bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penetration depths of an infiltrant into proximal caries lesions in primary molars after different application times in vitro
Authors: PARIS SEBASTIAN , SOVIERO VERA MENDES , SEDDIG SUSANNE , MEYER‐LUECKEL HENDRIK 
Published: December 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 349–355
Background.  Caries infiltration aims to inhibit lesion progression, by occluding the porosities within the lesion body with low‐viscosity resins. The ability in hampering lesion progression is correlated with the penetration depth (PD) of the infiltrant.Aim.  This study aimed to compare the infiltration depths into proximal lesions in primary molars after different application times.Design.  Noncavitated natural caries lesions (n = 83) were etched with 15% HCl for 2 min and infiltrated for 0.5, 1, 3, or 5 min. Specimens were sectioned and PD at the maximum lesion depth (LDmax) were analysed using dual fluorescence confocal microscopy.Results.  Percentage penetrations (PD/LDmax) were significantly higher after 3 or 5 min compared with 0.5‐min application (P < 0.05; Mann–Whitney test). For LDmax <400 μm, no significant differences were observed between application times (P > 0.05). For LDmax≥400 μm, 3‐ and 5‐min application resulted in significantly deeper infiltration compared with 0.5 min (P < 0.05). After 1‐min application, PD was significantly lower than 5 min (P < 0.05), PD/LDmax did not differ from all other groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions.  Natural noncavitated proximal lesions in primary molars were deeply infiltrated after 1‐min application in vitro. For deeper lesions, however, more consistent results were obtained after 3 min.
Biological traits predict shifts in geographical ranges of freshwater invertebrates during climatic warming and drying
Authors: Chessman Bruce C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  To test the ability of biological traits to predict climate‐related changes in geographical ranges of running‐water invertebrates.Location  The Australian state of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.Methods  I analysed data from 8928 biomonitoring samples collected during a 16‐year period of generally rising air temperatures and declining precipitation. I used quantile regression to test for expansions and contractions on the climatically cooler, warmer, drier and wetter edges of the ranges of 120 invertebrate taxa, and correlated these shifts with the traits of thermophily (degree of preference for high versus low temperature) and rheophily (preference for flowing versus still water).Results  The most commonly inferred range shifts were cool‐edge expansion plus warm‐edge contraction (71 taxa) and wet‐edge expansion plus dry‐edge contraction (71), but contractions from both cool and warm extremes (36) and from both dry and wet extremes (28) were also frequent. High‐temperature preference was associated with cool‐edge expansion and low‐temperature preference with wet‐edge expansion and contraction from all other extremes. A preference for flow was associated with wet‐edge expansion and dry‐edge contraction.Main conclusions  Trait analysis has potential for predicting which species will expand their ranges and which will contract, but needs to be coupled with assessment of how the landscape provides each species with opportunities to track or avoid climate change. Improved quantification of climatically relevant traits and integration of trait analysis with species distribution modelling are likely to be beneficial.
Perception of quality of care: comparison of the views of patients’ with lung cancer and their family members
Authors: Henoch Ingela , Lövgren Malin , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Tishelman Carol 
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  To explore potential differences within dyads of patients’ with lung cancer and family members’ judgment of different aspects of quality of care and relationships between quality of care and personal and health‐related characteristics.Background.  High quality of care is important for acceptable quality of life in patients in palliative care. If patients are unable to participate in quality of care assessments or decision‐making, family members might often act as proxies, despite the complicated nature of their own situation.Design.  Cross‐sectional survey design.Method.  A patient and family member version of the abbreviated questionnaire Quality from Patients’ Perspective, with additional items about perceived health and opinions about care, was mailed to members of the Swedish lung cancer Patient Organisation. Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was used to identify potential differences within 51 patient–family member dyads’ quality of care ratings. Relationships between Quality from Patients’ Perspective dimensions and demographic and health‐related variables were examined with Spearman’s correlations.Results.  Patient–family member dyads had high levels of agreement in ratings of perceived reality of quality of care. Family members generally rated the subjective importance of individual items higher than did the patient in the dyad, with significant difference in the dimension ‘socio‐cultural approach’. Older patients were found to rate the physical–technical conditions higher than younger patients, in relation to perceived reality but not subjective importance. Women family members were found to rate the subjective importance of medical–technical competence, identity‐oriented approach and socio‐cultural approach significantly higher than men did.Conclusions.  Patients with lung cancer and their family members agree in ratings of the perceived reality, but they differ more in ratings of the subjective importance of quality of care. When patients are unable to communicate their preferences, family members’ opinions could be used as proxies concerning concrete aspects of quality of care. Concerning more subjective aspects, family members’ ratings should be interpreted with precaution, as it could diverge from patients’ own opinion.Relevance to clinical practice.  The perceptions of the importance of different aspects of quality of care were less related to health status than were judgments of quality of care received. This might suggest that the care patients received fulfilled neither the patients’ nor family members’ expectations, which is an important message to healthcare professionals and which would demand further exploration.
