bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation and psychometric evaluation of a Swedish version of the parental stressor scale PSS: NICU
Authors: Månsson Catrin , Jakobsson Ulf , Lundqvist Pia 
Published: April 2015

AimThe aim was to translate the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU) into the Swedish language and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish version.MethodThe PSS: NICU was translated into Swedish using the process of forward–backward translation. Thereafter, an internal panel of neonatal nurses (n = 10) assessed face and content validity and a panel of parents (n = 10) assessed content validity. A sample of 95 parents recruited from three different neonatal units completed the PSS: NICU and answered some open‐ended questions in which they could comment on language and wording. There were eight new items in the PSS: NICU, compared with the very first version of the instrument. These had not been psychometrically tested previously. In this study, the subscales and total scale were analysed both with and without the new items to determine whether or not to use them. Psychometric properties including internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha (if item deleted) and corrected item total were evaluated.ResultThe result indicates that the Swedish version of PSS: NICU, both with and without the nonvalidated items, has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used in clinical practice in NICUs in Sweden.ConclusionIn order to meet the psychological needs of parents, healthcare professionals need to identify risk factors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that contribute to stress amongst parents. The Swedish version of the PSS: NICU can be used for this purpose.
A threat to our integrity – Meanings of providing nursing care for older patients with cognitive impairment in acute care settings
Authors: Nilsson Anita , Rasmussen Birgit H. , Edvardsson David 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundOlder people with cognitive impairment represent a large group of patients in acute care settings. Research show that these acute care environments can be unsafe and even unfriendly for frail older patients. Research and clinical experience show that being a nurse in acute/specialised medical facilities means to work in a high‐speed, technologically complex and demanding environment. When caring for older patients with cognitive impairment, nurses' workload and responsibilities have been shown to increase. This is largely dependent on how easily it is to connect with and help patients understand what to do, and what is best for them.AimThis study aimed to illuminate meanings of caring for older patients with cognitive impairment in acute care settings as experienced by nursing staff.MethodA purposeful sample of thirteen nurses experienced in caring for older people with cognitive impairment in acute care settings participated in the study. Narrative interviews were conducted during autumn 2012 and interpreted using a phenomenological hermeneutic method.FindingsCaring for older, acutely ill cognitively impaired patients was found to be very complex. The meanings of caring for these older patients seemed to change depending on the nurses' perceptions of the patients and the gap between what they could do (real) and wanted to do (ideal) in providing care for them. The greater this gap was felt to be and the more care was perceived as meaningless, the more serious was the threat to nurses' personal‐professional integrity which could be at risk, compromised or harmed.ConclusionThe comprehensive understanding indicates that being a nurse and having to care for older patients in acute care settings means providing nursing care in an environment that does not support possibilities to protect and develop nurses' personal–professional integrity.
Till Immigration do us Part? Public Opinion and the Dilemma between Immigration Control and Bilateral Agreements
Authors: Sciarini Pascal , Lanz Simon , Nai Alessandro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAs a result of the initiative against mass immigration (MEI) Switzerland faces a dilemma between control of immigration and the continuation of bilateral agreements. This contribution raises two questions: First, have Swiss citizens' perceptions regarding the incompatibility between immigration control and bilateral agreements evolved since the vote on the MEI in February 2014? Second, what would Swiss citizens decide if they had to choose between the implementation of the MEI and the continuation of the bilateral strategy? We ground our analysis on data from the VOX surveys regarding the MEI and the more recent vote of November 2014 (Ecopop initiative). While Swiss voters still seem to be uncertain about the issue of compatibility, they nevertheless show support for the continuation of the bilateral agreements. Our analyses highlight the importance of age, trust in government and left‐right orientation for individual opinions towards the bilateral way.
Mothers’ Partnership Instability and Coparenting Among Fragile Families
Authors: Cooper Carey E. , Beck Audrey N. , Högnäs Robin S. , Swanson Jodi 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe rise in nonmarital childbearing has raised concerns about coparenting among unmarried parents with increasingly complicated relationship trajectories. We address this issue by examining associations between mothers’ partnership transitions and coparenting and the moderating role of maternal race/ethnicity and child gender.MethodsData from the Fragile Families Study and ordinary least squares regression techniques are used to examine whether mothers’ partnership transitions are related to coparenting. Lagged and fixed effects models are employed to test the robustness of the findings to selection.ResultsCoresidential and nonresidential dating transitions are negatively associated with coparenting, but the association is stronger for coresidential transitions than for dating transitions. Coresidential transitions are stronger predictors of coparenting for white parents than for black parents and for parents of sons than for parents of daughters.ConclusionsPolicies aimed at strengthening families should emphasize relationship stability, regardless of the type of union, to promote high‐quality coparenting among at‐risk populations.
