bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fluoroquinolone Resistance on 14‐day Levofloxacin Triple and Triple Plus Bismuth Quadruple Therapy
Authors: Liao Jingxian , Zheng Qing , Liang Xiao , Zhang Wei , Sun Qinjuan , Liu Wenzhong , Xiao Shudong , Graham David Y. , Lu Hong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveLevofloxacin has been proposed to replace clarithromycin for Helicobacter pylori treatment. Seven‐ and 10‐day fluoroquinolone triple therapies have generally failed to achieve cure rates of ≥90%, whereas 14‐day therapy has achieved 95% success. The aim was to assess the efficacy and effect of fluoroquinolone resistance on 14‐day levofloxacin‐containing triple therapy with or without the addition of bismuth.DesignHelicobacter pylori‐positive patients with functional dyspepsia or healed peptic ulcers were randomized to receive lansoprazole 30 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1000 mg b.i.d., and levofloxacin 500 mg daily with (B‐LAL) or without (LAL) bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg b.i.d. for 14 days. Eradication was assessed by 13C‐urea breath testing 4 weeks after completing treatment. Antimicrobial susceptibility was by the agar dilution method. Success was defined as PP success ≥90%.ResultsA total of 152 of 161 patients (81 LAL and 80 B‐LAL) enrolled completed treatment. The PP rates were 94.6% (70/74; 95% CI, 86.9–97.9%) with B‐LAL and 85.9% (95% CI, 76.5–91.9%) with LAL (p = .07); the ITT eradication rates were 87.5% (95% CI, 78.5–93.1%) with B‐LAL and 82.7% (95% CI, 73–89.4%) with LAL (p = .39). Levofloxacin resistance was present in 30.3%. Treatment success was excellent with susceptible strains (97.5%) versus resistant strains (70.6%) for B‐LAL and 97.3% versus 37.5% for LAL, respectively.ConclusionsFourteen‐day fluoroquinolone therapy was highly effective when fluoroquinolone resistance rates are <12%. The addition of bismuth maintained effectiveness with fluoroquinolone resistance as high as 25%.
Increasing seasonal influenza vaccination uptake using community pharmacies: experience from the Isle of Wight, England
Authors: Warner John Gary , Portlock Jane , Smith Jenifer , Rutter Paul 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objective
Influenza vaccination rates achieved by general medical practice on the Isle of Wight, England, have been consistently lower than regional and national averages despite practices pursuing an active programme of patient engagement. The objective of this work was to determine whether inclusion of community pharmacies in an influenza vaccination programme improves vaccination rates and is acceptable to patients.

Methods
The Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust commissioned a community pharmacy seasonal influenza vaccination service to augment that offered by general medical practice. Vaccination rates were monitored as well as determining patient perception of a pharmacy-based service by self-administered survey.

Key findings
Eighteen community pharmacies vaccinated 2837 patients and accounted for 9.7% of all patients vaccinated on the island. The pharmacy service contributed to improved patient vaccination rates in both the over- and under-65 age groups and increased the number of patients receiving a vaccination for the first time. Pharmacies vaccinated proportionately more carers and frontline healthcare workers than medical practices. Patient satisfaction with the pharmacy-based service was high, with access seen as a major advantage over general medical practice. The pharmacy-based service also vaccinated patients that ordinarily would not have accessed medical services.

Conclusions
Involvement of community pharmacies in the seasonal influenza vaccination programme can help increase vaccination rates and is associated with high levels of patient acceptability.
Isolated granulomatous angiitis with eosinophilia in the central nervous system
Authors: Shirai Shinichi , Yabe Ichiro , Sakushima Ken , Hiromi Kanno , Uwatoko Hisashi , Hirotani Makoto , Kano Takahiro , Kamoshima Yuuta , Tanaka Shinya , Sasaki Hidenao 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA 73‐year‐old man was admitted for epileptic seizures. Diffuse white matter lesions were observed in the bilateral occipital lobes, and the left occipital lobe biopsy showed eosinophils and giant cells in the walls of medium to small blood vessels, fibrinoid necrosis, occluded blood vessels, and glia degeneration. Allergic granulomatous angiitis was pathologically diagnosed. No eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis findings were observed in other organs, and isolated granulomatous angiitis with eosinophilia in the central nervous system was clinically diagnosed. Prednisolone combined with immunosuppressant therapies improved his symptoms markedly.
