bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Four Cortex Lytic Enzymes to Germination of
Bacillus anthracis
Spores
Authors: Heffron Jared D. , Lambert Emily A. , Sherry Nora , Popham David L. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Bacterial spores remain dormant and highly resistant to environmental stress until they germinate. Completion of germination requires the degradation of spore cortex peptidoglycan by germination-specific lytic enzymes (GSLEs).
Bacillus anthracis
has four GSLEs: CwlJ1, CwlJ2, SleB, and SleL. In this study, the cooperative action of all four GSLEs
in vivo
was investigated by combining in-frame deletion mutations to generate all possible double, triple, and quadruple GSLE mutant strains. Analyses of mutant strains during spore germination and outgrowth combined observations of optical density loss, colony-producing ability, and quantitative identification of spore cortex fragments. The lytic transglycosylase SleB alone can facilitate enough digestion to allow full spore viability and generates a variety of small and large cortex fragments. CwlJ1 is also sufficient to allow completion of nutrient-triggered germination independently and is a major factor in Ca
2+
-dipicolinic acid (DPA)-triggered germination, but its enzymatic activity remains unidentified because its products are large and not readily released from the spore's integuments. CwlJ2 contributes the least to overall cortex digestion but plays a subsidiary role in Ca
2+
-DPA-induced germination. SleL is an
N
-acetylglucosaminidase that plays the major role in hydrolyzing the large products of other GSLEs into small, rapidly released muropeptides. As the roles of these enzymes in cortex degradation become clearer, they will be targets for methods to stimulate premature germination of
B. anthracis
spores, greatly simplifying decontamination measures.
Coexistence of Two Different Photosynthetic Operons in
Citromicrobium bathyomarinum
JL354 As Revealed by Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Jiao Nianzhi , Zhang Rui , Zheng Qiang 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Citromicrobium bathyomarinum
is a bacteriochlorophyll
a
-containing aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
C. bathyomarinum
JL354, which was the first
C. bathyomarinum
strain isolated from a euphotic marine environment. The JL354 genome sequence reveals, for the first time, the coexistence of two different photosynthetic operons in a single strain.
Genome Sequences of
Mannheimia haemolytica
Serotype A2: Ovine and Bovine Isolates
Authors: Lawrence Paulraj K. , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Bumgarner Roger E. , McDermott Jason E. , Herndon David R. , Knowles Donald P. , Srikumaran Subramaniam 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

This report describes the genome sequences of
Mannheimia haemolytica
serotype A2 isolated from pneumonic lungs of two different ruminant species, one from
Ovis aries
, designated ovine (O), and the other from
Bos taurus
, designated bovine (B).
Comparison of Pathvysion and Poseidon HER2 FISH assays in measuring HER2 amplification in breast cancer: a validation study
Authors: Francz Monika , Egervari Kristof , Kardos Laszlo , Toth Judit , Nemes Zoltan , Szanto Janos , Szollosi Zoltan 
Published: December 2009

AimsThe current study was done as a validation study prior to setting up a clinical HER2 testing service using the new commercial Poseidon HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) assay. However, it was felt that the experience of the authors of this study may be of interest to other laboratories when considering setting up a HER2 diagnostic facility.Methods122 patients who had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer were selected. Immunolabelling with HercepTest, PathVysion and Poseidon FISH assays were carried out using tissue microarray blocks.ResultsConcordance correlation coefficients showed near perfect agreement in average HER2 and centromere specific signal counts per cell and in the HER2/CEP17 ratios between the PathVysion and the Poseidon FISH assays. In addition, the κ measure showed perfect agreement (κ 0.9441, p<0.0001), and if only 2+ cases were considered there was substantial agreement (κ 0.7671, p=0.0006), between the two assays. The sensitivity and the specificity of the Poseidon FISH kit were calculated to be 95.2% and 100%, respectively, whereas the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100% and 99%, respectively. With regard to the ability to presume HER2 polysomy, the Poseidon FISH kit had a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 99.1%, with PPV and NPV of 93.3% and 99.1%, respectively, as assessed with PathVysion classification as the reference.ConclusionsStatistical analysis confirmed that the two FISH assays are comparable in terms of detection of HER2 gene amplification. Proceeding from these findings, the genetic diagnoses obtained with the Poseidon kit can be considered to be as valuable as the results from the Food and Drug Administration approved PathVysion assay, and its utilisation in routine HER2 diagnostics is proposed.
Do patients with basilar or vertebral artery stenosis have a higher stroke incidence poststenting?
Authors: Jiang W-J , Du B , Hon S F K , Jin M , Xu X-T , Ma N , Gao F , Dong K-H 
Published: December 2009

