bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group B Streptococcus Colonization of Breast Milk of Group B Streptococcus Positive Mothers
Authors: Burianová Iva , Paulová Magdalena , Čermák Pavel , Janota Jan 
Published: March 2013

Background: Breast milk is occasionally considered as a potential source of neonatal infection. Only a few cases of transmission of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) through breast milk have been published. The incidence of GBS in breast milk varies among studies. The incidence of GBS in breast milk in mothers with positive prenatal vaginal swabs for GBS is not known. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of GBS in the breast milk of women colonized with GBS before delivery (GBS vaginal swabs positive) and women non-colonized with GBS (GBS negative) during the first week after term delivery. Methods: Breast milk from our sample of women was checked for the presence of GBS. A sample of 5 ml of breast milk was collected from each woman between days 3 and 7 after term delivery. Statistical analysis was carried out to test the relationship between bacterial content and GBS status of the women. Results: We identified only 2 of 243 (0.82%) GBS positive breast milk cultures during the study, both in the GBS negative group. There was found to be no GBS positive breast milk in women with positive prenatal vaginal swabs for GBS. Conclusion: The incidence of GBS positive cultures in breast milk in the study was low. When comparing the incidence of GBS positive breast milk cultures between women colonized with GBS before delivery and women non-colonized with GBS, we identified only 2 GBS positive breast milk cultures, both in GBS non-colonized women.
Endomedullary Screw Fixation for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis
Authors: Migues Atilio , Calvi Juan , Sotelano Pablo , Carrasco Marina , Slullitel Gastón , Conti Leonardo 
Published: March 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results in a group of patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation technique (MPA-E). Methods: Between 2003 and 2009, 101 metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis were performed in 76 patients. There were 64 women and 12 men with an average age of 68 years. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis with severe pain and functional limitation. Patients were evaluated radiologically and with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) at an average follow-up of 32 months (range, 24-92 months). Results: The success rate was 93%, with an increase of the average preoperative AOFAS from 38.5 points to 85.5 points postoperatively ( P < .0001). The consolidation rate after radiological evaluation was 90.1%; there were 5 cases (5.0%) with asymptomatic nonunion and 5 cases (5.0%) with poor results because of symptomatic nonunion. Screw removal was needed in 4 feet (4.0%), and 2 feet (2.0%) had acute postoperative superficial infection. No implant cutout was observed. Conclusion: The MPA-E technique provided consistent and high functional outcomes. This valid and effective alternative should be considered as an option for hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Aspirin Increases Nitric Oxide Formation in Chronic Stable Coronary Disease
Authors: Hetzel Scott , DeMets David , Schneider Ricky , Borzak Steven , Schneider Wendy , Serebruany Victor , Schröder Henning , Hennekens Charles H. 
Published: March 2013

Introduction: There are no published randomized data on secondary prevention in humans about whether aspirin affects nitric oxide (NO) formation. In patients with chronic stable coronary disease, we tested whether aspirin at clinically relevant doses increases NO formation. Materials and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial, 37 patients from 2 cardiology office practices were assigned to daily doses of 81, 162.5, 325, 650, or 1300 aspirin for 12 weeks. Primary prespecified outcome measures were changes in heme oxygenase (HO-1), a downstream target of NO formation, and asymmetrical dimethyl arginine (ADMA), a competitive inhibitor of NO synthase. Results: There were no significant differences for HO-1 or ADMA between any of the clinically relevant doses of aspirin tested, so all were combined. For HO-1, there was a significant increase (10.29 ± 2.44, P < .001) from baseline (15.37 ± 1.85) to week 12 (25.66 ± 1.57). The mean ratio (MR) of week 12 to baseline for HO-1 was significantly higher than 1.0 (1.67, confidence interval [CI] from 1.60 to 1.74, P < .001). For ADMA, there was a significant decrease (−0.24 ± 0.11, P < .001) from baseline (0.78 ± 0.08) to week 12 (0.54 ± 0.07). The MR of week 12 to baseline for ADMA was significantly lower than 1.0 (0.69, CI from 0.66 to 0.73, P < .001). Conclusions: In patients with chronic stable coronary disease, all clinically relevant daily doses of aspirin tested, from 81 to 1300 mg, produce similar and statistically significant increases in HO-1 and decreases in ADMA. These are the first randomized data on secondary prevention patients. These data support the hypothesis that aspirin has additional beneficial effects mediated through NO formation. Further research, including direct randomized comparisons on atherosclerosis using noninvasive techniques as well as on occlusive vascular disease events, is necessary.
A framework for the analysis of the social processes in the adoption of disabled children
Authors: Bunt Sarah 
Published: March 2013

