bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porphyromonas gingivalis displays a competitive advantage over Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in co‐cultured biofilm
Authors: Takasaki K. , Fujise O. , Miura M. , Hamachi T. , Maeda K. 
Published: October 2012

Background and ObjectiveBiofilm formation occurs through the events of cooperative growth and competitive survival among multiple species. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are important periodontal pathogens. The aim of this study was to demonstrate competitive or cooperative interactions between these two species in co‐cultured biofilm.Material and MethodsP. gingivalis strains and gingipain mutants were cultured with or without A. actinomycetemcomitans. Biofilms formed on glass surfaces were analyzed by crystal violet staining and colony counting. Preformed A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilms were treated with P. gingivalis culture supernatants. Growth and proteolytic activities of gingipains were also determined.ResultsMonocultured P. gingivalis strains exhibited a range of biofilm‐formation abilities and proteolytic activities. The ATCC33277 strain, noted for its high biofilm‐formation ability and proteolytic activity, was found to be dominant in biofilm co‐cultured with A. actinomycetemcomitans. In a time‐resolved assay, A. actinomycetemcomitans was primarily the dominant colonizer on a glass surface and subsequently detached in the presence of increasing numbers of ATCC33277. Detachment of preformed A. actinomycetemcomitans biofilm was observed by incubation with culture supernatants from highly proteolytic strains.ConclusionThese results suggest that P. gingivalis possesses a competitive advantage over A. actinomycetemcomitans. As the required biofilm‐formation abilities and proteolytic activities vary among P. gingivalis strains, the diversity of the competitive advantage is likely to affect disease recurrence during periodontal maintenance.
Transformational leadership in nursing: towards a more critical interpretation
Authors: Hutchinson Marie , Jackson Debra 
Published: October 2012

HUTCHINSON M and JACKSON D. Nursing Inquiry 2013; 20: 11–22  Transformational leadership in nursing: towards a more critical interpretationEffective nurse leadership is positioned as an essential factor in achieving optimal patient outcomes and workplace enhancement. Over the last two decades, writing and research on nursing leadership has been dominated by one conceptual theory, that of transformational leadership. This theoretical framework has provided insight into various leader characteristics, with research findings presented as persuasive evidence. While elsewhere there has been robust debate on the merits of the transformational model of leadership, in the nursing literature, there has been little critical review of the model and the commonly used assessment instruments. In this article, we critically review more than a decade of nursing scholarship on the transformational model of leadership and its empirical evidence. Applying a critical lens to the literature, the conceptual and methodological weaknesses of much nursing research on this topic, we question whether the uncritical adoption of the transformational model has resulted in a limited interpretation of nursing leadership. Given the limitations of the model, we advocate embracing new ways of thinking about nursing leadership.
The Oral, Live Attenuated Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Vaccine ACE527 Reduces the Incidence and Severity of Diarrhea in a Human Challenge Model of Diarrheal Disease
Authors: Darsley Michael J. , Chakraborty Subhra , DeNearing Barbara , Sack David A. , Feller Andrea , Buchwaldt Charlotte , Bourgeois A. Louis , Walker Richard , Harro Clayton D. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

An oral, live attenuated, three-strain recombinant bacterial vaccine, ACE527, was demonstrated to generate strong immune responses to colonization factor and toxin antigens of enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) in human volunteers. The vaccine was safe and well tolerated at doses of up to 10
11
CFU, administered in each of two doses given 21 days apart. These observations have now been extended in a phase 2b study with a total of 70 subjects. Fifty-six of these subjects were challenged 28 days after the second dose of vaccine with the highly virulent ETEC strain H10407 to obtain preliminary indicators of efficacy against disease and to support further development of the vaccine for both travelers and infants in countries where ETEC is endemic. The vaccine had a significant impact on intestinal colonization by the challenge strain, as measured by quantitative fecal culture 2 days after challenge, demonstrating the induction of a functional immune response to the CFA/I antigen. The incidence and severity of diarrhea were also reduced in vaccinees as measured by a number of secondary and
ad hoc
endpoints, although the 27% reduction seen in the primary endpoint, moderate to severe diarrhea, was not statistically significant. Together, these observations support the hypothesis that the ACE527 vaccine has a dual mode of action, targeting both colonization factors and the heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), and suggest that it should be further developed for more advanced trials to evaluate its impact on the burden of ETEC disease in field settings.
Novel Interpretation of Molecular Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis According to Gestational Age at the Time of Maternal Infection
Authors: Sterkers Yvon , Pratlong Francine , Albaba Sahar , Loubersac Julie , Picot Marie-Christine , Pretet Vanessa , Issert Eric , Boulot Pierre , Bastien Patrick 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

