bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 in New Zealand using multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis
Authors: DYET K. H. , ROBERTSON I. , TURBITT E. , CARTER P. E. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYRecently, multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) has been proposed as an alternative to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for characterization ofEscherichia coliO157:H7. In this study we characterized 118E. coliO157:H7 isolates from cases of gastrointestinal disease in New Zealand usingXbaI PFGE profiles and a MLVA scheme that assessed variability in eight polymorphic loci. The 118 isolates characterized included all 80E. coliO157:H7 referred to New Zealand's Enteric Reference Laboratory in 2006 and 29 phage-type 2 isolates from 2005. When applied to these isolates the discriminatory power of PFGE and MLVA was not significantly different. However, MLVA data may be more epidemiologically relevant as isolates from family clusters of disease had identical MLVA profiles, even when theXbaI PFGE profiles differed slightly. Furthermore, most isolates with indistinguishableXbaI PFGE profiles that did not appear to be epidemiologically related had distinct MLVA profiles.
Changing species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern ofShigellaover a 29-year period (1980–2008)
Authors: KHATUN F. , FARUQUE A. S. G. , KOECK J. L. , OLLIARO P. , MILLET P. , PARIS N. , MALEK M. A. , SALAM M. A. , LUBY S. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYWe studied changes in species distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns ofShigelladuring 1980–2008, using the Diarrhoeal Diseases Surveillance system of Dhaka Hospital of ICDDR,B. In hospitalized patientsShigellaprevalence decreased steadily from 8–12% in the 1980s to 3% in 2008. EndemicS. flexneriwas the most commonly isolated species (54%). EpidemicS. dysenteriaetype 1 had two peaks in 1984 and 1993, but was not found after 2000, except for one case in 2004. The therapeutic options are now limited: in 2008 a total of 33% ofS. flexneriwere resistant to ciprofloxacin and 57% to mecillinam. In the <5 years age group, severely underweight, wasted and stunted children were more at risk of shigellosis compared to well-nourished children (P<0·001). Although hospitalization forShigelladiarrhoea is decreasing, the high levels of antimicrobial resistance and increased susceptibility of malnourished children continue to pose an ongoing risk.
Detection of a virus related to betacoronaviruses in Italian greater horseshoe bats
Authors: BALBONI A. , PALLADINI A. , BOGLIANI G. , BATTILANI M. 
Published: May 2010

SUMMARYThe association between coronaviruses and bats is a worldwide phenomenon and bats belonging to genus Rhinolophus are the reservoir host for several coronaviruses, including a large number of viruses closely related genetically to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV). We carried out a survey in colonies of Italian bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) for the presence of coronaviruses. Two of 52 R. ferrumequinum captured from different Italian areas tested positive by reverse transcription–PCR for a fragment of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of viruses related to Coronavirus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close correlations between one of the positive samples and SARS-related CoV belonging to the genus Betacoronavirus.
Community attitudes toward individuals with traumatic brain injury
Authors: McLELLAN T. , BISHOP A. , McKINLAY A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractExplicit and implicit attitudes toward people who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated to determine if negative attitudes exist and if the terminology used (brain vs. head injury) exacerbated predicted negativity. Participants (n = 103) rated Tony (brain/head injury) and Peter (limb-injury) on 10 characteristics using a 7-point scale. Familiarity with brain injury was also measured. Implicit Association Tests (IAT) assessed potential negative bias. Tony (M = 36.84) was judged more negatively than Peter (M = 31.69). The term “brain” versus “head” injury resulted in more negative evaluations (Ms = 38.72 vs. 34.78). Participants familiar with TBI were more positive toward Tony than those unfamiliar (Ms = 34.98 vs. 39.80). Only those unfamiliar with TBI demonstrated implicit negative bias. Negative attitudes toward TBI are expressed explicitly with individuals openly endorsing less desirable characteristics. When people have more knowledge about or experience with brain injury, they are less likely to endorse negative stereotypes. (JINS, 2010, 16, 705–710.)
