bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glutathione S‐transferases as molecular markers of tumour progression and prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Searchfield Lydia , Price Sally A , Betton Graham , Jasani Bharat , Riccardi Daniela , Griffiths David F R 
Published: January 2011

Searchfield L, Price S A, Betton G, Jasani B, Riccardi D & Griffiths D F R (2011) Histopathology58, 180–190 Glutathione S‐transferases as molecular markers of tumour progression and prognosis in renal cell carcinomaAims:  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) often recurs as distant metastasis; there is thus a need for new indicators to identify high‐risk patients. Glutathione S‐transferases (GST)‐α and ‐π are involved in the renal bioactivation of toxic metabolites. The aim was to investigate whether their expression is of diagnostic and prognostic value.Methods and results:  Western blotting of microdissected normal kidney and immunostaining of histological RCC microarrays shows expression of GST‐α in proximal tubular cells, while GST‐π was found in the distal nephron. Of the primary 174 RCC cases examined, GST‐α immunoreactivity was restricted to conventional RCC (n = 76, 68% positive) and was not seen in any other RCC subtypes. The cross‐tabulation of the GST‐α scores with other prognostic indices demonstrated that GST‐α immunostaining was significantly more frequent in low‐grade tumours (χ2: P < 0.004), and that conventional GST‐α‐positive RCC patients had a mean disease‐free survival of 6.0 years (95% confidence interval 5.33–6.63), compared with 4.7 years (3.54–5.90) in GST‐α‐negative tumours (Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, P = 0.011, log‐rank test).Conclusions:  GST‐α is a highly specific diagnostic marker for primary conventional RCC, where it is a prognostic marker if grade is omitted from the multivariate analysis.
An in vitro evaluation of two resin‐based sealers on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Maeda H. , Tomokiyo A. , Koori K. , Monnouchi S. , Fujii S. , Wada N. , Kono K. , Yamamoto N. , Saito T. , Akamine A. 
Published: January 2011

Maeda H, Tomokiyo A, Koori K, Monnouchi S, Fujii S, Wada N, Kono K, Yamamoto N, Saito T, Akamine A. An in vitro evaluation of two resin‐based sealers on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 425–431, 2011.AbstractAim  To evaluate the effects of a polymethyl methacrylate resin–based sealer [Superbond sealer (SB)] on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) in vitro, compared with a methacrylate resin–based sealer [Epiphany SE sealer (EP)].Methodology  Human periodontal ligament cells were obtained from of healthy third molar teeth of two participants with informed consent. To determine the effects of the eluent from set resin sealers on HPDLCs, the 7‐day‐washed (washed) or non‐washed freshly prepared (fresh) set SB or EP discs were prepared. Cells cultured on these discs were evaluated by the WST‐1 proliferation assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The osteogenic differentiation of HPDLCs on washed SB discs was then evaluated by gene expression analysis of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) by using quantitative RT‐PCR.Results  Human periodontal ligament cells exhibited growth on washed SB discs, whereas fresh SB and EP discs and washed EP discs inhibited proliferation of HPDLCs. SEM observation revealed that HPDLCs tightly attached and spread on the surface of washed SB discs, whilst no HPDLCs were observed on the surface of fresh and washed EP discs. Furthermore, HPDLCs significantly upregulated gene expressions of OPN and OCN when cultured on washed SB discs in osteogenic differentiation medium for 2 weeks.Conclusions  Although Superbond sealer initially exerted cytotoxic effects on HPDLCs, these effects were reduced during washing for 7 days compared to EP, which continued to be cytotoxic even though the specimens were washed for the same period of time. Washed Superbond allowed HPDLCs to differentiate into osteogenic cells.
