bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensing of environmental signals: classification of chemoreceptors according to the size of their ligand binding regions
Authors: Lacal Jesús , García‐Fontana Cristina , Muñoz‐Martínez Francisco , Ramos Juan‐Luis , Krell Tino 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCentral to the different forms of taxis are methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs). The increasing number of genome sequences reveals that MCPs differ enormously in sequence, topology and genomic abundance. This work is a one‐by‐one bioinformatic analysis of the almost‐totality of MCP genes available and a classification of motile bacteria according to their lifestyle. On average, motile archaea have 6.7 MCP genes per genome whereas motile bacteria have more than twice as much. We show that the number of MCPs per genome depends on bacterial lifestyle and metabolic diversity, but weakly on genome size. Signal perception at an MCP occurs at the N‐terminal ligand binding region (LBR). Here we show that around 88% of MCPs possess an LBR that remains un‐annotated in SMART. MCPs can be classified into two clusters according to the size of the LBR. Cluster I receptors have an LBR between 120 and 210 amino acids whereas cluster II receptors have larger LBRs of 220–299 amino acids. There is evidence that suggests that some cluster II LBRs are composed of two cluster I LBRs. Further evidence indicates that other cluster II LBRs might harbour novel sensor domains. Cluster II receptors are dominant in archaea whereas cluster I receptors are prevalent in bacteria. MCPs can be classified into six different receptor topologies and this work contains a first estimation of the relative abundance of different receptor topologies in bacteria and archaea. Topologies involving extracytoplasmic sensing are prevalent in bacteria whereas topologies with cytosolic signal recognition are abundant in archaea.
Bleeding after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: Lessons learned the hard way
Authors: Martin Aaron D. , Nunez Rafael N. , Humphreys Mitchell R. 
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is rapidly gaining popularity as an alternative and in some institutions a replacement for standard transurethral resection of the prostate. It has been proven to have at least equivalent outcomes to the TURP and noted to be exceptionally hemostatic. This study shares some caveats regarding bleeding after HoLEP.OBJECTIVETo examine specific causes of postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in order to enhance preoperative screening and counseling.MATERIALS AND METHODSAfter Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a retrospective review of a single surgeon’s experience of 130 consecutive HoLEPs was performed to specifically examine patients requiring perioperative blood transfusions. All patients from August 2007 to April 2009 who underwent a HoLEP at our institution since its inception were included. These patients’ charts were reviewed to gain insight into their bleeding diathesis. A case series report was compiled and compared with the relevant published literature.RESULTSOf the 130 patients, eight (6.7%) were found to require transfusion postoperatively. Four of these patients required a second operation for completion. These patients had a variety of causes for increased bleeding and subsequent transfusion including: chronic anticoagulation (n = 1), significant cardiac disease requiring maintenance of hemoglobin (n = 4), sepsis with secondary disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 1), large prostate size (>150 g) (n = 4), underlying prostate cancer (n = 1) and inadequate anesthesia during the procedure leading to patient movement (n = 1). All patients made a full recovery with satisfactory urinary symptom improvement except for one patient with residual incontinence at last follow‐up.CONCLUSIONSDespite the many benefits of holmium laser enucleation, all patients should be counseled regarding the real potential for postoperative blood transfusion. When feasible, any known bleeding risk should be minimized by the surgeon as long it is done safely for the benefit of the patient considering their co‐morbidities.
