bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The double life of a bacterial lipoprotein
Authors: Bernstein Harris D. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryIt has been known for many years that the small lipoprotein Lpp, which is the most abundant protein in E. coli, exists in two forms. The ‘bound’ form of the protein is tethered to the outer membrane (OM) by its N‐terminal lipid moiety and covalently attached to the cell wall by its C‐terminal lysine residue. The exact location of the ‘free’ form, however, has never been determined. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Cowles et al. demonstrate that the free form of Lpp is an integral OM protein whose C‐terminus is exposed on the cell surface. The new study provides the first example of a lipoprotein that has a dual localization and adds to a growing body of evidence that lipoproteins can span the OM despite the lack of an obvious transmembrane segment. Furthermore, the new results raise intriguing questions about the assembly of both lipoproteins and other types of OM proteins.
Co‐ordination and fine‐tuning of nitrogen fixation in Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Dos Santos Patricia C. , Dean Dennis R. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryNitrogen fixation by the free‐living organism Azotobacter vinelandii can occur through the activity of three different systems that are genetically distinct but mechanistically related. A combination of bioinformatic and biochemical‐genetic studies has revealed that at least 82 different genes are likely to be associated with the formation and regulation of these systems. Studies performed over many years have established that cross‐talk occurs between the various nitrogen fixation systems, and that expression and fine‐tuning of their activities are integrated with overall cellular physiology. Martinez‐Noel and co‐workers now report another newly discovered aspect of the process. Evidence is presented to suggest that a nitrogen fixation‐specific paralogue of ClpX is used to control the accumulation of proteins involved in formation of a metal–sulphur cluster that provides a nitrogenase active site. The intriguing aspect of this work is that it indicates that the nitrogen fixation‐associated ClpX must recruit ClpP, for which a paralogue is not duplicated within any of the nitrogen fixation regions of the genome, to achieve its function related to nitrogen fixation. Inspection of the A. vinelandii genome indicates that such recruitment of cellular housekeeping components is a common feature used to integrate nitrogen fixation with global cellular physiology.
Multiple light inputs to a simple clock circuit allow complex biological rhythms
Authors: Troein Carl , Corellou Florence , Dixon Laura E. , van Ooijen Gerben , O’Neill John S. , Bouget François‐Yves , Millar Andrew J. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryCircadian clocks are biological timekeepers that allow living cells to time their activity in anticipation of predictable environmental changes. Detailed understanding of the circadian network of higher plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, is hampered by the high number of partially redundant genes. However, the picoeukaryotic alga Ostreococcus tauri, which was recently shown to possess a small number of non‐redundant clock genes, presents an attractive alternative target for detailed modelling of circadian clocks in the green lineage. Based on extensive time‐series data from in vivo reporter gene assays, we developed a model of the Ostreococcus clock as a feedback loop between the genes TOC1 and CCA1. The model reproduces the dynamics of the transcriptional and translational reporters over a range of photoperiods. Surprisingly, the model is also able to predict the transient behaviour of the clock when the light conditions are altered. Despite the apparent simplicity of the clock circuit, it displays considerable complexity in its response to changing light conditions. Systematic screening of the effects of altered day length revealed a complex relationship between phase and photoperiod, which is also captured by the model. The complex light response is shown to stem from circadian gating of light‐dependent mechanisms. This study provides insights into the contributions of light inputs to the Ostreococcus clock. The model suggests that a high number of light‐dependent reactions are important for flexible timing in a circadian clock with only one feedback loop.