Summary There is a dearth of literature on the adoption of disabled children within the UK, and that which has been published is somewhat dated and often characterised by largely empiricist approach, which is perhaps surprising in view of the fact that the study of adult disability has benefited so greatly from an understanding of the social processes involved. Cousins (2009), for example, has suggested that disabled children are profoundly disadvantaged in the adoption process by the negativity associated with the social construction of disability. Findings This article seeks to develop a framework that provides a theoretically informed and multidimensional approach to the understanding of the adoption of disabled children. It does so by drawing on Layder's delineation of different levels of analysis. This entails examining wider macro features that influence adoption processes, right through to the micro interactions between adopters and adoption agencies. The article also applies Bourdieu's concept of the habitus to assist in our understanding of how individual agents internalise the messages around them, which can influence and mediate their actions in adoption. Application This framework indicates that adoption outcomes for disabled children can only be understood within wider social processes, which can affect not only individual adoptions themselves, but also the practice of adoption generally. This has implications for both research and practice, for if, on the one hand, it provides a more comprehensive framework for the conduct of research, and it also potentially enables practice to be informed by wider considerations other than those occurring in the immediate context of the adoption.
The Domesday dataset
Authors: Reddington Joseph 
Published: March 2013

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices provide the ability for many people with disabilities to make themselves understood. For the large proportion of users with an intellectual disability, these devices may be their only means of communication. Estimates of the number of AAC devices in use are vague and lack transparency. This prevents researchers from answering key questions like ‘How many people per 1000 are using electronic AAC?’ and ‘On average, how much money would fund a person’s AAC use for 12 months?’. This work presents the ‘Domesday dataset’, which allows researchers to answer research, policy, and prevalence questions on the landscape of AAC use within the United Kingdom. This dataset was constructed by making several hundred Freedom of Information requests. These requests asked public bodies who purchase AAC devices in the United Kingdom to supply details of every AAC purchase since 2006 including make, model, and year of purchase.
Ontogenetic regulation of leukocyte recruitment in mouse yolk sac vessels
Authors: Sperandio Markus , Quackenbush Elizabeth J. , Sushkova Natalia , Altstätter Johannes , Nussbaum Claudia , Schmid Stephan , Pruenster Monika , Kurz Angela , Margraf Andreas , Steppner Alina , Schweiger Natalie , Borsig Lubor , Boros Ildiko , Krajewski Nele , Genzel-Boroviczeny Orsolya , Jeschke Udo , Frommhold David , von Andrian Ulrich H. 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Leukocyte recruitment is ontogentically regulated during fetal life. A new intravital imaging model of leukocyte recruitment has been established in the mouse.
Ex vivo expanded human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs
Authors: Mao Quanfu , Chu Sharon , Ghanta Sailaja , Padbury James F , De Paepe Monique E 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
We investigated the capacity of expanded cord blood-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells to undergo respiratory epithelial differentiation ex vivo, and to engraft and attenuate alveolar disruption in injured newborn murine lungs in vivo.

