bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereotypes of Norwegian social groups
Authors: Bye Hege H. , Herrebrøden Henrik , Hjetland Gunnhild J. , Røyset Guro Ø. , Westby Linda L. 
Published: July 2014

We present a pilot study and two main studies that address the nature of stereotypes of social groups in Norway within the framework of the Stereotype Content Model (SCM). The first study focused on stereotypes of a wide range of groups across categories such as gender, age, religious conviction, socioeconomic and health status. The second study focused on stereotypes of immigrant groups. Participants (n = 244 and n = 63, respectively) rated the groups on perceived warmth, competence, status, and competition. Results from both studies support the applicability of the SCM in Norway and provides a unique insight into stereotypes of Norwegian social groups.
Proteomic analysis of equine amniotic membrane: characterization of proteins
Authors: Galera Paula D. , Ribeiro Cássio R. , Sapp Harold L. , Coleman James , Fontes Wagner , Brooks Dennis E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionHuman amniotic membrane (AM) has been used as a biomaterial for surgical wound skin and ocular surface reconstruction for several years. Currently, equine AM has been used for corneal reconstruction in several animal species, and appears to have the same properties as human AM. Despite the observed positive healing abilities of this tissue in horses with ulcerative keratitis the proteins of equine AM have not been described.ObjectiveTo identify proteins known to be associated with corneal healing from frozen equine AM.ProceduresPlacentas were acquired from healthy live foal births from a local Thoroughbred breeding farm. The amnion was removed from the chorion by blunt dissection, washed with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), and treated with 0.05% trypsin and 0.02% ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid in PBS. Amnion was attached to nitrocellulose paper (epithelial side up), and cut into 4 × 4 cm pieces. The sheets were frozen at −80 °C. The protein samples were solubilized, and analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis and shotgun proteomics.ResultsA reference identification map of the equine AM proteins was produced and 149 different proteins were identified. From gel‐based proteomics, 49 spots were excised and 43 proteins identified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Shotgun proteomics identified 116 proteins with an overlap of 10 proteins in both analyses.ConclusionsWe have described a reference map for equine AM proteins that may provide a background to explain the positive results found in horses with ulcerative keratopathies using this biomaterial.
Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Phase II Trial To Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam plus Metronidazole Compared with Meropenem in Adult Patients with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections
Authors: Lucasti Christopher , Hershberger Ellie , Miller Benjamin , Yankelev Sara , Steenbergen Judith , Friedland Ian , Solomkin Joseph 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Ceftolozane-tazobactam (TOL-TAZ) is a novel antibacterial with activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and other common Gram-negative pathogens, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, that are associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs). This prospective, double-blind, randomized, multicenter, phase II trial assessed patient clinical and microbiological responses to and the safety of TOL-TAZ plus metronidazole compared with those of meropenem. Hospitalized adults with cIAIs that required surgical intervention were randomized (2:1) to receive intravenous (i.v.) TOL-TAZ (1.5 g [containing 1,000 mg TOL and 500 mg TAZ] every 8 h [q8h]) with or without i.v. metronidazole (500 mg q8h) or i.v. meropenem (1 g q8h) for 4 to 7 days. The primary endpoint was the clinical response at the test-of-cure visit in the microbiologically modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) and microbiologically evaluable (ME) populations. Secondary measures included the patients' microbiological response and safety. In total, 82 patients received TOL-TAZ (90.2% with metronidazole), and 39 received meropenem. For the mMITT population, clinical cure was seen in 83.6% of the patients (51/61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9 to 91.8) who received TOL-TAZ and 96.0% of the patients (24/25; 95% CI, 79.6 to 99.9) who received meropenem (difference, −12.4%; 95% CI, −34.9% to 11.1%); in the ME population, clinical cure was seen in 88.7% and 95.8% of the patients (difference, −7.1%; 95% CI, −30.7% to 16.9%) who received TOL-TAZ and meropenem, respectively. TOL-TAZ demonstrated microbiological success against
Escherichia coli
(89.5%),
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(100%), and
P. aeruginosa
(100%). The adverse event rates were similar in the groups (50.0% with TOL-TAZ and 48.8% with meropenem). TOL-TAZ in combination with metronidazole was well tolerated and resulted in clinical and microbiological success rates supportive of further clinical development in patients with cIAIs. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01147640.)
Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 5a Subgenomic Replicons for Evaluation of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Wose Kinge Constance N. , Espiritu Christine , Prabdial-Sing Nishi , Sithebe Nomathamsaqa Patricia , Saeed Mohsan , Rice Charles M. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists as six major genotypes that differ in geographical distribution, pathogenesis, and response to antiviral therapy.
