bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence of a Newcastle Disease Virus Isolate from an Outbreak in Northern India
Authors: Morla Sudhir , Kumar Tiwari Ashok , Joshi Vinay , Kumar Sachin 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
The complete genome sequence was determined for a Newcastle disease virus strain from vaccinated chicken farms in India during outbreaks in 2010. The genome is 15,192 nucleotides (nt) in length and is classified as genotype VII in class II. Compared to the available vaccine strains, the Indian strain contains a previously described 6-nt insertion in the untranslated region of the nucleoprotein gene.
Complete Genome Sequence of Phage-Like Plasmid pECOH89, Encoding CTX-M-15
Authors: Falgenhauer Linda , Yao Yancheng , Fritzenwanker Moritz , Schmiedel Judith , Imirzalioglu Can , Chakraborty Trinad 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

A nonconjugative and nontypable plasmid of a clinical
Escherichia coli
isolate expressing resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) was isolated and sequenced. The plasmid pECOH89 contains a CTX-M-15 resistance cassette and comprises 111,741 bp, with strong homology to bacteriophage-like plasmids and to the
Salmonella
-specific bacteriophage SSU5.
Norovirus GII.4 Detection in Environmental Samples from Patient Rooms during Nosocomial Outbreaks
Authors: Nenonen Nancy P. , Hannoun Charles , Svensson Lennart , Torén Kjell , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Westin Johan , Bergström Tomas 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Norovirus (NoV) is an important cause of nosocomial gastroenteric outbreaks. This 5-month study was designed to characterize NoV contamination and airborne dispersal in patient rooms during hospital outbreaks. Air vents, overbed tables, washbasins, dust, and virus traps designed to collect charged particles from the air were swabbed to investigate the possibility of NoV contamination in patient rooms during outbreaks in seven wards and in an outbreak-free ward. Symptomatic inpatients were also sampled. Nucleic acid extracts of the samples were examined for NoV RNA using genogroup I (GI) and GII real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The NoV strains were characterized by RT-PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase-N/S capsid-coding region (1,040 nucleotides [nt]). Patient strains from two outbreaks in one ward were sequenced across the RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase major capsid-coding region (2.5 kb), including the hypervariable P2 domain. In the outbreak wards, NoV GII was detected in 48 of 101 (47%) environmental swabs and 63 of 108 patients (58%); NoV genotype II.4 was sequenced from 18 environmental samples, dust (
n
= 8), virus traps (
n
= 4), surfaces (
n
= 6), and 56 patients. In contrast, NoV GII was detected in 2 (GII.4) of 28 (7%) environmental samples and in 2 (GII.6 and GII.4) of 17 patients in the outbreak-free ward. Sequence analyses revealed a high degree of similarity (>99.5%, 1,040 nt) between NoV GII.4 environmental and patient strains from a given ward at a given time. The strains clustered on 11 subbranches of the phylogenetic tree, with strong correlations to time and place. The high nucleotide similarity between the NoV GII.4 strains from patients and their hospital room environment provided molecular evidence of GII.4 dispersal in the air and dust; therefore, interventional cleaning studies are justified.
Mechanical Homogenization Increases Bacterial Homogeneity in Sputum
Authors: Stokell Joshua R. , Khan Ammad , Steck Todd R. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Sputum obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly viscous and often heterogeneous in bacterial distribution. Adding dithiothreitol (DTT) is the standard method for liquefaction prior to processing sputum for molecular detection assays. To determine if DTT treatment homogenizes the bacterial distribution within sputum, we measured the difference in mean total bacterial abundance and abundance of
Burkholderia multivorans
between aliquots of DTT-treated sputum samples with and without a mechanical homogenization (MH) step using a high-speed dispersing element. Additionally, we measured the effect of MH on bacterial abundance. We found a significant difference between the mean bacterial abundances in aliquots that were subjected to only DTT treatment and those of the aliquots which included an MH step (all bacteria,
P
= 0.04;
B. multivorans
,
P
= 0.05). There was no significant effect of MH on bacterial abundance in sputum. Although our results are from a single CF patient, they indicate that mechanical homogenization increases the homogeneity of bacteria in sputum.
Outcome and reinfection afterStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia in individuals with and without HIV-1 infection: a case–control study
Authors: Stammler Jaliff Bianca , Dahl-Knudsen Jenny , Petersen Andreas , Skov Robert , Benfield Thomas 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesIndividuals infected with HIV-1 are at an increased risk ofStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia (SAB). The aim of this study was to investigate mortality rate and risk of reinfection associated with SAB in HIV-1-infected individuals compared to individuals without HIV-1 infection.SettingUniversity hospital treating a third of the estimated 5000 individuals with HIV infection in Denmark.ParticipantsHIV-1-infected (n=82) and sex-matched and age-matched uninfected (n=163) individuals with SAB in the time period 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2010.Primary outcome measures30-day and 365-day mortality rate ratio and relative risk of reinfection.ResultsIndividuals with HIV had an increased risk of death at day 30 (OR 11.90 (95% CI 2.15 to 65.85)) compared to individuals without HIV. Other factors associated with mortality were age, a foreign device and Pitt score. HIV-related factors did not associate to mortality. During follow-up, there were 43 episodes of reinfection; in individuals with HIV infection at an incidence rate of 7.8 (95% CI 4.7 to 10.9)/100 person-years compared with 2.2 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.2)/100 person-years for individuals without HIV. In multivariate analysis, HIV status (OR 2.91 (95% CI 1.29 to 6.58) and injection drug use (OR 3.51 (95% CI 1.06 to 11.63) were independently associated with an increased risk of reinfection.ConclusionsHIV-1 infection is associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality after SAB and a very high rate of reinfection. Age, a foreign device and Pitt score predicted outcome. For patients infected with HIV, neither CD4 T-lymphocyte counts nor plasma HIV RNA levels were associated with 30-day outcome.Trial registration numberThe study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (record no. 2007-41-1196).
Impact of age on 30-day postoperative outcome of surgery for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Alan Nima , Seicean Andreea , Seicean Sinziana , Selman Warren R , Bambakidis Nicholas C 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo assess in a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, the impact of increased age on 30-day postoperative outcomes of surgery for intracranial aneurysms (ICAs).Methods721 adult patients who underwent surgery for ICA were identified in the 2006–2012 American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Baseline characteristics and 30-day outcomes were stratified by age: <50 years (n=221), 50–60 years (n=221), and >60 years (n=266). Patients <50 and 50–60 years old were propensity score-matched to those aged >60 years. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between increased age and surgical outcome.ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, age <50 years was associated with fewer postoperative complications (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and lower mortality (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9) compared with those aged >60 years. Patients aged between 50 and 60 years were less likely to have complications (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8) in unadjusted analyses. Upon propensity score matching, covariate balance was achieved for all age strata. In adjusted analyses, patients <50 years (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7) and 50–60 years (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.8) of age continued to have fewer complications than those aged >60.ConclusionsAge >60 is independently associated with 30-day postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing surgery for ICA. The results of this study suggest age >60 should be considered an a priori risk factor in surgical management of ICA, regardless of associated comorbidities often associated with increased age.
The effect of primary care fellowship training on career satisfaction, happiness and perceived stress
Authors: Duffrin Christopher , Larsen Lars 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Purpose
This study was designed to measure the impact of primary care fellowship training on the subsequent happiness, career satisfaction and perceived stress levels of fellowship-trained physicians as compared to a general population of Family Medicine physicians in North Carolina.

Methods
A written survey instrument was completed by fellowship graduates of the Brody School of Medicine (n=53) and general population of Family Medicine physicians in North Carolina (n=203) in 2011. The survey included general demographic and practice variables, and validated psychological scales on subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, and perceived stress.