Navigating Two Worlds: The Role of Religious Communities in Preserving the Identity of Hungarians in Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Ilić Angela V. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis article explores the current and probable future challenges faced by the Hungarian-speaking religious communities in northern Serbia as they try to navigate two worlds: the past and the present; cultural identification with Hungary and with Serbia. The mostly Roman Catholic and in smaller number Protestant Hungarians living in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina differ in both language and religious affiliation from the majority Serbian (by and large Orthodox Christian) population. The use of the Hungarian language and the strengthening of a sense of Hungarian identity is an important aspect of the activities their churches perform. By analyzing the socio-political and demographic situation of the Hungarians in Vojvodina, I will explore whether there is a middle road between complete assimilation and hermetical isolation in the religious-cultural-linguistic sense, which is of critical importance regarding the survival of these religious communities.
Soviet Religious Policy in the Baltics under Khrushchev, 1957–1964: Domestic Repression and International Engagement
Authors: Goeckel Robert F. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe Khrushchev era brought a policy of religious repression in response to a resurgence of religious adherence after WWII. But a close evaluation of archival sources reveals distinctive features to its implementation in the Baltics, compared with other parts of the USSR and with the Orthodox Church. The study richly describes the erosion of church institutional interests, such as maintenance of registered churches and clergy, legal and financial autonomy, publications and theological education. But having adapted to their national context, republic-level state officials often pursued the campaign disproportionately against non-national churches, such as Catholics and so-called sects, thereby provoking bureaucratic tensions with party hardliners, both in Moscow and at the republic level. Motivated by its heightened anti-Vatican stance, Moscow's foreign policy opening—to the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, and the German churches—brought the Lutheran churches limited leverage against reluctant local and republic officials.
The structural and energetic basis for high selectivity in a high-affinity protein-protein interaction
Authors: Meenan Nicola A. G. , Sharma Amit , Fleishman Sarel J. , MacDonald Colin J. , Morel Bertrand , Boetzel Ruth , Moore Geoffrey R. , Baker David , Kleanthous Colin 
Published: May 2010

High-affinity, high-selectivity protein-protein interactions that are critical for cell survival present an evolutionary paradox: How does selectivity evolve when acquired mutations risk a lethal loss of high-affinity binding? A detailed understanding of selectivity in such complexes requires structural information on weak, noncognate complexes which can be difficult to obtain due to their transient and dynamic nature. Using NMR-based docking as a guide, we deployed a disulfide-trapping strategy on a noncognate complex between the colicin E9 endonuclease (E9 DNase) and immunity protein 2 (Im2), which is seven orders of magnitude weaker binding than the cognate femtomolar E9 DNase-Im9 interaction. The 1.77 Å crystal structure of the E9 DNase-Im2 complex reveals an entirely noncovalent interface where the intersubunit disulfide merely supports the crystal lattice. In combination with computational alanine scanning of interfacial residues, the structure reveals that the driving force for binding is so strong that a severely unfavorable specificity contact is tolerated at the interface and as a result the complex becomes weakened through “frustration.” As well as rationalizing past mutational and thermodynamic data, comparing our noncognate structure with previous cognate complexes highlights the importance of loop regions in developing selectivity and accentuates the multiple roles of buried water molecules that stabilize, ameliorate, or aggravate interfacial contacts. The study provides direct support for dual-recognition in colicin DNase-Im protein complexes and shows that weakened noncognate complexes are primed for high-affinity binding, which can be achieved by economical mutation of a limited number of residues at the interface.
