bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Francisella tularensis prevalence and load in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in an endemic area in Central Europe
Authors: HUBÁLEK Z. , RUDOLF I. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA total of 7778 host‐seeking adult Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks were examined for the prevalence of Francisella tularensis holarctica (Thiotrichales: Francisellaceae) in a natural focus of tularaemia in the floodplain forest–meadow ecosystem along the lower reaches of the Dyje (Thaya) river in South Moravia (Czech Republic) between 1995 and 2013. Ticks were pooled (10 specimens per pool) and their homogenates inoculated subcutaneously in 4‐week‐old specific pathogen‐free mice. Dead mice were sectioned, their spleens cultivated on thioglycollate–glucose–blood agar and impression smears from the spleen, liver and heart blood were Giemsa‐stained. Sixty‐four pools were positive for F. tularensis: the overall minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.82%. Overall MIRs for the 4714 female and 3064 male D. reticulatus examined were 0.89 and 0.72%, respectively; MIRs fluctuated across years between 0.0 and 2.43%. The estimated bacterial load in infected ticks varied from 0.84 to 5.34 log10 infectious F. tularensis cells per tick (i.e. from about seven to 220 000 cells). Ticks with low loads were more prevalent; more than 1000 infectious cells were detected in 24 ticks (0.3% of all ticks and 37.5% of infected ticks). Monitoring of D. reticulatus for the presence and cell numbers of F. tularensis may be a valuable tool in the surveillance of tularaemia.
Upper airway in infants—a computed tomography‐based analysis
Authors: Wani Tariq M. , Rafiq Mahmood , Akhter Nahida , AlGhamdi Faris Saeed , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundRecent studies suggest that the pediatric airway is elliptical with the subglottis rather than the cricoid as the narrowest part contrary to the old belief of a funnel‐shaped airway. The shape of the airway in neonates and infants has not been studied separately. This study seeks to define the shape of the upper airway in neonates and infants, and determine if there are differences in airway shape between infants and older children.MethodsWe studied 40 computed tomographic scans of children from birth to 12 months of age undergoing radiological evaluation unrelated to airway symptomatology. The computed tomographic scans were obtained during either natural sleep or with sedation and spontaneous ventilation without airway devices in place. Transverse and anteroposterior diameters were measured at the subglottic level and at the cricoid ring.ResultsThe mean age was 5.9 ± 3.4 months. The mean transverse and anteroposterior diameters were 5.3 ± 0.83 mm and 7.2 ± 0.89 mm at the subglottic region and 6.1 ± 0.86 mm and 6.7 ± 0.79 mm at the cricoid level. An increase in the transverse dimension of the airway was observed from the subglottic region to the cricoid ring. Although the anteroposterior dimension decreased from the subglottis to the cricoid ring, the airway remained wider in the anteroposterior dimension compared to the transverse dimension from the subglottis to the cricoid ring.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that the airway in neonates and infants between the subglottic area and the cricoid remains elliptical. The cricoid is not round as has been observed in older children. The airway is wider anteroposteriorly and narrows in the transverse dimension from the subglottis to the cricoid in infants.
Monetary Policy Implementation and Volatility Transmission Along the Yield Curve: The Case of Kenya
Authors: Alper C. Emre , Armando Morales R. , Yang Fan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper analyses the degree to which volatility in interbank interest rates leads to volatility in financial instruments with longer maturities (e.g. T‐bills) in Kenya since 2012, year in which the monetary policy framework switched to a forward‐looking approach, relative to seven other inflation targeting (IT) countries (Ghana, Hungary, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Uganda). Kenya shows strong volatility transmission and high persistence similar to other countries in transition to a more forwardlooking monetary policy framework. These results emphasize the importance of a strong commitment to an interbank rate as an operational target and suggest that the central bank could reduce uncertainty in short‐term yields significantly by smoothing out the overnight interest rates around the policy rate.
Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with a vessel‐sealing device in dorsal recumbent horses: 43 cases
Authors: Bracamonte José L. , Thomas Keri L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo document laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy with a vessel‐sealing device in dorsal recumbent horses.Study DesignRetrospective study.AnimalsForty‐three male horses.MethodsFood was withheld for 36 hours before horses were placed under general anesthesia and positioned in dorsal recumbency. One laparoscopic portal and 2 instrument portals were placed for the laparoscopic procedure. A third instrument portal was created in bilateral cryptorchid horses. A vessel‐sealing device was used for hemostasis and transection of retained testes. Descended testes were removed via closed castration with primary closure of the scrotal incision. Time required for removal of the retained testis and perioperative complications were recorded. Short‐term (14, 30, 60 days) and long‐term follow‐up (>1.5 years) consisted of telephone interview with owners and referring veterinarians.ResultsForty‐three male horses underwent laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy. Thirteen horses were bilateral cryptorchids, 19 were unilateral cryptorchids with a descended testis, and 11 were unilateral cryptorchids with 1 testis previously removed. Inguinal testes, identified in 5 horses, were pulled into the abdomen prior to excision. The vaginal ring was apposed with endoscopic staples in 3 of 5 horses. Mean surgery time was 31.34 ± 7.41 minutes. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were encountered. No short‐term or long‐term complications were reported.ConclusionLaparoscopic cryptorchidectomy can be safely performed with a vessel sealing‐device in dorsal recumbent horses. This method was effective and did not result in any complication in our case series.
