bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of intestinal nematodes in cats and dogs from Lancashire, north‐west England
Authors: Wright I. , Stafford K. , Coles G. 
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVESTo estimate prevalence of clinically‐relevant intestinal nematodes in UK cats and dogs using the sensitive faecal analysis technique FLOTAC.METHODSFaecal samples were collected from 171 domestic dogs and 131 domestic cats living in urban areas of Lancashire and examined for the ova of intestinal parasites using the FLOTAC technique. All tested individuals were at least 6 months old, had not been treated with anthelmintics since 6 months of age nor in the 3 weeks prior to testing.RESULTSIn total, 5·3% of dogs (9/171) were positive for Toxocara canis; of these, 5/9 had <100 T. canis epg. Two dogs were positive for Uncinaria stenocephala, and 3 were positive for Strongyloides species. Single animals had Ancylostoma species and Spirocerca lupi infection. All egg counts were <100 epg. 26% of cats (34/131) were infected with Toxocara cati; of these, 6/34 had <100 T. cati epg. Two cats were positive for Strongyloides species, four for Ancylostoma species and single case for U. stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina and S. lupi.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe high prevalence and zoonotic potential of Toxocara species in cats and dogs suggests the need for greater awareness of the need for repeated treatment. The discovery of S. lupi warrants further investigation and awareness of the clinical signs that this parasite may cause in cats and dogs.
Profitability and Investment: Evidence from India's Organized Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Basu Deepankar , Das Debarshi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUsing a state‐industry panel data set of 55 industries for 19 major Indian states over the period 1983–84 to 2007–08, we analyze the contemporaneous and long run impacts of the rate of profit and its components—profit share, capacity utilization rate and capacity‐capital ratio—on investment using linear dynamic panel data models. Our results show that: (a) the rate of profit has both short and long run positive impacts on investment; (b) the profit share and capacity‐capital ratio have mainly long run positive impacts, but the capacity utilization rate has a more complex pattern of impact on investment.
Development a diagnostic pan‐dermatophyte TaqMan probe real‐time PCR assay based on beta tubulin gene
Authors: Mirhendi Hossein , Motamedi Marjan , Makimura Koichi , Satoh Kazuo 
Published: April 2016

SummaryEarly differentiation of dermatophytosis from other cutaneous mycoses is essential to avoid inaccurate therapy. DNA‐based techniques including real‐time PCR have increasingly been considered for detection of fungal elements in clinical specimens. In this study, after partial sequence analysis of beta tubulin (BT2) gene in 13 common and rare pathogenic dermatophyte species, a pan‐dermatophyte primer and probe set was designed in a TaqMan probe‐based PCR format. The sensitivity and specificity of the system was tested with 22 reference strains of dermatophytes, 234 positive clinical specimens, 32 DNA samples extracted from normal nails, several fungi other than dermatophytes and human DNAs. Analytical detection limit of the designed PCR on serially diluted DNAs of prepared recombinant plasmid indicated that only five molecules per sample are the minimum number for reliable detection by the assay. A total of 226 out of 234 (96.5%) DNAs extracted from clinical samples, but none of the 32 nail samples, from healthy volunteers were positive in PCR. The real‐time PCR targeted beta tubulin gene established in this study could be a sensitive diagnostic tool which is significantly faster than the conventional culture method and should be useful in the clinical settings, in large‐scale epidemiological studies and in clinical trials of antifungal therapy.
A Review of the Potential Pathogenicity and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions
Authors: LAPLANTE LAURENCE , BENZAQUEN BRUNO S. 
