bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Strain-Specific Sequences That Distinguish a Mycoplasma gallisepticum Vaccine Strain from Field Isolates
Authors: Ricketts Camir , Pickler Larissa , Maurer John , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , García Maricarmen , Ferguson-Noel Naola M. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT

Despite attempts to control avian mycoplasmosis through management, vaccination, and surveillance,
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
continues to cause significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in poultry production. Live attenuated vaccines are commonly used in the poultry industry to control avian mycoplasmosis; unfortunately, some vaccines may revert to virulence and vaccine strains are generally difficult to distinguish from natural field isolates. In order to identify genome differences among vaccine revertants, vaccine strains, and field isolates, whole-genome sequencing of the
M. gallisepticum
vaccine strain ts-11 and several “ts-11-like” strains isolated from commercial flocks was performed using Illumina and 454 pyrosequencing and the sequenced genomes compared to the
M. gallisepticum
R
low
reference genome. The collective contigs for each strain were annotated using the fully annotated
Mycoplasma
reference genome. The analysis revealed genetic differences among
vlhA
alleles, as well as among genes annotated as coding for a cell wall surface anchor protein (
mg0377
) and a hypothetical protein gene,
mg0359
, unique to
M. gallisepticum
ts-11 vaccine strain. PCR protocols were designed to target 5 sequences unique to the
M. gallisepticum
ts-11 strain:
vlhA
3.04a,
vlhA
3.04b,
vlhA
3.05,
mg0377
, and
mg0359
. All ts-11 isolates were positive for the five gene alleles tested by PCR; however, 5 to 36% of field isolates were also positive for at least one of the alleles tested. A combination of PCR tests for
vlhA
3.04a,
vlhA
3.05, and
mg0359
was able to distinguish the
M. gallisepticum
ts-11 vaccine strain from field isolates. This method will further supplement current approaches to quickly distinguish
M. gallisepticum
vaccine strains from field isolates.
Multicenter Pivotal Clinical Trial of Urine Malaria Test for Rapid Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Oyibo Wellington A. , Ezeigwe Nnenna , Ntadom Godwin , Oladosu Oladipo O. , Rainwater-Loveth Kaitlin , O'Meara Wendy , Okpokoro Evaezi , Brieger William 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT

The need to expand malaria diagnosis capabilities alongside policy requirements for mandatory testing before treatment motivates exploration of noninvasive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). We report the outcome of the first cross-sectional, single-blind clinical performance evaluation of a urine malaria test (UMT) for diagnosis of
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in febrile patients. Matched urine and finger-prick blood samples from participants ≥2 years of age with fever (axillary temperature of ≥37.5°C) or with a history of fever in the preceding 48 h were tested with UMT and microscopy (as the gold standard). BinaxNOW (Pf and Pan versions) blood RDTs were done to assess relative performance. Urinalysis and rheumatoid factor (RF) tests were conducted to evaluate possible interference. Diagnostic performance characteristics were computed at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 1,800 participants screened, 1,691 were enrolled; of these 566 (34%) were febrile, and 1,125 (66%) were afebrile. Among enrolled participants, 341 (20%) tested positive by microscopy, 419 (25%) were positive by UMT, 676 (40%) were positive by BinaxNOW Pf, and 368 (22%) were positive by BinaxNow Pan. UMT sensitivity among febrile patients (for whom the test was indicated) was 85%, and specificity was 84%. Among febrile children ≤5 years of age, UMT sensitivity was 93%, and specificity was 83%. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC) of UMT (0.84) was not significantly different from that of BinaxNOW Pf (0.86) or of BinaxNOW Pan (0.87), indicating that the tests do not differ in overall performance. Gender, seasons, and RF did not impact UMT performance. Leukocytes, hematuria, and urobilinogen concentrations in urine were associated with lower UMT specificities. UMT performance was comparable to that of the BinaxNOW Pf/Pan tests, making UMT a promising tool to expand malaria testing in public and private health care settings where there are challenges to blood-based malaria diagnosis testing.