High frequency ultrasonography of the hand versus anti-RA33 evaluation in early rheumatoid arthritis - a pilot study
Authors: Barbulescu Andreea Lili , Ciurea Paulina Lucia , Mitran Carmen , Chisalau Beatrice Andreea , Parvanescu Cristina Dorina , Firulescu Sineta Cristina , Balasoiu Maria , Boldeanu Mihail Virgil , Popoviciu Horatiu , Vreju Florentin Ananu 
Published: March 2017

Aim: Accurate diagnosis and early treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to a good outcome and a correct management of the disease. We aimed toinvestigate the prognostic value of anti-RA33 antibodies, by evaluating the relationship with ultrasonographic (US) findings in patients with early RA.Material and methods: We performed a prospective study which included 29 patients, diagnosed with early RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria and 21 sex and age-matched control subjects. All patients underwent clinical and biological assessment, followed by US examination in grayscale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) at baseline and after 12 months [from the second to the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and wrists (RCC), in dorsal aspect]. The second and fifth MCP joints were scanned also in lateral aspects.Results: The initial GS evaluation revealed the presence of synovitis in all 29 patients; PD found at least one joint with a PD grade higher than 1 in 23 patients, higher than 2 in 20 patients, and grade 3 in 6 patients; at 12 months, we revealed the presence of GSUS synovitis in 25 patients and PDUS examination found active synovitis in 12 subjects. In those patients, the anti-RA33 titre was significantly lower compared to those without PDUS active synovitis (p=0.031), with a moderately negative correlation (r=-0.519, p=0.0039).Conclusions: The current study shows that anti-RA33 antibodies might constitute an additional tool for diagnosing early RA patients and can help identify patients with mild disease and a low level of activesynovitis.
The safety and feasibility of diagnostic acoustic radiation force impulse elastography used for eyes. A preliminary in vivo study
Authors: Zha Li , Chen Ke Qi , Zheng Xiao Zhi , Wu Jing 
Published: March 2017

Aims: To assess the safety and feasibility of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in the eyes of rats. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty-six SD rats were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 was the control group and Group 2 to Group 7 were investigated by ARFI elastography using increased powers of 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 100% and repetitions of 5 or 10. The changes of ocular architecture structures and functions were examined by phthalmoscopic, histopathologic, and light reflex examination, and the expression level of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α was determined in days 1, 3, and 7 after ARFI elastography, respectively.Results: A satisfactory ARFI elastography was obtained in all SD rats. The shear wave velocity (SWV) values of soft tissues behind the eyeball were significantly greater than those of the eyes (1.89±0.95 vs. 0.84±0.36 m/s, p<0.05). The SWV values of eyes and the soft tissues behind the eyeball did not differ among any groups at any time-point (p>0.05). The SD rats of each group showed good light perception, pupillary light reflex, and avoidance reaction induced by the sudden bright light from the dark environment at any time. In each group, ocular architecture structures were well preserved, and with a normal expression level of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α (p>0.05).Conclusions: Diagnostic ARFI elastography is a safe and feasible ultrasonic imaging mode and may potentially be applied for human eyes in its present form.
Complete Genome Sequence of the BeAn 58058 Virus Isolated from
Oryzomys
sp. Rodents in the Amazon Region of Brazil
Authors: Wanzeller A. L. M. , Souza A. L. P. , Azevedo R. S. S. , Júnior E. C. Sousa , Filho L. C. F. , Oliveira R. S. , Lemos P. S. , Júnior J. V. , Vasconcelos P. F. C. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the BeAn 58058 virus (prototype) strain, isolated from a wild rodent
Oryzomys
sp. in the Utinga forest, Belém, state of Pará, Brazil in 1963. The genome of this virus showed similarity to the
Poxviridae
family, suggesting its inclusion in a possible new genus.