Let your intuition be your guide? Individual differences in the evidence‐based practice attitudes of psychotherapists
Authors: Gaudiano Brandon A. , Brown Lily A. , Miller Ivan W. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Despite increasing dissemination efforts, many psychotherapists still do not use treatments that are supported by research. Some have claimed that psychotherapists rely more on their clinical intuition than scientific evidence when making treatment decisions, but there is a paucity of research on this topic. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between intuition and therapists' attitudes towards evidence‐based practices (EBPs).Methods  Psychotherapists from diverse professional backgrounds completed an Internet‐based survey that assessed EBP attitudes, reliance on an intuitive thinking style, attitudes about alternative therapies and endorsement of erroneous health beliefs that are not supported by scientific evidence.Results  Regression analyses showed that an intuitive thinking style was associated with several dimensions of EBP attitudes, including more negative attitudes towards research, less openness to research‐based treatments, and less willingness to use evidence‐based treatments if required to do so, even after controlling for background factors such as education level. Furthermore, a tendency to rely on intuition was associated with more positive attitudes towards alternative therapies and the endorsement of erroneous health beliefs.Conclusions  Most dissemination efforts targeted at psychotherapists focus only on education about EBPs. However, results of this study suggest that dissemination efforts may need to more directly address the potential barriers to using EBPs (i.e. reliance on intuition) to be optimally effective in changing therapists' attitudes and behaviours.
Validation of a new outcome measure for orthopaedic trauma inpatients
Authors: Moghazy Ezzat , Louw Quinette 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground  Functional performance is the most relevant outcome for trauma patients. Currently, no functional outcome measure for trauma inpatients exists.Objective  To report on reliability and validity testing of a new functional outcome measure for orthopaedic trauma inpatients.Methodology  Descriptive study conducted to test selected psychometric properties of the new Functional Scale for Trauma Inpatients at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A total of 100 eligible male and female orthopaedic trauma inpatients aged 17 years and older were consecutively sampled. Physiotherapists administered the new scale to eligible patients. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's α statistics. Sensitivity to change was assessed using one‐way analysis of variance.Results  Eighty‐eight per cent of the 100 eligible subjects were male (mean age 34.75 ± 14.46 years). Sixty‐three per cent of the patients had trauma to the lower extremity. The Cronbach's α‐values were good (range 0.76–0.97). There was a significant difference in the mean scores over three administrations of ‘bed’, ‘out of bed’ and ‘activities of daily living (ADL)’ activity items of Functional Scale for Trauma Inpatients (P = 0.0000). Floor effects were noted at discharge for ‘bed activities’ and at discharge for ‘ADL activities’. The only ceiling effect was noted at admission for ‘out of bed activities’.Conclusion  The psychometric tests indicated that the tool is reliable, has sound internal consistency and has the ability to detect changes in functional performance of trauma inpatients. The scale fills an important need for physiotherapists working in trauma inpatient wards. Psychometric properties of the new scale should be tested in other countries.
Identification of a biosynthesis gene cluster for flocculosin a cellobiose lipid produced by the biocontrol agent Pseudozyma flocculosa
Authors: Teichmann Beate , Labbé Caroline , Lefebvre François , Bölker Michael , Linne Uwe , Bélanger Richard R. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryFlocculosin is an antifungal glycolipid produced by the biocontrol fungus Pseudozyma flocculosa. It consists of cellobiose, O‐glycosidically linked to 3,15,16‐trihydroxypalmitic acid. The sugar moiety is acylated with 2‐hydroxy‐octanoic acid and acetylated at two positions. Here we describe a gene cluster comprising 11 genes that are necessary for the biosynthesis of flocculosin. We compared the cluster with the biosynthesis gene cluster for the highly similar glycolipid ustilagic acid (UA) produced by the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. In contrast to the cluster of U. maydis, the flocculosin biosynthesis cluster contains an additional gene encoding an acetyl‐transferase and is lacking a gene homologous to the α‐hydroxylase Ahd1 necessary for UA hydroxylation. The functions of three acyl/acetyl‐transferase genes (Fat1, Fat2 and Fat3) including the additional acetyl‐transferase were studied by complementing the corresponding U. maydis mutants. While P. flocculosa Fat1 and Fat3 are homologous to Uat1 in U. maydis, Fat2 shares 64% identity to Uat2, a protein involved in UA biosynthesis but with so far unknown function. By genetic and mass spectrometric analysis, we show that Uat2 and Fat2 are necessary for acetylation of the corresponding glycolipid. These results bring unique insights into the biocontrol properties of P. flocculosa and opportunities for enhancing its activity.
