bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Burden of Pertussis in Mexican Adolescents from Paired Serological Data by Using a Bivariate Mixture Model
Authors: Follmann Dean , Qin Jing , Lourdes Guerrero M. , Gabrielle Breugelmans J. , Rosales Pedraza Gustave , Gessner Bradford D. , Ruiz-Palacios Guillermo M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIn recent decades there has been an increase in the reported incidence of clinical pertussis in many countries. Estimation of the true circulation of the bacterium Bordetella pertussis is most reliably made on the basis of studies that measure antibody concentrations against pertussis toxin. Antibody levels decay over time and provide a fading memory of the infection. We develop a discrete bivariate mixture model for paired antibody levels in a cohort of 1002 Mexican adolescents who were followed over the 2008–2009 school year. This model postulates three groups of children based on past pertussis infection; never, prior and new. On the basis of this model we directly estimate incidence and prevalence, and select a diagnostic cut-off for classifying children as recently infected. We also discuss a relatively simple approach that uses only ‘discordant’ children who test positively on one visit and negatively on the other. The discordant approach provides inferences that are very similar to those of the full model when the data follow the assumed full model. Additionally, the discordant method is much more robust to model misspecification than the full model which has substantial problems with optimization. We estimate the school year incidence of pertussis to be about 3% and the prevalence to be about 8%. A cut-off of 50 was estimated to have about 99.5% specificity and 68% sensitvity.
Applying a palliative care approach in residential care: effects on nurse assistants' experiences of care provision and caring climate
Authors: Beck Ingela , Jakobsson Ulf , Edberg Anna‐Karin 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundA palliative care approach aims to integrate psychosocial and existential as well as relationship aspects in the care and is an approach that can be used in residential care. Nurse assistants are the ones who are closest to the residents but have limited prerequisites for working in accordance with the palliative care approach. We aimed to investigate the effects on nurse assistants' experiences of care provision and the caring climate of an intervention applying a palliative care approach in residential care.MethodsAn intervention involving nurse assistants (n = 75) and their leaders (n = 9), in comparison with controls (n = 110), was evaluated using a questionnaire at three points in time.ResultsIn the intervention group, positive effects were seen concerning the nurse assistants' reports of the care provision in that they focused more on the residents' stories about their lives and on communicating with the residents about what gave meaning to their lives. Also, negative effects were seen when the nurse assistants rated that the residents' needs for medical and nursing care had not been met at the facility directly after the intervention. No effects were seen concerning the caring climate or the prerequisites of providing more person‐centred care.ConclusionThe intervention seemed to have encouraged the nurse assistants to focus on relationship aspects with the residents. So as not to jeopardise the NAs' well‐being and to support NAs in keeping themselves involved in existential issues, their support most certainly needs to be continuous and ongoing. However, in spite of the leaders' involvement, the intervention was not sufficient for changing the organisational prerequisites for more person‐centred care.
Social Relationships and Health: The Toxic Effects of Perceived Social Isolation
Authors: Cacioppo John T. , Cacioppo Stephanie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractResearch in social epidemiology suggests that the absence of positive social relationships is a significant risk factor for broad‐based morbidity and mortality. The nature of these social relationships and the mechanisms underlying this association are of increasing interest as the population gets older and the health care costs associated with chronic disease escalate in industrialized countries. We review selected evidence on the nature of social relationships and focus on one particular facet of the connection continuum – the extent to which an individual feels isolated (i.e., feels lonely) in a social world. Evidence indicates that loneliness heightens sensitivity to social threats and motivates the renewal of social connections, but it can also impair executive functioning, sleep, and mental and physical well‐being. Together, these effects contribute to higher rates of morbidity and mortality in lonely older adults.
