bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii transmembrane microneme proteins and their modular design
Authors: Sheiner Lilach , Santos Joana M. , Klages Natacha , Parussini Fabiola , Jemmely Noelle , Friedrich Nikolas , Ward Gary E. , Soldati‐Favre Dominique 
Published: June 2010

SummaryHost cell invasion by the Apicomplexa critically relies on regulated secretion of transmembrane micronemal proteins (TM‐MICs). Toxoplasma gondii possesses functionally non‐redundant MIC complexes that participate in gliding motility, host cell attachment, moving junction formation, rhoptry secretion and invasion. The TM‐MICs are released onto the parasite's surface as complexes capable of interacting with host cell receptors. Additionally, TgMIC2 simultaneously connects to the actomyosin system via binding to aldolase. During invasion these adhesive complexes are shed from the surface notably via intramembrane cleavage of the TM‐MICs by a rhomboid protease. Some TM‐MICs act as escorters and assure trafficking of the complexes to the micronemes. We have investigated the properties of TgMIC6, TgMIC8, TgMIC8.2, TgAMA1 and the new micronemal protein TgMIC16 with respect to interaction with aldolase, susceptibility to rhomboid cleavage and presence of trafficking signals. We conclude that several TM‐MICs lack targeting information within their C‐terminal domains, indicating that trafficking depends on yet unidentified proteins interacting with their ectodomains. Most TM‐MICs serve as substrates for a rhomboid protease and some of them are able to bind to aldolase. We also show that the residues responsible for binding to aldolase are essential for TgAMA1 but dispensable for TgMIC6 function during invasion.
A new player in the regulatory cascade controlling heterocyst differentiation in cyanobacteria
Authors: Haselkorn Robert 
Published: June 2010

SummaryHeterocysts are terminally differentiated cells that fix nitrogen in filaments of the cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120. They differentiate from vegetative cells at regular intervals along each filament. The developmental process is initiated by an increase in the ratio of reduced carbon to reduced nitrogen. This cue triggers protein NtcA to activate transcription of nrrA, which leads to transcription of the hetR gene. HetR is a master transcription factor required for expression of many heterocyst‐specific genes. One such gene is hetP, shown by Higa and Callahan in this edition of Molecular Microbiology to be able to replace hetR for most of the downstream events required for a functional heterocyst. Ectopic production of HetP in a hetR mutant allows the differentiation of heterocysts. These heterocysts can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions but they are unable to provide wild‐type protection of nitrogenase from oxygen, so they cannot bypass all of the duties of HetR. Additionally, the 5′‐flanking region of the hetP gene provides the best‐characterized binding site for the HetR protein so far, a seven‐base pair inverted repeat.
Exploring the impact of training on the experience of Australian support group leaders: current practices and implications for research
Authors: Zordan Rachel D. , Juraskova Ilona , Butow Phyllis N , Jolan Afsaneh , Kirsten Laura , Chapman Julie , Sedgwick Christine , Charles Margaret , Sundquist Kendra 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Existing literature suggests that the effectiveness of a support group is linked to the qualifications, skills and experience of the group leader. Yet, little research has been conducted into the experiences of trained vs. untrained support group leaders of chronic‐illness support groups. The current study aimed to compare the experience of leaders, trained vs. untrained in group facilitation, in terms of challenges, rewards and psychological wellbeing.Methods  A total of 358 Australian leaders of cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS) support groups, recruited through State Cancer Councils and the MS society (response rate of 66%), completed a mailed survey.Results  Compared with untrained leaders, those with training were significantly younger, leading smaller groups and facilitating more groups, more frequently (all P < 0.05). Trained leaders were more likely to be female, educated beyond high school, paid to facilitate, a recipient of formal supervision and more experienced (in years) (all P < 0.01). Untrained leaders reported more challenges than trained leaders (P < 0.03), particularly struggling with being contacted outside of group meetings (52%) and a lack of leadership training (47%). Regardless of level of training, leaders identified a number of unmet support and training needs. Overwhelmingly, leaders found their facilitation role rewarding and the majority reported a high level of psychological wellbeing.Conclusions  Group facilitator training has the potential to reduce the burden of support group leadership. Developing interventions to assist support group leaders will be particularly beneficial for leaders with minimal or no training group facilitation training.
