bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of ciprofloxacin‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the intestinal flora of patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy in Norwich, UK
Authors: Hanna Marcelino Yazbek , Tremlett Catherine , Josan Gurvir , Eltom Ali , Mills Robert , Rochester Mark , Livermore David M. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy of the prostate in the Norwich population, and its correlation with ciprofloxacin resistance in the faecal flora. We also aimed to determine the usefulness of a pre‐biopsy rectal screen for resistant bacteria in these patients.Patients and MethodsThe incidence and microbiology of sepsis after TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies between 2007 and 2011 was audited retrospectively. Subsequently, in 2012, a prospective study was performed, collecting the same data but also culturing rectal swabs from all patients undergoing TRUS‐guided biopsy, with a post‐biopsy follow‐up period of 6 months. All patients were given prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin, as per Trust policy (750 mg 1 h before biopsy, followed by 250 mg twice daily for 3 subsequent days).ResultsBetween 2007 and 2011, 3600 patients underwent TRUS‐guided biopsy. Among these, 11 (0.3%) were admitted to hospital for post‐biopsy related sepsis but only 4 (0.1%) had ciprofloxacin‐resistant Escherichia coli confirmed from blood cultures: three had ciprofloxacin‐susceptible Enterobacteriaceae, and four had no ciprofloxacin susceptibility data. In 2012, 10 (3.7%) of 267 patients sampled before biopsy had ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli recovered on rectal swab culture but none of these men presented with post‐biopsy sepsis; during the 6‐month follow‐up period, seven patients were diagnosed with urinary tract infections.ConclusionCiprofloxacin‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae remains rare in the intestinal flora of the Norwich TRUS population, meaning that the drug remains adequate as prophylaxis. Pre‐biopsy rectal swabs may be useful for individual departments to periodically assess their own populations and to ensure their antibiotic policy remains valid. In populations where resistance is known to be highly prevalent, pre‐biopsy rectal swabs can help guide addition of further antibiotics to prevent post‐biopsy septicaemia.
Factors affecting breast milk composition and potential consequences for development of the allergic phenotype
Authors: Munblit D. , Boyle R. J. , Warner J. O. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThere is conflicting evidence on the protective role of breastfeeding in relation to allergic sensitization and disease. The factors in breast milk which influence these processes are still unclear and under investigation. We know that colostrum and breast milk contain a variety of molecules which can influence immune responses in the gut‐associated lymphoid tissue of a neonate. This review summarizes the evidence that variations in colostrum and breast milk composition can influence allergic outcomes in the infant, and the evidence that maternal and environmental factors can modify milk composition. Taken together, the data presented support the possibility that maternal dietary interventions may be an effective way to promote infant health through modification of breast milk composition.
The status of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D across the spectrum of glucose tolerance among middle‐aged and elderly Chinese individuals
Authors: Guan Conghui , Zhen Donghu , Tang Xulei , Yang Xiaomei , Zhu Tengfei , Fu Songbo , Tian Yunling 
Published: July 2014

SummaryContextAlthough vitamin D status and its inverse association with diabetes among White people have been recognized, little research on vitamin D status has been well conducted in Chinese individuals based on glucose tolerance.ObjectiveTo compare the vitamin D status of Chinese individuals aged 40–75 years based on the glucose tolerance status.Design and methodsSerum 25OHD was measured in a cross‐sectional sample of 10 038 individuals aged 40–75 years from Lanzhou city, which is located in western China.ResultsPeople with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 4744), prediabetes (n = 2808) or diabetes (n = 2486) aged 40–75 years were included in the study. The difference in 25OHD concentration between people with NGT and prediabetes was not significant (16·5 vs 16·0 ng/ml, P = 0·773), but the 25OHD concentration of diabetes was higher than that of subjects with NGT (16·5 vs 16·5 ng/ml, P = 0·025) and prediabetes (16·5 vs 16·0 ng/ml, P = 0·032) after adjusting confounders. There was no difference in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency between people with NGT and diabetes (74·7% vs 74·0%, P = 0·535), but the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency of prediabetes was higher than that of people with NGT (77·0% vs 74·7%, P = 0·024) and diabetes (77·0% vs 74·0%, P = 0·012).ConclusionsAlthough vitamin D status was significantly different across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese individuals, the difference was not clinically significant. The results, however, highlight the very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population and should raise the awareness of this important public health issue among health‐care providers.
