bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic delay in lung cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Tod Angela M. , Craven Jacqueline , Allmark Peter 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTitle.  Diagnostic delay in lung cancer: a qualitative study Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify factors influencing delay in reporting symptoms of lung cancer.Background.  Lung cancer accounts for approximately 5% of deaths in the Western world. For up to 80% of patients, their disease is inoperable because it has been diagnosed too late. This suggests that reducing diagnostic delay could reduce mortality.Methods.  This qualitative study was conducted from July 2005 to May 2006 in community and hospital settings in the United Kingdom. A purposive sample of people diagnosed with lung cancer in the previous 6 months (n = 18), and two 18‐month survivors took part in individual interviews.Findings.  Participants reported a range of interrelating factors that influenced delay in reporting symptoms of lung cancer. Barriers to symptom reporting included symptom experience, lack of knowledge and fear. Blame and stigma because of smoking were also prevalent influences, as well as cultural factors, non‐standard patterns of healthcare utilization and underlying stoical attitudes. The only factor to emerge as helpful in overcoming delay was the role families played.Conclusion.  Lack of knowledge and awareness about lung cancer could be addressed by better education of the public. Social marketing is a way of developing education messages which tackle cultural influences on treatment‐seeking delay. Nurses have a potential role in developing and disseminating those messages.
Using evolutionary demography to link life history theory, quantitative genetics and population ecology
Authors: Coulson Tim , Tuljapurkar Shripad , Childs Dylan Z. 
Published: August 2010

Summary1. There is a growing number of empirical reports of environmental change simultaneously influencing population dynamics, life history and quantitative characters. We do not have a well‐developed understanding of links between the dynamics of these quantities.2. Insight into the joint dynamics of populations, quantitative characters and life history can be gained by deriving a model that allows the calculation of fundamental quantities that underpin population ecology, evolutionary biology and life history. The parameterization and analysis of such a model for a specific system can be used to predict how a population will respond to environmental change.3. Age‐stage‐structured models can be constructed from character‐demography associations that describe age‐specific relationships between the character and: (i) survival; (ii) fertility; (iii) ontogenetic development of the character among survivors; and (iv) the distribution of reproductive allocation.4. These models can be used to calculate a wide range of useful biological quantities including population growth and structure; terms in the Price equation including selection differentials; estimates of biometric heritabilities; and life history descriptors including generation time. We showcase the method through parameterization of a model using data from a well‐studied population of Soay sheepOvis aries.5. Perturbation analysis is used to investigate how the quantities listed in summary point 4 change as each parameter in each character‐demography function is altered.6. A wide range of joint dynamics of life history, quantitative characters and population growth can be generated in response to changes in different character‐demography associations; we argue this explains the diversity of observations on the consequences of environmental change from studies of free‐living populations.7. The approach we describe has the potential to explain within and between species patterns in quantitative characters, life history and population dynamics.
Density‐dependent impacts of exotic conifer invasion on grassland invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Pawson Stephen M. , McCarthy James K. , Ledgard Nicholas J. , Didham Raphael K. 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1. Globally, temperate grasslands have been heavily modified by agricultural intensification. The ecological integrity of many remaining semi‐natural grasslands is further threatened by the encroachment of invasive alien woody plant species, such as conifers. 2. Although the ecological impact of conifers is often inferred to be directly related to increasing conifer density at invaded sites, interpretation of these density‐dependent effects on native biodiversity is almost always confounded by strong correlations between density and time since invasion. Here, we isolate the direct effects of exotic conifer density on native invertebrate assemblages from the confounding effects due to time since invasion, by establishing replicated experimental plantings of the invasive Pinus nigra (densities of 400, 800, 1600, 2500 and 3500 trees per ha, established in 1993) in New Zealand. 3. From the 29 549 invertebrates captured, the relative abundance of major classes and orders was largely unaffected by conifer invasion at densities below 800 trees per ha at age 14 years, but differed substantially in higher‐density conifer stands (canopy cover >50%). At the species level, beetle species composition was highly sensitive to conifer invasion at densities as low as 400 trees per ha at age 14 years. Changes in beetle species composition were correlated with reduced soil moisture, increases in canopy cover, and trap distance from the nearest semi‐natural grassland. 4. Synthesis and applications. The effects of exotic conifer invasion on grassland invertebrate assemblages were strongly dependent on conifer density. In our study, the negative effects of conifer invasion on biodiversity were comparatively low at densities below ≤800 trees per ha at 14 years after invasion. To conserve invertebrate diversity in semi‐natural grasslands we recommend a dual focus of conservation actions targeting: (i) immediate control, or thinning, of high density conifer infestations (>800 trees per ha) to restore habitat to a state suitable for grassland species, and (ii) longer‐term removal of sparse, pre‐coning infestations in order to prevent further spread. We propose the use of canopy cover as a proxy for the confounded relationship between conifer density and time since invasion.
