bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An unblinded randomised controlled trial of preoperative oral supplements in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Burden S. T. , Hill J. , Shaffer J. L. , Campbell M. , Todd C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Perioperative oral supplementation has been shown to reduce post‐operative complications. However, the use of preoperative standard oral supplements in a cohort of colorectal cancer patients has not been evaluated. The present study examined whether preoperative supplements are beneficial in this group.Methods:  In a randomised controlled trial, patients were assigned to receive 400 mL of oral supplement and dietary advice or dietary advice alone. Primary outcome was the number of post‐operative complications. One hundred and twenty‐five patients were recruited (59 randomised to the intervention group and 66 to the control group) and nine were excluded.Results:  In the intervention group, 24 (44%) patients had a complication compared to 26 (42%) in the control group (P = 0.780). In the intervention and control groups, there were eight (15%) and 16 (25%) surgical site infections, respectively (P = 0.140) and seven (13%) and 11 (17%) chest infections, respectively (P = 0.470). Subgroup analysis for hypothesis generation included 83 (71%) weight‐losing patients, where there was a significant reduction in surgical site infections using the Buzby definition (P = 0.034), although this was not the case for the Centre for Disease Control definition (P = 0.052).Conclusions:  There was no evidence that preoperative supplements were beneficial in reducing the number of complications, although there may be some benefit for surgical site infections in selected weight‐losing preoperative patients.
Tools for the job: why relying on risk assessment tools is still a risky business
Authors: WEBB L. 
Published: June 2011

Accessible summary
This paper examines the use of assessment tools and other decision‐making guidelines in mental health and substance misuse and suggests that clinicians need to understand how the tools were designed in order to judge whether the tool is relevant to the individual client.
It is argued that people with enduring mental health or substance misuse needs present with complex needs which cannot easily be measured by questionnaires or checklists which are often based on simple and straightforward populations of patients.
The importance of this paper is that it highlights the need for clinicians to understand the tools they use rather than rely blindly on the support given to such tools by evidence‐based practice research findings.
AbstractThis theoretical review paper examines the applicability of assessment tools, guidelines and protocols in mental health and substance use care on the basis of the construction of such tools and their reliance on aggregate and actuarial methodologies. Evidence‐based practice leads clinicians to increasing reliance on tools for assessment of health status, risk and prediction for a range of clinical needs for individual clients. In the longer‐term management of people with enduring and chronic mental health and substance misuse problems, clinicians are often dealing with complex and unstable health needs. The tools available, however, are developed on the basis of majority population evidence and on presumptions of similarity and stability over time. This paper provides explanation of the basis for the development of such tools and argues that clinicians need to be able to evaluate the applicability of tools used for their clients and not just evaluate the internal validity of the tools used to make individual and contextual decisions about individual clients.
Genetic ablation of a Maurer's cleft protein prevents assembly of the Plasmodium falciparum virulence complex
Authors: Dixon Matthew W. A. , Kenny Shannon , McMillan Paul J. , Hanssen Eric , Trenholme Katharine R. , Gardiner Donald L. , Tilley Leann 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThe malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum assembles knob structures underneath the erythrocyte membrane that help present the major virulence protein, P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein‐1 (PfEMP1). Membranous structures called Maurer's clefts are established in the erythrocyte cytoplasm and function as sorting compartments for proteins en route to the RBC membrane, including the knob‐associated histidine‐rich protein (KAHRP), and PfEMP1. We have generated mutants in which the Maurer's cleft protein, the ring exported protein‐1 (REX1) is truncated or deleted. Removal of the C‐terminal domain of REX1 compromises Maurer's cleft architecture and PfEMP1‐mediated cytoadherance but permits some trafficking of PfEMP1 to the erythrocyte surface. Deletion of the coiled‐coil region of REX1 ablates PfEMP1 surface display, trapping PfEMP1 at the Maurer's clefts. Complementation of mutants with REX1 partly restores PfEMP1‐mediated binding to the endothelial cell ligand, CD36. Deletion of the coiled‐coil region or complete deletion of REX1 is tightly associated with the loss of a subtelomeric region of chromosome 2, encoding KAHRP and other proteins. A KAHRP–green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion expressed in the REX1‐deletion parasites shows defective trafficking. Thus, loss of functional REX1 directly or indirectly ablates the assembly of the P. falciparum virulence complex at the surface of host erythrocytes.
