bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of methods for detection of four common nosocomial pathogens on hospital textiles
Authors: Fijan Sabina , Turk Sonja Šostar , Rozman Urška 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction: Although the most common vehicle for transmission of health-care acquired infections is the personto- person transmission route, the role of environment should not be ignored and hospital linen may contribute to the spreading of nosocomial infections. The contact plate method and swabbing are common methods for sampling microorganisms on textiles; however, results are available after two days as they are based on incubation followed by phenotype identification. An important alternative is using quick wash-off methods followed by PCR detection, which shortens the identification process from two days to a few hours.Methods:The following test microorganisms at different concentrations were inoculated onto textile swatches and dried overnight: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium difficile. RODAC plate sampling as well as a non-destructive wash-off method for capturing microorganisms from the textiles using a Morapex device were used. The elution suspension from the Morapex device was used for two methods. In the first method, classical incubation on selective media followed by phenotypic identification was used and in the second method DNA was extracted from the elution suspension followed by amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis to visualize amplified products.Conclusions:All chosen bacteria were found using all methods. However, the most sensitive proved to be detection using PCR amplification as we detected the sample with initial concentration of 102 cfu/mL inoculated onto the textile surface before drying. The final detectable recovered bacterial concentration on textiles was up to 10 cfu/mL.
Tick-borne encephalitis in Slovenia (1953-2013): the 60th anniversary
Authors: Slavec Zvonka Zupanič , Medvešček Alenka Radšel , Slavec Ksenija 
Published: October 2013

Izvleček
Uvod: Leta 2013 mineva 60 let od izolacije virusa klopnega meningoencefalitisa (KME) v Sloveniji. Od takrat se slovenski infektologi, epidemiologi, virologi in drugi strokovnjaki strokovno in znanstvenoraziskovalno ukvarjajo s proučevanjem KME.
Metode: Ob jubileju so s historiografskimi metodami analizirali objave skozi ta čas in pripravili retrospektivno študijo pojavljanja te bolezni pri nas.
Rezultati: V nekaterih delih Slovenije se je v letih po drugi svetovni vojni začela pojavljati bolezen osrednjega živčevja, ki je do tedaj niso poznali. Leta 1953 so Milko Bedjanič in Slava Rus, oba infektologa, ter virologinja Jelka Vesenjak Zmijanac z osamitvijo virusa iz krvi bolnice dokazali, da je ta bolezen KME. Virologi so v naslednjih letih proučevali povzročitelja KME; številni epidemiologi so raziskovali njegove epidemiološke značilnost, entomologi in ornitologi ekosisteme arbovirusnih okužb, infektologi klinične in laboratorijske značilnosti okužb in potek okužb ter morebitne posledice bolezni. Mikrobiologi so izpopolnjevali možnosti diagnostike te okužbe. Razvili so tudi uspešno cepivo in zakonsko so določene skupine, ki se morajo obvezno cepiti.
Zaključki: Bolezen se je pri Slovencih ustalila kot endemski tip KME, ki jo kliniki sicer dobro obvladujejo, a je skupen trud epidemiologov in javnega zdravja usmerjen v zvišanje precepljenosti proti KME, saj je v Sloveniji ta odstotek zelo nizek in se bolezen še vedno prekomerno pojavlja.
An afebrile heartwater-like syndrome in goats
Authors: Leask Rhoda , Pettey Kenneth P. , Bath Gareth F. 
