bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 outcomes in 19 European countries: association with completeness of national strategic plans
Authors: Meeyai Aronrag , Cooper Ben S , Coker Richard 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo describe changes in reported influenza activity associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in European countries and determine whether there is a correlation between these changes and completeness of national strategic pandemic preparedness.DesignA retrospective correlational study.SettingCountries were included if their national strategic plans had previously been analysed and if weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) data from sentinel networks between week 21, 2006 and week 20, 2010 were more than 50% complete.Outcome measuresFor each country we calculated three outcomes: the percentage change in ILI peak height during the pandemic relative to the prepandemic mean; the timing of the ILI peak and the percentage change in total cases relative to the prepandemic mean. Correlations between these outcomes and completeness of a country's national strategic pandemic preparedness plan were assessed using the Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient.ResultsNineteen countries were included. The ILI peak occurred earlier than the mean seasonal peak in 17 countries. In 14 countries the pandemic peak was higher than the seasonal peak, though the difference was large only in Norway, the UK and Greece. Nine countries experienced more total ILI cases during the pandemic compared with the mean for prepandemic years. Five countries experienced two distinct pandemic peaks. There was no clear pattern of correlation between overall completeness of national strategic plans and pandemic influenza outcome measures and no evidence of association between these outcomes and components of pandemic plans that might plausibly affect influenza outcomes (public health interventions, vaccination, antiviral use, public communication). Amongst the 17 countries with a clear pandemic peak, only the correlation between planning for essential services and change in total ILI cases significantly differed from zero: correlation coefficient (95% CI) 0.50 (0.02, 0.79).ConclusionsThe diversity of pandemic influenza outcomes across Europe is not explained by the marked variation in the completeness of pandemic plans.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing the efficiency of two provider-endorsed manual paediatric fluid resuscitation techniques
Authors: Cole Evan T , Harvey Greg , Foster Gary , Thabane Lehana , Parker Melissa J 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionPaediatric shock is a life-threatening condition with many possible causes and a global impact. Current resuscitation guidelines require rapid fluid administration as a cornerstone of paediatric shock management. However, little evidence is available to inform clinicians how to most effectively perform rapid fluid administration where this is clinically required, resulting in suboptimal knowledge translation of current resuscitation guidelines into clinical practice.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine which of the two commonly used techniques for paediatric fluid resuscitation (disconnect–reconnect technique and push–pull technique) yields a higher fluid administration rate in a simulated clinical scenario. Secondary objectives include determination of catheter dislodgement rates, subjective and objective measures of provider fatiguability and descriptive information regarding any technical issues encountered with performance of each method under the study.Methods and analysisThis study will utilise a randomised crossover trial design. Participants will include consenting healthcare providers from McMaster Children's Hospital. Each participant will administer 900 ml (60 ml/kg) of normal saline to a simulated 15 kg infant as quickly as possible on two separate occasions using the manual fluid administration techniques under the study. The primary outcome, rate of fluid administration, will be evaluated using a paired two-tailed Student t test.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol has been approved by the Hamilton Health Sciences Research Ethics Board.ResultsThese will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and presented at one or more scientific conferences.Protocol RegistrationProtocol Registered on ClinicalTrials.govNCT01774214
On the Origin of the Surface Air Temperature Difference between the Hemispheres in Earth's Present-Day Climate
Authors: Feulner Georg , Rahmstorf Stefan , Levermann Anders , Volkwardt Silvia 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In today's climate, the annually averaged surface air temperature in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) is 1°–2°C higher than in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). Historically, this interhemispheric temperature difference has been attributed to a number of factors, including seasonal differences in insolation, the larger area of (tropical) land in the NH, the particularities of the Antarctic in terms of albedo and temperature, and northward heat transport by ocean circulation. A detailed investigation of these factors and their contribution to the temperature difference, however, has to the authors' knowledge not been performed so far. Here the origin of the interhemispheric temperature difference is traced using an assessment of climatological data and the observed