bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Utility of Makeshift Beds in Disaster Shelters
Authors: Nara Masayuki , Ueda Shinsaku , Aoki Masashi , Tamada Tsutomu , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Hongo Michio 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveStrong earthquakes have been reported to increase the incidence of diseases. One reason for these increases may be the stress from the poor living environment for evacuees in disaster shelters. To reduce stress, makeshift cardboard beds were introduced in shelters in the Ishinomaki region, one of the areas heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, 4 months after the earthquake. The study was performed to determine whether use of the beds offered a reduction in the disease burden.MethodsBlood pressure and blood D-dimer values, often used as diagnostic tests for venous thrombosis, were checked. The timed Up & Go (TUG) test, which assesses functional mobility; a questionnaire survey about symptoms (cough, insomnia, and lumbago); and an SF-8 health survey, a health-related quality of life survey, were also administered before and 1 month after introducing the beds.ResultsBlood pressure measurements, TUG test results, and questionnaire survey scores improved significantly 1 month after the introduction of the beds. Also, evacuees with higher blood D-dimer values tended to show improvement, suggesting that the beds may have had a good effect on persons with underlying venous thrombotic disorders.ConclusionMakeshift beds of cardboard could be very useful in disaster shelters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:573–577)
Contribution of different Ca2+ channels to the acrosome reaction-mediated initiation of sperm motility in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster
Authors: Takayama-Watanabe Eriko , Ochiai Hiroto , Tanino Shunpei , Watanabe Akihiko 
Published: December 2013

SummaryInitiation of sperm motility in urodeles, which is induced by a sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) in the sequestered granules on the surface of egg jelly, is mediated by the acrosome reaction (AR), which is triggered by an AR-inducing substance (ARIS) on a sheet-like structure. Details of the unique process of the interaction between egg jelly and sperm in these species is still unclear. The current study showed the fine structure of egg jelly in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster, a urodele species, revealing that its outer surface was covered by a sheet-like structure of approximately 0.29 μm in thickness. Granules of approximately 2 μm in diameter with small particles of approximately 54 nm were attached to its surface and distributed inhomogeneously just beneath the sheet-like structure. Emission spectrometry revealed that the Ca2+ concentration was maintained at a high level compared with that of the blood plasma and the vas deferens fluid, suggesting that egg jelly is a reliable source of Ca2+ for the sperm–egg interaction. Blockers of the T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC), but not the L-type VDCC, inhibited both AR and initiation of sperm motility. Conversely, Ni+, which affects the α1 H subunit of T-type VDCC, only inhibited the initiation of sperm motility. These data suggest that, in response to ARIS and SMIS, sequential gating of distinct Ca2+ channels occurs in the AR, followed by the initiation of sperm motility on the surface of the egg jelly in C. pyrrhogaster at fertilization.
Neopterin is associated with cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in renal transplant patients
Authors: Pihlstrøm Hege , Mjøen Geir , März Winfried , Olav Dahle Dag , Abedini Sadollah , Holme Ingar , Fellström Bengt , Jardine Alan , Pilz Stefan , Holdaas Hallvard 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory markers show significant associations with cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality after kidney transplantation. Neopterin, reflecting interferon‐γ‐release, may better reflect the proinflammatory state of recipients than less specific markers.MethodsKidney transplant recipients in the Assessment of LEscol in Renal Transplant (ALERT) trial were examined and investigated for an association between serum neopterin and subsequent clinical events: graft loss, major cardiovascular events (MACE) and all‐cause mortality.ResultsAfter adjustment for established and emerging risk factors neopterin expressed as neopterin‐to‐creatinine ratio was significantly associated with MACE (p = 0.009) and all‐cause mortality (p = 0.002). Endpoints were more frequent with increasing quartiles of neopterin‐to‐creatinine ratio. The incidence rates of MACE and all‐cause mortality were significantly increased in the upper quartiles compared with the first.ConclusionsThis long‐term prospective analysis in stable kidney allograft recipients suggests that neopterin is associated with long‐term risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality, but not renal outcomes.