Background and aimPosterior circulation stenosis may be a risk factor associated with stroke after intracranial stenting as compared with anterior circulation stenosis. Our aim was to test our hypothesis that there was no difference in clinical outcome poststenting between patients with severe stenosis of the basilar artery (BA) and intracranial vertebral artery (VA).MethodsUsing the Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for prespecified factors (qualifying event, and timing of stenting after the qualifying event), we compared primary endpoint (ischemic stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory, including any stroke or death within 30 days of stenting) between patients with severe symptomatic atherosclerotic BA and VA stenosis who underwent elective stenting in our prospective database. Analysis was by intention-to-treat principle.ResultsPrimary endpoint event occurred in 13 (18.8%) of 69 patients with BA stenosis during a mean 23.4 months (9 within 30 days and 4 afterward) and 3 (4.3%) of 70 patients with VA stenosis during a mean 26.4 months (2 within 30 days and 1 afterward). Patients with BA stenosis had a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint (adjusted HR=4.87, 95% CI 1.37 to 17.29; p=0.014) or any stroke or death within 30 days of stenting (adjusted HR=5.13, 95% CI 1.10 to 23.96; p=0.038) than those with VA stenosis.ConclusionA significantly higher stroke risk poststenting exists in patients with severe BA stenosis than those with VA stenosis. The discrepancy in clinical outcome after stenting between patients with BA and VA stenosis should be considered in clinical practice and stenting trials.
Endovascular treatment of carotid embolic occlusions has a higher recanalization rate compared with cardioembolic occlusions
Authors: Hussain M S , Lin R , Cheng-Ching E , Jovin T G , Moskowitz S I , Bain M , Horowitz M , Gupta R 
Published: December 2009

Background and purposeTreatment of large artery cerebral occlusions is rapidly evolving. We hypothesized that patients with intracranial embolic occlusions secondary to an extracranial carotid artery stenosis or occlusion have a higher probability of successful endovascular recanalization compared with those with cardioembolic occlusions.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the databases of three institutions (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Michigan State University (MSU) and Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF)) for acute anterior circulation ischemic strokes treated with endovascular therapies from January 2006 to July 2008. After collection of demographic, radiographic and angiographic variables, two groups were identified: artery to artery embolic occlusions and cardioembolic/cryptogenic intracranial occlusions. We defined recanalization as TIMI 2 or 3 flow. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine which characteristics were unique to patients with carotid embolic occlusions.ResultsA total of 207 patients were identified (UPMC=100, CCF=71, MSU=36) with a mean age of 69±11 years and mean NIHSS of 17±5. Of these, 157 (75%) were due to a cardiac or cryptogenic source and 50 (25%) were from a carotid embolic source. The use of multimodal therapy (OR 2.6 (1.2–5.6), p<0.009) and the presence of a carotid embolic intracranial occlusion (OR 3.6 (1.2–7.1), p<0.012) were associated with successful recanalization, while carotid terminus occlusions were associated with unsuccessful recanalization (OR 0.35 (0.18–0.68), p<0.002).ConclusionsPatients with intracranial occlusions secondary to an extracranial carotid stenosis or total occlusion appear to have more successful recanalization rates when treated with endovascular therapy compared with those with cardioembolic occlusions.
Endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly: analysis of procedure related complications
Authors: Stiefel M F , Park M S , McDougall C G , Albuquerque F C 
Published: December 2009