Results
Fellowship graduates (n=50), and non-fellowship graduates (n=203), exhibited similar levels of satisfaction with life (fellows=27.36 SD 5.45, FM physicians=26.91, SD 5.99 on a 5–35 scale), statistically higher levels of perceived stress (fellows=5.92, SD 3.03, FM physicians=4.98, SD 2.70 on a 0–16 scale), and significantly higher levels of subjective happiness (fellows=5.61SD 83, FM physician=4.75 SD 1.00 on a 1–7 scale). Female fellow response was significantly higher on the Satisfaction with Life and Subjective Happiness Scores, and lower on the Perceived Stress Scale. Male fellowship graduates presented with a reverse relationship, with higher perceived stress and lower satisfaction with life and subjective happiness.

Conclusions
Fellowship training exhibited a positive psychological effect on the graduate respondents versus the general physician population. Scores on various well-being scales were higher than the general Family Medicine physician population as a whole, although stress levels were also higher. Female physicians seem to garner a much larger gain in satisfaction than male fellowship graduates, who score slightly worse than the general family medicine population on the satisfaction with life and Perceived Stress Scales.
Scaling of average weighted shortest path and average receiving time on weighted expanded Koch networks
Authors: Wu Zikai , Hou Baoyu , Zhang Hongjuan , Jin Feng 
Published: April 2014

Deterministic network models have been attractive media for discussing dynamical processes' dependence on network structural features. On the other hand, the heterogeneity of weights affect dynamical processes taking place on networks. In this paper, we present a family of weighted expanded Koch networks based on Koch networks. They originate from a r-polygon, and each node of current generation produces m r-polygons including the node and whose weighted edges are scaled by factor w in subsequent evolutionary step. We derive closed-form expressions for average weighted shortest path length (AWSP). In large network, AWSP stays bounded with network order growing (0 < w < 1). Then, we focus on a special random walks and trapping issue on the networks. In more detail, we calculate exactly the average receiving time (ART). ART exhibits a sub-linear dependence on network order (0 < w < 1), which implies that nontrivial weighted expanded Koch networks are more efficient than un-weighted expanded Koch networks in receiving information. Besides, efficiency of receiving information at hub nodes is also dependent on parameters m and r. These findings may pave the way for controlling information transportation on general weighted networks.
Existence for Nonlinear Evolution Equations and Application to Degenerate Parabolic Equation
Authors: Su Ning , Zhang Li 
Published: April 2014