energy budget of Earth as well as model simulations. It is found that for the preindustrial climate the temperature difference is predominantly due to meridional heat transport in the oceans, with an additional contribution from the albedo differences between the polar regions. The combination of these factors (that are to some extent coupled) governs the evolution of the temperature difference over the past millennium. Since the beginning of industrialization the interhemispheric temperature difference has increased due to melting of sea ice and snow in the NH. Furthermore, the predicted higher rate of warming over land as compared to the oceans contributes to this increase. Simulations for the twenty-first century show that the interhemispheric temperature difference continues to grow for the highest greenhouse gas emission scenarios due to the land–ocean warming contrast and the strong loss of Arctic sea ice, whereas the decrease in overturning strength dominates for the more moderate scenarios.
Esophageal Motility Changes after Thyroidectomy; Possible Associations with Postoperative Voice and Swallowing Disorders: Preliminary Results
Authors: Scerrino Gregorio , Inviati Angela , Di Giovanni Silvia , Paladino Nunzia Cinzia , Di Paola Valentina , Lo Re Giuseppe , Almasio Piero Luigi , Cupido Francesco , Gulotta Gaspare , Bonventre Sebastiano 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveSwallowing and voice impairment are common after thyroidectomy. We evaluated short‐term functional changes in esophageal motility in a series of patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy. Several studies have investigated these symptoms by means of interviews or questionnaires.Study DesignProspective study.SettingAcademic research.Materials and MethodsThirty‐six consenting patients were prospectively recruited. Eligibility criteria were thyroid volume ≤60 mL, benign disease, and age between 18 and 65 years. Exclusion criteria were previous neck surgery, severe thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and pre‐ or postoperative vocal cord palsy. Voice impairment score, swallowing impairment score, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophageal motility, upper esophageal pressure, and coordination were evaluated preoperatively and 30 to 45 days after surgery.ResultsPostoperative swallowing impairment (appearance or worsening of dysphagia) was found in 20% of patients and voice impairment in more than 30%. Both preoperative and postoperative esophageal motility were similar. All patients showed an average decrease of 25% in upper esophageal pressure, although the pressure was within normal range. Swallowing alterations were associated with upper esophageal incoordination (P <. 03), and proximal acid reflux was significantly associated with voice impairment (P <. 02).ConclusionAfter uncomplicated thyroidectomy, decreased upper esophageal pressure may explain both pharyngeal (dysphagia) and laryngeal (vocal impairment) exposure to acid. In the future, proton pump inhibitor therapy protocols should be evaluated.
Decision Making in the Choice of Surgical Management for Preauricular Sinuses with Different Severities
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ju , Chu Chia‐Huei , Wang Mao‐Che , Kuo Chin‐Lung , Shiao An‐Suey 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThe preauricular sinus is a common congenital abnormality of the preauricular soft tissues. Here, we demonstrate the decision making in the choice of surgical management of preauricular sinuses based on disease severity. In addition, a method termed figure 8 incision with extended fistulectomy is introduced.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care center.SubjectsBetween January 2003 and February 2010, a total of 90 patients (109 ears) underwent surgery for preauricular sinuses in our hospital.MethodsAfter controlling the infection, the patients received definite surgery. They were classified into 3 groups according to the operative methods. We recorded the clinical conditions and any recurrences during the follow‐up period.ResultsGroup I patients (48 ears) had a trace inflammatory condition and underwent a simple sinusectomy. The recurrence rate was 2.08%. Group II (31 ears) and group III (30 ears) patients had more highly inflamed tissue and underwent a local wide excision and a figure 8 incision with extended fistulectomy, respectively. The recurrence rate in group II was 22.58%. Meanwhile, none of the group III cases showed a recurrence. In our study, there were 8 recurrent cases in 109 ears, yielding a recurrence rate of 7.34%.ConclusionSimple sinusectomy is an adequate surgical technique for preauricular sinuses with a mild inflammatory condition. For more severe cases, the figure 8 incision with extended fistulectomy can achieve adequate wound exposure for radical excision of the inflamed tissue and a satisfactory surgical outcome.
Absence of long-range diffusion of OmpA in E. coliis not caused by its peptidoglycan binding domain
Authors: Verhoeven Gertjan S , Dogterom Marileen , den Blaauwen Tanneke 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
It is widely believed that integral outer membrane (OM) proteins in bacteria are able to diffuse laterally in the OM. However, stable, immobile proteins have been identified in the OM of Escherichia coli. In explaining the observations, a hypothesized interaction of the immobilized OM proteins with the underlying peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall played a prominent role.