Autophagy alleviates neurodegeneration caused by mild impairment of oxidative metabolism
Authors: Meng Ya , Yong Yue , Yang Guang , Ding Hanqing , Fan Zhiqin , Tang Yifen , Luo Jia , Ke Zun‐Ji 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThiamine deficiency (TD) causes mild impairment of oxidative metabolism and region‐selective neuronal loss in the brain, which may be mediated by neuronal oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and neuroinflammation. TD‐induced brain damage is used to model neurodegenerative disorders, and the mechanism for the neuronal death is still unclear. We hypothesized that autophagy might be activated in the TD brain and play a protective role in TD‐induced neuronal death. Our results demonstrated that TD induced the accumulation of autophagosomes in thalamic neurons measured by transmission electron microscopy, and the up‐regulation of autophagic markers LC3‐II, Atg5, and Beclin1 as measured with western blotting. TD also increased the expression of autophagic markers and induced LC3 puncta in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. TD‐induced expression of autophagic markers was reversed once thiamine was re‐administered. Both inhibition of autophagy by wortmannin and Beclin1 siRNA potentiated TD‐induced death of SH‐SY5Y cells. In contrast, activation of autophagy by rapamycin alleviated cell death induced by TD. Intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin stimulated neuronal autophagy and attenuated TD‐induced neuronal death and microglia activation in the submedial thalamus nucleus (SmTN). TD inhibited the phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, suggesting mTOR/p70S6 kinase pathway was involved in the TD‐induced autophagy. These results suggest that autophagy is neuroprotective in response to TD‐induced neuronal death in the central nervous system. This opens a potential therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative diseases caused by mild impairment of oxidative metabolism.
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Autophagy is neuroprotective in response to thiamine deficiency (TD)‐induced neuronal death. TD caused neuronal damage and induced the formation of autophagosome, and increased the expression of autophagy‐related proteins. Autophagy sequestered damaged and dysfunctional organelles/protein, and transported them to lysosomes for degradation/recycling. This process provided nutrients for injured neurons. Wortmannin and knockdown of Beclin1 inhibited autophagy, and exacerbated TD‐induced cell death, while activation of autophagy by rapamycin offered protection against TD neurotoxicity.
Quantitative real‐time PCR combined with propidium monoazide for the selective quantification of viable periodontal pathogens in an in vitro subgingival biofilm model
Authors: Sánchez M. C. , Marín M. J. , Figuero E. , Llama‐Palacios A. , León R. , Blanc V. , Herrera D. , Sanz M. 
Published: April 2013

Background and ObjectivesDifferentiation of live and dead cells is an important challenge when using molecular diagnosis for microbial identification. This is particularly relevant when bacteria have been exposed to antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to test a method using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) combined with propidium monoazide (PMA), developed for the selective quantification of viable P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum and total bacteria in an in vitro biofilm model after antimicrobial treatment.Material and MethodsPMA‐qPCR method was tested in an in vitro biofilm model, using isopropyl alcohol as the antimicrobial agent. Matured biofilms were exposed for 1, 5, 10 and 30 min to isopropyl alcohol by immersion. Biofilms were disrupted and PMA added (final concentration of 100 μm). After DNA isolation, qPCR was carried out using specific primers and probes for the target bacteria. The differentiation of live and dead cells was tested by analysis of variance.ResultsWhen PMA was used in the presence of viable target bacterial cells, no statistically significant inhibition of qPCR amplification was detected (p > 0.05 in all cases). Conversely, after immersion in isopropyl alcohol of the biofilm, PMA resulted in a significant total reduction of qPCR amplification of about 4 log10. P. gingivalis showed a vitality reduction in the biofilm of 3 log10, while A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum showed a 2 log10 reduction.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the efficiency of PMA for differentiating viable and dead P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum cells, as well as total bacteria, in an in vitro biofilm model, after being exposed to an antimicrobial agent. Hence, this PMA‐qPCR method may be useful for studying the effect of antimicrobial agents aimed at oral biofilms.