From a prospective cohort of 344 women who seroconverted for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, 344 amniotic fluid, 264 placenta, and 216 cord blood samples were tested for diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis using the same PCR assay. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the PCR assay using amniotic fluid were 86.3% and 97.2%, respectively, and both specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. Using placenta and cord blood, sensitivities were 79.5% and 21.2%, and specificities were 92% and 100%, respectively. In addition, the calculation of pretest and posttest probabilities and the use of logistic regression allowed us to obtain curves that give a dynamic interpretation of the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis according to gestational age at maternal infection, as represented by the three sample types (amniotic fluid, placenta, and cord blood). Two examples are cited here: for a maternal infection at 25 weeks of amenorrhea, a negative result of prenatal diagnosis allowed estimation of the probability of congenital toxoplasmosis at 5% instead of an
a priori
(pretest) risk estimate of 33%. For an infection at 10 weeks of amenorrhea associated with a pretest congenital toxoplasmosis risk of 7%, a positive PCR result using placenta at birth yields a risk increase to 43%, while a negative result damps down the risk to 0.02%. Thus, with a molecular diagnosis performing at a high level, and in spite of the persistence of false negatives, posttest risk curves using both negative and positive results prove highly informative, allowing a better assessment of the actual risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and finally an improved decision guide to treatment.
Direct Detection and Genotyping of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemases from Urine by Use of a New DNA Microarray Test
Authors: Peter Harald , Berggrav Kathrine , Thomas Peter , Pfeifer Yvonne , Witte Wolfgang , Templeton Kate , Bachmann Till T. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemases (KPCs) are considered a serious threat to antibiotic therapy, as they confer resistance to carbapenems, which are used to treat extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of a DNA microarray for the detection and genotyping of KPC genes (
bla
KPC
) within a 5-h period. To test the whole assay procedure (DNA extraction plus a DNA microarray assay) directly from clinical specimens, we compared two commercial DNA extraction kits (the QIAprep Spin miniprep kit [Qiagen] and the urine bacterial DNA isolation kit [Norgen]) for the direct DNA extraction from urine samples (dilution series spiked in human urine). Reliable single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing was demonstrated using 1 × 10
5
CFU/ml urine for
Escherichia coli
(Qiagen and Norgen) and 80 CFU/ml urine, on average, for
K. pneumoniae
(Norgen). This study presents, for the first time, the combination of a new KPC microarray with commercial sample preparation for detecting and genotyping microbial pathogens directly from clinical specimens; this paves the way toward tests providing epidemiological and diagnostic data, enabling better antimicrobial stewardship.
Comparative Assessment of a Commercial Kit and Two Laboratory-Developed PCR Assays for Molecular Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Morelle Christelle , Varlet-Marie Emmanuelle , Brenier-Pinchart Marie-Pierre , Cassaing Sophie , Pelloux Hervé , Bastien Patrick , Sterkers Yvon 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection that may cause severe disease and is regarded as a serious health problem in France. Detection of the parasite by molecular methods is crucial for diagnosing the disease. The extreme diversity of methods and performances of
Toxoplasma
PCR assays makes the use of commercial PCR kits an attractive alternative, as they offer a chance for standardization. We compared the performances of three molecular methods for the detection of
Toxoplasma gondii
DNA in amniotic fluid: a commercial method using nested PCR and two laboratory-developed methods, one using conventional PCR and the other one real-time PCR. This evaluation was based upon a
T. gondii
DNA serial dilution assay, three amniotic fluid samples spiked with
T. gondii
at different concentrations, and a clinical cohort of 33 amniotic fluid samples. The
T. gondii
DNA serial dilution assay showed a much lower sensitivity for the commercial kit than for the laboratory-developed methods. Moreover, out of 12 proven congenital toxoplasmosis cases, 91.7% were detected by the laboratory-developed assays, whereas only 50% were detected by the commercial kit. A lack of sensitivity of the method, partly due to the presence of PCR inhibitors, was the main drawback of the commercial method. This study emphasizes that commercial PCR diagnostic kits do not systematically perform better than carefully optimized laboratory-developed methods. There is a need for thorough evaluation of such kits by proficient groups, as well as for performance standards that commercial kits can be tested against to improve confidence in those selected by health care providers.
Characterization of a Verocytotoxin-Producing Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Serogroup O111:H21 Strain Associated with a Household Outbreak in Northern Ireland
Authors: Dallman Tim , Smith Geoffrey P. , O'Brien Brendan , Chattaway Marie A. , Finlay David , Grant Kathie A. , Jenkins Claire 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

