bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constitutive Expression of the Maltoporin LamB in the Absence of OmpR Damages the Cell Envelope
Authors: Reimann Sylvia A. , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTCells experience multiple environmental stimuli simultaneously. To survive, they must respond accordingly. Unfortunately, the proper response to one stress easily could make the cell more susceptible to a second coexistent stress. To deal with such a problem, a cell must possess a mechanism that balances the need to respond simultaneously to both stresses. Our recent studies ofompR malT(Con) double mutants show that elevated expression of LamB, the outer membrane porin responsible for maltose uptake, causes cell death when the osmoregulator OmpR is disabled. To obtain insight into the nature of the death experienced byompR malT(Con) mutants, we described the death process. On the basis of microscopic and biochemical approaches, we conclude that death results from a loss of membrane integrity. On the basis of an unbiased genome-wide search for suppressor mutations, we conclude that this loss of membrane integrity results from a LamB-induced envelope stress that the cells do not sufficiently perceive and thus do not adequately accommodate. Finally, we conclude that this envelope stress involves an imbalance in the lipopolysaccharide/porin composition of the outer membrane and an increased requirement for inorganic phosphate.
Bacillus anthracis sinLocus and Regulation of Secreted Proteases
Authors: Pflughoeft Kathryn J. , Sumby Paul , Koehler Theresa M. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTBacillus anthracisshares many regulatory loci with the nonpathogenicBacillusspeciesBacillus subtilis. One such locus issinIR, which inB. subtiliscontrols sporulation, biofilm formation, motility, and competency. AsB. anthracisis not known to be motile, to be naturally competent, or to readily form biofilms, we hypothesized that theB. anthracis sinIRregulon is distinct from that ofB. subtilis. A genome-wide expression microarray analysis ofB. anthracisparental andsinRmutant strains indicated limited convergence of theB. anthracisandB. subtilisSinR regulons. TheB. anthracisregulon includes homologues of someB. subtilisSinR-regulated genes, including the signal peptidase genesipWnear thesinIRlocus and the sporulation genespoIIE. TheB. anthracisSinR protein also negatively regulates transcription of genes adjacent to thesinIRlocus that are unique to theBacillus cereusgroup species. These includecalYandinhA1, structural genes for the metalloproteases camelysin and immune inhibitor A1 (InhA1), which have been suggested to be associated with virulence inB. cereusandB. anthracis, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed direct binding ofB. anthracisSinR to promoter DNA from strongly regulated genes, such ascalYandsipW, but not to the weakly regulatedinhA1gene. Assessment of camelysin and InhA1 levels in culture supernates fromsinR-,inhA1-, andcalY-null mutants showed that the concentration of InhA1 in the culture supernatant is inversely proportional to the concentration of camelysin. Our data are consistent with a model in which InhA1 protease levels are controlled at the transcriptional level by SinR and at the posttranslational level by camelysin.
The SMC-Like Protein Complex SbcCD Enhances DNA Polymerase IV-Dependent Spontaneous Mutation inEscherichia coli
Authors: Storvik Kimberly A. M. , Foster Patricia L. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTInEscherichia coli, RpoS, the general stress response sigma factor, regulates the activity of the specialized DNA polymerase DNA polymerase IV (Pol IV) both in stationary-phase and in exponential-phase cells. Because during exponential phasedinB, the gene encoding Pol IV, is transcribed independently of RpoS, RpoS must regulate Pol IV activity in growing cells indirectly via one or more intermediate factors. The results presented here show that one of these intermediate factors is SbcCD, an SMC-like protein and an ATP-dependent nuclease. By initiating or participating in double-strand break repair, SbcCD may provide DNA substrates for Pol IV polymerase activity.
Flavobacterium johnsoniae sprB
Is Part of an Operon Spanning the Additional Gliding Motility Genes
sprC
,
sprD
, and
sprF
Authors: Rhodes Ryan G. , Nelson Shawn S. , Pochiraju Soumya , McBride Mark J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Cells of
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
move rapidly over surfaces by a process known as gliding motility. Gld proteins are thought to comprise the gliding motor that propels cell surface adhesins, such as the 669-kDa SprB. A novel protein secretion apparatus called the Por secretion system (PorSS) is required for assembly of SprB on the cell surface. Genetic and molecular analyses revealed that
sprB
is part of a seven-gene operon spanning 29.3 kbp of DNA. In addition to
sprB
, three other genes of this operon (
sprC
,
sprD
, and
sprF
) are involved in gliding. Mutations in
sprB
,
sprC
,
sprD
, and
sprF
resulted in cells that failed to form spreading colonies on agar but that exhibited some motility on glass in wet mounts. SprF exhibits some similarity to
Porphyromonas gingivalis
PorP, which is required for secretion of gingipain protease virulence factors via the
P. gingivalis
PorSS.
