bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for the evaluation of patient information leaflets
Authors: Garner Mark , Ning Zhenye , Francis Jill 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  The provision of patient information leaflets (PILs) is an important part of health care. PILs require evaluation, but the frameworks that are used for evaluation are largely under‐informed by theory. Most evaluation to date has been based on indices of readability, yet several writers argue that readability is not enough. We propose a framework for evaluating PILs that reflect the central role of the patient perspective in communication and use methods for evaluation based on simple linguistic principles.The proposed framework  The framework has three elements that give rise to three approaches to evaluation. Each element is a necessary but not sufficient condition for effective communication. Readability (focussing on text) may be assessed using existing well‐established procedures. Comprehensibility (focussing on reader and text) may be assessed using multiple‐choice questions based on the lexical and semantic features of the text. Communicative effectiveness (focussing on reader) explores the relationship between the emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses of the reader and the objectives of the PIL. Suggested methods for assessment are described, based on our preliminary empirical investigations.Conclusions  The tripartite model of communicative effectiveness is a patient‐centred framework for evaluating PILs. It may assist the field in moving beyond readability to broader indicators of the quality and appropriateness of printed information provided to patients.
A geographical mosaic of coevolution in a slave‐making host–parasite system
Authors: RUANO F. , DEVERS S. , SANLLORENTE O. , ERRARD C. , TINAUT A. , LENOIR A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThree different isolated populations of the slave‐making ant Rossomyrmex minuchae, sympatric with its obligate host Proformica longiseta, are known from the high mountains of southern Spain. To test the prediction that the slave‐maker and its host represent a coevolutionary geographical mosaic, we studied the variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) as the trait most likely to show the selection mosaic, plus trait remixing by the gene flow in the populations of each species by means of microsatellites. We found within populations, host and parasite had more similar CHC profiles than between the populations or between parasites and allopatric hosts. The differences between the CHC profiles of the host and parasite, which may be responsible for the level of tolerance towards the parasite, varied between the populations suggesting the existence of a selection mosaic of coevolution. Furthermore, P. longiseta showed higher gene flow than R. minuchae, which would allow local variation in the coevolution of the host and parasite while allowing some trait remixing.
Structure‐based design of AIDS drugs and the development of resistance
Authors: Wlodawer Alexander 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAIDS is a major worldwide epidemic spread primarily through contact with infected blood during sexual activity, drug injection, birth, and, rarely now, blood transfusion. More than a dozen drugs for the treatment of AIDS have been introduced in the last 15 years and the process leading to their development offers an excellent example of the progress made in the field of rational drug design. The principal targets of the approved drugs are reverse transcriptase and protease enzymes encoded by the human immunodeficiency virus. In particular, introduction of protease inhibitors has led to a significant decrease of the mortality and morbidity associated with AIDS. My presentation will discuss methods utilized for the development of selected AIDS drugs, primarily protease inhibitors, and the emergence of drug resistance which is presently the greatest challenge in fighting this disease in developed countries.
Mechanism of action of IVIG in ITP
Authors: Lazarus Alan H. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTIVIG is prepared from large pools of plasma from healthy donors and the IgG is present predominantly in monomeric form. It was first reported in 1981 by Dr. Paul Imbach that high doses of IVIG promote fast recovery of ITP in children [1]. Despite extensive clinical use in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory states, the mechanism of action of IVIG remains as yet incompletely understood. Several theories have been proposed to explain how administration of IVIG to individuals with ITP increases the platelet count. Following is an overview of some of the major theories.
Breathlessness and Blood: A Combustible Combination
Authors: Popovsky Mark A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPulmonary complications are increasingly recognized as serious hazards of transfusion. The evidence suggests that transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) are underrecognized. Both present with dyspnea but other signs and symptoms assist in determining the proper diagnosis. Males and females are equally affected. Morbidity is significant with both complications and in the case of TRALI, the mortality is in the range of 6‐10%. Although the clinical descriptions of both entities are well established, the clinical profile of the at‐risk population for both TRALI and TACO is not well understood. Because early intervention can reduce morbidity, it is important that clinicians recognize these disorders and apply appropriate treatment.
