bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of different normalization strategies for gene expression studies in Candida albicans biofilms by real-time PCR
Authors: Nailis Heleen , Coenye Tom , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Deforce Dieter , Nelis Hans J 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background

Candida albicans biofilms are commonly found on indwelling medical devices. However, the molecular basis of biofilm formation and development is not completely understood. Expression analysis of genes potentially involved in these processes, such as the ALS (Agglutinine Like Sequence) gene family can be performed using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the present study, we investigated the expression stability of eight housekeeping genes potentially useful as reference genes to study gene expression in Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilms, using the geNorm Visual Basic Application (VBA) for Microsoft Excel. To validate our normalization strategies we determined differences in ALS1 and ALS3 expression levels between C. albicans biofilm cells and their planktonic counterparts.

Results
The eight genes tested in this study are ranked according to their expression stability (from most stable to least stable) as follows: ACT1 (β-actin)/PMA1 (adenosine triphosphatase), RIP (ubiquinol cytochrome-c reductase complex component), RPP2B (cytosolic ribosomal acidic protein P2B), LSC2 (succinyl-CoA synthetase β-subunit fragment), IMH3 (inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase fragment), CPA1 (carbamoyl-phosphate synthethase small subunit) and GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase).
Our data indicate that five genes are necessary for accurate and reliable normalization of gene expression data in C. albicans biofilms. Using different normalization strategies, we found a significant upregulation of the ALS1 gene and downregulation of the ALS3 gene in C. albicans biofilms grown on silicone disks in a continous flow system, the CDC reactor (Centre for Disease Control), for 24 hours.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend the use of the geometric mean of the relative expression values from the five housekeeping genes (ACT1, PMA1, RIP, RPP2B and LSC2) for normalization, when analysing differences in gene expression levels between C. albicans biofilm cells and planktonic cells. Validation of the normalization strategies described above showed that the ALS1 gene is overexpressed and the ALS3 gene is underexpressed in C. albicans biofilms grown on silicone in the CDC reactor for 24 hours.
Systemic zoledronate treatment both prevents resorption of allograft bone and increases the retention of new formed bone during revascularization and remodelling. A bone chamber study in rats
Authors: Åstrand Jörgen , Harding Anna Kajsa , Aspenberg Per , Tägil Magnus 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
In osteonecrosis the vascular supply of the bone is interrupted and the living cells die. The inorganic mineral network remains intact until ingrowing blood vessels invade the graft. Accompanying osteoclasts start to resorb the bone trabeculae and gradually replace the bone. If the osteonecrosis occurs in mechanically loaded parts, like in the subchondral bone of a loaded joint, the remodelling might lead to a weakening of the bone and, in consequence to a joint collapse. Systemic bisphosphonate treatment can reduce the resorption of necrotic bone. In the present study we investigate if zoledronate, the most potent of the commercially available bisphosphonates, can be used to reduce the amount or speed of bone graft remodeling.

Methods
Bone grafts were harvested and placed in a bone chamber inserted into the tibia of a rat. Host tissue could grow into the graft through openings in the chamber. Weekly injections with 1.05 μg zoledronate or saline were given subcutaneously until the rats were harvested after 6 weeks. The specimens were fixed, cut and stained with haematoxylin/eosin and used for histologic and histomorphometric analyses.

Results
By histology, the control specimens were almost totally resorbed in the remodeled area and the graft replaced by bone marrow. In the zoledronate treated specimens, both the old graft and new-formed bone remained and the graft trabeculas were lined with new bone. By histomorphometry, the total amount of bone (graft+ new bone) within the remodelled area was 35 % (SD 13) in the zoledronate treated grafts and 19 % (SD 12) in the controls (p = 0.001). Also the amount of new bone was increased in the treated specimens (22 %, SD 7) compared to the controls (14 %, SD 9, p = 0.032).