Published: October 2013

Heartwater is a serious limiting factor for sheep and goat production in the major endemic area of sub-Saharan Africa and therefore most knowledge, research and control methods originate from this region. Whilst the usual or common clinical presentations can be used to make a presumptive diagnosis of heartwater with a good measure of confidence, this is not always the case, and animals suffering from heartwater may be misdiagnosed because their cases do not conform to the expected syndrome, signs and lesions. One aberrant form found occasionally in the Channel Island breeds of cattle and some goats is an afebrile heartwaterlike syndrome. The most constant and characteristic features of this heartwater-like syndrome comprise normal temperature, clinical signs associated with generalised oedema, and nervous signs, especially hypersensitivity. The presumption that the disease under investigation is the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome entails a tentative diagnosis based on history and clinical signs and the response to presumed appropriate treatment (metadiagnosis). The afebrile heartwater-like syndrome presents similarly to peracute heartwater but without the febrile reaction. Peracute cases of heartwater have a high mortality rate, enabling confirmation of the disease on post-mortem examination. Recognition of the afebrile heartwater-like syndrome is important to prevent deaths and identify the need for appropriate control measures.
Unilateral sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: A case report with color Doppler ultrasonogram findings
Authors: Mondal Sumantro , Sinha Debanjali , Nag Arijit , Ghosh Alakendu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSternocostoclavicular hyperostosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sternoclavicular joint and upper ribs. There is a strong association with seronegative spondyloarthropathy in which bilateral involvement is common. Ultrasonography and Color Doppler findings of this entity have not been described previously, to the best of our knowledge. We describe the findings in a patient of ankylosing spondylitis who was referred for unilateral sternoclavicular joint swelling.
Using the head as a mould for cranioplasty with methylmethacrylate
Authors: Bot G. M. , Ismail N. J. , Usman B. , Shilong D. J. , Obande J. O. , Aliu S. , Sale D. , Shehu B. B. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTMethacrylate is a valuable tool to the neurosurgeon, even though it is currently being replaced by custom bone. During cranioplasty in the absence of custom bone, which is preformed based on the patients imaging, one has to make a cast to cover the cranial defect with or without the use of a mould. A good artificial skull outline is necessary for prevention of implant extrusion and acceptable cosmetic outcome. Using the patients head as a mould is a simple, cheap, and useful technique. An incision is made, and either a craniectomy or an attempt at skull elevation or separation of the scalp from dura is done based on the indication for the cranioplasty. The methacrylate monomer is mixed with its solvent. It is placed in between a sliced glove and then thinned out. Several layers of drapes are placed on the patients head, the acrylate which is in between the gloves is then placed on the drapes. As soon as it starts setting and the required shape obtained, it is removed and place on the sterile tray. It is then anchored and the wound closed. This technique produces good cosmetic outcome. However, the head must be properly protected from the risk of burns from the exothermic reaction. The technique is described in a 40‑year‑old driver who had a compound depressed skull fracture. He had a methylmethacrylate cranioplasty in the 9th week post trauma after allowing for wound healing. We recommend that this technique may be used in centers where custom bone is either too expensive or not available during cranioplasty in order to obtain a good outcome.
Vitamin D deficiency rickets presenting as pseudotumor cerebri
Authors: Zaki Syed Ahmed , Lad Vijay , Abdagire Nitinkumar 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPseudotumor cerebri is a condition of elevated intracranial pressure in the absence of clinical, laboratory or radiological evidence of an intracranial space‑occupying lesion. Various associations with pseudotumor cerebri have been made in literature. We report the case of a five‑month‑old female infant with vitamin D deficiency rickets, who presented with pseudotumor cerebri. Her cerebrospinal fluid examination was normal, with a high opening pressure of 330 mmH2O. Her computed tomography scan was normal. After lumbar puncture the anterior fontanelle came at level. Her investigations revealed vitamin D deficiency. She was started on acetazolamide, calcitriol sachets, and calcium supplements. She became asymptomatic in three days and was discharged. Through this case we wish to highlight this unusual presentation of vitamin D deficiency rickets appearing as pseudotumor cerebri.
