bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Two Outer Membrane Proteins, FlgO and FlgP, That Influence
Vibrio cholerae
Motility
Authors: Martinez Raquel M. , Dharmasena Madushini N. , Kirn Thomas J. , Taylor Ronald K. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
is highly motile by the action of a single polar flagellum. The loss of motility reduces the infectivity of
V. cholerae
, demonstrating that motility is an important virulence factor. FlrC is the sigma-54-dependent positive regulator of flagellar genes. Recently, the genes VC2206 (
flgP
) and VC2207 (
flgO
) were identified as being regulated by FlrC via a microarray analysis of an
flrC
mutant (D. C. Morris, F. Peng, J. R. Barker, and K. E. Klose, J. Bacteriol. 190:231-239, 2008). FlgP is reported to be an outer membrane lipoprotein required for motility that functions as a colonization factor. The study reported here focuses on the characterization of
flgO
, the first gene in the
flgOP
operon. We show that FlgO and FlgP are important for motility, as strains with mutations in the
flgOP
genes have reduced motility phenotypes. The
flgO
and
flgP
mutant populations display fewer motile cells as well as reduced numbers of flagellated cells. The flagella produced by the
flgO
and
flgP
mutant strains are shorter in length than the wild-type flagella, which can be restored by inhibiting rotation of the flagellum. FlgO is an outer membrane protein that localizes throughout the membrane and not at the flagellar pole. Although FlgO and FlgP do not specifically localize to the flagellum, they are required for flagellar stability. Due to the nature of these motility defects, we established that the flagellum is not sufficient for adherence; rather, motility is the essential factor required for attachment and thus colonization by
V. cholerae
O1 of the classical biotype. This study reveals a novel mechanism for which the outer membrane proteins FlgO and FlgP function in motility to mediate flagellar stability and influence attachment and colonization.
Superdormant Spores of
Bacillus
Species Have Elevated Wet-Heat Resistance and Temperature Requirements for Heat Activation
Authors: Ghosh Sonali , Zhang Pengfei , Li Yong-qing , Setlow Peter 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Purified superdormant spores of
Bacillus cereus
,
B. megaterium
, and
B. subtilis
isolated after optimal heat activation of dormant spores and subsequent germination with inosine,
d
-glucose, or
l
-valine, respectively, germinate very poorly with the original germinants used to remove dormant spores from spore populations, thus allowing isolation of the superdormant spores, and even with alternate germinants. However, these superdormant spores exhibited significant germination with the original or alternate germinants if the spores were heat activated at temperatures 8 to 15°C higher than the optimal temperatures for the original dormant spores, although the levels of superdormant spore germination were not as great as those of dormant spores. Use of mixtures of original and alternate germinants lowered the heat activation temperature optima for both dormant and superdormant spores. The superdormant spores had higher wet-heat resistance and lower core water content than the original dormant spore populations, and the environment of dipicolinic acid in the core of superdormant spores as determined by Raman spectroscopy of individual spores differed from that in dormant spores. These results provide new information about the germination, heat activation optima, and wet-heat resistance of superdormant spores and the heterogeneity in these properties between individual members of dormant spore populations.
Role of TonB1 in Pyoverdine-Mediated Signaling inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Shirley Matt , Lamont Iain L. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTPyoverdines are siderophores secreted byPseudomonas aeruginosa. Uptake of ferripyoverdine inP. aeruginosaPAO1 occurs via the FpvA receptor protein and requires the energy-transducing protein TonB1. Interaction of (ferri)pyoverdine with FpvA activates pyoverdine gene expression in a signaling process involving the cytoplasmic-membrane-spanning anti-sigma factor FpvR and the sigma factor PvdS. Here, we show that mutation of a region of FpvA that interacts with TonB1 (the TonB box) prevents this signaling process, as well as inhibiting bacterial growth in the presence of the iron-chelating compound ethylenediamine-di(o-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid). Signaling via wild-type FpvA was also eliminated in strains lacking TonB1 but was unaffected in strains lacking either (or both) of two other TonB proteins inP. aeruginosa, TonB2 and TonB3. An absence of pyoverdine-mediated signaling corresponded with proteolysis of PvdS. These data show that interactions between FpvA and TonB1 are required for (ferri)pyoverdine signal transduction, as well as for ferripyoverdine transport, consistent with a mechanistic link between the signaling and transport functions of FpvA.
A Culturally Relevant Conceptualization of Depression: an Empirical Examination of the Factorial Structure of the Vietnamese Depression Scale
Authors: Dinh Tam Q. , Yamada Ann Marie , Yee Barbara W.K. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Despite the high risk of depression among Vietnamese refugees, there has been insufficient attention to the psychometric properties of the most utilized scale, the Vietnamese Depression Scale (VDS: Kinzie etal., 1982). Aim: The primary aim of the study is to empirically derive the factorial structure of the VDS to support its use as a culturally responsive depression screening tool in community samples of Vietnamese adults. Method: The factorial structure, reliability, and associations of the VDS factors with recognized socio-demographic correlates were examined using data collected from interviews with a non-probability community sample of 180 Vietnamese refugee adults in the Houston area. Results: The empirically derived factorial structure of the VDS approximated the theorized conceptualization of depression introduced by the scale’s originators. Three factors (depressed affect, somatic symptoms, and cultural-specific symptoms) accounted for 65% of the variance. As hypothesized, the VDS factors correlated with age and acculturation variables. Conclusion: Overall results suggest that the conceptualization of depression among this sample of Vietnamese refugees has both universal and culturally specific features. Implications for providing culturally responsive mental health services are offered.
Exploring the Hypothesis of Ethnic Practice as Social Capital: Violence Among Asian/Pacific Islander Youth in Hawaii
Authors: Spencer James H. , Irwin Katherine , Umemoto Karen N. , Garcia-Santiago Orlando , Nishimura Stephanie T. , Hishinuma Earl S. , Choi-Misailidis Soojean 
Published: July 2009