Development of instruments to measure the quality of breast cancer treatment decisions
Authors: Lee Clara N. , Dominik Rosalie , Levin Carrie A. , Barry Michael J. , Cosenza Carol , O’Connor Annette M. , Mulley Jr Albert G. , Sepucha Karen R. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Women with early‐stage breast cancer face a multitude of decisions. The quality of a decision can be measured by the extent to which the treatment reflects what is most important to an informed patient. Reliable and valid measures of patients’ knowledge and their goals and concerns related to breast cancer treatments are needed to assess the decision quality.Objective  To identify a set of key facts and goals relevant to each of three breast cancer treatment decisions (surgery, reconstruction and adjuvant chemotherapy and hormone therapy) and to evaluate the validity of the methods used to identify them.Methods  Candidate facts and goals were chosen based on evidence review and qualitative studies with breast cancer patients and providers. Cross‐sectional surveys of patients and providers were conducted for each decision. The accuracy, importance and completeness of the items were examined.Results  Thirty‐eight facts (11–14 per decision) and 27 goals (8–10 per decision) were identified. An average of 17 patients and 21 providers responded to each survey. The sets of facts were accurate and complete for all three decisions. The sets of goals and concerns were important for surgery and reconstruction, but not chemotherapy/hormone therapy. Patients and providers disagreed about the relative importance of several key facts and goals.Conclusions  Overall, breast cancer patients and providers found the sets of facts and goals accurate, important and complete for three treatment decisions. Because patients’ and providers’ perspectives are different, it is vital that instrument development should include items reflecting both views.
A study of patient expectations in a Norfolk general practice
Authors: Kenten Charlotte , Bowling Ann , Lambert Nigel , Howe Amanda , Rowe Gene 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective  To use semi‐structured interviews to ascertain patterns in patients’ expectations of health care and the extent to which these expectations were met or not.Background  In health policy it is important to evaluate health services from varying perspectives including consumers’. One concept of emerging importance in this regard is that of patient expectations. Whether expectations are met or not have been found to be related to general patient satisfaction with treatment and treatment compliance. However, there is conceptual and methodological uncertainty and little informing empirical work regarding what is an ‘expectation’ and how it should be measured.Design  A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews to elicit 20 GP patients’ expectations prior to their consultation. A post consultation interview gauged the extent to which these expectations had been met.Setting and participant  Twenty patients of a GP practice in Norfolk (UK).Results  Results suggest several different expectations, concerned with the doctor‐patient interaction, the specific processes of the consultation, outcomes, and issues to do with time and space.Conclusions  This research has used an innovative exploratory approach to address the expectations of GP patients and has implications for how doctors ought to manage their consultations. These results will be used to inform the development of a quantitative expectations questionnaire so as to develop a validated measure of expectations. Such an instrument has great potential to aid in health care research and practice.
Evaluation of Three Different Extenders for Use in Emergency Salvaging of Epididymal Spermatozoa from a Cantabric Brown Bear
Authors: Anel L , Alvarez M , Anel E , Martinez‐Pastor F , Martinez F , Chamorro C , de Paz P 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThe Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos) constitutes an endangered subpopulation of the European brown bear in the north of Spain. We have carried out a post‐mortem recovery of epididymal spermatozoa from a Cantabrian brown bear (7 years old, 170 kg; 30 min post‐mortem), cryopreserving those recovered from the cauda epididymis (929 × 106 spermatozoa, 54% motile, 82% cytoplasmic droplets). For freezing, three extenders based on Test‐Tris‐Fructose + 4% glycerol were used: (1) 325 mOsm/kg and 10% egg yolk; (2) 430 mOsm/kg and 15% egg yolk; (3) 300 mOsm/kg, Equex‐EDTA and 20% egg yolk. After thawing, we obtained higher motility for extender 3 (31%), but extender 2 yielded the highest viability (66.9%) and mitochondrial activity (67.1%). Caffeine stimulation showed that extender two rendered the highest recovery values of post‐thawing motility with respect to the fresh sample. In conclusion, epididymal spermatozoa of brown bear can be frozen applying an extender with osmolality similar to epididymal environment.