Conclusion
We show that zoledronate can be used to decrease the resorption of both old graft and new-formed bone during bone graft remodelling. This might be useful in bone grafting procedure but also in other orthopedic conditions, both where necrotic bone has to be remodelled i.e. after osteonecrosis of the knee and hip and in Perthes disease, or in high load, high turnover conditions like delayed union, periprosthetic osteolysis or bone lengthening operations. In our model an increased net formation of new bone was found which probably reflects that new bone formed was retained by the action of the bisphosphonates rather than a true anabolic effect.
Hospice utilization during the SARS outbreak in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tzeng-Ji , Lin Ming-Hwai , Chou Li-Fang , Hwang Shinn-Jang 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Background
The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic threw the world into turmoil during the first half of 2003. Many subsequent papers have addressed its impact on health service utilization, but few have considered palliative (hospice) care. The aim of the present study was to describe changes in hospice inpatient utilization during and after the SARS epidemic in 2003 in Taiwan.

Methods
The data sources were the complete datasets of inpatient admissions during 2002 and 2003 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Before-and-after comparisons of daily and monthly utilizations were made. Hospice analyses were limited to those wards that offered inpatient services throughout these two years. The comparisons were extended to total hospital bed utilization and to patients who were still admitted to hospice wards during the peak period of the SARS epidemic.

Results
Only 15 hospice wards operated throughout the whole of 2002 and 2003. In 2003, hospice utilization began to decrease in the middle of April, reached a minimum on 25 May, and gradually recovered to the level of the previous November. Hospices showed a more marked reduction in utilization than all hospital beds (e.g. -52.5% vs. -19.9% in May 2003) and a slower recovery with a three-month lag. In total, 566 patients were admitted to hospice wards in May/June 2003, in contrast to 818 in May/June 2002. Gender, age and diagnosis distributions did not differ.

Conclusion
Hospice inpatient utilization in Taiwan was indeed more sensitive to the emerging epidemic than general inpatient utilization. A well-balanced network with seamless continuity of care should be ensured.
The integrase interactor 1 (INI1) proteins facilitate Tat-mediated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription
Authors: Ariumi Yasuo , Serhan Fatima , Turelli Priscilla , Telenti Amalio , Trono Didier 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Integration of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into the host genome is catalyzed by the viral integrase (IN) and preferentially occurs within transcriptionally active genes. During the early phase of HIV-1 infection, the incoming viral preintegration complex (PIC) recruits the integrase interactor 1 (INI1)/hSNF5, a chromatin remodeling factor which directly binds to HIV-1 IN. The impact of this event on viral replication is so far unknown, although it has been hypothesized that it could tether the preintegration complex to transcriptionally active genes, thus contributing to the bias of HIV integration for these regions of the genome. Here, we demonstrate that while INI1 is dispensable for HIV-1 transduction, it can facilitate HIV-1 transcription by enhancing Tat function. INI1 bound to Tat and both the repeat (Rpt) 1 and Rpt 2 domains of INI1 were required for efficient activation of Tat-mediated transcription. These results suggest that the incoming PICs might recruit INI1 to facilitate proviral transcription.
ECT associated musical hallucinations in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Janakiraman Raguraman , Wildgoose Keith , Seelam Kalyan 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental illness in which small, carefully controlled electricity is applied to the brain. This electric stimulation is done in conjunction with anesthesia and muscle relaxant medications to produce a mild generalized seizure. This is used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. This is most effective in the treatment of severe depression providing a rapid relief. We report and discuss an unusual presentation of a ninety three year old lady with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Severe with Psychotic features (296.34) who experienced musical hallucinations whilst she was treated on ECT. Clinically there was an inverse relationship between the biological symptoms of depression and musical hallucination during the ECT management. Though similar reports have never been reported earlier, we noticed a good association between the initiation of ECT and musical hallucination in our patient. The patient stopped experiencing musical hallucinations and improved of her biological symptoms of depression completely after the full course of ECT.
The μ-opioid receptor gene and smoking initiation and nicotine dependence
Authors: Zhang Lan , Kendler Kenneth S , Chen Xiangning 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
The gene encoding the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) is reported to be associated with a range of substance dependence. Experiments in knockout mice indicate that the mu-opioid receptor may mediate reinforcing effects of nicotine. In humans, opioid antagonist naltrexone may reduce the reinforcing effects of tobacco smoking. Additionally, the OPRM1 gene is located in a region showing linkage to nicotine dependence. The OPRM1 is thus a plausible candidate gene for smoking behavior. To investigate whether OPRM1 contributes to the susceptibility of smoking initiation and nicotine dependence, we genotyped 11 SNPs in the gene for 688 Caucasian subjects of lifetime smokers and nonsmokers. Three SNPs showed nominal significance for smoking initiation and one reached significance for nicotine dependence. The global test for three-marker (rs9479757-rs2075572-rs10485057) haplotypes was significant for smoking initiation (p = 0.0022). The same three-marker haplotype test was marginal (p = 0.0514) for nicotine dependence. These results suggest that OPRM1 may be involved in smoking initiation and nicotine dependence.
Zebrafish promoter microarrays identify actively transcribed embryonic genes
Authors: Wardle Fiona C , Odom Duncan T , Bell George W , Yuan Bingbing , Danford Timothy W , Wiellette Elizabeth L , Herbolsheimer Elizabeth , Sive Hazel L , Young Richard A , Smith James C 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe have designed a zebrafish genomic microarray to identify DNA-protein interactions in the proximal promoter regions of over 11,000 zebrafish genes. Using these microarrays, together with chromatin immunoprecipitation with an antibody directed against tri-methylated lysine 4 of Histone H3, we demonstrate the feasibility of this method in zebrafish. This approach will allow investigators to determine the genomic binding locations of DNA interacting proteins during development and expedite the assembly of the genetic networks that regulate embryogenesis.
Muddy waters: evidence-based policy making, uncertainty and the ‘York review’ on water fluoridation
Authors: Wilson Paul M. , Sheldon Trevor A. 
Published: August 2006