Structural basis of UGUA recognition by the Nudix protein CFIm25 and implications for a regulatory role in mRNA 3′ processing
Authors: Yang Qin , Gilmartin Gregory M. , Doublié Sylvie 
Published: May 2010

Human Cleavage Factor Im (CFIm) is an essential component of the pre-mRNA 3′ processing complex that functions in the regulation of poly(A) site selection through the recognition of UGUA sequences upstream of the poly(A) site. Although the highly conserved 25 kDa subunit (CFIm25) of the CFImcomplex possesses a characteristic α/β/α Nudix fold, CFIm25 has no detectable hydrolase activity. Here we report the crystal structures of the human CFIm25 homodimer in complex with UGUAAA and UUGUAU RNA sequences. CFIm25 is the first Nudix protein to be reported to bind RNA in a sequence-specific manner. The UGUA sequence contributes to binding specificity through an intramolecular G:A Watson–Crick/sugar-edge base interaction, an unusual pairing previously found to be involved in the binding specificity of the SAM-III riboswitch. The structures, together with mutational data, suggest a novel mechanism for the simultaneous sequence-specific recognition of two UGUA elements within the pre-mRNA. Furthermore, the mutually exclusive binding of RNA and the signaling molecule Ap4A (diadenosine tetraphosphate) by CFIm25 suggests a potential role for small molecules in the regulation of mRNA 3′ processing.
Insights into the recruitment of the NMD machinery from the crystal structure of a core EJC-UPF3b complex.
Authors: Buchwald Gretel , Ebert Judith , Basquin Claire , Sauliere Jerome , Jayachandran Uma , Bono Fulvia , Le Hir Hervé , Conti Elena 
Published: May 2010

In mammals, Up-frameshift proteins (UPFs) form a surveillance complex that interacts with the exon junction complex (EJC) to elicit nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). UPF3b is the component of the surveillance complex that bridges the interaction with the EJC. Here, we report the 3.4 Å resolution crystal structure of a minimal UPF3b-EJC assembly, consisting of the interacting domains of five proteins (UPF3b, MAGO, Y14, eIF4AIII, and Barentsz) together with RNA and adenylyl-imidodiphosphate. Human UPF3b binds with the C-terminal domain stretched over a composite surface formed by eIF4AIII, MAGO, and Y14. Residues that affect NMD when mutated are found at the core interacting surfaces, whereas differences between UPF3b and UPF3a map at peripheral interacting residues. Comparison with the binding mode of the protein PYM underscores how a common molecular surface of MAGO and Y14 recognizes different proteins acting at different times in the same pathway. The binding mode to eIF4AIII identifies a surface hot spot that is used by different DEAD-box proteins to recruit their regulators.
Biophysical basis for the geometry of conical stromatolites
Authors: Petroff Alexander P. , Sim Min Sub , Maslov Andrey , Krupenin Mikhail , Rothman Daniel H. , Bosak Tanja 
Published: May 2010

Stromatolites may be Earth’s oldest macroscopic fossils; however, it remains controversial what, if any, biological processes are recorded in their morphology. Although the biological interpretation of many stromatolite morphologies is confounded by the influence of sedimentation, conical stromatolites form in the absence of sedimentation and are, therefore, considered to be the most robust records of biophysical processes. A qualitative similarity between conical stromatolites and some modern microbial mats suggests a photosynthetic origin for ancient stromatolites. To better understand and interpret ancient fossils, we seek a quantitative relationship between the geometry of conical stromatolites and the biophysical processes that control their growth. We note that all modern conical stromatolites and many that formed in the last 2.8 billion years display a characteristic centimeter-scale spacing between neighboring structures. To understand this prominent—but hitherto uninterpreted—organization, we consider the role of diffusion in mediating competition between stromatolites. Having confirmed this model through laboratory experiments and field observation, we find that organization of a field of stromatolites is set by a diffusive time scale over which individual structures compete for nutrients, thus linking form to physiology. The centimeter-scale spacing between modern and ancient stromatolites corresponds to a rhythmically fluctuating metabolism with a period of approximately 20 hr. The correspondence between the observed spacing and the day length provides quantitative support for the photosynthetic origin of conical stromatolites throughout geologic time.