Suspected malignant transformation of B lymphocytes in the equine cornea from immune‐mediated keratitis
Authors: Vallone Lucien V. , Neaderland Marjorie H. , Ledbetter Eric C. , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe clinical,in vivoconfocal microscopic, histopathologic, polymerase chain reaction assay for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) and immunohistochemical features of a horse with suspected malignant transformation of corneal B lymphocytes in immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK) and to also report surgical management and adjunctive treatment including topical and radiation therapies.Case descriptionA 15‐year‐old Oldenburg gelding was examined for presumptive progressive stromalIMMKof the right eye which became refractory to medical management. Cornealin vivoconfocal microscopy revealed a marked infiltration of neovascularization, leukocytes, and dendritic cells. Superficial keratectomy was performed. Histopathologic and immunohistopathologic abnormalities of the cornea were restricted to the anterior and mid‐stroma and included sheets of medium‐size atypical lymphocytes which stained positively forCD79a andCD20 and also demonstrated clonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain 2 (IGH2) and 3 (IGH3) confirming B‐cell lymphoma. Complete physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistry, thoracic radiographs, and thoracic ultrasound were performed. No evidence of systemic metastasis was found. Adjunctive local therapy included topical dexamethasone, mitomycin C, and radiation therapy using electronic surface brachytherapy. Follow‐up at 16 months revealed a lack of corneal infiltrate and progressive clearing of corneal fibrosis and superficial pigment.ConclusionsThis case represents a unique presentation of primary corneal lymphoma in the horse. Tumor development was associated with chronicIMMKand chronic topical anti‐inflammatory therapy. Surgical excision with adjunctive therapy using mitomycin C and electronic surface brachytherapy was well tolerated and considered curative. Future immunohistochemistry andPARRwill be important in characterizing theIMMKsyndrome and its variations.
Old Friends in New Places: Exploring the Role of Extraintestinal E. coli in Intestinal Disease and Foodborne Illness
Authors: Markland S. M. , LeStrange K. J. , Sharma M. , Kniel K. E. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe emergence of new antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli pathotypes associated with human disease has led to an investigation in terms of the origins of these pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unspecified agents are responsible for 38.4 million of the 48 million (80%) cases of foodborne illnesses each year in the United States. It is hypothesized that environmental E. coli not typically associated with the ability to cause disease in humans could potentially be responsible for some of these cases. In order for an environmental E. coli isolate to have the ability to cause foodborne illness, it must be able to utilize the same attachment and virulence mechanisms utilized by other human pathogenic E. coli. Recent research has shown that many avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from poultry harbour attachment and virulence genes also currently found in human pathogenic E. coli isolates. Research also suggests that, in addition to the ability to cause gastrointestinal illnesses, APEC may also be an etiological agent of foodborne urinary tract infections (FUTIs). The purpose of this article was to evaluate the evidence pertaining to the ability of APEC to cause disease in humans, their potential for zoonotic transfer along with discussion on the types of illnesses that may be associated with these pathogens.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Multilocus Sequence Types of Finnish Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Multiple Sources
Authors: Olkkola S. , Nykäsenoja S. , Raulo S. , Llarena A.‐K. , Kovanen S. , Kivistö R. , Myllyniemi A.‐L. , Hänninen M.‐L. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAntimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 805 domestic Campylobacter jejuni isolates obtained from broilers (n = 459), bovines (n = 120), human patients (n = 95), natural waters (n = 80), wild birds (n = 35) and zoo animals/enclosures (n = 16) with known multilocus sequence types (MLST) for 450 isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin and the quinolones ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid were determined with the VetMIC method. MICs were compared with MLST types to find possible associations between sequence type and resistance. The proportions of resistant isolates were 5% (broilers), 6.3% (natural waters), 11.4% (wild birds), 11.6% (human patients), 16.7% (bovines) and 31.3% (zoo). The most common resistance among the human and bovine isolates was quinolone resistance alone while resistance to streptomycin alone was most often detected among the broiler isolates and tetracycline resistance was most commonly observed in the wild bird, water and zoo isolates. No or negligible resistance to erythromycin or gentamicin was detected. In all data, 12/26 of the tetracycline‐resistant isolates were also resistant to streptomycin (P < 0.001) and the clonal complex (CC) ST‐1034 CC showed a high proportion of 75% (9/12) of tetracycline‐resistant isolates, most originating from the zoo and broilers with closely associated MLST types from these sources. No association between quinolone resistance and MLST type was seen. The low percentage of resistant isolates among the domestic Campylobacter infections is most probably due to the long‐term controlled use of antimicrobials. However, the higher percentage of tetracycline resistance observed among the zoo isolates could present a risk for zoo visitors of acquisition of resistant C. jejuni. The resistance pattern of tetracycline and streptomycin most often found in ST‐1034 CC could indicate a common resistance acquisition mechanism commonly present in this CC. Overall, MLST typing was found to be a useful method in recognition of potential genetic lineages associated with resistance.
