bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of high‐definition (3D) manometry and its agreement with high‐resolution (2D) manometry in women with fecal incontinence
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Feuerhak K. J. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundWhile widely used in clinical practice, the reproducibility of high‐definition anorectal manometry (HD‐ARM) remains unclear. We evaluated the intra‐individual reproducibility of HD‐ARM and compared pressures measured with HD‐ARM and high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM).MethodsThirty‐six women with fecal incontinence had an initial HD‐ARM (HD‐ARM1); on the same day, after randomization, 21 had a second (HD‐ARM2). Sixteen women had a third (HD‐ARM3) 4 weeks later. Twenty‐five had also been evaluated by HR‐ARM previously. Rectoanal pressures were assessed at rest, during squeeze and simulated evacuation. Concordance among pressures was assessed with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).Key ResultsAnal resting and squeeze pressures measured with HD‐ARM were reproducible on the same and different days; for average resting pressures of HD‐ARM1 vs HD‐ARM2, CCC = 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–0.94), and for HD‐ARM1 vs HD‐ARM3, CCC = 0.60 (95% CI: 0.28–0.93). For maximum squeeze pressures of HD‐ARM1 vs HD‐ARM2, CCC = 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75–0.97), and for HD‐ARM1 vs HD‐ARM3, CCC = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.21–0.91). The rectoanal gradient during evacuation was significantly concordant between HD‐ARM1 and HD‐ARM2 but not HD‐ARM1 and HD‐ARM3. Resting (CCC = 0.38 [95% CI: 0.14–0.62]) and squeeze pressures (CCC = 0.73 [95% CI: 0.57–0.89]) measured with HD‐ARM1 and HR‐ARM were also concordant.Conclusions & InferencesAmong women with fecal incontinence, measurements with HD‐ARM were reproducible on the same (anal resting and squeeze pressures and rectoanal gradient during evacuation) and different days (anal resting and squeeze pressures) and correlated with HR‐ARM measurements. These findings support use of HD‐ARM and HR‐ARM for longitudinal assessments of anal resting and squeeze pressures.
The impact of personality on person‐centred care: a study of care staff in Swedish nursing homes
Authors: Elfstrand Corlin Tinna , Kajonius Petri J. , Kazemi Ali 
Published: October 2016

Aim and objectiveIn this study, we explore how personal and situational factors relate to the provision of person‐centred care (PCC) in nursing homes. Specifically, we focus on the relationship between the care staff's personality traits and provision of PCC and to what extent perceptions of the working environment influences this relationship.BackgroundThe ultimate goal of elderly care is to meet the older person's needs and individual preferences (PCC). Interpersonal aspects of care and the quality of relationship between the care staff and the older person are therefore central in PCC.Design and methodsA cross‐sectional Swedish sample of elderly care staff (N = 322) completed an electronic survey including measures of personality (Mini‐IPIP) and person‐centred care (Individualized Care Inventory, ICI). A principal component analysis was conducted on the ICI‐data to separate the user orientation (process quality) of PCC from the preconditions (structure quality) of PCC.ResultsAmong the five factors of personality, neuroticism was the strongest predictor of ICI user orientation. ICI preconditions significantly mediated this relationship, indicating the importance of a supportive working environment. In addition, stress was introduced as a potential explanation and was shown to mediate the impact of neuroticism on ICI preconditions.ConclusionsPersonality traits have a significant impact on user orientation, and the perception of a supportive and stress free working environment is an important prerequisite for achieving high‐quality person‐centred elderly care.Implications for practiceUnderstanding how personality is linked to the way care staff interacts with the older person adds a new perspective on provision of person‐centred elderly care.
Nucleotide Excision Repair: Finely Tuned Molecular Orchestra of Early Pre‐incision Events
Authors: Zhu Qianzheng , Wani Altaf A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNucleotide excision repair (NER) eliminates a broad variety of helix‐distorting DNA lesions that can otherwise cause genomic instability. NER comprises two distinct subpathways: global genomic NER (GG‐NER) operating throughout the genome, and transcription‐coupled NER (TC‐NER) preferentially removing DNA lesions from transcribing DNA strands of transcriptionally active genes. Several NER factors undergo post‐translational modifications, including ubiquitination, occurring swiftly and reversibly at DNA lesion sites. Accumulating evidence indicates that ubiquitination not only orchestrates the spatio‐temporal recruitment of key protein factors to DNA lesion sites but also the productive assembly of NER pre‐incision complex. This review will be restricted to the latest conceptual understanding of ubiquitin‐mediated regulation of initial damage sensors of NER, that is DDB, XPC, RNAPII and CSB. We project hypothetical NER models in which ubiquitin‐specific segregase, valosin‐containing protein (VCP)/p97, plays an essential role in timely extraction of the congregated DNA damage sensors to functionally facilitate the DNA lesion elimination from the genome.
