bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Reliability and Validity of the Visual Analog Mood Scales in Non‐English‐Speaking Pain Patients
Authors: House Erica D. , Arruda James E. , Andrasik Frank , Grazzi Licia 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives:  This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Visual Analog Mood Scales (VAMS) when administered to a non‐English‐speaking, headache population.Methods:  The VAMS and another frequently administered measure of mood, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), were administered to sixty patients at a headache clinic in Milan, Italy. The VAMS and POMS were both administered before and after a regularly scheduled appointment at the clinic. Multitrait–multimethod analyses were conducted to assess the validity of each subscale comprising the VAMS.Results:  All subscales comprising the VAMS possessed high test–retest reliability, and the “confused,”“sad,”“angry,”“energetic,” and “tired” subscales of the VAMS were shown to be valid when administered to a non‐English‐speaking pain population. Further, compared to age‐matched controls (from available normative data), pain patients reported being significantly more confused, sad, and tense on the VAMS and significantly more tired, confused, depressed, and tense on the POMS.Discussion:  Given the evidence of strong reliability and validity, the VAMS may be useful as a clinical diagnostic tool when administered to non‐English‐speaking pain populations.
Management of postmenopausal women with vaginal bleeding when the endometrium can not be visualized
Authors: BURBOS NIKOLAOS , MUSONDA PATRICK , CROCKER SIMON G. , MORRIS EDWARD P. , NIETO JOAQUIN J. , DUNCAN TIMOTHY J. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract Objective. To determine the risk of endometrial cancer when endometrial thickness is not visualized using ultrasonography. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Gynecological oncology center in the United Kingdom. Population. All postmenopausal women referred with vaginal bleeding. Methods. All women were investigated using gray‐scale transvaginal ultrasonography. Women were arbitrarily stratified into four groups according to the endometrial thickness measurement. Women with endometrial thickness that was not adequately visualized on ultrasonography were included in a separate group. Main outcome measures. Endometrial cancer diagnosis. Results. Over a 50‐month period, 4454 women were investigated for postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. A total of 259 (6%) of women were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. Endometrial thickness measured 5–9.9mm in 1201 (27%), 10–14.9mm in 468 (11%), 15–19.9mm in 209 (5%), and equal to or greater than 20mm in 197 (4%) of women. In 174 (4%) of women, the endometrial thickness was not visualized on transvaginal ultrasonography. For women where the endometrial thickness was not adequately visualized, the final histology included benign endometrium (124), endometrial cancer (26), endometrial polyps (11), endometritis (7), and other pathology (7). The odds of endometrial cancer in women where the endometrial thickness was not visualized were found to be significantly higher than the odds of cancer for women with an endometrial thickness of 5–9.9mm (OR = 5.23, 95%CI 3.10–8.85, p‐value <0.0001). Conclusions. For women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding and where the endometrial thickness cannot be adequately visualized on ultrasonography, hysteroscopic evaluation is recommended.
A model of dirigent proteins derived from structural and functional similarities with allene oxide cyclase and lipocalins
Authors: Pickel Benjamin , Pfannstiel Jens , Steudle Alexander , Lehmann Axel , Gerken Uwe , Pleiss Jürgen , Schaller Andreas 
Published: March 2012