An Extended Kalman Filtering Mechanism Based on Generalized Interval Probability
Authors: Hu Jie , Wang Yan , Cheng Aiguo , Zhong Zhihua 
Published: April 2015

AbstractKalman filter has been widely applied for state identification in controllable systems. As a special case of the hidden Markov model, it is based on the assumption of linear dependency relationships and Gaussian noise. The classical Kalman filter does not differentiate systematic error from random error associated with observations. In this paper, we propose an extended Kalman filtering mechanism based on generalized interval probability, where state and observable variables are random intervals, and interval-valued Gaussian distributions model the noises. The prediction and update procedures in the new mechanism are derived. Two examples are used to illustrate the developed mechanism. It is shown that the method is an efficient alternative to sensitivity analysis for assessing the effect of systematic error.
A General Method for
Kinematic Analysis of Robotic Wrist Mechanisms
Authors: Talpasanu Ilie 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The paper presents a novel and simple technique for the kinematic analysis of bevel gear trains (BGT). The approach is based on edge-oriented graphs for efficient computation of BGT’s absolute and relative velocities of links using incidence matrices. The kinematic equations are generated in matrix form using a cycle basis from a cycle matroid. The set of independent equations is automatically obtained from matrix orthogonalities and not by taking derivatives. Equation coefficients are expressed as function of speed ratios and have minimal variables. Then the relationships between the output and input angular velocities can be determined. In addition, a simple procedure is demonstrated to check for mechanism singularities. The method presented here has general applicability and can be employed for spatial geared mechanisms with any number of gears and degrees of freedom (DOF) as illustrated by numerical examples of robotic wrist mechanisms.
Multiple Roles for Enterococcus faecalis Glycosyltransferases in Biofilm-Associated Antibiotic Resistance, Cell Envelope Integrity, and Conjugative Transfer
Authors: Dale Jennifer L. , Cagnazzo Julian , Phan Chi Q. , Barnes Aaron M. T. , Dunny Gary M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the limited availability of new antibiotics are of increasing clinical concern. A compounding factor is the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms (communities of cells encased in a protective extracellular matrix) that are intrinsically resistant to antibiotics.
Enterococcus faecalis
is an opportunistic pathogen that readily forms biofilms and also has the propensity to acquire resistance determinants via horizontal gene transfer. There is intense interest in the genetic basis for intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance in
E. faecalis
, since clinical isolates exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics are not uncommon. We performed a genetic screen using a library of transposon (Tn) mutants to identify
E. faecalis
biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance determinants. Five Tn mutants formed wild-type biofilms in the absence of antibiotics but produced decreased biofilm biomass in the presence of antibiotic concentrations that were subinhibitory to the parent strain. Genetic determinants responsible for biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance include components of the quorum-sensing system (
fsrA
,
fsrC
, and
gelE
) and two glycosyltransferase (GTF) genes (
epaI
and
epaOX
). We also found that the GTFs play additional roles in
E. faecalis
resistance to detergent and bile salts, maintenance of cell envelope integrity, determination of cell shape, polysaccharide composition, and conjugative transfer of the pheromone-inducible plasmid pCF10. The
epaOX
gene is located in a variable extended region of the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (
epa
) locus. These data illustrate the importance of GTFs in
E. faecalis
adaptation to diverse growth conditions and suggest new targets for antimicrobial design.
Challenges and Solutions for Clinical Development of New Antibacterial Agents: Results of a Survey among Pharmaceutical Industry Professionals
Authors: Bettiol Esther , Wetherington Jeffrey D. , Schmitt Nicola , Harbarth Stephan 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
As the number of antibacterial medicines in the pipeline remains low, we anonymously surveyed pharmaceutical industry professionals on challenges and solutions for clinical development of these agents. Challenges were reported primarily as financial and regulatory. For multidrug-resistant organisms, there are needs for rapid diagnostic tests, new regulatory guidance, and adaptation of endpoints/trial designs. Regulators and public/private initiatives are addressing these challenges to help ensure that proposed solutions have the support of all involved stakeholders.