Methods
Respiratory epithelial differentiation was studied in CD34+ cells expanded in the presence of growth factors and cytokines (“basic” medium), in one group supplemented with dexamethasone (“DEX”). Expanded or freshly isolated CD34+ cells were inoculated intranasally in newborn mice with apoptosis-induced lung injury. Pulmonary engraftment, lung growth and alveolarization were studied at 8 weeks post-inoculation.

Results
SP-C mRNA expression was seen in 2/7 CD34+ cell isolates expanded in basic media and in 6/7 isolates expanded in DEX, associated with cytoplasmic SP-C immunoreactivity and ultrastructural features suggestive of type II cell-like differentiation. Administration of expanding CD34+ cells was associated with increased lung growth and, in animals treated with DEX-exposed cells, enhanced alveolar septation. Freshly isolated CD34+ cells had no effect of lung growth or remodeling. Lungs of animals treated with expanded CD34+ cells contained intraalveolar aggregates of replicating alu-FISH-positive mononuclear cells, whereas epithelial engraftment was extremely rare.

Conclusion
Expanded cord blood CD34+ cells can induce lung growth and alveolarization in injured newborn lungs. These growth-promoting effects may be linked to paracrine or immunomodulatory effects of persistent cord blood-derived mononuclear cells, as expanded cells showed limited respiratory epithelial transdifferentiation.
Claudins play a role in normal and tumor cell motility
Authors: Webb Patricia G , Spillman Monique A , Baumgartner Heidi K 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Claudins are key integral proteins of the tight junction. Although they play an essential role in controlling paracellular diffusion in epithelia, increasing evidence supports a role for these proteins in non-barrier forming activities. To elucidate a potential function for claudins outside of their traditional role in tight junctions, subcellular localization of claudin-4 was determined in normal mammary epithelial cells as well as breast and ovarian cancer cell lines and the effects of a claudin mimic peptide on cell motility were determined.

Results
Immunofluorescence revealed that claudin-4 was localized along cellular projections. Using a fluorescent peptide that mimics a conserved sequence in the second extracellular loop of a set of claudin subtypes, that includes claudin-4, exposure of this loop to the extracellular environment was confirmed in non-polarized cells. This peptide inhibited cell motility when normal mammary epithelial cells as well as breast and ovarian tumor cells were subjected to a wound healing assay. Knockdown of claudin-4 also inhibited cell motility and the mimic peptide had no effect on motility in the claudin-4 knockdown cells. This effect on motility was seen when cells were grown on collagen, but not when cells were grown on non-physiological cell adhesive or fibronectin.

Conclusion
The second extracellular loop of claudins is able to interact with the extracellular environment to promote normal and tumor cell motility when it is not associated with tight junction structures.
The genome and transcriptome of perennial ryegrass mitochondria
Authors: Islam Md Shofiqul , Studer Bruno , Byrne Stephen L , Farrell Jacqueline D , Panitz Frank , Bendixen Christian , Møller Ian Max , Asp Torben 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most important forage and turf grass species of temperate regions worldwide. Its mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally and contains genes that can influence traits of agricultural importance. Moreover, the DNA sequence of mitochondrial genomes has been established and compared for a large number of species in order to characterize evolutionary relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the organization of the mitochondrial genome and how it varies between and within species. Here, we report the first de novo assembly and annotation of the complete mitochondrial genome from perennial ryegrass.

Results
Intact mitochondria from perennial ryegrass leaves were isolated and used for mtDNA extraction. The mitochondrial genome was sequenced to a 167-fold coverage using the Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium platform, and assembled into a circular master molecule of 678,580 bp. A total of 34 proteins, 14 tRNAs and 3 rRNAs are encoded by the mitochondrial genome, giving a total gene space of 48,723 bp (7.2%). Moreover, we identified 149 open reading frames larger than 300 bp and covering 67,410 bp (9.93%), 250 SSRs, 29 tandem repeats, 5 pairs of large repeats, and 96 pairs of short inverted repeats. The genes encoding subunits of the respiratory complexes – nad1 to nad9, cob, cox1 to cox3 and atp1 to atp9 – all showed high expression levels both in absolute numbers and after normalization.