We consider an abstract Cauchy problem for a doubly nonlinear evolution equation of the formd/dt𝒜u+ℬu∋ftinV′,t∈0, T, whereVis a real reflexive Banach space,𝒜andℬare maximal monotone operators (possibly multivalued) fromVto its dualV′. In view of some practical applications, we assume that𝒜andℬare subdifferentials. By using the back difference approximation, existence is established, and our proof relies on the continuity of𝒜and the coerciveness ofℬ. As an application, we give the existence for a nonlinear degenerate parabolic equation.
A Prospective Study of Plasma Selenoprotein P and Lung Cancer Risk among Low-Income Adults
Authors: Epplein Meira , Burk Raymond F. , Cai Qiuyin , Hargreaves Margaret K. , Blot William J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackground: Epidemiologic studies have shown increased risks of lung cancer among adults with low blood levels of selenium, although evidence is inconsistent. In the United States, the incidence of lung cancer is higher and mean serum selenium levels lower among Blacks than Whites, but prior studies have not assessed the selenium–lung cancer association among Blacks.Methods: From the prospective Southern Community Cohort Study, we identified 372 participants who provided blood samples and subsequently developed lung cancer. Selenoprotein P (SEPP1), the most abundant selenoprotein in plasma and a biomarker of selenium nutriture, was measured in the plasma from these individuals and from 716 matched controls.Results: Mean SEPP1 levels were significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) lower among Blacks than Whites. Conditional logistic regression models accounting for smoking revealed a significant trend of increasing OR of lung cancer with decreasing SEPP1 tertiles among Blacks (P = 0.0006) but not Whites (P = 0.69; Pinteraction = 0.10). The ORs and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of lung cancer risk among those with lowest versus highest tertile levels of SEPP1 were 2.4 (1.5–3.0) among Blacks and 1.1 (0.6–2.1) among Whites.Conclusions: Among a mostly low-income population in the southeastern United States, lower levels of SEPP1 were associated with an increasing risk of lung cancer among Blacks but not Whites.Impact: The combined findings of higher prevalence of low selenium status and higher lung cancer risk associated with low status raise the possibility that selenium deficiency may contribute to observed racial disparities in lung cancer incidence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1238–44. ©2014 AACR.
Cell Phone Use and Parotid Salivary Gland Alterations: No Molecular Evidence
Authors: de Souza Fabrício T.A. , Correia-Silva Jeane F. , Ferreira Efigênia F. , Siqueira Elisa C. , Duarte Alessandra P. , Gomez Marcus Vinícius , Gomez Ricardo S. , Gomes Carolina C. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background: The association between cell phone use and the development of parotid tumors is controversial. Because there is unequivocal evidence that the microenvironment is important for tumor formation, we investigated in the parotid glands whether cell phone use alters the expression of gene products related to cellular stress.
Methods: We used the saliva produced by the parotid glands of 62 individuals to assess molecular alterations compatible with cellular stress, comparing the saliva from the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) to the saliva from the opposite, unexposed parotid gland (contralateral) of each individual. We compared salivary flow, total protein concentration, p53, p21, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and salivary levels of glutathione (GSH), heat shock proteins 27 and 70, and IgA between the ipsilateral and contralateral parotids.
Results: No difference was found for any of these parameters, even when grouping individuals by period of cell phone use in years or by monthly average calls in minutes.
Conclusion and Impact: We provide molecular evidence that the exposure of parotid glands to cell phone use does not alter parotid salivary flow, protein concentration, or levels of proteins of genes that are directly or indirectly affected by heat-induced cellular stress. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1428–31. ©2014 AACR.
Combined PET/MRI Improves Diagnostic Accuracy in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Diagnostic Trial