Results
OmpA is an abundant outer membrane protein in E. coli containing a PG-binding domain. We use FRAP to investigate whether OmpA is able to diffuse laterally over long-range (> ~100 nm) distances in the OM. First, we show that OmpA, containing a PG binding domain, does not exhibit long-range lateral diffusion in the OM. Then, to test whether PG interaction was required for this immobilization, we genetically removed the PG binding domain and repeated the FRAP experiment. To our surprise, this did not increase the mobility of the protein in the OM.

Conclusions
OmpA exhibits an absence of long-range (> ~100 nm) diffusion in the OM that is not caused by its PG binding domain. Therefore, other mechanisms are needed to explain this observation, such as the presence of physical barriers in the OM, or strong interactions with other elements in the cell envelope.
A 1,681-locus consensus genetic map of cultivated cucumber including 67 NB-LRR resistance gene homolog and ten gene loci
Authors: Yang Luming , Li Dawei , Li Yuhong , Gu Xingfang , Huang Sanwen , Garcia-Mas Jordi , Weng Yiqun 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Cucumber is an important vegetable crop that is susceptible to many pathogens, but no disease resistance (R) genes have been cloned. The availability of whole genome sequences provides an excellent opportunity for systematic identification and characterization of the nucleotide binding and leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) type R gene homolog (RGH) sequences in the genome. Cucumber has a very narrow genetic base making it difficult to construct high-density genetic maps. Development of a consensus map by synthesizing information from multiple segregating populations is a method of choice to increase marker density. As such, the objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize NB-LRR type RGHs, and to develop a high-density, integrated cucumber genetic-physical map anchored with RGH loci.

Results
From the Gy14 draft genome, 70 NB-containing RGHs were identified and characterized. Most RGHs were in clusters with uneven distribution across seven chromosomes. In silico analysis indicated that all 70 RGHs had EST support for gene expression. Phylogenetic analysis classified 58 RGHs into two clades: CNL and TNL. Comparative analysis revealed high-degree sequence homology and synteny in chromosomal locations of these RGH members between the cucumber and melon genomes.
Fifty-four molecular markers were developed to delimit 67 of the 70 RGHs, which were integrated into a genetic map through linkage analysis. A 1,681-locus cucumber consensus map including 10 gene loci and spanning 730.0 cM in seven linkage groups was developed by integrating three component maps with a bin-mapping strategy. Physically, 308 scaffolds with 193.2 Mbp total DNA sequences were anchored onto this consensus map that covered 52.6% of the 367 Mbp cucumber genome.

Conclusions

Cucumber contains relatively few NB-LRR RGHs that are clustered and unevenly distributed in the genome. All RGHs seem to be transcribed and shared significant sequence homology and synteny with the melon genome suggesting conservation of these RGHs in the Cucumis lineage. The 1,681-locus consensus genetic-physical map developed and the RGHs identified and characterized herein are valuable genomics resources that may have many applications such as quantitative trait loci identification, map-based gene cloning, association mapping, marker-assisted selection, as well as assembly of a more complete cucumber genome.
Targets and self-management for the control of blood pressure in stroke and at risk groups (TASMIN-SR): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: O’Brien Claire , Bray Emma P , Bryan Stirling , Greenfield Sheila M , Haque M Sayeed , Hobbs FD Richard , Jones Miren I , Jowett Sue , Kaambwa Billingsley , Little Paul , Mant Jonathan , Penaloza Cristina , Schwartz Claire , Shackleford Helen , Varghese Jinu , Williams Bryan , McManus Richard J 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Self-monitoring of hypertension with self-titration of antihypertensives (self-management) results in lower systolic blood pressure for at least one year. However, few people in high risk groups have been evaluated to date and previous work suggests a smaller effect size in these groups. This trial therefore aims to assess the added value of self-management in high risk groups over and above usual care.

Methods/Design
The targets and self-management for the control of blood pressure in stroke and at risk groups (TASMIN-SR) trial will be a pragmatic primary care based, unblinded, randomised controlled trial of self-management of blood pressure (BP) compared to usual care. Eligible patients will have a history of stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes or chronic kidney disease and will be recruited from primary care. Participants will be individually randomised to either usual care or self-management. The primary outcome of the trial will be difference in office SBP between intervention and control groups at 12 months adjusted for baseline SBP and covariates. 540 patients will be sufficient to detect a difference in SBP between self-management and usual care of 5 mmHg with 90% power. Secondary outcomes will include self-efficacy, lifestyle behaviours, health-related quality of life and adverse events. An economic analysis will consider both within trial costs and a model extrapolating the results thereafter. A qualitative analysis will gain insights into patients’ views, experiences and decision making processes.

