bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzyme Treatment Reverse Transcription-PCR To Differentiate Infectious and Inactivated F-Specific RNA Phages
Authors: Yang Yongheng , Griffiths Mansel W. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
F-specific (F+) RNA phages are recommended as indicators of fecal contamination and the presence of enteric viruses and as viral surrogates to elucidate the resistance of viruses to adverse conditions or to assess the effectiveness of inactivating processes. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR methods have been used to detect, quantify, or identify subgroups of F+ RNA phages. However, these methods may overestimate the infectivity of F+ RNA phages in test samples, since the presence of both infectious and inactivated phages (or naked RNA) can lead to positive RT-PCR signals. In this study, we evaluated the ability of an enzyme treatment (ET) with proteinase K and RNase A prior to RNA extraction, followed by RT-PCR, to differentiate infectious and inactivated F+ RNA phages. The results indicated that ET RT-PCR reduced, but did not completely eliminate, false-positive signals encountered with RT-PCR alone. The two-step ET RT-PCR, in which the enzymes were added sequentially, was more effective at reducing false-positive signals than the one-step ET RT-PCR, which involved addition of both enzymes together. Despite its inability to completely eliminate false-positive signals, ET RT-PCR gave more reliable information on the infectivity of F+ RNA phages. Thus, the method is better than RT-PCR alone for detecting F+ RNA phages as indicators to assess the risk of fecal contamination by enteric pathogens or to evaluate the effectiveness of virus-inactivating processes.
Gene Transfer Potential of Outer Membrane Vesicles of Acinetobacter baylyi and Effects of Stress on Vesiculation
Authors: Fulsundar Shweta , Harms Klaus , Flaten Gøril E. , Johnsen Pål J. , Chopade Balu Ananda , Nielsen Kaare M. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are continually released from a range of bacterial species. Numerous functions of OMVs, including the facilitation of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes, have been proposed. In this study, we investigated whether OMVs contribute to the transfer of plasmids between bacterial cells and species using Gram-negative
Acinetobacter baylyi
as a model system. OMVs were extracted from bacterial cultures and tested for the ability to vector gene transfer into populations of
Escherichia coli
and
A. baylyi
, including naturally transformation-deficient mutants of
A. baylyi
. Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies were used to determine the movement of DNA into OMVs. We also determined how stress affected the level of vesiculation and the amount of DNA in vesicles. OMVs were further characterized by measuring particle size distribution (PSD) and zeta potential. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunogold labeling were performed using anti-fluorescein isothiocyanate (anti-FITC)-conjugated antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies to track the movement of FITC-labeled and DNA-containing OMVs. Exposure to OMVs isolated from plasmid-containing donor cells resulted in HGT to
A. baylyi
and
E. coli
at transfer frequencies ranging from 10
−6
to 10
−8
, with transfer efficiencies of approximately 10
3
and 10
2
per μg of vesicular DNA, respectively. Antibiotic stress was shown to affect the DNA content of OMVs as well as their hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. Morphological observations suggest that OMVs from
A. baylyi
interact with recipient cells in different ways, depending on the recipient species. Interestingly, the PSD measurements suggest that distinct size ranges of OMVs are released from
A. baylyi
.
The Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi LeuO Global Regulator Forms Tetramers: Residues Involved in Oligomerization, DNA Binding, and Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Guadarrama Carmen , Medrano-López Abraham , Oropeza Ricardo , Hernández-Lucas Ismael , Calva Edmundo 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

LeuO is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator (LTTR) that has been described to be a global regulator in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella enterica
, since it positively and negatively regulates the expression of genes involved in multiple biological processes. LeuO is comprised of an N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) with a winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) motif and of a long linker helix (LH) involved in dimerization that connects the DBD with the C-terminal effector-binding domain (EBD) or regulatory domain (RD; which comprises subdomains RD-I and RD-II). Here we show that the oligomeric structure of LeuO is a tetramer that binds with high affinity to DNA. A collection of single amino acid substitutions in the LeuO DBD indicated that this region is involved in oligomerization, in positive and negative regulation, as well as in DNA binding. Mutants with point mutations in the central and C-terminal regions of RD-I were affected in transcriptional activation. Deletion of the RD-II and RD-I C-terminal subdomains affected not only oligomerization but also DNA interaction, showing that they are involved in positive and negative regulation. Together, these data demonstrate that not only the C terminus but also the DBD of LeuO is involved in oligomer formation; therefore, each LeuO domain appears to act synergistically to maintain its regulatory functions in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi.