In vitro
replication systems for all HCV genotypes except genotype 5 have been reported. In this study, we recovered genotype 5a full-length genomes from four infected voluntary blood donors in South Africa and established a G418-selectable subgenomic replicon system using one of these strains. The replicon derived from the wild-type sequence failed to replicate in Huh-7.5 cells. However, the inclusion of the S2205I amino acid substitution, a cell culture-adaptive change originally described for a genotype 1b replicon, resulted in a small number of G418-resistant cell colonies. HCV RNA replication in these cells was confirmed by quantification of viral RNA and detection of the nonstructural protein NS5A. Sequence analysis of the viral RNAs isolated from multiple independent cell clones revealed the presence of several nonsynonymous mutations, which were localized mainly in the NS3 protein. These mutations, when introduced back into the parental backbone, significantly increased colony formation. To facilitate convenient monitoring of HCV RNA replication levels, the mutant with the highest replication level was further modified to express a fusion protein of firefly luciferase and neomycin phosphotransferase. Using such replicons from genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a, we compared the effects of various HCV inhibitors on their replication. In conclusion, we have established an
in vitro
replication system for HCV genotype 5a, which will be useful for the development of pan-genotype anti-HCV compounds.
MicroRNA 21 (miR-21) and miR-181b Couple with NFI-A To Generate Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Promote Immunosuppression in Late Sepsis
Authors: McClure Clara , Brudecki Laura , Ferguson Donald A. , Yao Zhi Q. , Moorman Jonathan P. , McCall Charles E. , El Gazzar Mohamed 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The sepsis initial hyperinflammatory reaction, if not treated early, shifts to a protracted state of immunosuppression that alters both innate and adaptive immunity and is associated with elevated mortality. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are myeloid progenitors and precursors that fail to differentiate into mature innate-immunity cells and are known for their potent immunosuppressive activities. We previously reported that murine MDSCs expand dramatically in the bone marrow during late sepsis, induced by cecal ligation and puncture, and demonstrated that they contribute to late-sepsis immunosuppression. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for generating these immature Gr1
+
CD11b
+
myeloid cells during sepsis remains unknown. We show here that sepsis generates a microRNA (miRNA) signature that expands MDSCs. We found that miRNA 21 (miR-21) and miR-181b expression is upregulated in early sepsis and sustained in late sepsis. Importantly, we found that simultaneous
in vivo
blockade of both miRNAs via antagomiR (a chemically modified miRNA inhibitor) injection after sepsis initiation decreased the bone marrow Gr1
+
CD11b
+
myeloid progenitors, improved bacterial clearance, and reduced late-sepsis mortality by 74%. Gr1
+
CD11b
+
cells isolated from mice injected with antagomiRs were able to differentiate
ex vivo
into macrophages and dendritic cells and produced smaller amounts of the immunosuppressive interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) after stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, suggesting that immature myeloid cells regained their maturation potential and have lost their immunosuppressive activity. In addition, we found that the protein level of transcription factor NFI-A, which plays a role in myeloid cell differentiation, was increased during sepsis and that antagomiR injection reduced its expression. Moreover, knockdown of NFI-A in the Gr1
+
CD11b
+
cells isolated from late-septic mice increased their maturation potential and reduced their production of the immunosuppressive mediators, similar to antagomiR injection. These data support the hypothesis that sepsis reprograms myeloid cells and thus alters the innate immunity cell repertoire to promote immunosuppression, and they demonstrate that this process can be reversed by targeting miR-21 and miR-181b to improve late-sepsis survival.
Two Functional Type VI Secretion Systems in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Are Involved in Different Pathogenic Pathways
Authors: Ma Jiale , Bao Yinli , Sun Min , Dong Wenyang , Pan Zihao , Zhang Wei , Lu Chengping , Yao Huochun 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are involved in the pathogenicity of several Gram-negative bacteria. The VgrG protein, a core component and effector of T6SS, has been demonstrated to perform diverse functions. The N-terminal domain of VgrG protein is a homologue of tail fiber protein gp27 of phage T4, which performs a receptor binding function and determines the host specificity. Based on sequence analysis, we found that two putative T6SS loci exist in the genome of the avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(APEC) strain TW-XM. To assess the contribution of these two T6SSs to TW-XM pathogenesis, the crucial
clpV
clusters of these two T6SS loci and their
vgrG
genes were deleted to generate a series of mutants. Consequently, T6SS1-associated mutants presented diminished adherence to and invasion of several host cell lines cultured
in vitro
, decreased pathogenicity in duck and mouse infection models
in vivo
, and decreased biofilm formation and bacterial competitive advantage. In contrast, T6SS2-associated mutants presented a significant decrease only in the adherence to and invasion of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) line bEnd.3 and brain tissue of the duck infection model. These results suggested that T6SS1 was involved in the proliferation of APEC in systemic infection, whereas VgrG-T6SS2 was responsible only for cerebral infection. Further study demonstrated that VgrG-T6SS2 was able to bind to the surface of bEnd.3 cells, whereas it did not bind to DF-1 (chicken embryo fibroblast) cells, which further proved the interaction of VgrG-T6SS2 with the surface of BMECs.