Effectiveness of artesunate–amodiaquine vs. artemether–lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Nanoro, Burkina Faso: a non‐inferiority randomised trial
Authors: Tinto Halidou , Diallo Salou , Zongo Issaka , Guiraud Issa , Valea Innocent , Kazienga Adama , Kpoda Hervé , Sorgho Hermann , Ouédraogo Jean‐Bosco , Guiguemdé Tinga Robert , D'Alessandro Umberto 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesArtemisinin‐based combination therapies (ACTs) are essential for the effective control of falciparum malaria in endemic countries. However, in most countries, such choice has been carried out without knowing their effectiveness when deployed in real‐life conditions, that is, when treatment is not directly observed. We report here the results of a study assessing the effectiveness of the two ACTs currently recommended in Burkina Faso for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, that is, artemether–lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate–amodiaquine (ASAQ).MethodsBetween September 2008 and January 2010, 340 children were randomised to one of the two study arms and followed up for 42 days. Treatment was administered according to routine practices, that is, the first dose was given by study nurses who explained to the parent/guardian how to administer the other doses at home during the following 2 days.ResultsThe results showed a significantly higher unadjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response in the ASAQ (58.4%) than in the AL arm (46.1%) at day 28 but these trends were similar after correction with PCR data (ASAQ (89.7%) and AL (89.8%)). New infections started to appear after day 14, first in the AL and then in the ASAQ arm but at day 42 day of follow‐up we observed no difference in the occurrence of recrudescent infection.ConclusionDespite a lower cure rate than those reported in efficacy studies in which the treatment administration was directly observed, both AL and ASAQ can still be used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Burkina Faso.
The Cellular and Physiological Functions of the Lowe Syndrome Protein OCRL1
Authors: Mehta Zenobia B. , Pietka Grzegorz , Lowe Martin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPhosphoinositide lipids play a key role in cellular physiology, participating in a wide array of cellular processes. Consequently, mutation of phosphoinositide‐metabolizing enzymes is responsible for a growing number of diseases in humans. Two related disorders, oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) and Dent‐2 disease, are caused by mutation of the inositol 5‐phosphatase OCRL1. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of OCRL1 function. OCRL1 appears to regulate many processes within the cell, most of which depend upon coordination of membrane dynamics with remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Recently developed animal models have managed to recapitulate features of Lowe syndrome and Dent‐2 disease, and revealed new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these disorders. The continued use of both cell‐based approaches and animal models will be key to fully unraveling OCRL1 function, how its loss leads to disease and, importantly, the development of therapeutics to treat patients.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Salmonella in the Beef Chain in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Khen B. K. , Lynch O. A. , Carroll J. , McDowell D. A. , Duffy G. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe study investigated the prevalence, concentration and characteristics of Salmonella spp. in the Irish beef chain. A total of 900 samples including bovine hides, carcasses and ground beef were examined for the pathogen over a 2‐year study (July 2007–June 2009). Salmonella prevalence was low in all sample types; bovine hide (0.75%, 3 of 400); carcasses (0.25%, 1 of 400); and ground beef (3%, 3 of 100). All positive samples contained the pathogen in low concentrations (<10 CFU per cm2 or per g). Serovars recovered were S. Dublin from hide and carcasses and S. Braenderup in ground beef. All isolates were susceptible to 13 anti‐microbials. The study highlights that Salmonella can be found at low levels at all stages of beef chain production, processing and retail and that there is a need for multiple hurdle interventions and practices along the beef chain, which will reduce consumer exposure to this pathogen.
Phosphoregulation of Nap1 Plays a Role in Septin Ring Dynamics and Morphogenesis in Candida albicans
Authors: Huang Zhen-Xing , Zhao Pan , Zeng Gui-Sheng , Wang Yan-Ming , Sudbery Ian , Wang Yue 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Nap1 has long been identified as a potential septin regulator in yeasts. However, its function and regulation remain poorly defined. Here, we report functional characterization of Nap1 in the human-pathogenic fungus
Candida albicans
. We find that deletion of
NAP1
causes constitutive filamentous growth and changes of septin dynamics. We present evidence that Nap1’s cellular localization and function are regulated by phosphorylation. Phos-tag gel electrophoresis revealed that Nap1 phosphorylation is cell cycle dependent, exhibiting the lowest level around the time of bud emergence. Mass spectrometry identified 10 phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues in a cluster near the N terminus, and mutation of these residues affected Nap1’s localization to the septin ring and cellular function. Nap1 phosphorylation involves two septin ring-associated kinases, Cla4 and Gin4, and its dephosphorylation occurs at the septin ring in a manner dependent on the phosphatases PP2A and Cdc14. Furthermore, the
nap1Δ/Δ
mutant and alleles carrying mutations of the phosphorylation sites exhibited greatly reduced virulence in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. Together, our findings not only provide new mechanistic insights into Nap1’s function and regulation but also suggest the potential to target Nap1 in future therapeutic design.