IntroductionThe management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly remains controversial. Treatment risks are thought to be higher in this group. Large series assessing endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly are lacking. Our single center endovascular experience in treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the elderly is presented.Methods77 patients, 70 years or older, were referred to the endovascular neurosurgery service for treatment of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm between February 2000 and May 2008. Hospital records, operative reports, angiograms and radiology reports were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.Results99 aneurysms were treated in 77 patients in 102 procedures. Mean patient age was 75±4 years, and the average aneurysm size was 11±7 mm. Adjuvant techniques were used in 66% of cases. Endovascular procedures included coiling alone (32%), balloon assisted coiling (19%), stent assisted coiling (37%), balloon assisted stent and coiling (8%), stent only (1%) and glue (2%). The permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 1% and 3%, respectively. Four adverse events were attributed to the patient's age. Posterior circulation aneurysms were associated with more adverse events (41%) than anterior circulation aneurysms (14%). Endovascular treatments using adjuvant techniques were associated with a higher complication rate than coiling alone.ConclusionsWith only a 4% permanent rate of neurological morbidity and mortality, endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms can be performed safely in the elderly. Age should not be the limiting factor when considering endovascular therapy.
Acutely ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms treated with stent assisted coiling: complications and outcomes in 42 consecutive patients
Authors: Taylor R A , Callison R C , Martin C O , Hayakawa M , Chaloupka J C 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundAntiplatelet agents are required to prevent thromboembolic complications from recently deployed intracranial stents, yet they carry a risk of bleeding complications that may be serious in patients with recent subarachnoid hemorrhage.MethodConsecutive patients at a single institution who had ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms treated with stent assisted coiling were retrospectively reviewed. Our primary outcomes were ischemic stroke related to the stent and bleeding complications possibly related to antithrombotic therapy. Secondary outcomes included 3 month follow-up National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.Results44 aneurysms in 42 patients were treated. Seven patients experienced ischemic strokes during their hospitalization. Five ischemic strokes were secondary to vasospasm; one was definitely related to thrombus formation within the stent and one was possibly related to the stent. Two patients had asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhages and one patient had a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with Hunt and Hess grades I–II (n=25) experienced no stent associated ischemic strokes or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages. The two stent associated ischemic strokes and one symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in patients with Hunt and Hess grades III–V (n=17) and patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs) (n=17). Only one patient had disability at the 3 month follow-up that was possibly related to the stent (mRS score of 3 and NIHSS score of 2).ConclusionThese data suggest that higher grade hemorrhage patients, especially those with EVDs, are at greater risk for ischemic stroke and/or bleeding complications than lower grade patients. However, the complications had a small impact on mid-term disability outcomes in this cohort.
Quit smoking advice from health professionals in Taiwan: the role of funding policy and smoker socioeconomic status
Authors: Chang Fong-ching , Hu Teh-wei , Lo Shu-ying , Yu Po-tswen , Chao Kun-yu , Hsiao Mei-ling 
Published: December 2009

ObjectivesIn 2002, Taiwan launched a program to encourage doctors to provide brief cessation counselling to their patients during routine outpatient visits. This study is to compare and analyse the annual prevalence rate of receiving advice to quit smoking from health professionals before (2004) and after (2005, 2006) the increase in funding and the withdrawal of additional funding (2007).MethodsWe analysed pooled data from 2004 to 2007 Taiwan Adult Tobacco Survey, an annual random digit dialling telephone survey, to estimate the prevalence of receiving quit advice among ever smokers across these years. Smoking characteristics and the socioeconomic factors of smokers associated with receipt of advice to quit smoking were also examined.ResultsThe prevalence rate of receiving quit advice increased from 21.1% in 2004 to 28.2% in 2006, and then decreased slightly to 27.6% in 2007 after the funds were cut. Multivariate analyses results indicated that increasing financing for smoking cessation services in 2005, being male, older, a daily cigarette user, having previously attempted to quit, perceiving oneself as having poor health and being aware of the benefits of smoking cessation services were significantly positively associated with receiving quit advice from health professionals. In contrast, smokers who were younger, female and occasional cigarette users were less likely to receive quit advice. Also, smokers with socioeconomic disadvantages were not less likely to receive quit advice.ConclusionsDuring the period of increased funding for smoking cessation services, the rates of receiving quit advice increased among all smokers and across different socioeconomic groups.
Awareness and impact of the ‘Bubblewrap’ advertising campaign among Aboriginal smokers in Western Australia
Authors: Boyle Terry , Shepherd Carrington C J , Pearson Glenn , Monteiro Heather , McAullay Daniel , Economo Kristina , Stewart Susan 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundAntismoking mass media campaigns have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence in the mainstream community, however there is little published research on their effect on Aboriginal Australian smokers.ObjectivesTo evaluate the awareness and impact of a mainstream mass media advertising campaign (the ‘Bubblewrap’ campaign) on Aboriginal smokers in the state of Western Australia.MethodsA personal intercept survey was conducted in July 2008 across three sites (the Perth metropolitan area and the non-metropolitan towns of Kalgoorlie and Broome). An opportunity or convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit Aboriginal participants, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 198 Aboriginal smokers to ascertain awareness of the campaign advertisements, whether they were seen as believable and relevant, and the impact the advertisements had on smoking behaviour.ResultsThe majority of the participants interviewed had seen and/or heard the ‘Bubblewrap’ campaign advertisements, although there was considerably greater awareness of the television advertisement than the radio advertisements. Both forms of advertising were considered to be believable and relevant by the majority of Aboriginal smokers. Most of the smokers interviewed thought about cutting down and/or quitting after seeing or hearing the advertisements.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that mainstream antismoking mass media campaigns can positively influence the thoughts and behaviours that Aboriginal smokers have, and exhibit, towards quitting smoking. Notwithstanding this, advertisers should continue to look for better ways to incorporate Aboriginal themes in campaign messages. Future mainstream antismoking campaigns should source sufficient funds to ensure that advertising messages reach the large Aboriginal populations in regional and remote Australia.
Smoking estimates from around the world: data from the first 17 participating countries in the World Mental Health Survey Consortium
Authors: Storr Carla L , Cheng Hui , Alonso Jordi , Angermeyer Matthias , Bruffaerts Ronny , de Girolamo Giovanni , de Graaf Ron , Gureje Oye , Karam Elie G , Kostyuchenko Stanislav , Lee Sing , Lepine Jean-Pierre , Medina Mora Maria Elena , Myer Landon , Neumark Yehuda , Posada-Villa Jose , Watanabe Makoto , Wells J Elisabeth , Kessler Ronald C , Anthony James C 
Published: December 2009