Cloning of the Blue Ghost (Phausis reticulata) Luciferase Reveals a Glowing Source of Green Light
Authors: Branchini Bruce R. , Southworth Tara L. , Salituro Leah J. , Fontaine Danielle M. , Oba Yuichi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the southern Appalachian area of the United States, the Phausis reticulata firefly, commonly known as the “Blue Ghost,” performs a unique display of bioluminescence. Adult male organisms are observed darting rapidly along paths and riverbeds in dark forests producing long‐lasting and mesmerizing bluish‐white luminous streaks. Starting with eighteen adult male firefly lanterns, we used a reverse transcriptase and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approach to clone the 1635 base pair open reading frame of the P. reticulata luc gene corresponding to a 545 residue protein. Expression of the recombinant luciferase protein in Escherichia coli and characterization studies revealed the true color of the light emission to be green (λmax = 552 nm), strongly suggesting that the field observations result from a Purkinje shift. While the P. reticulata luciferase amino acid sequence is 74.3% identical to the North American Photinus pyralis luciferase, we were surprised to find that it was 88.4% and 87.7% identical to luciferases from C. ruficollis and D. axillaris both native to mainland Japan. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close relationship of the three enzymes that is surprising given the great distance between their natural habitats and the inability of the Japanese fireflies to produce bright bioluminescence.
Fixed‐time post‐cervical artificial insemination in weaned sows following buserelin use combined with/without eCG
Authors: Baroncello E , Bernardi ML , Kummer AD , Wentz I , Bortolozzo FP 
Published: October 2016

ContentsFixed‐time post‐cervical artificial insemination (FTAI) drastically reduces labour requirements and increases the use of boars with higher genetic merit. This study evaluated the efficiency of eCG administration combined with/without the GnRH agonist buserelin for the induction and synchronization of ovulation in weaned sows submitted to FTAI. The sows were allocated into three groups. In the control group, the first artificial insemination was performed at the onset of oestrus and repeated every 24 hr. In the eCG+GnRH group, sows received 600 IU eCG at weaning and buserelin (10 μg) after 86–89 hr of eCG, and in the GnRH group, sows received only buserelin after 86–89 hr of weaning. The hormone‐treated sows received a single FTAI after 30–33 hr of buserelin application. All the sows were inseminated with homospermic doses (1.5 × 109 sperm cells/50 ml). The interval between weaning and ovulation was shorter (p < .05) in the eCG+GnRH (133.3 hr) and GnRH (135.9 hr) groups than the control (141.5 hr) group. In the eCG+GnRH group, the sows ovulated earlier (p < .05) than those in the GnRH group (44.5 vs. 48.2 hr after buserelin administration). The reproductive performance of GnRH sows was not compromised when only sows exhibiting oestrus at the time of insemination were considered, but lower farrowing rate and smaller litter size were observed in eCG+GnRH sows. The reproductive performance of eCG+GnRH sows was primarily compromised because the insemination was performed outside the optimal time relative to ovulation; therefore, it is advisable to inseminate them before 116–122 hr after weaning.
After the Fukushima Disaster: Japan's Nuclear Policy Change from 2011 to 2012
Authors: Watanabe Rie 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis article analyzes why and how the cabinet of Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) decided in September 2012 to phase‐out nuclear power plants by 2039—the decision representing a large policy change from previous energy‐supply policy, in which the dependence on nuclear power would continuously grow. In doing so, this article examines the causal relationship between three factors identified on the basis of theoretical models explaining policy change; change in the governing coalition from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to DPJ in 2009, the Fukushima accident, and the change in public opinion. Based on opinion poll and deliberative polling data, as well as discourse analyses of DPJ leaders’ statements, the article concludes that the change in public opinion on nuclear energy after the Fukushima accident was crucial in inducing the DPJ's decision to phase‐out nuclear power plants by affecting DPJ leaders' interests in vote‐ and office‐seeking. Finally, I discuss the applicability of the theoretical models developed on the basis of U.S. pluralistic cases to Japan and the issues to be explored for the further development of policy process models.