Rootless with undetectable meristem 1 encodes a monocot‐specific AUX/IAA protein that controls embryonic seminal and post‐embryonic lateral root initiation in maize
Authors: von Behrens Inga , Komatsu Mai , Zhang Yanxiang , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Niu Xiaomu , Sakai Hajime , Taramino Graziana , Hochholdinger Frank 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe maize (Zea mays L.) rum1‐R (rootless with undetectable meristems 1‐Reference) mutant does not initiate embryonic seminal roots and post‐embryonic lateral roots at the primary root. Map‐based cloning revealed that Rum1 encodes a 269 amino acid (aa) monocot‐specific Aux/IAA protein. The rum1‐R protein lacks 26 amino acids including the GWPPV degron sequence in domain II and part of the bipartite NLS (nuclear localization sequence). Significantly reduced lateral root density (approximately 35%) in heterozygous plants suggests that the rum1‐R is a semi‐dominant mutant. Overexpression of rum1‐R under the control of the maize MSY (Methionine SYnthase) promoter supports this notion by displaying a reduced number of lateral roots (31–37%). Functional characterization suggests that Rum1 is auxin‐inducible and encodes a protein that localizes to the nucleus. Moreover, RUM1 is unstable with a half life time of approximately 22 min while the mutant rum1‐R protein is very stable. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated an interaction of RUM1 with ZmARF25 and ZmARF34 (Z. mays AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 25 and 34). In summary, the presented data suggest that Rum1 encodes a canonical Aux/IAA protein that is required for the initiation of embryonic seminal and post‐embryonic lateral root initiation in primary roots of maize.
Costs of cervical cancer screening and treatment using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy in Ghana: the importance of scale
Authors: Quentin Wilm , Adu‐Sarkodie Yaw , Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Legood Rosa , Opoku Baafuor K. , Mayaud Philippe 
Published: January 2011

SummaryObjectives To estimate the incremental costs of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy at cervical cancer screening facilities in Ghana; to explore determinants of costs through modelling; and to estimate national scale‐up and annual programme costs.Methods Resource‐use data were collected at four out of six active VIA screening centres, and unit costs were ascertained to estimate the costs per woman of VIA and cryotherapy. Modelling and sensitivity analysis were used to explore the influence of observed differences between screening facilities on estimated costs and to calculate national costs.Results Incremental economic costs per woman screened with VIA ranged from 4.93 US$ to 14.75 US$, and costs of cryotherapy were between 47.26 US$ and 84.48 US$ at surveyed facilities. Under base case assumptions, our model estimated the costs of VIA to be 6.12 US$ per woman and those of cryotherapy to be 27.96 US$. Sensitivity analysis showed that the number of women screened per provider and treated per facility was the most important determinants of costs. National annual programme costs were estimated to be between 0.6 and 4.0 million US$ depending on assumed coverage and adopted screening strategy.Conclusion When choosing between different cervical cancer prevention strategies, the feasibility of increasing uptake to achieve economies of scale should be a major concern.
Clinical phenotype variability in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5 associated with CYP7B1 mutations
Authors: Arnoldi A , Crimella C , Tenderini E , Martinuzzi A , D'Angelo MG , Musumeci O , Toscano A , Scarlato M , Fantin M , Bresolin N , Bassi MT 
Published: January 2011

Arnoldi A, Crimella C, Tenderini E, Martinuzzi A, D’Angelo MG, Musumeci O, Toscano A, Scarlato M, Fantin M, Bresolin N, Bassi MT. Clinical phenotype variability in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 5 associated with CYP7B1 mutations.Spastic paraplegia type 5 (SPG5) is caused by mutations in CYP7B1, a gene encoding the cytochrome P‐450 oxysterol 7‐α‐hydroxylase, CYP7B1, an enzyme implicated in the cholesterol metabolism. Mutations in CYP7B1 were found in both pure and complicated forms of the disease with a mutation frequency of 7.7% in pure recessive cases. The mutation frequency in complex forms, approximately 6.6%, is more controversial and needs to be refined. We studied in more detail the SPG5‐related spectrum of complex phenotypes by screening CYPB1 for mutations in a large cohort of 105 Italian hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) index patients including 50 patients with a complicated HSP (cHSP) phenotype overlapping the SPG11‐ and the SPG15‐related forms except for the lack of thin corpus callosum and 55 pure patients. Five CYP7B1 mutations, three of which are novel, were identified in four patients, two with a complex form of the disease and two with a pure phenotype. The CYP7B1 mutation frequencies obtained in both complicated and pure familial cases are comparable to the known ones. These results obtained extend the range of SPG5‐related phenotypes and reveal variability in clinical presentation, disease course and functional profile in the SPG5‐related patients while providing with some clues for molecular diagnosis in cHSP.