Correlation of cytological and biochemical parameters with resistance and tolerance to Mycosphaerella graminicola in wheat
Authors: El Chartouni L. , Randoux B. , Duyme F. , Renard‐Merlier D. , Tisserant B. , Bourdon N. , Pillon V. , Sanssené J. , Durand R. , Reignault Ph. , Halama P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis study investigated the infection process of Mycosphaerella graminicola and enzyme activities related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) or oxylipin biosynthesis in four French wheat cultivars with variable resistance to M. graminicola infection. At field level, cultivars Caphorn, Maxyl and Gen11 were susceptible, whereas Capnor showed high levels of quantitative resistance. Moreover, Capnor and Gen11 were tolerant, i.e., their yield was less affected by infection compared to non‐tolerant Maxyl and Caphorn. These four cultivars were inoculated under laboratory conditions with the M. graminicola IPO323 reference strain. Cytological and biochemical responses were studied on collected first plantlet leaves and several features discriminated between cultivars. However, resistance and tolerance had no impact on the fungal infection process. Levels of lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (PO) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities were also compared with regard to cultivar resistance or tolerance to M. graminicola. LOX, PO and GST activities did not discriminate resistance and tolerance profiles, although a low level of PO in inoculated and non‐inoculated plants could be associated with tolerance. In addition, cell necrosis correlated positively with LOX in non‐tolerant cultivars, while mycelia surrounding stomata were positively correlated with PO in the resistant cultivar. GST activity presented correlations between cytological and biochemical parameters only for susceptible cultivars. Stomatal and direct penetration were positively correlated with GST activity in the susceptible non‐tolerant cultivars, while these correlations were negative in the tolerant cultivar. When combining cytological and biochemical observations with resistance and tolerance profiles, for each cultivar and at each time point, cultivars could be classified in tight accordance with their previous field characterisation. Moreover, tolerance allowed us to distinguish susceptible cultivars when both biochemical and cytological parameters were considered together.
New Zealand surveillance of neonatal vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB): 1998–2008
Authors: Darlow Brian A , Phillips Amanda A , Dickson Nigel P 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To undertake surveillance of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) from 1998, through the transition to a new single licensed vitamin K preparation in 2001, to 2008.Methods:  VKDB was listed with other rare conditions on the card sent monthly to registered specialist paediatricians by the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit with a request to indicate whether or not a case had been seen in the previous month. Those notifying a case were sent a two‐page questionnaire. The main outcome measures were incidence of VKDB of early (first day of life), classic (days 2–7) and late‐onset (day 8 to 6 months) type; related morbidity and mortality; receipt of vitamin K; and predisposing factors.Results:  Response rate of return of surveillance cards was high, averaging 94.5%. There were 35 notifications of which 23 were valid cases. Seventeen cases met criteria for confirmed VKDB, two for ‘probable’ and four for ‘possible’. There were eight confirmed classic cases with an overall incidence of 1.24 (95% confidence interval 0.54–2.45) per 100 000 births; none had received vitamin K prophylaxis, seven were fully breastfed and all fully recovered. There were nine confirmed late‐onset cases with an overall incidence of 1.40 (95% confidence interval 0.64–2.65) per 100 000 births; eight had received no vitamin K, eight were fully breastfed, six had liver disease, four suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and one died.Conclusions:  In New Zealand, VKDB is virtually confined to fully breastfed infants not given vitamin K at birth. Late‐onset cases were frequently associated with liver disease.