IMPORTANCE
Septins are conserved filament-forming GTPases involved in a wide range of cellular events, such as cytokinesis, exocytosis, and morphogenesis. In
Candida albicans
, the most prevalent human fungal pathogen, septin functions are indispensable for its virulence. However, the molecular mechanisms by which septin structures are regulated are poorly understood. In this study, we deleted
NAP1
, a gene encoding a putative septin regulator, in
C. albicans
and found that cells lacking
NAP1
showed abnormalities in morphology, invasive growth, and septin ring dynamics. We identified a conserved N-terminal phosphorylation cluster on Nap1 and demonstrated that phosphorylation at these sites regulates Nap1 localization and function. Importantly, deletion of
NAP1
or mutation in the N-terminal phosphorylation cluster strongly reduced the virulence of
C. albicans
in a mouse model of systemic infection. Thus, this study not only provides mechanistic insights into septin regulation but also suggests Nap1 as a potential antifungal target.
A Targeted RNA Interference Screen Reveals Novel Epigenetic Factors That Regulate Herpesviral Gene Expression
Authors: Oh Hyung Suk , Bryant Kevin F. , Nieland Thomas J. F. , Mazumder Aprotim , Bagul Mukta , Bathe Mark , Root David E. , Knipe David M. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) utilizes and subverts host chromatin mechanisms to express its lytic gene products in mammalian cells. The host cell attempts to silence the incoming viral genome by epigenetic mechanisms, but the viral VP16 and ICP0 proteins promote active chromatin on the viral genome by recruiting other host epigenetic factors. However, the dependence on VP16 and ICP0 differs in different cell lines, implying cell type-dependent functional contributions of epigenetic factors for HSV gene expression. In this study, we performed a targeted RNA interference (RNAi) screen for cellular chromatin factors that are involved in regulation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) gene expression in U2OS osteosarcoma cells, a cell line that complements
ICP0
mutant and
VP16
mutant virus replication. In this screen, we found the same general classes of chromatin factors that regulate HSV gene expression in U2OS cells as in other cell types, including histone demethylases (HDMs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), histone acetyltransferases (HATs), and chromatin-remodeling factors, but the specific factors within these classes are different from those identified previously for other cell types. For example, KDM3A and KDM1A (LSD1) both demethylate mono- and dimethylated H3K9, but KDM3A emerged in our screen of U2OS cells. Further, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and inhibitor studies support the idea that KDM1A is more critical in HeLa cells, as observed previously, while KDM3A is more critical in U2OS cells. These results argue that different cellular chromatin factors are critical in different cell lines to carry out the positive and negative epigenetic effects exerted on the HSV genome.

IMPORTANCE
Upon entry into the host cell nucleus, the herpes simplex virus genome is subjected to host epigenetic silencing mechanisms. Viral proteins recruit cellular epigenetic activator proteins to reverse and counter the cellular silencing mechanisms. Some of the host silencing and activator functions involved in HSV gene expression have been identified, but there have been indications that the host cell factors may vary in different cell types. In this study, we performed a screen of chromatin factors involved in HSV gene regulation in osteosarcoma cells, and we found that the chromatin factors that are critical for HSV gene expression in these cells are different from those for previously studied cell types. These results argue that the specific chromatin factors operative in different cell lines and cell types may differ. This has implications for epigenetic drugs that are under development.