A strain of
Escherichia coli
O111:H21 recently isolated in the United Kingdom harbored the phage-encoded
vtx2c
gene and the aggregative adherence plasmid. Although exhibiting the same pathogenic profile as the
E. coli
O104:H4 strain linked to the outbreak in Germany, there were important differences in strain characteristics and in the epidemiological setting.
Comparison of Hybrid Capture II, Linear Array, and a Bead-Based Multiplex Genotyping Assay for Detection of Human Papillomavirus in Women with Negative Pap Test Results and Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Comar Manola , Iannacone Michelle R. , Casalicchio Giorgia , McKay-Chopin Sandrine , Tommasino Massimo , Gheit Tarik 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Many methods with different levels of analytical sensitivity and clinical specificity have been developed to detect the presence of high-risk (HR) types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical samples. The Hybrid Capture II (HC-II) assay is broadly used for primary screening. In addition, several HPV genotyping assays, based on PCR methods, display higher sensitivity than the HC-II and are also used in screening programs. We evaluated the performance of three HPV DNA tests, namely, the HC-II, the Linear Array (LA) HPV genotyping assay, and an HPV type-specific E7 PCR bead-based multiplex genotyping assay (TS-MPG) that is a laboratory-developed method for the detection of HPV, in 94 women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and in cytological samples from 86 women with a negative Pap test. The HPV prevalence with the TS-MPG assay was increased compared to the prevalence with the LA and HC-II assays. The HPV DNA prevalence in women with ASC-US was greater with the TS-MPG assay (46.2%) than with the LA (36.3%) and HC-II (29.7%) assays. The HPV DNA prevalence in the control group was greater with the TS-MPG assay (32.1%) than with the LA assay (10.7%). Two women with ASC-US who were HPV DNA negative by the HC-II and positive by the TS-MPG or/and LA assays had lesions that progressed to low-grade squamous intraepithelial and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. This study shows that the TS-MPG assay exhibited higher analytical sensitivity than the LA and HC-II assays for the detection of HPV DNA, which reduces the potential to incorrectly identify a woman's HPV infection status.
Unusual “Flesh-Eating” Strains of Escherichia coli
Authors: Shaked Hila , Samra Zmira , Paul Michal , Madar-Shapiro Liora , Cohen Jonathan , Pitlik Silvio , Bishara Jihad 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis (type II) is typically caused by group A streptococcus alone or in combination with
Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli
has been isolated from polymicrobial or Fournier's gangrene but has rarely been reported in monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis. We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of seven cases of monomicrobial
E. coli
necrotizing fasciitis and/or severe soft tissue infection diagnosed at a single institution during an 18-month period. Four isolates from three patients and two isolates from two patients with type I polymicrobial severe soft tissue infection (controls) were assayed by the randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis for fingerprinting and PCR amplification of primers in order to detect cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 and 2 (
cnf1
and
cnf2
) genes. All patients had some type of immune suppression. The limb was the most commonly involved organ. In all cases,
E. coli
was isolated as a monomicrobial pathogen from blood, fascia, or both. All patients died during hospitalization, three within the first 48 h. The RAPD amplification assay showed a high degree of genetic diversity among the “flesh-eating” strains and controls. The
cnf1
toxin gene was identified in two out of three cases, but not in the controls.
cnf2
was not detected in any of the patients.
E. coli
may be responsible for life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. Further research is needed to reveal relevant risk factors, reservoirs, and modes of transmission of
cnf1 E. coli
.
Hexaplex PCR Detection System for Identification of Five Human Plasmodium Species with an Internal Control
Authors: Chew Ching Hoong , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Lee Ping Chin , Mahmud Rohela , Chua Kek Heng 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTMalaria remains one of the major killers of humankind and persists to threaten the lives of more than one-third of the world's population. Given that human malaria can now be caused by five species ofPlasmodium, i.e.,Plasmodium falciparum,Plasmodium vivax,Plasmodium malariae,Plasmodium ovale, and the recently includedPlasmodium knowlesi, there is a critical need not only to augment global health efforts in malaria control but also, more importantly, to develop a rapid, accurate, species-sensitive/species-specific, and economically effective diagnostic method for malaria caused by these five species. Therefore, in the present study, a straightforward single-step hexaplex PCR system targeting five humanPlasmodium18S small-subunit rRNAs (ssu rRNAs) was designed, and the system successfully detected all five human malaria parasites. In addition, this system enables the differentiation of single infection as well as mixed infections up to the two-species level. This assay was validated with 50 randomly blinded test and 184 clinical samples suspected to indicate malaria. This hexaplex PCR system is not only an ideal alternative for routine malaria diagnosis in laboratories with conventional PCR machines but also adds value to diagnoses when there is a lack of an experienced microscopist or/and when the parasite morphology is confusing. Indeed, this system will definitely enhance the accuracy and accelerate the speed in the diagnosis of malaria, as well as improve the efficacy of malaria treatment and control, in addition to providing reliable data from epidemiological surveillance studies.
Should Varicella-Zoster Virus Culture Be Eliminated? A Comparison of Direct Immunofluorescence Antigen Detection, Culture, and PCR, with a Historical Review
Authors: Wilson D. A. , Yen-Lieberman B. , Schindler S. , Asamoto K. , Schold J. D. , Procop G. W. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
A comparison of direct fluorescent-antibody assay (DFA), culture, and two PCR assays disclosed sensitivities of 87.8%, 46.3%, and 97.6% and 100%, respectively. We reviewed 1,150 results for clinical specimens submitted for DFA and culture and found that only 17 were culture positive/DFA negative. The incremental cost to detect these 17 positives was $3,078/specimen.
Discrepancy in patient-rated and oncologist-rated performance status on depression and anxiety in cancer: a prospective study protocol: Table A1
Authors: Mei Hsien Caryn Chan , Wan Azman Wan Azmad , Md Yusof Mastura , Ho Gwo Fuang , Krupat Edward 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivePsychological distress is common in patients with cancer. We need a rapid means of screening for and identifying depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. The present study evaluates the potential of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) scoring as a brief screening tool to assess psychological distress in routine cancer care. The ECOG PS is widely used by oncologists and the WHO, as a standardised measure to assess general well-being in patients with cancer and quality of life in cancer trials. We examine the discrepancy between patient-rated and oncologist-rated PS scores on the ECOG in a comparative assessment against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Methods and designThis is a prospective evaluation of approximately 500 ambulatory adult cancer patients from a large academic medical centre. Participants will be asked to assess their own ECOG PS on a scale of 0–4, which will be compared to ECOG PS as rated by their oncologists. Higher ECOG PS scores indicate poorer daily functioning. Both patient-rated and oncologist-rated ECOG PS and their absolute differences will be tested for predictive and concurrent validity against the HADS. A HADS cut-off ≥15 will be used. Ethics approval for this study has been secured from the institutional ethics board. Outcomes are re-evaluated at 4-week to 6-week and 1-year follow-up.ConclusionThis study holds practical significance for rapid screening of psychological distress in the cancer clinic with the use of the ECOG PS scoring. Given the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer, screening is important to increase its recognition, which will, in turn, help to direct referrals and deliver appropriate intervention. This study also generates greater insight into the association between psychosomatic complaints and psychological distress.Trial registration numberMEC 896.52.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Modulates Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Chronic Heart Failure via Angiogenesis-Dependent and -Independent Actions
Authors: Shigeta Toshimasa , Aoyama Morihiko , Bando Yasuko K , Monji Akio , Mitsui Toko , Takatsu Miwa , Cheng Xiang-Wu , Okumura Takahiro , Hirashiki Akihiro , Nagata Kohzo , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: October 2012