Survey on Victorian driver assessors’ experience of critical incidents
Authors: Ng Krystle C. , Lovell Robin 
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of critical incidents among driver assessors, identify the type and frequency of critical incidents experienced and the strategies used to cope following these incidents.
Method:  Mail survey of 70 Victorian occupational therapy driver assessors. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.
Results:  Almost 60% of driver assessors had experienced one or more critical incidents. Most frequently occurring incidents were near collisions and aggressive/threatening clients. Support was most often obtained from the driving instructor involved in the assessment. Older people with cognitive impairment were the client group most commonly involved.
Conclusion:  Greater acknowledgement and awareness of critical incidents and the importance of strategies to assist in the prevention and management of critical incidents are essential.
Evaluation of current treatment recommendations for chronic hepatitis B: A 2011 update
Authors: Tong Myron John , Hsu Leeyen , Chang Patrick W , Blatt Lawrence Mitchell 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been recently updated in the 2009 European Association for the Study of the Liver consensus statement, the 2008 US Panel, the 2008 Asian–Pacific consensus statement, and the 2009 American Association for the Study of Liver Disease practice guidelines. We sought to determine whether these guidelines identified patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or who died of non‐HCC liver‐related deaths for antiviral therapy.Methods:  The criteria described in the new treatment guidelines were matched to the database of 369 hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive patients, in whom 30 developed HCC and 37 died of non‐HCC liver‐related deaths during a mean follow up of 84 months.Results:  Using criteria for antiviral therapy as stated by the four current guidelines, 19–30% of patients who died of non‐HCC liver‐related complications, and 23–53% of patients who developed HCC, would have been excluded for antiviral therapy. If baseline serum albumin levels of ≤ 3.5 g/dL or platelet counts of ≤ 130 000 mm3 were included into the treatment criteria, then 85–94% of patients who developed liver‐related complications would have been recommended for antiviral therapy. Also, the addition of precore A1896 mutants and basal core promoter T1762/A1764 mutants would have identified 98.5–100% of these patients.Conclusion:  The updated treatment guidelines for hepatitis B still excluded patients who developed serious liver‐related complications. The inclusion of baseline serum albumin and platelet counts to current criteria would have identified a majority of these patients for antiviral therapy. These tests should be included into hepatitis B treatment strategies.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: Impact on quality of life and psychological status
Authors: Bryant Robert V. , van Langenberg Daniel R. , Holtmann Gerald J. , Andrews Jane M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms consistent with coexistent functional GI disorders (FGID) might occur. It is uncertain what effect these symptoms have on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological comorbidity. The aim of the present study was to identify interrelationships among IBD, symptoms consistent with FGID, HRQoL, and psychological comorbidity.Methods:  A total of 256 consecutive IBD patients had diagnoses and disease activity verified at case‐note review. Patients completed a contemporaneous survey assessing HRQoL, anxiety/depression, and GI symptoms (classified by Rome III criteria).Results:  Of 162 respondents (response rate: 63%), 95 (58.6%) had Crohn's disease and 63 (38.8%) had ulcerative colitis. By Rome III criteria, 66% met criteria for at least one FGID. Those with significant (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥ 8) anxiety and/or depression were more likely to meet criteria for coexistent FGID (78% vs 22% and 89% vs 11%, respectively; each P < 0.001). A “load effect” was noted, such that the number of symptoms consistent with FGID in each patient correlated positively with anxiety and depression and negatively with HRQoL. Symptoms of any coexistent FGID were highly prevalent, even in those with currently‐inactive IBD (57%).Conclusions:  Symptoms consistent with FGID are highly prevalent in IBD and correlate with greater psychological comorbidity and poorer HRQoL in a “load‐dependent” fashion. Therapy directed either at symptom load or psychological comorbidity might independently improve HRQoL in IBD.