F. johnsoniae sprF
mutants produced SprB protein but were defective in localization of SprB to the cell surface, suggesting a role for SprF in secretion of SprB. The
F. johnsoniae
PorSS is involved in secretion of extracellular chitinase in addition to its role in secretion of SprB. SprF was not needed for chitinase secretion and may be specifically required for SprB secretion by the PorSS. Cells with nonpolar mutations in
sprC
or
sprD
produced and secreted SprB and propelled it rapidly along the cell surface. Multiple paralogs of
sprB
,
sprC
,
sprD
, and
sprF
are present in the genome, which may explain why mutations in
sprB
,
sprC
,
sprD
, and
sprF
do not result in complete loss of motility and suggests the possibility that semiredundant SprB-like adhesins may allow movement of cells over different surfaces.
Genome Sequence of an
Erwinia amylovora
Strain with Pathogenicity Restricted to
Rubus
Plants
Authors: Powney Rachel , Smits Theo H. M. , Sawbridge Tim , Frey Beatrice , Blom Jochen , Frey Jürg E. , Plummer Kim M. , Beer Steven V. , Luck Joanne , Duffy Brion , Rodoni Brendan 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the genome of a strain of
Erwinia amylovora
, the fire blight pathogen, with pathogenicity restricted to
Rubus
spp. Comparative genomics of ATCC BAA-2158 with
E. amylovora
strains from non-
Rubus
hosts identified significant genetic differences but support the inclusion of this strain within the species
E. amylovora.
Genome Sequence of
Leuconostoc gelidum
KCTC 3527, Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Kim Dae-Soo , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Ryong Nam , Nam Seong-Hyeuk , Kang Aram , Kim Aeri , Park Hong-Seog 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Leuconostoc gelidum
KCTC 3527 is found mainly in vegetables and plays an important role in vegetable fermentation, including that of Korean traditional kimchi. Here we announce the draft genome sequence of
Leuconostoc gelidum
KCTC 3527, isolated from Korean traditional kimchi, and describe major findings from its annotation.
P-004 US Multicenter experience with the Wingspan stent system for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerosis: 1 year results
Authors: Turk A ,   for the US Wingspan Multicenter Group
Published: December 2010

Background and purposeSymptomatic intracranial stenosis is a significant cause of stroke in the USA. No prospective data on long term outcomes have been reported in the literature.MethodsAll patients (n=158) undergoing angioplasty and stenting at five US centers with the Gateway balloon and Wingspan stent delivery system were prospectively tracked in a formalized central database. Primary end points were major ipsilateral stroke or major ipsilateral stroke and death. Secondary end points were restenosis, minor stroke or transient ischemic attacks.Results158 patients with 168 stenosis were treated over a 16 month period. Stents were successfully placed in 96% of cases. Periprocedural (within 30 days) were encountered in 5.7% of cases. Long term clinical follow-up was possible on 91% (143 of 158) of patients and angiographic follow-up on 84% (133 of 158) of patients. Further ipsilateral stroke or death was 9% at an average follow-up time of 14.2 months. In-stent restenosis was 31.6% (n=42) but only 9.7% (n=13) were symptomatic.ConclusionIntracranial angioplasty and stenting with the Wingspan system is safe and is effective at reducing the risk of stroke. This data reinforces the necessity of the ongoing randomized SAMMPRIS trial.
Diagnosis and management of coeliac disease in children
Authors: Steele Richard 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Coeliac disease (CD) remains under diagnosed with only 10–20% of patients identified. Genes encoding HLA DQ2 or DQ8 are found in the vast majority of those with CD and testing for their presence can be useful to rule out the possibility CD. CD is more common in certain ethnic groups including those of North Indian origin. The classical presentation tends to occur in younger children, while atypical presentations occur at an older age. The number of children being diagnosed with CD is increasing; this may be due to greater recognition of the more atypical presentations, improved serologic tests, and the screening of asymptomatic groups at increased risk, but may also be due to an overall increased prevalence. Although serologic testing has become more reliable, there still remain significant problems around testing, particularly in those &lt;18 months of age. All children should undergo a duodenal biopsy on a gluten containing diet in order to diagnose CD before recommending a gluten-free diet (GFD). A GFD should be offered to all children diagnosed with CD even when perceived as asymptomatic, as there is significant morbidity associated with CD later in life.