Randomized Noninferiority Trial of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Compared with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine for Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Burkina Faso
Authors: Zongo Issaka , Milligan Paul , Compaore Yves Daniel , Some A. Fabrice , Greenwood Brian , Tarning Joel , Rosenthal Philip J. , Sutherland Colin , Nosten Francois , Ouedraogo Jean-Bosco 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

The WHO recommends that children living in areas of highly seasonal malaria transmission in the Sahel subregion should receive seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ). We evaluated the use of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAPQ) as an alternative drug that could be used if SPAQ starts to lose efficacy. A total of 1,499 children 3 to 59 months old were randomized to receive SMC with SPAQ or DHAPQ over 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the risk of clinical malaria (fever or a history of fever with a parasite density of at least 3,000/μl). A cohort of 250 children outside the trial was followed up as a control group. Molecular markers of drug resistance were assessed. The risk of a malaria attack was 0.19 in the DHAPQ group and 0.15 in the SPAQ group, an odds ratio of 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.72). Efficacy of SMC compared to the control group was 77% (67% to 84%) for DHAPQ and 83% (74% to 89%) for SPAQ.
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
mutations associated with antifolate resistance were more prevalent in parasites from children who received SPAQ than in children who received DHAPQ. Both regimens were highly efficacious and well tolerated. DHAPQ is a potential alternative drug for SMC. (This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00941785.)
First Detection of AmpC β-Lactamase
bla
CMY-2
on a Conjugative IncA/C Plasmid in a Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolate of Food Origin
Authors: Li Ruichao , Lin Dachuan , Chen Kaichao , Wong Marcus Ho Yin , Chen Sheng 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is an important causative agent of gastroenteritis, with the consumption of contaminated seafood being the major transmission route. Resistance to penicillin is common among
V. parahaemolyticus
strains, whereas cephalosporin resistance remains rare. In an attempt to assess the current prevalence and characteristics of antibiotic resistance of this pathogen in common food samples, a total of 54 (17% of the total samples)
V. parahaemolyticus
strains were isolated from 318 meat and seafood samples purchased from supermarkets and wet markets in Shenzhen, China, in 2013. These isolates exhibited high-level resistance to ampicillin, yet they were mostly susceptible to other antimicrobials, except for two that were resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The β-lactamase gene
bla
PER-1
was detectable in one strain,
V. parahaemolyticus
V43, which was resistant to both third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Compared to other
bla
PER-1
-positive
V. parahaemolyticus
strains reported in our previous studies, strain V43 was found to harbor an ∼200-kb conjugative plasmid carrying genes that were different from the antimicrobial resistance genes reported from the previous studies. The β-lactamase gene
bla
CMY-2
was detectable for the first time in another
V. parahaemolyticus
isolate, V4, which was resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. This
bla
CMY-2
gene was shown to be located in an ∼150-kb IncA/C-type conjugative plasmid with a genetic structure consisting of
traB-traV-traA
-IS
Ecp1-bla
CMY-2
-
blc-sugE-encR-orf1-orf2-orf3-orf4-dsbC-traC
, which is identical to that of other IncA/C conjugative plasmids in
Enterobacteriaceae
, albeit with a different size. These findings indicate that the transmission of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase genes via conjugative plasmids can mediate the development of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance in
V. parahaemolyticus
, thereby posing a potential threat to public health.
A Neutralizing Monoclonal IgG1 Antibody of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase SsE Protects Mice against Lethal Subcutaneous Group A Streptococcus Infection
Authors: Liu Mengyao , Feng Wenchao , Zhu Hui , Lei Benfang 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) can cause life-threatening invasive infections, including necrotizing fasciitis. There are no effective treatments for severe invasive GAS infections. The platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase SsE produced by GAS is required for invasive GAS to evade innate immune responses and to invade soft tissues. This study determined whether the enzymatic activity of SsE is critical for its function in GAS skin invasion and inhibition of neutrophil recruitment and whether SsE is a viable target for immunotherapy for severe invasive GAS infections. An isogenic derivative of M1T1 strain MGAS5005 producing SsE with an S178A substitution (SsE
S178A
), an enzymatically inactive SsE mutant protein, was generated. This strain induced higher levels of neutrophil infiltration and caused smaller lesions than MGAS5005 in subcutaneous infections of mice. This phenotype is similar to that of MGAS5005
sse
deletion mutants, indicating that the enzymatic activity of SsE is critical for its function. An anti-SsE IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MAb), 2B11, neutralized the PAF acetylhydrolase activity of SsE. Passive immunization with 2B11 increased neutrophil infiltration, reduced skin invasion, and protected mice against MGAS5005 infection. However, 2B11 did not protect mice when it was administered after MGAS5005 inoculation. MGAS5005 induced vascular effusion at infection sites at early hours after GAS inoculation, suggesting that 2B11 did not always have access to infection sites. Thus, the enzymatic activity of SsE mediates its function, and SsE has the potential to be included in a vaccine but is not a therapeutic target. An effective MAb-based immunotherapy for severe invasive GAS infections may need to target virulence factors that are critical for systemic survival of GAS.