bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Work and Managed Care
Authors: Acker Gila M. , Lawrence Dorothea 
Published: June 2009

• Summary: This article presents findings of a quantitative study that illuminates the `sense of competence' of American social workers practicing in a new financial reimbursement and treatment health care system called `managed care'. Questionnaires completed by 140 social workers provided data about the relationships between self-perceived competence and outcome variables including burnout and role stress. • Findings: A central finding was that social workers who felt competent in their abilities to practice in a managed care environment also reported lower levels of role stress and burnout. Other findings included that those working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness reported lower levels of sense of competence and higher levels of role stress and burnout symptoms. • Applications : Potential implications for research, education, and practice with the focus of increasing workers' knowledge and skills when providing services in a managed care environment are addressed. Future research is recommended to include more diverse samples that provide a more comprehensive picture of the population of social workers in the USA.
Investigation into the effect of an alcohol-based hand product on infection rate in a nursing home setting
Authors: Roberts C. , Roberts J. , Roberts RJ 
Published: June 2009

The study assessed the impact on nursing home (NH) resident infection rates of providing staff with a personal alcohol-based hand product (ABHP) with and without training on its use. Fifteen North Wales NHs were recruited and randomly allocated into one of three groups. All monitored infection rates throughout the study period of 18 weeks (Phase I [weeks 1—9], Phase II [weeks 11—19]). NHs used liquid soap and water for hand washing throughout the study. Groups B and C introduced interventions during week ten: Group B were provided with personal ABHPs without training on use; Group C personal ABHPs with standard training from the sponsoring hand hygiene company. Infection rates between groups and pre- and post-intervention were compared. Infection rates (per 1,000 bed days) for Phase I vs. Phase II of the study were: Group A: 6.99 vs. 7.16; Group B: 6.08 vs. 3.46; and Group C: 5.04 vs. 6.78 respectively. Change in infection rates in Groups B and C pre- and post-intervention did not reach statistical significance, p = 0.097 and p = 0.072 respectively. Comparison of rates in non-intervention Group A with the intervention groups indicated a significantly lower rate after the intervention in Group B ( p = 0.035) but not Group C ( p = 0.765). Findings are limited due to sample size; introduction of personal ABHPs with training did not reduce infection rates. This conflicts with other studies examining education and improvement of hand hygiene compliance. However, infection rates fell in NHs not receiving training, possibly mediated through a sense of `ownership' of the intervention.
Phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by atypical PKCζ contributes to angiopoietin-1–dependent inhibition of VEGF-induced endothelial permeability in vitro
Authors: Oubaha Malika , Gratton Jean-Philippe 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic cytokine that also increases vascular permeability. Nitric oxide (NO) released from endothelial cells, after activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), contributes to proangiogenic and permeability effects of VEGF. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), via Tie2 receptors, shares many of the proangiogenic properties of VEGF on endothelial cells. However, in contrast to VEGF, Ang-1 protects blood vessels from increased plasma leakage, which contributes to their stabilization. Because eNOS-derived NO is central to increased permeability in response to VEGF, we investigated whether Ang-1 interferes with VEGF signaling to eNOS. We demonstrate that Ang-1 stimulation of endothelial cells inhibits VEGF-induced NO release and transendothelial permeability. In contrast to VEGF stimulation, Ang-1 causes a marked protein kinase C (PKC)–dependent increase in phosphorylation of eNOS on the inhibitory Thr497. Furthermore, using pharmacologic inhibitors, overexpression studies, and small interfering RNA-mediated gene silencing, we demonstrate that atypical PKCζ is responsible for phosphorylation of eNOS on Thr497 in response to Ang-1. In addition, PKCζ knockdown abrogates the capacity of Ang-1 to inhibit VEGF-induced NO release and endothelial permeability. Thus, inhibition of NO production by Ang-1, via phosphorylation of eNOS on Thr497 by PKCζ, is responsible, at least in part, for inhibition of VEGF-stimulated endothelial permeability by Ang-1.
Definitive proof for direct reprogramming of hematopoietic cells to pluripotency
