bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus sigma B-dependent emergence of small-colony variants and biofilm production following exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline-N- oxide
Authors: Mitchell Gabriel , Séguin David Lalonde , Asselin Ann-Elise , Déziel Eric , Cantin André M , Frost Eric H , Michaud Sophie , Malouin François 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are often found together in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It was previously shown that the P. aeruginosa exoproduct 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline-N- oxide (HQNO) suppresses the growth of S. aureus and provokes the emergence of small-colony variants (SCVs). The presence of S. aureus SCVs as well as biofilms have both been associated with chronic infections in CF.

Results
We demonstrated that HQNO stimulates S. aureus to form a biofilm in association with the formation of SCVs. The emergence of SCVs and biofilm production under HQNO exposure was shown to be dependent on the activity of the stress- and colonization-related alternative sigma factor B (SigB). Analysis of gene expression revealed that exposure of a prototypical S. aureus strain to HQNO activates SigB, which was leading to an increase in the expression of the fibronectin-binding protein A and the biofilm-associated sarA genes. Conversely, the quorum sensing accessory gene regulator (agr) system and the α-hemolysin gene were repressed by HQNO. Experiments using culture supernatants from P. aeruginosa PAO1 and a double chamber co-culture model confirmed that P. aeruginosa stimulates biofilm formation and activates SigB in a S. aureus strain isolated from a CF patient. Furthermore, the supernatant from P. aeruginosa mutants unable to produce HQNO induced the production of biofilms by S. aureus to a lesser extent than the wild-type strain only in a S. aureus SigB-functional background.

Conclusions
These results suggest that S. aureus responds to HQNO from P. aeruginosa by forming SCVs and biofilms through SigB activation, a phenomenon that may contribute to the establishment of chronic infections in CF patients.
Genetic adaptation of Streptococcus mutans during biofilm formation on different types of surfaces
Authors: Shemesh Moshe , Tam Avshalom , Aharoni Reuven , Steinberg Doron 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Adhesion and successful colonization of bacteria onto solid surfaces play a key role in biofilm formation. The initial adhesion and the colonization of bacteria may differ between the various types of surfaces found in oral cavity. Therefore, it is conceivable that diverse biofilms are developed on those various surfaces. The aim of the study was to investigate the molecular modifications occurring during in vitro biofilm development of Streptococcus mutans UA159 on several different dental surfaces.

Results
Growth analysis of the immobilized bacterial populations generated on the different surfaces shows that the bacteria constructed a more confluent and thick biofilms on a hydroxyapatite surface compared to the other tested surfaces. Using DNA-microarray technology we identified the differentially expressed genes of S. mutans, reflecting the physiological state of biofilms formed on the different biomaterials tested. Eight selected genes were further analyzed by real time RT-PCR. To further determine the impact of the tested material surfaces on the physiology of the bacteria, we tested the secretion of AI-2 signal by S. mutans embedded on those biofilms. Comparative transcriptome analyses indicated on changes in the S. mutans genome in biofilms formed onto different types of surfaces and enabled us to identify genes most differentially expressed on those surfaces. In addition, the levels of autoinducer-2 in biofilms from the various tested surfaces were different.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that gene expression of S. mutans differs in biofilms formed on tested surfaces, which manifest the physiological state of bacteria influenced by the type of surface material they accumulate onto. Moreover, the stressful circumstances of adjustment to the surface may persist in the bacteria enhancing intercellular signaling and surface dependent biofilm formation.
Hfq affects mRNA levels independently of degradation
Authors: Le Derout Jacques , Boni Irina V , Régnier Philippe , Hajnsdorf Eliane 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The bacterial Lsm protein, Hfq, is an RNA chaperone involved in many reactions related to RNA metabolism, such as replication and stability, control of small RNA activity and polyadenylation. Despite this wide spectrum of known functions, the global role of Hfq is almost certainly undervalued; its capacity to bind DNA and to interact with many other proteins are only now beginning to be taken into account.