Dynamical stability of body center cubic iron at the Earth’s core conditions
Authors: Luo Wei , Johansson Börje , Eriksson Olle , Arapan Sergiu , Souvatzis Petros , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Ahuja Rajeev 
Published: May 2010

Here, using self-consistent ab initio lattice dynamical calculations that go beyond the quasiharmonic approximation, we show that the high-pressure high-temperature bcc-Fe phase is dynamically stable. In this treatment the temperature-dependent phonon spectra are derived by exciting all the lattice vibrations, in which the phonon–phonon interactions are considered. The high-pressure and high-temperature bcc-Fe phase shows standard bcc-type phonon dispersion curves except for the transverse branch, which is overdamped along the high symmetry direction Γ-N, at temperatures below 4,500 K. When lowering the temperature down to a critical value T
C
, the lattice instability of the bcc structure is reached. The pressure dependence of this critical temperature is studied at conditions relevant for the Earth’s core.
Systematic review: the use of nitrous oxide gas for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Welchman S. , Cochrane S. , Minto G. , Lewis S. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 324–333SummaryBackground  Nitrous oxide gas (N2O) has been proposed as an alternative to intravenous (i.v.) analgesia in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.Aim  To perform a systematic review of randomized studies where N2O was compared against control in patients undergoing either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.Methods  Electronic databases were searched; reference lists were checked and letters were sent to authors requesting data. Methodological quality was assessed. Data were tabulated on the duration and difficulty of the procedure, quality of sedation and speed of patient recovery.Results  A total of 11 studies were identified containing 623 patients. No differences were seen between groups for duration, difficulty of procedure or complications. Patient‐reported pain was similar for N2O when undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy vs. no sedation and when undergoing colonoscopy vs. i.v. sedation. Differences in delivery of N2O were identified. In all studies, N2O was associated with a more rapid recovery than i.v. sedation.Conclusion  For patients undergoing colonoscopy, N2O provides comparable analgesia to i.v. sedation. The rapid psychomotor recovery with N2O enables quicker patient discharge and removes the need for a patient to be chaperoned. Benefit was not seen from N2O in patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy possibly because it was delivered on demand rather than continuously.
Clinical trial: evaluation of gastric acid suppression with three doses of immediate‐release esomeprazole in the fixed‐dose combination of PN 400 (naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium) compared with naproxen 500 mg and enteric‐coated esomeprazole 20 mg: a randomized, open‐label, Phase I study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Miner P. , Plachetka J. , Orlemans E. , Fort J. G. , Sostek M. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 414–424SummaryBackground  PN 400 is a fixed‐dose combination formulated to provide sequential delivery of immediate‐release (IR) esomeprazole and enteric‐coated (EC) naproxen.Aim  To evaluate gastric acid suppression with three doses of esomeprazole in PN 400 compared with EC esomeprazole 20 mg.Methods  In this Phase I, randomized, open‐label study, 28 healthy adults received PN 400 b.d. (naproxen 500 mg plus esomeprazole 10, 20 and 30 mg) and non‐EC naproxen 500 mg b.d. plus EC esomeprazole 20 mg o.d., each for 9 days in a crossover fashion. The primary endpoint was percentage of time on day 9 that intragastric pH was >4.0; secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics and safety.Results  Day 9 percentage of time where intragastric pH was >4.0 was 76.5%, 71.4%, 40.9% and 59.9% for PN 400 containing 30, 20 and 10 mg esomeprazole, and naproxen plus esomeprazole 20 mg respectively. This was significantly greater for PN 400 containing 30 and 20 mg esomeprazole vs. naproxen plus esomeprazole 20 mg (95% CI: 13.0–26.0 and 7.8–20.7 respectively). The pharmacokinetics of PN 400 were consistent with its formulation. No serious adverse events occurred.Conclusion  PN 400 containing 20 mg esomeprazole was the lowest dose to achieve gastric acid suppression comparable to EC esomeprazole 20 mg and was selected for further evaluation.