Use of antibiotics for urinary tract infection in women undergoing surgery for urinary incontinence: a cohort study
Authors: Guldberg Rikke , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Brostrøm Søren , Kærlev Linda , Hansen Jesper Kjær , Hallas Jesper , Nørgård Bente Mertz 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the use of antibiotics for urinary tract infection (UTI) before and after surgery for urinary incontinence (UI); and for those with use of antibiotics before surgery, to estimate the risk of treatment for a postoperative UTI, relative to those without use of antibiotics before surgery.DesignA historical population-based cohort study.SettingDenmark.ParticipantsWomen (age ≥18 years) with a primary surgical procedure for UI from the county of Funen and the Region of Southern Denmark from 1996 throughout 2010. Data on redeemed prescriptions of antibiotics ±365 days from the date of surgery were extracted from a prescription database.Main outcome measuresUse of antibiotics for UTI in relation to UI surgery, and the risk of being a postoperative user of antibiotics for UTI among preoperative users.ResultsA total of 2151 women had a primary surgical procedure for UI; of these 496 (23.1%) were preoperative users of antibiotics for UTI. Among preoperative users, 129 (26%) and 215 (43.3%) also redeemed prescriptions of antibiotics for UTI within 0–60 and 61–365 days after surgery, respectively. Among preoperative non-users, 182 (11.0%) and 235 (14.2%) redeemed prescriptions within 0–60 and 61–365 days after surgery, respectively. Presurgery exposure to antibiotics for UTI was a strong risk factor for postoperative treatment for UTI, both within 0–60 days (adjusted OR, aOR=2.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.5)) and within 61–365 days (aOR=4.5 (95% CI 3.5 to 5.7)).Conclusions1 in 4 women undergoing surgery for UI was treated for UTI before surgery, and half of them had a continuing tendency to UTIs after surgery. Use of antibiotics for UTI before surgery was a strong risk factor for antibiotic use after surgery. In women not using antibiotics for UTI before surgery only a minor proportion initiated use after surgery.
Cross-sectional study of HPV-16 infection in a population-based subsample of Hispanic adults
Authors: Ortiz A P , Unger E R , Muñoz C , Panicker G , Tortolero-Luna G , Soto-Salgado M , Otero Y , Suárez E , Pérez C M 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of seropositivity to human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 in a subsample of adults who participated in the parent studyEpidemiology of Hepatitis C in the adult population of Puerto Rico (PR).SettingThe parent study was a population-based household survey aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis C and other viral infections (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HIV, and herpes simplex type 2) in PR (n=1654) between 2005 and 2008.ParticipantsA subsample of the last 450 consecutive adults aged 21–64 years, recruited between February 2007 and January 2008, who participated in the parent study and agreed to participate in HPV testing.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe samples were tested by ELISA for HPV-16 viral-like particle-specific immunoglobulin G. Information on sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics was collected. Logistic regression modelling was used to estimate the prevalence odds ratio (POR) to assess factors associated to HPV-16 seropositivity.ResultsPrevalence of seropositivity to HPV-16 was 11.3%. Seroprevalence was higher in women (15.8%) than men (5.6%; p=0.001). After adjusting for age and sex, ever smokers (POR 2.06, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.92) and participants with at least five lifetime sexual partners (POR 2.91, 95% CI 1.24 to 6.81) were more likely to be HPV-16 seropositive.ConclusionsHPV-16 seropositivity is similar to that reported in the USA (10.4%) for NHANES 2003–2004 participants, although different assays were used in these studies. While future studies should evaluate HPV seroprevalence using a larger population-based sample, our results highlight the need to further understand the burden of HPV infection and HPV-related malignancies in PR, population with a low vaccine uptake.