Hip chondropathy at arthroscopy: prevalence and relationship to labral pathology, femoroacetabular impingement and patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Kemp Joanne L , Makdissi Michael , Schache Anthony G , Pritchard Michael G , Pollard Thomas C B , Crossley Kay M 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThis study aimed to describe chondropathy prevalence in adults who had undergone hip arthroscopy for hip pain. The relationships between chondropathy severity and (1) participant characteristics; and (2) patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at initial assessment (∼18 months postsurgery) and over a further 12 months (∼30 months postsurgery) were evaluated. Finally, the relationships between chondropathy and coexisting femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral pathology at the time of surgery were evaluated.Methods100 consecutive patients (36±12 years) who underwent hip arthroscopy 18 months previously participated. Hip Osteoarthritis and Disability Outcome Score (HOOS) and International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) data were collected prospectively at 18 months postsurgery and at 30 months postsurgery. Surgical data were collected retrospectively. Participants were grouped: Outerbridge grade 0, no chondropathy; Outerbridge grade I–II, mild chondropathy; Outerbridge III–IV, severe chondropathy. The presence of FAI or labral pathology was noted.ResultsThe prevalence of chondropathy (≥grade I) at hip arthroscopy was 72%. Participants with severe chondropathy were significantly worse for all HOOS subscales and the iHOT-33 at 18 months postsurgery (HOOS-symptoms (p=0.017); HOOS-pain (p=0.024); HOOS-activity (p=0.009); HOOS-sport (p=0.004); HOOS-quality-of-life (p=0.006); iHOT-33 (p=0.013)) than those with no chondropathy. At 12-month follow-up, HOOS-quality-of-life in those without chondropathy was the only PRO that improved. Relative risk of coexisting chondropathy with labral pathology or FAI was 40%.ConclusionsChondropathy was prevalent, and associated with increasing age, coexisting labral pathology or FAI. Severe chondropathy was associated with worse pain and function at 18 months postsurgery. Little improvements were observed in participants over a further 12 months, regardless of chondropathy status.
Standardised criteria improve accuracy of ECG interpretation in competitive athletes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Exeter Daniel J , Elley C Raina , Fulcher Mark L , Lee Arier C , Drezner Jonathan A , Asif Irfan M 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundScreening to prevent sudden cardiac death remains a contentious topic in sport and exercise medicine. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of a standardised criteria tool improves the accuracy of ECG interpretation by physicians screening athletes.MethodsDesign: Randomised control trial. Study population: General practitioners with an interest in sports medicine, sports physicians, sports medicine registrars and cardiologists from Australia and New Zealand were eligible to participate. Outcome measures: Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and false-positive rates of screening ECG interpretation of athletes. Intervention: A two-page standardised ECG criteria tool was provided to intervention participants. Control participants undertook ‘usual’ interpretation.Results62 physicians, with a mean duration of practice of 16 years, were randomised to intervention and control. 10 baseline and 30 postrandomisation athlete ECGs were interpreted by the participants. Intervention participants were more likely to be correct: OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.27, p<0.001). Correct ECG interpretation was higher in the intervention group, 88.4% (95% CI 85.7% to 91.2%), than in the control group, 82.2% (95% CI 78.8% to 85.5%; p=0.005). Sensitivity was 95% in the intervention group and 92% in the control group (p=0.4), with specificity of 86% and 78%, respectively (p=0.006). There were 36% fewer false positives in the intervention group (p=0.006).ConclusionsECG interpretation in athletes can be improved by using a standardised ECG criteria tool. Use of the tool results in lower false-positive rates; this may have implications for screening recommendations.Trial Registration number:ACTRN12612000641897.