Urinary nerve growth factor in women with overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Chen Chia‐Yen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: August 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case series)Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Urinary nerve growth factor levels were higher in women with OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet compared to the controls. The link between female OAB and risk factors such as obesity and menopause has not been determined yet.This study found ageing, menopause, or higher BMI did not influence the urinary NGF levels in OAB women. Higher urinary NGF levels in OAB women could be an inflammatory disorder unrelated to ageing or obesity.OBJECTIVE• To measure urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) in women with overactive bladder (OAB)‐dry and OAB‐wet and investigate the association of urinary NGF expression with these factors.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Differentiation between OAB‐wet and OAB‐dry was based on symptoms and a 3‐day voiding diary.• Urinary NGF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).• The urinary NGF levels were compared among controls, OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet subgroups, and also between OAB patients ≥55 years and <55 years, as well as between patients with a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) <20, 20–30 and >30.RESULTS• A total of 113 women with OAB‐dry, 106 with OAB‐wet and 84 controls were enrolled. The urinary NGF/creatinine (Cr) levels were significantly highest in OAB‐wet (2.13 ± 3.87) and second highest in OAB‐dry (0.265 ± 0.59) compared to controls (0.07 ± 0.21).• Analysis of urinary NGF or NGF/Cr levels among controls, OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet groups by age and BMI showed no significant differences, except for the OAB‐dry group.• Urinary NGF/Cr was not significantly correlated with age (P= 0.088) or BMI (P= 0.886) in women with OAB‐dry and OAB‐wet.CONCLUSIONS• Urinary NGF levels were significantly higher in women with OAB‐dry and even higher in women with OAB‐wet.• The urinary NGF level was not associated with ageing, menopause or higher BMI either in controls or OAB patients.
An exploration of knowledge and attitudes related to pre‐pregnancy care in women with diabetes
Authors: Spence M. , Alderdice F. A. , Harper R. , McCance D. R. , Holmes V. A. 
Published: September 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1385–1391 (2010)AbstractAims  Pre‐pregnancy care optimizes pregnancy outcome in women with pre‐gestational diabetes, yet most women enter pregnancy unprepared. We sought to determine knowledge and attitudes of women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes of childbearing age towards pre‐pregnancy care.Methods  Twenty‐four women (18 with Type 1 diabetes and six with Type 2 diabetes) aged 17–40 years took part in one of four focus group sessions: young nulliparous women with Type 1 diabetes (Group A), older nulliparous women with Type 1 diabetes (Group B), parous women with Type 1 diabetes (Group C) and women with Type 2 diabetes of mixed parity (Group D).Results  Content analysis of transcribed focus groups revealed that, while women were well informed about the need to plan pregnancy, awareness of the rationale for planning was only evident in parous women or those who had actively sought pre‐pregnancy advice. Within each group, there was uncertainty about what pre‐pregnancy advice entailed. Despite many women reporting positive healthcare experiences, frequently cited barriers to discussing issues around family planning included unsupportive staff, busy clinics and perceived social stereotypes held by health professionals.Conclusions  Knowledge and attitudes reported in this study highlight the need for women with diabetes, regardless of age, marital status or type of diabetes, to receive guidance about planning pregnancy in a motivating, positive and supportive manner. The important patient viewpoints expressed in this study may help health professionals determine how best to encourage women to avail of pre‐pregnancy care.
Phospholipid and triacylglycerol profiles modified by PLD suppression in soybean seed
Authors: Lee Junghoon , Welti Ruth , Schapaugh William T. , Trick Harold N. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryPhospholipase D (PLD) is capable of hydrolyzing membrane phospholipids, producing phosphatidic acid. To alter phospholipid profiles in soybean seed, we attenuated PLD enzyme activity by an RNA interference construct using the partial sequence from a soybean PLDα gene. Two transgenic soybean lines were established by particle inflow gun (PIG) bombardment by co‐bombarding with pSPLDi and pHG1 vectors. The lines were evaluated for the presence and expression of transgenes thoroughly through the T4 generation. PLD‐suppressed soybean lines were characterized by decreased PLDα enzyme activity and decreased PLDα protein both during seed development and in mature seeds. There was no change in total phospholipid amount; however, the PLD‐attenuated transgenic soybean seed had higher levels of di18 : 2 (dilinoleoyl)‐phosphatidylcholine (PC) and ‐phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in seeds than the non‐transgenic lines. The increased polyunsaturation was at the expense of PC and PE species containing monounsaturated or saturated fatty acids. In addition to increased unsaturation in the phospholipids, there was a decrease in unsaturation of the triacylglycerol (TAG) fraction of the soybean seeds. Considering recent evidence for the notion that desaturation of fatty acids occurs in the PC fraction and that the PC → DAG (diacylglycerol) → TAG pathway is the major route of TAG biosynthesis in developing soybean seed, the current data suggest that PLDα suppression slows the conversion of PC to TAG. This would be consistent with PLD playing a positive role in that conversion. The data indicate that soybean PLD attenuation is a potentially useful approach to altering properties of edible and industrial soybean lecithin.
