bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving nutritional quality and fungal tolerance in soya bean and grass pea by expressing an oxalate decarboxylase
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Chattopadhyay Arnab , Ghosh Sumit , Irfan Mohammad , Chakraborty Niranjan , Chakraborty Subhra , Datta Asis 
Published: January 2016

SummarySoya bean (Glycine max) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) seeds are important sources of dietary proteins; however, they also contain antinutritional metabolite oxalic acid (OA). Excess dietary intake of OA leads to nephrolithiasis due to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in kidneys. Besides, OA is also a known precursor of β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐α,β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP), a neurotoxin found in grass pea. Here, we report the reduction in OA level in soya bean (up to 73%) and grass pea (up to 75%) seeds by constitutive and/or seed‐specific expression of an oxalate‐degrading enzyme, oxalate decarboxylase (FvOXDC) of Flammulina velutipes. In addition, β‐ODAP level of grass pea seeds was also reduced up to 73%. Reduced OA content was interrelated with the associated increase in seeds micronutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc. Moreover, constitutive expression of FvOXDC led to improved tolerance to the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum that requires OA during host colonization. Importantly, FvOXDC‐expressing soya bean and grass pea plants were similar to the wild type with respect to the morphology and photosynthetic rates, and seed protein pool remained unaltered as revealed by the comparative proteomic analysis. Taken together, these results demonstrated improved seed quality and tolerance to the fungal pathogen in two important legume crops, by the expression of an oxalate‐degrading enzyme.
Approach‐motivated pregoal states enhance the reward positivity
Authors: Threadgill A. Hunter , Gable Philip A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPast work has demonstrated that the reward positivity (RewP) indexes a performance‐monitoring system sensitive to positive outcomes. However, studies have not investigated how approach‐motivated states occurring in goal pursuit influence performance monitoring. Using a modified monetary incentive delay task, participants played a reaction time game evoking approach‐motivated pregoal (reward trials) or neutral (no‐reward trials) states. Then, they received trial feedback resulting in monetary gain or no gain. Results revealed that the RewP was larger to win feedback on reward trials than win or no‐win feedback after neutral trials. P3 amplitudes were larger to infrequent feedback than frequent feedback, regardless of trial type or outcome. Furthermore, faster reaction times on reward trials related to larger RewP amplitudes after approach‐motivated pregoal states. Approach‐motivated pregoal states enhance RewP amplitudes for both successful and unsuccessful goal outcomes. Enhanced performance, as measured by faster reaction times, in approach‐motivated pregoal states relates to enhanced performance monitoring.
Health‐Economics Analyses Applied to ELF Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Kandel Shaiela , Swanson John , Kheifets Leeka 
Published: January 2016

Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF EMFs) are a common exposure for modern populations. The prevailing public‐health protection paradigm is that quantitative exposure limits are based on the established acute effects, whereas the possible chronic effects are considered too uncertain for quantitative limits, but might justify precautionary measures. The choice of precautionary measures can be informed by a health‐economics analysis (HEA).We consider four such analyses of precautionary measures that have been conducted at a national or state level in California, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Israel.We describe the context of each analysis, examine how they deal with some of the more significant issues that arise, and present a comparison of the input parameters and assumptions used.The four HEAs are methodologically similar. The most significant qualitative choices that have to be made are what dose‐response relationship to assume, what allowance if any to make for uncertainty, and, for a CBA only, what diseases to consider, and all four analyses made similar choices.These analyses suggest that, on the assumptions made, there are some low‐cost measures, such as rephasing, that can be applied to transmission in some circumstances and that can be justifiable in cost‐benefit terms, but that higher cost measures, such as undergrounding, become unjustifiable. Of the four HEAs, those in the United Kingdom and Israel were influential in determining the country's EMF policy. In California and Netherlands, the HEA may well have informed the debate, but the policy chosen did not stem directly from the HEA.