Dirigent proteins impart stereoselectivity on the phenoxy radical‐coupling reaction, yielding optically active lignans from two molecules of coniferyl alcohol. By an unknown mechanism, they direct the coupling of two phenoxy radicals toward the formation of optically active (+)‐ or (−)‐pinoresinol. We show here that the dirigent protein AtDIR6 from Arabidopsis thaliana is a homodimeric all‐beta protein in the superfamily of calycins. Based on its homology with calycins, the structure of AtDIR6 was modeled using allene oxide cyclase as template. The structural model of AtDIR6 was supported experimentally by confirmation of a predicted disulfide bridge and by the characterization of two N‐linked glycans at the solvent‐exposed protein surface. The model shows AtDIR6 as an eight‐stranded antiparallel β‐barrel with a central hydrophobic cavity for substrate binding, suggesting that dirigent proteins evolved from hydrophobic ligand‐binding proteins. The data are fully consistent with the current view of the dirigent protein mode of action, according to which each subunit of the homodimer captures one of the substrate radicals and orients them in a way that precludes undesired reaction channels, thus favoring the formation of the optically pure coupling product.Structured digital abstract
AtDIR6 and AtDIR6 bind by cross‐linking study (View interaction)
AtDIR6 and AtDIR6 bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
Modeling of Oxygen Transport and Cell Killing in Type‐II Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gkigkitzis Ioannis , Feng Yuanming , Yang Chunmei , Lu Jun Q. , Hu Xin‐Hua 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) provides an effective option for treatment of tumors and other diseases in superficial tissues and attracts attention for in vitro study with cells. In this study, we present a significantly improved model of in vitro cell killing through Type‐II PDT for simulation of the molecular interactions and cell killing in time domain in the presence of oxygen transport within a spherical cell. The self‐consistency of the approach is examined by determination of conditions for obtaining positive definitive solutions of molecular concentrations. Decay constants of photosensitizers and unoxidized receptors are extracted as the key indices of molecular kinetics with different oxygen diffusion constants and permeability at the cell membrane. By coupling the molecular kinetics to cell killing, we develop a modeling method of PDT cytotoxicity caused by singlet oxygen and obtain the cell survival ratio as a function of light fluence or initial photosensitizer concentration with different photon density or irradiance of incident light and other parameters of oxygen transport. The results show that the present model of Type‐II PDT yields a powerful tool to quantitate various events underlying PDT at the molecular and cellular levels and to interpret experimental results of in vitro cell studies.
Persistence of Nasal Colonization with Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pig Farmers after Holidays from Pig Exposure
Authors: Köck Robin , Loth Bea , Köksal Mahir , Schulte-Wülwer Josef , Harlizius Jürgen , Friedrich Alexander W. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(LA-MRSA) is frequently transmitted from pigs to farmers. This study analyzed whether an absence from direct contact with pigs during holidays had an impact on nasal MRSA colonization rates of pig farmers. Overall, 59% of the farmers did not clear MRSA colonization during their leave.
Real-Time PCR Detection of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum
Authors: Martín Maria Teresa , Cobos Rebeca , Martín Laura , López-Enríquez Lorena 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Phaeomoniella chlamydospora
and
Phaeoacremonium aleophilum
are the two main fungal causal agents of Petri disease and esca. Both diseases cause significant economic losses to viticulturalists. Since no curative control measures are known, proactive defensive measures must be taken. An important aspect of current research is the development of sensitive and time-saving protocols for the detection and identification of these pathogens. Real-time PCR based on the amplification of specific sequences is now being used for the identification and quantification of many infective agents. The present work reports real-time PCR protocols for identification of
P. chlamydospora
and
P. aleophilum
. Specificity was demonstrated against purified DNA from 60
P. chlamydospora
isolates or 61
P. aleophilum
isolates, and no amplification was obtained with 54 nontarget DNAs. The limits of detection (i.e., DNA detectable in 95% of reactions) were around 100 fg for
P. chlamydospora
and 50 fg for
P. aleophilum
. Detection was specific and sensitive for
P. chlamydospora
and
P. aleophilum
. Spores of
P. chlamydospora
and
P. aleophilum
were detected without the need for DNA purification. The established protocols detected these fungi in wood samples after DNA purification.
P. chlamydospora
was detectable without DNA purification and isolation in 67% of reactions. The detection of these pathogens in wood samples has great potential for use in pathogen-free certification schemes.
Specific Binding of Radiolabeled Cry1Fa Insecticidal Protein from Bacillus thuringiensis to Midgut Sites in Lepidopteran Species
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Carmen Sara , Hernández-Martínez Patricia , Van Rie Jeroen , Escriche Baltasar , Ferré Juan 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Cry1Fa insecticidal protein was successfully radiolabeled with
125
I-Na. Specific binding to brush border membrane vesicles was shown for the lepidopteran species
Ostrinia nubilalis
,
Spodoptera frugiperda
,
Spodoptera exigua
,
Helicoverpa armigera
,
Heliothis virescens
, and
Plutella xylostella
. Homologous competition assays were performed to obtain equilibrium binding parameters (