Streptococcus pneumoniae ClpL Modulates Adherence to A549 Human Lung Cells through Rap1/Rac1 Activation
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Thach , Le Nhat-Tu , Tran Thao Dang-Hien , Kim Eun-Hye , Park Sang-Sang , Luong Truc Thanh , Chung Kyung-Tae , Pyo Suhkneung , Rhee Dong-Kwon 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Caseinolytic protease L (ClpL) is a member of the HSP100/Clp chaperone family, which is found mainly in Gram-positive bacteria. ClpL is highly expressed during infection for refolding of stress-induced denatured proteins, some of which are important for adherence. However, the role of ClpL in modulating pneumococcal virulence is poorly understood. Here, we show that ClpL impairs pneumococcal adherence to A549 lung cells by inducing and activating Rap1 and Rac1, thus increasing phosphorylation of cofilin (inactive form). Moreover, infection with a
clpL
mutant (Δ
clpL
) causes a greater degree of filopodium formation than D39 wild-type (WT) infection. Inhibition of Rap1 and Rac1 impairs filopodium formation and pneumococcal adherence. Therefore, ClpL can reduce pneumococcal adherence to A549 cells, likely via modulation of Rap1- and Rac1-mediated filopodium formation. These results demonstrate a potential role for ClpL in pneumococcal resistance to host cell adherence during infection. This study provides insight into further understanding the interactions between hosts and pathogens.
Clinical management issues vary by specialty in the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Vinluan Jessele , Retegan Claudia , Chen Andrew , Beiles Charles Barry 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveClinical management issues are contributory factors to mortality. The aim of this study was to use data from the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality (VASM), an educational peer-review process for surgeons, to discover differences in the incidence of these issues between surgical specialties in order to focus attention to areas of care that might be improved.DesignThis study used retrospectively analysed observational data from VASM. Clinical management issues between eight specialties were assessed using χ2analysis.Data sourcesVASM data were reported by participating public and private health services, the Coroner and self-reporting surgeons across Victoria.ResultsA total of 2946 specific clinical issues as deficiencies of care were reported. 15% of cases had significant issues of care. The most common clinical management issue was the delay in delivery of treatment. Other clinical issues included the quality of communication and documentation, preoperative and postoperative care, adverse events and protocol issues. There were significant differences in issues between specialties.ConclusionsThe clinical management issues presented across surgical specialties were similar; however, five issues of clinical care differed significantly in frequency across surgical specialties. The three main issues varying among specialties were complications after operation, communication and postoperative care. Addressing these clinical management issues via the peer-review process may impact positively on patient care.
Feasibility and outcomes of combined transcatheter aortic valve replacement with other structural heart interventions in a single session: a matched cohort study
Authors: Khattab Ahmed A , Gloekler Steffen , Sprecher Beate , Shakir Samera , Guerios Ênio , Stortecky Stefan , O'Sullivan Crochan J , Nietlispach Fabian , Moschovitis Aris , Pilgrim Thomas , Buellesfeld Lutz , Wenaweser Peter , Windecker Stephan , Meier Bernhard 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundConcurrent cardiac diseases are frequent among elderly patients and invite simultaneous treatment to ensure an overall favourable patient outcome.AimTo investigate the feasibility of combined single-session percutaneous cardiac interventions in the era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).MethodsThis prospective, case–control study included 10 consecutive patients treated with TAVI, left atrial appendage occlusion and percutaneous coronary interventions. Some in addition had patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect closure in the same session. The patients were matched in a 1:10 manner with TAVI-only cases treated within the same time period at the same institution regarding their baseline factors. The outcome was validated according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) criteria.ResultsProcedural time (126±42 vs 83±40 min, p=0.0016), radiation time (34±8 vs 22±12 min, p=0.0001) and contrast dye (397±89 vs 250±105 mL, p<0.0001) were higher in the combined intervention group than in the TAVI-only group. Despite these drawbacks, no difference in the VARC endpoints was evident during the in-hospital period and after 30 days (VARC combined safety endpoint 32% for TAVI only and 20% for combined intervention, p=1.0).ConclusionsTranscatheter treatment of combined cardiac diseases is feasible even in a single session in a high-volume centre with experienced operators.
