bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequence of
Luteimonas huabeiensis
HB-2, a Novel Species of
Luteimonas
with High Oil Displacement Efficiency
Authors: Liu Yang , Yao Su , Liu Yong , Xu Youqiang , Cheng Chi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Luteimonas huabeiensis
HB-2 is a novel and newly isolated strain, which shows a superior property of oil displacement. Here, we present a 4.3-Mb assembly of its genome. The key genes for phospholipid and fatty acid metabolism were annotated, which are crucial for crude oil emulsification and recovery.
Genome Sequence of a Xylella fastidiosa Strain Causing Mulberry Leaf Scorch Disease in Maryland
Authors: Guan Wei , Shao Jonathan , Zhao Tingchang , Huang Qi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Xylella fastidiosa
causes bacterial leaf scorch in landscape trees, including mulberry. We determined the draft genome of the mulberry strain Mul-MD in order to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of strain divergence, host specificity, nutrient requirements, and pathogenicity, as well as to develop genome-based specific detection methods.
Sustained improvement in nutritional outcomes at two paediatric cystic fibrosis centres after quality improvement collaboratives
Authors: Savant Adrienne P , Britton LaCrecia J , Petren Kristofer , McColley Susanna A , Gutierrez Hector H 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of sustained improved nutritional outcomes through the use of quality improvement (QI) methodology.DesignRetrospective analysis of a QI intervention in two institutions, implemented as part of larger national collaboratives.SettingPaediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) programmes in academic centres in Alabama and Illinois.ParticipantsAll paediatric patients enrolled in the CF Foundation (CFF) Patient Data Registry were included.InterventionsImproved and sustained nutrition outcomes occurred through implementation of the CFF practice guidelines for CF nutrition management via care delivery processes, nutritional interventions, team engagement and data display.MeasurementMean body mass index (BMI) percentile, percentage of patients less than 50th percentile and percentage less than 10th percentile for all patients aged 2–20 years were tracked through run charts and statistical process control charts. Mann–Whitney U and χ2tests were used to determine significance between each centre and national outcomes.ResultsEach centre achieved rapid improvement in mean BMI percentile in patients, one centre rising from the 40th percentile in 2001 to the 49th percentile in 2003, the other rising from the 37th percentile in 2003 to the 45th percentile in 2004. These centres have also maintained improved nutritional outcomes, so that they were at the 60th and 55th percentiles, respectively, in 2011. Sustained improvement was accomplished through QI methodology, use of data as a driver for improvement and a change in culture.ConclusionsParticipation in collaboratives led to improved nutrition outcomes while a strong culture of QI facilitated sustained improvement.
Improving inpatient cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation care: two success stories
Authors: Antos Nicholas J , Quintero Diana R , Walsh-Kelly Christine M , Noe Julie E , Schechter Michael S 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in cystic fibrosis (CF) are a frequent cause of hospitalisations and lead to long-term decline in pulmonary function. Successful CF inpatient care requires the coordination of multiple providers and complex therapies. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHoA) independently identified PEx inpatient care for focused improvements, with emphasis on improving care coordination and patient outcomes.MethodsBoth centres began by forming multidisciplinary workgroups, including patient and family representatives. CHW's specific aim was to eliminate delays in the time to initial intravenous antibiotics. A written handoff tool was developed to allow more efficient ordering. Efforts at CHoA focused on coordination and consistent care delivery. A written schedule and patient incentive programme were devised to ensure proper administration of treatments and promote patient adherence.ResultsAt CHW, interventions decreased the mean antibiotic order time by 59% with resultant decrease in administration time by 25%. At CHoA, improvements led to a 42% decrease in the proportion of hospitalisations unsuccessful in returning lung function back to within 90% of baseline.ConclusionsInpatient CF PEx care is complex and requires multiple competing activities and treatments. Consistent and timely delivery of these treatments is challenging. Our improvements used the skills and insights of providers and patients to improve, standardise and synchronise care, and to develop tools to coordinate hand offs. With these improvements, applicable to hospital treatment of many other conditions, both centres were successfully able to deliver treatments in a more consistent and timely manner with improved outcomes.
Healthcare improvement is incomplete until it is published: the cystic fibrosis initiative to support scholarly publication
Authors: Stevens David P , Marshall Bruce C 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivePreparation of this supplement,Ten years of improvement innovation in cystic fibrosis care, tested a strategy to support writing and scholarly publication by cystic fibrosis (CF) healthcare improvement professionals.InterventionCritical elements of the writing initiative included: a request for abstracts that was distributed to over 2000 professionals in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-supported improvement community to identify promising work; continuous peer review of manuscripts by co-authors and writing tutors; three webinars and a 2-day face-to-face writing retreat that addressed the challenges of successful scholarly healthcare improvement writing and publication; and finally, journal submission and formal external peer review. The SQUIRE Publication Guidelines provided content framework for manuscripts.Results47 abstracts were submitted from which reviewers selected nine for participation. The 28 co-authors of these abstracts took part in the writing initiative. Authors’ self-assessment showed that half had previously published fewer than five papers, while 80% considered themselves insufficiently prepared to write for the scholarly improvement literature. Eventually all of the nine abstracts led to full manuscripts, which were submitted to the journal for formal peer review. Of these, seven were accepted for publication and are included in this supplement.ConclusionsA formal initiative to develop and support scholarly writing—while resource-intensive—offers opportunities for wider publication by healthcare improvement professionals.
Association of Acculturation, Nativity, and Years Living in the United States with Biobanking among Individuals of Mexican Descent
Authors: Lopez David S. , Fernandez Maria E. , Cano Miguel Angel , Mendez Claudia , Tsai Chu-Lin , Wetter David W. , Strom Sara S. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background: Biobanking is the collection of human biospecimens (tissues, blood, and body fluids) and their associated clinical and outcome data. Hispanics are less likely to provide biologic specimens for biobanking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with participation in biobanking among individuals of Mexican descent.
Methods: Participants were 19,212 adults of Mexican descent enrolled in an ongoing population-based cohort in Houston, TX. Participants were offered the opportunity to provide a blood, urine, or saliva sample for biobanking. Acculturation was assessed with the bidimensional acculturation scale for Hispanics and scores were categorized into “low acculturation,” “bicultural,” and “high-acculturation.”
Results: After multivariable adjustment, we found an increased likelihood of participation in biobanking among individuals classified as “bicultural” as compared with “highly acculturated” individuals [OR, 1.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.10–2.26]. The associations of nativity status and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant. After stratifying by gender, the associations of acculturation, nativity status, and years living in the United States with biobanking were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Although individuals of Mexican descent who were “bicultural” were more likely to participate in biobanking than individuals who were “highly acculturated,” the difference in rates of participation among acculturation categories was small. The high participation rate in biospecimen collection is likely due to extensive community-engaged research efforts. Future studies are warranted to understand individuals' participation in biobanking.
Impact: Community-engaged research efforts may increase Hispanics' participation in biobanking.
See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Community Network Program Centers.”
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 402–8. ©2014 AACR.
Accuracy of Self-Report of Nevus and Pigmentation Phenotype Compared to Clinical Assessment in Young Australian Adults
Authors: Cust AE , Pickles KM , Goumas C , Vu T ,   Australian Melanoma Family Study Investigators
Published: March 2014