Identification of QTLs for growth period traits in soybean using association analysis and linkage mapping
Authors: Zuo Qiaomei , Hou Jinfeng , Zhou Bin , Wen Zixiang , Zhang Shuyun , Gai Junyi , Xing Han 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe growth period traits of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) are quantitatively inherited and crucial for its adaptation to different environments. Association analysis and linkage mapping were used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for days to flowering (DF), days from flowering to maturity (DFM) and days to maturity (DM). Considering the effect of sowing date, the phenotypes were evaluated in three or four sowing‐date‐experiments in each year. A total of 96 associations, involving 19 SSRs corresponding to DF, DFM and/or DM, were identified by association mapping. Six, eight and two QTLs were observed relating to DF, DFM and DM by linkage mapping, respectively, and some QTLs were shared by DF, DFM and DM. Four SSRs (Satt150, Satt489, Satt172 and Sat_312) were found to be related to the growth period traits using the two mapping methods. In summary, association analysis and linkage mapping can complement and verify results from both methods to identify QTLs in soybean, and these findings may be useful in facilitating the selection of growth period–related traits via marker‐assisted selection.
Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Social Phobia Inventory
Authors: Nagata Toshihiko , Nakajima Takenori , Teo Alan R. , Yamada Hisashi , Yoshimura Chiho 
Published: April 2013

AimThe aim of the current study was to study the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN‐J) among Japanese subjects with social anxiety disorder (SAD).MethodThe sample consisted of 86 subjects with SAD and 86 controls. Diagnosis was based on a modified version of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM‐IV. In addition to the SPIN‐J, clinician‐administered and self‐rating scales, including the Japanese versions of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Social Phobia Scale, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, were used.ResultsThe SPIN‐J showed adequate internal consistency (0.82–0.96) for the total and subscales. Correlations between the SPIN‐J and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, the Social Phobia Scale, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale ranged from 0.83 to 0.89 and indicated adequate concurrent validity. A cut‐off point of 22 between subjects with SAD and controls showed a sensitivity of 96.5% and specificity of 87.2%, indicating robust discriminant validity.ConclusionThe SPIN‐J showed adequate reliability and validity for use as a screening tool for social anxiety disorder in Japanese clinical settings.
Evaluating UVA Aerosol Optical Depth using a Smartphone Camera
Authors: Igoe Damien P. , Parisi Alfio V. , Carter Brad 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis research evaluates a smartphone complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor's ability to detect and quantify incident solar UVA radiation and subsequently, aerosol optical depth at 340 and 380 nm. Earlier studies revealed that the consumer grade CMOS sensor has inherent UVA sensitivities, despite attenuating effects of the lens. Narrow bandpass and neutral density filters were used to protect the image sensor and to not allow saturation of the solar images produced. Observations were made on clear days, free from clouds. The results of this research demonstrate that there is a definable response to changing solar irradiance and aerosol optical depth can be measured within 5% and 10% error margins at 380 and 340 nm respectively. The greater relative error occurs at lower wavelengths (340 nm) due to increased atmospheric scattering effects, particularly at higher air masses and due to lower signal to noise ratio in the image sensor. The relative error for solar irradiance was under 1% for observations made at 380 nm. The results indicate that the smartphone image sensor, with additional external narrow bandpass and neutral density filters can be used as a field sensor to evaluate solar UVA irradiance and aerosol optical depth.