Results
The role of Hfq in the maturation and degradation of the rpsO mRNA of E. coli was investigated in vivo. The data revealed a decrease in rpsO mRNA abundance concomitant to an increase in its stability when Hfq is absent. This indicates that the change in mRNA levels in hfq mutants does not result from its modification of RNA stability. Moreover, a series of independent experiments have revealed that the decrease in mRNA level is not a consequence of a reduction of translation efficiency and that Hfq is not directly implicated in translational control of rpsO expression. Reduced steady-state mRNA levels in the absence of Hfq were also shown for rpsT, rpsB and rpsB-tsf, but not for lpp, pnp or tRNA transcripts. The abundance of chimeric transcripts rpsO-lacZ and rpsB-lacZ, whose expression was driven by rpsO and rpsB promoters, respectively, was also lower in the hfq null-mutants, while the β-galactosidase yield remained about the same as in the parent wild-type strain.

Conclusions
The data obtained suggest that alteration of rpsO, rpsT and rpsB-tsf transcript levels observed under conditions of Hfq deficiency is not caused by the post-transcriptional events, such as mRNA destabilization or changes in translation control, and may rather result from changes in transcriptional activity. So far, how Hfq affects transcription remains unclear. We propose that one of the likely mechanisms of Hfq-mediated modulation of transcription might operate early in the elongation step, when interaction of Hfq with a nascent transcript would help to overcome transcription pauses and to prevent preliminary transcript release.
Evaluation of health promotion in schools: a realistic evaluation approach using mixed methods
Authors: Pommier Jeanine , Guével Marie-Renée , Jourdan Didier 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Schools are key settings for health promotion (HP) but the development of suitable approaches for evaluating HP in schools is still a major topic of discussion. This article presents a research protocol of a program developed to evaluate HP. After reviewing HP evaluation issues, the various possible approaches are analyzed and the importance of a realistic evaluation framework and a mixed methods (MM) design are demonstrated.

Methods/Design
The design is based on a systemic approach to evaluation, taking into account the mechanisms, context and outcomes, as defined in realistic evaluation, adjusted to our own French context using an MM approach. The characteristics of the design are illustrated through the evaluation of a nationwide HP program in French primary schools designed to enhance children's social, emotional and physical health by improving teachers' HP practices and promoting a healthy school environment. An embedded MM design is used in which a qualitative data set plays a supportive, secondary role in a study based primarily on a different quantitative data set. The way the qualitative and quantitative approaches are combined through the entire evaluation framework is detailed.

Discussion
This study is a contribution towards the development of suitable approaches for evaluating HP programs in schools. The systemic approach of the evaluation carried out in this research is appropriate since it takes account of the limitations of traditional evaluation approaches and considers suggestions made by the HP research community.
The evaluation of a Taiwanese training program in smoking cessation and the trainees' adherence to a practice guideline
Authors: Guo Fei-Ran , Hung Ling-Yu , Chang Chih-Jen , Leung Kai-Kuen , Chen Ching-Yu 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The Taiwanese government began reimbursement for smoking cessation in 2002. Certification from a training program was required for physicians who wanted reimbursement. The program certified 6,009 physicians till 2007. The objective of this study is to evaluate the short- and long term efficacy of the training program.

Methods
For short term evaluation, all trainees in 2007 were recruited. For long term evaluation, computer randomly selected 2,000 trainees who received training from 2002 to 2006 were recruited. Course satisfaction, knowledge, confidence in providing smoking cessation services and the adherence to a practice guideline were evaluated by questionnaires.

Results
Trainees reported high satisfaction with the training program. There was significant difference between pre- and post-test scores in knowledge. Confidence in providing services was lower in the long term evaluation compared to short term evaluation. For adherence to a practice guideline, 86% asked the status of smoking, 88% advised the smokers to quit, 76% assessed the smoker's willingness to quit, 59% assisted the smokers to quit, and 60% arranged follow-up visits for smokers. The incentive of reimbursement was the most significant factor affecting confidence and adherence.