Conclusions
The circular master molecule of the mitochondrial genome from perennial ryegrass presented here constitutes an important tool for future attempts to compare mitochondrial genomes within and between grass species. Our results also demonstrate that mitochondria of perennial ryegrass contain genes crucial for energy production that are well conserved in the mitochondrial genome of monocotyledonous species. The expression analysis gave us first insights into the transcriptome of these mitochondrial genes in perennial ryegrass.
Dynamic cardiac dyssynchrony is strongly associated with 2-year dialysis adequacy in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Huang Ching-Hui , Chang Chia-Chu , Chang Tzu-Lan , Chang Yu-Jun 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Our aim was to determine the associations of LV dynamic dyssynchrony with peritoneal solute clearance in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Our primary objective was to determine the association between dynamic LV dyssynchrony and CAPD clearance at 2 years. Secondary objectives were to identify the factors influencing dynamic dyssynchrony, and to examine the association between dialysis adequacy and echocardiography-assessed LV outcomes.

Methods
Fifty CAPD patients and 13 healthy volunteers underwent three-dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). The main endpoint was systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI). Secondary endpoints, including NT-proBNP, troponin I, Kt/V, and biochemical parameters, were measured before stress echocardiography, and Kt/V was measured again 2 years later. All values are expressed as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR).

Results
NT-proBNP (3872 [808–11779] vs. 4.99 [4.99–36.83] pg/mL, P < 0.001), and log NT-proBNP (3.587 [2.896–4.071] vs. 0.698 [0.698–1.540], P < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the CAPD group than in the control group. Real-time 3D DSE showed that the systolic dyssynchrony index was significantly different between the two groups at the peak dobutamine stage (1.11% [0.76–1.64%] vs. 0.66% [0.50–1.02%], P = 0.004), but not at resting (1.30% [0.89–1.74%] vs. 1.22 % [0.72–1.68%], P = 0.358).The subgroup of patients in the CAPD group with greater improvements in dialysis adequacy had lower baseline dynamic SDI and more favorable echocardiographic findings at 2 years. Dialysis adequacy decreased significantly at 2 year in patients with higher, but not in those with lower dynamic SDI at baseline. In multivariate linear regression analysis, log NT-proBNP and SDI at the peak dobutamine dose were significantly associated with Kt/V and weekly creatinine clearance at 2 years, while log NT-proBNP was significant associated with SDI at the peak dobutamine stage. Female CAPD patients group had more pronounced dynamic LV dyssynchrony compared with male patients.