Effect of mianserin on gastric sensorimotor function and gastric emptying: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Janssen P. , Van Oudenhove L. , Vos R. , Verbeke K. , Tack J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground Antidepressants such as mianserin can improve symptoms in some functional dyspeptic patients but their mechanism of action remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of mianserin on gastric sensorimotor function in man.Methods In this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study 12 healthy subjects (six men) underwent a gastric barostat study and a gastric emptying breath test after 7 days pretreatment with placebo or mianserin (20 mg; p.o.). Graded isobaric and isovolumetric distentions were performed to determine gastric compliance and sensitivity. Subsequently, intrabag pressure was held constant and the volume increase after administration of a liquid meal (200 mL; 300 kcal) was studied. Breath was sampled before and after ingestion of a test meal and half‐emptying times for solids and liquids were determined from the breath samples. Mianserin was compared to placebo usingt‐tests and mixed model analysis (mean ± SD).Key Results Mianserin did not affect pressures or volumes needed to induce first perception or discomfort. During isovolumetric distensions compliance was decreased after mianserin treatment (1.8 ± 0.4vs2.0 ± 0.3 mmHg 100 mL−1;P < 0.05). Premeal volumes were comparable in both treatment arms (221 ± 99vs220 ± 88 mL), but meal‐induced relaxation during the first 30 min was significantly inhibited after mianserin treatment (F6,40 = 2.58,P < 0.05). Mianserin did not affect either solid or liquid gastric emptying.Conclusions & Inferences Mianserin does not alter gastric emptying rate or sensitivity to gastric distension, but inhibits gastric accommodation to a meal in its early phase. These observations provide no explanation for the effects of mianserin in functional dyspeptic patients.
How the African trypanosomes evade host immune killing
Authors: NAMANGALA B. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryUnlike other protozoan parasites, African trypanosomes never enter the host cell at any stage of their development. Instead, these parasites swim freely in the immunologically hostile host tissue fluids. During the course of infection, a complex interaction between the host immune responses and trypanosome survival strategies occurs. Continued contacts with the host’s immune system occurring during the course of infection could have provided strong selection pressure for African trypanosomes to evolve very sophisticated mechanisms to evade immune killing to survive the hostile immunological environment in the infected host. This review discusses some of the documented immunological evasion mechanisms African trypanosomes employ for their survival and perpetuity.
A soybean β‐expansin geneGmEXPB2intrinsically involved in root system architecture responses to abiotic stresses
Authors: Guo Wenbing , Zhao Jing , Li Xinxin , Qin Lu , Yan Xiaolong , Liao Hong 
Published: January 2011

SummaryRoot system architecture responds plastically to some abiotic stresses, including phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and water deficiency, but its response mechanism is still unclear. We cloned and characterized a vegetative β‐expansin gene,GmEXPB2, from a Pi starvation‐induced soybean cDNA library. Transient expression of 35S::GmEXPB2‐GFP in onion epidermal cells verified that GmEXPB2 is a secretory protein located on the cell wall.GmEXPB2was found to be primarily expressed in roots, and was highly induced by Pi starvation, and the induction pattern was confirmed by GUS staining in transgenic soybean hairy roots. Results from intact soybean composite plants either over‐expressingGmEXPB2or containing knockdown constructs, showed thatGmEXPB2is involved in hairy root elongation, and subsequently affects plant growth and P uptake, especially at low P levels. The results from a heterogeneous transformation system indicated that over‐expressingGmEXPB2in Arabidopsis increased root cell division and elongation, and enhanced plant growth and P uptake at both low and high P levels. Furthermore, we found that, in addition to Pi starvation,GmEXPB2was also induced by Fe and mild water deficiencies. Taken together, our results suggest thatGmEXPB2is a critical root β‐expansin gene that is intrinsically involved in root system architecture responses to some abiotic stresses, including P, Fe and water deficiency. In the case of Pi starvation responses,GmEXPB2may enhance both P efficiency and P responsiveness by regulating adaptive changes of the root system architecture. This finding has great agricultural potential for improving crop P uptake on both low‐P and P‐fertilized soils.