Why some adults with intellectual disability consult their general practitioner more than others
Authors: Turk V. , Kerry S. , Corney R. , Rowlands G. , Khattran S. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground  This research identifies factors affecting why some adults with intellectual disability (AWIDs) consult their general practitioner (GP) more than others. Little is known about these factors, despite AWIDs having higher health needs and reduced longevity. Current barriers to accessing health care need to be understood and overcome to achieve improved health outcomes.Methods  A secondary analysis of data obtained from a stratified randomised sample of AWIDs participating in a cluster randomised trial of hand held health records. The number of GP consultations was obtained retrospectively for the year preceding initial health interviews from GP records. AWIDs and their carers were given separate health interviews using identical/adapted questions where possible.Results  Two hundred and one AWIDs and or their carers from 40 practices participated (response rate 64.6%) with GP consultation data extracted for 187 AWIDs. Overall consulting levels were low, 3.2 per annum for women and 2.2 for men. Increased age, gender (women) and type of carer (paid) were all significantly associated with increased consultations. Carers reporting health problems, medications reported by AWIDs, medications recorded in GP records, and pain reported by AWIDs were also significant factors affecting consultations to GP practices after adjustment for age and type of carer.Conclusions  Overall consultation rates were lower than expected, and affected by age, gender and type of carer. Targeted interventions are needed to improve attendance and promote health.
Distinguishing features of autism in boys with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Brock M. , Hatton D. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground  Males with fragile X syndrome and autism (FXS/autism) represent a distinct subgroup of males with FXS at risk for markedly poorer outcomes. Early identification and intervention can improve outcomes for males with autism spectrum disorder.Method  To advance the development of a specialised autism screening tool for young males with FXS that could assist in early identification, backward regression was used to identify the combination of parent‐report questionnaire items that best predicted autism symptoms in a sample of 60 males with FXS, ages 4–18 years old.Results  Both social and repetitive behaviours distinguished males with FXS/autism, with repetitive behaviours playing a more prominent role than previously documented in the literature.Conclusions  Healthcare workers and early interventionists may be able to interview parents about a few key behaviours to determine if young child with FXS should be formally evaluated for autism. Evidence‐based practices identified for children with autism spectrum disorder can be implemented as early as possible.
The development of adaptive skills in young people with Down syndrome
Authors: Van Duijn G. , Dijkxhoorn Y. , Scholte E. M. , Van Berckelaer‐Onnes I. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground  To help children with Down syndrome reach optimum levels of adaptive behaviour, caretakers need to know how and to what extent children with Down syndrome acquire adaptive skills.Method  The adaptive levels of motor, daily living, communicative and social behavioural skills were determined in a group of 984 Dutch children with Down syndrome, aged between 0 and 12 years, and compared with the adaptive levels of typically developing children using a Dutch version of the Vineland Screener.Results  Children with Down syndrome acquire their adaptive skills at a slower pace and reach their ceiling scores at about the age of 12 years, at a substantially lower level than a reference group of typically developing children.Conclusions  Down children seem to acquire skills in a similar sequence and according to a similar trajectory. Development of adaptive skills varies greatly between participants with Down syndrome. For that reason, cohort studies on the development of individuals with Down syndrome over a prolonged period of time are needed.
Effects of gut microbiota on obesity and atherosclerosis via modulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism
Authors: Caesar R. , Fåk F. , Bäckhed F. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Caesar R, Fåk F, Bäckhed F (Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research/Wallenberg Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden). Effects of gut microbiota on obesity and atherosclerosis via modulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism. (Review) J Intern Med 2010; 268: 320–328.Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between inflammatory and metabolic pathways, and inflammation is now recognized to have a major role in obesity and metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. The human body is home to a large number of distinct microbial communities, with the densest population in the distal gut (the gut microbiota). Bacteria have long been known to activate inflammatory pathways, and recent data demonstrate that the gut microbiota may affect lipid metabolism and function as an environmental factor that influences the development of obesity and related diseases. Here, we review how the gut microbiota may affect metabolic diseases by activating the innate immune system.