Prevalence of benign cutaneous disease among Oxford renal transplant recipients
Authors: Lally A , Casabonne D , Imko‐Walczuk B , Newton R , Wojnarowska F 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground  The burden of malignant and benign cutaneous disease among renal transplant recipients (RTR) is substantial. Little attention is given to non‐malignant skin problems in the literature despite their potential impact on quality of life or on aesthetics – which may contribute to poor compliance with immunosuppressive medications post‐transplantation.Objectives  The aim of this study was to examine prevalence of benign cutaneous disease in a group of RTRs and identify risk factors for individual cutaneous conditions.Methods  All cutaneous findings were recorded in a single full body skin examination of 308 RTRs. Data on medical, transplant and medication history were obtained from questionnaire and medical records. Odds ratios were calculated to look at associations between benign cutaneous diseases and various potential risk factors after controlling for gender, age, time since transplantation and skin type.Results  Cutaneous infections such as viral warts (38%), fungal infection (18%) and folliculitis (27%) were common and usually chronic. A range of pilosebaceous unit disorders were observed with hypertrichosis being strongly associated with ciclosporin (P < 0.0001). Other iatrogenic cutaneous effects included gingival hyperplasia (27%) and purpura (41%). We identified seborrhoeic warts and skin tags in 55% and 33% respectively. Inflammatory dermatoses were rare (< 2%) apart from seborrhoeic dermatitis (9.5%).Discussion  In this first comprehensive study on prevalence of benign cutaneous diseases in a UK transplant population, a wide range of skin disorders was identified. It is therefore important that RTRs have access to dermatology services post‐transplantation for appropriate management of benign cutaneous conditions as well as early detection of cutaneous malignancy and education regarding risks of sun exposure.
The Relative Values of Man, Mouse, and Domestic Fowl as Experimental Hosts for the Bed‐Bug, Cimex lectularius L.
Authors: Johnson C. G. 
Published: September 2010

Summary

All immature stages and adults of both sexes of Cimex lectularius L. will feed on man, mouse, and domestic fowl. The insect can be bred to the adult stage on any of these hosts, and such adults will mate and produce fertile eggs.
The speed of development from egg to adult is slightly greater on mouse than on man or fowl under the conditions of the experiments. Given equal opportunity for feeding once in every instar, a greater proportion of bugs reach maturity on mouse than on man, the lowest proportion with any of the three hosts occurring on fowl.
Facts are brought forward to show that the shorter period for development on mouse is correlated with a relatively heavy blood‐meal. Also, adults bred on mouse are heavier than those bred on fowl or on man. Although bugs fed on fowl develop more quickly than on man, they do not always take heavier meals.
Bugs bred on mouse produce more eggs at the first feed than bugs bred on man or fowl. This increased egg‐production is associated with the greater body‐weight of mouse‐bred bugs: but there appears to be also another factor which makes mouse a better host for the production of bed‐bug eggs.
Mated adults and 2nd‐instar nymphs, when starved on a single blood‐meal, live longer on man than on either mouse or fowl. This is not obvious on the unmated adults until the variation in length of life associated with weight of meal is eliminated: then it is seen that unmated bugs, too, live longest when fed on mouse.
The blood of man, when dried, contains a greater proportion of dry material than the blood of either mouse or fowl, This may account for the longer life of bugs starved on human blood.
