal Attainment to explore the meaning of managerial coaching. Inclusive years of search ranged from 1980–2009.Findings.  Managerial coaching is a specific dyadic relationship between the nurse manager and staff nurse intended to improve skills and knowledge as they relate to expected job performance. Antecedents and consequences are categorized at the individual and organizational level. Defining attributes, empirical referents and a model case are presented.Conclusion.  The theoretical definition for this concept helps to differentiate it from other types of career development relationships and will give a basis for nurse managers to understand what skills and attributes are necessary to establish an effective managerial coaching relationship with staff nurses. Conceptualization will also assist in developing empirical studies examining managerial coaching behaviours in the work environment.
Comparative activity of pradofloxacin and marbofloxacin against coagulase‐positive staphylococci in a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model based on canine pharmacokinetics
Authors: KÖRBER‐IRRGANG B. , WETZSTEIN H.‐G. , BAGEL‐TRAH S. , HAFNER D. , KRESKEN M. 
Published: January 2012

Körber‐Irrgang, B., Wetzstein, H.‐G., Bagel‐Trah, S., Hafner, D., Kresken, M. Comparative activity of pradofloxacin and marbofloxacin against coagulase‐positive staphylococci in a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model based on canine pharmacokinetics. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 571–579.Pradofloxacin (PRA), a novel veterinary 8‐cyano‐fluoroquinolone (FQ), is active against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the primary cause of canine pyoderma. An in vitro pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was used to compare the activities of PRA and marbofloxacin (MAR) against three clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius and reference strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Experiments were performed involving populations of 1010 CFU corresponding to an inoculum density of approximately 5 × 107 CFU/mL. The time course of free drug concentrations in canine serum was modelled, resulting from once daily standard oral dosing of 3 mg of PRA/kg and 2 mg of MAR/kg. In addition, experimentally high doses of 6 mg of PRA/kg and 16 mg of MAR/kg were tested against the least susceptible strain. Viable counts were monitored over 24 h. At concentrations associated with standard doses, PRA caused a faster and more sustained killing than MAR of all strains. The ratios of free drug under the concentration–time curve for 24 h over MIC and the maximum concentration of free drug over MIC were at least 90 and 26, and 8.5 and 2.1 for PRA and MAR, respectively. At experimentally high doses, PRA was superior to MAR in terms of immediate killing. Subpopulations with reduced susceptibility to either FQ did not emerge. We conclude that PRA is likely to be an efficacious therapy of canine staphylococcal infections.
Visceral hypersensitivity in symptomatic diverticular disease and the role of neuropeptides and low grade inflammation
Authors: Humes D. J. , Simpson J. , Smith J. , Sutton P. , Zaitoun A. , Bush D. , Bennett A. , Scholefield J. H. , Spiller R. C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Recurrent abdominal pain is reported by a third of patients with diverticulosis, particularly those with previous episodes of acute diverticulitis. The current understanding of the etiology of this pain is poor. Our aim was to assess visceral sensitivity in patients with diverticular disease and its association with markers of previous inflammation and neuropeptides.Methods  Patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic diverticular disease underwent a flexible sigmoidoscopy and biopsy followed 5–10 days later by visceral sensitivity testing with barostat‐mediated rectal distension. Inflammation was assessed by staining of serotonin (5HT) and CD3 positive cells. mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were quantitated using RT‐PCR. Neuropeptide expression was assessed from percentage area staining with substance P (SP) and mRNA levels of the neurokinin 1 & 2 receptors (NK1 & NK2), and galanin 1 receptor (GALR1).Key Results  Thirteen asymptomatic and 12 symptomatic patients were recruited. The symptomatic patients had a lower first reported threshold to pain (28.4 mmHg i.q.r 25.0–36.0) than the asymptomatic patients (47 mmHg i.q.r 36.0–52.5, P < 0.001). Symptomatic patients had a higher median overall pain rating for the stimuli than the asymptomatic patients (P < 0.02). Symptomatic patients had greater median relative expression of NK1 and TNF alpha mRNA compared with asymptomatic patients. There was a significant correlation between barostat VAS pain scores and NK 1 expression (Figure 4, r2 0.54, P < 0.02).Conclusions & Inferences  Patients with symptomatic diverticular disease exhibit visceral hypersensitivity, and this may be mediated by ongoing low grade inflammation and upregulation of tachykinins.
Survey of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists' use and attitudes toward pharmacogenetic testing
Authors: Haga SB , O'Daniel JM , Tindall GM , Mills R , Lipkus IM , Agans R 
Published: January 2012