Background—
The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) protects the heart from acute myocardial ischemia. However, the role of DPP4 in chronic heart failure independent of coronary artery disease remains unclear.

Methods and Results—
We first localized the membrane-bound form of DPP4 to the capillary endothelia of rat and human heart tissue. Diabetes mellitus promoted the activation of the membrane-bound form of DPP4, leading to reduced myocardial stromal cell-derived factor-1α concentrations and resultant angiogenic impairment in rats. The diabetic rats exhibited diastolic left ventricular dysfunction (DHF) with enhanced interstitial fibrosis caused partly by the increased ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-2 to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 in a DPP4-dependent fashion. Both genetic and pharmacological DPP4 suppression reversed the stromal cell-derived factor-1α–dependent microvasculopathy and DHF associated with diabetes mellitus. Pressure overload induced DHF, which was reversed by DPP4 inhibition via a glucagon-like peptide-1/cAMP-dependent mechanism distinct from that for diabetic heart. In patients with DHF, the circulating DPP4 activity in peripheral veins was associated with that in coronary sinus and with E/e′, an echocardiographic parameter representing DHF. Comorbid diabetes mellitus increased the circulating DPP4 activities in both peripheral veins and coronary sinus.

Conclusions—
DPP4 inhibition reverses DHF via membrane-bound DPP4/stromal cell-derived factor-1α–dependent local actions on angiogenesis and circulating DPP4/glucagon-like peptide-1–mediated inotropic actions. Myocardium-derived DPP4 activity in coronary sinus can be monitored by peripheral vein sampling, which partly correlates with DHF index; thus, circulating DPP4 may potentially serve as a biomarker for monitoring DHF.