Natural history of acute colonic diverticular bleeding: a prospective study in 133 consecutive patients
Authors: Poncet G. , Heluwaert F. , Voirin D. , Bonaz B. , Faucheron J.‐L. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 466–471SummaryBackground  Bleeding recurrence rate after spontaneous haemostasis of colonic diverticular haemorrhage varies in the literature, and a small minority of patients will require endoscopic, radiological or surgical intervention.Aim  To study the natural history of colonic diverticular bleeding in consecutive patients.Methods  We studied prospectively consecutive patients admitted for colonic diverticular bleeding from 1997 to 2005. Data on age, gender, 30‐day mortality, therapeutic modality for bleeding management and subsequent rebleeding were collected.Results  One hundred and thirty‐three patients (mean age 75.7 years) were recruited. Bleeding stopped spontaneously in 123 patients (92.4%). A more interventional approach was necessary in 10 patients. Thirty‐day mortality rate for first bleeding was 2.25%. Out of the 123 patients managed conservatively and submitted to an average follow‐up of 47.5 months, 17 (13.8%) presented at least one recurrent diverticular bleeding. Spontaneous haemostasis was obtained in all recurrent cases except one, who died. The estimated bleeding recurrence rate was 3.8% at 1 year, 6.9% at 5 years and 9.8% at 10 years.Conclusions  The low estimated rebleeding rate and the fact that rebleeding can be treated conservatively in most cases suggest that an aggressive approach with intervention is not justified.
Clinical trial: prolonged beneficial effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on dyspepsia consultations – the Bristol Helicobacter Project
Authors: Harvey R. F. , Lane J. A. , Nair P. , Egger M. , Harvey I. , Donovan J. , Murray L. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 394–400SummaryBackground  Chronic infection of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori is widespread throughout the world and is the major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Short‐term benefit results from community programmes to eradicate the infection, but there is little information on cumulative long‐term benefit.Aim  To determine whether a community programme of screening for and eradication of H. pylori infection produces further benefit after an initial 2‐year period, as judged by a reduction in GP consultations for dyspepsia.Methods  A total of 1517 people aged 20–59 years, who were registered with seven general practices in Frenchay Health District, Bristol, had a positive 13C‐urea breath test for H. pylori infection and were entered into a randomized double‐blind trial of H. pylori eradication therapy. After 2 years, we found a 35% reduction in GP consultations for dyspepsia (previously reported). In this extension to the study, we analysed dyspepsia consultations between two and 7 years after treatment.Results  Between two and 7 years after treatment, 81/764 (10.6%) of participants randomized to receive active treatment consulted for dyspepsia, compared with 106/753 (14.1%) of those who received placebo, a 25% reduction, odds ratio 0.84 (0.71, 1.00), P = 0.042.Conclusions  Eradication of H. pylori infection in the community gives cumulative long‐term benefit, with a continued reduction in the development of dyspepsia severe enough to require a consultation with a general practitioner up to at least 7 years. The cost savings resulting from this aspect of a community H. pylori eradication programme, in addition to the other theoretical benefits, make such programmes worthy of serious consideration, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection.
Microsatellite analysis revealed genetic diversity and population structure among Chinese cashmere goats
Authors: Di R. , Farhad Vahidi S. M. , Ma Y. H. , He X. H. , Zhao Q. J. , Han J. L. , Guan W. J. , Chu M. X. , Sun W. , Pu Y. P. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryMost cashmere goats are found in northern China and Mongolia. They are regarded as precious resources for their production of high quality natural fibre for the textile industry. It was the first time that the genetic diversity and population structure of nine Chinese cashmere populations has been assessed using 14 ISAG/FAO microsatellite markers. In addition, two Iranian populations and one West African goat population were genotyped for comparison. Results indicated that the genetic diversity of Chinese cashmere goats was rich, but less than those of the Iranian goat populations. All pairwise FST values between the Chinese cashmere goat populations reached a highly significant level (P < 0.001), suggesting that they should all be considered as separate breeds. Finally, clustering analysis divided Chinese cashmere goats into at least two clusters, with the Tibetan Hegu goats alone in one cluster. An extensive admixture was detected among the Chinese goat breeds (except the Hegu), which have important implications for breeding management.