Underestimated Amoebic Appendicitis among HIV-1-Infected Individuals in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Taiichiro , Watanabe Koji , Yano Hideaki , Murata Yukinori , Igari Toru , Nakada-Tsukui Kumiko , Yagita Kenji , Nozaki Tomoyoshi , Kaku Mitsuo , Tsukada Kunihisa , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT

Entamoeba histolytica
is not a common causative agent of acute appendicitis. However, amoebic appendicitis can sometimes be severe and life threatening, mainly due to a lack of awareness. Also, its frequency, clinical features, and pathogenesis remain unclear. The study subjects were HIV-1-infected individuals who presented with acute appendicitis and later underwent appendectomy at our hospital between 1996 and 2014. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded preserved appendix specimens were reexamined by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and PCR to identify undiagnosed amoebic appendicitis. Appendectomies were performed in 57 patients with acute appendicitis. The seroprevalence of
E. histolytica
was 33% (14/43) from the available stored sera. Based on the medical records, only 3 cases were clinically diagnosed as amoebic appendicitis, including 2 diagnosed at the time of appendectomy and 1 case diagnosed by rereview of the appendix after the development of postoperative complications. Retrospective analyses using PAS staining and PCR identified 3 and 3 more cases, respectively. Thus,
E. histolytica
infection was confirmed in 9 cases (15.8%) in the present study. Apart from a significantly higher leukocyte count in
E. histolytica
-positive patients than in negative patients (median, 13,760 versus 10,385 cells/μl, respectively,
P
= 0.02), there were no other differences in the clinical features of the PCR-positive and -negative groups. In conclusion,
E. histolytica
infection was confirmed in 9 (15.8%) of the appendicitis cases. However, only 3, including one diagnosed after intestinal perforation, were diagnosed before the present analyses. These results strongly suggest there is frequently a failure to detect trophozoites in routine examination, resulting in an underestimation of the incidence of amoebic appendicitis.
Screening and management of viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Mongolia: results from a survey of Mongolian physicians from all major provinces of Mongolia
Authors: Kim Yoona A , Estevez Jacqueline , Le An , Israelski Dennis , Baatarkhuu Oidov , Sarantuya Tserenchimed , Narantsetseg Sonom , Nymadawa Pagbajabyn , H Le Richard , Yuen Man-Fung , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Rizzetto Mario , Nguyen Mindie H 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAccording to Globocan, Mongolia has the highest worldwide hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence (78.1/100 000, 3.5× higher than China).Aims and methodsWe conducted an anonymous survey of physicians from major provinces who attended an educational liver symposium, analysing their demography, practice, knowledge, perceptions and proposed solutions. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate OR relating demography and practice factors with higher provider knowledge and improvement.ResultsOf the 121 attendees, 44–95 (36–79%) responded to each question. Most were female (87%), young (79% age <50), subspecialists (81%), university-affiliated (74%), and practised in urban areas (61%). The mean pretest and post-test scores per physician were 60.4±20.4 and 65.6±21.3, with no observed significant predictors for baseline knowledge or improvement. Most (>80%) noted that <50% of patients who need hepatitis or HCC screening receive it. The main perceived barriers to screening were inability to pay for tests, lack of guidelines and poor patient awareness. Hepatitis treatment rates were low; 83% treated hepatitis C virus in <10 patients in the past year, and 86% treated hepatitis B virus in <10 patients/month. Treatment barriers were multifactorial, with cost as a principal barrier. Proposed solutions were universal screening policies (46%), removal of financial barriers (28%) and provider education (20%).ConclusionsPhysicians from major regions of Mongolia noted low screening for viral hepatitis, even lower treatment rates, financial barriers and the need for increased educational efforts. We advocate broad-based medical education tailored to local needs and based on needs assessment and outcome measurements.
Maternal inflammatory bowel disease and hypospadias in male offspring: a population-based study in Denmark
Authors: Andersen Ane Birgitte Telén , Ehrenstein Vera , Erichsen Rune , Frøslev Trine , Sørensen Henrik Toft 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundThe occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hypospadias has been concurrently increasing, possibly through shared environmental risk factors such as endocrine disrupting compounds. Also, maternal IBD may disturb the normal development of the fetal reproductive tract. However, whether maternal IBD increases the risk of hypospadias in male offspring is unknown. We compared hypospadias risk in sons of mothers with and without IBD.MethodsWe used Danish nationwide population-based registries to conduct a longitudinal prevalence study including all live-born boys from 1979 through 2009. We computed HRs, as estimates of prevalence ratios (PRs), with 95% CIs for hypospadias, using Cox proportional hazards regression, while adjusting for measured confounding.ResultsAmong 966 038 live-born boys, 4688 (0.5%) had a mother with a history of IBD diagnosis before the relevant childbirth. Among the boys with maternal IBD, 36 (0.8%) were diagnosed with hypospadias any time after birth, whereas 6112 (0.6%) sons of mothers without IBD diagnosis had hypospadias (adjusted PR: 1.20, (95% CI 0.86 to 1.67). Adjusted PRs for maternal Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis were 1.38 (95% CI 0.83 to 2.29) and 1.10 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.68), respectively. Analyses defining hypospadias diagnosis recorded <6 months postpartum showed similar results.ConclusionsWe found no convincing evidence of an association between maternal IBD and hypospadias.