Mini Meta‐Analysis of Your Own Studies: Some Arguments on Why and a Primer on How
Authors: Goh Jin X. , Hall Judith A. , Rosenthal Robert 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe outline the need to, and provide a guide on how to, conduct a meta‐analysis on one's own studies within a manuscript. Although conducting a “mini meta” within one's manuscript has been argued for in the past, this practice is still relatively rare and adoption is slow. We believe two deterrents are responsible. First, researchers may not think that it is legitimate to do a meta‐analysis on a small number of studies. Second, researchers may think a meta‐analysis is too complicated to do without expert knowledge or guidance. We dispel these two misconceptions by (1) offering arguments on why researchers should be encouraged to do mini metas, (2) citing previous articles that have conducted such analyses to good effect, and (3) providing a user‐friendly guide on calculating some meta‐analytic procedures that are appropriate when there are only a few studies. We provide formulas for calculating effect sizes and converting effect sizes from one metric to another (e.g., from Cohen's d to r), as well as annotated Excel spreadsheets and a step‐by‐step guide on how to conduct a simple meta‐analysis. A series of related studies can be strengthened and better understood if accompanied by a mini meta‐analysis.
Disseminated nocardiosis after unrelated bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Hino Yutaro , Doki Noriko , Senoo Yasushi , Sekiya Noritaka , Kurosawa Shuhei , Tsuboi Satoshi , Ohashi Kazuteru 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNocardiosis is a rare bacterial infection occurring mainly in patients with deficient cell‐mediated immunity. Although disseminated nocardiosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) is a rare complication, it is associated with high mortality. Moreover, after allo‐HSCT, nocardiosis may be mistaken for other bacterial or fungal infections because clinical and radiographic findings of pulmonary, cerebral, and cutaneous nocardiosis lesions are non‐specific. Here, we report a case of disseminated nocardiosis (caused by Nocardia abscessus) with skin, pulmonary, liver, lymph node, and multiple brain abscesses in a patient after allo‐HSCT. The patient initially responded clinically and radiographically to imipenem/cilastin and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of nocardiosis in allo‐HSCT recipients who are treated with multiple immunosuppressive agents to control chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. Accurate diagnosis and identification of disseminated nocardiosis is important to ensure administration of the correct antibiotic regimen.
Human platelet antigens in Burmese, Karen and north‐eastern Thais
Authors: Phuangtham R. , Romphruk A. , Puapairoj C. , Leelayuwat C. , Romphruk A. V. 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYObjectivesA comparative study of allele frequencies at HPA‐1 to ‐6 and HPA‐15 in Burmese and Karen populations as well as at HPA‐15 in north‐eastern Thais (NET) is presented.BackgroundHuman platelet antigens (HPAs) are clinically important in several immune platelet disorders, including foetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), post‐transfusion purpura (PTP) and platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR). The knowledge of antigen frequencies in a population is essential for the evaluation of patients suffering from immune‐mediated platelet disorders.MethodsA total of 285 unrelated, healthy Burmese, 242 Karen and 300 NET were recruited to this study. Genotype and allele frequencies of HPA‐1 to ‐6 and HPA‐15 were defined using polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP)ResultsNo individuals homozygous for HPA‐1bb, ‐2bb, ‐4bb, ‐5bb and ‐6bb were detected. HPA‐1a, ‐2a, ‐4a, ‐5a and ‐6a were present in all samples of Burmese and Karen origin. HPA‐1b, ‐2b, ‐4b, ‐5b and ‐6b were rare in these populations. The frequencies of HPA‐3a/‐3b were 60·4/39·6% in Burmese and 55·8/44·2% in Karen, respectively. Frequencies of HPA‐15a/‐15b were 57·2/42·8% in Burmese, 52·5/47·5% in Karen and 49·8/50·2% in NET.ConclusionsThe frequencies of HPA genotypes in our study indicates that HPA‐1a, ‐2a, ‐4a, ‐5a and ‐6a are unlikely involved in FNAIT, PTP and PTR in Burmese and Karen populations. However, HPA‐1b, ‐2b, ‐3a, ‐3b, ‐4b, ‐5b, ‐6b, ‐15a and ‐15b may likely stimulate alloantibodies in these populations.