How to talk to doctors – a guide for effective communication
Authors: Curtis K. , Tzannes A. , Rudge T. 
Published: January 2011

Curtis K., Tzannes A. & Rudge T. (2011) How to talk to doctors – a guide for effective communication.International Nursing Review58, 13–20Background: Nurses and doctors undertake segregated and distinct preparation for clinical practice, yet are expected to communicate effectively with each other in the workplace. Most healthcare facilities have policies relating to written communication, but guidelines for verbal communication, which is used most in times of uncertainty and urgency, are generally less regulated. Poor communication and communication overload are shown to have a direct correlation with patient outcomes, adverse events and stressors among healthcare professionals. We suggest a guide for more effective verbal communication between nurses and doctors.Methods: We perform an integrated review of the extensive literature that identifies specific problems that contribute to ineffective communication between a doctor and nurse. We discuss these in five themes in the modern clinical context including intensification of workload, workforce mobility, differing perceptions, language use and heuristics. To combat these, we provide a four point practical guide to arm the nurse clinician with effective tools to ensure a satisfactory exchange of information in the context of patient advocacy.Conclusions: The guide assists in overcoming the discussed barriers by creating a premise for fostering communication, understanding each clinician's information needs in a mutually respectful manner, especially in the context of uncertainty. We recommend that a shared mental model regarding communication in health be adopted at tertiary institutions offering pre‐registration nursing and medical training and techniques and be woven into respective curriculum design.
Confidence in competence: legislation and nursing in New Zealand
Authors: Vernon R. , Chiarella M. , Papps E. 
Published: January 2011

Vernon R., Chiarella M. & Papps E. (2011) Confidence in competence: legislation and nursing in New Zealand. International Nursing Review58, 103–108Aim:  This article aims to identify and discuss a variety of interpretations, myths and tensions that surround the requirements for demonstrating continuing competence under a new national regulatory regime, which is designed to promote confidence in professional nursing practice in New Zealand (NZ).Background:  The enactment of the Health Practitioners' Competence Assurance Act (HPCA) 2003 in NZ requires regulatory authorities to implement, administer and monitor systems to ensure that health practitioners registered in a specific scope of practice are competent. The Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) is the regulatory authority for nurses in NZ. While the onus for demonstrating and maintaining competence is clearly the responsibility of the individual nurse, since the enactment of the HPCA Act, the assessment and monitoring of that competence is the responsibility of the Nursing Council. Demonstration of competence to practise nursing begins during undergraduate nursing education. However, demonstration of continuing competence is a new legislative requirement for nurses in NZ. As a result of this new legislation the NCNZ implemented a mandatory process for the monitoring of the continuing competence of nurses.Conclusion:  Definitions of continuing competence within legislation and health professional regulation across developed nations have strong similarities. The need for continuing competence frameworks is generally agreed by regulatory authorities to be necessary to protect the safety of the public. However, regulatory processes that monitor the maintenance, assessment and development of continuing competence in nursing practice need to be overt, structured and well communicated in order to engage nurses, promote confidence in professional practice and protect the health and safety of members of the public.
Long Nonlinear Surface Waves in the Presence of a Variable Current
Authors: Feys Jan , Maslowe Sherwin A. 
