bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Comparison of Ribosomal Operon Antitermination Function
Authors: Arnvig Kristine B. , Zeng Shirley , Quan Selwyn , Papageorge Alexander , Zhang Ning , Villapakkam Anuradha C. , Squires Catherine L. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Transcription antitermination in the ribosomal operons of
Escherichia coli
results in the modification of RNA polymerase by specific proteins, altering its basic properties. For such alterations to occur, signal sequences in
rrn
operons are required as well as individual interacting proteins. In this study we tested putative
rrn
transcription antitermination-inducing sequences from five different bacteria for their abilities to function in
E. coli
. We further examined their response to the lack of one known
rrn
transcription antitermination protein from
E. coli
, NusB. We monitored antitermination activity by assessing the ability of RNA polymerase to read through a factor-dependent terminator. We found that, in general, the closer the regulatory sequence matched that of
E. coli
, the more likely there was to be a successful antitermination-proficient modification of the transcription complex. The
rrn
leader sequences from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Bacillus subtilis
, and
Caulobacter crescentus
all provided various levels of, but functionally significant antitermination properties to, RNA polymerase, while those of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
and
Thermotoga maritima
did not. Possible RNA folding structures of presumed antitermination sequences and specific critical bases are discussed in light of our results. An unexpected finding was that when using the
Caulobacter crescentus rrn
leader sequence, there was little effect on terminator readthrough in the absence of NusB. All other hybrid antitermination system activities required this factor. Possible reasons for this finding are discussed.
Hybrid Pathogenicity Island PAGI-5 Contributes to the Highly Virulent Phenotype of a
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isolate in Mammals
Authors: Battle Scott E. , Meyer Folker , Rello Jordi , Kung Vanderlene L. , Hauser Alan R. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Most known virulence determinants of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are remarkably conserved in this bacterium's core genome, yet individual strains differ significantly in virulence. One explanation for this discrepancy is that pathogenicity islands, regions of DNA found in some strains but not in others, contribute to the overall virulence of
P. aeruginosa.
Here we employed a strategy in which the virulence of a panel of
P. aeruginosa
isolates was tested in mouse and plant models of disease, and a highly virulent isolate, PSE9, was chosen for comparison by subtractive hybridization to a less virulent strain, PAO1. The resulting subtractive hybridization sequences were used as tags to identify genomic islands found in PSE9 but absent in PAO1. One 99-kb island, designated
P. aeruginosa
genomic island 5 (PAGI-5), was a hybrid of the known
P. aeruginosa
island PAPI-1 and novel sequences. Whereas the PAPI-1-like sequences were found in most tested isolates, the novel sequences were found only in the most virulent isolates. Deletional analysis confirmed that some of these novel sequences contributed to the highly virulent phenotype of PSE9. These results indicate that targeting highly virulent strains of
P. aeruginosa
may be a useful strategy for identifying pathogenicity islands and novel virulence determinants.
Oms38 Is the First Identified Pore-Forming Protein in the Outer Membrane of Relapsing Fever Spirochetes
Authors: Thein Marcus , Bunikis Ignas , Denker Katrin , Larsson Christer , Cutler Sally , Drancourt Michel , Schwan Tom G. , Mentele Reinhard , Lottspeich Friedrich , Bergström Sven , Benz Roland 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Relapsing fever is a worldwide, endemic disease caused by several spirochetal species belonging to the genus
Borrelia
. During the recurring fever peaks, borreliae proliferate remarkably quickly compared to the slow dissemination of Lyme disease
Borrelia
and therefore require efficient nutrient uptake from the blood of their hosts. This study describes the identification and characterization of the first relapsing fever porin, which is present in the outer membranes of
B. duttonii
,
B. hermsii
,
B. recurrentis
, and
B. turicatae
. The pore-forming protein was purified by hydroxyapatite chromatography and designated Oms38, for outer membrane-spanning protein of 38 kDa. Biophysical characterization of Oms38 was done by using the black lipid bilayer method, demonstrating that Oms38 forms small, water-filled channels of 80 pS in 1 M KCl that did not exhibit voltage-dependent closure. The Oms38 channel is slightly selective for anions and shows a ratio of permeability for cations over anions of 0.41 in KCl. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences demonstrated that Oms38 contains an N-terminal signal sequence which is processed under in vivo conditions. Oms38 is highly conserved within the four studied relapsing fever species, sharing an overall amino acid identity of 58% and with a strong indication for the presence of amphipathic β-sheets.