Antiretroviral therapy status among people who died of AIDS‐related causes from 2009 to 2013 in Brazil: a population‐based study
Authors: de Freitas Marcelo Araújo , Miranda Angélica Espinosa , Pascom Ana Roberta Pati , de Oliveira Silvano Barbosa , Mesquita Fabio , Ford Nathan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the antiretroviral therapy status of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who died of AIDS‐related causes between 2009 and 2013.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional, population‐based study. Data were obtained by linking the mortality information system and the national ART dispensing database. Trends were modelled using linear regression analysis.ResultsA total of 61 425 AIDS‐related deaths were registered in Brazil between 2009 and 2013. Median age at death was 41 years (IQR: 33–49), and 65.7% (40 337) of deaths were among men; 47.2% (29 004) of PLHIV who died during the study period had never started treatment, 7.0% (4274) had discontinued it, 15.9% (9775) were on ART for 6 months or less and 29.9% (18 372) were on ART for more than 6 months. Only 1.3% of PLHIV were on third‐line ARV regimens when they died.ConclusionsAIDS‐related mortality remains a challenge even in a context of sustained universal access to antiretroviral treatment due to failure of service provision, not to therapy failure. Robust health policies closing gaps in the HIV continuum of care are crucial to further reduce mortality.
The ABCs of flower development: mutational analysis of AP1/FUL‐like genes in rice provides evidence for a homeotic (A)‐function in grasses
Authors: Wu Feng , Shi Xiaowei , Lin Xuelei , Liu Yuan , Chong Kang , Theißen Günter , Meng Zheng 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe well‐known ABC model describes the combinatorial interaction of homeotic genes in specifying floral organ identities. While the B‐ and C‐functions are highly conserved throughout flowering plants and even in gymnosperms, the A‐function, which specifies the identity of perianth organs (sepals and petals in eudicots), remains controversial. One reason for this is that in most plants that have been investigated thus far, with Arabidopsis being a remarkable exception, one does not find recessive mutants in which the identity of both types of perianth organs is affected. Here we report a comprehensive mutational analysis of all four members of the AP1/FUL‐like subfamily of MADS‐box genes in rice (Oryza sativa). We demonstrate that OsMADS14 and OsMADS15, in addition to their function of specifying meristem identity, are also required to specify palea and lodicule identities. Because these two grass‐specific organs are very likely homologous to sepals and petals of eudicots, respectively, we conclude that there is a floral homeotic (A)‐function in rice as defined previously. Together with other recent findings, our data suggest that AP1/FUL‐like genes were independently recruited to fulfil the (A)‐function in grasses and some eudicots, even though other scenarios cannot be excluded and are discussed.
Determinants of red blood cell transfusion in pediatric trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Roumeliotis Nadia , Ducruet Thierry , Bateman Scot T. , Randolph Adrienne G. , Lacroix Jacques , Emeriaud Guillaume ,   the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUNDThere are no well‐designed prospective studies evaluating transfusion practices in pediatric trauma. We sought to describe red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in trauma patients who were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis study is a post‐hoc analysis of a prospective, 6‐month observational study in 30 PICUs. We studied a total of 580 patients aged less than 18 years who had been admitted to a PICU for more than 48 hours, including 95 who were trauma patients.RESULTSTrauma patients more frequently received transfusion before PICU admission (p < 0.001), were older (p < 0.0001), and more frequently were mechanically ventilated (p = 0.05). In the PICU, trauma patients received more transfusions (55% vs. 37%; p < 0.001), although admission hemoglobin levels were similar in both groups (p = 0.86). The mean (± standard deviation) pretransfusion hemoglobin level in the PICU was 9.0 ± 2.4 g/dL for trauma patients compared with 8.3 ± 2.4 g/dL for nontrauma patients (p = 0.09). Among the trauma patients, transfusion was associated with younger age, higher Pediatric Logistic Organ Regression scores, mechanical ventilation, bleeding, and transfusion before PICU admission. Multivariate regression demonstrated that receiving an RBC transfusion before admission was strongly associated with receiving a blood transfusion in the PICU (p = 0.008).CONCLUSIONTrauma patients are at high risk for receiving an RBC transfusion both before and during their PICU stay, despite a similar transfusion threshold compared with nontrauma patients. Transfusion before PICU admission is a strong determinant, suggesting ongoing bleeding that will require re‐transfusion. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether a restrictive transfusion strategy can safely be considered in these patients.