Involvement of protein acetylation in glucose‐induced transcription of a stress‐responsive promoter
Authors: Lima Bruno P. , Antelmann Haike , Gronau Katrin , Chi Bui Khanh , Becher Dörte , Brinsmade Shaun R. , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryIn eukaryotes, lysine acetylation is a well‐established post‐translational modification that has been implicated in virtually all aspects of eukaryotic physiology. Although homologues of the enzymes that catalyse protein acetylation are widely conserved and distributed among bacterial species, not much is known about the impact of protein acetylation on bacterial physiology. Here, we present evidence that the Gcn5‐like acetyltransferase YfiQ and the sirtuin deacetylase CobB play crucial roles in the transcription regulation of the periplasmic stress‐responsive promoter cpxP when cells of Escherichia coli grow in the presence of glucose, an environment that induces protein acetylation. Under this growth condition, several acetylation sites were detected on three of the RNA polymerase subunits: β, β′ and α. We focused on acetylations of the carboxy‐terminal domain (CTD) of α because of its relative small size and its limited acetylation. We determined that K298 of α is acetylated in a glucose and YfiQ‐dependent manner and that K298 is specifically required for glucose‐induced cpxP transcription. Because the αCTD aids in promoter recognition by RNA polymerase, we propose its acetylation may influence bacterial physiology through effects on gene expression.
ppGpp in Sinorhizobium meliloti: biosynthesis in response to sudden nutritional downshifts and modulation of the transcriptome
Authors: Krol Elizaveta , Becker Anke 
Published: June 2011

SummarySinorhizobium meliloti Rm2011 responds to sudden shifts to nitrogen or carbon starvation conditions by an accumulation of the stringent response alarmone ppGpp and remodelling of the transcriptome. The gene product of relA, RelSm, responsible for synthesis of ppGpp, shows functional similarities to E. coli SpoT. Using promoter–egfp gene fusions, we showed that in Rm2011 relA is expressed at a low rate, as a readthrough from the rpoZ promoter and from its own weak promoter. The low level of relA expression is physiologically relevant, since overexpression of RelSm inhibits ppGpp accumulation. The N‐terminal portion of RelSm is required for ppGpp degradation in nutrient‐sufficient cells and might be involved in regulation of the ppGpp synthase and hydrolase activities of the protein. Expression profiling of S. meliloti subjected to sudden nitrogen or carbon downshifts revealed that repression of ‘house‐keeping’ genes is largely dependent on relA whereas activation of gene targets of the stress sigma factor RpoE2 occurred independently of relA. The regulatory genes nifA, ntrB, aniA and sinR, as well as genes related to modulation of protein biosynthesis and nucleotide catabolism, were induced in a relA‐dependent manner. dksA was required for the majority of the relA‐dependent regulations.
Post‐mortem findings in 10 patients with presumed normal‐pressure hydrocephalus and review of the literature
Authors: Leinonen V. , Koivisto A. M. , Savolainen S. , Rummukainen J. , Sutela A. , Vanninen R. , Jääskeläinen J. E. , Soininen H. , Alafuzoff I. 