Differential Ovarian Morphometry and Follicular Expression of BMP15, GDF9 and BMPR1B Influence the Prolificacy in Goat
Authors: Pramod RK , Sharma SK , Singhi A , Pan S , Mitra A 
Published: April 2013

ContentsThe variation in the kidding size of Black Bengal and Sirohi breed of goats makes them an interesting genetic material to study the underlying genetic mechanism of prolificacy. Accordingly, we studied the comparative ovarian morphometry including disparity in numbers of antral follicles of different sizes between these two breeds. Further, we evaluated the differential expression of the important candidate genes (viz., BMP15, GDF9 and BMPR1B) known to influence the ovulation rates and the prolificacy. The ovaries of Black Bengal (n = 20) goat were lighter (p < 0.01) in weight and smaller (p < 0.01) in diameter than those of Sirohi (n = 19) goats but possessed more numbers (p < 0.05) of corpus luteum (CL), large and small antral follicles. Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis revealed differential expression of mRNAs encoding for the BMP15 and GDF9. Small antral follicles of Black Bengal goats expressed 2.78‐fold more (p < 0.05) of BMP 15 than those of Sirohi goat. Expression of BMP15 (p < 0.01) and GDF9 (p < 0.05) mRNAs was more abundant in the small than the large antral follicles of Black Bengal goat. The more numbers of antral follicles per unit of ovarian mass and differential expression of BMP15 and GDF9 may serve as an important clue for higher prolificacy.
Effect of Physiologically Relevant Heat Shock on Development, Apoptosis and Expression of Some Genes in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos Produced In Vitro
Authors: Yadav A , Singh KP , Singh MK , Saini N , Palta P , Manik RS , Singla SK , Upadhyay RC , Chauhan MS 
Published: April 2013

ContentsFor investigating the effects of physiologically relevant heat shock, buffalo oocytes/embryos were cultured at 38.5°C (control) or were exposed to 39.5°C (Group II) or 40.5°C (Group III) for 2 h once every day throughout in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC). Percentage of oocytes that developed to 8‐cell, 16‐cell or blastocyst stage was lower (p < 0.05) and the number of apoptotic nuclei was higher (p < 0.05) for Group III > Group II > controls. At both 8–16‐cell and blastocyst stages, relative mRNA abundance of stress‐related genes HSP 70.1 and HSP 70.2 and pro‐apoptotic genes CASPASE‐3, BID and BAX was higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and II than that in controls with the exception of stress‐related gene HSF1. Expression level of anti‐apoptotic genes BCL‐XL and MCL‐1 was also higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and II than that in controls at both 8–16‐cell and blastocyst stages. Among the genes related to embryonic development, at 8–16‐cell stage, the expression level of GDF9 was higher (p < 0.05) in Group III than that in controls, whereas that of GLUT1, ZAR1 and BMP15 was not significantly different among the three groups. At the blastocyst stage, relative mRNA abundance of GLUT1 and GDF9 was higher (p < 0.05) in Group II than that in controls, whereas that of ZAR‐1 and BMP15 was not affected. The results of this study demonstrate that exposure of buffalo oocytes and embryos to elevated temperatures for duration of time that is physiologically relevant severely compromises their developmental competence, increases apoptosis and affects stress‐, apoptosis‐ and development‐related genes.
Older patients referred by community nurses to emergency departments – a descriptive cross‐sectional follow‐up study in a Swedish context
Authors: Kihlgren Annica , Wimo Anders , Mamhidir Anna‐Greta 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine on what extent nursing home (NH) older patients aged 75 or older, referred to hospitals by registered nurses (RNs) in the community, utilise the emergency department (ED) over a 1‐year period and for what reason. A further objective was to identify factors that may explain these referrals.MethodsA cross‐sectional follow‐up study, examining older patients' disabilities, resources and needs, was carried out in a county in Sweden. Assessments were made using Residents Assessment Instrument/Minimum Data Set, among 719 individuals in 24 NHs and the RNs' documentation were followed.ResultsThe result showed that of 719 residents, 209 accounted for 314 referrals to an ED over the 1‐year period. No gender differences were observed. The main reasons for referrals were falls (23%), cardiovascular problems (16%), gastrointestinal problems (12%) and infections (11%). Most of the referrals (65%) were made on weekdays during daytime hours. In 62% of the cases, there had been a consultation with a physician prior to the referral. The nursing documentation was poor in connection with the referral.ConclusionOlder patients with dementia diseases were significant less refereed and questions are raised whether this group is undetected and undertreated, and therefore, it is important with further investigation.