Authors: Okabe Motohito , Otsu Makoto , Ahn Dong Hyuck , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Morita Yohei , Wakiyama Yukiko , Onodera Masafumi , Eto Koji , Ema Hideo , Nakauchi Hiromitsu 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generally uses fibroblastic cells, but other cell sources may prove useful in both research and clinical settings. Although proof of cellular origin requires genetic-marker identification in both target cells and established iPSCs, somatic cells other than mature lymphocytes mostly lack such markers. Here we show definitive proof of direct reprogramming of murine hematopoietic cells with no rearranged genes. Using iPSC factor transduction, we successfully derived iPSCs from bone marrow progenitor cells obtained from a mouse whose hematopoiesis was reconstituted from a single congenic hematopoietic stem cell. Established clones were demonstrated to be genetically identical to the transplanted single hematopoietic stem cell, thus proving their cellular origin. These hematopoietic cell–derived iPSCs showed typical characteristics of iPSCs, including the ability to contribute to chimerism in mice. These results will prompt further use of hematopoietic cells for iPSC generation while enabling definitive studies to test how cellular sources influence characteristics of descendant iPSCs.
Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome patients with erythropoietin with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: results of a prospective randomized phase 3 trial by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (E1996)
Authors: Greenberg Peter L. , Sun Zhuoxin , Miller Kenneth B. , Bennett John M. , Tallman Martin S. , Dewald Gordon , Paietta Elisabeth , van der Jagt Richard , Houston Jessie , Thomas Mary L. , Cella David , Rowe Jacob M. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
This phase 3 prospective randomized trial evaluated the efficacy and long-term safety of erythropoietin (EPO) with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor plus supportive care (SC; n = 53) versus SC alone (n = 57) for the treatment of anemic patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. The response rates in the EPO versus SC alone arms were 36% versus 9.6%, respectively, at the initial treatment step, 47% in the EPO arm, including subsequent steps. Responding patients had significantly lower serum EPO levels (45% vs 5% responses for levels < 200 mU/mL vs ≥ 200 mU/mL) and improvement in multiple quality-of-life domains. With prolonged follow-up (median, 5.8 years), no differences were found in overall survival of patients in the EPO versus SC arms (median, 3.1 vs 2.6 years) or in the incidence of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (7.5% and 10.5% patients, respectively). Increased survival was demonstrated for erythroid responders versus nonresponders (median, 5.5 vs 2.3 years). Flow cytometric analysis showed that the percentage of P-glycoprotein+ CD34+ marrow blasts was positively correlated with longer overall survival. In comparison with SC alone, patients receiving EPO with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor plus SC had improved erythroid responses, similar survival, and incidence of acute myeloid leukemia transformation.
Quantifying tracheobronchial tree dimensions: methods, limitations and emerging techniques
Authors: Williamson J. P. , James A. L. , Phillips M. J. , Sampson D. D. , Hillman D. R. , Eastwood P. R. 
Published: June 2009

The ability to measure airway dimensions is important for clinicians, interventional bronchoscopists and researchers in order to accurately quantify structural abnormalities and track their changes over time or in response to treatment.Most quantitative airway measurements are based on X-ray computed tomography and, more recently, on multidetector computed tomography. Quantitative bronchoscopic techniques have also been developed, although these are less widely employed. Emerging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic optical coherence tomography, endobronchial ultrasound and confocal endomicroscopy, provide new research tools with potential clinical applications.An understanding of issues related to the acquisition, processing and analysis of images, and how such issues impact on imaging the tracheobronchial tree, is essential in order to assess measurement accuracy and to make effective use of the newer methods. This article contributes to this understanding by providing a comprehensive review of current and emerging techniques for quantifying airway dimensions.
Airway obstruction related to diacetyl exposure at microwave popcorn production facilities
Authors: Lockey J. E. , Hilbert T. J. , Levin L. P. , Ryan P. H. , White K. L. , Borton E. K. , Rice C. H. , McKay R. T. , LeMasters G. K. 
Published: June 2009