Haga SB, O’Daniel JM, Tindall GM, Mills R, Lipkus IM, Agans R. Survey of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists' use and attitudes toward pharmacogenetic testing.Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing aims to improve therapeutic outcomes through tailoring treatment based on a patient's genetic risk for non‐response and/or an adverse event. Given their expertise, geneticists could facilitate the use of PGx testing; however, the preparedness and perceived role of the clinical genetics community is unclear. To assess the attitudes, preparedness, and perceived roles of geneticists in the delivery of PGx testing, we conducted a survey of 1500 randomly selected board‐certified genetic counselors and clinical geneticists in the United States [response rate: 37.8% (n = 516)]. Twelve percent of genetic counselors and 41% of clinical geneticists indicated that they had ordered or coordinated patient care for PGx testing, a seemingly high proportion at this early stage of adoption. Almost all respondents had some education on pharmacogenetics, although only 28% of counselors and 58% of clinical geneticists indicated they felt well‐informed about PGx testing. About half of counselors (52%) and clinical geneticists (46%) felt they would play ‘some’ role in the delivery of PGx testing; 17 and 19%, respectively, felt that they would play ‘no’ or ‘a little’ role. At this early stage of PGx testing, the role of geneticists and genetic counselors is unclear. However, their experience may aid in readying PGx testing and informing delivery strategies into clinical practice.
Cladocora caespitosa bioconstructions in the Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve (Spain, NW Mediterranean): distribution, size structure and growth
Authors: Kersting Diego‐Kurt , Linares Cristina 
Published: January 2012

AbstractToday, living banks of the coral Cladocora caespitosa appear to be restricted to a few Mediterranean locations and are threatened by the escalating impacts affecting coastal areas. In this study the exceptional occurrence of the Mediterranean coral C. caespitosa in the Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve (NW Mediterranean, Spain) is characterised in terms of spatial distribution, cover area, colony size and growth rates. The coral colonies form beds and banks in rocky bottoms within a semi‐enclosed bay that offers both hydrodynamic protection and high water exchange. The spatial distribution of the C. caespitosa colonies, from 5 to 27 m depth, is highly aggregated, depending on sea‐floor morphology and showing up to 80% of substrate coverage. The annual corallite growth rates obtained through the alizarin red staining method and x‐ray image analysis are similar, and range between 2.55 ± 0.79 mm and 2.54 ± 0.81 mm, respectively. The exceptional nature of these bioconstructions is due to their cumulative cover area, which is comparable in size to the largest C. caespitosa bioconstructions described to date in Mljet National Park (Croatia, Adriatic Sea).
The warru (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges Race) reintroduction project on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, South Australia
Authors: Muhic Jasmina , Abbott Eric , Ward Matthew J. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Black‐footed Rock‐wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges Race), or warru, as it is known by Anangu, the traditional owners of the region, formerly inhabited the rocky hills of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in north–west South Australia. However, introduced carnivores and inappropriate fire regimes have decimated the population, and there are now only 150–200 animals remaining in the wild. This prompted the formation of the Warru Recovery Team (WRT), a collaboration between Traditional Owners, Anangu communities and scientists, who are working together to recover warru populations across the APY Lands. The team are working on the Warru Reintroduction Project, which is combining modern science and the traditional ecological knowledge of Anangu to reintroduce warru back into the APY Lands. Between 2007 and 2009, 22 iti‐warru (warru‐joeys) were taken to Monarto Zoo (Monarto, South Australia) to initiate the captive population. These zoo‐warru have successfully bred in captivity, and in 2011, six founder animals and five captive bred warru were returned to the APY Lands. They are being held in a 97‐ha predator‐proof warru enclosure that will allow zoo‐warru to adjust to the local environment and to learn the survival skills of their ancestors, prior to being released into the wild. Lessons learnt from the release of warru into warru pintji will inform future release situations, as well as management of the in situ warru population, which remains the priority of the WRT.
Arafura three: Aboriginal ranger groups protecting and managing an internationally significant swamp
Authors: Weston Nigel , Bramley Chantal , Bar‐Lev Jacob , Guyula Mangay , O’Ryan Solomon 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Arafura Swamp is a globally significant wooded wetland in central Arnhem Land providing important habitat for migratory birds and fish. It is, however, threatened by saltwater intrusions from rising sea levels and a range of other threats including some cattle grazing, inappropriate fire regimes and feral plant and animal invasions. Three Indigenous Ranger groups are working to address these management issues but need stronger levels of support to be able to secure ongoing and long‐term management solutions for this important wetland.
Haemolytic‐uraemic syndrome during severe lupus nephritis: efficacy of plasma exchange
Authors: Samson M. , Audia S. , Leguy V. , Berthier S. , Janikashvili N. , Martin L. , Bonnotte B. , Lorcerie B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been described as a cause of thrombotic microangiopathy, especially thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Haemolytic‐uraemic syndrome (HUS) is less frequent in SLE. We report a case of such an association during an episode of severe lupus nephritis in a young woman, who was successfully treated with steroids, cyclophosphamide and especially plasma exchange with plasma replacement. This report highlights the importance of recognising atypical HUS in SLE patients by looking for schistocytes in case of haemolytic anemia with a negative antiglobulin test, in order to begin plasma exchange.