Published: June 2011

V. Leinonen, A. M. Koivisto, S. Savolainen, J. Rummukainen, A. Sutela, R. Vanninen, J. E. Jääskeläinen, H. Soininen and I. Alafuzoff (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 72–86Post‐mortem findings in 10 patients with presumed normal‐pressure hydrocephalus and review of the literatureAims: Neuropathological features of idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) are poorly characterized. Brain biopsy during life may help in the differential diagnosis of dementia, but post‐mortem validation of biopsy findings is scarce. Here we review and report brain biopsy and post‐mortem neuropathological findings in patients with presumed NPH. Methods: We evaluated 10 patients initially investigated by intraventricular pressure monitoring and a frontal cortical biopsy for histological and immunohistochemical assessment as a diagnostic procedure for presumed NPH. Results: Out of the 10 patients, eight were shunted and seven benefited. Until death, six had developed severe and two mild cognitive impairment. One was cognitively unimpaired, and one was mentally retarded. Three subjects displayed amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregates in their frontal cortical biopsy obtained at the initial procedure. One of these patients developed Alzheimer's disease during a follow‐up time of nearly 10 years. One patient with cognitive impairment and NPH suffered from corticobasal degeneration. In six patients various vascular lesions were seen at the final neuropathological investigation. Five of them were cognitively impaired, and in four vascular lesions were seen sufficient in extent to be considered as causative regarding their symptoms. Conclusions: The frequent finding of vascular pathology in NPH is intriguing, suggesting that vascular alterations might be causative of cognitive impairment in a notable number of patients with NPH and dementia. Brain biopsy can be used to detect Aβ aggregates, but neuropathological characteristics of iNPH as a distinct disease still need to be discovered.
Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome among Arabs
Authors: Al‐Owain M , Imtiaz F , Shuaib T , Edrees A , Al‐Amoudi M , Sakati N , Al‐Hassnan Z , Bamashmous H , Rahbeeni Z , Al‐Ameer S , Faqeih E , Meyer B , Al‐Hashem A , Garout W , Al‐Odaib A , Rashed M , Al‐Aama JY 
Published: June 2011

Al‐Owain M, Imtiaz F, Shuaib T, Edrees A, Al‐Amoudi M, Sakati N, Al‐Hassnan Z, Bamashmous H, Rahbeeni Z, Al‐Ameer S, Faqeih E, Meyer B, Al‐Hashem A, Garout W, Al‐Odaib A, Rashed M, Al‐Aama JY. Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome among Arabs.Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of variable presentation caused by the deficiency of the 3β‐ hydroxycholesterol Δ7‐ reductase. Over the past 10 years, our biochemical laboratory has screened 191 plasma samples for possible SLOS, measuring the plasma cholesterol and 7‐dehydrocholesterol using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The SLOS was confirmed in only five Arab patients with growth retardation, global developmental delay, dysmorphic features, and 2–3 toe syndactyly, among other findings. All cases represented moderate to severe form of SLOS. One patient had a unique cardiovascular malformation (cor triatriatum with significant obstruction of the right pulmonary veins). Two previously reported N287K (861 C>A) and R352Q (1055 G>A) and a novel R352L (1055 G>T) mutations were identified in the DHCR7 gene in these patients. The paper sheds light on this rare disease among Arabs and reviews all reported SLOS cases in the Arab population.
De novo CDH1 mutation in a family presenting with early‐onset diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: Shah MA , Salo‐Mullen E , Stadler Z , Ruggeri JM , Mirander M , Pristyazhnyuk Y , Zhang L 
Published: June 2011

Shah MA, Salo‐Mullen E, Stadler Z, Ruggeri JM, Mirander M, Pristyazhnyuk Y, Zhang L. De novo CDH1 mutation in a family presenting with early‐onset diffuse gastric cancer.In this report, we describe the first concluded case of a de novo germline mutation in CDH1 in a hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) kindred. The incident case was a woman with a personal history of Hodgkin's lymphoma and diffuse gastric cancer, who was then confirmed to have a CDH1 mutation (c.1792 C>T (R598X)). The patient's mother was found to have the same CDH1 germline mutation; however, neither maternal grandparent was found to carry the mutation, thus leading to a conclusion that the proband's mother's mutation is of de novo origin. This case highlights the importance of recognition of the HDGC syndrome and of testing for CDH1 germline mutations in young individuals with diffuse gastric cancer without a family history of the disease.