Authors: Hartenbach Markus , Hartenbach Sabrina , Bechtloff Winfried , Danz Burkhardt , Kraft Klaus , Klemenz Burkhard , Sparwasser Christoph , Hacker Marcus 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The pretherapeutic assessment of prostate cancer is challenging and still holds the risk of over- or undertreatment. This prospective trial investigates positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluoroethylcholine (FEC) combined with endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of primary prostate cancer.
Experimental design: Patients with prostate cancer based on needle biopsy findings, scheduled for radical prostatectomy, were assessed by FEC-PET and MRI in identical positioning. After prostatectomy, imaging results were compared with histologic whole-mount sections, and the PET/MRI lesion-based semiquantitative FEC uptake was compared with biopsy Gleason scores and postoperative histology.
Results: PET/MRI showed a patient-based sensitivity of 95% (36/38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 82%–99%). The analysis of 128 prostate lesions demonstrated a sensitivity/specificity/positive predictive value/negative predictive value/accuracy of 67%/35%/59%/44%/54% (P = 0.8295) for MRI and 85%/45%/68%/69%/68% (P = 0.0021) for PET, which increased to 84%/80%/85%/78%/82% (P &lt; 0.0001) by combined FEC-PET/MRI in lesions &gt;5 mm (n = 98). For lesions in patients with Gleason &gt;6 tumors (n = 43), MRI and PET achieved 73%/31%/71%/33%/60% (P = 1.0000) and 90%/62%/84%/73%/81% (P = 0.0010), which were improved to 87%/92%/96%/75%/88% (P &lt; 0.0001) by combined PET/MRI. Applying semiquantitative PET analysis, carcinomas with Gleason scores &gt;6 were distinguished from those with Gleason ≤6 with a specificity of 90% and a positive predictive value of 83% (P = 0.0011; needle biopsy 71%/60%, P = 0.1071).
Conclusions: In a prospective diagnostic trial setting, combined FEC-PET/MRI achieved very high sensitivity in the detection of the dominant malignant lesion of the prostate, and markedly improved upon PET or MRI alone. Noninvasive Gleason score assessment was more precise than needle biopsy in this patient cohort. Hence, FEC-PET/MRI merits further investigation in trials of randomized, multiarm design. Clin Cancer Res; 20(12); 3244–53. ©2014 AACR.
Regorafenib Inhibits Colorectal Tumor Growth through PUMA-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Chen Dongshi , Wei Liang , Yu Jian , Zhang Lin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Regorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, has recently been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the mechanisms of action of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells have been unclear. We investigated how regorafenib suppresses colorectal cancer cell growth and potentiates effects of other chemotherapeutic drugs.
Experimental Design: We determined whether and how regorafenib induces the expression of PUMA, a p53 target and a critical mediator of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. We also investigated whether PUMA is necessary for the killing and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, xenograft tumors were used to test if PUMA mediates the in vivo antitumor, antiangiogenic, and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib.
Results: We found that regorafenib treatment induces PUMA in colorectal cancer cells irrespective of p53 status through the NF-κB pathway following ERK inhibition and glycogen synthase kinase 3β activation. Upregulation of PUMA is correlated with apoptosis induction in different colorectal cancer cell lines. PUMA is necessary for regorafenib-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. Chemosensitization by regorafenib is mediated by enhanced PUMA induction through different pathways. Furthermore, deficiency in PUMA abrogates the in vivo antitumor, antiangiogenic, and chemosensitization effects of regorafenib.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a key role of PUMA in mediating the anticancer effects of regorafenib in colorectal cancer cells. They suggest that PUMA induction can be used as an indicator of regorafenib sensitivity, and also provide a rationale for manipulating the apoptotic machinery to improve the therapeutic efficacy of regorafenib and other targeted drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3472–84. ©2014 AACR.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Promotes Postischemic Neutrophil Recruitment via Its Proteolytic and Nonproteolytic Properties
Authors: Uhl Bernd , Zuchtriegel Gabriele , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Praetner Marc , Rehberg Markus , Fabritius Matthias , Hessenauer Maximilian , Holzer Martin , Khandoga Andrej , Fürst Robert , Zahler Stefan , Krombach Fritz , Reichel Christoph A. 
Published: April 2014