Leg weakness in a lung transplant patient
Authors: Moua T. , Rizza S.A. , Kennedy C.C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is associated with JC polyomavirus (JCV) infection of central nervous system oligodendrocytes resulting in demyelinization and progressive focal neurologic deficits. Reactivation of dormant JCV occurs in the setting of immunosuppression, most commonly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or hematological malignancies. PML has also been reported in solid organ transplant recipients. We report the case of a 61‐year‐old man after bilateral lung transplantation for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis who presented with leg weakness, cognitive decline, and expressive aphasia at 5 months post transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging and brain biopsy were consistent with PML. Treatment attempt with cytarabine was unsuccessful, and immunomodulation resulted in recurrent grade A3 rejection. The difficulty of managing PML in lung transplant patients is highlighted by the lack of directed therapy and risk of graft rejection or failure with attempts at decreasing immunosuppression.
Late onset invasive pneumococcal disease in a liver transplanted patient: beyond the Austrian syndrome
Authors: Belvisi V. , Del Borgo C. , Morelli F. , Marocco R. , Tieghi T. , Fabietti P. , Vetica A. , Lichtner M. , Mastroianni C.M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractInvasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in high‐risk individuals with severe comorbidities, including asplenia, chronic alcoholism, and altered immune status. The risk of invasive pneumococcal disease has been significantly higher in transplant patients compared with the general population. Here, we report an unusual case of a disseminated pneumococcal infection with meningitis, endocarditis, spondylodiscitis, and muscle abscess in an asplenic patient on chronic immunosuppressive therapy for liver transplantation performed 17 years before.
Roles of CAMTA transcription factors and salicylic acid in configuring the low‐temperature transcriptome and freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim YongSig , Park Sunchung , Gilmour Sarah J. , Thomashow Michael F. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryPrevious studies in Arabidopsis thaliana established roles for CALMODULIN BINDING TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR 3 (CAMTA3) in the rapid cold induction of CRT/DRE BINDING FACTOR (CBF) genes CBF1 and CBF2, and the repression of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis at warm temperature. Here we show that CAMTA1 and CAMTA2 work in concert with CAMTA3 at low temperature (4°C) to induce peak transcript levels of CBF1, CBF2 and CBF3 at 2 h, contribute to up‐regulation of approximately 15% of the genes induced at 24 h, most of which fall outside the CBF pathway, and increase plant freezing tolerance. In addition, CAMTA1, CAMTA2 and CAMTA3 function together to inhibit SA biosynthesis at warm temperature (22°C). However, SA levels increase in Arabidopsis plants that are exposed to low temperature for more than 1 week. We show that this chilling‐induced SA biosynthesis proceeds through the isochorismate synthase (ICS) pathway, with cold induction of ICS1 (which encodes ICS), and two genes encoding transcription factors that positively regulate ICS1 – CBP60g and SARD1 –, paralleling SA accumulation. The three CAMTA proteins effectively repress the accumulation of ICS1, CBP60g and SARD1 transcripts at warm temperature but not at low temperature. This impairment of CAMTA function may involve post‐transcriptional regulation, as CAMTA transcript levels did not decrease at low temperature. Salicylic acid biosynthesis at low temperature did not contribute to freezing tolerance, but had a major role in configuring the transcriptome, including the induction of ‘defense response’ genes, suggesting the possible existence of a pre‐emptive defense strategy programmed by prolonged chilling temperatures.