Obstructive lung diseases including bronchiolitis obliterans have been reported among microwave popcorn production employees. Butter flavourings including diacetyl have been associated with these findings.The present study was initiated at four microwave popcorn production plants to determine if exposure to diacetyl was associated with decrements in pulmonary function. Comprehensive diacetyl exposure assessment was undertaken for all job tasks. Spirometry was conducted for 765 full-time employees between 2005 and 2006. Outcomes included decrement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted, airway obstruction and persistent decline in FEV1.Inclusion in the high-exposure group (mixers) prior to respirator use was associated with a significantly decreased FEV1% pred in non-Asian and Asian males at -6.1 and -11.8% pred, respectively, and an eight-fold increased risk for airway obstruction. Cumulative diacetyl exposure ≥0.8 ppm-yr caused similar results. No significant impact was seen in nonmixers or between current diacetyl exposure and persistent decline in FEV1.Unprotected exposure as a mixer to butter flavouring including diacetyl resulted in decrements in FEV1(% pred) and increased airway obstruction. Control of employee exposure to butter flavouring additives is warranted in regard to both short-term peak and 8-h workday exposure.
A Bayesian approach to efficient differential allocation for resampling-based significance testing
Authors: Jensen Shane T , Soi Sameer , Wang Li-San 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundLarge-scale statistical analyses have become hallmarks of post-genomic era biological research due to advances in high-throughput assays and the integration of large biological databases. One accompanying issue is the simultaneous estimation of p-values for a large number of hypothesis tests. In many applications, a parametric assumption in the null distribution such as normality may be unreasonable, and resampling-based p-values are the preferred procedure for establishing statistical significance. Using resampling-based procedures for multiple testing is computationally intensive and typically requires large numbers of resamples.ResultsWe present a new approach to more efficiently assign resamples (such as bootstrap samples or permutations) within a nonparametric multiple testing framework. We formulated a Bayesian-inspired approach to this problem, and devised an algorithm that adapts the assignment of resamples iteratively with negligible space and running time overhead. In two experimental studies, a breast cancer microarray dataset and a genome wide association study dataset for Parkinson's disease, we demonstrated that our differential allocation procedure is substantially more accurate compared to the traditional uniform resample allocation.ConclusionOur experiments demonstrate that using a more sophisticated allocation strategy can improve our inference for hypothesis testing without a drastic increase in the amount of computation on randomized data. Moreover, we gain more improvement in efficiency when the number of tests is large. R code for our algorithm and the shortcut method are available athttp://people.pcbi.upenn.edu/~lswang/pub/bmc2009/.
In silico genomic analyses reveal three distinct lineages of Escherichia coli O157:H7, one of which is associated with hyper-virulence
Authors: Laing Chad R , Buchanan Cody , Taboada Eduardo N , Zhang Yongxiang , Karmali Mohamed A , Thomas James E , Gannon Victor PJ 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundMany approaches have been used to study the evolution, population structure and genetic diversity ofEscherichia coliO157:H7; however, observations made with different genotyping systems are not easily relatable to each other. Three genetic lineages ofE. coliO157:H7 designated I, II and I/II have been identified using octamer-based genome scanning and microarray comparative genomic hybridization (mCGH). Each lineage contains significant phenotypic differences, with lineage I strains being the most commonly associated with human infections. Similarly, a clade of hyper-virulent O157:H7 strains implicated in the 2006 spinach and lettuce outbreaks has been defined using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing. In this study anin silicocomparison of six different genotyping approaches was performed on 19E. coligenome sequences from 17 O157:H7 strains and single O145:NM and K12 MG1655 strains to provide an overall picture of diversity of theE. coliO157:H7 population, and to compare genotyping methods for O157:H7 strains.ResultsIn silicodetermination of lineage, Shiga-toxin bacteriophage integration site, comparative genomic fingerprint, mCGH profile, novel region distribution profile, SNP type and multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis type was performed and a supernetwork based on the combination of these methods was produced. This supernetwork showed three distinct clusters of strains that were O157:H7 lineage-specific, with the SNP-based hyper-virulent clade 8 synonymous with O157:H7 lineage I/II. Lineage I/II/clade 8 strains clustered closest on the supernetwork toE. coliK12 andE. coliO55:H7, O145:NM and sorbitol-fermenting O157 strains.ConclusionThe results of this study highlight the similarities in relationships derived from multi-locus genome sampling methods and suggest a "common genotyping language" may be devised for population genetics and epidemiological studies. Future genotyping methods should provide data that can be stored centrally and accessed locally in an easily transferable, informative and extensible format based on comparative genomic analyses.
Predicting protein-protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana through integration of orthology, gene ontology and co-expression
Authors: De Bodt Stefanie , Proost Sebastian , Vandepoele Klaas , Rouzé Pierre , Van de Peer Yves 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Large-scale identification of the interrelationships between different components of the cell, such as the interactions between proteins, has recently gained great interest. However, unraveling large-scale protein-protein interaction maps is laborious and expensive. Moreover, assessing the reliability of the interactions can be cumbersome.