TB and HIV integration: obstacles and possible solutions to implementation in South Africa
Authors: Loveday Marian , Zweigenthal Virginia 
Published: January 2011

SummaryObjectives  To identify key obstacles to operational integration of TB and HIV services and to suggest strategies to promote integration in the prevention, treatment and care of patients with TB and HIV.Methods  This is a health systems research case study of operational integration of TB and HIV in South Africa. Peer‐reviewed and grey literature together with the experiences of the authors were used to identify key obstacles to integration in service implementation practices and community‐level care. Relevant legislation, policies and guidelines were analysed to determine whether they facilitated or undermined the integration of TB and HIV services.Results  Obstacles to integration exist at contextual and epidemiological levels as well as at intervention design and implementation levels. Importantly, integration at an operational level is undermined by fundamentally different principles underpinning the design of TB and HIV programmes and national policies and legislation which mitigate against integration.Conclusion  South Africa has an opportunity to effect changes that will facilitate TB/HIV integration and improve care for all those infected with TB, HIV or both conditions. An analytic approach necessary to understand the obstacles to and ensure effective strategies facilitating integration is required. This needs to be followed by mobilisation of clinical and health systems expertise, health infrastructure, commitment and experience in creative and appropriate ways for the variety of health care settings.
Susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s.l. to DDT, malathion, permethrin and deltamethrin in Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Alemayehu , Hadis Mamuye 
Published: January 2011

SummaryObjective  To assess the susceptibility/resistance level of Anopheles gambiae s.l. to DDT, malathion, permethrin and deltamethrin in different parts of Ethiopia.Methods  Field collected female An.gambiae s.l. was exposed for 1 h to discriminating dosage of 4% DDT, 5% malathion, 0.75% permethrin and 0.05% deltamethrin using WHO insecticide susceptibility test kits and procedures. Knockdown and mortality rates were recorded at 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min and 24 h post‐exposure respectively.Results  Anopheles gambiae s.l. was sensitive to DDT only in 2 of 16 localities where susceptibility studies were carried out in northern Ethiopia; it was resistant in 11 sites and potentially resistant in three. To malathion, the test population was sensitive in four of the six study sites in southern Ethiopia and potentially resistant in the other two sites. In northern Ethiopia, the population was resistant in five localities and sensitive in three. Of the six localities in northern Ethiopia where permethrin was tested, populations were sensitive in three, resistant in one and potentially resistant in two. In southern Ethiopia, the populations were resistant in five of the six sites. Against deltamethrin, the population was sensitive in five of 13 localities, three in northern and two in southern Ethiopia. It was resistant only in two localities, one in northern and one in southern Ethiopia, and potentially resistant in five localities. In eastern Ethiopia at Sabure, the population was sensitive to all insecticides but DDT to which it was potentially resistant.Conclusion  The existence of high level of DDT and pyrethroid resistance with the possibility of cross‐resistance to each other and other classes of agricultural pesticides could seriously jeopardise the efficacy of both ITNs and IRS in the country in the future. Insecticide resistance monitoring and surveillance systems as part of a malaria control programme are mandatory for proper management of resistance. The use of a mixture of unrelated insecticides for impregnating nets and rotational use of insecticides for IRS is suggested as a way forward.