Oral health survey of 6–12‐year‐old children with disabilities attending special schools in Chennai, India
Authors: Gardens Seby J. , Krishna Madhusudan , Vellappally Sajith , Alzoman Hamad , Halawany Hassan S. , Abraham Nimmi B. , Jacob Vimal 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe dental literature is replete with reports on the oral health surveys of normal children. Relatively few data exist for the oral conditions of mentally challenged children and adolescents with multiple disabilities in India.AimTo assess the oral hygiene practices and treatment needs among 6–12‐year‐old disabled children attending special schools in Chennai, India, between 2007 and 2008.DesignA cross‐sectional study data were collected using WHO criteria, a questionnaire (for the parents/guardians) regarding demographic data and oral hygiene practices, medical record review, and clinical examination.ResultsAmong 402 disabled children, majority of the children brushed their teeth once daily (89.7%) and with assistance from the caregiver (64.4%). The utilisation of the dental services was minimal (extractions 14.4%, oral prophylaxis 1.7%, and restorations 1.7%). There was significant difference between residents and non‐residents for the mean dft/DMFT. The periodontal health was comparatively better among the residents of the institutions than the non‐residents (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that various variables were significantly associated with dft/DMFT and Community Periodontal Index (CPI).ConclusionThis study gives sufficient evidence to suggest that the oral health status of this disabled population was poor and there was an increased unmet dental treatment needs.
Looking up versus looking down: attractiveness‐based organizational biases are moderated by social comparison direction
Authors: Agthe Maria , Spörrle Matthias , Frey Dieter , Maner Jon K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOrganizational decision‐making research demonstrates an abundance of positive biases directed toward attractive individuals. However, recent research suggests that these favorable consequences of attractiveness do not hold when the person being evaluated is of the same sex as the evaluator. In the current study, participants evaluated prospective job candidates and indicated their desire to interact socially with the candidate. Results indicated positive responses toward attractive other‐sex targets but not toward attractive same‐sex targets. This pattern was moderated by participants' social comparison orientation: People who tended to engage in downward (rather than upward) social comparison displayed stronger reactions to attractive comparison targets. They indicated less desire to interact socially with attractive same‐sex job candidates than those who tend to engage in upward social comparison.
The availability of HEPA‐filtered rooms and the incidence of pneumonia in patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): results from a prospective, multicentre, eastern European study
Authors: Vokurka Samuel , Bystrická Eva , Svoboda Tomáš , Škoda Gorican Irena Katja , Sever Matjaz , Mazur Ewa , Kopinska Anna , Pavlicová Vladislava , Mocanu Otilia , Tanase Alina , Ghelase Rodica , Zítková Marie , Labudíková Monika , Raida Ludek , Hrabánková‐Navrátilová Darja , Bocková Jana 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo establish the availability of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)‐ and nonHEPA‐filtered rooms in eastern European transplant centres and to investigate the impact on incidence of pneumonia and mortality after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).BackgroundBarrier nursing in HEPA‐filtered rooms is generally recommended for patients undergoing HSCT. There are only limited data on the availability of HEPA‐filtered rooms and the impact on incidence of pneumonia and mortality.DesignA prospective, observational, international study.MethodsMonitoring cards were distributed within the East Forum EBMT‐Nurses Group cooperating centres, and 689 consecutive patients were registered in 1/2010‐6/2012. Patients were monitored for 100 days post‐transplant.ResultsIn patients undergoing autologous HSCT, pneumonia developed in 14/400 (3·5%) and was the cause of death in 2/14 (14%) of patients. There was no significant difference in mortality between HEPA‐filtered and nonHEPA‐filtered groups (4·5% vs. 4·9%, respectively). 239/400 (59%) transplantations were performed in single‐bed rooms [190/239 (79%) HEPA‐filtered] and 161 (41%) in two‐bed rooms [28/161 (17%) HEPA‐filtered]. In allogeneic transplantation, pneumonia developed in 24/289 (8·3%) and was the cause of death in 11/24 (45%) of patients. There was no significant difference in mortality between HEPA‐filtered and non‐HEPA‐filtered groups (14% vs. 17%, respectively). 281/289 (97%) of allogeneic transplantations were performed in single‐bed rooms [254/281 (90%) HEPA‐filtered], and pneumonia was more frequent in patients on corticosteroids and in rooms without HEPA.ConclusionThe incidence of pneumonia in the autologous transplantation setting is low. More pneumonia was observed in the allogeneic HSCT group, especially in patients on corticosteroids. There was a trend towards a lower incidence of pneumonia in allogeneic HSCT patients treated in HEPA‐filtered rooms.Relevance to clinical practiceAutologous HSCT transplantation may safely be performed without HEPA filtration. HEPA filtration might be preferable in patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation.