The differences in the life of bed‐bugs bred on the fowl and on man are small. Those fed on man, however, appear to be slightly better fitted for survival on one meal from the host under the conditions of the experiments than bugs fed on fowl.
The aerences in the life of bed‐bugs living on different hosts—man, mouse, and fowl—in nature are more likely to be due, primarily, to differences in the behaviour of the insects in the presence of those hosts rather than to thephysical effects of the meals taken from them. It is thought that the slitly different results with insects fed on the two human hosts may be due rather to differences in feeding behaviour of the insect than to the effects of the two bloods.
Experiences and attitudes of nurse specialists in primary care regarding their role in care for patients with urinary incontinence
Authors: Albers‐Heitner (Pytha) C. P. , Lagro‐Janssen (Toine) A. L. M. , Venema (Pieter) P. L. , Berghmans (Bary) L. C. M. , Winkens (Ron) R. A. G. , de Jonge (Ank) A. , Joore (Manuela) M. A. 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 303–310

Experiences and attitudes of nurse specialists in primary care regarding their role in care for patients with urinary incontinence Aim:  To explore experiences and attitudes of nurse specialists in primary care regarding their role in care for patients with urinary incontinence (UI), thereby identifying facilitators and barriers for wider implementation.Background:  Currently, primary care for patients with UI lacks sufficient adherence to existing guidelines on UI and is far from optimal. Studies in various countries show that involving nurse specialists may offer a solution to the inadequate care for UI. As qualitative studies on experiences of nurses with this type of intervention are lacking, we performed this study with a qualitative approach and data collection method within the course of a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Method:  A focus group study was conducted in 2007 with six nurse specialists who were trained in caring for patients with UI in our pragmatic RCT. The focus group interview was audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify themes. To understand obstacles and incentives for change, we relied on an existing ‘implementation model’.Findings:  Nurse specialists feel competent to provide advice and information, to offer possible solutions and to give attention and guidance to the process of care of people with UI. They feel appreciated by patients and feel they offer an added value to the usual care of general practitioners (GPs). Nurses sometimes notice that GPs lack interest in UI. Personal contact with the GPs, availability of enough time, adequate equipment and financial resources are important preconditions for effective nurse specialist care. Nurse specialists value continuous education and feedback in daily care for patients with UI.Conclusion:  Trained nurse specialists appeared to feel competent and satisfied to support GPs in care for patients with UI. They feel highly appreciated by both patients and GPs.
Shikonin inhibits maturation of bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells and suppresses allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Lee Chen‐Chen , Wang Chien‐Neng , Lai Yu‐Ting , Kang Jaw‐Jou , Liao Jiunn‐Wang , Chiang Bor‐Luen , Chen Hui‐Chen , Cheng Yu‐Wen 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Shikonin exhibits a wide range of anti‐inflammatory actions. Here, we assessed its effects on maturation of murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BM‐DCs) and on allergic reactions in a murine model of asthma.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cultured murine BM‐DCs were used to investigate the effects of shikonin on expression of cell surface markers and their stimulation of T‐cell proliferation and cytokine production. The therapeutic potential of shikonin was evaluated in a model of allergic airway disease.KEY RESULTS Shikonin dose‐dependently inhibited expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, CD80, CD86, CCR7 and OX40L on BM‐DCs, induced by a mixture of ovalbumin (OVA; 100 µg·mL−1) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP; 20 ng·mL−1). Shikonin‐treated BM‐DCs were poor stimulators of CD4+ T lymphocyte and induced lower levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α release by responding T‐cells. After intratracheal instillation of shikonin in OVA‐immunized mice, OVA challenge induced lower IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, TNF‐α and eotaxin release in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid, lower IL‐4 and IL‐5 production in lung cells and mediastinal lymph node cells and attenuated OVA‐induced lung eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Shikonin effectively suppressed OVA + TSLP‐induced BM‐DC maturation in vitro and inhibited allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma, showing good potential as a treatment for allergic asthma. Also, our model provides a novel platform for screening drugs for allergic diseases.
