bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Abnormal Screening Mammogram Interpretation Using Medicare Claims Data
Authors: Hubbard Rebecca A. , Zhu Weiwei , Balch Steven , Onega Tracy , Fenton Joshua J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To develop and validate Medicare claims‐based approaches for identifying abnormal screening mammography interpretation.

Data Sources

Mammography data and linked Medicare claims for 387,709 mammograms performed from 1999 to 2005 within the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC).

Study Design

Split‐sample validation of algorithms based on claims for breast imaging or biopsy following screening mammography.

Data Extraction Methods

Medicare claims and BCSC mammography data were pooled at a central Statistical Coordinating Center.

Principal Findings

Presence of claims for subsequent imaging or biopsy had sensitivity of 74.9 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 74.1–75.6) and specificity of 99.4 percent (95 percent CI, 99.4–99.5). A classification and regression tree improved sensitivity to 82.5 percent (95 percent CI, 81.9–83.2) but decreased specificity (96.6 percent, 95 percent CI, 96.6–96.8).

Conclusions

Medicare claims may be a feasible data source for research or quality improvement efforts addressing high rates of abnormal screening mammography.
Improvement of Fermented Chinese Cabbage Characteristics by Selected Starter Cultures
Authors: Han Xue , Yi Huaxi , Zhang Lanwei , Huang Weiwei , Zhang Yingchun , Zhang Lili , Du Ming
Published: June 2014

Traditional fermented vegetables have inconsistent quality and high nitrite content, whereas a commercial starter culture could overcome these problems. A total of 34 lactic acid bacteria strains were screened from 2 homemade naturally fermented Chinese cabbages. Fermented characters of single starter or mixed cultures were examined, including acidification, growth rate, and nitrite depletion ability in the fermented culture. As a result, the combined starter culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii IWQ and Lactobacillus paracasei J21) was selected. The fermented Chinese cabbage resulted from this mixed starter culture had higher sugar content residue (30.5 mg/mL for mixed culture and 22 mg/mL for control). And the titratable acid of the cabbage fermented by the mixed starter was 110°T, which was twice higher than that of control sample. The selected starter culture also had a better texture and sensory qualities than that the starter cultures from a local fermented Chinese cabbage plant, especially for its significantly lower nitrite content (3.00 mg/kg for mixed culture and 4.49 mg/kg for control). The findings of this study form a database for further studies on the development of starter cultures for fermented cabbage production and could replaced the local plant starter culture.
Consumer Awareness and Interest Toward Sodium Reduction Trends in Korea
Authors: Kim Mina K. , Lee Kwang‐Geun
Published: June 2014

Reduction of dietary sodium intake by lowering amount of sodium in foods is a global industry target. Quantitative information on current consumer knowledge of sodium reduction trends in Korea is unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify the consumer knowledge and awareness of sodium and salt reduction in foods and to characterize consumer interest in health labeling on the food package. Additionally, comparison of consumer knowledge status between Korea and United States was followed. Consumers (n = 289) participated in an internet survey designed to gauge consumer knowledge and attitudes toward dietary sodium, the sodium content in representative food products (n = 27), and their interest toward specific health claims, including sodium labeling. Questions regarding demographics as well as consumption characteristics were asked. Sodium knowledge index and saltiness belief index were calculated based on the number of correct responses regarding the salt level and sodium content in given food products. Kano analysis was conducted to determine the role of nutrition labels in consumer satisfaction with products. Current consumer knowledge on the sodium content in food products was high, and consumers were adept at matching the sodium content with the salty taste intensity of food products. Consumers’ knowledge of the relationship between diets high in sodium and an increased risk of developing previously reported sodium‐related diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer, were also high. Information on the nutrition panel that influences the consumer satisfaction (trans‐fat, sodium, ingredient list, and country of origin) as well as adjective‐nutrition claim pairs that appeal positively to purchase intent of the product were identified.
Matrix Metalloproteinases are Involved in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Azevedo Aline , Prado Alejandro F. , Antonio Raquel C. , Issa Joao P. , Gerlach Raquel F.
Published: June 2014

This MiniReview describes the essential biochemical and molecular aspects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and briefly discusses how they engage in different diseases, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular diseases. There is compelling scientific evidence that many MMPs, especially MMP‐2, play important roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases; inhibition of these enzymes is beneficial to many cardiovascular conditions, sometimes precluding or postponing end‐organ damage and fatal outcomes. Conducting comprehensive discussions and further studies on how MMPs participate in cardiovascular diseases is important, because inhibition of these enzymes may be an alternative or an adjuvant for current cardiovascular disease therapy.
Multicenter retrospective analysis of systemic chemotherapy for advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Machida Nozomu , Morizane Chigusa , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hideaki , Sudo Kentaro , Nishina Tomohiro , Tobimatsu Kazutoshi , Ishido Kenji , Furuse Junji , Boku Narikazu , Okusaka Takuji
Published: June 2014