Late onset of atypical paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia with remote history of Graves’ disease
Authors: Rana Abdul Qayyum , Nadeem Ambreen , Yousuf Muhammad Saad , Kachhvi Zakerabibi M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTParoxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) is a rare hyperkinetic movement disorder and falls under the category of paroxysmal movement disorders. In this condition, episodes are spontaneous, involuntary, and involve dystonic posturing with choreic and ballistic movements. Attacks last for minutes to hours and rarely occur more than once per day. Attacks are not typically triggered by sudden movement, but may be brought on by alcohol, caffeine, stress, fatigue, or chocolate. We report a patient with multiple atypical features of PNKD. She had a 7-year history of this condition with onset at the age of 59, and a remote history of Graves’ disease requiring total thyroidectomy. The frequency of attacks in our case ranged from five to six times a day to a minimum of twice per week, and the duration of episode was short, lasting not more than 2 min. Typically, PNKDs occur at a much younger age and have longer attack durations with low frequency. Administering clonazepam worked to reduce her symptoms, although majority of previous research suggests that pharmacological interventions have poor outcomes.
What is next after transfer of care from hospital to home for stroke patients? Evaluation of a community stroke care service based in a primary care clinic
Authors: Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah , Mohd Nordin Nor Azlin , Aljunid Syed Mohamed , Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah , Abd Aziz Noor Azah , Ali Mohd Fairuz , Mohd Nordin Nor Azlin , Sulong Saperi 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Context: Poststroke care in developing countries is inundated with poor concordance and scarce specialist stroke care providers. A primary care‑driven health service is an option to ensure optimal care to poststroke patients residing at home in the community. Aims: We assessed outcomes of a pilot long‑term stroke care clinic which combined secondary prevention and rehabilitation at community level. Settings and Design: A prospective observational study of stroke patients treated between 2008 and 2010 at a primary care teaching facility. Subjects and Methods: Analysis of patients was done at initial contact and at 1‑year post treatment. Clinical outcomes included stroke risk factor(s) control, depression according to Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), and level of independence using Barthel Index (BI). Statistical Analysis Used: Differences in means between baseline and post treatment were compared using paired t‑tests or Wilcoxon‑signed rank test. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Ninety‑one patients were analyzed. Their mean age was 62.9 [standard deviation (SD) 10.9] years, mean stroke episodes were 1.30 (SD 0.5). The median interval between acute stroke and first contact with the clinic 4.0 (interquartile range 9.0) months. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased by 9.7 mmHg (t = 2.79, P = 0.007), while mean diastolic blood pressure remained unchanged at 80mmHg (z = 1.87, P = 0.06). Neurorehabilitation treatment was given to 84.6% of the patients. Median BI increased from 81 (range: 2−100) to 90.5 (range: 27−100) (Z = 2.34, P = 0.01). Median PHQ9 scores decreased from 4.0 (range: 0−22) to 3.0 (range: 0−19) though the change was not significant (Z= −0.744, P = 0.457). Conclusions: Primary care‑driven long‑term stroke care services yield favorable outcomes for blood pressure control and functional level.
A Double‐Gaussian, Percentile‐Based Method for Estimating Maximum Blood Flow Velocity
Authors: Marzban Caren , Illian Paul R. , Morison David , Mourad Pierre D. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTranscranial Doppler sonography allows for the estimation of blood flow velocity, whose maximum value, especially at systole, is often of clinical interest. Given that observed values of flow velocity are subject to noise, a useful notion of “maximum” requires a criterion for separating the signal from the noise. All commonly used criteria produce a point estimate (ie, a single value) of maximum flow velocity at any time and therefore convey no information on the distribution or uncertainty of flow velocity. This limitation has clinical consequences especially for patients in vasospasm, whose largest flow velocities can be difficult to measure. Therefore, a method for estimating flow velocity and its uncertainty is desirable.MethodsA gaussian mixture model is used to separate the noise from the signal distribution. The time series of a given percentile of the latter, then, provides a flow velocity envelope. This means of estimating the flow velocity envelope naturally allows for displaying several percentiles (eg, 95th and 99th), thereby conveying uncertainty in the highest flow velocity.ResultsSuch envelopes were computed for 59 patients and were shown to provide reasonable and useful estimates of the largest flow velocities compared to a standard algorithm. Moreover, we found that the commonly used envelope was generally consistent with the 90th percentile of the signal distribution derived via the gaussian mixture model.ConclusionsSeparating the observed distribution of flow velocity into a noise component and a signal component, using a double‐gaussian mixture model, allows for the percentiles of the latter to provide meaningful measures of the largest flow velocities and their uncertainty.