Epidemiology of concussion in men's elite Rugby-7s (Sevens World Series) and Rugby-15s (Rugby World Cup, Junior World Championship and Rugby Trophy, Pacific Nations Cup and English Premiership)
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Taylor Aileen , Raftery Martin 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the incidence, nature and causes of concussions sustained during men's elite professional Rugby-7s and Rugby-15s.DesignA prospective cohort study recording injuries classified as a time-loss concussion.PopulationPlayers competing in the following tournaments: Rugby 15s—English Premiership (2007/2008 to 2010/2011), Rugby World Cup (2007, 2011), Pacific Nations Cup (2012, 2013), Junior World Championship (2008, 2010–2013), Junior World Rugby Trophy (2008, 2010–2013); Rugby 7s—Sevens World Series (2008/2009, 2010/2011 to 2012/2013).MethodThe study was implemented according to the international consensus statement for epidemiological studies in rugby union; the main outcome measures included the number, incidence (number of concussions/1000 player-match-hours), mean and median severity (days absence) and cause of concussion.ResultsThe incidence of concussion in Rugby-7s was significantly higher than that in Rugby-15s (risk ratio=1.84; p<0.001). The severity of concussions were significantly higher in Rugby-7s than Rugby-15s (mean—Rugby-7s: 19.2, Rugby-15s: 10.1; median—Rugby 7s: 20, Rugby-15s: 7; p<0.001). The main causes of concussion were tackling (44.1%) in Rugby-7s and collisions (43.6%) in Rugby-15s. Significantly more (risk ratio=1.49; p=0.004) concussed players were removed immediately from the game in Rugby-7s (69.7%) compared to Rugby-15s (46.7%).ConclusionsSix actions were identified to improve the management of concussion in rugby: implement a pitch-side concussion assessment protocol; improve compliance with return-to-play protocols; work with referees to review the nature and consequences of collisions; improve players’ tackle technique; investigate the forces involved in tackles and collisions; and evaluate reasons for the higher incidence of concussions in Rugby-7s.
Effects of life satisfaction and psychache on risk for suicidal behaviour: a cross-sectional study based on data from Chinese undergraduates
Authors: You Zhiqi , Song Juanjuan , Wu Caizhi , Qin Ping , Zhou Zongkui 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo examine predictive power of psychache and life satisfaction on risks for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among young people.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData were collected from an online survey in Wuhan, China.Participants5988 university students from six universities were selected by a stratified cluster sampling method.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSuicidal ideation and suicide attempt at some point of the students’ lifetime were the outcomes of interest.ResultsStudents with suicidal ideation or attempted suicide reported a lower level of life satisfaction and high degree of psychache than counterparts without suicidal ideation or attempt. Regression analyses indicated that life satisfaction and psychache were significantly associated with the risk of suicidal ideation and the risk of suicidal attempt. Though psychache showed a relatively stronger predictive power than life satisfaction, the effect of the two factors remained significant when they were individually adjusted for personal demographic characteristics. However, when the two factors were included in the model simultaneously to adjust for each other, psychache could fully explain the association between life satisfaction and suicidal attempt. Life satisfaction remained to contribute unique variance in the statistical prediction of suicidal ideation.ConclusionsPsychache and life satisfaction both have a significant predictive power on risk for suicidal behaviour, and life satisfaction could relieve the predictive power of psychache when suicidal behaviour is just starting. Shneidman's theory that psychache is the pre-eminent psychological cause of suicide is perhaps applicable only to a more serious form of suicidal behaviour.