High prevalence of somatic MAP2K1 mutations in BRAF V600E–negative Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Brown Noah A. , Furtado Larissa V. , Betz Bryan L. , Kiel Mark J. , Weigelin Helmut C. , Lim Megan S. , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo S. J. 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
Targeted genome sequencing reveals high-frequency somatic MAP2K1 mutations in Langerhans cell histiocytosis. MAP2K1 mutations are mutually exclusive with BRAF mutations and may have implications for the use of BRAF and MEK targeted therapy.
To what extent are the wishes of a signatory reflected in their advance directive: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Nauck Friedemann , Becker Matthias , King Claudius , Radbruch Lukas , Voltz Raymond , Jaspers Birgit 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Advance directives (ADs) are assumed to reflect the patients’ preferences, even if these are not clearly expressed. Research into whether this assumption is correct has been lacking. This study explores to what extent ADs reflect the true wishes of the signatories.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews (INT), pretest. Transcribed INT and the contents of ADs were inductively categorised (Mayring) and triangulated. Software: MAXQDA 2007. Participants: Patients receiving palliative care (PPC), healthy (H) and chronically ill (CI) individuals with an AD completed ≥3 months prior to recruitment.

Results
Between 08/2008 and 07/2009, 53 individuals (20 H, 17 CI, 16 PPC) were interviewed (mean age 63.2 years (55–70 years)), 34% male). Most important (in)consistencies between preferences as expressed in INT compared to ADs included preconditions for termination/rejection of life-sustaining measures, refusal of/demand for medical interventions and the nomination of proxies. Standardized AD forms were rarely tailored to the individual. We found a high tendency to use set phrases, such as want to die with dignity or do not want to suffer/vegetate. Likely events in the course of an existing progressive disease were not covered, even in ADs of PPC close to death.

Conclusions
Only some of the incongruities between verbally expressed preferences and the contents of the AD can be put down to use of standardized forms or lack of medical knowledge. Nevertheless, the non-involvement of a doctor in the process of making an AD must be seen as potentially problematic and seeking medical advice should be promoted by politics and physicians. Standardised forms should encourage amendments and present space for free text entries for all aspects covered. Set phrases need to be defined by the individual to enable them to be translated into a specific course of action.
Peer workers in mental health services: literature overview
Authors: Gillard Steve , Holley Jessica 
Published: July 2014

SummaryPeer worker roles are being introduced in mental health services in the UK and internationally, to support individuals in their recovery. There is substantial qualitative evidence that demonstrates benefits at an individual level and some evidence of impact on service use and costs, although there are currently few high-quality randomised controlled trials supporting these findings, especially from the UK. A growing body of research indicates that careful consideration of organisational issues regarding the introduction of peer worker roles – the distinctiveness and shared expectations of the role, strategic alignment, organisational support – might maximise their impact. Properly supported and valued peer workers are an important resource to the multidisciplinary team, offering experiential knowledge and the ability to engage patients in their treatment through building relationships of trust based on shared lived experience.LEARNING OBJECTIVESAppreciate the origins of the peer worker role and how the role has been introduced into mental health services to date.Understand the evidence for the benefits of peer worker roles, for patients, peer workers and mental health service delivery.Demonstrate awareness of the organisational and team-level barriers to and facilitators of introducing peer workers into, or alongside, existing multidisciplinary mental health teams.
Beyond year zero: getting the best out of revalidation
Authors: Tacchi Mary Jane 
Published: July 2014

SummaryMedical revalidation was introduced in the UK in 2012 (‘year zero’) after years of discussion and debate. This article describes what it aims to achieve. The General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice is used as a framework on which to build to provide evidence of competencies. Practical aspects of appraisal and revalidation are discussed, with suggestions of how to get the most out of the process both for patients and doctors.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the purpose of revalidation.•Understand the role of the responsible officer.•Describe the types of supporting information necessary for revalidation.
Are specialist psychiatric services losing the PbR race?: commentary on… clustering in mental health payment by results
Authors: Radhakrishnan Vishwa 
Published: July 2014

SummaryPayment by results (PbR) is a payment platform for healthcare services. Introduced to acute physical healthcare services in England in 2003–2004, the system has continued to expand and is currently being implemented in acute mental health services. Owing to the variations and complexities of the patients who access specialist psychiatric services, existing clusters do not always accurately capture their needs. The development of PbR tools specific to psychiatric subspecialties is ongoing, but might not be available in the short term. The funding of acute mental health services through PbR might have funding implications for specialist services such as psychiatry of intellectual disability.