Abstract
There is no formal community-wide melanoma screening program in Australia, but the importance of early detection and regular skin self-examination is generally well understood. It is important that individuals are able to identify key melanoma risk factors so that those at high risk can modify their sun-related behaviours and take appropriate preventative actions from a young age. Aims: 1) To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported pigmentation and nevus phenotype compared to clinical assessment, and 2) to examine agreement between clinically-measured whole-body nevus count and clinically-measured nevus count on selected anatomical regions, given that localised mole count is often used as a proxy measure. Methods: The sample included 456 cases with invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18–39 years and 538 controls from the population-based Australian Melanoma Family Study. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their pigmentation and nevus phenotype, and attended a clinical skin examination with a dermatologic trainee. Results: There was strong agreement between self-reported and clinical measurement for eye color (weighted kappa, Kw, = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.86); and moderate agreement for hair color (Kw = 0.52, 95% CI 0.47–0.56) There was poor agreement for skin color when using spectrophotometer-derived individual typography angle (ITA) scores as the objective measure (Kw = 0.18, 95% CI 0.14–0.22). Participants underestimated their nevus counts. The Spearman correlation was 0.43 (95% CI 0.38–0.49) when comparing clinically-measured total body nevus count (≥2 mm) with self-reported nevus density categories, and the intraclass correlation was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30–0.41) when comparing nevus counts on the back. There was good agreement between quartile distributions of clinically-measured site-specific nevus counts with total body nevus counts, particularly for the arms (Kw = 0.76 for men and 0.80 for women). Conclusions: Agreement between self-reported pigmentation and nevus phenotype compared to clinical assessment ranges from poor to excellent, depending on the measure. For studies where a full body nevus count is impractical, measuring nevus counts on the arms would be an acceptable alternative.
Comparison of agomelatine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of head-to-head randomized clinical trials
Authors: Huang Kai-Lin , Lu Wan-Chen , Wang Ying-Yue , Hu Gwo-Chi , Lu Chien-Hung , Lee Wei-Ying , Hsu Chien-Chi 
Published: March 2014