Mental and motor development and psychosocial adjustment of Chinese children with phenylketonuria
Authors: Wu Wei , Sheng Diying , Shao Jie , Zhao Zhengyan 
Published: February 2011

Aim:  This study was designed to evaluate mental and motor development, psychosocial adjustment (temperament and behavioural problems) in children with phenylketonuria (PKU).Methods:  Twenty‐eight Chinese children aged from three to 36 months with early‐treated PKU were evaluated by Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (PDMS‐II), Toddler Temperament Questionnaire (TTQ) and Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The related factors, including blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels, and the socio‐economic status (SES) of the children's family were also explored.Results:  In comparison with healthy control, early‐treated PKU children showed no delay in the mental and motor development. However, they presented higher levels on four of the nine temperamental dimensions (higher level in activity, more intense in reaction, more negative mood and more distraction). They also had more behavioural problems in depression, aggression and destructibility. A lower Phe level and a higher SES of children's family showed a positive effect on development index, temperamental characteristics and behavioural problems.Conclusion:  Early‐treated PKU children were normal in the mental and motor development. However, they presented higher level on four of the nine temperamental dimensions and had more behavioural problems. Paediatric control combined with psycho‐counselling was suggested for young PKU children.
Acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccine among the urban, affluent and educated parents of young girls residing in Kolkata, Eastern India
Authors: Basu Partha , Mittal Srabani 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescent girls and young women; however, the social structure in India will not permit vaccination of this age‐group without parental approval. Our study aimed to explore the attitude of affluent, urban Indian parents towards the HPV vaccine.Methods:  Well‐to‐do married couples with at least one daughter between 9–26 years of age were interviewed using a questionnaire in two parts. The first part was to assess their attitude to vaccination in general and their knowledge of cervical cancer; the second part was to assess their acceptance of the HPV vaccine. An educational fact sheet about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine was administered in between the two parts.Results:  Of the 522 participants, 27% of men and 24% of women agreed to vaccinate their daughters against a cancer initially. After going through the fact sheet, 74% of both men and women were in favor of vaccination.Conclusions:  The HPV vaccine seems to be well accepted among this subgroup of population if appropriately educated.
Increased arterial stiffness in mildly‐hypertensive women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sasaki Aiko , Emi Yayoi , Matsuda Miwa , Sharula  , Kamada Yasuhiko , Chekir Chebib , Hiramatsu Yuji , Nakatsuka Mikiya 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim:  Although risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, are commonly observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), impairment of vascular function is still controversial. We evaluated the vascular function in young women with PCOS.Methods:  We evaluated arterial stiffness in 54 women with PCOS and 24 healthy control women using a volume‐plethysmographic apparatus equipped with a multi‐element applanation tonometry sensor for the left common carotid artery and studied the correlations of various factors.Results:  There was no significant difference in age or body mass index between the controls and the women with PCOS. These women with PCOS had a significantly higher serum testosterone and C‐reactive protein levels and showed insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The mean blood pressure in women with PCOS was within the normal range, but still significantly higher than those in the controls. Women with PCOS had a significantly higher brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) than that for the controls (P < 0.02), whereas there was no significant difference in the carotid augmentation index between the two groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that blood pressure influences the baPWV in women with PCOS. Arterial stiffness evaluated using the baPWV in mildly‐hypertensive women (systolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) with PCOS was significantly higher than that in the controls or normotensive women with PCOS.Conclusions:  Early changes in vascular function were detected in mildly‐hypertensive women with PCOS. Lifestyle interventions to prevent hypertension, such as diet and exercise, should be the first‐line of treatment in women with PCOS.