Tumour cryoablation combined with palliative bypass surgery in the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study of 142 patients
Authors: Li Jingdong , Chen Xiaoli , Yang Hanfeng , Wang Xiaofei , Yuan Ding , Zeng Yong , Wen Tianfu , Yan Lunan , Li Bo 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Background
Although cryosurgery has been proved to be an effective treatment to extend the survival time of unresectable liver cancer patients and improve their quality of life, few surgeons actually treat unresectable pancreatic cancer with this method because of its safety risks. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cryosurgical ablation in the treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 142 patients who underwent palliative bypass with cryoablation (PBC group: 68) or without cryoablation (PB group: 74) for unresectable pancreatic cancer from 1995 to 2002. The morbidity and 5 year survival rates of the two groups were compared. Carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) level and tumour size were evaluated in PBC group.

Results
There was no significant difference in the rate of overall complications between the two groups (p=0.809), except for a higher delayed gastric emptying rate observed in the PBC group (36.8% vs 16.2%, p=0.005). In the PBC group, the median preoperative CA19-9 concentration decreased from 690 U/ml to 56 U/ml (p=0.000). CT scan results of 55 patients indicated that tumour mass shrinkage occurred in 36 of them, from 4.3 cm to 2.4 cm (pre-ablation to 3 months after ablation). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant difference in 5 year survival rates between the two groups (p=0.124).

Conclusions
Cryosurgery combined with palliative bypass surgery can be considered a safe and effective treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer. Though this technique remains only palliative, it may be further employed to improve advanced stage pancreatic cancer.
Neurological and cognitive impairments detected in older people without a diagnosis of neurological or cognitive disease
Authors: Woodford Henry J , George James 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Advanced age is associated with the finding of abnormalities on neurological and cognitive assessment. This review aims to identify studies that evaluated community samples of patients without a history of neurological disease and attempts to combine these data. While neurological signs were common, they were not universal and should not be considered an inevitable component of ageing. Additionally, they are associated with an increased risk of multiple adverse outcomes including functional decline and death. Therefore they should not be considered benign. Cognitive changes detected in studies that examined healthy older adults were only mild. More pronounced change suggests the development of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to dementia). Changes in either neurological or cognitive examination in older adults should be considered abnormal and due to underlying disease. They should be investigated and treated in a similar way to abnormalities detected in younger individuals.
SIMULATION OF THE RETINA: A TOOL FOR VISUAL PROSTHESES
Authors: DURETTE BARTHÉLÉMY , HÉRAULT JEANNY , ALLEYSSON DAVID 
Published: December 2010

To extract high-level information from natural scenes, the visual system has to cope with a wide variety of ambient lights, reflection properties of objects, spatio-temporal contexts, and geometrical complexity. By pre-processing the visual information, the retina plays a key role in the functioning of the whole visual system. It is crucial to reproduce such a pre-processing in artificial devices aiming at replacing or substituting the damaged vision system by artificial means. In this paper, we present a biologically plausible model of the retina at the cell level and its implementation as a real-time retinal simulation software. It features the non-uniform sampling of the visual information by the photoreceptor cells, the non-separable spatio-temporal properties of the retina, the subsequent generation of the Parvocellular and Magnocellular pathways, and the non-linear equalization of luminance and contrast at the local level. For each of these aspects, a description of the model is provided and illustrated. Their respective interest for the replacement or substitution of vision is discussed.
Abstract A16: Dissemination and end-user evaluation of a culturally targeted brochure about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer for black women
Authors: Vadaparampil Susan T. , Fleming Patrice J. , Rivers Desiree , Harville Veronica , Tuya Pal. H 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Background: Using a multistep iterative process, our community-academic team developed a culturally tailored brochure for black women to increase awareness about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC).
Objective: To disseminate a culturally targeted brochure in the black community and collect feedback from the end users.
Methods: Upon finalization of the brochure, several strategies were used to disseminate the brochure. With respect to evaluation, a self-addressed postage-paid postcard was inserted within the brochure in order to collect demographic and clinical information, as well as feedback about the brochure, from its end users. As an incentive for participation, those who returned the postcard were eligible for a $100 gift card drawing.
Results: Dissemination channels included community partners and attendance at local community-based health education events. Since the brochure has been made available for general dissemination, approximately 3000 have been provided to 17 requestors. Of the 34 respondents who have returned the postcard, 27% were younger than age 50,12% reported a personal history, and 47% a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The majority (67.6%) indicated that the brochure was very useful in helping them understand more about inherited breast cancer. Moreover, the majority (94.2%) indicated that after reading the brochure, they were likely to share the information with others and all indicated that they were likely to discuss their own personal and/or family history of cancer with their healthcare provider. Finally, the majority (57.1 %) were willing to be contacted by the study team to consider participation in future research opportunities.