English
The systematic review has become widely recognised as an aid to evidence-based decision making in health care. Recently, there has been much interest around the value of systematic reviews in policy-making contexts. This article describes a relatively rare example of an explicit policy commitment to follow the findings of a systematic review, namely that of the efficacy and safety of the fluoridation of drinking water. We argue that although a policy-relevant systematic review may not be directly influential if its findings contradict prior beliefs and policy intent, it can be of value beyond the immediate policy response.
Deliberative processes and evidence-informed decision making in healthcare: do they work and how might we know?
Authors: Culyer Anthony J. , Lomas Jonathan 
Published: August 2006

English
Evidence-informed decisions are conjectured to be better than un-evidenced ones. Evidence is classified into three types: context-free scientific, context-sensitive scientific and colloquial. A deliberative process provides guidance informed by relevant scientific evidence, interpreted in a relevant context wherever possible with context-sensitive scientific evidence and, where not, by the best available colloquial evidence. Some characteristics of an empirical approach to the evaluation of the impact of deliberative processes on the quality of decisions in healthcare are identified. These are centred on the selection of key outcomes, key characteristics and having explicit alternatives as comparator.
US state government and DARE: the story in four states
Authors: Petrosino Anthony , Birkeland Sarah , Hacsi Timothy A. , Murphy-Graham Erin , Weiss Carol Hirschon 
Published: August 2006

English
In contrast to the widespread local popularity of the police-led Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) school-based programme, evaluation studies have consistently questioned its sustained impact on adolescent drug use. Our focus in this article is on the role of state government in DARE policy. Semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with 30 people, including past or present state agency officials and external researchers. These cases are organised chronologically along three time periods: (1) the genesis and expansion of DARE; (2) the resiliency of the programme to negative evaluation evidence; and (3) the decline of DARE.
Research dissemination: actively bringing the research and policy worlds together
Authors: Lawrence Ruth 
Published: August 2006