The Behavior Problems Inventory‐Short Form for individuals with intellectual disabilities: Part I: development and provisional clinical reference data
Authors: Rojahn J. , Rowe E. W. , Sharber A. C. , Hastings R. , Matson J. L. , Didden R. , Kroes D. B. H. , Dumont E. L. M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  The Behavior Problems Inventory‐01 (BPI‐01) is an informant‐based behaviour rating instrument that was designed to assess maladaptive behaviours in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Its items fall into one of three sub‐scales: Self‐injurious Behavior (14 items), Stereotyped Behavior (24 items), and Aggressive/Destructive Behavior (11 items). Each item is rated on a frequency scale (0 = never to 4 = hourly), and a severity scale (0 = no problem to 3 = severe problem). The BPI‐01 has been successfully used in several studies and has shown acceptable to very good psychometric properties. One concern raised by some investigators was the large number of items on the BPI‐01, whichhas reduced its user friendliness for certain applications. Furthermore, researchers and clinicians were often uncertain how to interpret their BPI‐01 data without norms or a frame of reference.Methods  The Behavior Problems Inventory‐Short Form (BPI‐S) was empirically developed, based on an aggregated archival data set of BPI‐01 data from individuals with ID from nine locations in the USA, Wales, England, the Netherlands, and Romania (n = 1122). The BPI‐S uses the same rating system and the same three sub‐scales as the BPI‐01, but has fewer items: Self‐injurious Behavior (8 items), Stereotyped Behavior (12 items), and Aggressive/Destructive Behavior (10 items). Rating anchors for the severity scales of the Self‐injurious Behavior and the Aggressive/Destructive Behavior sub‐scales were added in an effort to enhance the objectivity of the ratings.Results  The sensitivity of the BPI‐S compared with the BPI‐01 was high (0.92 to 0.99), and so were the correlations between the analogous BPI‐01 and the BPI‐S sub‐scales (0.96 to 0.99). Means and standard deviations were generated for both BPI versions in a Sex‐by‐age matrix, and in a Sex‐by‐ID Level matrix. Combined sex ranges are also provided by age and level of ID.Conclusion  In summary, the BPI‐S is a very useful alternative to the BPI‐01, especially for research and evaluation purposes involving groups of individuals.
A scanning electron microscope based new method for determining degree of substitution of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: SINGH R.K. , KHATRI O.P. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryNa‐CMC or sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose is a water soluble anionic polymer obtained by introducing carboxymethyl groups along the cellulose chain. Na‐CMC is usually synthesized by the alkali catalyzed reaction of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. The functional properties of Na‐CMC depend on the degree of substitution of the cellulose structure (i.e. how many of the hydroxyl groups are substituted per monomer unit), and also on the chain length of the cellulose backbone. The degree of substitution of Na‐CMC is usually determined according to ASTM D1439 which evolves the conversion of the Na‐CMC to free acid then again forming Na‐CMC by adding excess alkali and finally titrating the excess alkali with standard hydrochloric acid (0.3 N). The used volume of the standard alkali determines the degree of substitution. These existing chemical methods for determining the degree of substitution are not very convenient and very time‐consuming involving the use of hazardous chemicals. In this research, we have evaluated that the scanning electron microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis can be used to directly determine the degree of substitution.
Sex differences in the association between sleep duration, diet and body mass index: a birth cohort study
Authors: TATONE‐TOKUDA FABIOLA , DUBOIS LISE , RAMSAY TIMOTHY , GIRARD MANON , TOUCHETTE EVELYNE , PETIT DOMINIQUE , MONTPLAISIR JACQUES Y. 
Published: December 2011

SummarySex differences in the effects of sleep duration on dietary intake and eating behaviours were examined prospectively in relation to overweight/obesity at ages 6 and 7. Using data from a representative sample (QLSCD 1998–2010) of children born in the province of Québec (Canada), 1106 children were followed to age 6 and 1015 to 7 years. Average nocturnal sleep duration was surveyed annually from 2.5–6 years, food‐frequency and eating behaviour questionnaires were administered at age 6, and body weight and height were measured at 6 and 7 years. Associations were examined longitudinally and mediation examined with adjustments for potential confounders. In boys and girls, shorter sleep duration patterns were associated significantly with less favourable dietary intakes at 6 years: boys consumed vegetables and fruits less frequently and meats/alternatives more frequently than boys with longer sleep patterns; and girls consumed vegetables, fruits and milk products less frequently and soft‐drinks more frequently than girls with longer sleep patterns. However, boys with shorter sleep patterns were also more likely to eat at irregular hours or to eat too much/fast at 6 years. These behaviours, and not dietary intake, mediated an inverse association between sleep duration and overweight/obesity in boys. Sleep duration did not associate with any problem eating behaviours or overweight/obesity in girls. Shorter sleep in early childhood appears to associate with problematic eating behaviours in boys and diet quality in both sexes, regardless of an association with overweight/obesity. This is important for public health and should be considered in relation to other diet‐related diseases.