Conclusions
Dynamic systolic dyssynchrony was strongly associated with future dialysis adequacy in CAPD patients. Log NT-proBNP was the important predictor of dynamic dyssynchrony. Our study confirmed the concept that cardiac dysfunction has an impact on dialysis adequacy.
HP1γ expression is elevated in prostate cancer and is superior to Gleason score as a predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Slezak Jon , Truong Matthew , Huang Wei , Jarrard David 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAberrant chromatin structure in cancer cells results from altered proteins involved in its packaging. Heterochromatin protein 1 gamma (HP1γ) is a non-histone heterochromatic protein that functions to maintain chromatin stability and is important in embryonic development. Given an interest in the role developmental genes play in cancer, we investigated HP1γ expression in prostate cancer (PCa) and its prognostic associations.MethodsTissue microarrays consisting of benign (N = 96), localized cancer (N = 146), metastatic PCa (N = 44), and HGPIN (N = 50) were immunoflourescently stained for HP1γ and Ki-67. Using a novel, automated quantitative imaging system, VECTRA™, epithelial staining in both the nucleus and cytoplasm was quantified and compared against clinicopathologic variables.ResultsHP1γ is significantly elevated in HGPIN (80%), localized PCa (76%), and metastatic PCa (98%) compared to benign tissues from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments (P< 0.0001). Increased nuclear and total HP1γ expression was associated with Gleason score (P= 0.02 andP= 0.04 respectively). Given known binding to the C-terminus of Ki-67, a co-expression analysis was performed that revealed a correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic HP1γ and Ki-67 (Pearson Coefficient 0.321 and 0.562 respectively,P< 0.0001). Cox survival analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic HP1γ expression was an independent prognostic marker and out-performed pathological Gleason score for predicting PSA-recurrence after radical prostatectomy.ConclusionsIn this first detailed analysis of HP1γ expression in cancer, VECTRA™ demonstrates compartmentalized and total HP1γ protein expression is increased in PCa and that expression correlates with clinical outcomes better than Gleason score. Given the critical role HP1γ plays in chromatin organization and gene expression, it represents a novel prognostic and therapeutic target.
Kawasaki disease and subsequent risk of allergic diseases: a population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Kuo Ho-Chang , Chang Wei-Chiao , Yang Kuender D , Yu Hong-Ren , Wang Chih-Lu , Ho Shu-Chen , Yang Chun-Yuh 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of allergic diseases among Kawasaki disease (KD) patients relative to the general population is not known. The aim of this study was to perform a population-based cohort study to investigate the risk of allergic diseases among children after KD in Taiwan- a country with the third highest incidence of KD in the world.MethodsData were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 253 patients who were 5 years of age or younger and had a first-time hospitalization with a diagnosis of KD between 1997 and 2005 were included as the study cohort and 1,012 non-KD patients matched for age and sex were included as comparison cohort. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to adjust for confounding and to compare the 6-year allergic-free survival rate between these two cohorts.ResultsThe incidence rate of allergic diseases (184.66 per 1000 person-year) was significantly higher in the KD cohort than in the control cohort (124.99 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted hazard ratios of asthma and allergic rhinitis were 1.51 (95% confidence interval = 1.17-1.95) and 1.30 (95% confidence interval = 1.04-1.62), respectively.ConclusionWe conclude that KD patients were at an increased risk for allergic diseases compared with the comparison cohort.
Does feeling respected influence return to work? Cross-sectional study on sick-listed patients’ experiences of encounters with social insurance office staff
Authors: Lynöe Niels , Wessel Maja , Olsson Daniel , Alexanderson Kristina , Helgesson Gert 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Previous research shows that how patients perceive encounters with healthcare staff may affect their health and self-estimated ability to return to work. The aim of the present study was to explore long-term sick-listed patients’ encounters with social insurance office staff and the impact of these encounters on self-estimated ability to return to work.

Methods
A random sample of long-term sick-listed patients (n = 10,042) received a questionnaire containing questions about their experiences of positive and negative encounters and item lists specifying such experiences. Respondents were also asked whether the encounters made them feel respected or wronged and how they estimated the effect of these encounters on their ability to return to work. Statistical analysis was conducted using 95% confidence intervals (CI) for proportions, and attributable risk (AR) with 95% CI.

Results
The response rate was 58%. Encounter items strongly associated with feeling respected were, among others: listened to me, believed me, and answered my questions. Encounter items strongly associated with feeling wronged were, among others: did not believe me, doubted my condition, and questioned my motivation to work. Positive encounters facilitated patients’ self-estimated ability to return to work [26.9% (CI: 22.1-31.7)]. This effect was significantly increased if the patients also felt respected [49.3% (CI: 47.5-51.1)]. Negative encounters impeded self-estimated ability to return to work [29.1% (CI: 24.6-33.6)]; when also feeling wronged return to work was significantly further impeded [51.3% (CI: 47.1-55.5)].

Conclusions
Long-term sick-listed patients find that their self-reported ability to return to work is affected by positive and negative encounters with social insurance office staff. This effect is further enhanced by feeling respected or wronged, respectively.