Transcription of fdh and hyd in Syntrophobacter spp. and Methanospirillum spp. as a diagnostic tool for monitoring anaerobic sludge deprived of molybdenum, tungsten and selenium
Authors: Worm Petra , Fermoso Fernando G. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Lens Piet N. L. , Plugge Caroline M. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryFormate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases contain molybdenum or tungsten and/or selenium. These enzymes are crucial for interspecies formate and hydrogen transfer between propionate degrading Syntrophobacter spp. and methanogenic Methanospirillum spp. Here we used reverse transcription of total RNA followed by quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) with specific primers to get insight into interspecies formate and hydrogen transfer. Transcriptional regulation of formate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases in Syntrophobacter and Methanospirillum spp. in a propionate‐fed up‐flow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor was examined. In both microorganisms formate dehydrogenase and hydrogenase coding genes (fdh and hyd respectively) were transcribed simultaneously. During 249 days in which molybdenum, tungsten and selenium were not supplied to the reactor feed, the microbial activity and transcription of fdh and hyd in Syntrophobacter spp. decreased. Transcription of fdh and hyd in Methanospirillum spp. did not decrease, but transcription of fdh increased when after 249 days molybdenum, tungsten and selenium were supplied to the reactor feed. The developed RT‐qPCR is a technique that can give rapid information about active processes in methanogenic granular sludge and may contribute to predict metal limitation and failure in UASB reactors.
Histological study of the spermatheca in three thelytokous parthenogenetic ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Gotoh Ayako , Billen Johan , Tsuji Kazuki , Sasaki Tomonori , Ito Fuminori 
Published: February 2011

AbstractGotoh, A., Billen, J., Tsuji, K., Sasaki, T. and Ito, F. 2011. Histological study of the spermatheca in three thelytokous parthenogenetic ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00:1–8.The evolution of obligate parthenogenesis may induce the degeneration of female mating ability and subsequently affect the morphology of the female reproductive organs related to mating and/or sperm storage. Here, we investigated the size and structure of the sperm storage organ, the spermatheca, in three thelytokous parthenogenetic myrmicine ant species, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Pyramica membranifera and Monomorium triviale, and compared it with that of their related sexually reproducing species. So far, mated individuals have never been found in these three species, which appears to be in line with their parthenogenetic status. Although the spermatheca appears to be useless in these species, we could not find any evidence on the degeneration in size and morphology of their spermathecae. The spermathecal reservoir still has the columnar hilar epithelium, which is one of the major features for a functional spermatheca in ants.
The liposome‐incorporating cell wall skeleton of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guéin can directly enhance the susceptibility of cancer cells to lymphokine‐activated killer cells through up‐regulation of natural‐killer group 2, member D ligands
Authors: Miyazaki Jun , Kawai Koji , Kojima Takahiro , Oikawa Takehiro , Joraku Akira , Shimazui Toru , Nakaya Akihiro , Yano Ikuya , Nakamura Takashi , Harashima Hideyoshi , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE• To conduct a preclinical evaluation of the ability of natural killer cells to cytolyze bladder cancer cells that were modified to show enhanced expression of natural‐killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligands by R8‐liposome‐bacillus Calmette‐Guéin (BCG)‐cell wall skeleton (CWS) treatment.MATERIALS AND METHODS• The T24 cells and RT‐112 cells were co‐cultured with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS and BCG for 2, 4, or 6 h, and then the surface expression of NKG2D ligands was analyzed using TaqMan real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR.• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained with a conventional preparation kit, and then lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells were generated from these purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells via interleukin‐2 stimulation.• The anti‐tumour effect of LAK cells against untreated and R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS co‐cultured with cells of the human bladder cancer cell lines T24 and RT‐112 was analyzed using the cytotoxic WST‐8 assay method at 4 h of culture at various effector/target (E : T) ratios.RESULTS• Major histocompatibility complex class I‐related chain B (MICB) expression was increased ≈1.5‐fold on T24 cells and RT‐112 cells with BCG.• UL‐16‐binding protein (ULBP) 1 expression was also increased ≈1.5‐fold on T24 cells and RT‐112 cells with BCG. R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS increased the surface expression of MICB 2.2‐fold on T24 cells but did not increase it significantly on RT‐112 cells.• ULBP1 expression was increased ≈2.2‐fold on RT‐112 cells, although no differences were observed between the expression of ULBP2 and 3 with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS.• T24 cells that were co‐cultured with R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS showed an ≈1.3‐fold increase in sensitivity to cytolysis by LAK cells at an E : T ratio of 4 and RT‐112 cells showed an ≈1.4‐fold increase at an E : T ratio of 2.CONCLUSIONS• In the present study, the induction of surface NKG2D ligands by R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS rendered cancer cells more susceptible to cytolysis by LAK cells.• T24 cells and RT‐112 cells, even when cultured singly in the absence of immune cells, can directly respond to R8‐liposome‐BCG‐CWS.• The results obtained in the present study may therefore indicate a novel adoptive immunotherapy against bladder cancers.