Trends in Diagnostic Ultrasound Acoustic Output From Data Reported to the US Food and Drug Administration for Device Indications That Include Fetal Applications
Authors: Cibull Sarah L. , Harris Gerald R. , Nell Diane M. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesA survey was conducted of acoustic output data received by the US Food and Drug Administration for diagnostic ultrasound devices whose indications for use include fetal applications to assess trends in maximum available acoustic output over time.MethodsData were collected from 124 regulatory submissions received between 1984 and 2010. Data collection excluded transducers not indicated for diagnostic fetal imaging. The output parameters of ultrasonic power, mean center frequency, and bone thermal index (TIB) were extracted or computed from the submissions for 3 periods: 1984–1989, 1992–1997, and 2005–2010. The data were stratified according to the following imaging modes: M‐mode, B/M‐mode, pulsed wave Doppler, color flow Doppler, and continuous wave Doppler.ResultsUltrasonic power and maximum TIB values have increased roughly an order of magnitude from pre‐1991 to post‐1991 periods; the center frequency has decreased somewhat (4.2 to 3.4 MHz). The percentage of Doppler‐mode transducers has increased substantially over time, with the majority of the diagnostic fetal imaging transducers currently designed to operate in Doppler modes; this increase is particularly important, since Doppler modes generate much higher TIB levels than B/M‐modes. Color flow Doppler ultrasound currently operates at the highest mean ultrasonic power level (with a 14‐fold increase over time).ConclusionsThe observed trends in increased acoustic output for both Doppler and non‐Doppler modes underscore the widely recognized importance of adherence to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle and prudent use in fetal ultrasound imaging.
Hints on the deformation penetration induced by subductions and collision processes: Seismic anisotropy beneath the Adria region (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Salimbeni Simone , Pondrelli Silvia , Margheriti Lucia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAdria is a small region surrounded by three mountain belts: the Alps, the Apennines, and the Dinarides, built up by long evolution of subduction and collisional systems. We present 253 shear wave splitting measurements obtained by studying more than 100 teleseismic events for 12 stations. SKS splitting measurements show 3‐D complexity and quite strong upper mantle deformation. We carefully analyzed results in terms of back azimuthal coverage and interpret measurements as related to Adria rotation and to subductions evolution. In the northern part of Adria, the anisotropy pattern follows the arcuate shape of the Alps; the same pattern, parallel to the mountains, occurs along the Apennines, but fast directions show a sudden change in the Adria foreland. This lateral variation has been analyzed to isolate a distinct Adria mantle anisotropic pattern, which is identified as NE‐SW fast direction along the western microplate boundary and as N‐S fast direction at Trieste. This pattern might be induced by drag effect of the counterclockwise rotation of Adria lithosphere that behaves as an independent microplate as identified by GPS data. Our measurements suggest that the geodynamic process that generated the Alps is more efficient deforming a larger volume of mantle than its Apennine counterpart. Moreover, the mantle circulation we hypothesize looking at the regional‐scale patterns of anisotropy requires the existence of an escape route beneath the Alps‐Apennines transition, through which the mantle flows and feed circulation in the Tyrrhenian mantle system as suggested by previous geodynamic models and as seen by some tomographic studies.