Objective—
Neutrophil infiltration of the postischemic tissue considerably contributes to organ dysfunction on ischemia/reperfusion injury. Beyond its established role in fibrinolysis, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has recently been implicated in nonfibrinolytic processes. The role of this serine protease in the recruitment process of neutrophils remains largely obscure.

Approach and Results—

Using in vivo microscopy on the postischemic cremaster muscle, neutrophil recruitment and microvascular leakage, but not fibrinogen deposition at the vessel wall, were significantly diminished in tPA
−/−
mice. Using cell transfer techniques, leukocyte and nonleukocyte tPA were found to mediate ischemia/reperfusion-elicited neutrophil responses. Intrascrotal but not intra-arterial application of recombinant tPA induced a dose-dependent increase in the recruitment of neutrophils, which was significantly higher compared with stimulation with a tPA mutant lacking catalytic activity. Whereas tPA-dependent transmigration of neutrophils was selectively reduced on the inhibition of plasmin or gelatinases, neutrophil intravascular adherence was significantly diminished on the blockade of mast cell activation or lipid mediator synthesis. Moreover, stimulation with tPA caused a significant elevation in the leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran to the perivascular tissue, which was completely abolished on neutrophil depletion. In vitro, tPA-elicited macromolecular leakage of endothelial cell layers was abrogated on the inhibition of its proteolytic activity.

Conclusions—
Endogenously released tPA promotes neutrophil transmigration to reperfused tissue via proteolytic activation of plasmin and gelatinases. As a consequence, tPA on transmigrating neutrophils disrupts endothelial junctions allowing circulating tPA to extravasate to the perivascular tissue, which, in turn, amplifies neutrophil recruitment through the activation of mast cells and release of lipid mediators.