The use of everolimus in pediatric liver transplant recipients: First experience in a single center
Authors: Nielsen Dirk , Briem‐Richter Andrea , Sornsakrin Marijke , Fischer Lutz , Nashan Bjoern , Ganschow Rainer 
Published: June 2011

Nielsen D, Briem‐Richter A, Sornsakrin M, Fischer L, Nashan B, Ganschow R. The use of everolimus in pediatric liver transplant recipients: First experience in a single center.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 510–514. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The role of mTOR inhibitors, such as EVL, has not been established for pediatric liver transplant recipients up to now, although data from adult solid organ graft transplantation are very promising. Major complications following pediatric liver transplantation in the long‐term course include chronic graft rejection and CNI‐derived nephrotoxicity. The purpose of our study was to report first results using EVL as a rescue therapy in pediatric liver transplant recipients for the following indications: chronic graft dysfunction n = 12, suspected CNI toxicity n = 3, hepatoblastoma n = 2, and recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis post‐Ltx n = 1. Four patients with chronic graft dysfunction developed completely normal liver function tests using EVL, six patients showed partial improvement, and two patients did not respond at all. One patient with CNI‐induced nephropathy showed a slightly improved GFR. Both patients with hepatoblastoma did not develop any metastasis post‐Ltx. First experience with EVL in pediatric liver transplant recipients shows promising results in patients with chronic graft failure when standard immunosuppression has failed. The future role of EVL in immunosuppressive protocols for children post‐Ltx has to be proven by controlled clinical trials.
Adipose‐derived stromal cells cultured in a low‐serum medium, but not bone marrow‐derived stromal cells, impede xenoantibody production
Authors: Saka Yosuke , Furuhashi Kazuhiro , Katsuno Takayuki , Kim Hangsoo , Ozaki Takenori , Iwasaki Kenta , Haneda Masataka , Sato Waichi , Tsuboi Naotake , Ito Yasuhiko , Matsuo Seiichi , Kobayashi Takaaki , Maruyama Shoichi 
Published: June 2011

Saka Y, Furuhashi K, Katsuno T, Kim H, Ozaki T, Iwasaki K, Haneda M, Sato W, Tsuboi N, Ito Y, Matsuo S, Kobayashi T, Maruyama S. Adipose‐derived stromal cells cultured in a low‐serum medium, but not bone marrow‐derived stromal cells, impede xenoantibody production. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 184–196. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Although the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) on T cells have been elucidated, little is known about their effects on B cells. Recently, we have established a novel culture method for adipose‐derived MSC (ASC) using low (2%) serum medium containing fibroblast growth factor‐2. We showed that low serum–cultured ASC (LASC) was superior to high (20%) serum–cultured ASC (HASC) when used in regenerative therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the action of LASC, HASC, and bone marrow‐derived MSC (BM‐MSC), on xenoantibody production by B cells.Methods:  Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells and BM‐MSC were obtained from humans or F344 rats and expanded in a low‐serum or a high‐serum culture medium. Proliferation of human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) or rat splenocytes was induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or anti‐IgM‐antibody. These cells were then co‐cultured with LASC, HASC, or BM‐MSC, and cell proliferation was studied. Porcine red blood cells (pRBC) were intraperitoneally injected into Lewis rats, and LASC, HASC, or BM‐MSC obtained from F344 rats were injected intravenously or intraperitoneally. The levels of antibodies (IgM and IgG) against pRBC were examined using flow cytometry.Results:  Human LASC suppressed PBMC proliferation more effectively than human HASC. Human LASC suppressed both T‐cell and B‐cell proliferation when incubated with PHA (a T‐cell stimulus). However, human LASC did not suppress B‐cell proliferation after incubation with anti‐IgM‐antibody (a T‐cell‐independent stimulus). Rat LASC suppressed PHA‐stimulated splenocyte proliferation more effectively than rat HASC or rat BM‐MSC. In vivo studies showed that intravenous injection of rat LASC significantly reduced the levels of IgG antibodies against pRBC, while intravenous administration of the other two types of MSC (rat HASC or rat BM‐MSC) or intraperitoneal administration of rat LASC did not impede IgG production. A significant number of LASC were observed in the spleen when injected intravenously while only a few LASC were observed when given intraperitoneally.Conclusions:  Administration of LASC effectively impeded xenoantibody production by B cells through the inhibition of T‐cell function, while HASC or BM‐MSC showed less promising effects. These results suggest that intravenous injection of LASC may be useful in attenuating antibody‐mediated rejection.
Clinical pig liver xenotransplantation: how far do we have to go?