English
Several changes have posed increasing challenges for the active dissemination of research within the policy world: the evidence-based policy-making movement has led to a demand for the implications of research to be spelt out; rapid technological changes have offered new electronic methods for bringing research to the attention of policy makers, but have also created information overload; while modernisation of the policy process has led to an emphasis on outcomes and demonstrable effectiveness. This article provides a critique of three models of research dissemination; it concludes with some innovative examples and identifies key resources for planning and developing an active dissemination strategy.
Development impact evaluation: new trends and challenges
Authors: Fiszbein Ariel 
Published: August 2006

English
This article explores the implications associated with the growing emphasis on the use of impact evaluation studies of interventions among the international development community. It argues that: (1) impact evaluations, particularly when structured and conducted within a comparative framework, can be a fundamental input for policy and programme design; (2) impact evaluations are international public goods and thus there are serious coordination issues that need to be addressed to achieve an optimal supply; and (3) there are complex challenges involved in setting up that coordination in such a way that it properly serves the interests and needs of developing countries.
Exploring the involvement and perceptions of professional stakeholders on NICE clinical guidelines
Authors: Ilott Irene , Mead Judy , Roberts Julia , Hammond Ralph , Pearmain Henny 
Published: August 2006

English
This article gives an insight into the effectiveness of stakeholding from the perspective of 15 professional bodies for the allied health professions, health visiting, health scientists, midwifery and nursing in the development of National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines. The findings reveal that larger professional bodies had embedded stakeholder relations within business plans while smaller organisations, with minimal infrastructure and reliant on voluntary activity, had difficulty participating. Stakeholding highlighted the challenge for research-emergent professions of making their evidence count within guideline methodology. The recommendations about understanding the purpose and problems of stakeholding are likely to be transferable to other contexts.
Protease Inhibitor-Associated Dyslipidemia in HIV-Infected Patients Is Strongly Influenced by the APOA5–1131T→C Gene Variation
Authors: Guardiola Montse , Ferré Raimon , Salazar Juliana , Alonso-Villaverde Carlos , Coll Blai , Parra Sandra , Masana Lluís , Ribalta Josep 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground: Hyperlipidemia associated with the protease inhibitor (PI) component of highly active antiretrovial treatment can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis. The apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5) gene, which affects VLDL production and lipolysis, may play a role in PI-induced hyperlipidemia, particularly in individuals with the APOA5–1131T→C genotype.Methods: We measured lipoprotein changes in HIV-positive patients (n = 229) who had been followed for 5 years. For statistical analyses, we segregated the patients with respect to PI treatment and APOA5–1131T→C genotype.Results: The frequency of the C allele was 0.08, similar to that in the general population. We found a strong effect of the APOA5–1131T→C genotype among patients receiving PIs. Carriers of the C allele had consistently increased mean (SD) triglyceride concentrations compared with noncarriers after 1 year [2.11 (1.62) vs 3.71 (4.27) mmol/L; P = 0.009], 2 years [2.48 (2.09) vs 4.02 (4.05) mmol/L, P = 0.050], 3 years [2.32 (1.71) vs 4.13 (4.26) mmol/L; P = 0.013], 4 years [2.90 (2.95) vs 5.35 (7.12) mmol/L; P was not significant], and 5 years [4.25 (5.58) vs 9.23 (9.63) mmol/L; P was not significant]. We observed the same effect on total cholesterol concentrations: after 1 year [4.93 (1.31) vs 5.87 (1.66) mmol/L; P = 0.006], 2 years [5.03 (1.12) vs 6.42 (2.48) mmol/L; P = 0.001], 3 years [5.11 (1.17) vs 6.38 (2.43) mmol/L; P = 0.009], 4 years [5.49 (1.71) vs 6.78 (3.03) mmol/L; P was not significant], and 5 years [5.56 (1.75) vs 7.90 (3.60) mmol/L; P was not significant]. HDL cholesterol showed a progressive reduction, leading to a considerably higher cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio after 3 years.Conclusion: Variability in the APOA5 gene predisposes patients with HIV, particularly those treated with PI, to severe hyperlipidemia.
Definition of an XML Markup Language for Clinical Laboratory Procedures and Comparison with Generic XML Markup