Association of Learning Styles with Research Self‐Efficacy: Study of Short‐Term Research Training Program for Medical Students
Authors: Dumbauld Jill , Black Michelle , Depp Colin A. , Daly Rebecca , Curran Maureen A. , Winegarden Babbi , Jeste Dilip V. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeWith a growing need for developing future physician scientists, identifying characteristics of medical students who are likely to benefit from research training programs is important. This study assessed if specific learning styles of medical students, participating in federally funded short‐term research training programs, were associated with research self‐efficacy, a potential predictor of research career success.MethodSeventy‐five first‐year medical students from 28 medical schools, selected to participate in two competitive NIH‐supported summer programs for research training in aging, completed rating scales to evaluate learning styles at baseline, and research self‐efficacy before and after training. We examined associations of individual learning styles (visual‐verbal, sequential‐global, sensing‐intuitive, and active‐reflective) with students’ gender, ranking of medical school, and research self‐efficacy.ResultsResearch self‐efficacy improved significantly following the training programs. Students with a verbal learning style reported significantly greater research self‐efficacy at baseline, while visual, sequential, and intuitive learners demonstrated significantly greater increases in research self‐efficacy from baseline to posttraining. No significant relationships were found between learning styles and students’ gender or ranking of their medical school.ConclusionsAssessments of learning styles may provide useful information to guide future training endeavors aimed at developing the next generation of physician‐scientists.
Increasing small conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel activity reverses ischemia‐induced impairment of long‐term potentiation
Authors: Orfila J. E. , Shimizu K. , Garske A. K. , Deng G. , Maylie J. , Traystman R. J. , Quillinan N. , Adelman J. P. , Herson P. S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGlobal cerebral ischemia following cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) causes injury to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and impairs cognition. Small conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels type 2 (SK2), expressed in CA1 pyramidal neurons, have been implicated as potential protective targets. Here we showed that, in mice, hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) was impaired as early as 3 h after recovery from CA/CPR and LTP remained impaired for at least 30 days. Treatment with the SK2 channel agonist 1‐Ethyl‐2‐benzimidazolinone (1‐EBIO) at 30 min after CA provided sustained protection from plasticity deficits, with LTP being maintained at control levels at 30 days after recovery from CA/CPR. Minimal changes in glutamate release probability were observed at delayed times after CA/CPR, implicating post‐synaptic mechanisms. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction indicated that CA/CPR did not cause a loss of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor mRNA at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Similarly, no change in synaptic NMDA receptor protein levels was observed at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Further, patch‐clamp experiments demonstrated no change in functional synaptic NMDA receptors at 7 or 30 days after CA/CPR. Electrophysiology recordings showed that synaptic SK channel activity was reduced for the duration of experiments performed (up to 30 days) and that, surprisingly, treatment with 1‐EBIO did not prevent the CA/CPR‐induced loss of synaptic SK channel function. We concluded that CA/CPR caused alterations in post‐synaptic signaling that were prevented by treatment with the SK2 agonist 1‐EBIO, indicating that activators of SK2 channels may be useful therapeutic agents to prevent ischemic injury and cognitive impairments.