Cross‐cultural care encounters in paediatric care: minority ethnic parents’ experiences
Authors: Tavallali Azar Gashasb , Jirwe Maria , Kabir Zarina Nahar 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundBecause of worldwide migration, the healthcare staff in general as well as in paedi"atric care specifically is challenged increasingly by people from various ethnic backgrounds. The challenge is related to providing culturally competent care and effectively communicating with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who have different health beliefs, practices, values and languages. This also applies to the Swedish society and to Swedish paediatric care.AimThe purpose of this study was to describe the expectations and experiences of cross‐cultural care encounters among minority ethnic parents in Swedish paediatric care.MethodA qualitative design was used in the study. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews between October 2011 and March 2012. The sample consisted of 12 parents of minority ethnic backgrounds who had their child in a ward at a children's hospital in the Stockholm County Council. The interviews were analysed using manifest content analysis.Ethical considerationsThe Regional Ethical Review Committee approved the study (Ref: Nr: 2011/927‐31/5).ResultsThe analysis of the interviews led to three categories: fundamentals in nursing, cultural sensitivity and understanding, and influencing conditions.ConclusionsGeneric knowledge and skills of nurses outweighed the need for the nurses to have culture‐specific knowledge of their patients or relatives in cross‐cultural care encounters. Language skills and the availability of bilingual nurses in a multi‐ethnic society can facilitate communication and increase parents’ satisfaction in cross‐cultural care encounters.
Caring for patients with rabies in developing countries – the neglected importance of palliative care
Authors: Tarantola Arnaud , Crabol Yoann , Mahendra Bangalore Jayakrishnappa , In Sotheary , Barennes Hubert , Bourhy Hervé , Peng Yiksing , Ly Sowath , Buchy Philippe 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAlthough limited publications address clinical management of symptomatic patients with rabies in intensive care units, the overwhelming majority of human rabies cases occur in the rural setting of developing countries where healthcare workers are few, lack training and drugs. Based on our experience, we suggest how clinicians in resource‐limited settings can make best use of essential drugs to provide assistance to patients with rabies and their families, at no risk to themselves. Comprehensive and compassionate patient management of furious rabies should aim to alleviate thirst, anxiety and epileptic fits using infusions, diazepam or midazolam and antipyretic drugs via intravenous or intrarectal routes. Although the patient is dying, respiratory failure must be avoided especially if the family, after being informed, wish to take the patient home alive for funereal rites to be observed. Healthcare staff should be trained and clinical guidelines should be updated to include palliative care for rabies in endemic countries.
Full‐thickness porcine burns infected with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be effectively treated with topical antibiotics
Authors: Tsai David M. , Tracy Lauren E. , Lee Cameron C. Y. , Hackl Florian , Kiwanuka Elizabeth , Minasian Raquel A. , Onderdonk Andrew , Junker Johan P. E. , Eriksson Elof , Caterson E. J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBurn and blast injuries are frequently complicated by invasive infections, which lead to poor wound healing, delay in treatment, disability, or death. Traditional approach centers on early debridement, fluid resuscitation, and adjunct intravenous antibiotics. These modalities often prove inadequate in burns, where compromised local vasculature limits the tissue penetration of systemic antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the treatment of infected burns with topical delivery of ultrahigh concentrations of antibiotics. Standardized burns were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After debridement, burns were treated with either gentamicin (2 mg/mL) or minocycline (1 mg/mL) at concentrations greater than 1,000 times the minimum inhibitory concentration. Amount of bacteria was quantified in tissue biopsies and wound fluid following treatment. After six days of gentamicin or minocycline treatment, S. aureus counts decreased from 4.2 to 0.31 and 0.72 log CFU/g in tissue, respectively. Similarly, P. aeruginosa counts decreased from 2.5 to 0.0 and 1.5 log CFU/g in tissue, respectively. Counts of both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa remained at a baseline of 0.0 log CFU/mL in wound fluid for both treatment groups. The findings here demonstrate that super‐therapeutic concentrations of antibiotics delivered topically can rapidly reduce bacterial counts in infected full‐thickness porcine burns. This treatment approach may aid wound bed preparation and accelerate time to grafting.