Published: April 2016

Very frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may be a reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Literature on this largely unrecognized entity has increased in the last 15 years. This paper reviews the literature on the consequences of frequent PVCs on myocardial function and management of PVC‐associated cardiomyopathy.The authors reviewed articles published in English before June 2015 describing pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms, time course, treatment, and outcome of cardiomyopathy associated with PVCs. The search was conducted using Medline and Embase. Keywords included: cardiomyopathy, catheter ablation, antiarrhythmic drug (AAD), pathophysiology, and ventricular premature contractions or synonyms.PVC‐associated cardiomyopathy is associated with a high burden of PVC (over 20% of heartbeats). Other risk factors include electrophysiological characteristics, such as PVC QRS width, presence of ventricular tachycardia, retrograde P waves, interpolation, polymorphic PVCs, and longer coupling intervals. Symptoms include palpitations, light‐headedness, dyspnea, cough, and dysphagia. The systolic dysfunction and chamber dilatation progress over a few years. Once the PVCs are suppressed by radiofrequency ablation or AADs, the cardiomyopathy usually resolves within 6 months. The pathophysiology remains unknown, but hypotheses mainly include ventricular dyssynchrony resulting in hemodynamic disturbances and abnormalities in calcium handling and oxygen consumption.PVC‐associated cardiomyopathy remains a largely unrecognized entity. It is a reversible cause of dilated cardiomyopathy that results from abnormal calcium and oxygen handling within the myocyte, dyssynchrony, and hemodynamic compromise from inefficient heartbeats. Suppression of the PVCs improves myocardial function, cardiac chamber sizes, and patient's symptoms.
Mycophenolate Mofetil and Mood Changes in Children with Skin Disorders
Authors: Arkin Lisa , Talasila Sreya , Paller Amy S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has mandated has intensified the counseling associated with prescribing mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), because of its teratogenicity. In this brief report, two children are described who were prescribed MMF and within weeks developed psychiatric symptoms, with rapid resolution after discontinuation of the medication and no recurrence over 4 years of follow‐up. Mood disorders are a rare but possible side effect that should be mentioned when discussing MMF with patients and families. Prompt discontinuation of the drug should lead to reversal of symptoms when the drug is implicated.
Early‐onset colorectal cancer in young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Morita Daisuke , Nakazawa Yozo , Tanaka Miyuki , Nakayama Yoshiko , Koizumi Tomonobu , Koike Kenichi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe describe the cases of two childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who developed colorectal cancer at 21 and 30 years of age. They had been treated with 30 Gy abdominal irradiation and chemotherapy including platinum and high‐dose alkylating agents at age 1 year, and 12 Gy total body irradiation and high‐dose cyclophosphamide at age 15 years, respectively. Both had not been screened for colorectal cancer. One patient with advanced cancer died, whereas the other with early cancer was still alive at the time of writing. Two guidelines for long‐term follow‐up of CCS recommend that CCS who had >30 Gy irradiation receive periodic check‐ups at age ≥ 35 years. The present cases suggest that CCS, even with irradiation <30 Gy, should receive earlier check‐ups for colorectal cancer. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society
How does a Change in the Excise Tax on Beer Impact Beer Retail Prices in South Africa?
Authors: Russell Caitlan , van Walbeek Corne 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article uses price data, collected by Statistics South Africa, to estimate the effect of a change in the excise tax on the retail price of beer. We find strong evidence that the excise tax on beer is overshifted to consumers. The pass‐through coefficient is estimated at 4.83 (95% CI: 4.02; 5.64) for lager, and at 4.77 (95% CI: 4.04; 5.50) for all beer (which includes dark beer). This implies that for every R1/unit increase in the excise tax, the retail price increases by about R4.80/unit. Of the 23 brand‐packaging combinations considered, the pass‐through coefficients vary between 2.39 and 10.05 (median = 5.30). The majority of the price change in response to a tax change occurs immediately, and prices have fully adjusted two months after the excise tax increase becomes effective. Pass‐through differs substantially across packaging types. The pass‐through coefficient on 750 ml bottles is substantially lower than that of 330 ml (or 340 ml) cans and 6 × 330 ml (or 6 × 340 ml) “six‐packs.” The overshifting of the excise tax has positive implications for public health policy, since they increase the effectiveness of alcohol taxes as a tool to reduce the (excessive) consumption of beer.