Multiple proteins from ejaculated and epididymal porcine spermatozoa bind glycan motifs found in the oviduct
Authors: Silva E. , Kadirvel G. , Jiang R. , Bovin N. , Miller D. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryPreviously, we demonstrated that porcine spermatozoa bind selectively to Lewisx (LeX) and bi‐antennary α2‐6 sialylated N‐acetyllactosamine (bi‐SiaLN) glycan motifs found in the oviduct. Recognition of these motifs mediates sperm binding to oviduct epithelial cells to form a reservoir. Here, we characterize proteins that bind to LeX and bi‐SiaLN in ejaculated and cauda epididymal spermatozoa. Fluoresceinated 3′‐O‐sulphated‐LeX (suLeX) and bi‐SiaLN were used to locate the binding proteins on spermatozoa. Binding to N‐acetyllactosamine (LN), a glycan that spermatozoa bind less, was assessed as a control. Over 60% of ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa bound to suLeX and bi‐SiaLN, but only 25% bound to LN. Specific binding to suLeX and bi‐SiaLN required divalent cations. Fluoresceinated suLeX bound mostly to the plasma membrane at the apex of the head, whereas bi‐SiaLN bound to a broader area of the head. Further characterization of receptors was accomplished by probing, with specific glycans, sperm proteins that had been separated by SDS‐PAGE and transferred to blots. Glycan blot assays identified several suLeX‐binding bands that migrated as 12–250 kDa. Migration of some of the bands that bound bi‐SiaLN was similar to those that bound suLeX. A 12‐kDa band protein was detected in seminal fluid and ejaculated spermatozoa, but absent in epididymal spermatozoa. In summary, we determined that: (i) multiple glycan‐binding proteins recognize suLeX and bi‐SiaLN motifs, (ii) specific binding required divalent cations and (iii) glycan‐binding proteins were identified before and after sperm contact with accessory gland fluids. While the identity of these molecules is still unknown, this information predicts characteristics of the authentic oviduct suLeX and bi‐SiaLN receptors on spermatozoa.
Love Troubles: Human Attachment and Biomedical Enhancements
Authors: Nyholm Sven 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn fascinating recent work, Julian Savulescu and his various co‐authors argue that human love is one of the things we can improve upon using biomedical enhancements. Is that so? This article first notes that Savulescu and his co‐authors mainly treat love as a means to various other goods. Love, however, is widely regarded as an intrinsic good. To investigate whether enhancements can produce the distinctive intrinsic good of love, this article does three things. Drawing on Philip Pettit's recent discussion of ‘robustly demanding goods’, it asks what exactly we intrinsically desire in seeking love; it considers four possible outcomes involving attachment‐enhancements and attachments; and it considers two different pieces of news we might receive about our lovers' attachment to us (that it is, or that it is not, sustained with the help of enhancement‐technologies). Enhancement‐sustained attachment, it is concluded, is less desirable than the intrinsic good of love.
The circadian clock and defence signalling in plants
Authors: Sharma Mayank , Bhatt Deepesh 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe circadian clock is the internal time‐keeping machinery in higher organisms. Cross‐talk between the circadian clock and a diverse range of physiological processes in plants, including stress acclimatization, hormone signalling, photomorphogenesis and defence signalling, is currently being explored. Recent studies on circadian clock genes and genes involved in defence signalling have indicated a possible reciprocal interaction between the two. It has been proposed that the circadian clock shapes the outcome of plant–pathogen interactions. In this review, we highlight the studies carried out so far on two model plant pathogens, namely Pseudomonas syringae and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, and the involvement of the circadian clock in gating effector‐triggered immunity and pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐triggered immunity. We focus on how the circadian clock gates the expression of various stress‐related transcripts in a prolific manner to enhance plant fitness. An understanding of this dynamic relationship between clock and stress will open up new avenues in the understanding of endogenous mechanisms of defence signalling in plants.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) responsive to infection with the pathogenic fungus Verticillium longisporum using Brassica AA (Brassica rapa) and CC (Brassica oleracea) as reference genomes
Authors: Shen Dan , Suhrkamp Ina , Wang Yu , Liu Shenyi , Menkhaus Jan , Verreet Joseph‐Alexander , Fan Longjiang , Cai Daguang 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Verticillium longisporum, a soil‐borne pathogenic fungus, causes vascular disease in oilseed rape (Brassica napus). We proposed that plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the plant–V. longisporum interaction.

To identify oilseed rape miRNAs, we deep‐sequenced two small RNA libraries made from V. longisporum infected/noninfected roots and employed Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea genomes as references for miRNA prediction and characterization.