Computerised cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression: systematic review
Authors: Kaltenthaler Eva , Parry Glenys , Beverley Catherine , Ferriter Michael 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundComputerised cognitive–behavioural therapy (CCBT) is used for treating depression and provides a potentially useful alternative to therapist cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT).AimsTo systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of CCBT for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.MethodElectronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials. Selected studies were quality assessed and data extracted by two reviewers.ResultsFour studies of three computer software packages met the inclusion criteria. Comparators were treatment as usual, using a depression education website and an attention placebo.ConclusionsThere is some evidence to support the effectiveness of CCBT for the treatment of depression. However, all studies were associated with considerable drop-out rates and little evidence was presented regarding participants' preferences and the acceptability of the therapy. More research is needed to determine the place of CCBT in the potential range of treatment options offered to individuals with depression.
Ethnic density, physical illness, social deprivation and antidepressant prescribing in primary care: ecological study
Authors: Walters Paul , Ashworth Mark , Tylee André 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundAntidepressant prescribing should reflect need. The Quality and Outcomes Framework has provided an opportunity to explore factors affecting antidepressant prescribing in UK general practice.AimsTo explore the relationship between physical illness, social deprivation, ethnicity, practice characteristics and the volume of antidepressants prescribed in primary care.MethodThis was an ecological study using data derived from the Quality and Outcomes Framework, the Informatics Collaboratory of the Social Sciences, and Prescribing Analyses and CosT data for 2004-2005. Associations were examined using linear regression modelling.ResultsSocio-economic status, ethnic density, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and epilepsy explained 44% of the variance in the volume of antidepressants prescribed.ConclusionsLower volumes of antidepressants are prescribed in areas with high densities of Black or Asian people. This may suggest disparities in provision of care. Chronic respiratory disease and epilepsy may have a more important association with depression in primary care than previously thought.
Executive function and in-patient violence in forensic patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fullam Rachael S. , Dolan Mairead C. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundThe literature on the association between neuropsychological deficits and in-patient violence in schizophrenia is limited and the findings inconsistent.AimsTo examine the role of executive function deficits in in-patient violence using measures of dorsolateral (DLPFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortical (VLPFC) function.MethodsThirty-three violent and forty-nine non-violent male forensic in-patients with schizophrenia were assessed using neuropsychological tasks probing DLPFC and VLPFC function and on measures of symptoms and psychopathy.ResultsThere were no significant group differences in neuropsychological task performance. Higher rates of violence were significantly associated with lower current IQ scores and higher excitement symptom scores. The ‘violent’ group had significantly higher interpersonal and antisocial domain psychopathy scores. In a logistic regression analysis, IQ and the interpersonal domain of psychopathy were significant discriminators of violent v. non-violent status.ConclusionsPersonality factors rather than symptoms and neuropsychological function may be important in understanding in-patient violence in forensic patients with schizophrenia.
Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding in people with panic disorder: positron emission tomography study
Authors: Nash Jon R. , Sargent Peter A. , Rabiner Eugenii A. , Hood Sean D. , Argyropoulos Spilios V. , Potokar John P. , Grasby Paul M. , Nutt David J. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundThe importance of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) in the pathophysiology of anxiety is well known. A key role for postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors has recently been suggested in studies of genetic knockout mice.AimsTo measure 5-HT1A receptor binding in patients with panic disorder in the untreated state and after recovery on treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).MethodNine symptomatic untreated patients with panic disorder, seven patients recovered on SSRI medication and nineteen healthy volunteers underwent a single positron emission tomography (PET) scan using the 5-HT1A tracer [11C]WAY-100635.ResultsIn comparison with controls, both presynaptic and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor binding was reduced in untreated patients, with the most significant reductions being in the raphe, orbitofrontal cortex, temporal cortex and amygdala. In recovered patients presynaptic binding was reduced, but there was no significant reduction in postsynaptic binding.ConclusionsPanic disorder is associated with reduced 5-HT1A receptor availability, which is also known to have a key role in depression.
White matter volume changes in people who develop psychosis
Authors: Walterfang Mark , McGuire Philip K. , Yung Alison R. , Phillips Lisa J. , Velakoulis Dennis , Wood Stephen J. , Suckling John , Bullmore Edward T. , Brewer Warrick , Soulsby Bridget , Desmond Patricia , McGorry Patrick D. , Pantelis Christos 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundGrey matter changes have been described in individuals who are pre- and peri-psychotic, but it is unclear if these changes are accompanied by changes in white matter structures.AimsTo determine whether changes in white matter occur prior to and with the transition to psychosis in individuals who are pre-psychotic who had previously demonstrated grey matter reductions in frontotemporal regions.MethodWe used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine regional white matter volume in 75 people with prodromal symptoms. A subset of the original group (n=21) were rescanned at 12–18 months to determine white matter volume changes. Participants were retrospectively categorised according to whether they had or had not developed psychosis at follow-up.ResultsComparison of the baseline MRI data from these two subgroups revealed that individuals who later developed psychosis had larger volumes of white matter in the frontal lobe, particularly in the left hemisphere. Longitudinal comparison of data in individuals who developed psychosis revealed a reduction in white matter volume in the region of the left fronto-occipital fasciculus. Participants who had not developed psychosis showed no reductions in white matter volume but increases in a region subjacent to the right inferior parietal lobule.DiscussionThe reduction in volume of white matter near the left fronto-occipital fasciculus may reflect a change in this tract in association with the onset of frank psychosis.