Published: January 2011

We investigate the eigenvalue problem governing the propagation of long nonlinear surface waves when there is a current  beneath the surface, y being the vertical coordinate. The amplitude of such waves evolves according to the KdV equation and it was proved by Burns [1] that their speed of propagation c is such that there is no critical layer (i.e., c lies outside the range of ). If, however, the critical layer is nonlinear, the result of Burns does not necessarily apply because the phase change of linear theory then vanishes.In this paper, we consider specific velocity profiles and determine c as a function of Froude number for modes with nonlinear critical layers. Such modes do not always exist, the case of the asymptotic suction profile  being a notable example. We find, however, that singular modes can be obtained for boundary layer profiles of the Falkner–Skan similarity type, including the Blasius case. These and other examples are treated and we examine singular solutions of the Rayleigh equation to gain insight about the long wave limit of such solutions.
Distance Learning for Teacher Professional Development in Statistics Education
Authors: Meletiou‐Mavrotheris Maria , Mavrotheris Efstathios , Paparistodemou Efi 
Published: January 2011

SummaryWe provide an overview of EarlyStatistics, an online professional development course in statistics education targeting European elementary and middle school teachers. The course facilitates intercultural collaboration of teachers using contemporary technological and educational tools. An online information base offers access to all of the course content and resources.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with psoriasis previously treated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor agents: subanalysis of BELIEVE
Authors: Ortonne J.‐P. , Chimenti S. , Reich K. , Gniadecki R. , Sprøgel P. , Unnebrink K. , Kupper H. , Goldblum O. , Thaçi D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground  Few large clinical studies have evaluated whether switching tumour necrosis factor antagonists (anti‐TNFs) is likely to improve psoriasis in patients with prior anti‐TNF treatment.Objective  The aim of this subanalysis of the BELIEVE study was to assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab for psoriasis in patients with and without previous anti‐TNF treatment.Methods  The BELIEVE study enrolled patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and prior failure, intolerance or contraindication to ≥2 systemic therapies. In this 16‐week, double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial, patients received adalimumab (80 mg, week 0; 40 mg every other week, weeks 1–15) with either topical vehicle or topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (C/B) applied once daily for 4 weeks, then as needed. The primary endpoint was ≥75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75) at week 16. This post hoc subanalysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of adalimumab, with and without topical therapy, in BELIEVE patients who had prior exposure to anti‐TNFs.Results  Of 730 patients enrolled, 282 (38.6%) had prior anti‐TNFs and 448 (61.4%) were anti‐TNF‐naïve. Combining topical vehicle and topical C/B study populations, 61.7% of patients with prior anti‐TNFs achieved PASI 75 at week 16, compared with 71.7% of anti‐TNF‐naïve patients (P = 0.095). Adalimumab resulted in clinically meaningful improvement regardless of which prior anti‐TNF agent had been used, the number of prior anti‐TNFs tried, or reasons for discontinuation of prior anti‐TNF therapy. Adverse event incidences were similar between patients with and without prior anti‐TNF therapy.Conclusion  Adalimumab was effective and well‐tolerated in patients with psoriasis previously treated with anti‐TNF therapy.
Non‐cultured melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation for the treatment of vitiligo: a clinical trial in an Iranian population
Authors: Toossi P. , Shahidi‐Dadras M. , Mahmoudi Rad M. , Fesharaki R.J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground  Non‐cultured cellular grafting as a surgical procedure is indicated to treat stable vitiligo, refractory to medical treatment, and is gaining wider acceptance among dermatologists.Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of non‐cultured melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation (MKT) for the treatment of generalized vitiligo in Iranian patients.Methods  In this clinical trial, a total of 14 vitiligo patches in eight patients were treated; eight patches with non‐cultured MKT and six patches dermabraded alone without application of keratinocyte‐melanocyte suspension. Repigmentation was compared at about 4 months post‐transplantation.Results  Of the eight lesions treated with non‐cultured MKT, four lesions showed 96–100% repigmentation, one lesion 65–95% and three lesions 0–25%. Of the patients who showed excellent results, only one showed a post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in recipient and control areas. Of the six control lesions, five showed failed repigmentation and one showed post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation.Conclusion  Non‐cultured MKT is an effective method to treat stable vitiligo. Studies on larger series of vitiligo patients are required to confirm its efficacy.