Validation and refinement of an Australian customised birthweight model using routinely collected data
Authors: GIBBONS Kristen , CHANG Allan , FLENADY Vicki , MAHOMED Kassam , GARDENER Glenn , GRAY Peter H. 
Published: September 2010

Background:  Published customised birthweight models designed to account for individual constitutional variation have not been validated in an independent population to verify the results.Aims:  To validate our previously reported customised birthweight model with additional data from the same hospital and to revise this model using a larger, more refined dataset.Methods:  With the accumulation of further data, a set of coefficients was derived based on the 12‐year dataset. Using shrinkage statistics, records between July 2005 and December 2008 were used to validate the model. Stepwise multiple regression using a more refined dataset of births between January 1997 and December 2008 was used to derive updated coefficients. Performance of the model was assessed using individualised birthweight ratios and the absolute difference between customised and actual birthweight.Results:  Previous coefficients were validated, with shrinkage of less than 1%, indicating that the model is stable over time. An updated set of coefficients based on a dataset of 61 630 births, including refined ethnicity categories and the addition of a smoking term, is presented, which resulted in improved model statistics (primarily an improved multiple correlation coefficient of 0.51).Conclusion:  The customised birthweight model appears to be stable over time in the same hospital. Initial comparisons to literature indicate that models from different geographic locations may lead to similar coefficients; but, there remains a need to formally assess this aspect of birthweight models. The updated coefficients differ slightly from those previously published and are considered superior because of refinement in the dataset.
Exploration of Anger Constructs in Acute and Chronic Pain Patients vs. Community Patients
Authors: Fishbain David A. , Lewis John E. , Bruns Daniel , Disorbio John Mark , Gao Jinrun , Meyer Laura J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectives:  (1) Determine and compare prevalence of forms of anger (FOA; anger, hostility, aggression, anger‐in, anger‐out, chronic anger) in community nonpatients (n = 478), community patients (n = 158), acute pain patients (APPs; n = 326), chronic pain patients (CPPs; n = 341); and (2) develop FOA predictor models in APPs and CPPs.Design:  A large set of items containing the FOA items was administered to the above groups, who were compared statistically for FOA endorsement. APPs and CPPs affirming the anger and chronic anger items were compared with those not affirming on all available variables including the Battery for Health Improvement (BHI‐2) with significant variables (P ≤ 0.001) utilized in predictor models for anger and chronic anger in APPs and CPPs. Setting community plus rehabilitation facilities.Results:  FOA affirmation ranged from 8.28% for chronic anger in nonpatients to 37.54% for anger in CPPs. Only CPPs were more likely to affirm anger (P ≤ 0.04) and chronic anger (P ≤ 0.01) at a significantly higher rate than community patients. In both APPs and CPPs, all FOA items except anger management‐in were significantly correlated with other FOA items. For anger and chronic anger for CPPs and APPs, hostility was the strongest predictor. All models predicted anger and chronic anger significantly better than the base rate prediction.Conclusion:  According to the results of this study anger and chronic anger are more frequently found in CPPs vs. community patients supporting the clinical perception that many CPPs are angry. As such,clinicians should actively screen CPPs for the presence of anger in order to engage these CPPs in anger management treatment.
Technical and Imaging Report: Fluoroscopic Guidance for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Synovial Cyst
Authors: Rauchwerger Jacob J. , Candido Kenneth D. , Zoarski Gregg H. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractLumbar synovial cysts can be a source of low back pain with or without radiculopathy depending upon the size and location of the mass. Options for treatment range from analgesics to surgery, depending upon the degree of nerve root or spinal cord impingement. Attempts at minimally invasive treatment such as computed tomography‐assisted aspiration and cyst rupture are documented in the radiology literature with varying degrees of reported success. This case report is the first to document the fluoroscopically‐guided management of a lumbar synovial cyst in the pain medicine literature and highlights the knowledge and technical skills required when treating such cases.