We identified 893 B. napus miRNAs representing 360 conserved and 533 novel miRNAs, and mapped 429 and 464 miRNAs to the AA and CC genomes, respectively. Microsynteny analysis with the conserved miRNAs and their flanking protein coding sequences revealed 137 AA–CC genome syntenic miRNA pairs and 61 AA and 42 CC genome‐unique miRNAs. Sixty‐two miRNAs were responsive to the V. longisporum infection. We present data for specific interactions and simultaneously reciprocal changes in the expression levels of the miRNAs and their targets in the infected roots. We demonstrate that miRNAs are involved in the plant–fungus interaction and that miRNA168‐Argonaute 1 (AGO1) expression modulation might act as a key regulatory module in a compatible plant–V. longisporum interaction.

Our results suggest that V. longisporum may have evolved a virulence mechanism by interference with plant miRNAs to reprogram plant gene expression and achieve infection.
Digit patterning is controlled by a Bmp-Sox9-Wnt Turing network modulated by morphogen gradients
Authors: Raspopovic J. , Marcon L. , Russo L. , Sharpe J. 
Published: July 2014

How do fingers know where to grow?Most researchers today believe that each finger forms because of its unique position within the early limb bud. However, 30 years ago, developmental biologists proposed that the arrangement of fingers followed the Turing pattern, a self-organizing process during early embryo development. Raspopovicet al.provide evidence to support a Turing mechanism (see the Perspective by Zuniga and Zeller). They reveal that Bmp and Wnt signaling pathways, together with the gene Sox9, form a Turing network. The authors used this network to generate a computer model capable of accurately reproducing the patterns that cells follow as the embryo grows fingers.Science, this issue p.566; see also p.516
Genetic Identification of Rickettsial Isolates from Fatal Cases of Brazilian Spotted Fever and Comparison with Rickettsia rickettsii Isolates from the American Continents
Authors: Labruna Marcelo B. , Santos Fabiana C. P. , Ogrzewalska Maria , Nascimento Elvira M. M. , Colombo Silvia , Marcili Arlei , Angerami Rodrigo N. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Fifteen bacterial isolates from spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Brazil were genetically identified as
Rickettsia rickettsii
. In a phylogenetic analysis with other
R. rickettsii
isolates from GenBank, the Central/South American isolates showed low polymorphism and formed a clade distinct from two North American clades, with the North American clades having greater in-branch polymorphism.
Dynamic pattern of suicide in Australia, 1986–2005: a descriptive-analytic study
Authors: Qi Xin , Hu Wenbiao , Page Andrew , Tong Shilu 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveThis study explores the spatiotemporal variations of suicide across Australia from 1986 to 2005, discusses the reasons for dynamic changes, and considers future suicide research and prevention strategies.DesignSuicide (1986–2005) and population data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. A series of analyses were conducted to examine the suicide pattern by sex, method and age group over time and geography.ResultsDifferences in suicide rates across sex, age groups and suicide methods were found across geographical areas. Male suicides were mainly completed by hanging, firearms, gases and self-poisoning. Female suicides were primarily completed by hanging and self-poisoning. Suicide rates were higher in rural areas than in urban areas (capital cities and regional centres). Suicide rates by firearms were higher in rural areas than in urban areas, while the pattern for self-poisoning showed the reverse trend. Suicide rates had relatively stable trend for the total population and those aged between 15 and 54, while suicide decreased among 55 years and over during the study period. There was a decrease in suicides by firearms during the study period especially after 1996 when a new firearm control law was implemented, while suicide by hanging continued to increase. Areas with a high proportion of indigenous population (eg, northwest of Queensland and top north of the Northern Territory) had shown a substantial increase in suicide incidence after 1995.ConclusionsSuicide rates varied over time and space and across sexes, age groups and suicide methods. This study provides detailed patterns of suicide to inform suicide control and prevention strategies for specific subgroups and areas of high and increased risk.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Revascularization for Limb Salvage
Authors: Hughes Kakra , Boyd Christopher , Oyetunji Tolulope , Tran Daniel , Chang David , Rose David , Siram Suryanarayan , Cornwell Edward , Obisesan Thomas 