K
d

[dissociation constant] and

R
t

[concentration of binding sites]) for these six insect species.
Polymorphisms in
rpoS
and Stress Tolerance Heterogeneity in Natural Isolates of Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Álvarez-Ordóñez Avelino , Begley Máire , Hill Colin 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Significant phenotypic diversity was observed when we examined the abilities of a number of
Cronobacter sakazakii
natural isolates to cope with various sublethal stress conditions (acid, alkaline, osmotic, oxidative, or heat stress). Levels of catalase activity and use of acetate as a carbon source, phenotypes commonly used as indirect assays to predict RpoS function, revealed a high correlation between predicted RpoS activity and tolerance to acid, alkaline, osmotic, and oxidative treatments. The
rpoS
genes were sequenced and analyzed for polymorphisms. Loss-of-function mutations were found in two strains;
C. sakazakii
DPC 6523 and the genome-sequenced strain
C. sakazakii
ATCC BAA-894. The complementation of these strains with a functional
rpoS
gene resulted in an increase in bacterial tolerance to acid, osmotic, and oxidative stresses. The pigmentation status of strains was also assessed, and a high variability in carotenoid content was observed, with a functional
rpoS
gene being essential for the production of the characteristic yellow pigment. In conclusion, the evidence presented in this study demonstrates that
rpoS
is a highly polymorphic gene in
C. sakazakii
, and it supports the importance of RpoS for the tolerance under stress conditions that
C. sakazakii
may encounter in the food chain and in the host during infection.
Indole-3-Glycerol-Phosphate Synthase Is Recognized by a Cold-Inducible Group II Chaperonin in Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Gao Le , Danno Atsushi , Fujii Sayaka , Fukuda Wakao , Imanaka Tadayuki , Fujiwara Shinsuke 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Thermococcus kodakarensis
optimally grows at 85°C and possesses two chaperonins, cold-inducible CpkA and heat-inducible CpkB. Gene disruptants DA1 (Δ
cpkA
) and DB1 (Δ
cpkB
) showed decreased cell growth at 60°C and 93°C, respectively. The DB2 mutant (Δ
cpkA
∷
cpkB
Δ
cpkB
), whose
cpkB
gene was expressed under the control of the
cpkA
promoter, did not grow at 60°C, and the DB3 mutant [Δ
cpkA
(1–524)∷
cpkB
(1–524) Δ
cpkB
], whose CpkA amino acid residues 1 to 524 were replaced with corresponding CpkB residues that maintained the C-terminal region intact, grew at 60°C, implying that the CpkA C-terminal region plays a key role in cell growth at 60°C. To screen for specific CpkA target proteins, comparative pulldown studies with anti-Cpk were performed using cytoplasmic fractions from DA1 cells cultivated at 93°C and DB1 cells cultivated at 60°C. Among the proteins coprecipitated with anti-Cpk, TK0252, encoding indole-3-glycerol-phosphate synthase (TrpC), showed the highest Mascot score. Counter-pulldown experiments were also performed on DA1 and DB1 extracts using anti-TrpC. CpkA coimmunoprecipitated with anti-TrpC while CpkB did not. The results obtained indicate that TrpC is a specific target for CpkA. The effects of Cpks on denatured TrpC were then examined. The refolding of partially denatured TrpC was accelerated by the addition of CpkA but not by adding CpkB. DA1 cells grew optimally in minimal medium only in the presence of tryptophan but hardly grew in the absence of tryptophan at 60°C. It has been suggested that a lesion of functional TrpC is caused by
cpkA
disruption, resulting in tryptophan auxotrophy.
What gets published: the characteristics of quality improvement research articles from low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Sifrim Zoë K , Barker Pierre M , Mate Kedar S 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesReports of quality improvement (QI) research from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain sparse in the scientific literature. The authors reviewed the published literature to describe the characteristics of such reports.MethodsThe authors conducted a systematic search for QI research articles from LMICs catalogued in the PubMed databases prior to December 2011, complemented by recommendations from experts in the field. Articles were categorised based on bibliometric and research characteristics. Twenty papers were randomly selected for narrative analysis regarding strategies used to present the methods and results of interventions.ResultsSeventy-six articles met the inclusion criteria. Publication rate accelerated over time, particularly among observational studies. Most studies did not use a concurrent control group; pre-/post-study designs were most common overall. Four papers were published in top-tier journals, 17 in journals at the top of their specialty and 20 in quality-specific journals. Among the papers selected for narrative analysis, four distinct components were observed in most: a description of the problem state, a description of the improvement processes and tools, a separate description of the interventions tested and a description of the evaluation methods.DiscussionThe small number of articles identified by this review suggests that publication of QI research from LMICs remains challenging. However, recent increases in publication rates, especially among observational studies, may attest to greater interest in the topic among scientific audiences. Though the authors are not able to compare this sample with unpublished papers, the four components observed by them in the narrative analysis seem to strengthen QI research reports.
Observer agreement comparing the use of virtual slides with glass slides in the pathology review component of the POSH breast cancer cohort study
Authors: Shaw Emily Clare , Hanby Andrew M , Wheeler Kevin , Shaaban Abeer M , Poller David , Barton Sheila , Treanor Darren , Fulford Laura , Walker Rosemary A , Ryan Deirdre , Lakhani Sunil R , Wells Clive A , Roche Heather , Theaker Jeffrey M , Ellis Ian O , Jones J Louise , Eccles Diana M 
Published: March 2012