Evaluation of the implementation of a bowel management protocol in intensive care: effect on clinician practices and patient outcomes
Authors: Knowles Serena , McInnes Elizabeth , Elliott Doug , Hardy Jennifer , Middleton Sandy 
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effect of a multifaceted implementation of a bowel management protocol on outcomes for intensive care patients, in particular the incidence of constipation and diarrhoea, and on clinicians' bowel management practices.BackgroundComplications associated with poor bowel management for critically ill patients result in adverse outcomes. Implementation of protocols requires strategies proven to change clinician behaviour.DesignBefore and after study.MethodsOur bowel management protocol was implemented using three evidence‐based elements: education sessions, printed educational materials in the form of a fact sheet and reminders. We retrospectively collected data from patients' medical records admitted at two time points within three Sydney metropolitan intensive care units (preimplementation, n = 101; postimplementation, n = 107).ResultsNo significant difference was found in the incidence of constipation and diarrhoea pre and postimplementation of the protocol. Seventy‐two per cent (n = 73) of patients preimplementation and 70% (n = 75) of patients postimplementation experienced one or more episodes of constipation (bowels not open for 72 hours or greater), and 16% (n = 16) of patients preimplementation and 20% (n = 21) of patients postimplementation experienced one or more episodes of diarrhoea. There was a slight nonsignificant increase in bowel assessment on admission by medical officers postimplementation (pre, 47%, n = 48; post, 60%, n = 64).ConclusionTargeted multifaceted implementation of a bowel management protocol did not have an impact on the incidence of constipation or diarrhoea for intensive care patients or on clinician practices. The lack of impact on patient outcomes may be due to clinicians' nonadherence to our bowel management protocol. Reasons clinicians' practices did not change may include the influences of clinical decision‐making on behaviour.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study highlights difficulties inherent in changing clinician behaviour and practices to improve patient outcomes despite using an evidence‐based multifaceted implementation strategy. Further research is required to ascertain the most effective implementation strategies.
The effect of sevoflurane and ondansetron on QT interval and transmural dispersion of repolarization in children
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Park Yong‐Hee , Kim Jin‐Tae , Kim Chong‐Sung , Kim Hee‐Soo 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundThis study evaluated the prolongation of QT interval by the combination of sevoflurane and ondansetron in pediatric patients. Additionally, transmural dispersion of repolarization as interval between the peak and end of the T wave (Tp‐e) and Tp‐e/QT ratio was also measured to assess the risk of ventricular arrhythmia.MethodsThe 3‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) in lead II was sampled at three stages: at preinduction, just before (Sevo alone) and finally, after administration of ondansetron (Sevo+Ondansetron) in 41 children aged from 3 to 12 years. The QT interval was corrected for heart rate using Bazett's formula. And, Tp‐e interval was obtained, and Tp‐e/QT ratio was calculated. For analysis of the changes of parameters, a repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences in QTc, Tp‐e interval and Tp‐e/QT ratio at the three epochs.ResultsThe mean QTc at preinduction period was 413.8 (20.8) ms. The mean Sevo alone and Sevo+Ondansetron QTcs were 432.5 (28.1) and 439.2 (27.6) ms, and the differences in QTc prolongation between stages were all significant (P < 0.01). Ondansetron increased Tp‐e interval significantly; however, Tp‐e/QT ratio was not different among three stages. There were no ECG abnormalities such as atrial or ventricular arrhythmia and T‐wave abnormality in any patient.ConclusionsSevoflurane prolongs the QTc interval and its combination with ondansetron further increased this effect in children. However, the dispersion of ventricular repolarization was not significantly affected, and there were no adverse events such as ventricular arrhythmia in this study. The combination of sevoflurane and ondansetron may be clinically safe, but careful ECG monitoring is still advisable.