Conclusions
The training program was satisfactory and effective. Adherence to a practice guideline in our study was better than studies without physician training in other countries.
Immunohistochemical detection of transgene expression in the brain using small epitope tags
Authors: Lobbestael Evy , Reumers Veerle , Ibrahimi Abdelilah , Paesen Kirsten , Thiry Irina , Gijsbers Rik , Van den Haute Chris , Debyser Zeger , Baekelandt Veerle , Taymans Jean-Marc 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background

In vivo overexpression of proteins is a powerful approach to study their biological function, generate disease models or evaluate gene therapy approaches. In order to investigate an exogenously expressed protein, specific and sensitive detection is essential. Unfortunately, antibodies that allow histological detection of the protein of interest are not always readily available. The use of an epitope tag fused to the protein can circumvent this problem as well as provide the possibility to discriminate endogenous from overexpressed proteins. In order to minimize impact on the bioactivity and biodistribution of the overexpressed protein, preference is given to small tags.

Results
In the present study, we evaluated several small epitope tags together with corresponding anti-tag antibodies for the detection of overexpressed proteins in rat brain, using eGFP as a reference. We generated several lentiviral vectors encoding eGFP with different N-terminally fused small epitope tags (AU1, flag, 3flag, HA, myc and V5). After confirmation of their functionality in cell culture, we injected these lentiviral vectors stereotactically into the striatum of rats and prepared paraformaldehyde fixed floating sections for immunohistochemical analysis. Using multiple antibodies and antibody dilutions per epitope tag, we extensively assessed the efficiency of several anti-tag antibodies for chromogenic immunohistochemical detection of the epitope tagged eGFPs by determining the proportion of immunoreactivity detected by anti-tag antibodies compared to anti-GFP antibody. Using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we also quantified the proportion of eGFP-positive cells detected by anti-tag antibodies. Our results show that all the examined small epitope tags could be detected by anti-tag antibodies both in cell extracts as well as in vivo, although to varying degrees depending on the tag and antibody used. Using the presented protocol, V5/anti-V5 and HA/HA11 tag/antibody combinations provided the most sensitive detection in brain tissue. We confirmed the applicability of these optimized in vivo tag detection conditions for a difficult to detect protein, firefly luciferase (fLuc), using lentiviral vector constructs expressing V5 tagged and 3flag tagged fLuc protein.

Conclusions
We show here that several small epitope tags are useful for immunohistochemical detection of exogenous proteins in vivo. Our study also provides a generic methodology which is broadly applicable for the detection of overexpressed transgenes in mammalian brain tissue.
Dissecting the roles of DR4, DR5 and c-FLIP in the regulation of Geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibition-mediated augmentation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis
Authors: Chen Shuzhen , Fu Lei , Raja Shruti M , Yue Ping , Khuri Fadlo R , Sun Shi-Yong 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTase I) has emerged as a cancer therapeutic target. Accordingly, small molecules that inhibit GGTase I have been developed and exhibit encouraging anticancer activity in preclinical studies. However, their underlying anticancer mechanisms remain unclear. Here we have demonstrated a novel mechanism by which GGTase I inhibition modulates apoptosis.

Results
The GGTase I inhibitor GGTI-298 induced apoptosis and augmented tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells. GGTI-298 induced DR4 and DR5 expression and reduced c-FLIP levels. Enforced c-FLIP expression or DR5 knockdown attenuated apoptosis induced by GGTI-298 and TRAIL combination. Surprisingly, DR4 knockdown sensitized cancer cells to GGTI298/TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The combination of GGTI-298 and TRAIL was more effective than each single agent in decreasing the levels of IκBα and p-Akt, implying that GGTI298/TRAIL activates NF-κB and inhibits Akt. Interestingly, knockdown of DR5, but not DR4, prevented GGTI298/TRAIL-induced IκBα and p-Akt reduction, suggesting that DR5 mediates reduction of IκBα and p-Akt induced by GGTI298/TRAIL. In contrast, DR4 knockdown further facilitated GGTI298/TRAIL-induced p-Akt reduction.