Extracorporeal shock waves modulate myofibroblast differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Rinella Letizia , Marano Francesca , Berta Laura , Bosco Ornella , Fraccalvieri Marco , Fortunati Nicoletta , Frairia Roberto , Catalano Maria Graziella 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells are precursors of myofibroblasts, cells deeply involved in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. However, since myofibroblast persistence is associated with the development of tissue fibrosis, the use of tools that can modulate stem cell differentiation toward myofibroblasts is central. Extracorporeal shock waves are transient short‐term acoustic pulses first employed to treat urinary stones. They are a leading choice in the treatment of several orthopedic diseases and, notably, they have been reported as an effective treatment for patients with fibrotic sequels from burn scars. Based on these considerations, the aim of this study is to define the role of shock waves in modulating the differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells toward myofibroblasts. Shock waves inhibit the development of a myofibroblast phenotype; they down‐regulate the expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin and the extracellular matrix protein type I collagen. Functionally, stem cells acquire a more fibroblast‐like profile characterized by a low contractility and a high migratory ability. Shock wave treatment reduces the expression of integrin alpha 11, a major collagen receptor in fibroblastic cells, involved in myofibroblast differentiation. Mechanistically, the resistance of integrin alpha 11‐overexpressing cells to shock waves in terms of alpha smooth muscle actin expression and cell migration and contraction suggests also a role of this integrin in the translation of shock wave signal into stem cell responses. In conclusion, this in vitro study shows that stem cell differentiation toward myofibroblasts can be controlled by shock waves and, consequently, sustains their use as a therapeutic approach in reducing the risk of skin and tissue fibrosis.
Effects of a TAKE 10! Classroom-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Third- to Fifth-Grade Children’s On-task Behavior
Authors: Goh Tan Leng , Hannon James , Webster Collin , Podlog Leslie , Newton Maria 
Published: January 2016

Background:Prolonged sitting at desks during the school day without a break may result in off-task behavior in students. This study was designed to examine the effects of a classroom physical activity intervention, using TAKE 10!, on elementary school students’ on-task behavior. Nine classes (3rd to 5th grades) from 1 elementary school participated in the program (4-week baseline and 8-week intervention).Methods:The students’ on-task behavior was measured using systematic direct observation. Observations occurred once a week during weeks 1 to 4 (baseline) and weeks 8 to 12 (intervention). A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare on-task behavior between observation periods.Results:There was a significant decrease (P = .001) in mean percentage on-task behavior from preno TAKE 10! (91.2 ± 3.4) to postno TAKE 10! (83.5 ± 4.0) during the baseline period, whereas there was a significant increase (P = .001) in mean percentage on-task behavior from pre-TAKE 10! (82.3 ± 4.5) to post-TAKE 10! (89.5 ± 2.7) during the intervention period.Conclusions:Furthermore, students who received more daily TAKE 10! were found to be more on-task than students who received less TAKE 10!. The TAKE 10! program is effective in improving students’ on-task behavior in the classroom.