Discussion
The results of the trial will be directly applicable to primary care in the UK. If successful, self-management of blood pressure in people with stroke and other high risk conditions would be applicable to many hundreds of thousands of individuals in the UK and beyond.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN87171227
Timp1 interacts with beta-1 integrin and CD63 along melanoma genesis and confers anoikis resistance by activating PI3-K signaling pathway independently of Akt phosphorylation
Authors: Toricelli Mariana , Melo Fabiana HM , Peres Giovani B , Silva Débora CP , Jasiulionis Miriam G 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAnoikisresistance is one of the abilities acquired along tumor progression. This characteristic is associated with metastasis development, since tumorigenic cells must survive independently of cell-matrix interactions in this process. In our laboratory, it was developed a murine melanocyte malignant transformation model associated with a sustained stressful condition. After subjecting melan-a melanocytes to 1, 2, 3 and 4 cycles of anchorage impediment,anoikisresistant cells were established and named 1C, 2C, 3C and 4C, respectively. These cells showed altered morphology and PMA independent cell growth, but were not tumorigenic, corresponding to pre-malignant cells. After limiting dilution of 4C pre-malignant cells, melanoma cell lines with different characteristics were obtained. Previous data from our group showed that increased Timp1 expression correlated withanoikis-resistant phenotype. Timp1 was shown to confer anchorage-independent growth capability to melan-a melanocytes and render melanoma cells more aggressive when injected into mice. However, the mechanisms involved inanoikisregulation by Timp1 in tumorigenic cells are not clear yet.MethodsThe β1-integrin and Timp1 expression were evaluated by Western blotting and CD63 protein expression by flow cytometry using specific antibodies. To analyze the interaction among Timp1, CD63 and β1-integrin, immunoprecipitation assays were performed,anoikisresistance capability was evaluated in the presence or not of the PI3-K inhibitors, Wortmannin and LY294002. Relative expression ofTIMP1andCD63in human metastatic melanoma cells was analyzed by real time PCR.ResultsDifferential association among Timp1, CD63 and β1-integrins was observed in melan-a melanocytes, 4C pre-malignant melanocytes and 4C11- and 4C11+ melanoma cells. Timp1 present in conditioned medium of melanoma cells rendered melan-a melanocytesanoikis-resistant through PI3-K signaling pathway independently of Akt activation. In human melanoma cell lines, in which TIMP1 and beta-1 integrin were also found to be interacting,TIMP1andCD63levels together was shown to correlate significantly with colony formation capacity.ConclusionsOur results show that Timp1 is assembled in a supramolecular complex containing CD63 and β1-integrins along melanoma genesis and confersanoikisresistance by activating PI3-K signaling pathway, independently of Akt phosphorylation. In addition, our data pointTIMP1, mainly together withCD63, as a potential biomarker of melanoma.
Direct measurement of the spin gaps in a gated GaAs two-dimensional electron gas
Authors: Huang Tsai-Yu , Liang Chi-Te , Chen Yang Fang , Simmons Michelle Y , Kim Gil-Ho , Ritchie David A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
We have performed magnetotransport measurements on gated GaAs two-dimensional electron gases in which electrons are confined in a layer of the nanoscale. From the slopes of a pair of spin-split Landau levels (LLs) in the energy-magnetic field plane, we can perform direct measurements of the spin gap for different LLs. The measured g-factor g is greatly enhanced over its bulk value in GaAs (0.44) due to electron–electron (e-e) interactions. Our results suggest that both the spin gap and g determined from conventional activation energy studies can be very different from those obtained by direct measurements.
Transcriptional analysis of the innate immune response of ducks to different species-of-origin low pathogenic H7 avian influenza viruses
Authors: Maughan Michele N , Dougherty Lorna S , Preskenis Lauren A , Ladman Brian S , Gelb Jack , Spackman Erica V , Keeler Calvin L 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Wild waterfowl, including ducks, represent the classic reservoir for low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses and play a major role in the worldwide dissemination of AIV. AIVs belonging to the hemagglutinin (H) 7 subtype are of epidemiological and economic importance due to their potential to mutate into a highly pathogenic form of the virus. Thus far, however, relatively little work has been conducted on elucidating the host-pathogen interactions of ducks and H7 LPAIVs. In the current study, three H7 LPAIVs isolated from either chicken, duck, or turkey avian species were evaluated for their comparative effect on the transcriptional innate immune response of ducks.

Results
Three H7 LPAIV isolates, chicken-origin (A/chicken/Maryland/MinhMa/2004), duck-origin (A/pintail/Minnesota/423/1999), and turkey-origin (A/turkey/Virginia/SEP-67/2002) were used to infect Pekin ducks. At 3 days post-infection, RNA from spleen tissue was used for transcriptional analysis using the Avian Innate Immune Microarray (AIIM) and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Microarray analysis revealed that a core set of 61 genes was differentially regulated in response to all three LPAIVs. Furthermore, we observed 101, 135, and 628 differentially expressed genes unique to infection with the chicken-, duck-, or turkey-origin LPAIV isolates, respectively. qRT-PCR results revealed significant (p<0.05) induction of IL-1β, IL-2, and IFNγ transcription, with the greatest induction observed upon infection with the chicken-origin isolate. Several key innate immune pathways were activated in response to LPAIV infection including the toll-like receptor and RIG-I-like receptor pathways.

Conclusions
Pekin ducks elicit a unique innate immune response to different species-of-origin H7 LPAIV isolates. However, twelve identifiable genes and their associated cell signaling pathways (RIG-I, NOD, TLR) are differentially expressed regardless of isolate origin. This core set of genes are critical to the duck immune response to AI. These data provide insight into the potential mechanisms employed by ducks to tolerate AI viral infection.