Sleep disturbance is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders
Authors: GRANDNER MICHAEL A. , JACKSON NICHOLAS J. , PAK VICTORIA M. , GEHRMAN PHILIP R. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryExisting research has demonstrated associations between sleep duration and obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Sleep disorders research has shown that sleep apnoea, insomnia and other sleep disorders confer risk for cardiometabolic disease, particularly in the presence of reduced sleep duration. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between general sleep disturbance, operationalized as ‘difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much’ as measured in a large, nationally representative sample, and self‐reported history of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes and obesity. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analysed. Complete data were available for 138 201 individuals. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis examined associations before and after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, medical and psychological factors. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic and health risk factors, sleep duration was associated with obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, P < 0.0005), diabetes (OR = 1.18, P < 0.005), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.36, P < 0.0005), stroke (OR = 1.22, P < 0.05) and coronary artery disease (OR = 1.59, P < 0.0005). In fully adjusted models that included physical health, significant relationships remained for obesity (OR = 1.14, P < 0.0005), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.23, P < 0.005) and coronary artery disease (OR = 1.43, P < 0.0005). Sleep disturbance is a significant risk factor for obesity, diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary artery disease, and effects for obesity, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease are the most robust after adjustment. This study demonstrates that sleep disturbance is a novel risk factor that is potentially modifiable. Future research should determine whether sleep intervention could reduce the cardiometabolic consequences of sleep disturbance.
The conjugation protein TcpC from Clostridium perfringens is structurally related to the type IV secretion system protein VirB8 from Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Porter Corrine J. , Bantwal Radhika , Bannam Trudi L. , Rosado Carlos J. , Pearce Mary C. , Adams Vicki , Lyras Dena , Whisstock James C. , Rood Julian I. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBacterial conjugation is important for the acquisition of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. We investigated the mechanism of conjugation in Gram‐positive pathogens using a model plasmid pCW3 from Clostridium perfringens. pCW3 encodes tetracycline resistance and contains the tcp locus, which is essential for conjugation. We showed that the unique TcpC protein (359 amino acids, 41 kDa) was required for efficient conjugative transfer, localized to the cell membrane independently of other conjugation proteins, and that membrane localization was important for its function, oligomerization and interaction with the conjugation proteins TcpA, TcpH and TcpG. The crystal structure of the C‐terminal component of TcpC (TcpC99–359) was determined to 1.8‐Å resolution. TcpC99–359 contained two NTF2‐like domains separated by a short linker. Unexpectedly, comparative structural analysis showed that each of these domains was structurally homologous to the periplasmic region of VirB8, a component of the type IV secretion system from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Bacterial two‐hybrid studies revealed that the C‐terminal domain was critical for interactions with other conjugation proteins. The N‐terminal region of TcpC was required for efficient conjugation, oligomerization and protein–protein interactions. We conclude that by forming oligomeric complexes, TcpC contributes to the stability and integrity of the conjugation apparatus, facilitating efficient pCW3 transfer.
The BB0646 protein demonstrates lipase and haemolytic activity associated with Borrelia burgdorferi, the aetiological agent of Lyme disease
Authors: Shaw Dana K. , Hyde Jenny A. , Skare Jon T. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe etiological agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus and, if untreated, can cause significant morbidity in affected individuals. Recent reports have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids in the B. burgdorferi cell envelope are potential targets for oxidative damage, which can be lethal. How B. burgdorferi responds to this assault is not known. Herein we report evidence that bb0646 codes for a lipase that is located within the bosR operon and that has specificity for both saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, strains harbouring mutated copies of the lipase, either in the form of an insertionally inactivated construct or site‐directed mutations within the active site, demonstrated attenuated lipolytic and haemolytic phenotypes when compared with the isogenic parent and trans‐complements. In vivo analysis showed that while the bb0646 mutant remains infectious, the spirochaetal load is significantly lower than both the isogenic parent and the complemented mutant strains. Taken together, these data demonstrate that BB0646 is a broad substrate specific lipase that contributes to lipolytic and haemolytic activity in vitro and is required for optimal B. burgdorferi infection.