Cerebral and autonomic responses to emotional facial expressions in depersonalisation disorder
Authors: Lemche Erwin , Anilkumar Ananthapadmanabha , Giampietro Vincent P. , Brammer Michael J. , Surguladze Simon A. , Lawrence Natalia S. , Gasston David , Chitnis Xavier , Williams Steven C. R. , Sierra Mauricio , Joraschky Peter , Phillips Mary L. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundDepersonalisation disorder is characterised by emotion suppression, but the cerebral mechanisms of this symptom are not yet fully understood.AimsTo compare brain activation and autonomic responses of individuals with the disorder and healthy controls.MethodHappy and sad emotion expressions in increasing intensities (neutral to intense) were presented in an implicit event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) design with simultaneous measurement of autonomic responses.ResultsParticipants with depersonalisation disorder showed fMRI signal decreases, whereas the control group showed signal increases in response to emotion intensity increases in both happy and sad expressions. The analysis of evoked haemodynamic responses from regions exhibiting functional connectivity between central and autonomic nervous systems indicated that in depersonalisation disorder initial modulations of haemodynamic response occurred significantly earlier (2s post-stimulus) than in the control group (4–6s post-stimulus).ConclusionsThe results suggest that fMRI signal decreases are possible correlates of emotion suppression in depersonalisation disorder.
Attitudes and support needs of Black Caribbean, south Asian and White British carers of people with dementia in the UK
Authors: Lawrence Vanessa , Murray Joanna , Samsi Kritika , Banerjee Sube 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundFamily carers are the most important source of dementia care, especially among ethnic minority populations, who are less likely to access health or social services. The evidence base on the carer experience in these communities is profoundly limited.AimsTo explore the caregiving attitudes, experiences and needs of family carers of people with dementia from the three largest ethnic groups in the UK.MethodA qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 32 carers of people with dementia (10 Black Caribbean, 10 south Asian, 12 White British).ResultsCarers were identified as holding a ‘traditional’ or ‘non-traditional’ caregiver ideology, according to whether they conceptualised caregiving as natural, expected and virtuous. This informed feelings of fulfilment, strain, carers' fears and attitudes towards formal services. The majority of the south Asian, half of the Black Caribbean and a minority of the White British participants were found to possess a traditional ideology.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that specific cultural attitudes towards the caregiving role have important implications for how carers can best be supported.
Neurological abnormalities and cognitive ability in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Dazzan Paola , Lloyd Tuhina , Morgan Kevin D. , Zanelli Jolanta , Morgan Craig , Orr Ken , Hutchinson Gerard , Fearon Paul , Allin Matthew , Rifkin Larry , McGuire Philip K. , Doody Gillian A. , Holloway John , Leff Julian , Harrison Glynn , Jones Peter B. , Murray Robin M. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundIt remains unclear if the excess of neurological soft signs, or of certain types of neurological soft signs, is common to all psychoses, and whether this excess is simply an epiphenomenon of the lower general cognitive ability present in psychosis.AimsTo investigate whether an excess of neurological soft signs is independent of diagnosis (schizophreniav.affective psychosis) and cognitive ability (IQ).MethodEvaluation of types of neurological soft signs in a prospective cohort of all individuals presenting with psychoses over 2 years (n=310), and in a control group from the general population (n=239).ResultsPrimary (P<0.001), motor coordination (P<0.001), and motor sequencing (P<0.001) sign scores were significantly higher in people with any psychosis than in the control group. However, only primary and motor coordination scores remained higher when individuals with psychosis and controls were matched for premorbid and current IQ.ConclusionsHigher rates of primary and motor coordination signs are not associated with lower cognitive ability, and are specific to the presence of psychosis.
Verbal memory and treatment response in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Wild Jennifer , Gur Ruben C. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often associated with verbal memory deficits, which could influence treatment outcome. We assessed neuropsychological functioning in individuals with PTSD and their response to cognitive– behavioural therapy (CBT). Treatment non-responders had significantly poorer performance on measures of verbal memory compared with responders and demonstrated narrative encoding deficits. Differences were not explained by IQ, performance on tasks of attention, initial PTSD severity, depression, time since trauma, or alcohol/substance misuse. Verbal memory deficits seem to diminish the effectiveness of CBT and should be considered in its implementation.