Standardized Escherichia coli O157:H7 Exposure Studies in Cattle Provide Evidence that Bovine Factors Do Not Drive Increased Summertime Colonization
Authors: Sheng Haiqing , Shringi Smriti , Baker Katherine N. K. , Minnich Scott A. , Hovde Carolyn J. , Besser Thomas E. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

The increased summertime prevalence of cattle carriage of enterohemorrhagic Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 (STEC O157) is associated with the increased summertime incidence of human infection. The mechanism driving the seasonality of STEC O157 carriage among cattle is unknown. We conducted experimental challenge trials to distinguish whether factors extrinsic or intrinsic to cattle underlie the seasonality of STEC O157 colonization. Holstein steers (
n
= 20) exposed to ambient environmental conditions were challenged with a standardized pool of STEC O157 strains four times at 6-month intervals. The densities and durations of rectoanal junction mucosa (RAJ) colonization with STEC O157 were compared by season (winter versus summer), dose (10
9
CFU versus 10
7
CFU), and route of challenge (oral versus rectal). Following summer challenges, the RAJ STEC O157 colonization density was significantly lower (
P
= 0.016) and the duration was shorter (
P
= 0.052) than for winter challenges, a seasonal pattern opposite to that observed naturally. Colonization was unaffected by the challenge route, indicating that passage through the gastrointestinal microbiome did not significantly affect the infectious dose to the RAJ. A 2-log reduction of the challenge doses in the second-year trials was accompanied by similarly reduced RAJ colonization in both seasons (
P
< 0.001). These results refute the hypothesis that cattle are predisposed to STEC O157 colonization during the summer months, either due to intrinsic factors or indirectly due to gastrointestinal tract microbiome effects. Instead, the data support the hypothesis that the increased summertime STEC O157 colonization results from increased seasonal oral exposure to this pathogen.
Complete Genome Sequence of Seneca Valley Virus CH-01-2015 Identified in China
Authors: Wu Qiwen , Zhao Xiaoya , Chen Yanshan , He Xiaoming , Zhang Guanqun , Ma Jingyun 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT
The complete genome sequence of Seneca Valley virus (SVV), a single-stranded RNA virus that causes porcine vesicular disease in China, has been sequenced and analyzed. This Chinese isolate shares 94.4 to 97.1% sequence identity to another 8 strains from Canada, Brazil, and the United States. This is the first report of SVV infecting swine in China.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Four Strains Closely Related to Members of the Mycobacterium chelonae Group, Isolated from Biofilms in a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator
Authors: Gomez-Alvarez Vicente , Revetta Randy P. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequences of four
Mycobacterium chelonae
strains from biofilms subjected to a “chlorine burn” in a chloraminated drinking water distribution system simulator. These opportunistic pathogens have been detected in hospital and municipal water distribution systems, in which biofilms have been recognized as an important factor for their persistence.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus glycinifermentans TH008, Isolated from Ohio Soil
Authors: Zeigler Daniel R. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

The genome sequence of an Ohio soil isolate, TH008, was determined. The sequence reveals a close relationship between TH008 and domesticated
Bacillus glycinifermentans
strains found in a traditional Korean fermented soybean food.
Randomised Controlled Trial of Contralateral Manual Acupuncture for the Relief of Chronic Shoulder Pain
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Sun Jungang , Wang Chao , Yu Congcong , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Meng , Lao Lixing , Yi Ming , Wan You 
Published: January 2016

Objective To explore the effects of contralateral manual acupuncture (MA) on patients with chronic shoulder pain. Methods Eighty patients with chronic shoulder pain were randomly allocated to receive contralateral MA (n=38) for 4 weeks or to remain on a waiting list while receiving conventional orthopaedic therapy (n=42). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were taken as the primary outcome measure and used for a priori power calculation. Secondary outcome measures for the assessment of shoulder mobility and quality of life included the Jobe test, the Constant-Murley (CM) score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and the 36 item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis demonstrated significant pain relief with contralateral acupuncture, with mean differences in VAS scores compared to the waiting list group of −19.4 (−28.0 to −10.8) at 2 weeks, −40.4 (−49.0 to −31.8) at 4 weeks, −41.1 (−49.7 to −32.5) at 8 weeks, and −40.9 (−49.5 to −32.3) at 16 weeks. CM and DASH scores were also improved at all time points (p<0.01). Shoulder mobility, physical functioning, social functioning and mental health components of the SF-36 were also improved by contralateral acupuncture at 8 weeks. No significant adverse effects were observed. Conclusions These results demonstrate beneficial effects of contralateral acupuncture in the treatment of chronic shoulder pain, both in terms of pain and function. Future research is required to compare directly the effects of local and contralateral acupuncture and to quantify the specific and non-specific effects. Trial Registration Number NCT01733914.