This study analyzed outcomes of systemic chemotherapy for advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the digestive system. Clinical data from 258 patients with unresectable or recurrent NEC of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) or hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic system (HBP), who received chemotherapy, were collected from 23 Japanese institutions and analyzed retrospectively. Patients had primary sites in the esophagus (n = 85), stomach (n = 70), small bowel (n = 6), colorectum (n = 31), hepato‐biliary system (n = 31) and pancreas (n = 31). Median overall survival (OS) was 13.4 months the esophagus, 13.3 months for the stomach, 29.7 months for the small bowel, 7.6 months for the colorectum, 7.9 months for the hepato‐biliary system and 8.5 months for the pancreas. Irinotecan plus cisplatin (IP) and etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) were most commonly selected for GI‐NEC and HBP‐NEC. For patients treated with IP/EP (n = 160/46), the response rate was 50/28% and median OS was 13.0/7.3 months. Multivariate analysis among patients treated with IP or EP showed that the primary site (GI vs HBP; hazard ratio [HR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.97) and baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase levels (not elevated vs elevated; HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.94) were independent prognostic factors for OS, while the efficacy of IP was slightly better than for EP (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.48–1.33; P = 0.389). IP and EP are the most common treatment regimens for NEC of the digestive system. HBP primary sites and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels are unfavorable prognostic factors for survival. A randomized controlled trial is required to establish the appropriate chemotherapy regimen for advanced NEC of the digestive system. This study was registered at UMIN as trial number 000005176.
Long‐term adherence to sublingual therapy: literature review and suggestions for management strategies based on patients’ needs and preferences
Authors: Antico A.
Published: June 2014

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an at‐home, self‐administered, long‐term therapy. As with other chronic diseases, patient adherence is a prerequisite for the success of SLIT. Its ease of intake and convenience should ensure adequate patient compliance; however, a recent post‐marketing manufacturers’ survey has shown a very high rate of discontinuation. The available literature on patient adherence to SLIT is reviewed in the present article. Great differences exist between controlled studies, which show a satisfactory adherence rate, and long‐term real‐life studies, which show poor compliance with SLIT. Remarkable divergence in the weight placed on different reasons for SLIT discontinuation is reported in the various studies. The main reasons for withdrawal are analysed and discussed. Data from placebo‐controlled studies demonstrate that adherence depends less on the patient's perception of the inefficacy of therapy or other causes than on the patient's motivation, that is the patient's decision to participate in the trial and to meet the researcher's expectations. The enrolment of patients who agree to enter a blind, placebo‐controlled trial is conceptually similar to a concordance process. Concordance is a consultation process that aims to establish a therapeutic alliance between the physician and patient and to bring about agreement on a therapeutic programme. Concordance is based on the patient's beliefs and needs and implies actions that support the patient's adherence. Suggestions are given for a SLIT management strategy based on the concordance process and designed to integrate the patient's viewpoints into treatment‐related decisions and to meet patients’ preferences and their health‐system‐related needs.
The Evaluation of Preoperative Right Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction on Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Jin Yan , Wang Huishan , Wang Zengwei , Jiang Hui , Tao Dengshun , Wu Haibo
Published: June 2014

Objective

Early death following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery tends to occur in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with significantly decreased left ventricular function.

Methods

The clinical data of 231 patients with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% who underwent CABG were retrospectively analyzed from June 2007 to October 2012. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A contained 39 patients who suffered early postoperative death and group B contained 192 patients who had a successful CABG outcome.

Results

Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only significantly decreased preoperative right ventricular (RV) diastolic function (increase in Et/Et′) and lack of suitable target bypass vessels were independent risk factors for early death after CABG surgery in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function (P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). Other factors, including age, intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation, ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) treatment, left atrial internal diameter, and end‐diastolic left ventricular internal diameter, were not associated with early death following CABG. Preoperative Et/Et′ ≥10 was significantly associated with early death after CABG in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function (χ2 = 11.55, P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 17.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12–383.16).

Conclusion

Decreased preoperative RV diastolic function and lack of suitable target bypass vessels are independent risk factors for early death following CABG in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function. Therefore, assessment of preoperative RV diastolic function will be helpful in predicting early death after CABG in these patients. Additionally, Et/Et′ ≥10 is significantly associated with early death after CABG.
Usefulness of the Parameters of Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Contrast Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion and Collateral Flow
Authors: Cho Jung Sun , Her Sung‐Ho , Youn Ho‐Joong , Kim Chan Joon , Park Mahn‐Won , Kim Gee Hee , Chung Woo‐Baek , Park Chan Seok , Cho Eun‐Joo , Kim Mi‐Jeong , Jung Hae‐Ok , Jeon Hui‐Kyung
Published: June 2014

Background

Microvascular obstruction becomes more severe with longer duration of ischemia, such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) which used to have collateral flow. In this study, we explored the correlation between parameters measured using quantitative myocardial perfusion contrast echocardiography (MCE) and the angiographic collateral flow grades in patients with CTO. Furthermore, we investigated the usefulness of the parameters of quantitative MCE for the measurement of microvasculature changes after revascularization of CTO lesions.