Delirium awareness - Improving recognition and management through education and use of a care pathway
Authors: TAURO RUBEN 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDelirium occurs in 10-20% of medical patients on admission and a further 10-30% develop delirium as an inpatient. Delirium is associated with increased length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and risk of institutional placement. There is poor knowledge of delirium recognition and management, and a need to raise awareness and training of all staff. NICE have produced guidelines for diagnosis, prevention and management of delirium.A retrospective departmental audit demonstrated that delirium was under-recognised i.e. only 5.7% of discharges in one year. A staff questionnaire revealed poor knowledge of types of delirium and a significant underestimation of prevalence, with poor identification of risk factors. A multi-professional group was formed to raise staff awareness and develop a care pathway for delirium. A 19 bed acute elderly care ward was identified for the project.Ward based and departmental educational meetings were held. A Trust based awareness programme was also provided. Information leaflets on delirium were produced for patients, carers and families and posters at ward level. Environmental changes (signage) at ward level were introduced to improve the environment for patients. A delirium care pathway was created to encourage documentation of mental score, assessment of delirium, review of reversible medical causes and a nursing care plan. This pathway was reviewed regularly on ward rounds and feedback given to staff present.Following these interventions the notes of 106 consecutive discharges were reviewed over an 11-week period. 99% of at risk patients were screened for delirium. 35% of patients were diagnosed with delirium increasing the recognition rate from 5.7%. There was significant improvement among the staff in recognizing and managing patients with delirium through the use of a delirium care pathway. Education improves understanding and awareness of delirium and a care pathway focuses attention on this area, improving patient safety and quality of care.
Meta-Analysis: Overweight, Obesity, and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chen Jinhu , Guan Zhenlong , Wang Liqin , Song Guangyao , Ma Boqing , Wang Yanqin 
Published: February 2014

Objective.Parkinson's disease (PD) is a severe neurological disease and its risk factors remain largely unknown. A meta-analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship of overweight and obesity with PD.Methods.We used PubMed, EMBASE, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify studies of associations between overweight/obesity and PD. Overweight, obesity, and PD were used as keywords, and published works were retrieved until September 30, 2013. The extracted data were classified(BMI≥30,25≤BMI<30,  and BMI<25)according to BMI values and analyzed using RevMan5.2 and Stata11.0.Results.Four cohort studies and three case-control studies were used to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and PD, including 2857 PD patients and 5, 683, 939 cases of non-PD controls. There was a statistically significant difference between25≤BMI<30  and BMI<25in the cohort study (RR=1.17, 95%CI, 1.03–1.32,  P=0.03), but there was no difference betweenBMI≥30  and BMI<25orBMI≥30  and 25≤BMI<30, where the respectiveRRwas 1.16 and 0.84; the respective 95%CIwas 0.67–2.01 and 0.61–1.15, respectively, and thePvalues were 0.60 and 0.28, respectively. Case-control studies showed that there was no statistical difference between any two groups.Conclusion.Meta-analysis showed that overweight might be a potential risk factor of PD. Demonstration of a causal role of overweight/obesity in PD development could have important therapeutic implications.Erratum to “Sensitization to Cockroach Allergen: Immune Regulation and Genetic Determinants”
EMT Twists the Road to PI3K
Authors: Niederst Matthew J. , Benes Cyril H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Summary: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for many developmental events and has been linked to tumor dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Salt and colleagues identify how EMT affects how proliferation signals flow to phosphoinositide 3-kinase in non–small cell lung cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(2); 149–51. ©2014 AACR.
See related article by Salt et al., p. 186
MYCxing It Up with FGFR1 in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lockwood William , Politi Katerina 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Summary: Recurrent amplification of 8p12 is observed in squamous cell lung cancer, and FGFR1 is thought to be the main oncogenic driver in this region. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Malchers and colleagues perform a detailed characterization of 8p12 in squamous cell lung cancer and find remarkable genomic heterogeneity in this region, raising the possibility that other genes in addition to FGFR1 may play a role in squamous cell lung cancer. Mechanistic studies of the FGFR1-amplified subset of squamous cell lung cancer reveal potential roles for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligands and MYC expression levels in modulating the response of these tumors to FGF receptor inhibition. Cancer Discov; 4(2); 152–4. ©2014 AACR.
See related article by Malchers et al., p. 246