Increasing the energy density of vegetative tissues by diverting carbon from starch to oil biosynthesis in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Sanjaya  , Durrett Timothy P. , Weise Sean E. , Benning Christoph 
Published: February 2011

SummaryIncreasing the energy density of biomass by engineering the accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in vegetative tissues is synergistic with efforts to produce biofuels by conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. Typically, TAG accumulates in developing seeds, and little is known about the regulatory mechanisms and control factors preventing oil biosynthesis in vegetative tissues in most plants. Here, we engineered Arabidopsis thaliana to ectopically overproduce the transcription factor WRINKLED1 (WRI1) involved in the regulation of seed oil biosynthesis. Furthermore, we reduced the expression of APS1 encoding a major catalytic isoform of the small subunit of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase involved in starch biosynthesis using an RNAi approach. The resulting AGPRNAi‐WRI1 lines accumulated less starch and more hexoses. In addition, these lines produced 5.8‐fold more oil in vegetative tissues than plants with WRI1 or AGPRNAi alone. Abundant oil droplets were visible in vegetative tissues. TAG molecular species contained long‐chain fatty acids, similar to those found in seed oils. In AGPRNAi‐WRI1 lines, the relative expression level of sucrose synthase 2 was considerably elevated and correlated with the level of sugars. The relative expression of the genes encoding plastidic proteins involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis, biotin carboxyl carrier protein isoform 2 and acyl carrier protein 1, was also elevated. The relative contribution of TAG compared to starch to the overall energy density increased 9.5‐fold in one AGPRNAi‐WRI1 transgenic line consistent with altered carbon partitioning from starch to oil.
Cytokines and memory across the mature life span of women
Authors: LEKANDER MATS , Von ESSEN JAN , SCHULTZBERG MARIANNE , ANDREASSON ANNA NIXON , GARLIND ANITA , HANSSON LARS‐OLOF , NILSSON LARS‐GÖRAN 
Published: February 2011

Lekander, M., von Essen, J., Schultzberg, M., Andreasson, A. N., Garlind, A., Hansson, L.‐O. & Nilsson, L.‐G. (2011). Cytokines and memory across the mature life span of women. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology52, 229–235.Increasing evidence suggests a role of the immune system in modulation of cognition, but details on affected memory systems are largely lacking. We therefore aimed to study the relation between selected cytokines and subsets of memory, and the impact of age in these relations. From a random population‐based sample (the Betula Prospective Cohort Study), 298 women (age 45–90) were studied in terms of episodic recall and recognition, semantic fluency and knowledge, and prospective memory. Circulating cytokines of relevance for cognition and aging were measured with ELISA. Levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 and sIL‐2R were significantly and negatively associated with most cognitive variables, while the opposite was true for IL‐1β. Age shared substantial variance with both cytokines and memory, and turned most correlations non‐significant when controlled for together with education, BMI and presence of disease. Interactions between age and cytokines were further analyzed in multiple regressions. For IL‐6, significant negative interactions with age were found for semantic fluency (p < 0.05) and prospective memory (p < 0.01), and for sIL‐2R in predicting semantic knowledge (p < 0.05), indicating an increased negative impact of these cytokines on memory with increasing age. In conclusion, the study indicates a relation between cytokines and memory that appears to be largely mediated by age, and supports the suggestion that cytokine dysregulation with higher age may interact with cognitive aging.