Results
In this study, we have developed a computational method that exploits the existing knowledge on protein-protein interactions in diverse species through orthologous relations on the one hand, and functional association data on the other hand to predict and filter protein-protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. A highly reliable set of protein-protein interactions is predicted through this integrative approach making use of existing protein-protein interaction data from yeast, human, C. elegans and D. melanogaster. Localization, biological process, and co-expression data are used as powerful indicators for protein-protein interactions. The functional repertoire of the identified interactome reveals interactions between proteins functioning in well-conserved as well as plant-specific biological processes. We observe that although common mechanisms (e.g. actin polymerization) and components (e.g. ARPs, actin-related proteins) exist between different lineages, they are active in specific processes such as growth, cancer metastasis and trichome development in yeast, human and Arabidopsis, respectively.

Conclusion
We conclude that the integration of orthology with functional association data is adequate to predict protein-protein interactions. Through this approach, a high number of novel protein-protein interactions with diverse biological roles is discovered. Overall, we have predicted a reliable set of protein-protein interactions suitable for further computational as well as experimental analyses.
cDNA-AFLP analysis reveals differential gene expression in compatible interaction of wheat challenged with Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Tang Chunlei , Zhang Gang , Li Yingchun , Wang Chenfang , Liu Bo , Qu Zhipeng , Zhao Jie , Han Qingmei , Huang Lili , Chen Xianming , Kang Zhensheng 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a fungal pathogen causing stripe rust, one of the most important wheat diseases worldwide. The fungus is strictly biotrophic and thus, completely dependent on living host cells for its reproduction, which makes it difficult to study genes of the pathogen. In spite of its economic importance, little is known about the molecular basis of compatible interaction between the pathogen and wheat host. In this study, we identified wheat and P. striiformis genes associated with the infection process by conducting a large-scale transcriptomic analysis using cDNA-AFLP.

Results
Of the total 54,912 transcript derived fragments (TDFs) obtained using cDNA-AFLP with 64 primer pairs, 2,306 (4.2%) displayed altered expression patterns after inoculation, of which 966 showed up-regulated and 1,340 down-regulated. 186 TDFs produced reliable sequences after sequencing of 208 TDFs selected, of which 74 (40%) had known functions through BLAST searching the GenBank database. Majority of the latter group had predicted gene products involved in energy (13%), signal transduction (5.4%), disease/defence (5.9%) and metabolism (5% of the sequenced TDFs). BLAST searching of the wheat stem rust fungus genome database identified 18 TDFs possibly from the stripe rust pathogen, of which 9 were validated of the pathogen origin using PCR-based assays followed by sequencing confirmation. Of the 186 reliable TDFs, 29 homologous to genes known to play a role in disease/defense, signal transduction or uncharacterized genes were further selected for validation of cDNA-AFLP expression patterns using qRT-PCR analyses. Results confirmed the altered expression patterns of 28 (96.5%) genes revealed by the cDNA-AFLP technique.