Objective: Agomelatine is a new antidepressant with unique melatonin receptor type 1A (MTNR1A) and 1B ( MTNR1B) agonism and serotonergic receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5-HT-2C) antagonism. Several studies of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have confirmed the superior efficacy and safety of agomelatine in comparison with established treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This meta-analysis comprehensively shows the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of agomelatine in comparison with SSRIs and SNRIs used as antidepressants in MDD. Method: Comprehensive electronic database searches were performed to identify reports of head-to-head randomized controlled trials that have compared agomelatine with SSRIs or SNRIs in terms of efficacy/effectiveness in treating MDD. Response and remission rates at both acute (6–12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks) phases, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale response and remission rates, changes in depression scale scores, improvements in subjective sleep, dropout rates, and side effect rates were extracted and analysed. Results: The meta-analysis included six head-to-head trials involving 1871 patients. In the acute phase, agomelatine had higher response rates (relative risk (RR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.15) compared to SSRIs and SNRIs. In the remission analysis, only acute remission rates (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24) significantly differed. The action of agomelatine was superior on the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire-Quality of Sleep score (mean difference 4.05, 95% CI 0.61–7.49). Discontinuation due to inefficacy did not differ between agomelatine and SSRIs/SNRIs (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.42–1.28). Compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, however, agomelatine revealed a lower rate of discontinuation due to side effects (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.25–0.57). Conclusions: Agomelatine has significantly higher efficacy and potential acceptability compared to SSRIs and SNRIs when treating MDD. However, the difference in efficacy is not considered clinically relevant. Because of its unique chronobiotic effects, agomelatine may be useful for the management of some MDD patients with circadian disturbance.
Police Charging Practices for Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence in Canada
Authors: Dawson Myrna , Hotton Tina 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: To examine police charging practices in case of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Canada. Methods: In this national level study, we explore police charging in cases of IPV using data from the 2008 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) survey. Using logistic regression, we examine the impact of several key legal and extralegal factors on the police charging decisions. Results: Analysis shows that, while the majority of cases were cleared by charge, the proportion of cases in which police recommended a charge varied across the country. Further, the majority of legal and extralegal variables examined were significantly associated with the police decision to lay a charge across the jurisdictions examined, including the presence of victim injury, multiple victims, offence type as well as gender of the victim and the victim–accused relationship. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that future research on police charging in cases of IPV require more precise examinations of the role played by gender and the type of relationship as well as an investigation of the community context in which police decisions are made.
Construct Validity and Extended Normative Data for Older Adults for the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised
Authors: Kane Katherine D. , Yochim Brian P. 
Published: March 2014

Purpose: This study examined the construct validity of a visual memory test (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Revised [BVMT-R]) in a sample of older adults and provided normative data for adults aged 80+ years. Method: The sample included 109 community-dwelling individuals (mean [M] age = 74.9 years, M education = 15.0 years, 62.4% female, and 97.2% European American). Procedures: Measures administered included the BVMT-R, California Verbal Learning Test, 2nd edition, and subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System and Neuropsychological Assessment Battery. Results: The BVMT-R correlated highly with another measure of memory and less so with unrelated measures (e.g., verbal fluency). Age and education were significantly correlated with BVMT-R Total and Delayed Recall scores, with education as the strongest predictor. No significant differences were found for sex. Normative data were provided for adults aged 80 to 88 years ( n = 29). Conclusions: Adequate evidence was found for convergent validity and only partial support for discriminant validity. Normative data should continue to be stratified by age and also by formal education level.
Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Novel Microneedle Array-based Continuous Glucose Monitor
Authors: Jina Arvind , Tierney Michael J. , Tamada Janet A. , McGill Scott , Desai Shashi , Chua Beelee , Chang Anna , Christiansen Mark 
Published: March 2014

Background: The development of accurate, minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices has been the subject of much work by several groups, as it is believed that a less invasive and more user-friendly device will result in greater adoption of CGM by persons with insulin-dependent diabetes. Methods: This article presents the results of preliminary clinical studies in subjects with diabetes of a novel prototype microneedle-based continuous glucose monitor. In this device, an array of tiny hollow microneedles is applied into the epidermis from where glucose in interstitial fluid (ISF) is transported via passive diffusion to an amperometric glucose sensor external to the body. Results: Comparison of 1396 paired device glucose measurements and fingerstick blood glucose readings for up to 72-hour wear in 10 diabetic subjects shows the device to be accurate and well tolerated by the subjects. Overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) is 15% with 98.4% of paired points in the A+B region of the Clarke error grid. Conclusions: The prototype device has demonstrated clinically accurate glucose readings over 72 hours, the first time a microneedle-based device has achieved such performance.
Histone deacetylase inhibition promotes fibroblast apoptosis and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Sanders Yan Y. , Hagood James S. , Liu Hui , Zhang Wei , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Thannickal Victor J. 
Published: March 2014