Rationale and cross-sectional study design of the Research on Obesity and type 2 Diabetes among African Migrants: the RODAM study
Authors: Agyemang Charles , Beune Erik , Meeks Karlijn , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Aikins Ama de-Graft , Dodoo Francis , Smeeth Liam , Addo Juliet , Mockenhaupt Frank P , Amoah Stephen K , Schulze Matthias B , Danquah Ina , Spranger Joachim , Nicolaou Mary , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Burr Tom , Henneman Peter , Mannens Marcel M , van Straalen Jan P , Bahendeka Silver , Zwinderman A H , Kunst Anton E , Stronks Karien 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionObesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are highly prevalent among African migrants compared with European descent populations. The underlying reasons still remain a puzzle. Gene–environmental interaction is now seen as a potential plausible factor contributing to the high prevalence of obesity and T2D, but has not yet been investigated. The overall aim of theResearch onObesity andDiabetes amongAfricanMigrants (RODAM) project is to understand the reasons for the high prevalence of obesity and T2D among sub-Saharan Africans in diaspora by (1) studying the complex interplay between environment (eg, lifestyle), healthcare, biochemical and (epi)genetic factors, and their relative contributions to the high prevalence of obesity and T2D; (2) to identify specific risk factors within these broad categories to guide intervention programmes and (3) to provide a basic knowledge for improving diagnosis and treatment.Methods and analysisRODAM is a multicentre cross-sectional study among homogenous sub-Saharan African participants (ie, Ghanaians) aged >25 years living in rural and urban Ghana, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK (http://rod-am.eu/). Standardised data on the main outcomes, genetic and non-genetic factors are collected in all locations. The aim is to recruit 6250 individuals comprising five subgroups of 1250 individuals from each site. In Ghana, Kumasi and Obuasi (urban stratum) and villages in the Ashanti region (rural stratum) are served as recruitment sites. In Europe, Ghanaian migrants are selected through the municipality or Ghanaian organisations registers.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained in all sites. This paper gives an overview of the rationale, conceptual framework and methods of the study. The differences across locations will allow us to gain insight into genetic and non-genetic factors contributing to the occurrence of obesity and T2D and will inform targeted intervention and prevention programmes, and provide the basis for improving diagnosis and treatment in these populations and beyond.
Clinical, angiographic and radiographic outcome differences among mechanical thrombectomy devices: initial experience of a large-volume center
Authors: Kass-Hout Tareq , Kass-Hout Omar , Sun Chung-Huan Johnny , Kass-Hout Taha , Belagaje Samir , Anderson Aaron , Frankel Michael , Gupta Rishi , Nogueira Raul 
Published: March 2014

Background and purposeHigher reperfusion rates have been established with endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There are limited data on the comparative performance of mechanical thrombectomy devices.MethodsA retrospective single-center analysis was undertaken of all consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy using Merci, Penumbra or stent retrievers (SR) from September 2010 to November 2012. Baseline characteristics, rates of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score 2b–3), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), final infarct volume, 90-day mortality and independent functional outcomes at 90 days were compared across the three devices.ResultsOur cohort included 287 patients. There were mild imbalances in baseline characteristics with trends towards higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in patients in the Merci group (SR=18 vs Merci=21 vs Penumbra=19, p=0.06) and lower Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) in patients in the SR group (>7: SR=51% vs Merci=61% vs Penumbra=62%, p=0.12). On univariate analysis there were no differences in the rate of sICH (SR=7% vs Merci=7% vs Penumbra=6%, p=0.921) and infarct volume (SR=61.5 mL vs Merci=69.5 mL vs Penumbra=59.2 mL, p=0.621). Trends towards better functional outcomes were found with Penumbra and SR vs Merci (41% vs 36% vs 25%, respectively, p=0.079). Complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b–3) was higher in the SR and Penumbra groups than in the Merci group (86% vs 78% vs 70%, respectively, p=0.027). Binary logistic regression showed that SR was an independent predictor of good functional outcome (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.018 to 5.048; p=0.045).ConclusionsAlthough our initial data confirm the superiority of SR technology over the Merci device, there was no significant difference in near complete/complete reperfusion, final infarct volumes or clinical outcomes between SR and Penumbra thromboaspiration.
