Public Health Research Institute

About: Public Health Research Institute is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Randomized controlled trial. The organization has 4889 authors who have published 8149 publications receiving 276945 citations.

Detectably labeled dual conformation oligonucleotide probes, assays and kits

Abstract: Unimolecular and bimolecular hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acid target sequences comprise a target complement sequence, an affinity pair holding the probe in a closed conformation in the absence of target sequence, and either a label pair that interacts when the probe is in the closed conformation or, for certain unimolecular probes, a non-interactive label. Hybridization of the target and target complement sequences shifts the probe to an open conformation. The shift is detectable due to reduced interaction of the label pair or by detecting a signal from a non-interactive label. Certain unimolecular probes can discriminate between target and non-target sequences differing by as little as one nucleotide. Also, universal stems and kits useful for constructing said probes. Also, assays utilizing said probes and kits for performing such assays. Also, such probes capable of allelic discrimination.

COSMIN methodology for evaluating the content validity of patient-reported outcome measures: a Delphi study

Abstract: Content validity is the most important measurement property of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) and the most challenging to assess. Our aims were to: (1) develop standards for evaluating the quality of PROM development; (2) update the original COSMIN standards for assessing the quality of content validity studies of PROMs; (3) develop criteria for what constitutes good content validity of PROMs, and (4) develop a rating system for summarizing the evidence on a PROM’s content validity and grading the quality of the evidence in systematic reviews of PROMs. An online 4-round Delphi study was performed among 159 experts from 21 countries. Panelists rated the degree to which they (dis)agreed to proposed standards, criteria, and rating issues on 5-point rating scales (‘strongly disagree’ to ‘strongly agree’), and provided arguments for their ratings. Discussion focused on sample size requirements, recording and field notes, transcribing cognitive interviews, and data coding. After four rounds, the required 67% consensus was reached on all standards, criteria, and rating issues. After pilot-testing, the steering committee made some final changes. Ten criteria for good content validity were defined regarding item relevance, appropriateness of response options and recall period, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the PROM. The consensus-based COSMIN methodology for content validity is more detailed, standardized, and transparent than earlier published guidelines, including the previous COSMIN standards. This methodology can contribute to the selection and use of high-quality PROMs in research and clinical practice.

A third recognition element in bacterial promoters: DNA binding by the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase

Abstract: A DNA sequence rich in (A+T), located upstream of the -10, -35 region of the Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA promoter rrnB P1 and called the UP element, stimulates transcription by a factor of 30 in vivo, as well as in vitro in the absence of protein factors other than RNA polymerase (RNAP). When fused to other promoters, such as lacUV5, the UP element also stimulates transcription, indicating that it is a separate promoter module. Mutations in the carboxyl-terminal region of the alpha subunit of RNAP prevent stimulation of these promoters by the UP element although the mutant enzymes are effective in transcribing the "core" promoters (those lacking the UP element). Protection of UP element DNA by the mutant RNAPs is severely reduced in footprinting experiments, suggesting that the selective decrease in transcription might result from defective interactions between alpha and the UP element. Purified alpha binds specifically to the UP element, confirming that alpha acts directly in promoter recognition. Transcription of three other promoters was also reduced by the COOH-terminal alpha mutations. These results suggest that UP elements comprise a third promoter recognition region (in addition to the -10, -35 recognition hexamers, which interact with the sigma subunit) and may account for the presence of (A+T)-rich DNA upstream of many prokaryotic promoters. Since the same alpha mutations also block activation by some transcription factors, mechanisms of promoter stimulation by upstream DNA elements and positive control by certain transcription factors may be related.

DNA Uptake During Bacterial Transformation

Abstract: Naturally competent bacteria are able to take up exogenous DNA and undergo genetic transformation. The transport of DNA from the extracellular milieu into the cytoplasm is a complex process, and requires proteins that are related to those involved in the assembly of type IV pili and type II secretion systems, as well as a DNA translocase complex at the cytoplasmic membrane. Here, we will review the current knowledge of DNA transport during transformation.