Lipid-lowering treatment patterns among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with high cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Quek Ruben G W , Fox Kathleen M , Wang Li , Li Lu , Gandra Shravanthi R , Wong Nathan D 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo examine real-world treatment patterns of lipid-lowering treatment and their possible associated intolerance and/or ineffectiveness among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating statins and/or ezetimibe.Research design and methodsAdult (aged ≥18 years) patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who initiated statins and/or ezetimibe from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2011 were retrospectively identified from the IMS LifeLink Pharmetrics Plus commercial claims database. Patients were further classified into 3 high-risk cohorts: (1) history of cardiovascular event (CVE); (2) two risk factors (age and hypertension); (3) aged ≥40 years. Patients had continuous health plan enrolment ≥1 year preindex and postindex date (statin and/or ezetimibe initiation date). Primary outcomes were index statin intensity, treatment modification(s), possible associated statin/non-statin intolerance and/or ineffectiveness issues (based on treatment modification type), and time-to-treatment modification(s). Analyses for each cohort were stratified by age groups (<65 and ≥65 years).ResultsA total of 9823 (history of CVE), 62 049 (2 risk factors), and 128 691 (aged ≥40 years) patients were included. Among patients aged <65 years, 81.4% and 51.8% of those with history of CVE, 75.6% and 44.4% of those with 2 risk factors, and 77.9% and 47.1% of those aged ≥40 years had ≥1 and 2 treatment modification(s), respectively. Among all patients, 23.2–28.4% had possible statin intolerance and/or ineffectiveness issues after accounting for second treatment modification (if any).ConclusionsAmong patients with type 2 diabetes with high cardiovascular disease risk, index statin treatment modifications that potentially imply possible statin intolerance and/or ineffectiveness were frequent.
Development of key performance indicators for prehospital emergency care
Authors: Murphy Adrian , Wakai Abel , Walsh Cathal , Cummins Fergal , O'Sullivan Ronan 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionKey performance indicators (KPIs) are used to monitor and evaluate critical areas of clinical and support functions that influence patient outcome. Traditional prehospital emergency care performance monitoring has focused solely on response time metrics. The landscape of emergency care delivery in Ireland is in the process of significant national reconfiguration. The development of KPIs is therefore considered one of the key priorities in prehospital research.AimsThe aim of this study was to develop a suite of KPIs for prehospital emergency care in Ireland.MethodsA systematic literature review of prehospital care performance measurement was undertaken followed by a three-round Delphi consensus process facilitated by a broad-based multidisciplinary group of panellists. The consensus process was conducted between June 2012 and October 2013. Each candidate indicator on the Delphi survey questionnaire was rated using a 5-point Likert-type rating scale. Agreement was defined as at least 70% of responders rating an indicator as ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ on the rating scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Sensitivity of the ratings was examined for robustness by bootstrapping the original sample.ResultsOf the 78 citations identified by the systematic review, 5 relevant publications were used to select candidate indicators for the Delphi round 1 questionnaire. Response rates in Delphi rounds 1 and 2 were 89% and 83%, respectively. Following the consensus development conference, 101 KPIs reached consensus. Based on the Donabedian framework for quality-of-care indicators, 7 of the KPIs which reached agreement were structure KPIs, 74 were process KPIs and 20 were outcome KPIs. The highest ranked indicator was a process KPI (‘Direct transport of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients to a primary percutaneous intervention (PCI)-capable facility for ECG to PCI time <90 min’).ConclusionImproving the quality of prehospital care requires the development and implementation of performance measurement using scientifically valid and reliable KPIs. Employing a Delphi panel of key multidisciplinary Emergency Medical Service stakeholders, it was feasible to develop a suite of 101 KPIs for performance monitoring of prehospital emergency care in Ireland. This suite of KPIs may contribute to a framework for achieving safer, better care in the prehospital environment.