Cost effectiveness of adding nucleic acid testing to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus screening of blood donations in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mafirakureva Nyashadzaishe , Mapako Tonderai , Khoza Star , Emmanuel Jean C. , Marowa Lucy , Mvere David , Postma Maarten J. , van Hulst Marinus 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of introducing individual‐donation nucleic acid testing (ID‐NAT), in addition to serologic tests, compared with the exclusive use of serologic tests for the identification of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) I and II among blood donors in Zimbabwe.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe costs, health consequences, and cost effectiveness of adding ID‐NAT to serologic tests, compared with serologic testing alone, were estimated from a health care perspective using a decision‐analytic model.RESULTSThe introduction of ID‐NAT in addition to serologic tests would lower the risk of HBV, HCV, and HIV transmission to 46.9, 0.3, and 2.7 per 100,000 donations, respectively. ID‐NAT would prevent an estimated 25, 6, and 9 HBV, HCV, and HIV transfusion‐transmitted infections per 100,000 donations, respectively. The introduction of this intervention would result in an estimated 212 quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) gained. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio is estimated at US$17,774/QALY, a value far more than three times the gross national income per capita for Zimbabwe.CONCLUSIONAlthough the introduction of NAT could further improve the safety of the blood supply, current evidence suggests that it cannot be considered cost effective. Reducing the test costs for NAT through efficient donor recruitment, negotiating the price of reagents, and the efficient use of technology will improve cost effectiveness.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pontibacter akesuensis Strain AKS 1
T
, Which Exhibits Robust Nutrient Metabolism in Harsh Environments
Authors: Wang Yang , He Kaiyong , Jiang Yongzhong , Shen Jiate , Yu Bo 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Pontibacter akesuensis
strain AKS 1
T
was found in Akesu, Xinjiang Province, China, and exhibits the extraordinary ability to metabolize various substrates and is resistant to solar radiation. To gain insight into the bacterial genetic determinants for this adaptability, we report the complete genome sequence of strain AKS 1
T
.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Ebola Virus Isolate Imported from Sierra Leone to Germany Determined by Circle Sequencing
Authors: Mengel Jan Philipp , Lissin Artur , Biedenkopf Nadine , Schultze Tilman , Mannala Gopala Krishna , Schudt Gordian , Kann Gerrit , Wolf Timo , Eickmann Markus , Becker Stephan , Cemic Franz , Hain Torsten 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here a complete genome sequence of Ebola virus Makona from a nonfatal patient sample that originated in Sierra Leone during the last Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa (species
Zaire ebolavirus
) using a highly accurate circle sequencing (Cir-seq) method.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Escherichia coli Strain Isolated from a Gallus gallus Broiler Producing the Novel CTX-M-166 Variant
Authors: Manageiro Vera , Clemente Lurdes , Duarte Sílvia , Vieira Luís , Caniça Manuela 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of the CTX-M-166-harboring O6:H16 sequence type 48 (ST48)-
fimH
34
Escherichia coli
strain recovered from a
Gallus gallus
broiler. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of an IncI1/ST103-IS
Ecp1
-
bla
CTX-M-166
-
orf477
plasmid region and of diverse antibiotic resistance and virulence-acquired genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel
Mucilaginibacter
Member Isolated from Brazilian Amazon Soil
Authors: de Alencar Sérgio Amorim , Costa Flávio Silva , Rodrigues Gisele Regina , Barreto Cristine Chaves 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Bacteria from the
Mucilaginibacter
genus are still poorly understood, although their importance has been shown by recent reports describing great quantities of biofilms produced in their colonies. We report the draft genome sequence of a novel
Mucilaginibacter
member, comprising 8 contigs, totaling 5,478,589 bp and 4,876 predicted coding sequences.