Draft Genome Sequence of Anoxybacillus mongoliensis Strain MB4, a Sulfur-Utilizing Aerobic Thermophile Isolated from a Hot Spring in Tattapani, Central India
Authors: Mittal Parul , Saxena Rituja , Sharma Vineet K. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Anoxybacillus mongoliensis
strain MB4, an aerobic thermophile, was isolated from a hot spring located in central India. Its first draft genome sequence reported in this study comprises 2,807,516 bp and 2,853 protein-coding genes. Detailed genomic analysis indicates that it is capable of performing sulfur metabolism.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Hypovirus from the Phytopathogenic Fungus
Fusarium langsethiae
Authors: Li Pengfei , Chen Xiaoguang , He Hao , Qiu Dewen , Guo Lihua 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

We describe a novel positive single-stranded RNA virus, termed
Fusarium langsethiae
hypovirus 1 (FlHV1), from the isolate AH32 of the phytopathogenic fungus
Fusarium langsethiae
. The properties of FlHV1 permit assignment to the genus
Alphahypovirus
in the family
Hypoviridae
. This is the first report of a mycovirus identified in
F. langsethiae
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus obstructivus
VT-16-70 Isolated from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Tetz Victor , Tetz George 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus obstructivus
VT-16-70, a novel spore-forming bacterium isolated from the lungs of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The genome comprised 5,220,753 bp, with 35.2% G+C content. There were 4,972 predicted protein-coding genes, including those associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence.
What strategies can be used to effectively reduce the risk of concussion in sport? A systematic review
Authors: Emery Carolyn A , Black Amanda M , Kolstad Ash , Martinez German , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Engebretsen Lars , Johnston Karen , Kissick James , Maddocks David , Tator Charles , Aubry Mark , Dvořák Jiří , Nagahiro Shinji , Schneider Kathryn 
Published: March 2017

Aim or objectiveTo examine the effectiveness of concussion prevention strategies in reducing concussion risk in sport.DesignSystematic review according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines.Data sourcesEleven electronic databases searched and hand-search of references from selected studies.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesThe following were the study inclusion criteria: (1) contained original human research data; (2) investigated an outcome of concussion or head impact; (3) evaluated a concussion prevention intervention; (4) included sport participants; (5) analytical study designand (6) peer-reviewed. The following were the exclusion criteria: (1) review articles, case series or case studies and (2) not in English.ResultsThe studies selected (n=48) provided evidence related to protective gear (helmets, headgear, mouthguards) (n=25), policy and rule changes (n=13) and other interventions (training, education, facilities) (n=10). Meta-analyses demonstrate a combined effect of a 70% reduction (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.3 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.41)) in concussion risk in youth ice hockey leagues where policy disallows body checking, and the point estimate (IRR=0.8 (95% CI: 0.6 to 1.1)) suggests a protective effect of mouthguards in contact and collision sport (basketball, ice hockey, rugby).Summary/conclusionsHighlights include a protective effect of helmets in skiing/snowboarding and the effectiveness of policy eliminating body checking in youth ice hockey. Future research should examine mouthguards in contact sport, football helmet padding, helmet fit in collision sport, policy limiting contact practice in youth football, rule enforcement to reduce head contact in ice hockey and soccer, ice surface size and board/glass flexibility in ice hockey and training strategies targeting intrinsic risk factors (eg, visual training).Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039162
Retrospective observational study of emergency admission, readmission and the ‘weekend effect’
Authors: Shiue Ivy , McMeekin Peter , Price Christopher 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesExcess mortality following weekend hospital admission has been observed but not explained. As readmissions have greater age, comorbidity and social deprivation, outcomes following emergency index admission and readmission were examined for temporal and demographic associations to confirm whether weekend readmissions contribute towards excess mortality.DesignA retrospective observational study. Individual patient Hospital Episode Statistics were linked and 2 categories created: index admissions (not within 60 days of discharge from an emergency hospitalisation) and readmissions (within 60 days of discharge from an emergency hospitalisation). Logistic regression examined associations between admission category, weekend and weekday mortality, age, gender, season, comorbidity and social deprivation.SettingA single acute National Health Service (NHS) trust serving a population of 550 000 via 3 emergency departments.ParticipantsEmergency admissions between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2015.Outcome measureAll-cause 30-day mortality.ResultsOver 5 years there were 128 966 index admissions (74.7% weekday/25.3% weekend) and 20 030 readmissions (74.9% weekday/25.1% weekend). Adjusted 30-day death rates for weekday/weekend admissions were 6.93%/7.04% for index cases and 12.26%/13.27% for readmissions. Weekend readmissions had a higher mortality risk relative to weekday readmissions (OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.20)) without differences in comorbidity or deprivation. Weekend index admissions did not have a significantly increased mortality risk (OR 1.04 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.11)) but deaths which did occur were associated with lower deprivation (OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.38)) and an absence of comorbidities (OR 1.17 (1.02 to 1.34)).ConclusionsAssociations with emergency hospitalisation were not identical for index admissions and readmissions. Further research is needed to confirm what factors are responsible for the ‘weekend effect’.