Dissecting the role of glutathione biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Patzewitz Eva‐Maria , Wong Eleanor H. , Müller Sylke 
Published: December 2011

SummaryGlutathione (γ‐glutamylcysteinyl‐glycine, GSH) has vital functions as thiol redox buffer and cofactor of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Plasmodium falciparum possesses a functional GSH biosynthesis pathway and contains mM concentrations of the tripeptide. It was impossible to delete in P. falciparum the genes encoding γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γGCS) or glutathione synthetase (GS), the two enzymes synthesizing GSH, although both gene loci were not refractory to recombination. Our data show that the parasites cannot compensate for the loss of GSH biosynthesis via GSH uptake. This suggests an important if not essential function of GSH biosynthesis pathway for the parasites. Treatment with the irreversible inhibitor of γGCS L‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) reduced intracellular GSH levels in P. falciparum and was lethal for their intra‐erythrocytic development, corroborating the suggestion that GSH biosynthesis is important for parasite survival. Episomal expression of γgcs in P. falciparum increased tolerance to BSO attributable to increased levels of γGCS. Concomitantly expression of glutathione reductase was reduced leading to an increased GSH efflux. Together these data indicate that GSH levels are tightly regulated by a functional GSH biosynthesis and the reduction of GSSG.
The Arabidopsis aquaporin PIP1;2 rules cellular CO2 uptake
Authors: UEHLEIN NORBERT , SPERLING HENRIK , HECKWOLF MARLIES , KALDENHOFF RALF 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe membrane CO2 flux into Arabidopsis mesophyll cells was studied using a scanning pH microelectrode. Arabidopsis thaliana mesophyll cells were exposed to photosynthesis‐triggering light intensities, which induced cellular CO2 uptake. Data obtained on a AtPIP1;2 T‐DNA insertion line indicated that under these conditions, cellular CO2 transport was not limited by unstirred layer effects but was dependent on the expression of the aquaporin AtPIP1;2. Complementation of the AtPIP1;2 knockout restored membrane CO2 transport levels to that of controls. The results provide new arguments for the ongoing debate about the validity of the lipid bilayer model system and the Meyer – Overton rule for cellular gas transport. In conclusion, we suggest a modified model of molecular gas transport mechanisms in living cells.
Evaluation of a Flow Cytometry‐Based Assay for Natural Killer Cell Activity in Clinical Settings
Authors: Valiathan R. , Lewis J. E. , Melillo A. B. , Leonard S. , Ali K. H. , Asthana D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are not only important in first line defence against viral and bacterial infections, but also in immune surveillance of malignant cells and thus NK cell cytotoxicity is primary indicator of immune function. Although chromium release assay is recognized as ‘gold standard’ for measuring NK cell activity, it has disadvantages like use of radioactive compounds, poor loading and high spontaneous release. It is difficult to perform this assay in clinical laboratory because of difficulties with disposal of radioactive waste and standardization problems. We describe a flow cytometry‐based assay for the measurement of NK cell activity by incorporating fluorescent dye, DiO, into membranes of target cells. NK cell activity was measured at baseline, 1 and 4 weeks follow‐up in 20 normal healthy individuals on a dietary supplement immunomodulator to enhance NK cell function. Mean baseline NK cell activity percentage (21.5; SD = 9.3) increased significantly to a maximum level at 1 week (31.3%; SD = 7.9; P = 0.007) and then returned to baseline level at 4 weeks (21.5; SD = 8.3). An important feature of flow cytometry‐based assays is its ability to discriminate effector cells from target cells, and potential for explaining molecular interactions underlying target cell lysis. Under clinical settings, this assay will be of interest for frequently monitoring immunological status of patients on treatment for various diseases that affect their immune status. The assay is easy to perform without using radioactive material and thus could become a tool for monitoring pathogenesis and immune reconstitution.
Profile of gay men in Mexico City: results of a survey of meeting sites
Authors: Gutiérrez Juan Pablo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjective  To describe the distribution, size and characteristics of formal and non‐formal meeting places for gay men in Mexico City, the general characteristics of this population, and the factors influencing HIV status and sexual behaviour among gay men.Methods  Meeting sites for gay men in Mexico City were mapped, and the results were used as a sampling frame for an individual‐level survey. For the survey, a random sample of sites was selected using a selection probability proportional to size, with the aim of interviewing approximately 3000 gay men. Multivariate logistic models were constructed to analyse the correlations between the population profile, and characteristics and behaviours related to HIV status.Results  Mapping produced an estimated population attending these meeting places in Mexico City of about 6000–14 000 gay men, who were mostly young and economically active individuals with higher educational and socioeconomic levels than the average levels of the population as a whole. Approximately 67% of these men reported being tested for HIV at least once, and 30% of the men reported being HIV‐positive.Discussion  Participants’ profile depicted the gay population in Mexico City as a highly educated community with a relatively high socioeconomic level. Despite their exposure to prevention efforts, members of this community reported unsafe behaviours consistent with the high prevalence of self‐reported HIV infection.