Methods

Between January 2011 and January 2013, 44 patients who had undergone coronary angiography (CAG) due to chest pain and had confirmed CTO lesions were enrolled in this prospective observational study. All patients had baseline MCE within 24 hours after diagnostic CAG. Patients were then assigned to one of two groups: a medical therapy group (Group I, n = 20) or a reperfusion group with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (Group II, n = 24). All patients had follow‐up MCE 3 months later.

Results

Consistent with the CAG results in both groups, on baseline MCE, the myocardial blood flow (AI × β) values were higher in Grade III collateral flow than in Grade I or II collateral flow (AI of collateral flow Grade I vs. Grade II vs. Grade III: 2.34 ± 2.65 vs. 2.52 ± 2.67 vs. 3.87 ± 4.57, P = 0.038). The plateau acoustic intensity (AI) and wall‐motion score index (WMSI) were significantly improved at the 3‐month follow‐up after successful reperfusion with PCI (5.75 ± 3.52 before vs. 8.11 ± 6.02 after, P = 0.004) and (1.76 ± 0.83 before vs. 1.43 ± 0.64 after, P ≤ 0.001), respectively. However, the AI and WMSI values were not improved in the medical treatment group, (6.04 ± 4.64 before vs. 6.01 ± 5.52 after, P = 0.966) and (1.61 ± 0.82 before vs. 1.66 ± 0.67 after, P = 0.616), respectively.

Conclusions

MCE is a useful tool for estimating microvascularity in patients with CTO lesions and correlates well with angiographic collateral flow.
A Case of a Fistula between Myxoma and a Branch of Right Coronary Artery
Authors: D'Aloia Antonio , Bonadei Ivano , Vizzardi Enrico , Rovetta Riccardo , Sciatti Edoardo , Metra Marco
Published: June 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Atrial myxoma is a benign cardiac mass often seen during echocardiographic examinations. These masses often may present communication with coronary arteries due to the rupture of their vessel wall. We show the images of an incidental finding of two atrial myxomas with a fistula communication between them and a branch of right coronary artery.
Repeatability and Agreement of Real Time Three‐dimensional Echocardiography Measurements of Left Ventricular Mass and Synchrony in Young Patients
Authors: Ojala Tiina , Mathur Sujeev , Vatanen Anu , Sinha Manish D. , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Simpson John
Published: June 2014

Background

Left ventricular mass (LVM) and synchrony have prognostic value for many cardiovascular disease states. We report the agreement and repeatability of LVM estimation by three‐dimensional (3D) versus M‐mode and repeatability of 3D estimation of systolic dyssynchrony.

Methods

3DLVM was computed by subtraction of endocardial from epicardial volume X1.05 both at end‐diastole and end‐systole. M‐mode measurements were made at end‐diastole. This prospective study comprised 40 subjects, 20 patients with chronic kidney disease or treated neuroblastoma and 20 healthy individuals. The median age was 17 (range 6–29 years).

Results

Intra‐ and inter‐observer intraclass correlation was excellent for 3D systolic LVM (0.99, 0.87), 3D diastolic LVM (0.99, 0.93), M‐mode LVM (0.88, 0.93), moderate for 16‐segment SDI (0.77, 062), moderate to low for 12‐segment SDI (0.48, 0.73), and 6‐segment SDI (0.37, 0.69). The median (range) LVM measurement for 3D diastolic LVM was 125 g (50–253), 3D systolic LVM 109 g (40–195), and M‐mode LVM 115 g (range 40–207). There was a significant bias for diastolic 3DLVM to be higher than systolic 3D or M‐mode. Limits of agreement between methods were wide. The median (range) systolic dyssynchrony measurements were 2.0 (0.4–7.0), 1.5 (0.3–4.3), and 1.4 (0.3–4.5) for 16‐segment, 12‐segment, and 6‐segment models, respectively.

Conclusion

3D and M‐mode measurement of LVM are highly repeatable. Measurement bias and wide limits of agreement mean that the same echocardiographic technique should be used during follow‐up. Measurement of 3D systolic dyssynchrony is most repeatable using a 16‐segment model.
GWAS‐based pathway analysis differentiates between fluid and crystallized intelligence
Authors: Christoforou A. , Espeseth T. , Davies G. , Fernandes C. P. D. , Giddaluru S. , Mattheisen M. , Tenesa A. , Harris S. E. , Liewald D. C. , Payton A. , Ollier W. , Horan M. , Pendleton N. , Haggarty P. , Djurovic S. , Herms S. , Hoffman P. , Cichon S. , Starr J. M. , Lundervold A. , Reinvang I. , Steen V. M. , Deary I. J. , Le Hellard S.
Published: June 2014