Improving Surgical and Anaesthesia Practice: Review of the Use of the WHO Safe Surgery Checklist in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Ellis Ryan , Izzuddin Mohamad Nor Ahmad , Pimentil Iona , Bitew Zebenaye , Moore Jolene 
Published: March 2017

Development of surgical and anaesthetic care globally has been consistently reported as being inadequate. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery highlights the need for action to address this deficit. One such action to improve global surgical safety is the introduction of the WHO Surgical Checklist to Operating Rooms (OR) around the world. The checklist has a growing body of evidence supporting its ability to assist in the delivery of safe anaesthesia and surgical care. Here we report the introduction of the Checklist to a major Ethiopian referral hospital and low-resource setting and highlight the success and challenges of its implementation over a one year period.This project was conducted between July 2015 and August 2016, within a wider partnership between Felege Hiwot Hospital and The University of Aberdeen. The WHO Surgical Checklist was modified for appropriate and locally specific use within the OR of Felege Hiwot. The modified Checklist was introduced to all OR's and staff instructed on its use by local surgical leaders. Assessment of use of the Checklist was performed for General Surgical OR in three phases and Obstetric OR in two phases via observational study and case note review. Training was conduct between each phase to address challenges and promote use.Checklist utilisation in the general OR increased between Phase I and 2 from 50% to 97% and remained high at 94% in Phase 3. Between Phase I and 2 partial completion rose from 27% to 77%, whereas full completion remained unchanged (23% to 20%). Phase 3 resulted in an increase in full completion from 20% to 60%. After 1 year the least completed section was “Sign In” (53%) and “Time Out” was most completed (87%). The most poorly checked item was “Site Marked” (60%). Use of the checklist in Obstetrics OR increased between Phase I and Phase II from 50% to 100% with some improvement in partial completion (50% to 60%) and a notable increase in full completion (0% to 40%). The least completed section was “Time Out” (50%) and “Sign In” was the most completed (90%). The most poorly checked item was “Recovery Concerns” (70%). There was considerable enthusiasm for use of the checklist among staff. The greatest challenge was communication difficulties between teams and high staff turnover.This study records a locally driven, successful introduction of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist modified for the specific locale and illustrates an increase in use of the checklist over a one year period in both General Surgical and Obstetric OR's. Local determination and ownership of the Checklist with regular intervention to promote use and train users contributed to this success.
Reducing falls in a care home
Authors: Cooper Rosie 
Published: March 2017

Care home residents are 3 times more likely to fall than their community dwelling peers and 10 times more likely to sustain a significant injury as a result. 2 A project commenced at a care home in Aberdeen with the aim of reducing the number of falls by 20% by 30st April 2016 using the model for improvement. Qualitative data was gathered to establish staff belief about falls and their level of knowledge& understanding about falls risks and how to manage these. This informed the training which was delivered and iterative testing commenced with the introduction of the Lanarkshire Falls Risk/Intervention tool – where the multifactorial nature of a resident's falls risks are explored and specific actions to manage these are identified and implemented. Failure to meet PDSA predictions about sharing risk reducing actions with staff and length of time to complete the tool prompted a focus on communication and the processes whereby the tool is completed. “Teach back” was employed to highlight communication difficulties and ultimately the introduction of Huddles out improved the flow of information about residents and informed the Falls Risk/Intervention tool. 5 PDSAs were completed and within them multiple tests of change. The improvement shift came following a root cause analysis of the nature & cause of one resident's falls and applying the tool & communication processes. The average falls rate fell from 49 per 1000 occupied bed days to 23.6 and was sustained because of the attention to the importance of communication. The aim was achieved with a 36.6% reduction in Falls rate.Care home residents are 3 times more likely to fall than their community dwelling peers and 10 times more likely to sustain a significant injury as a result. 2 A project commenced at a care home in Aberdeen with the aim of reducing the number of falls by 20% by 30th April 2016 using the model for improvement. Qualitative data was gathered to establish staff belief about falls and their level of knowledge& understanding about falls risks and how to manage these. This informed the training which was delivered and iterative testing commenced with the introduction of the Lanarkshire Falls Risk/Intervention tool - where the multifactorial nature of a resident's falls risks are explored and specific actions to manage these are identified and implemented. Failure to meet PDSA predictions about sharing risk reducing actions with staff and length of time to complete the tool prompted a focus on communication and the processes whereby the tool is completed. “Teach back” was employed to highlight communication difficulties and the introduction of Huddles improved the flow of information. 5 PDSAs were completed and within them multiple tests of change. The improvement shift came following a root cause analysis of the nature & cause of one resident's falls and applying the tool & communication processes. The average falls rate fell from 49 per 1000 occupied bed days to 23.6 and was sustained because of the attention to the importance of communication. The aim was achieved with a 36.6% reduction in Falls rate.