Emotions and encounters with healthcare professionals as predictors for the self-estimated ability to return to work: a cross-sectional study of people with heart failure
Authors: Nordgren Lena , Söderlund Anne 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo live with heart failure means that life is delimited. Still, people with heart failure can have a desire to stay active in working life as long as possible. Although a number of factors affect sick leave and rehabilitation processes, little is known about sick leave and vocational rehabilitation concerning people with heart failure. This study aimed to identify emotions and encounters with healthcare professionals as possible predictors for the self-estimated ability to return to work in people on sick leave due to heart failure.DesignA population-based cross-sectional study design was used.SettingThe study was conducted in Sweden. Data were collected in 2012 from 3 different sources: 2 official registries and 1 postal questionnaire.ParticipantsA total of 590 individuals were included.StatisticsDescriptive statistics, correlation analysis and linear multiple regression analysis were used.Results3 variables, feeling strengthened in the situation (β=−0.21, p=0.02), feeling happy (β=−0.24, p=0.02) and receiving encouragement about work (β=−0.32, p≤0.001), were identified as possible predictive factors for the self-estimated ability to return to work.ConclusionsTo feel strengthened, happy and to receive encouragement about work can affect the return to work process for people on sick leave due to heart failure. In order to develop and implement rehabilitation programmes to meet these needs, more research is needed.
Factors facilitating a national quality registry to aid clinical quality improvement: findings of a national survey
Authors: Eldh Ann Catrine , Wallin Lars , Fredriksson Mio , Vengberg Sofie , Winblad Ulrika , Halford Christina , Dahlström Tobias 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesWhile national quality registries (NQRs) are suggested to provide opportunities for systematic follow-up and learning opportunities, and thus clinical improvements, features in registries and contexts triggering such processes are not fully known. This study focuses on one of the world's largest stroke registries, the Swedish NQRRiksstroke, investigating what aspects of the registry and healthcare organisations facilitate or hinder the use of registry data in clinical quality improvement.MethodsFollowing particular qualitative studies, we performed a quantitative survey in an exploratory sequential design. The survey, including 50 items on context, processes and the registry, was sent to managers, physicians and nurses engaged in Riksstroke in all 72 Swedish stroke units. Altogether, 242 individuals were presented with the survey; 163 responded, representing all but two units. Data were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression.ResultsA majority (88%) considered Riksstroke data to facilitate detection of stroke care improvement needs and acknowledged that their data motivated quality improvements (78%). The use of Riksstroke for quality improvement initiatives was associated (R2=0.76) with ‘Colleagues’ call for local results’ (p=<0.001), ‘Management Request of Registry data’ (p=<0.001), and it was said to be ‘Simple to explain the results to colleagues’ (p=0.02). Using stepwise regression, ‘Colleagues’ call for local results’ was identified as the most influential factor. Yet, while 73% reported that managers request registry data, only 39% reported that their colleagues call for the unit's Riksstroke results.ConclusionsWhile an NQR like Riksstroke demonstrates improvement needs and motivates stakeholders to make progress, local stroke care staff and managers need to engage to keep the momentum going in terms of applying registry data when planning, performing and evaluating quality initiatives.
Protocol for the Mindful Student Study: a randomised controlled trial of the provision of a mindfulness intervention to support university students' well-being and resilience to stress
Authors: Galante Julieta , Dufour Geraldine , Benton Alice , Howarth Emma , Vainre Maris , Croudace Timothy J , Wagner Adam P , Stochl Jan , Jones Peter B 
Published: November 2016

IntroductionLevels of stress in UK university students are high, with an increase in the proportion of students seeking help in recent years. Academic pressure is reported as a major trigger. Mindfulness training has been shown to reduce stress and is popular among students, but its effectiveness in this context needs to be ascertained. In this pragmatic randomised controlled trial, we hypothesise that the provision of a preventative mindfulness intervention in universities could reduce students' psychological distress during the examination period (primary outcome), improve their resilience to stress up to at least 1 year later, reduce their use of mental health support services and improve academic performance.Methods and analysisAt least 550 University of Cambridge students free from active crises or severe mental illness will be randomised to joining an 8-week mindfulness course or to mental health provision as usual (one-to-one allocation rate). Psychological distress will be measured using the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure at baseline, postintervention, examination term and 1-year follow-up. Other outcomes are use of mental health services, inability to sit examinations or special circumstance requests, examination grades, well-being, altruism and coping measured with ecological momentary assessment. Outcome assessment and intention-to-treat primary analysis using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline scores will be blind to intervention allocation. We will also conduct per-protocol, subgroup and secondary outcome analyses. An Independent Data Monitoring and Ethics Committee will be set up. We will systematically monitor for, and react to, possible adverse events. An advisory reference group will comprise student representatives, members of the University Counselling Service and other student welfare staff.Ethics and disseminationApproval has been obtained from Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee (PRE.2015.060). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. A lay summary will be disseminated to a wider audience including other universities.Trial registration numberACTRN12615001160527; pre-results.