Background: Studies of youth violence have usually examined social capital using qualitative methods, but remain limited by small sample sizes. In addition, few studies examine violence among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) youth, even though they are one of the fastest-growing youth populations in the USA. Aims: To contribute to a better understanding of culture and ethnicity in youth violence among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by quantifying ethnic forms of social capital. Methods: We use an n = 326 sample of three API groups from Oahu, Hawaii. Defining social capital as ethnic practice, we test Filipino, Hawaiian and Samoan forms of youth social capital on intimate and non-intimate violence. Results: Bivariate findings associate lower violence with language ability among Filipinos, coming-of-age practices among Hawaiians, and community leader engagement among Samoans. Multivariate tests showed language to be the strongest correlation. Bivariate tests also suggested potentially risky forms of social capital. Conclusions: Results lead us to hypothesize that social capital that deliberately places individuals within their respective ethnic communities are risk-reducing, as are those that promote formal ethnic community structures. Those that formalize ethnic practice and social capital into commercial activities may be associated with higher risk of violence. Given the relatively small sample size and the exploratory approach for the present investigation, further research is needed to determine whether the findings can be replicated and to extend the findings of the present preliminary study.
Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women of Hyderabad, Pakistan
Authors: Karmaliani Rozina , Asad Nargis , Bann Carla M. , Moss Nancy , Mcclure Elizabeth M. , Pasha Omrana , Wright Linda L. , Goldenberg Robert L. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Few studies have examined the relationship between antenatal depression, anxiety and domestic violence in pregnant women in developing countries, despite the World Health Organization’s estimates that depressive disorders will be the second leading cause of the global disease burden by 2020. There is a paucity of research on mood disorders, their predictors and sequelae among pregnant women in Pakistan. Aims: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and evaluate associated factors, including domestic violence, among pregnant women in an urban community in Pakistan. Methods: All pregnant women living in identified areas of Hyderabad, Pakistan were screened by government health workers for an observational study on maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes. Of these, 1,368 (76%) of eligible women were administered the validated Aga Khan University Anxiety Depression Scale at 20—26 weeks of gestation. Results: Eighteen per cent of the women were anxious and/or depressed. Psychological distress was associated with husband unemployment ( p = 0.032), lower household wealth ( p = 0.027), having 10 or more years of formal education ( p = 0.002), a first ( p = 0.002) and an unwanted pregnancy ( p < 0.001). The strongest factors associated with depression/anxiety were physical/sexual and verbal abuse; 42% of women who were physically and/or sexually abused and 23% of those with verbal abuse had depression/anxiety compared to 8% of those who were not abused. Conclusions: Anxiety and depression commonly occur during pregnancy in Pakistani women; rates are highest in women experiencing sexual/physical as well as verbal abuse, but they are also increased among women with unemployed spouses and those with lower household wealth. These results suggest that developing a screening and treatment programme for domestic violence and depression/anxiety during pregnancy may improve the mental health status of pregnant Pakistani women.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20) in Community Settings
Authors: Chen Shulin , Zhao Guoqiu , Li Lingjiang , Wang Yiqiang , Chiu Helen , Caine Eric 
Published: July 2009