Transurethral resection in one piece (TURBO) is an accurate tool for pathological staging of bladder tumor
Authors: Ukai Rinzo , Hashimoto Kunihiro , Iwasa Tsuguo , Nakayama Hirofumi 
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  To demonstrate the usefulness of transurethral resection in one piece (TURBO) as an accurate pathological staging tool for bladder tumor.Methods:  Ninety‐seven patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer underwent TURBO that was performed either in an en bloc or in a divisional manner. The histological quality of the resection specimens was evaluated and the pathological stage was assigned on the basis of the depth of invasion, which was histologically determined.Results:  Specimens obtained by TURBO were well oriented and their 3‐D architecture was maintained. This allowed a histological assessment of the entire specimen. Portions of muscularis propria were identified beneath the tumor base in the specimens of 80 (82%) patients. In only seven (7%) patients, the tumors had a deep resection margin positive for carcinoma and were ambiguously staged as “pT1 or higher” or “pT2 or higher”. Thus, definite pathological staging of TURBO specimens was possible in 90 (93%) patients (pTa, 30; pT1, 58; pT2, 2).Conclusions:  An accurate pathological stage can be assigned to the TURBO specimen in most bladder cancer patients.
Bladder function of end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Tsunoyama Kuniko , Ishida Hideki , Omoto Kazuya , Shimizu Tomokazu , Shirakawa Hiroki , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the bladder function of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients by using video H2O cystometry (CM) before renal transplantation (RTx).Methods:  A total of 92 patients (57 men and 35 women; mean age 45.4 years; mean period of renal replacement therapy (RRT) 60.2 months) were divided in two groups based on the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO). In each group the following parameters were recorded during CM: first sensation (FS), maximum cystometric capacity (MC) and compliance. The effect of the duration of RRT on the H2O cystometric results was also assessed.Results:  There were 25 patients (27.2%) who had DO before their operation, this ratio being higher than the general Japanese population. Subjects with DO were observed independently for the duration of RRT and there was no difference in the prevalence of DO based on this variable. In contrast, 50 patients kept their bladder compliance in the normal range. The numerical value of FS, MC and compliance decreased proportionally for the duration of RRT.Conclusions:  Patients undergoing RTx frequently present with bladder dysfunction in terms of low capacity, low compliance and also DO. This bladder dysfunction has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Thus, bladder function and its related symptoms require specific attention during the management of transplant patients.
Mechanisms underlying synapse‐specific clustering of GABAAreceptors
Authors: Thomson Alex M. , Jovanovic Jasmina N. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA principle that arises from a body of previous work is that each presynaptic terminal recognises its postsynaptic partner and that each postsynaptic site recognises the origin of the synaptic bouton innervating it. In response, the presynaptic terminal sequesters the proteins whose interactions result in the dynamic transmitter release pattern and chemical modulation appropriate for that connection. In parallel, the postsynaptic site sequesters, inserts or captures the receptors and postsynaptic density proteins appropriate for that type of synapse. The focus of this review is the selective clustering of GABAAreceptors (GABAAR) at synapses made by each class of inhibitory interneurone. This provides a system in which the mechanisms underlying transynaptic recognition can be explored. There are many synaptic proteins, often with several isoforms created by post‐translational modifications. Complex cascades of interactions between these proteins, on either side of the synaptic cleft, are essential for normal function, normal transmitter release and postsynaptic responsiveness. Interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins that have binding domains in the synaptic cleft are proposed here to result in a local cleft structure that captures and stabilises only the appropriate subtype of GABAARs, allowing others to drift away from that synapse, either to be captured by another synapse, or internalised.