Conclusions
Both DR5 induction and c-FLIP downregulation contribute to GGTI-298-mediated augmentation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Moreover, DR4 appears to play an opposite role to DR5 in regulation of GGTI/TRAIL-induced apoptotic signaling.
Characterization of transgene expression in adenoviral vector-based HIV-1 vaccine candidates
Authors: Takahashi Marie-Noëlle , Rolling Judith A , Owen Katherine E 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Recombinant adenovirus vectors have been extensively used in gene therapy clinical studies. More recently, the capability of inducing potent cell-mediated and humoral immunity has made these vectors equally attractive candidates for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine applications. Merck and Co., Inc., developed HIV-1 vaccine candidates based on adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors in which the E1 gene, a critical component for adenovirus replication, was replaced by the cytomegalovirus immediate/early promoter, followed by mutated versions of the HIV-1 gag, pol or nef genes (constructs referred to as MRKAd5gag, MRKAd5pol and MRKAd5nef, respectively). Vaccine performance was evaluated in vitro in a novel assay that measures the level of transgene expression in non-permissive A549 cells. Various combinations of vectors were studied. The results indicate that the vaccine induces a dose-dependent expression of the HIV-1 transgenes in vitro. Furthermore, the gag, pol, and nef transgenes are expressed differentially in A549 cells in an MOI-dependent and formulation-dependent manner, yielding an unexpected enhancement of protein expression in trivalent vs. monovalent formulations. Our data suggest that the presence of additional virus in multivalent formulations increases individual transgene expression in A549 cells, even when the amount of DNA encoding the gene of interest remains constant. This enhancement appears to be controlled at the transcriptional level and related to both the total amount of virus and the combination of transgenes present in the formulation.
Antibody dependent enhancement of frog virus 3 infection
Authors: Eaton Heather E , Penny Emily , Brunetti Craig R 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Viruses included in the family Iridoviridae are large, icosahedral, dsDNA viruses that are subdivided into 5 genera. Frog virus 3 (FV3) is the type species of the genus Ranavirus and the best studied iridovirus at the molecular level. Typically, antibodies directed against a virus act to neutralize the virus and limit infection. Antibody dependent enhancement occurs when viral antibodies enhance infectivity of the virus rather than neutralize it.

Results
Here we show that anti-FV3 serum present at the time of FV3 infection enhances infectivity of the virus in two non-immune teleost cell lines. We found that antibody dependent enhancement of FV3 was dependent on the Fc portion of anti-FV3 antibodies but not related to complement. Furthermore, the presence of anti-FV3 serum during an FV3 infection in a non-immune mammalian cell line resulted in neutralization of the virus. Our results suggest that a cell surface receptor specific to teleost cell lines is responsible for the enhancement.

Conclusions
This report represents the first evidence of antibody dependent enhancement in iridoviruses. The data suggests that anti-FV3 serum can either neutralize or enhance viral infection and that enhancement is related to a novel antibody dependent enhancement pathway found in teleosts that is Fc dependent.
Control and Restraint Techniques in the Management of Violence in Inpatient Psychiatry: A critical review
Authors: Wright Steve 
Published: February 2010

Violence has long been a matter of concern in inpatient psychiatry. While research suggests that training in physical restraint techniques can reduce the number and severity of violent incidents and assault-related injuries, the recent Cochrane Review is critical of the methodological inadequacies which characterise these studies. This paper considers issues pertinent to understanding research in this controversial area, critically evaluates research on the effectiveness of the predominant approach to training in physical restraint in the UK, and examines some of the methodological problems inherent in this research.
Astrological Birth Signs in Suicide: Hypothesis or speculation?
Authors: Salib Emad 
Published: February 2010