Identification of the Novel Lincosamide Resistance Gene
lnu
(E) Truncated by ISEnfa5-cfr-IS
Enfa5
Insertion in Streptococcus suis:
De Novo
Synthesis and Confirmation of Functional Activity in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhao Qin , Wendlandt Sarah , Li Hui , Li Jun , Wu Congming , Shen Jianzhong , Schwarz Stefan , Wang Yang 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

The novel lincosamide resistance gene
lnu
(E), truncated by insertion of an IS
Enfa5-cfr
-IS
Enfa5
segment, was identified in
Streptococcus suis
. The gene
lnu
(E) encodes a 173-amino-acid protein with ≤69.4% identity to other lincosamide nucleotidyltransferases. The
lnu
(E) gene and its promoter region were
de novo
synthesized, and
Staphylococcus aureus
RN4220 carrying a shuttle vector with the cloned
lnu
(E) gene showed a 16-fold increase in the lincomycin MIC. Mass spectrometry experiments demonstrated that Lnu(E) catalyzed the nucleotidylation of lincomycin.
Draft Genome Sequence of NDM-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolate 303K
Authors: Liao Yu-Chieh , Chen Ying-Hsiang , Lin Hsin-Hung , Mu Jung-Jung , Wu Ho-Sheng , Chen Feng-Chi , Hsiung Chao Agnes 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing bacteria have spread globally and become a major clinical and public health threat. We report here the draft genome sequence of the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolate 303K, harboring an NDM-1 coding sequence.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus toyonensis BCT-7112
T
, the Active Ingredient of the Feed Additive Preparation Toyocerin
Authors: Jiménez Guillermo , Blanch Anicet R. , Tamames Javier , Rosselló-Mora Ramon 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Strain BCT-7112, previously identified as
Bacillus cereus
var.
toyoi
, is the type strain of the species
Bacillus toyonensis
, a novel species of the
B. cereus
group. The complete genome of this strain, which is the active ingredient of the feed additive preparation Toyocerin, has been sequenced and annotated to reveal the genetic properties of this probiotic organism with a long history of safe use in animal nutrition.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus subtilis Strain PY79
Authors: Schroeder Jeremy W. , Simmons Lyle A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
is a Gram-positive soil-dwelling and endospore-forming bacterium in the phylum
Firmicutes
.
B. subtilis
strain PY79 is a prototrophic laboratory strain that has been highly used for studying a wide variety of cellular pathways. Here, we announce the complete whole-genome sequence of
B. subtilis
PY79.
Right ventricular adaptations and arrhythmias in amateur ultra-endurance athletes
Authors: Rimensberger Caroline , Carlen Frederik , Brugger Nicolas , Seiler Christian , Wilhelm Matthias 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveUltra-endurance sports are becoming increasingly popular in middle-aged amateur athletes. Right ventricular (RV) arrhythmogenic remodelling has been described in high-level endurance athletes, like professional cyclists. The clinical relevance for amateurs is unknown.DesignWe investigated male amateur runners of the 2011 Grand Prix of Bern, a popular 10-mile race in Switzerland. Participants were stratified according to their former participations in long-distance competitions: active controls (leisure-time runners), marathon runners and ultra-endurance athletes (78 and 100 km runners, long-distance triathletes). RV function and morphology were assessed by echocardiography, including two-dimensional speckle tracking. Primary endpoint was RV global strain. Ventricular ectopy was assessed by 24 h ambulatory Holter monitoring. Results were adjusted for lifetime training hours.Results97 normotensive athletes were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 42±8 years. Compared with active controls and marathon runners, ultra-endurance athletes had significantly more lifetime training hours and participated more often in competitions. Groups showed no differences with regard to RV global strain (–21.8±2.9 vs −23.3±2.8 vs −21.7±2.3%; p=0.973) and RV end-diastolic area (22.1±2.9 vs 22.9±4.2 vs 23.2±3.5 cm2; p=0.694). The number of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) was weakly associated with the RV size (r=0.208; p=0.042). Overall ventricular ectopy was low (0–486 PVCs/24 h) and equally distributed between the groups.ConclusionsIn our small sample of amateur athletes, long-term ultra-endurance sport practice was not associated with RV dysfunction or complex ventricular arrhythmias.