Background: Community mental health services in China are in need of a brief, valid instrument to identify mental disorders. Many studies support the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20) as a cost-effective instrument with which to measure community mental health, but there have been no previous studies conducted with the Chinese version of SRQ-20. In this paper, the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of SRQ-20 in community settings were investigated. Method: SRQ-20 was used to evaluate 959 participants from 10 communities of Hangzhou City and 60 participants from two community primary care centres for the presence of mental disorders. Discriminative, concurrent, and construct validity as well as internal consistency and screening properties of SRQ-20 were evaluated. Results: Cronbach’s α for SRQ-20 was 0.90 for primary care and 0.91 for the community. Item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.40 to 0.73 in primary care, and from 0.51 to 0.69 in the community. The test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.93 in primary care and 0.94 in the community. Varimax-rotated principal component analysis of the SRQ-20 items yielded three factors: depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and somatic symptoms. The area under the ROC curve was 0.83 ( SE =0.04, 95% CI 0.75—0.90) for the community and primary care samples. The optimal cut-off point for SRQ-20 was 6/7 yielding sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 62%. Conclusion: SRQ-20 appears to be a reliable and valid measure of mental disorders in the community in China.
Gambling Behaviours and Motivations: a Cross-Cultural Study of Chinese and Caucasians in Australia
Authors: Oei Tian P.S. , Raylu Namrata 
Published: July 2009

Background: Research on gambling behaviours among the Chinese, especially compared to Caucasians, is lacking. Aims and Methods: Gambling behaviours and motivations between community-based Chinese ( n = 199) and Caucasians ( n = 306) living in Australia were compared. Results: There were significant differences between Caucasians and Australian Chinese in relation to gambling behaviours and types of motivations that could predict problem gambling between the two groups. Conclusions: The findings provide relevant information in understanding gambling behaviours and motivations among the Chinese, as well as a step towards the development of tailored preventive and treatment interventions for problem gambling in this population.
Traumatic Events and Mental Health in the Community: a New Zealand Study
Authors: Kazantzis Nikolaos , Flett Ross A. , Long Nigel R. , MacDonald Carol , Millar Michelle , Clark Bronwyn 
Published: July 2009

Background: Adverse mental health effects in response to a variety of distressing events in specific populations are well documented. However, comparatively little research has been conducted within large community samples outside North America. Aims: To assess the prevalence and psychological impact of specific traumatic events in a New Zealand community sample. Methods: Prevalence and psychological impact of 12 traumatic events was examined in a community sample of 1,500 New Zealand adults using a three-stage cluster sampling method. Traumatic events, psychological distress, psychological well-being, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were assessed using modifi ed versions of the Traumatic Stress Schedule, Mental Health Inventory, and Civilian Mississippi Scale. The effects of age, gender and ethnicity were controlled for while assessing impact of traumatic events. Results: Sixty-one per cent of the sample experienced trauma events in their lifetime, with 9% experiencing events in the past year. Accident-related events were most common in the present sample. Violent crime produced the greatest impact. Tests of interactions involving age, gender, and ethnicity were not significant. Conclusions: New Zealand community-residing individuals experience post-traumatic stress symptoms, reduced psychological well-being, and increased psychological distress following the experience of violent crime and accidents specifically. Study limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Depression in Obese Persons Before Starting Complex Group Weight-Reduction Programme
Authors: Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena , Zahorskamarkiewicz Barbara , Kocełak Piotr , Semik-Grabarczyk Elżbieta , Dabrowski Piotr , Gruszka Wojciech , Wikarek Tomasz 
Published: July 2009

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of depression in subjects before starting a weight-reduction programme. Methods: The study group involved 173 obese subjects aged 47.0 ± 16.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.1 ± 6.3, weight 96.2 ± 18.3 kg. The body weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) was used for the evaluation of depressive symptoms. Results: Severe depression was diagnosed in 84 subjects (mean BMI 37.5 ± 6.3, mean weight 98.1 ± 17.6 kg, age 48.7 ± 16.0, 22.2 ± 1.6 points), mild depression was diagnosed in 65 subjects (mean BMI 34.7 ± 4.8, mean weight 95.3 ± 18.1 kg, age 45.9 ± 16.6; 10.8 ± 2.0 points), and 24 subjects (mean BMI 35.0 ± 8.7, mean weight 92.2 ± 21.1 kg, age 44.0 ± 17.5, 6.5 ± 0.5 points) did not have depression. We observed dif-ferences in BMI between subjects without depression and severe depression ( p < 0.05) and between mild and severe depression. We did not observe differences of age and body mass between these subgroups. Correlations between weight, BMI and BDI score were found in all subjects. Conclusion: Depression often accompanies obesity. The depression levels increased in morbidly obese persons in comparison to moderately obese patients.
Integration of Nidotherapy Into the Management of Mental Illness and Antisocial Personality: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Spencer Sarah-Jane , Rutter Deborah , Tyrer Peter 
Published: July 2009