Emergence of a new focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica in rural communities of Bam district after the earthquake, Iran
Authors: Sharifi Iraj , Poursmaelian Somayeh , Aflatoonian Mohammad Reza , Ardakani Reza Fotouhi , Mirzaei Mohammad , Fekri Ali Reza , Khamesipour Ali , Parizi Maryam Hakimi , Harandi Majid Fasihi 
Published: January 2011

SummaryObjectives  To describe a new emerging focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) due to Leishmania tropica in rural areas of Dehbakry county, south‐eastern Iran, after the earthquake of 2003.Methods  House‐to‐house survey of 3884 inhabitants for active leishmaniasis lesions or scars. The diagnosis was confirmed by smears, cultures and identification of the parasite by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results  All age groups were affected, although patients ≤10 years of age showed the highest rate of infection (P = 0.0001). The overall prevalence rate was 5.3%; 6.3% in females and 4.3% in males. Of 204 cases, 1.8% had active sores and 3.5% had scars, with a significant difference between the sexes (P = 0.005). 47% of the lesions were on the face and 77.9% had one lesion. The incidence rose gradually 2004–2005, but grew exponentially 2006–2008. Electrophoresis of PCR products indicated that L. tropica was the causative agent.Conclusions  The current emergence was unexpected in this rural locality, where no previous history of CL was recorded. According to our knowledge this is the first report of a gradually establishing new ACL focus in rural communities after the 2003 earthquake.
Association between endotoxin and mite allergen exposure with asthma and specific sensitization at age 7 in high‐risk children
Authors: Carlsten Chris , Ferguson Alexander , Dimich‐Ward Helen , Chan Henry , DyBuncio Anne , Rousseau Roxanne , Becker Allan , Chan‐Yeung Moira 
Published: January 2011

To cite this article: Carlsten C, Ferguson A, Dimich‐Ward H, Chan H, DyBuncio A, Rousseau R, Becker A, Chan‐Yeung M. Association between endotoxin and mite allergen exposure with asthma and specific sensitization at age 7 years in high‐risk children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 320–326.AbstractThe role of endotoxin and house dust mite allergen (HDM) in allergen sensitization and asthma is unclear. The timeframe of exposure and asthma assessment appears critical. We aimed to determine, in children at 7 yr of age, the association between current exposure to endotoxin and HDM and risks of recurrent wheeze, paediatric allergist diagnosed asthma and allergen sensitization. Three hundred and eighty children who had an increased risk of asthma because of family background were assessed at age 7 yr by a questionnaire‐standardized interview, allergen skin testing and clinical examination by a paediatric allergist. Dust samples were collected from their homes and analysed for levels of endotoxin and HDM (Der p 1 and Der f 1). Levels of endotoxin in dust samples were associated with protection from paediatric allergist diagnosed asthma with inhaled steroid use (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53–0.91) and specific sensitization to dog allergen (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.90) at the age of 7 yr; both endotoxin and HDM were associated with decreased risk of sensitization to dog allergen. In high‐risk children at age 7, endotoxin levels were associated with decreased sensitization to dog, as well as with decreased asthma.
Occupational therapy at the ‘cultural interface’: Lessons from research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
Authors: Thomas Yvonne , Gray Marion , McGinty Sue 
Published: January 2011

Background:  In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments announced its goals to improve Indigenous life expectancy, health, education and employment: ‘Closing the Gap’ (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008). Internationally, occupational therapists seek to promote social justice and human rights through occupation. Despite this effort, Australian occupational therapists have largely remained silent in response to the national agenda of closing the gap in Indigenous health.Methods:  This article identifies the challenges of research and practice at the ‘cultural interface’, the juncture where Western knowledge meets the Indigenous knowledge of our clients. The article draws on the first author’s research experience with Indigenous peoples. Through a process of reflection on the challenges highlighted by research at the cultural interface, this article identifies a range of professional processes used to negotiate differing and conflicting perspectives.Results:  By comparing the research context with occupational therapy practice, the author identifies some of the actions and supports that can be used by occupational therapists to provide culturally appropriate and negotiated interventions with Indigenous people.Conclusions:  Although a number of individual occupational therapists work with Indigenous communities and individuals to improve the services offered, it is suggested that the occupational therapy profession needs to work together towards closing the gap. The development of special interest groups, professional networks and a National Position Statement on Indigenous Health would provide the background to developing guidelines for practice with Indigenous clients.