Aims(1) To compare the use of scanned virtual slide images (virtual microscopy) with glass slides (conventional microscopy) in the assessment of morphological characteristics of breast cancers within the setting of the Prospective study of Outcomes in Sporadic versus Hereditary breast cancer (POSH), involving a cohort of women under 40 years of age, presenting with breast cancer. (2) To assess the acceptability to histopathologists of the use of virtual slide images.Methods13 histopathologists from the UK and Australia participated in the POSH pathology review. The observers were asked to assess multiple morphological features such as tumour grade and type. Comparisons were made for a single observer using both virtual images and glass slides. Intra- and inter-observer variability was calculated using the κ statistic and a comparison was made between the use of each image modality.ResultsDiagnostic performance with virtual slides was comparable to conventional microscopic assessment, with the measurement of agreement best for vascular invasion, necrosis and the presence of a central scar (κ=0.37–0.78), and poor for more subjective parameters such as pleomorphism, stroma, the nature of the tumour border and the degree of lymphocytic infiltrate (κ=0.1).ConclusionVirtual slides represent an acceptable methodology for central review of breast cancer histopathology and can circumvent the need for either travel to view material, or the potential problems of sending it by post.
Mre11-Dependent Degradation of Stalled DNA Replication Forks Is Prevented by BRCA2 and PARP1
Authors: Ying Songmin , Hamdy Freddie C. , Helleday Thomas 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
PARP inhibitors are currently being used in clinical trials to treat BRCA1- or BRCA2-defective tumors, based on the synthetic lethal interaction between PARP1 and BRCA1/2-mediated homologous recombination (HR). However, the molecular mechanisms that drive this synthetic lethality remain unclear. Here, we show increased levels of Mre11, a key component of MRN (Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1) complex that plays a role in the restart of stalled replication forks and enhanced resection at stalled replication forks in BRCA2-deficient cells. BRCA2-deficient cells also showed hypersensitivity to the Mre11 inhibitor mirin. Interestingly, PARP1 activity was required to protect stalled forks from Mre11-dependent degradation. Resistance to PARP inhibition in BRCA2-mutant cells led to reduced levels of Mre11 foci and also rescued their sensitivity to mirin. Taken together, our findings not only show that Mre11 activity is required for the survival of BRCA2 mutant cells but also elucidate roles for both the BRCA2 and PARP1 proteins in protecting stalled replication forks, which offers insight into the molecular mechanisms of the synthetic lethality between BRCA2 and PARP1. Cancer Res; 72(11); 2814–21. ©2012 AACR.
Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging With 320-Row Detector Computed Tomography Accurately Detects Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: George Richard T. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Miller Julie M. , Vavere Andrea L. , Bengel Frank M. , Lardo Albert C. , Lima João A.C. 
Published: March 2012