Background: Nidotherapy is a new treatment aimed at the systematic alteration of the environment in order to make a better fit for a person with chronic mental health difficulties. Preliminary work has suggested that it might have particular value in those with antisocial personality disorder. Aims: To examine the views of patients with mental illness combined with antisocial personality features about the acceptability and value of nidotherapy when given over a six-month period as an adjunct to conventional care. Method: A two-phase study was used. First, a set of key informant interviews was carried out to determine how nidotherapy was perceived in order to identify potentially important themes. Specific topic guides derived from these themes were drawn up for use in the second stage of the study, involving semi-structured interviews with a sample of patients, members of their care teams and their nidotherapists. Nine patients were purposively selected to ensure that a range of demographic and clinical factors was covered. Results: Analysis of the results showed that the common threads of the perception of nidotherapy were that it was both feasible and acceptable to those with antisocial personality disturbance and that the nidotherapists were felt to be valuable allies in what was otherwise seen as a hostile world. It was also seen to improve adherence to other therapies. It was much less valuable when the staff on the clinical teams were not able to embrace the collaborative approach necessary with this therapy. Conclusion: Nidotherapy is an acceptable form of management and was perceived in this study to have largely positive results for both patients and clinical teams as it offered intervention beyond that provided by conventional teams. It was felt to require more than six months of treatment and was less successful when there was inadequate communication between the nidotherapist and clinical teams and when the philosophy of care was not congruent.
The Role of the Social Network in Psychosomatic Day Care and Inpatient Care
Authors: Lischka Anna-Marie , Lind Antje , Linden Michael 
Published: July 2009

Background: There are many studies on the relationship between social ties and mental health but there is so far no research on the role of the social network in relation to inpatient or day-care treatment. This is of interest as in inpatient treatment patients are taken out of their social network completely, while in day care they are left in their natural environment. Aims: This study investigates whether there are interactions between the mode of care (inpatient versus day-care treatment) and characteristics of the social network. Methods: Fifty seven matched pairs (inpatients, day-care patients) with mental or psychosomatic disorders were assessed with the Multidimensional Social Contact Circle Questionnaire (MuSC-Q). Patients and their partners were asked to characterize their mutual relationship. Results: Patients who were married or living together with a partner were more often treated in day care. Social integration and social strain similarly decreased during inpatient and day-care treatment whereas emotional support increased. While both patient groups evaluated the relationship to their partner similarly, the partners of day-care patients saw more strain on their relationship during hospitalization. Conclusion: The results suggest that patients who do not live alone prefer the day-care treatment facility. Patients in both modes of care at the end see their partnership as more supportive. For their partners, day care means that they have greater burdens to cope with when the patient is in treatment and still at home.
The Association of Immigrant- and Non-Immigrant-Specific Factors With Mental Ill Health Among Immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Tinghög Petter , Al-Saffar Suad , Carstensen John , Nordenfelt Lennart 
Published: July 2009

Background: It has often been shown that immigrants are particularly at risk for mental ill health. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of immigrant- and non-immigrant-specific factors with mental ill health within a diverse immigrant population. Method: An extensive questionnaire was sent out to a stratified random sample of three immigrant populations from Finland, Iraq and Iran. The 720 respondents completed a Swedish, Arabic or Farsi (Persian) version of the questionnaire including the WHO (10) Well-Being Index and the HSCL-25. Results: The results indicate that mental ill health among immigrants is independently associated with non-immigrant-specific factors (i.e. high number of types of traumatic episodes, divorced/widowed, poor social network, economic insecurity and being female) and immigrant-specific factors (i.e. low level of sociocultural adaptation). These results were obtained regardless of whether mental ill health was operationalized as low subjective well-being or a high symptom level of anxiety/depression. Conclusions: These fi ndings support the notion that mental ill health among immigrants is a multi-faceted phenomenon that needs to be tackled within a wide range of sectors — e.g. the healthcare system, the social service sector and, of course, the political arena.
Migration and Mental Health: a Study of Low-Income Ethiopian Women Working in Middle Eastern Countries
Authors: Anbesse Birke , Hanlon Charlotte , Alem Atalay , Packer Samuel , Whitley Rob 
Published: July 2009

Background: Few studies have explored influences on mental health of migrants moving between non-Western countries. Methods: Focus group discussions were used to explore the experiences of Ethiopian female domestic migrants to Middle Eastern countries, comparing those who developed severe mental illness with those remaining mentally well. Discussion: Prominent self-identified threats to mental health included exploitative treatment, enforced cultural isolation, undermining of cultural identity and disappointment in not achieving expectations. Participants countered these risks by affirming their cultural identity and establishing socio-cultural supports. Conclusions: Mental health of migrant domestic workers may be jeopardized by stressors, leading to experience of social defeat.