Cognitive abilities vary among people. About 40–50% of this variability is due to general intelligence (g), which reflects the positive correlation among individuals' scores on diverse cognitive ability tests. g is positively correlated with many life outcomes, such as education, occupational status and health, motivating the investigation of its underlying biology. In psychometric research, a distinction is made between general fluid intelligence (gF) – the ability to reason in novel situations – and general crystallized intelligence (gC) – the ability to apply acquired knowledge. This distinction is supported by developmental and cognitive neuroscience studies. Classical epidemiological studies and recent genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have established that these cognitive traits have a large genetic component. However, no robust genetic associations have been published thus far due largely to the known polygenic nature of these traits and insufficient sample sizes. Here, using two GWAS datasets, in which the polygenicity of gF and gC traits was previously confirmed, a gene‐ and pathway‐based approach was undertaken with the aim of characterizing and differentiating their genetic architecture. Pathway analysis, using genes selected on the basis of relaxed criteria, revealed notable differences between these two traits. gF appeared to be characterized by genes affecting the quantity and quality of neurons and therefore neuronal efficiency, whereas long‐term depression (LTD) seemed to underlie gC. Thus, this study supports the gF–gC distinction at the genetic level and identifies functional annotations and pathways worthy of further investigation.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of Low‐Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of primary teeth
Authors: Fernandes Ana Paula , Lourenço Neto Natalino , Teixeira Marques Nádia Carolina , Silveira Moretti Ana Beatriz , Sakai Vivien Thiemy , Cruvinel Silva Thiago , Andrade Moreira Machado Maria Aparecida , Marchini Oliveira Thais
Published: June 2014

Aim

This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of human primary teeth.

Methods

Sixty mandibular primary molars of children aged between 5–9 years were assigned into four groups: Diluted Formocresol (FC), Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Calcium Hydroxide preceded by Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT + CH). The clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12 and 18 post‐operative months.

Results

All the groups studied were successful in the clinical evaluation over the follow‐up period. At 6 months, the radiographic success rate for FC group was 100%, 60% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 85.7% for LLLT + CH group. After 12 months, the radiographic success rate was 100% for FC group, 50% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 78.6% for LLLT + CH group. At the 18 months follow‐up, 100% of the FC group, 66.7% of CH group, 73.3% of the LLLT group and 75% of the LLLT + CH group.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Low Level Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjuvant alternative for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth. Low Level Laser Therapy preceding the use of calcium hydroxide showed satisfactory results.
A Novel Route to Greatly Enhanced Dielectric Permittivity with Reduce Loss Tangent in CaCu3−xZnxTi4O12/CaTiO3 Composites
Authors: Jumpatam Jutapol , Putasaeng Bundit , Yamwong Teerapon , Thongbai Prasit , Maensiri Santi
Published: June 2014

Dielectric and nonlinear properties of a binary compound derived from Ca2Cu2Ti4O12 were greatly improved by doping with Zn2+ to deliberately create CaCu3–xZnxTi4O12/CaTiO3 composites. Ca2Cu1.8Zn0.2Ti4O12 composition can exhibit an enhanced ε′, ~6,513, with a strong reduction in tanδ to ~0.015 (at 1 kHz). The nonlinear coefficient and breakdown field strength were significantly enhanced. The dielectric and nonlinear properties were described based on the effect of Zn2+ substitution on electrical response of internal interfaces.
Electrical Behavior of Nonstoichiometric TiN1+x Nanofibers by Electrospinning
Authors: Cheng Jing , Li Heping , Huang Siya , Pan Wei
Published: June 2014

Nonstoichiometric TiN1+x(x = 0–0.26) nanofibers have been successfully fabricated by electrospinning versus ammonification process. Electrical properties of TiN1+x nanofibers were investigated with respect to the stoichiometric deviation degree x. The electric conductivity of the TiN1+x nanofiber reached as high as 121.1 S/cm with x = 0.03. When stoichiometric deviation degree increased, the electric conductivity decreased and nonlinear I–V character was shown in these TiN1+x nanofibers. The nonohmic electric characters of the nonstoichiometric TiN1+x nanofiber prepared by electrospinning combined with ammoniation demonstrated a promising candidate of one‐dimensional material applied in electric devices such as varistors or microswitch.
Diffusion Properties of Scandium in Lithium Niobate Crystal
Authors: Zhang De‐Long , Qiu Cong‐Xian , Wong Wing‐Han , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun
Published: June 2014

Diffusion properties of Sc3+ in LiNbO3 crystal were studied, together with other two related issues: Sc3+‐doping effect on LiNbO3 refractive index and Li2O out‐diffusion arising from Sc3+ in‐diffusion. To reach the goal, some Sc3+‐doped LiNbO3 crystal plates were prepared by in‐diffusion of Sc2O3 film coated onto Z‐cut congruent substrates in air at different temperatures ranging from 1030°C to 1130°C. After diffusion, the refractive indices at the doped and undoped parts of surface were measured by prism coupling technique and the surface composition was evaluated from the measured index. The results show that the Sc3+ doping has little contribution to the substrate index and the Li2O out‐diffusion is not measurable. The Sc3+ profile was analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Some characteristic parameters such as temperature‐dependent diffusivity, diffusion constant, activation energy, and surface concentration are obtained. The Sc3+/Ti4+ co‐diffusion characteristics were also studied. Comparison shows that in the single‐diffusion case, the Sc3+ diffusivity is considerably smaller than the Ti4+ diffusivity. In the Sc3+/Ti4+ co‐diffusion case, the Ti4+ co‐diffusion results in substantial increase in Sc3+ diffusivity while the Ti4+ diffusivity changing little. The diffusion characteristics are qualitatively explained. The Ti4+‐assisted Sc3+ diffusion would be utilizable in shortening the fabrication period of an optical‐damage‐resistant Ti‐diffused LiNbO3 waveguide doped with Sc3+, and some considerations for the fabrication are given.
Specific serum microRNA profile in the molecular diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Tang Weibing , Li Hongxing , Tang Junwei , Wu Wei , Qin Jingjing , Lei Hao , Cai Peng , Huo Weiwei , Li Bo , Rehan Virender , Xu Xiaoqun , Geng Qiming , Zhang Hongwei , Xia Yankai
Published: June 2014