Authors: Ekser Burcin , Gridelli Bruno , Veroux Massimiliano , Cooper David K.C. 
Published: June 2011

Ekser B, Gridelli B, Veroux M, Cooper DKC. Clinical pig liver xenotransplantation: how far do we have to go? Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 158–167. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  As pigs are currently the preferred species for organ xenotransplantation, initial experience in liver xenotransplantation with wild‐type (WT) pigs, advances in the development of genetically modified pigs, and recent studies using livers from them are reviewed. The xenotransplantation of livers from pigs transgenic for the human complement regulatory protein (CRP) CD55 or from α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout pigs+/− additionally transgenic for the CRP CD46 (GTKO/CD46 pigs) is associated with the survival of approximately 1 week. Satisfactory hepatic function has been documented, lending support to the concept that the pig liver might provide a bridge to allotransplantation. However, although significant features of rejection have not been documented, the development of an immediate thrombocytopenia after graft reperfusion is problematic and leads to spontaneous hemorrhage within the body cavities, native organs, and graft. Current studies are being directed to understand the factors causing the activation, aggregation, or phagocytosis of platelets, in particular the interaction between platelets and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells. If this problem can be resolved, a clinical trial of pig liver xenotransplantation as a bridge to allotransplantation may be both feasible and justified.
Predictors of the health‐related quality of life of patients who are newly diagnosed with lung cancer in China
Authors: Cai Chunfeng , Zhou Zongkui , Yu Liping , Wan Yonghui 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the level and predictors of the health‐related quality of life among patients who were newly diagnosed with lung cancer in China. A descriptive survey design was used to collect the data from 108 patients. The relationships among the variables were analyzed by using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that the patients in this sample had a poor quality of life in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. Their age, annual family income, social support, and three dimensions of the health locus of control (internal, external, and chance) correlated significantly with the global quality of life. The stepwise multiple regressions showed that only the internal locus of control was statistically significant in predicting the patients' quality of life. The results suggest that healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to demographic characteristics, such as age and family income, and personal characteristics, such as the health locus of control and social support, when treating this patient group.
Life after cervical cancer: Quality of life among Chinese women
Authors: Zeng Ying Chun , Li Dingmei , Loke Alice Yuen 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study explored the meaning of “quality of life” among Chinese survivors of cervical cancer and the impact of cervical cancer survivorship on these women's quality of life. Written responses were used as the means of data collection. The qualitative data were analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis. The meaning of “quality of life”, as perceived by 35 Chinese survivors of cervical cancer, included being free of disease, having a good standard of living, having a harmonious family atmosphere, and having a harmonious sex life. The impact of cervical cancer on the Chinese women's quality of life included physical and psychological sequelae, family distress, financial burden, and disruptions to their social functioning and sexual life. Nevertheless, there were positive gains that were reported by these survivors, including changes in their outlook on life, treasuring their life, and better family relationships. This study revealed that the Chinese survivors of cervical cancer identified their sexual life as one of the essential indicators of quality of life. It is necessary to raise nurses' awareness so that women's sexuality‐related concerns are addressed. Health professionals also should provide relevant supportive care in order to address this target population's physical and psychosocial needs across the survivorship continuum.
The Spatial Ecology of Power: Long‐Distance Trade and State Formation in Northeast Africa
Authors: MAKKI FOUAD 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis study examines the longue durée pattern of state formation in northeast Africa by situating its determinate dynamics within a wider constellation of social‐property relations and inter‐regional exchange networks. Given the social dynamics of tributary relations, increases in surplus extraction typically took the form of extensive territorial expansion rather than intensive augmentation of production, and the supply of means of coercion (weapons) and means of persuasion (luxury goods) with which to build retinues and alliances was a crucial determinant of the persistent oscillations between centralized rule and periods of pronounced regional autonomy. The sustained spatiality of power in the region was consequently shaped by the uneven and combined dynamics of production and exchange relations rather than by any simple dominance of one over the other. Within the more inclusive spatiotemporal framework adopted here, it is their historical imbrications rather than their idealized juxtapositions that calls for critical analysis and social explanation.