Voter Competence with Cumulative Voting*
Authors: Kimball David C. , Kropf Martha 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThis article evaluates the voting experience in the first election using cumulative voting for the Board of Trustees in Port Chester, New York. A growing number of local jurisdictions in the United States are using cumulative voting for multimember elections. While the Port Chester election included some other new features in addition to cumulative voting, the village implemented an extensive voter education program to prepare voters and candidates for the election.MethodsWe conducted an exit poll of 1,946 Port Chester voters in June 2010, more than half of the voters in the local election. We used a variety of survey questions to measure voting experience and voting behavior. We also examined election returns for Port Chester, including the 2010 and 2013 elections using cumulative voting.ResultsWe find that the voter education program helped inform residents about casting a ballot with cumulative voting. Port Chester voters, and Hispanic voters in particular, reported a positive experience in the 2010 election. A large majority of voters also indicated that they understood cumulative voting and cast all of the votes allotted to them. Finally, we find evidence of strategic use of cumulative voting in order to help elect a candidate of one's choice.ConclusionsOur results indicate that voters are capable of effectively participating in elections with cumulative voting. Communities that are weighing the adoption of cumulative voting for local elections should also be prepared to implement a parallel voter education effort.
Capital Freedom, Financial Development and Provincial Economic Growth in China
Authors: Söderlund Bengt , Tingvall Patrik Gustavsson 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor more than three decades, China has managed to combine rapid economic growth with a strictly regulated financial sector. The discrepancy between economic and financial development has raised the question of whether China might be an exception to the so‐called finance–growth nexus. This study examines the relationship between finance and growth at the provincial level in China using a new set of measures of capital freedom and financial development. The results indicate that capital freedom and financial development are associated with both higher income and growth rates. In particular, we find that the marketisation of financial institutions and strengthening of legal and government institutions have a particularly strong impact on income and growth in low‐income provinces.
Apolipoprotein L1 Variant Associated with Increased Susceptibility to Trypanosome Infection
Authors: Cuypers Bart , Lecordier Laurence , Meehan Conor J. , Van den Broeck Frederik , Imamura Hideo , Büscher Philippe , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Laukens Kris , Schnaufer Achim , Dewar Caroline , Lewis Michael , Balmer Oliver , Azurago Thomas , Kyei-Faried Sardick , Ohene Sally-Ann , Duah Boateng , Homiah Prince , Mensah Ebenezer Kofi , Anleah Francis , Franco Jose Ramon , Pays Etienne , Deborggraeve Stijn 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

African trypanosomes, except
Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense
and
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
, which cause human African trypanosomiasis, are lysed by the human serum protein apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL1). These two subspecies can resist human ApoL1 because they express the serum resistance proteins T. b.
gambiense
glycoprotein (TgsGP) and serum resistance-associated protein (SRA), respectively. Whereas in
T. b. rhodesiense
, SRA is necessary and sufficient to inhibit ApoL1, in
T. b. gambiense
, TgsGP cannot protect against high ApoL1 uptake, so different additional mechanisms contribute to limit this uptake. Here we report a complex interplay between trypanosomes and an ApoL1 variant, revealing important insights into innate human immunity against these parasites. Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized an atypical
T. b. gambiense
infection in a patient in Ghana. We show that the infecting trypanosome has diverged from the classical
T. b. gambiense
strains and lacks the TgsGP defense mechanism against human serum. By sequencing the ApoL1 gene of the patient and subsequent
in vitro
mutagenesis experiments, we demonstrate that a homozygous missense substitution (N264K) in the membrane-addressing domain of this ApoL1 variant knocks down the trypanolytic activity, allowing the trypanosome to avoid ApoL1-mediated immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Most African trypanosomes are lysed by the ApoL1 protein in human serum. Only the subspecies
Trypanosoma b. gambiense
and
T. b. rhodesiense
can resist lysis by ApoL1 because they express specific serum resistance proteins. We here report a complex interplay between trypanosomes and an ApoL1 variant characterized by a homozygous missense substitution (N264K) in the domain that we hypothesize interacts with the endolysosomal membranes of trypanosomes. The N264K substitution knocks down the lytic activity of ApoL1 against
T. b. gambiense
strains lacking the TgsGP defense mechanism and against
T. b. rhodesiense
if N264K is accompanied by additional substitutions in the SRA-interacting domain. Our data suggest that populations with high frequencies of the homozygous N264K ApoL1 variant may be at increased risk of contracting human African trypanosomiasis.