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), a congenital gastrointestinal disorder, is one of the most common causes of neonatal bowel obstruction. Without an early screening and diagnosis, some patients develop serious complications, such as toxic megacolon or acute enterocolitis. We sought to identify specific serum microRNAs (miRNAs) that can serve as novel early, non‐invasive screening signature and then to test their specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing Hirschsprung's disease. We obtained serum samples from 95 HSCR cases and 104 matched controls. An initial screening of miRNA expression was performed through TaqMan Low Density Array. The candidate miRNAs were validated by individual reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR arranged in the training and a two‐stage validation set. Additional double‐blind testing was performed in 23 patients with clinically suspected HSCR to evaluate the diagnostic value and accuracy of the serum miRNA profile in predicting HSCR. Following a multi‐stage evaluation approach, five miRNAs were significantly increased in HSCR cases compared with controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of this five‐serum miRNA signature were 0.895, 0.893 and 0.925 in training set and two validation sets, respectively. The accuracy rate of the five‐miRNA profile as HSCR signature was 82.6%, which, in the double‐blind testing set, was markedly higher than that of contrast enema (70%), the most commonly used test performed to diagnose HSCR. Our results indicate that a five‐serum miRNA signature may be linked to HSCR, representing a potential, novel, non‐invasive diagnostic approach for early screening of HSCR.
Relationship Education in Community Settings: Effectiveness with Distressed and Non‐Distressed Low‐Income Racial Minority Couples
Authors: Quirk Kelley , Strokoff Johanna , Owen Jesse J. , France Tiffany , Bergen Carrie
Published: June 2014

Couple relationship education (CRE) programs are intended to prevent negative couple outcomes, however, some evidence suggests couples in greater distress may still benefit. The current study examined pre‐ and postchanges in relationship functioning of 362 low‐income African American and Hispanic couples. Outcomes (dedication and communication) were assessed by examining differences between two distinct groupings of couples; distressed (both partners reporting clinically significant distress) and nondistressed (neither partner reporting clinically significant distress) couples. Distressed couples at predemonstrated large‐sized gains in all outcome variables, as compared to nondistressed couples. Those who participated in the single‐couple format demonstrated lower gains in positive communication as compared to those in the group format. Implications for distressed couples in CRE programs are offered.
Controlled ventilation or spontaneous respiration in anesthesia for tracheobronchial foreign body removal: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Chen Lianhua , Li Shitong
Published: June 2014

Background

Either controlled ventilation or spontaneous respiration is commonly used in general anesthesia for inhaled foreign body removal via rigid bronchoscopy. Controversy in the literature exists concerning which form of ventilation is optimally suited for bronchoscopy. We performed a meta‐analysis to compare controlled ventilation and spontaneous respiration with respect to complications, operation time, and anesthesia recovery time.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (1946–2013) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE. The articles were evaluated for validity, and the data on complications, including desaturation, laryngospasm, laryngeal edema, bucking and coughing, body movement, breath holding, operation time, and anesthesia recovery time, were extracted by the authors and summarized using odds ratios, mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

From the included studies, 423 subjects received controlled ventilation, whereas 441 subjects received spontaneous respiration. There was no significant difference in the incidence of desaturation between controlled ventilation and spontaneous respiration (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.30–1.63). However, the incidence of laryngospasm was lower when controlled ventilation was performed (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10–0.76). The operation time (mean difference, −9.07 min; 95% CI, −14.03 to −4.12) was shorter in the controlled ventilation group.

Conclusions

Current evidence does not show a preference for either controlled ventilation or spontaneous respiration, although laryngospasm has a lower incidence when controlled ventilation is performed. Additional clinical studies are required to substantiate this issue.
Development of a CAPS marker for the badh2.7 allele in Sri Lankan fragrant rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Dissanayaka Shachinthaka , Kottearachchi Nisha Sulari , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Peiris Milani
Published: June 2014