Authors: Saadawi Gilan M , Harrison James H 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground: Clinical laboratory procedure manuals are typically maintained as word processor files and are inefficient to store and search, require substantial effort for review and updating, and integrate poorly with other laboratory information. Electronic document management systems could improve procedure management and utility. As a first step toward building such systems, we have developed a prototype electronic format for laboratory procedures using Extensible Markup Language (XML).Methods: Representative laboratory procedures were analyzed to identify document structure and data elements. This information was used to create a markup vocabulary, CLP-ML, expressed as an XML Document Type Definition (DTD). To determine whether this markup provided advantages over generic markup, we compared procedures structured with CLP-ML or with the vocabulary of the Health Level Seven, Inc. (HL7) Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) narrative block.Results: CLP-ML includes 124 XML tags and supports a variety of procedure types across different laboratory sections. When compared with a general-purpose markup vocabulary (CDA narrative block), CLP-ML documents were easier to edit and read, less complex structurally, and simpler to traverse for searching and retrieval.Conclusion: In combination with appropriate software, CLP-ML is designed to support electronic authoring, reviewing, distributing, and searching of clinical laboratory procedures from a central repository, decreasing procedure maintenance effort and increasing the utility of procedure information. A standard electronic procedure format could also allow laboratories and vendors to share procedures and procedure layouts, minimizing duplicative word processor editing. Our results suggest that laboratory-specific markup such as CLP-ML will provide greater benefit for such systems than generic markup.
Methods for Deriving p-y Curves from Instrumented Lateral Load Tests
Authors: Yang K , Liang R 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
With the developments of new deep foundation systems and construction techniques, such as high capacity micro-piles, large diameter piles or drilled shafts, existing p-y criteria that were developed previously for small diameter piles or shafts may no longer be adequate. Deriving p-y curves from lateral load tests on instrumented deep foundations is critical for further refinement or developing pertinent p-y criteria for these new applications. However, there is a lack of a consistent and well verified method for deducing the p-y curves from lateral load tests measurement data. Four existing methods are evaluated using the measured results of eight full-scale field tests on fully instrumented drilled shafts as well as four hypothetical numerical simulation results. It is found that the p-y curves deduced by the piecewise cubic polynomial curve fitting method, when input into the LPILE (or COM624P) computer program, provides the smallest error on the prediction of deflections of a drilled shaft under the applied lateral loads. A procedure for determining an optimum strain gage spacing for instrumentation in a lateral load test to derive representative p-y curves is recommended. Finally, a parametric study has shown that the errors of the deduced p-y curves are mainly due to inaccurate moment profiles from strain gage readings. Accurate estimate of moment-curvature relationship of a reinforced concrete shaft is therefore essential to the accuracy of the deduced p-y curves from strain data.
A Tracer Method to Determine Extremely Low Wear Rates of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Authors: Kunze J , Wimmer MA 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Wear testing protocols of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which rely on gravimetric or topographic measurements, or both, for wear determination, are usually complicated due to fluid absorption or creep, or both, of the polyethylene samples. In this study we report the feasibility of using a tracer material to quantify wear of polyethylene. Europium (Eu), a rare earth element, has been identified as a suitable tracer material. Eu can be quantified with ICP-MS. Nascent UHMWPE powder has been mixed with a solution of Eu-acetate. Different mixing techniques were tried to homogenize the tracer distribution before consolidation. After molding, the 10-mm diameter pins were worn on a pin-on-disk testing apparatus. In addition, lubricant samples were taken at regular time intervals. The Eu content was analyzed and the derived polyethylene wear rate was compared with the weight loss of the pins.