ObjectiveTo contribute new multinational findings on basic descriptive features of smoking and cessation, based upon standardised community surveys of adults residing in seven low-income and middle-income countries and 10 higher-income countries from all regions of the world.MethodsData were collected using standardised interviews and community probability sample survey methods conducted as part of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys Initiative. Demographic and socioeconomic correlates of smoking are studied using cross-tabulation and logistic regression approaches. Within-country sample weights were applied with variance estimation appropriate for complex sample survey designs.ResultsEstimated prevalence of smoking experience (history of ever smoking) and current smoking varied across the countries under study. In all but four countries, one out of every four adults currently smoked. In higher-income countries, estimated proportions of former smokers (those who had quit) were roughly double the corresponding estimates for most low-income and middle-income countries. Characteristics of smokers varied within individual countries, and in relation to the World Bank's low-medium-high gradient of economic development. In stark contrast to a sturdy male-female difference in the uptake of smoking seen in each country, there is no consistent sex-associated pattern in the odds of remaining a smoker (versus quitting).ConclusionThe World Mental Health Surveys estimates complement existing global tobacco monitoring efforts. The observed global diversity of associations with smoking and smoking cessation underscore reasons for implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provisions and prompt local adaptation of prevention and control interventions.
Tobacco coverage in print media: the use of timing and themes by tobacco control supporters and opposition before a failed tobacco tax initiative
Authors: Harris Jenine K , Shelton Sarah C , Moreland-Russell Sarah , Luke Douglas A 
Published: December 2009

ObjectiveTobacco control policies gained ground nationwide in 2006, with voters in nine states approving legislation to strengthen clean indoor air policies and increase tobacco excise taxes. Despite having the second lowest cigarette tax rate in the nation, Missouri was unsuccessful in passing its 2006 ballot initiative to raise the tax. An important way to encourage health-related policy change such as increasing tobacco taxes is through media coverage of tobacco issues. We examined how tobacco issues were presented in Missouri's print media leading up to the 2006 election.MethodsThis study analysed 1263 articles with tobacco content published in 187 Missouri newspapers in the year before the election. Articles were coded for general and tobacco-related characteristics including article type (news story, editorial, letter to the editor), tobacco control position (pro, neutral, anti) and article theme (economic, health, political).ResultsMost articles were news stories (73.6%) and pro-tobacco control (63.8%). The proportion of anti-tobacco control articles increased significantly (χ2=104.9, p<0.001) the month before the election, driven by an increase in economically themed articles. Economic articles were published more often in counties with less voter support for the tax (F=5.68, p<0.01). Finally, tobacco control position varied significantly across article types (χ2=148.3, p<0.01), with letters to the editor being anti-tobacco control most often.ConclusionThe media have a critical role in promoting public health goals and presenting health issues which influences formation of health policies. Tobacco control advocates must consider public opinion, opposition pressure, timing and themes in tobacco-related media coverage when promoting policy change.
The Historiography of Globalization and the Globalization of Regionalism
Authors: Hopkins A. G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article offers one view of the evolving historiography that shapes, or might shape, specialist research on regions and periods covered by the conference. It argues that recent trends have given fresh impetus to an old subject, empires, and presented possibilities for studying a new one, globalization. It explores the reasons for the “material turn” and the “totalizing return” in historical studies, and illustrates the stages through which these developments have passed by citing examples from the author’s own varied fortunes in exploring both subjects. The article concludes by suggesting how some of the main themes discussed at the conference might be connected to the new historiography.Cette contribution propose une vue d’ensemble sur l’historiographie qui s’est développée ces dernières années. Il se peut qu’elle influence la recherche spécialisée relative aux régions et aux périodes qui ont passées la revue pendant la conférence. L’étude en suggère que des tendances récentes ont données un nouvel élan à un vieux sujet de recherche—celui des empires—en soulevant des interrogations sur un nouveau sujet, la globalisation. Cette contribution explore la ‘tournure matérielle’ et le retour ‘au panorama’ qu’ont pris la recherche historique, fondés sur des exemples tirés des publications de l‘auteur. Ces exemples exemplifient les étapes qu’a subies l’historiographie et en signalent les fortunes variées. Pour conclure l’auteur suggère comment les thèmes proéminents de la conférence peuvent être liés à l’historiographie moderne.