Fragrance in rice is caused by mutations in the badh2 (betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase) gene. It was previously reported that exons 1, 2, 7, 10, 13 and 14 of badh2 are hot spots for various mutations leading to fragrance in most aromatic rice. This study was carried out to sequence the 14th exon of badh2 gene of Sri Lankan aromatic rice varieties that lack the badh2.1 allele. The aims of the study were to predict the aberrant protein structure and to develop a functional DNA marker. In view of this, we sequenced the 14th exon of four traditional aromatic accessions and compared with a published sequence. Four accessions contained a nucleotide ‘G’ insertion in the 14th exon. This novel mutation can be classified as the badh2.7 allele. The predicted three‐dimensional protein structure of the mutant shows loss of part of the oligomerization and coenzyme binding domains, a change that is predicted to result in fragrance. A CAPS‐based novel marker, Bad2.7CAPS, was developed to identify varieties possessing this badh2.7 allele, and it can be utilized in rice breeding programmes.
Indigenous Bacteria and Fungi Drive Traditional Kimoto Sake Fermentations
Authors: Bokulich Nicholas A. , Ohta Moe , Lee Morgan , Mills David A.
Published: June 2014

Sake (Japanese rice wine) production is a complex, multistage process in which fermentation is performed by a succession of mixed fungi and bacteria. This study employed high-throughput rRNA marker gene sequencing, quantitative PCR, and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism to characterize the bacterial and fungal communities of spontaneous sake production from koji to product as well as brewery equipment surfaces. Results demonstrate a dynamic microbial succession, with koji and early moto fermentations dominated by
Bacillus
,
Staphylococcus
, and
Aspergillus flavus
var. oryzae, succeeded by
Lactobacillus
spp. and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
later in the fermentations. The microbiota driving these fermentations were also prevalent in the production environment, illustrating the reservoirs and routes for microbial contact in this traditional food fermentation. Interrogating the microbial consortia of production environments in parallel with food products is a valuable approach for understanding the complete ecology of food production systems and can be applied to any food system, leading to enlightened perspectives for process control and food safety.
Wild Bird Surveillance for Avian Paramyxoviruses in the Azov-Black Sea Region of Ukraine (2006 to 2011) Reveals Epidemiological Connections with Europe and Africa
Authors: Muzyka Denys , Pantin-Jackwood Mary , Stegniy Borys , Rula Oleksandr , Bolotin Vitaliy , Stegniy Anton , Gerilovych Anton , Shutchenko Pavlo , Stegniy Maryna , Koshelev Vasyl , Maiorova Klavdii , Tkachenko Semen , Muzyka Nataliia , Usova Larysa , Afonso Claudio L.
Published: June 2014

Despite the existence of 10 avian paramyxovirus (APMV) serotypes, very little is known about the distribution, host species, and ecological factors affecting virus transmission. To better understand the relationship among these factors, we conducted APMV wild bird surveillance in regions of Ukraine suspected of being intercontinental (north to south and east to west) flyways. Surveillance for APMV was conducted in 6,735 wild birds representing 86 species and 8 different orders during 2006 to 2011 through different seasons. Twenty viruses were isolated and subsequently identified as APMV-1 (n= 9), APMV-4 (n= 4), APMV-6 (n= 3), and APMV-7 (n= 4). The highest isolation rate occurred during the autumn migration (0.61%), with viruses isolated from mallards, teals, dunlins, and a wigeon. The rate of isolation was lower during winter (December to March) (0.32%), with viruses isolated from ruddy shelducks, mallards, white-fronted geese, and a starling. During spring migration, nesting, and postnesting (April to August) no APMV strains were isolated out of 1,984 samples tested. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of four APMV-1 and two APMV-4 viruses showed that one APMV-1 virus belonging to class 1 was epidemiologically linked to viruses from China, three class II APMV-1 viruses were epidemiologically connected with viruses from Nigeria and Luxembourg, and one APMV-4 virus was related to goose viruses from Egypt. In summary, we have identified the wild bird species most likely to be infected with APMV, and our data support possible intercontinental transmission of APMVs by wild birds.
Flow Cytometry and Real-Time Quantitative PCR as Tools for Assessing Plasmid Persistence
Authors: Loftie-Eaton Wesley , Tucker Allison , Norton Ann , Top Eva M.
Published: June 2014

The maintenance of a plasmid in the absence of selection for plasmid-borne genes is not guaranteed. However, plasmid persistence can evolve under selective conditions. Studying the molecular mechanisms behind the evolution of plasmid persistence is key to understanding how plasmids are maintained under nonselective conditions. Given the current crisis of rapid antibiotic resistance spread by multidrug resistance plasmids, this insight is of high medical relevance. The conventional method for monitoring plasmid persistence (i.e., the fraction of plasmid-containing cells in a population over time) is based on cultivation and involves differentiating colonies of plasmid-containing and plasmid-free cells on agar plates. However, this technique is time-consuming and does not easily lend itself to high-throughput applications. Here, we present flow cytometry (FCM) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) as alternative tools for monitoring plasmid persistence. For this, we measured the persistence of a model plasmid, pB10::
gfp
, in three
Pseudomonas
hosts and in known mixtures of plasmid-containing and -free cells. We also compared three performance criteria: dynamic range, resolution, and variance. Although not without exceptions, both techniques generated estimates of overall plasmid loss rates that were rather similar to those generated by the conventional plate count (PC) method. They also were able to resolve differences in loss rates between artificial plasmid persistence assays. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each technique and conclude that, overall, both FCM and real-time qPCR are suitable alternatives to cultivation-based methods for routine measurement of plasmid persistence, thereby opening avenues for high-throughput analyses.
Modularity Reveals the Tendency of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi To Interact Differently with Generalist and Specialist Plant Species in Gypsum Soils
Authors: Torrecillas Emma , del Mar Alguacil Maria , Roldán Antonio , Díaz Gisela , Montesinos-Navarro Alicia , Torres Maria Pilar
Published: June 2014