Endovascular coiling versus parent artery occlusion for treatment of cavernous carotid aneurysms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Turfe Zaahir A , Brinjikji Waleed , Murad Mohammad H , Lanzino Giuseppe , Cloft Harry J , Kallmes David F 
Published: March 2014

Background and purposeEndosaccular coil embolization and parent artery occlusion (PAO) are established endovascular techniques for treatment of cavernous carotid aneurysms. We performed a systematic review of published series on endovascular treatment of cavernous carotid aneurysms to determine outcomes and complications associated with endovascular coiling and PAO of cavernous carotid artery aneurysms.MethodsIn September 2013, we conducted a computerized search of MEDLINE and EMBASE for reports on endovascular treatment of intracranial cavernous carotid aneurysms from January 1990 to August 2013. Comparisons were made in periprocedural complications and outcomes between coiling and PAO patients who did not receive bypass. Event rates were pooled across studies using random effects meta-analysis.Results20 studies with 509 patients and 515 aneurysms were included in this systematic review. Aneurysm occlusion rates at >3 months after operation were significantly higher in the PAO without bypass group (93.0%, 95% CI 86.0 to 97.0) compared with the coiling group (67.0%, 95% CI 55.0 to 77.0) (p<0.01). Retreatment rates were significantly lower in the PAO without bypass group (6.0%, 95% CI 2.0 to 12.0) compared with the coiling group (18.0%, 95% CI 12.0 to 26.0) (p=0.01). Coiling patients had a similar morbidity rate (3.0%, 95% CI 2.0 to 6.0) compared with PAO without bypass patients (7.0%, 95% CI 3.0 to 12.0) (p=0.13). Coiling patients had a similar mortality rate (0.0%, 95% CI 0.0 to 6.0) compared with PAO without bypass patients (4.0%, 95% CI 1.0 to 9.0) (p=0.68).ConclusionsEvidence from non-comparative studies suggests that traditional endovascular options are highly effective in treating cavernous sinus aneurysms. PAO is associated with a higher rate of complete occlusion. Periprocedural morbidity and mortality rates are not negligible, especially in patients receiving PAO.
MET Is a Potential Target across All Papillary Renal Cell Carcinomas: Result from a Large Molecular Study of pRCC with CGH Array and Matching Gene Expression Array
Authors: Albiges Laurence , Guegan Justine , Le Formal Audrey , Verkarre Virginie , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Sibony Mathilde , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Camparo Philippe , Merabet Zahira , Molinie Vincent , Allory Yves , Orear Cedric , Couvé Sophie , Gad Sophie , Patard Jean-Jacques , Escudier Bernard 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Papillary renal cell carcinomas (pRCC) are the most common nonclear cell RCC subtype. Germline mutations of the MET oncogene at 7q31 have been detected in patients with hereditary type I pRCC and in 13% of sporadic type I pRCC. Recent report of MET inhibition strengthened the role of c-Met inhibition across pRCC.
Experimental Design: We collected 220 frozen samples of sporadic pRCC through the French RCC Network and quality controlled for percentage of malignant cells &gt;70%. Gene expression was assessed on 98 pRCC using human whole-genome Agilent 8 × 60K arrays. Copy number alterations were analyzed using Agilent Human 2 × 400K and 4× 180K array for type II pRCC and comparative genomic microarray analysis method for type I pRCC. MET gene sequencing was performed on type I pRCC.
Results: MET expression level was high across all pRCC. We identified copy number alterations (gain) in 46% of type II pRCC and in 81% of type I pRCC. Correlation between DNA copy number alterations and mRNA expression level was highly significant. Eleven somatic mutations of MET gene were identified amongst 51 type I pRCC (21.6%), including 4 new mutations. We validated LRRK2 cokinase as highly correlated to MET expression.
Conclusion: The present report expands the role of MET activation as a potential target across all pRCC subtypes. These data support investigating MET inhibitors in pRCC in correlation with MET activation status. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3411–21. ©2014 AACR.