Conclusion
The results show that cDNA-AFLP is a reliable technique for studying expression patterns of genes involved in the wheat-stripe rust interactions. Genes involved in compatible interactions between wheat and the stripe rust pathogen were identified and their expression patterns were determined. The present study should be helpful in elucidating the molecular basis of the infection process, and identifying genes that can be targeted for inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the pathogen. Moreover, this study can also be used to elucidate the defence responses of the genes that were of plant origin.
Increasing prevalence and high incidence of celiac disease in elderly people: A population-based study
Authors: Vilppula Anitta , Kaukinen Katri , Luostarinen Liisa , Krekelä Ilkka , Patrikainen Heikki , Valve Raisa , Mäki Markku , Collin Pekka 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Celiac disease may emerge at any age, but little is known of its appearance in elderly people. We evaluated the prevalence of the condition in individuals over 55 years of age, and determined the incidence of biopsy-proven celiac disease (CDb) and celiac disease including seropositive subjects for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (CDb+s).

Methods
The study based on prevalence figures in 2815 randomly selected subjects who had undergone a clinical examination and serologic screening for celiac disease in 2002. A second screening in the same population was carried out in 2005, comprising now 2216 individuals. Positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies were confirmed with small bowel biopsy.

Results
Within three years the prevalence of CDb increased from 2.13 to 2.34%, and that of CDb+s from 2.45 to 2.70%. Five new cases were found among patients previously seronegative; two had minor abdominal symptoms and three were asymptomatic. The incidence of celiac disease in 2002–2005 was 0.23%, giving an annual incidence of 0.08% in this population.

Conclusion
The prevalence of celiac disease was high in elderly people, but the symptoms were subtle. Repeated screening detected five biopsy-proven cases in three years, indicating that the disorder may develop even in the elderly. Increased alertness to the disorder is therefore warranted.
Truncation in the tcdC region of the Clostridium difficilePathLoc of clinical isolates does not predict increased biological activity of Toxin B or Toxin A
Authors: Murray Ruth , Boyd Dave , Levett Paul N , Mulvey Michael R , Alfa Michelle J 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The increased severity of disease associated with the NAP1 strain of Clostridium difficile has been attributed to mutations to the tcdC gene which codes for a negative regulator of toxin production. To assess the role of hyper-production of Toxins A and B in clinical isolates of Clostridium difficile, two NAP1-related and five NAP1 non-related strains were compared.

Methods
Sequencing was performed on tcdC, tcdR, and tcdE to determine if there were differences that might account for hyper-production of Toxin A and Toxin B in NAP1-related strains. Biological activity of Toxin B was evaluated using the HFF cell CPE assay and Toxin A biological activity was assessed using the Caco-2 Trans-membrane resistance assay.

Results
Our results confirm that Toxin A and Toxin B production in NAP1-related strains and ATCC 43255 occurs earlier in the exponential growth phase compared to most NAP1-nonrelated clinical isolates. Despite the hyper-production observed in ATCC 43255 it had no mutations in tcdC, tcdR or tcdE. Analysis of the other clinical isolates indicated that the kinetics and ultimate final concentration of Toxin A and B did not correlate with the presence or lack of alterations in tcdC, tcdR or tcdE.

Conclusion
Our data do not support a direct role for alterations in the tcdC gene as a predictor of hyperproduction of Toxin A and B in NAP1-related strains.