Patterns in plant–soil biota interactions could be influenced by the spatial distribution of species due to soil conditions or by the functional traits of species. Gypsum environments usually constitute a mosaic of heterogeneous soils where gypsum and nongypsum soils are imbricated at a local scale. A case study of the interactions of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in gypsum environments can be illustrative of patterns in biotic interactions. We hypothesized that (i) soil characteristics might affect the AMF community and (ii) there are differences between the AMF communities (modules) associated with plants exclusive to gypsum soils (gypsophytes) and those associated with plants that show facultative behavior on gypsum and/or marly-limestone soils (gypsovags). We used indicator species and network analyses to test for differences between the AMF communities harbored in gypsophyte and gypsovag plants. We recorded 46 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to nine genera ofGlomeromycota. The indicator species analysis showed two OTUs preferentially associating with gypsum soils and three OTUs preferentially associating with marly-limestone soils. Modularity analysis revealed that soil type can be a major factor shaping AMF communities, and some AMF groups showed a tendency to interact differently with plants that had distinct ecological strategies (gypsophytes and gypsovags). Characterization of ecological networks can be a valuable tool for ascertaining the potential influence of above- and below-ground biotic interactions (plant-AMF) on plant community composition.
Identification of Different Bartonella Species in the Cattle Tail Louse (Haematopinus quadripertusus) and in Cattle Blood
Authors: Gutiérrez Ricardo , Cohen Liron , Morick Danny , Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Harrus Shimon , Gottlieb Yuval
Published: June 2014

Bartonella
spp. are worldwide-distributed facultative intracellular bacteria that exhibit an immense genomic diversity across mammal and arthropod hosts. The occurrence of cattle-associated
Bartonella
species was investigated in the cattle tail louse
Haematopinus quadripertusus
and in dairy cattle blood from Israel. Lice were collected from cattle from two dairy farms during summer 2011, and both lice and cow blood samples were collected from additional seven farms during the successive winter. The lice were identified morphologically and molecularly using 18S rRNA sequencing. Thereafter, they were screened for
Bartonella
DNA by conventional and real-time PCR assays using four partial genetic loci (
gltA
,
rpoB
,
ssrA
, and internal transcribed spacer [ITS]). A potentially novel
Bartonella
variant, closely related to other ruminant bartonellae, was identified in 11 of 13 louse pools collected in summer. In the cattle blood, the prevalence of
Bartonella
infection was 38%, identified as
B. bovis
and
B. henselae
(24 and 12%, respectively). A third genotype, closely related to
Bartonella
melophagi
and
Bartonella chomelii
(based on the
ssrA
gene) and to
B. bovis
(based on the ITS sequence) was identified in a single cow. The relatively high prevalence of these
Bartonella
species in cattle and the occurrence of phylogenetically diverse
Bartonella
variants in both cattle and their lice suggest the potential role of this animal system in the generation of
Bartonella
species diversity.
Transmission and Retention of Salmonella enterica by Phytophagous Hemipteran Insects
Authors: Soto-Arias José Pablo , Groves Russell L. , Barak Jeri D.
Published: June 2014

Several pest insects of human and livestock habitations are known as vectors of
Salmonella enterica
; however, the role of plant-feeding insects as vectors of
S. enterica
to agricultural crops remains unexamined. Using a hemipteran insect pest-lettuce system, we investigated the potential for transmission and retention of
S. enterica
. Specifically,
Macrosteles quadrilineatus
and
Myzus persicae
insects were fed
S. enterica
-inoculated lettuce leaf discs or artificial liquid diets confined in Parafilm sachets to allow physical contact or exclusively oral ingestion of the pathogen, respectively. After a 24-h acquisition access period, insects were moved onto two consecutive noninoculated leaf discs or liquid diets and allowed a 24-h inoculation access period on each of the two discs or sachets. Similar proportions of individuals from both species ingested
S. enterica
after a 24-h acquisition access period from inoculated leaf discs, but a significantly higher proportion of
M. quadrilineatus
retained the pathogen internally after a 48-h inoculation access period.
S. enterica
was also recovered from the honeydew of both species. After a 48-h inoculation access period, bacteria were recovered from a significantly higher proportion of honeydew samples from
M. quadrilineatus
than from
M. persicae
insects. The recovery of
S. enterica
from leaf discs and liquid diets postfeeding demonstrated that both species of insects were capable of transmitting the bacteria in ways that are not limited to mechanical transmission. Overall, these results suggest that phytophagous insects may serve as potential vectors of
S. enterica
in association with plants.
The Strictly Aerobic Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica Tolerates Loss of a Mitochondrial DNA-Packaging Protein
Authors: Bakkaiova Jana , Arata Kosuke , Matsunobu Miki , Ono Bungo , Aoki Tomoyo , Lajdova Dana , Nebohacova Martina , Nosek Jozef , Miyakawa Isamu , Tomaska Lubomir
Published: June 2014