Grey matter abnormalities in trichotillomania: morphometric magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Chamberlain Samuel R. , Menzies Lara A. , Fineberg Naomi A. , del Campo Natalia , Suckling John , Craig Kevin , Müller Ulrich , Robbins Trevor W. , Bullmore Edward T. , Sahakian Barbara J. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundTrichotillomania (repetitive hair-pulling) is an Axis I psychiatric disorder whose neurobiological basis is incompletely understood. Whole-brain trichotillomania neuroimaging studies are lacking.AimsTo investigate grey and white matter abnormalities over the whole brain in patients with trichotillomania.MethodEighteen patients with DSM–IV trichotillomania and 19 healthy controls undertook structural magnetic resonance imaging after providing written informed consent. Differences in grey and white matter were investigated using computational morphometry.ResultsPatients with trichotillomania showed increased grey matter densities in the left striatum, left amygdalo-hippocampal formation, and multiple (including cingulate, supplementary motor, and frontal) cortical regions bilaterally.ConclusionsTrichotillomania was associated with structural grey matter changes in neural circuitry implicated in habit learning, cognition and affect regulation. These findings inform animal models of the disorder and highlight key regions of interest for future translational research.
Duration of untreated psychosis and social function: 1-year follow-up study of first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Barnes Thomas R. E. , Leeson Verity C. , Mutsatsa Stanley H. , Watt Hilary C. , Hutton Sam B. , Joyce Eileen M. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundIn first-episode schizophrenia, longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicts poorer outcomes.AimsTo address whether the relationship between DUP and outcome is a direct causal one or the result of association between symptoms and/or cognitive functioning and social functioning at the same time point.MethodSymptoms, social function and cognitive function were assessed in 98 patients with first-episode schizphrenia at presentation and 1 year later.ResultsThere was no significant clinical difference between participants with short and long DUP at presentation. Linear regression analyses revealed that longer DUP significantly predicted more severe positive and negative symptoms and poorer social function at 1 year, independent of scores at presentation. Path analyses revealed independent direct relationships between DUP and social function, core negative symptoms and positive symptoms. There was no significant association between DUP and cognition.ConclusionsLonger DUP predicts poor social function independently of symptoms. The findings underline the importance of taking account of the phenomenological overlap between measures of negative symptoms and social function when investigating the effects of DUP.
IQ and non-clinical psychotic symptoms in 12-year-olds: results from the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Horwood Jeremy , Salvi Giovanni , Thomas Kate , Duffy Larisa , Gunnell David , Hollis Chris , Lewis Glyn , Menezes Paulo , Thompson Andrew , Wolke Dieter , Zammit Stanley , Harrison Glynn 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundNon-clinical psychotic symptoms appear common in children, but it is possible that a proportion of reported symptoms result from misinterpretation. There is a well-established association between pre-morbid low IQ score and schizophrenia. Psychosis-like symptoms in children may also be a risk factor for psychotic disorder but their relationship with IQ is unclear.AimsTo investigate the prevalence, nature and frequency of psychosis-like symptoms in 12-year-old children and study their relationship with IQ.MethodLongitudinal study using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort. A total of 6455 children completed screening questions for 12 psychotic symptoms followed by a semi-structured clinical assessment. IQ was assessed at 8 years of age using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd UK edition).ResultsThe 6-month period prevalence for one or more symptoms was 13.7% (95% CI 12.8–14.5). After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a non-linear association between IQ score and psychosis-like symptoms, such that only those with below average IQ score had an increased risk of reporting such symptoms.ConclusionsNon-clinical psychotic symptoms occur in a significant proportion of 12-year-olds. Symptoms are associated with low IQ and also less strongly with a high IQ score. The pattern of association with IQ differs from that observed in schizophrenia.
Middle-ear disease and schizophrenia: case–control study
Authors: Mason Peter , Rimmer Michael , Richman Anna , Garg Gagan , Johnson Joe , Mottram Patricia G. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundOne hundred years ago psychiatrists thought that ear disease could cause insanity by irritation of the brain. Current understanding of the role of the temporal lobes in schizophrenia and their proximity to the middle ear supports this hypothesis.AimsTo establish the rate of middle-ear disease pre-dating the onset of schizophrenia.MethodEighty-four patients with schizophrenia were each matched to four non-psychiatric controls by age, gender and season of birth. History of ear disease was obtained from general practice records. Additional information on symptoms was collected for participants in the case group, who also had audiometry.ResultsThe odds ratio of recorded middle-ear disease pre-dating schizophrenia was 3.68 (95% CI 1.86–7.28). This excess was particularly marked on the left (OR=4.15, 95% CI 2.08–8.29). Auditory hallucinations were associated with middle-ear disease but not with hearing loss.ConclusionsThere is an association between middle-ear disease and schizophrenia which may have aetiological significance.