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease, and therapeutic agents have shown only modest efficacy. Epigenetic alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF. The histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), has been approved for clinical use in cancer; however, its potential efficacy in modulating fibroblast survival and lung fibrosis has not been extensively investigated.We investigated the effects of SAHA on apoptosis of primary IPF myofibroblasts and on injury-induced lung fibrosis in a murine model. SAHA-induced apoptosis of IPF myofibroblasts, an effect that was mediated, at least in part, by upregulation of the pro-apoptotic geneBakand downregulation of the anti-apoptotic geneBcl-xL.Alterations in the expression of these apoptosis-related genes were associated with histone modifications and changes in DNA methylation. In addition to the expected higher levels of histone acetylation in treated cells, we also detected changes in other histone modifications, such as histone methylation. In a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, SAHA-treated mice displayed decreased lung fibrosis and improved lung function compared to the bleomycin only group.These results suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic strategy in IPF by modulating myofibroblast susceptibility to apoptosis.
Perceived challenges and opportunities arising from integration of mental health into primary care: a cross-sectional survey of primary health care workers in south-west Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Mubarek , Tesfaye Markos , Belachew Tefera , Hanlon Charlotte 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The WHO’s mental health Gap Action Programme seeks to narrow the treatment gap for mental disorders by advocating integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). This study aimed to assess the challenges and opportunities of this approach from the perspective of PHC workers in a sub-Saharan African country.

Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional survey of 151 PHC workers was conducted from 1st to 30th November 2011 in Jimma zone, south-west Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to ask about past training and mental health experience, knowledge and attitudes towards mental disorders and provision of mental health care in PHC. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 heads of health facilities for more in-depth understanding.

Results
Almost all PHC workers (96.0%) reported that mental health care was important in Ethiopia and the majority (66.9%) expressed interest in actually delivering mental health care. Higher levels of general health training (degree vs. diploma) and pre-service clinical exposure to mental health care were associated with more favourable attitudes. Knowledge about mental disorder diagnoses, symptoms and treatments was low. Almost half (45.0%) of PHC workers reported that supernatural factors were important causes of mental disorders. Health system and structural issues, such as poor medication supply, lack of rooms, time constraints, absence of specialist supervision and lack of treatment guidelines, were identified as challenges. Almost all PHC workers (96.7%) reported a need for more training, including a clinical attachment, in order to be able to deliver mental health care competently.

Conclusions
Despite acceptability to PHC workers, the feasibility of integrating mental health into PHC in this sub-Saharan African setting is limited by important gaps in PHC worker knowledge and expectations regarding mental health care, coupled with health system constraints. In addition to clinically-based refresher mental health training, expansion of the specialist mental health workforce may be needed to support integration in practice.
Epstein Barr virus: a prime candidate of breast cancer aetiology in Sudanese patients
Authors: Yahia Zeinab A , Adam Ameera AM , Elgizouli Magdeldin , Hussein Ayman , Masri Mai A , Kamal Mayada , Mohamed Hiba S , Alzaki Kamal , Elhassan Ahmed M , Hamad Kamal , Ibrahim Muntaser E 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Sudanese women. Reported genetic alterations in the form of mutations in tumor suppressors are low in frequencies and could not explain the peculiarities of the diseases including its focal nature. Potential contributors disease aetiology include oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an established culprit of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, one of the most frequent cancers in Sudan.
In this study, DNA was extracted from malignant tissue samples and healthy tumour-free tissue from the same breast. Polymerase chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify two genes encoding for EBV viral proteins. The presence of Epstein-Barr virus and its cellular localization was confirmed by in situ hybridization (ISH) for Epstein-Barr encoded small RNAs (EBERs). Given the reported low frequency of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Sudanese breast cancer patients, the methylation status of six tumor suppressor genes was investigated using methylation specific PCR. EBV genome was detected in 55.5% (n = 90) of breast cancer tissues as compared to 23% in control tissue samples (p = 0.0001). Using ISH, EBV signal was detected in all 18 breast cancer biopsies examined while all five normal breast tissue biopsies tested were negative for EBV. Of six tumour suppressor genes investigated BRCA1, BRCA2, and p14 appeared to be under strong epigenetic silencing.
In conclusion, we present evidence of a strong association between EBV and breast carcinoma in Sudanese patients, and considerable epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors that may likely be an outcome or an association with viral oncogenesis.