Astrology is no longer regarded as a science by many, because its claims are almost impossible to test empirically in controlled laboratory conditions and it can not meet the scientific need to be reproducible. However, the majority of those who read their `star signs' can identify aspects of their personality in what they read and it is possible that this may influence their attitudes and actions. The literature has neglected astrological signs as a possible predictor of suicide ideation. To see whether astrological birth signs are associated with suicide and the method used, data was collected from the Public Health Department in North Cheshire representing all the Cheshire Coroner's verdicts of suicide, and open verdicts, in all deceased aged 60 and above between 1989 and 2000. The observed occurrence of deaths due to natural causes, and suicide, in relation to birth signs did not differ significantly from what would be expected from chance. However, the distribution of suicide by hanging appeared significantly higher in those with a birth sign of Virgo and lowest in Sagittarius and Scorpio. The distribution of violent and non-violent suicides in relation to star signs showed higher occurences of violent death in persons born in the summer months.
Child Homicide
Authors: Dolan Mairead , Guly Olivia , Woods Peter , Fullam Rachael 
Published: February 2010

Between 1967 and 1988, 69 cases of single perpetrator/single victim child homicide resulted in remands into custody in the Yorkshire region. Sixty-four of these cases were examined retrospectively to identify the characteristics of the perpetrators and of victims under 16 years, the relationship of the victim to the accused and the circumstances of the offence. Sixty-four men singly accused of killing a single child victim are described in detail. They were characterized by relatively young age and a lack of long-term stable relationships. Previous psychiatric contact and/or a history of self-harm was noted in one-third of cases. Over half of the group had a criminal record and previous violence to children was noted in 28% of cases. Fathers or surrogate fathers accounted for nearly two-thirds of the accused. In terms of the victims, children under six months were at greatest risk. Nearly one-third of victims were the biological offspring of the accused. Sexually motivated homicide accounted for approximately 18.7% of deaths. Victim behaviours and domestic disharmony acted as precipitants in 64% of the cases, with 54.7% of the victims dying as a result of physical beatings. Alcohol consumption at the material time was more common than noted in previous studies of child homicide.
Sudden Unexpected Death of a Methamphetamine Abuser with Cardiopulmonary Abnormalities
Authors: Nishida Naoki , Ikeda Noriaki , Kudo Keiko , Esaki Rie 
Published: February 2010

A 51-year-old man suddenly collapsed while being arrested. He was an abuser of methamphetamine (MP) with a history of previous convictions. The blood MP concentration at autopsy was below the lethal level. The heart revealed hypertrophy and endocardial thickening of the bilateral ventricles. On microscopic examination, the typical findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were not seen, however endocardial thickening with increasing elastic fibres was seen in all the ventricles and in the atria. In the conduction system, the AV node artery with luminal narrowing was longitudinally compressed by circumferential tissue. Severe interstitial fibrosis and small scar formation of the superior ventricular septum were also seen. In addition, diffuse hypertensive pulmonary arteriopathy was seen in the lung parenchyma. We surmise that the AV node artery had been chronically compressed by the circumferential architecture, due to a chronic increase in intracardiac pressure. We believe that the pathological lesions noted in both the cardiac conduction system and the lung in our case may be a complication of MP abuse, and that an MP abuser with such lesions could easily die suddenly upon experiencing emotional stress.
Does Insomnia in Prison Improve with Time? Prospective study among remanded prisoners using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Authors: ELGER BERNICE S 
Published: February 2010

Insomnia is a frequent health problem in prison, but little is known about its severity and duration. The objective was to find out whether subjective sleep quality improves during time and which factors influence improvement. Fifty-two randomly chosen prisoners complaining of insomnia at the Geneva remand prison were interviewed (T1) and followed up ten days (T2) and two months (T3) later. They received hypnotics habitually prescribed by prison physicians (benzodiazepines, chloralhydrate, zolpidem). After ten days 40 patients were still in prison and agreed to participate and after two months 16 prisoners could be re-evaluated. Total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores at T1 were 12.3 +/4.7. At T2 and T3, PSQI scores improved significantly, whereas General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores and conditions of imprisonment were similar. Only 12.5% of patients at T2, and 6.25% at T3, were ‘good sleepers’ (PSQI scores =/< 5). Cocaine users and prisoners with a healthy lifestyle reported the greatest improvement of PSQI scores. Our study shows that significant improvement of PSQI scores takes place in the first one to two weeks. However, in spite of regular drug treatment during the following weeks, PSQI scores persisted at a clinically significant level two months later. Drug treatment in prison only partially improves insomnia.