A Latitudinal Diversity Gradient in Terrestrial Bacteria of the GenusStreptomyces
Authors: Andam Cheryl P. , Doroghazi James R. , Campbell Ashley N. , Kelly Peter J. , Choudoir Mallory J. , Buckley Daniel H. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTWe show thatStreptomycesbiogeography in soils across North America is influenced by the regional diversification of microorganisms due to dispersal limitation and genetic drift.Streptomycesspp. form desiccation-resistant spores, which can be dispersed on the wind, allowing for a strong test of whether dispersal limitation governs patterns of terrestrial microbial diversity. We employed an approach that has high sensitivity for determining the effects of genetic drift. Specifically, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeography of physiologically similarStreptomycesstrains isolated from geographically distributed yet ecologically similar habitats. We found thatStreptomycesbeta diversity scales with geographic distance and both beta diversity and phylogenetic diversity manifest in a latitudinal diversity gradient. This pattern ofStreptomycesbiogeography resembles patterns seen for diverse species of plants and animals, and we therefore evaluated these data in the context of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses proposed to explain latitudinal diversity gradients. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that niche conservatism limits dispersal, and historical patterns of glaciation have limited the time for speciation in higher-latitude sites. Most notably, higher-latitude sites have lower phylogenetic diversity, higher phylogenetic clustering, and evidence of range expansion from lower latitudes. In addition, patterns of beta diversity partition with respect to the glacial history of sites. Hence, the data support the hypothesis that extant patterns ofStreptomycesbiogeography have been driven by historical patterns of glaciation and are the result of demographic range expansion, dispersal limitation, and regional diversification due to drift.IMPORTANCEBiogeographic patterns provide insight into the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern biodiversity. However, the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern terrestrial microbial diversity remain poorly characterized. We evaluated the biogeography of the genusStreptomycesto show that the diversity of terrestrial bacteria is governed by many of the same processes that govern the diversity of many plant and animal species. While bacteria of the genusStreptomycesare a preeminent source of antibiotics, their evolutionary history, biogeography, and biodiversity remain poorly characterized. The observations we describe provide insight into the drivers ofStreptomycesbiodiversity and the processes that underlie microbial diversification in terrestrial habitats.
The UK Paediatric Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Register: preliminary data
Authors: Ramaswami Uma , Cooper Jackie , Humphries Steve E 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2008 guidelines on the treatment and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) recommend that children with FH should be considered for statin treatment by the age of 10 years. The Paediatric FH Register was established in 2012 to collect baseline and long-term follow-up data on all children with FH in the UK.MethodsPaediatricians and adult lipidologists have been invited to enter baseline data on any child with a clinical diagnosis of FH using an electronic capture record.ResultsBaseline data is on 232 children (50% boys, 80% Caucasian), with an untreated mean (SD) total cholesterol of 7.61 (1.48) mmol/L and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 5.67 (1.46) mmol/L. Overall 111/232 (47.8%) of the children were on statins. Children over the age of 10 years at the most recent follow-up were twice as likely to be on statin treatment than those under 10 years (57.6% (102/177) vs 23.1% (9/39), p=0.00009). In both age groups, those subsequently on statin treatment had significantly higher diagnostic total and LDL-C (overall 6.01 (1.46) mmol/L vs 5.31 (1.37) mmol/L, p=0.00007), and had stronger evidence of a family history of early coronary heart disease (CHD) in parent or first-degree relative (overall 28.4% vs 19.0%, p=0.09). In statin-treated children LDL-C level was reduced by 35% (2.07 (1.38) mmol/L) compared with a reduction of 5.5% (0.29 (0.87) mmol/L), p=0.0001 in those not treated. None of those on statin had measured plasma levels of creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase and AST indicative of statin toxicity (ie, >2.5 times the upper limit of the normal range).ConclusionsThe data indicates that treatment decisions in children with FH are appropriately based on a stronger family history of CHD and higher LDL-C.