Long‐range connectivity of mouse primary somatosensory barrel cortex
Authors: Aronoff Rachel , Matyas Ferenc , Mateo Celine , Ciron Carine , Schneider Bernard , Petersen Carl C.H. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe primary somatosensory barrel cortex processes tactile vibrissae information, allowing rodents to actively perceive spatial and textural features of their immediate surroundings. Each whisker on the snout is individually represented in the neocortex by an anatomically identifiable ‘barrel’ specified by the segregated termination zones of thalamocortical axons of the ventroposterior medial nucleus, which provide the primary sensory input to the neocortex. The sensory information is subsequently processed within local synaptically connected neocortical microcircuits, which have begun to be investigated in quantitative detail. In addition to these local synaptic microcircuits, the excitatory pyramidal neurons of the barrel cortex send and receive long‐range glutamatergic axonal projections to and from a wide variety of specific brain regions. Much less is known about these long‐range connections and their contribution to sensory processing. Here, we review current knowledge of the long‐range axonal input and output of the mouse primary somatosensory barrel cortex. Prominent reciprocal projections are found between primary somatosensory cortex and secondary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, perirhinal cortex and thalamus. Primary somatosensory barrel cortex also projects strongly to striatum, thalamic reticular nucleus, zona incerta, anterior pretectal nucleus, superior colliculus, pons, red nucleus and spinal trigeminal brain stem nuclei. These long‐range connections of the barrel cortex with other specific cortical and subcortical brain regions are likely to play a crucial role in sensorimotor integration, sensory perception and associative learning.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen combination therapy and gabapentin in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Ko S.‐H. , Kwon H.‐S. , Yu J.‐M. , Baik S.‐H. , Park I.‐B. , Lee J.‐H. , Ko K.‐S. , Noh J.‐H. , Kim D.‐S. , Kim C.‐H. , Mok J.‐O. , Park T.‐S. , Son H.‐S. , Cha B.‐Y. 
Published: June 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 1033–1040 (2010)AbstractAims This study compared the efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen (T/A) and gabapentin in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy.Methods An open, randomized, comparative study was conducted. Subjects with painful symmetric neuropathy in the lower limbs and mean pain‐intensity score ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale were eligible. Subjects were randomized to receive either tramadol (37.5 mg)/acetaminophen (325 mg) or gabapentin (300 mg) for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of the titration period (1200 mg/day for gabapentin and three tablets/day for T/A), the doses were maintained if the pain was relieved. The primary efficacy outcome was a reduction in pain intensity. Secondary measures evaluated a pain relief scale, a Brief Pain Inventory, a 36‐item Short Form Health Survey, average pain intensity and sleep disturbance.Results One hundred and sixty‐three subjects (T/A 79; gabapentin 84) were included. At the final visit, the mean doses were 1575 mg/day for gabapentin and 4.22 tablets/day for T/A. Both groups were similar in terms of baseline pain intensity (mean intensity: T/A 6.7 ± 1.6; gabapentin 6.3 ± 1.6,P = 0.168). At the final visit, the mean reductions in pain intensity were similar in both groups (T/A −3.1 ± 2.0; gabapentin −2.7 ± 2.1,P = 0.744). Both groups had similar improvements in every Short Form Health Survey category and Brief Pain Inventory subcategory, and in the mean pain relief scores.Conclusion This study suggests that the T/A combination treatment is as effective as gabapentin in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
The effects of laparoscopic vs. open gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tian H. L , Tian J. H , Yang K. H , Yi K. , Li L. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the effects of laparoscopic vs. open gastric bypass for morbid obesity. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to assess randomized controlled trials on laparoscopic and open gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Six randomized controlled trials involving a total of 422 patients were included. There were 214 patients in the laparoscopic group and 208 patients in the open group separately. Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity could significantly shorten hospital stays (WMD = −1.11 d, 95% confidence interval [CI][−1.65, −0.56]). However, laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity showed higher re‐operation (RR = 4.82, 95% CI [1.29, 17.98]) and longer surgical time (WMD = 28.00 min, 95% CI [7.84, 48.16]). There were no statistical differences in complication (RR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.64, 1.10]) and weight loss (WMD = 1.00 kg m−2, 95% CI [−0.79, 2.79]). The effects of laparoscopic and open gastric bypass for morbid obesity were basically the same except that laparoscopic had a shorter hospital stay and open surgery had a rate of fewer re‐operations and shorter surgical time. Further high‐quality, long follow‐up period randomized controlled trials should be carried out to provide more reliable evidence.