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is highly compacted into DNA-protein structures termed mitochondrial nucleoids (mt-nucleoids). The key mt-nucleoid components responsible for mtDNA condensation are HMG box-containing proteins such as mammalian mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and Abf2p of the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. To gain insight into the function and organization of mt-nucleoids in strictly aerobic organisms, we initiated studies of these DNA-protein structures in
Yarrowia lipolytica
. We identified a principal component of mt-nucleoids in this yeast and termed it
Yl
Mhb1p (

Y
.
l
ipolytica

m
itochondrial
H
MG
b
ox-containing protein 1).
Yl
Mhb1p contains two putative HMG boxes contributing both to DNA binding and to its ability to compact mtDNA
in vitro
. Phenotypic analysis of a Δ
mhb1
strain lacking
Yl
Mhb1p resulted in three interesting findings. First, although the mutant exhibits clear differences in mt-nucleoids accompanied by a large decrease in the mtDNA copy number and the number of mtDNA-derived transcripts, its respiratory characteristics and growth under most of the conditions tested are indistinguishable from those of the wild-type strain. Second, our results indicate that a potential imbalance between subunits of the respiratory chain encoded separately by nuclear DNA and mtDNA is prevented at a (post)translational level. Third, we found that mtDNA in the Δ
mhb1
strain is more prone to mutations, indicating that mtHMG box-containing proteins protect the mitochondrial genome against mutagenic events.
A systematic review of measures of self-reported adherence to unsupervised home-based rehabilitation exercise programmes, and their psychometric properties
Authors: Bollen Jessica C , Dean Sarah G , Siegert Richard J , Howe Tracey E , Goodwin Victoria A
Published: June 2014

Background

Adherence is an important factor contributing to the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation. However, there appears to be a lack of reliable, validated measures to assess self-reported adherence to prescribed but unsupervised home-based rehabilitation exercises.

Objectives

A systematic review was conducted to establish what measures were available and to evaluate their psychometric properties.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO CINAHL (June 2013) and the Cochrane library were searched (September 2013). Reference lists from articles meeting the inclusion criteria were checked to ensure all relevant papers were included.

Study selection

To be included articles had to be available in English; use a self-report measure of adherence in relation to a prescribed but unsupervised home-based exercise or physical rehabilitation programme; involve participants over the age of 18. All health conditions and clinical populations were included.

Data extraction

Descriptive data reported were collated on a data extraction sheet. The measures were evaluated in terms of eight psychometric quality criteria.

Results

58 studies were included, reporting 61 different measures including 29 questionnaires, 29 logs, two visual analogue scales and one tally counter. Only two measures scored positively for one psychometric property (content validity). The majority of measures had no reported validity or reliability testing.

Conclusions

The results expose a gap in the literature for well-developed measures that capture self-reported adherence to prescribed but unsupervised home-based rehabilitation exercises.
Clinical, laboratory and health-related quality of life correlates of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index response: a post hoc analysis of the phase 3 belimumab trials
Authors: Furie Richard , Petri Michelle A , Strand Vibeke , Gladman Dafna D , Zhong Z John , Freimuth William W ,   the BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 Study Groups
Published: June 2014

Objective

Correlates of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Responder Index (SRI) response with clinical trial end points were examined using pooled data from the Study of Belimumab in Subjects with SLE (BLISS) trials (N=1684).

Methods

Changes in clinical, laboratory and health-related quality of life measures from baseline at 52 weeks were compared between SRI responders (n=761) and non-responders (n=923).

Results

More SRI responders than non-responders had ≥4-point (100% vs 3.8%) and ≥7-point (40.3% vs 1.3%) Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index reductions, no new British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) A and ≤1 new B scores (91.9% vs 35.9%), and a 25% reduction in corticosteroid dose decrease of 25% from >7.5 mg/d to ≤7.5 mg/d (25.5% vs 13.9%), and fewer had a corticosteroid increase from ≤7.5 mg/d to >7.5 mg/d (4.1% vs 21.3%; all p<0.001). More responders than non-responders had improved organ domains: Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (mean 1.45 vs 0.40), BILAG (2.00 vs 0.39), and greater improvement in Physician's Global Assessment (all p<0.001). Risks for developing any SLE flare or severe flare were reduced in responders by 42% and 87%, respectively (p<0.001). Responders reported greater improvements in Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form version 2 Physical and Mental Components and all domain scores, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score compared with non-responders (all p<0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, SRI response in patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE was associated with improvements in clinical, laboratory and patient-reported outcome measures, indicating that SRI response was associated with a global benefit.

Trial registration number

NCT00424476;NCT00410384.