Differential transcriptome analysis of glandular and filamentous trichomes in Artemisia annua
Authors: Soetaert Sandra SA , Van Neste Christophe MF , Vandewoestyne Mado L , Head Steven R , Goossens Alain , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip CW , Deforce Dieter LD 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
The medicinal plant Artemisia annua is covered with filamentous trichomes and glandular, artemisinin producing trichomes. A high artemisinin supply is needed at a reduced cost for treating malaria. Artemisinin production in bioreactors can be facilitated if a better insight is obtained in the biosynthesis of artemisinin and other metabolites. Therefore, metabolic activities of glandular and filamentous trichomes were investigated at the transcriptome level.

Results
By laser pressure catapulting, glandular and filamentous trichomes as well as apical and sub-apical cells from glandular trichomes were collected and their transcriptome was sequenced using Illumina RNA-Seq. A de novo transcriptome was assembled (Trinity) and studied with a differential expression analysis (edgeR).
A comparison of the transcriptome from glandular and filamentous trichomes shows that MEP, MVA, most terpene and lipid biosynthesis pathways are significantly upregulated in glandular trichomes. Conversely, some transcripts coding for specific sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid enzymes such as 8-epi-cedrol synthase and an uncharacterized oxidosqualene cyclase were significantly upregulated in filamentous trichomes. All known artemisinin biosynthesis genes are upregulated in glandular trichomes and were detected in both the apical and sub-apical cells of the glandular trichomes. No significant differential expression could be observed between the apical and sub-apical cells.

Conclusions
Our results underscore the vast metabolic capacities of A. annua glandular trichomes but nonetheless point to the existence of specific terpene metabolic pathways in the filamentous trichomes. Candidate genes that might be involved in artemisinin biosynthesis are proposed based on their putative function and their differential expression level.
Parallel analysis of RNA ends enhances global investigation of microRNAs and target RNAs of Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Jeong Dong-Hoon , Schmidt Skye A , Rymarquis Linda A , Park Sunhee , Ganssmann Matthias , German Marcelo A , Accerbi Monica , Zhai Jixian , Fahlgren Noah , Fox Samuel E , Garvin David F , Mockler Todd C , Carrington James C , Meyers Blake C , Green Pamela J 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
The wild grass Brachypodium distachyon has emerged as a model system for temperate grasses and biofuel plants. However, the global analysis of miRNAs, molecules known to be key for eukaryotic gene regulation, has been limited in B. distachyon to studies examining a few samples or that rely on computational predictions. Similarly an in-depth global analysis of miRNA-mediated target cleavage using parallel analysis of RNA ends (PARE) data is lacking in B. distachyon.

Results
B. distachyon small RNAs were cloned and deeply sequenced from 17 libraries that represent different tissues and stresses. Using a computational pipeline, we identified 116 miRNAs including not only conserved miRNAs that have not been reported in B. distachyon, but also non-conserved miRNAs that were not found in other plants. To investigate miRNA-mediated cleavage function, four PARE libraries were constructed from key tissues and sequenced to a total depth of approximately 70 million sequences. The roughly 5 million distinct genome-matched sequences that resulted represent an extensive dataset for analyzing small RNA-guided cleavage events. Analysis of the PARE and miRNA data provided experimental evidence for miRNA-mediated cleavage of 264 sites in predicted miRNA targets. In addition, PARE analysis revealed that differentially expressed miRNAs in the same family guide specific target RNA cleavage in a correspondingly tissue-preferential manner.

Conclusions
B. distachyon miRNAs and target RNAs were experimentally identified and analyzed. Knowledge gained from this study should provide insights into the roles of miRNAs and the regulation of their targets in B. distachyon and related plants.