Web 2.0 and competence‐oriented design of learning—Potentials and implications for higher education
Authors: Schneckenberg Dirk , Ehlers Ulf , Adelsberger Heimo 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses the potential of learning technologies to foster competence development of students. It aims to improve understanding of pedagogical conditions that have to be met to establish a competence orientation in e‐learning. We review the literature to summarise recent changes in e‐learning, identify attributes of web 2.0 technologies, revisit the concept of competence and specify implications for the competence‐oriented design of learning environments. By referring to Kolb's learning cycle, we illustrate this view with a case study on the use of Google Apps as collaborative learning environment and recommend how competence‐oriented e‐learning activities can be created. Our findings reinforce the position that web 2.0 tools enable a shift from a distributive to a more collaborative mode in e‐learning. In particular, the ease of use and intuition of web 2.0 technologies allow creating learning environments, which realise activity‐rich pedagogical models and facilitate competence development of students. The paper concludes that, despite the demand of firms for versatile graduates and the obvious potential of learning technologies to foster competence development of students, universities need to establish institutional strategies to make this pedagogical change happen.
Efficacy and safety of two different antifungal pastes in infants with diaper dermatitis: a randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hoeger PH , Stark S , Jost G 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Diaper dermatitis (DD) is the most common type of irritative dermatitis in infancy. It is frequently complicated by Candida superinfection.Objective  Comparison of efficacy and safety of two antifungal pastes (Imazol® = 1% clotrimazole; Multilind® = 100 000 IU nystatin/g + 20% zinc oxide) in infants with DD.Methods  A total of 96 infants were included in this multi‐centre, controlled, randomized, evaluator‐blinded phase IV trial and treated with pastes containing either clotrimazole (n = 45) or nystatin (n = 46) twice daily for 14 days. In all, 91 children (age 12.1 ± 5.3 months; 48 females) with DD were evaluable. Total symptom score after 7 days (TSS7) was assessed as primary parameter. Secondary efficacy parameters were TSS at 14 days (TSS14), clinical and microbiological cure rates and global assessment (GA) of clinical response.Results  TSS improved markedly with both pastes. Decreases in symptom score were 4.5 ± 2.1 (day 7) and 6.1 ± 1.9 (day 14) with clotrimazole compared with 4.2 ± 2.3 and 5.4 ± 2.4 with nystatin (P < 0.0001). With respect to TSS14, clotrimazole was superior to nystatin (P = 0.0434). Clinical cure rate was higher with clotrimazole [36.2% (day 7) and 68.1% (day 14)] compared with 28.6% and 46.9% (nystatin). GA was very good in 26 (55.3%) clotrimazole‐treated children (nystatin: 16 [32.7%], P = 0.0257). Frequency of adverse events was comparable in both treatment groups.Conclusion Clotrimazole was superior to nystatin with respect to reduction in symptom score and GA. Microbiological cure rate was 100% for both agents. Both treatments were safe and well‐tolerated.