Development and evaluation of a mosaic approach in the WRF‐Noah framework
Authors: Li Dan , Bou‐Zeid Elie , Barlage Michael , Chen Fei , Smith James A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe current Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)‐Noah modeling framework considers only the dominant land cover type within each grid cell, which here is referred to as the “dominant” approach. In order to assess the impact of subgrid‐scale variability in land cover composition, a mosaic/tiling approach (hereafter the “mosaic” approach) is implemented into the coupled WRF‐Noah modeling system. In the mosaic approach, a certain number (N) of tiles, each representing a land cover category, is considered within each grid cell. WRF simulations of a clear sky day and a rainfall period over a heterogeneous urban/suburban setting show that the two approaches generate differences in the surface energy balance, land surface temperature, near‐surface states, boundary layer growth, as well as rainfall distribution. Evaluation against a variety of observational data (including surface flux measurements, the MODIS land surface temperature product, and radar rainfall estimates) indicates that, compared to the dominant approach, the mosaic approach has a better performance. In addition, WRF‐simulated results with the mosaic approach are less sensitive to the spatial resolution of the grid: Larger differences are observed in simulations of different resolutions with the dominant approach. The effect of increasing the number of tiles (N) on the WRF‐simulated results is also examined. When N increases from 1 (i.e., the dominant approach) to 15, changes in the ground heat flux, sensible heat flux, surface temperature, and 2 m air temperature are more significant during nighttime. Changes in the 2 m specific humidity are more significant during daytime, and changes in the boundary layer height are most prominent during the morning and afternoon transitional periods.
Effect of alcohol chain length on the enzymatic resolution of racemic mandelic acid and kinetic study
Authors: Pan Yang , Tang Ke‐Wen , He Chang‐Qing , Yi Wei , Zhu Wei , Liu You‐Nian 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAsymmetric esterification of racemic mandelic acid (MA) was conducted in 1,2‐dichloroethane using lipase Novozym 435 as catalyst. Different alcohols were screened for esterification to achieve high conversion and enantioselectivity. The results show that ethanol is the best alcohol substrate among tested alcohols, and long‐chain alcohols show lower enantioselectivities. The effect of substrate concentrations on esterification with ethanol was studied, and the result indicates an alcohol inhibition. To examine the mechanism of the alcohol chain length effect, the ping‐pong bi‐bi mechanism with competitive alcohol inhibition was applied to build a model. By comparing the kinetic parameters of methanol, ethanol, butanol, heptanol, and octanol, it was found that both the Michaelis constant and the inhibition constant of alcohol increase with the increase in alcohol chain length, indicating that the balance between nucleophilicity and the inhibition effect is the possible reason for the highest conversion and enantioselectivity as shown by ethanol.
Egg‐ or cell culture‐derived hemagglutinin mutations impair virus stability and antigen content of inactivated influenza vaccines
Authors: Nakowitsch Sabine , Waltenberger Andrea M. , Wressnigg Nina , Ferstl Nicole , Triendl Andrea , Kiefmann Bettina , Montomoli Emanuele , Lapini Giulia , Sergeeva Maria , Muster Thomas , Romanova Julia R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEgg‐derived viruses are the only available seed material for influenza vaccine production. Vaccine manufacturing is done in embryonated chicken eggs, MDCK or Vero cells. In order to contribute to efficient production of influenza vaccines, we investigate whether the quality of inactivated vaccines is influenced by the propagation substrate. We demonstrate that H3N2 egg‐derived seed viruses (A/Brisbane/10/07, IVR147, and A/Uruguay/716/07) triggered the hemagglutinin (HA) conformational change under less acidic conditions (0.2–0.6 pH units) than antigenically similar primary isolates. This phenotype was associated with HA1 (A138S, L194P) and HA2 (D160N) substitutions, and strongly related to decreased virus stability towards acidic pH and elevated temperature. The subsequent propagation of H3N2 and H1N1 egg‐derived seed viruses in MDCK and Vero cells induced HA2 N50K (H1N1) and D160E (H3N2) mutations, improving virus growth in cell culture but further impairing virus stability. The prevention of the loss or recovery of stability was possible by cultivation at acidified conditions. Viruses carrying less stable HAs are more sensitive for HA conformational change during concentration, purification and storage. This results in decreased detectable HA antigen content – the main potency marker for inactivated influenza vaccines. Thus, virus stability can be a useful marker for predicting the manufacturing scope of seed viruses.