Prevalence and associated factors of facial palsy and lifestyle characteristics: data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012
Authors: Chang Young-Soo , Choi Ji Eun , Kim Seon Woo , Baek Sun-Young , Cho Yang-Sun 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo report the nationwide prevalence of facial palsy (FP) of grade III or worse in the House–Brackmann (H–B) grading system in South Korea and assess the associated factors.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a nationwide health survey.SettingsSouth Korea.MethodsWe obtained data from the 2010 to 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, which were cross-sectional surveys of the South Korean civilian population living in households and aged ≥1 year (N=23 533). A field survey team performed interviews, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Facial expression was evaluated based on the H–B grading system.ResultsAmong the population aged ≥1 year, the prevalence of FP of grade III or worse in the H–B grading system was 0.12% (95% CI 0.07% to 0.17%). FP was more prevalent in women (p=0.01) and the prevalence rate increased with age (p<0.001). In participants aged ≥19 years, age, female gender, history of cardiovascular disease and the serum total cholesterol level were associated with FP in a multivariable analysis. In the evaluation of lifestyle, the individuals with FP had a higher rate of depressive mood and were more restricted in their daily activities.ConclusionsConsidering the significance of facial expression in psychosocial activities, public acknowledgement and further intervention are required to support patients with this distressing condition.
Avulsion fracture of the femoral attachment of the caudal cruciate ligament treated by arthroscopy in a Bernese Mountain puppy
Authors: Livet Véronique , Cachon Thibaut 
Published: November 2016

A five‐month‐old male Bernese Mountain dog weighing 27.4 kg was presented for evaluation of an acute non‐weightbearing left pelvic limb lameness. Radiographs and CT revealed an avulsion fracture of the femoral attachment of the caudal cruciate ligament (CaCL). A left stifle arthroscopy was performed. Reduction and internal fixation were realised under arthroscopic guidance using a Kirschner wire (1.8 mm) and a single cortical screw (2.0 mm). Ten weeks postoperatively, the implants were removed via arthroscopy. A mild persistent intermittent weightbearing lameness was noted. Normal healing and resolution of lameness followed and the dog was clinically healthy 6 months postoperatively. As in human medicine, surgical treatment of a CaCL avulsion injury in dogs can be performed under arthroscopic guidance. Even though surgical treatment is not always required, it seemed indicated in this case and arthroscopic treatment was successful.
High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation modulates interhemispheric inhibition in healthy humans
Authors: Gueugneau Nicolas , Grosprêtre Sidney , Stapley Paul , Lepers Romuald 
Published: November 2016

High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (HF NMES) induces muscular contractions through neural mechanisms that partially match physiological motor control. Indeed, a portion of the contraction arises from central mechanisms, whereby spinal motoneurons are recruited through the evoked sensory volley. However, the involvement of supraspinal centers of motor control during such stimulation remains poorly understood. Therefore, we tested whether a single HF NMES session applied to the upper limb influences interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) from left to right motor cortex (M1). Using noninvasive electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation, we evaluated the effects of a 10-min HF NMES session applied to a right wrist flexor on spinal and corticospinal excitability of both arms, as well as IHI, in healthy subjects. HF NMES induced a rapid decline in spinal excitability on the right stimulated side that closely matched the modulation of evoked force during the protocol. More importantly, IHI was significantly increased by HF NMES, and this increase was correlated to the electromyographic activity within the contralateral homologous muscle. Our study highlights a new neurophysiological mechanism, suggesting that HF NMES has an effect on the excitability of the transcallosal pathway probably to regulate the lateralization of the motor output. The data suggest that HF NMES can modify the hemispheric balance between both M1 areas. These findings provide important novel perspectives for the implementation of HF NMES in sport training and neurorehabilitation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (HF NMES) induces muscular contractions that partially match physiological motor control. Here, we tested whether HF NMES applied to the upper limb influences interhemispheric inhibition. Our results show that interhemispheric inhibition was increased after HF NMES and that this increase was correlated to the electromyographic activity within the contralateral homologous muscle. This opens up original perspectives for the implementation of HF NMES in sport training and neurorehabilitation.