Conclusion: Through an academic-community partnership, a culturally tailored brochure to improve awareness about HBOC is actively being disseminated to black women of varied sociodemographic characteristics and cancer histories. The majority of women who returned the postcard provided positive feedback about the brochure. The procedures implemented and information gathered through these efforts will inform future dissemination efforts related to the current brochure as well as that of other targeted and nontargeted educational materials.
Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A16.
Abstract A20: Increasing pap testing with a community-based educational intervention in the Latina population
Authors: Barnack-Tavlaris Jessica L. , Navarro Ana , Murray Kate , McKennett Marianne , McNicholas Lori , Sanchez Olga 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Introduction: Every year in the U.S., there are approximately 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer, and approximately 4000 deaths due to cervical cancer (Jemal, Siegel, Ward, Hao, Xu, & Thun, 2009). The Latino/a population is disproportionately affected by cervical cancer, in that Latinas have higher incidence rates (12.7 per 100,000) and mortality rates (3.1 per 100,000) due to cervical cancer than non-Latina white women (7.3 per 100,000 and 2.1 per 100,000, respectively) (American Cancer Society (ACS), 2009; Downs et al., 2008; Jemal et al., 2009; Saraiya et al, 2007). “Por la Vida” is a San Diego-based Latino/a program dedicated to increasing cancer education in the Latino/a community, through the involvement of consejeras (community health workers), since 1990. The purpose of this study is to examine the success of a “Women and Cancer” program in increasing pap testing in the Latina population. We examined self-reported changes in pap testing behaviors and beliefs about cervical cancer before and after participating in the “Women and Cancer” program, and compared the changes to women who participated in a “Nutrition and Cancer” program, which had no cervical cancer-specific information. Both programs were conducted by “Por la Vida” from the years 1997 through 2002.
Method: Participants were 260 Latinas from the “Women and Cancer” program, and 308 Latinas from the “Nutrition and Cancer” program. Participants completed a pre-test (before the program was initiated) and post-test (6 months after completion of the program) questionnaire that examined their health behaviors and health-related beliefs. McNemar tests were used to compare changes in behaviors and attitudes from pre-test to post-test for participants in each of the two programs.
Results: The number of women who reported they ever had a Pap test increased significantly from pre to post test for women in the “Women and Cancer” program. There was no change in pap testing over time for women in the “Nutrition and Cancer” program. Similarly, the number of women who had a Pap in the last year increased significantly for those in the “Women and Cancer” program, and stayed the same for women in the “Nutrition and Cancer” program. With regard to beliefs about cervical cancer, women who participated in the “Women and Cancer” program gained a significantly more positive outlook toward surviving early stage cervical cancer, while those who participated in the “Nutrition and Cancer” program did not.
Discussion: These results reinforce the importance of topic specific, and culturally appropriate education programs for increasing cancer screening behaviors. Such programs have the potential to reduce cancer disparities in underserved populations.
Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A20.
Abstract A23: Psychometric development and validation of a Patient Satisfaction with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator (PSN-I) measure: A multisite National Cancer Institute-sponsored Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP) study
Authors: Jean-Pierre Pascal , Fiscella Kevin , Winters Paul C. , Wells Kristen , Battaglia Tracy , Post Douglas , Simon Melissa , Kilbourn Kristin 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Background: Patient navigation (PN) is used increasingly to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in cancer care. Patient navigators provide logistic and emotional support to help patients successfully complete the cancer diagnostic and treatment care. Despite the importance of interpersonal relationships between patient and health care staff, there is no measure of patient satisfaction with the interpersonal relationship with his/her navigator.
Objective: To validate the PSN-I scale for patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic cancer care.
Methods: We administered the nine-item PSN-I to 783 participants recruited from the nine different sites of the National Cancer Institute-sponsored PNRP. We randomly divided the English language proficient sample into two subsamples (N1 = 391 and N2 = 392). We used the first subsample to test the latent structure of the PSN-I and the second subsample to replicate and confirm its stability. We evaluated the latent structure and internal consistency of the PSN using principal components analysis (PCA) and Cronbach coefficient alpha (α) respectively. We used correlation analyses to examine divergence and convergence of the PSN with the Patient Satisfaction with Cancer-Related Care (PSCC), the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Long Form (REALM-LF), and patients’ demographic characteristics.
Results: The PCA revealed a coherent set of items that explicates 76% of the variance in PSN-I. Reliability assessment revealed high internal consistency (α ranging from 0.95 to 0.96). The PSN-I had good face validity, as well as convergent and divergent validities as indicated by moderate positive correlations with score on the PSCC (all ps &lt; 0.0001) and nonsignificant correlations with primary language, marital status, and scores on the REALM-LF (all ps &gt; 0.05).
Conclusion: The PSN-I is a nine-item scale that shows high internal consistency and construct validity for patient assessment of the interpersonal relationship with their navigator during cancer-related care.
Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A23.