Is researching adverse events in hospital deaths a good way to describe patient safety in hospitals: a retrospective patient record review study
Authors: Baines Rebecca J , Langelaan Maaike , de Bruijne Martine C , Wagner Cordula 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveAdverse event studies often use patient record review as a way to assess patient safety. As this is a time-consuming method, hospitals often study inpatient deaths. In this article we will assess whether this offers a representative view of the occurrence of adverse events in comparison to patients who are discharged while still living.DesignRetrospective patient record review study.Setting and participantsA total of 11 949 hospital admissions; 50% of inpatient deaths; the other half of patients discharged while alive. The data originated from our two national adverse event studies in 2004 and 2008.Main outcome measuresOverall adverse events and preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths, and in admissions of patients discharged alive. We looked at size, preventability, clinical process and type of adverse events.ResultsPatients who died in hospital were on an average older, had a longer length of stay, were more often urgently admitted and were less often admitted to a surgical unit. We found twice as many adverse events and preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths than in patients discharged alive. Consistent with the differences in patient characteristics, preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths were proportionally less and were often related to the surgical process. Most types of adverse events and preventable adverse events occur in inpatient deaths as well as in patients discharged alive; however, these occur more often in inpatient deaths and are differently distributed.ConclusionsReviewing patient records of inpatient deaths is more efficient in identifying preventable AEs than reviewing records of those discharged alive. Although many of the same types of adverse events are found, it does not offer a representative view of the number or type of adverse events.
Validating a decision tree for serious infection: diagnostic accuracy in acutely ill children in ambulatory care
Authors: Verbakel Jan Y , Lemiengre Marieke B , De Burghgraeve Tine , De Sutter An , Aertgeerts Bert , Bullens Dominique M A , Shinkins Bethany , Van den Bruel Ann , Buntinx Frank 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveAcute infection is the most common presentation of children in primary care with only few having a serious infection (eg, sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia). To avoid complications or death, early recognition and adequate referral are essential. Clinical prediction rules have the potential to improve diagnostic decision-making for rare but serious conditions. In this study, we aimed to validate a recently developed decision tree in a new but similar population.DesignDiagnostic accuracy study validating a clinical prediction rule.Setting and participantsAcutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care in Flanders, Belgium, consisting of general practice and paediatric assessment in outpatient clinics or the emergency department.InterventionPhysicians were asked to score the decision tree in every child.Primary outcome measuresThe outcome of interest was hospital admission for at least 24 h with a serious infection within 5 days after initial presentation. We report the diagnostic accuracy of the decision tree in sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values.ResultsIn total, 8962 acute illness episodes were included, of which 283 lead to admission to hospital with a serious infection. Sensitivity of the decision tree was 100% (95% CI 71.5% to 100%) at a specificity of 83.6% (95% CI 82.3% to 84.9%) in the general practitioner setting with 17% of children testing positive. In the paediatric outpatient and emergency department setting, sensitivities were below 92%, with specificities below 44.8%.ConclusionsIn an independent validation cohort, this clinical prediction rule has shown to be extremely sensitive to identify children at risk of hospital admission for a serious infection in general practice, making it suitable for ruling out.Trial registration numberNCT02024282.