Reversal of an epigenetic switch governing cell chaining in Bacillus subtilis by protein instability
Authors: Chai Yunrong , Kolter Roberto , Losick Richard 
Published: August 2010

Summary Bacillus subtilis forms long chains of cells during growth and biofilm formation. Cell separation is mediated by autolysins, whose genes are under the negative control of a heteromeric complex composed of the proteins SinR and SlrR. Formation of the SinR–SlrR complex is governed by a self‐reinforcing, double‐negative feedback loop in which SinR represses the gene for SlrR and SlrR, by forming the SinR–SlrR complex, titrates SinR and prevents it from repressing slrR. The loop is a bistable switch and exists in a SlrRLOW state in which autolysin genes are on, and a SlrRHIGH state in which autolysin genes are repressed by SinR–SlrR. Cells in the SlrRLOW state are driven into the SlrRHIGH state by SinI, an antirepressor that binds to and inhibits SinR. However, the mechanism by which cells in the SlrRHIGH state revert back to the SlrRLOW state is unknown. We report that SlrR is proteolytically unstable and present evidence that self‐cleavage via a LexA‐like autopeptidase and ClpC contribute to its degradation. Cells producing a self‐cleavage‐resistant mutant of SlrR exhibited more persistent chaining during growth and yielded biofilms with enhanced structural complexity. We propose that degradation of SlrR allows cells to switch from the SlrRHIGH to the SlrRLOW state.
The global nutritional regulator CodY is an essential protein in the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Caymaris Stéphanie , Bootsma Hester J. , Martin Bernard , Hermans Peter W. M. , Prudhomme Marc , Claverys Jean‐Pierre 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCodY is a global regulator highly conserved in low‐G+C Gram‐positive bacteria. It plays a key role in the adaptation of Bacillus subtilis to nutritional limitation through repression of a large gene set during exponential growth and relief of repression upon starvation. In several pathogenic bacteria, CodY regulates major virulence genes. Our interest in Streptococcus pneumoniae CodY originates from our observations that the oligopeptide permease Ami was involved in repression of competence for genetic transformation. We hypothesized that peptide uptake through Ami feeds amino acid pools, which are sensed by CodY to repress competence. As our initial attempts at inactivating codY failed, we launched an in‐depth analysis into the question of the essentiality of codY. We report that codY cannot be inactivated unless a complementing ectopic copy is present. We obtained genetic evidence that a recently published D39 codY knock‐out contains additional mutations allowing survival of codY mutant cells. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed mutations in fatC, which encodes a ferric iron permease, and amiC. This combination of mutations was confirmed to allow tolerance of codY inactivation. The amiC mutation is in itself sufficient to account for the strong derepression of competence development observed in D39 codY cells.
Requirement of a specific group of sphingolipid‐metabolizing enzyme for growth of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under impaired metabolism of glycerophospholipids
Authors: Tani Motohiro , Kuge Osamu 
Published: August 2010

SummarySphingolipids play critical roles in many physiologically important events in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we screened for yeast mutants showing high sensitivity to Aureobasidin A, an inhibitor of inositol phosphorylceramide synthase, and found that a lack of SAC1 encoding phosphoinositides phosphatase causes high sensitivity to the inhibitor. Double mutation analysis involving the SAC1 and non‐essential sphingolipid‐metabolizing enzyme genes revealed that csg1Δ, csg2Δ, ipt1Δ or scs7Δ causes synthetic lethality with deletion of SAC1. As previously reported, SAC1‐repressed cells exhibited a reduced cellular phosphatidylserine (PS) level, and overexpression of PSS1 encoding PS synthase complemented the growth defects of scs7Δ, csg1Δ and ipt1Δ cells under SAC1‐repressive conditions. Furthermore, repression of PSS1 expression resulted in synthetic growth defect with the deletion of CSG1, IPT1 or SCS7. The growth defects of scs7Δ, csg1Δ and ipt1Δ cells under SAC1‐ or PSS1‐repressive conditions were also complemented by overexpression of Arf‐GAP AGE1, which encodes a protein related to membrane trafficking. Under SAC1‐repressive conditions, scs7Δ, csg1Δ and ipt1Δ cells showed defects in vacuolar morphology, which were complemented by overexpression of each of PSS1 and AGE1. These results suggested that a specific group of sphingolipid‐metabolizing enzyme is required for yeast cell growth under impaired metabolism of glycerophospholipids.
Kimura's disease
Authors: Lenk Nurdan , Artüz Ferda , Kulaçoǧlu Sezer , Alli Nuran 
Published: August 2010

A 40‐year‐old white Caucasian man presented with a 6‐month history of a 1.5 × 1.5 cm nodular lesion on his left arm. No history of trauma preceeded the lesion and the patient was in good general health.Dermatologic examination revealed a solitary, red, painless nodule located on the left arm (Fig. 1). Histopathologic examination of punch biopsy revealed lymphoid follicles, some of which had active germinal centers in the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Mixed infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and many eosinophils were present in the interfollicular region. Infiltration of the germinal centers by eosinophils, causing partial destruction, was observed (Fig. 2A). There was also proliferation of thin‐walled small vessels and fibrosis in some parts of the interfollicular areas (Fig. 2B). Although Kimura's disease (KD) and angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) were considered in the differential diagnosis, it was diagnosed as KD based on these histologic features. Further laboratory examinations were performed. Serum IgE was normal and peripheral eosinophilia was absent.The lesion regressed after biopsy. Complete healing was achieved with intralesional corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide) treatment.
Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy
Authors: Tarocchi Simona , Carli Paolo , Caproni Marzia , Fabbri Paolo 
Published: August 2010

A 29‐year‐old woman developed a pruritic papular eruption that appeared symmetrically on the lateral part of her arms and elbows and on the media part of her thighs and knees in the 35th week of gestation (Fig. 1). The papules were erythematous, firm, flat, with a slightly elevated border, and measured 2–5 mm in diameter. A few papules quickly coalesced to form urticarial plaques. There were no lesions on the abdomen. In the 40th week of gestation, she delivered a healthy girl and a week later the eruption cleared up spontaneously.Two years later, in the 37th week of gestation of her second pregnancy, the same patient developed an itchy papular eruption, clinically comparable with that of the previous pregnancy, which spontaneously disappeared a few days after delivery of a healthy boy.During both pregnancies routine laboratory investigations, hormonal tests, and tests to detect cholestasis and viral hepatitis (A,B,C) were performed. A biopsy of lesional and perilesional skin was taken for histologic and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) examination. Serum was tested by indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) staining for IgG, IgM, and IgA, and by a complement fixation test. For histologic examination, biopsy specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Direct immunofluorescence was performed on cryostat sections from biopsy specimens, washed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled antibodies (anti‐IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, fibrinogen) (DAKO, Glostrup, Denmark). The slides were mounted in buffered glycerol and examined by fluorescent microscopy.An immunohistochemical study was also performed on cryostat sections using the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique with monoclonal antibodies (anti‐CD45RO, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, CD22, CD1a, HLA‐DR, CD54).The results of routine laboratory and hormonal tests and tests for cholestasis and viral hepatitis (A,B,C) were normal or negative. The histopathologic examination of a papule showed mild spongiosis in the epidermis, slight oedema, and a moderate perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes and monocytes in the superficial dermis (Fig. 2). Examination by DIF on lesional skin showed a dense granular‐linear deposit of IgM and C3 along the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of the epidermis and hair follicles (Fig. 3). After healing of the dermatosis, repeated DIF near the previously examined location was negative. An IIF study revealed no circulating anti‐BMZ IgG, IgM, or IgA autoantibodies. The complement fixation test was also negative. The immunohistochemical study showed a perivascular infiltrate in the dermis consisting mainly of T lymphocytes (CD4+, DRH+, CD25+).
Congenital hemangiopericytoma of the skin
Authors: Ferreira Carlos M.M. , Maceira Juan M.P. , Coelho Janice M.CO. 
Published: August 2010

A 5‐month‐old white boy had a pinhead red spot on his left malleolar region since birth. His mother noted progressive growth and, when he was first examined, the lesion measured 30x25x20 mm in size, had a pyramidal shape, covered by erythematous and smooth skin, with teleangiectasia. The tumor was soft on paipation and movable over the deeper structures (Fig. 1a). X‐ray examination revealed no bone abnormalities at that time.Just before the programmed incisional biopsy, the patient had a febrile episode due to upper respiratory tract viral infection during which the tumor became ulcerated, bleeding and painful (Fig. 1b). As the bleeding was constant the lesion was surgically excised, at which time the whole gelatinous mass was easily detached from the aponeurotic structures (Fig. 1c). The tumor measured 36x31 x30 mm and had a whitish, smooth cut surface crossed by small blood vessels.Histopathologic examination revealed a tumor mass extending from the mid dermis to the subcutaneous fat and composed of tightly packed fusiform cells in close opposition with lined vascular channels (Fig. 2a). There were atypical areas and mitotic figures were frequently seen. A reticulin preparation showed a dense network surrounding vessels and pericytes. The vessels branched in a staghorn configuration (Fig. 2b). The immunoperoxidase technique with monoclonal antibody anti‐Factor VIII was positive in the endothelial cells surrounded by tumor cells (Fig. 2c).Seven months after surgery the patient returned with a painful subcutaneous mass on the upper third of his left leg that was adherent to the tibial bone. X‐ray examination disclosed osteolytic lesions at the tibial base and destruction of the peroneal head (Fig. 3).The patient was submitted to radiotherapy, amputation of the left lower limb in the middle portion of the thigh and chemotherapy. He is clinically well 3 years after treatment.