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Previous reports have suggested that black patients have a higher rate of major lower extremity amputation and a lower rate of revascularization for limb salvage when compared to white patients. Objective: We undertook this study to determine the extent of this ethnic disparity in recent years and to evaluate whether the widespread adoption of endovascular techniques has had an impact on this disparity. Methods: The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried to identify all patients who had undergone an above- or below-knee amputation as well as all patients who had undergone an open or endovascular revascularization procedure for critical limb ischemia for the years 2005 to 2006. Patient demographics and 30-day outcomes were recorded, and comparisons were made among the different ethnic groups. Results: There were 1568 patients identified in the NSQIP database as having undergone a major lower extremity amputation in 2005 and 2006. Of these patients, 54% were white, 29% black, 8% Hispanic, and 0.7% Asian. Eight percent of patients did not have identifying ethnic data. The group undergoing amputation was primarily male (61%) with a mean age of 65. Median length of stay was 11 days, and 30-day mortality was 9% following amputation. During this same time period, 4191 patients underwent an open surgical procedure and 569 patients underwent an endovascular procedure for the purposes of limb salvage. Of those patients undergoing an open procedure, 74% were white, 12% black, 4% Hispanic, 0.4% Asian, and 10% did not have identifying ethnic data. Open surgical patients were primarily male (63%) with a mean age of 66. Median length of stay was 6 days, and 30-day mortality was 3.3%. Of those patients undergoing an endovascular procedure, 79% were white, 10% black, 2% Hispanic, 1% Asian, and 8% did not have identifying ethnic data. The endovascular group was also primarily male (61%) with a mean age of 68. Median length of stay was 5 days, and 30-day mortality was 4%. Conclusion: There remains a significant ethnic disparity in limb-salvage revascularization. Blacks comprise 29% of patients undergoing a major lower extremity amputation, but only 12% of those undergoing an open surgical procedure and 10% of those undergoing an endovascular procedure for limb salvage. The widespread adoption of endovascular revascularization techniques appears not to have had much impact on this disparity.
Postgraduation employment experiences of new pharmacists in Ontario in 2012–2013
Authors: Gregory Paul , Austin Zubin 
Published: July 2014

Background: A recent shift in the pharmacy workforce away from stable, long-term employment has been reported by students. Few data exist regarding the postgraduation employment experiences of students. Methods: An electronic survey exploring postgraduation employment experiences was distributed to 2012–2013 graduates from the Universities of Waterloo and Toronto (including the International Pharmacy Graduate program). Follow-up interviews were undertaken to explore survey findings. Results: Three key themes emerged: 1) the rising prevalence of the “survival job” in pharmacy; 2) tension between professional satisfaction and practical considerations; and 3) an employment market characterized by personal networks, not merit. Discussion: Fewer students are securing full-time positions with benefits, and more are relying upon temporary, part-time work with multiple employers. Implications of this employment pattern for the ability to form pharmacist-patient relationships and provide pharmaceutical care require further investigation. Conclusion: Further exploration of themes identified in this study is required, as is annual study of the experiences of new graduates. Their experiences will shape the future of professional practice and are of interest to academics, educators and practitioners.
Duplex Ultrasound investigation of perforating veins
Authors: Mendoza E. 
Published: July 2014

ZusammenfassungPerforansvenen verbinden die oberflächli-chen Beinvenen mit den tiefen Beinvenen. Im Ultraschall sind sie meist nur dann sichtbar, wenn sie pathologisch gedehnt sind. Die Untersuchung der Perforansvenen und ihrer Flusskurven ist eine der größeren Herausforderungen in der Duplexsonographie der Beinvenen. In diesem Beitrag soll schema-tisch und in Bildern gezeigt werden, wie die Flusskurven am häufigsten aussehen. Die meisten an einer Varikose beteiligten Perforansvenen stellen den Wiedereintrittspunkt des Blutes in das tiefe Venensystem dar und sind primär nicht pathologisch gedehnt. Selten ist eine Perforansvene selbst der oberste Insuffizienzpunkt, in der Regel liegen diese Venen dann am Oberschenkel. Auch der Fluss in Perforansvenen bei Insuffizienz des tiefen Venensystems und nach Traumata wird beleuchtet.