Background—
Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) has been shown to be accurate in detecting anatomic coronary arterial obstruction, but is limited for the detection of myocardial ischemia. The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 320-row computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTP) to detect atherosclerosis causing myocardial ischemia.

Methods and Results—

Fifty symptomatic patients with recent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) underwent a comprehensive cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocol that included 320-CTA, followed by adenosine stress CTP. CTP images were analyzed quantitatively for the presence of subendocardial perfusion deficits. All analyses were blinded to imaging and clinical results. CTA alone was a limited predictor of myocardial ischemia compared with SPECT, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 56%, 75%, 56%, and 75%, and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.51–0.78,
P
=0.07). CTP was a better predictor of myocardial ischemia, with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 72%, 91%, 81%, and 85%, with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.68–0.91,
P
<0.001), and was an excellent predictor of myocardial ischemia on SPECT-MPI in the presence of stenosis (≥50% on CTA), with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100%, 81%, 50%, and 100%, with an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.80–0.97,
P
<0.001). The radiation dose for the comprehensive cardiac CT protocol and SPECT were 13.8±2.9 and 13.1±1.7; respectively (
P
=0.15).

Conclusions—
Computed tomography perfusion imaging with rest and adenosine stress 320-row CT is accurate in detecting obstructive atherosclerosis causing myocardial ischemia.
Planning estimates for the mental health community support sector
Authors: Siskind Dan , Harris Meredith , Buckingham Bill , Pirkis Jane , Whiteford Harvey 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To describe the approach undertaken to derive planning estimates for the mental health community support sector in Queensland, Australia. Methods: We quantified the needs for services by calculating the prevalence of mental illness in Queensland and by stratifying mental illness by severity. A taxonomy of services in the mental health community support sector was developed and target groups for services identified. Resource targets were set based on a review of the academic and grey literature, expert opinion and consultation with the funding body. Results: To provide adequate supported accommodation, 88 beds per 100,000 population are required, with 33.6 full-time equivalents (FTEs) per 100,000 population of attached personalised support. An additional 12.7 FTEs per 100,000 population of personalised support is required for individuals living independently in the community. We estimated that 6.9 FTEs per 100,000 population would be required for the provision of group support services. We estimated that a target of 1.6% of total mental health community support sector budget should be allocated to mutual support and self-help and 5% to community development. Conclusions: The mental health community support sector is now a major provider of services for people with mental illness, and is likely to continue to grow. When compared to public sector clinical mental health services, the mental health community support sector has lacked clarity surrounding what services are provided, and the quantity of resources required to provide these services. In the absence of other planning information for the community mental health support sector, the estimates described here provide a first step to guide governments and policymakers. Further research and testing in the real world by mental health community support sector practitioners is required to increase the evidence base and refine resource targets.
Effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration on tissue regeneration due to carbon tetrachloride–induced liver damage in experimental model
Authors: Qujeq Durdi , Abassi Roya , Faeizi Farideh , Parsian Hadi , Faraji Alieh Sohan , Taheri Hassan , Tatar Mohsen , Elmi Marym M , Halalkhor Sohhrab 
Published: March 2012

The mechanism by which granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) could lead to the protection from liver injury is not well known. Therefore, the resolution of this role needs further basic and clinical experimental investigation. Acute liver injury was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of a 0.50-mL/kg dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or vehicle of 150 µg/kg was given immediately after intoxicating the liver by CCl4 . The animals were divided into four groups of twelve each. Administration of G-CSF caused a decrease in the activity of liver enzymes, aminotransferases, compared with the untreated group.