bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing UK blood donors for exposure to human parvovirus 4 using a time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay to screen sera and Western blot to confirm reactive samples
Authors: Maple Peter A.C. , Beard Stuart , Parry Ruth P. , Brown Kevin E. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundHuman parvovirus 4 (ParV4), a newly described member of the family Parvoviridae, like B19V, has been found in pooled plasma preparations. The extent, and significance, of ParV4 exposure in UK blood donors remain to be determined and reliable detection of ParV4 immunoglobulin (Ig)G, using validated methods, is needed.Study Design and MethodsWith ParV4 virus‐like particles a ParV4 IgG time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) was developed. There is no gold standard or reference assay for measuring ParV4 IgG and the utility of the TRFIA was first examined using a panel of sera from people who inject drugs (PWIDS)—a high‐prevalence population for ParV4 infection. Western blotting was used to confirm the specificity of TRFIA‐reactive sera. Two cohorts of UK blood donor sera comprising 452 sera collected in 1999 and 156 sera collected in 2009 were tested for ParV4 IgG. Additional testing for B19V IgG, hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti‐HCV), and ParV4 DNA was also undertaken.ResultsThe rate of ParV4 IgG seroprevalence in PWIDS was 20.7% and ParV4 IgG was positively associated with the presence of anti‐HCV with 68.4% ParV4 IgG–positive sera testing anti‐HCV–positive versus 17.1% ParV4 IgG–negative sera. Overall seropositivity for ParV4 IgG, in 608 UK blood donors was 4.76%. The ParV4 IgG seropositivity for sera collected in 1999 was 5.08%, compared to 3.84% for sera collected in 2009. No ParV4 IgG–positive blood donor sera had detectable ParV4 DNA.ConclusionParV4 IgG has been found in UK blood donors and this finding needs further investigation.
The joint in vitro action of polymyxin B and miconazole against pathogens associated with canine otitis externa from three European countries
Authors: Pietschmann Silvia , Meyer Michael , Voget Michael , Cieslicki Michael 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundCanine otitis externa, an inflammation of the external ear canal, can be maintained and worsened by bacterial or fungal infections. For topical treatment, combinations of anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients are mainly used.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThis study was conducted to elucidate the in vitro activity of polymyxin B and miconazole against clinical bacterial isolates from three European countries, to investigate possible differences in sensitivity and to assess drug interactions.AnimalsSeventeen strains of Escherichia coli, 24 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 24 strains of Proteus mirabilis and 25 strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs with diagnosed otitis externa had been isolated in Germany, France and Italy.MethodsDrug activities were evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration. The potentiation of polymyxin B plus miconazole was calculated using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). An FICI ≤0.5 defined synergy. Furthermore, geographical variations in the FICI and MIC were assessed by statistical analysis.ResultsBacterial susceptibilities were comparable in different European countries, because there were no significant MIC and FICI variations (P > 0.05). As a single agent, polymyxin B had bactericidal activity against most E. coli and P. aeruginosa strains and, in higher concentrations, against S. pseudintermedius strains. Miconazole was bactericidal against all Staphylococcus strains. Synergy was demonstrated against strains of E. coli and P. aeruginosa (FICI = 0.25 and 0.50, respectively), whereas overall there was no interaction against S. pseudintermedius strains (FICI = 1.25). Proteus mirabilis strains were not inhibited by each of the drugs individually or by their combination.Conclusions and clinical importanceIn vitro synergy of polymyxin B and miconazole against E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolates indicates a rationale for applying both agents in combination to treat otitis externa when infected with these types of bacteria.
Self‐inspection of blood establishments
Authors: Ceulemans J. , Compernolle V. , Vantyghem W. , Vandekerckhove P. 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectivesBlood Establishments (BE) within the European Union, are legally obliged to conduct self inspections, as defined in the Commission Directive 2005/62/EC[3]. These self inspections are considered to be an essential part of the Quality Management System, allowing the BE to continuously improve their processes. Furthermore different BE's have developed different self inspection schemes based on a wide range of regulations and standards. Implementing an efficient and effective self inspection scheme can be a challenge.Materials and MethodsClear references to self inspections within blood establishments are made in the national and international regulation, as well as in other commonly used international standards. Because the defined inspection criteria are different within these standards, the European Blood Inspection Project (EuBIS[9]) was initiated by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Blood Alliance, resulting in pan‐European standards and criteria for self inspections.ResultsBased on the EuBIS criteria, a self inspection scheme can be put in place as a tool to evaluate the adherence and the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS) of a blood establishment. This self inspection scheme is incorporated in the QMS and focuses on continuous improvement, root cause analysis, process optimalisation and efficacy, finally resulting in the prevention of quality failures by introducing remedial actions where necessary.ConclusionAs an essential part of management review and QMS improvement, a solid self inspection scheme within blood establishments can detect areas for improvement within the organization.
Bacterial contamination of blood products
Authors: Schmidt M. 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectivesThe residual risk for transfusion‐transmitted viral infections has been reduced to less than 1:1 000 000 via improvements in various techniques (e.g. donor selection, leukocell depletion, introduction of third‐ or fourth‐generation ELISAs, mini‐pool nucleic acid testings and pre‐donation sampling) over the last two decades. In contrast, the risk for bacterial infections in general has remained stable and is estimated to range between 1:2000 and 1:3000, and for fatal septic reactions, the incidence ranges between 1:100 000 and 1:500 000. All blood components can be contaminated. Platelets are the main focus of bacterial contamination due to their storage at room temperature. However, transfusion‐transmitted septic reactions have also been reported for red cell concentrates and stem cell preparations.Materials and MethodsIn this review, an overview of residual bacterial contamination risks is presented for different blood components. Different strategies have been developed and implemented in different countries to improve blood safety. In principle, improving blood safety by reducing bacterial contamination can be accomplished by (1) general procedures, such as the diversion of 10–40 ml after blood puncture and reduction of the platelet shelf life; (2) implementation of pathogen reduction methods (e.g. Intercept, Mirasol or Theraflex); and (3) the implementation of bacterial screening methods, which can be subdivided into culture methods and rapid detection systems. A combination of all these procedures is possible and it reflects the current blood safety strategy of different countries.ResultsThe introduction of pre‐donation sampling with the diversion of the first few millilitres has been accepted and implemented worldwide. The maximum platelet shelf life varies between 3 days (Japan) and 7 days (the Netherlands); however, in the majority of countries, the platelet shelf life is 5 days. Many countries have already implemented bacterial screening methods with culture systems in combination with the ‘negative‐to‐date’ release concept. Pathogen reduction systems and rapid bacterial detection methods are only used in a few countries.ConclusionsThe bacterial contamination of blood components is an on‐going challenge in transfusion medicine. Currently, there is no doubt that blood safety must be improved due to bacterially transmitted septic reactions in all countries. Therefore, all countries have implemented the diversion of the first few millilitres after donation. Additional safety procedures are still a point of debate to determine the most effective and economic solution.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Grapevine Dieback Fungus
Eutypa lata
UCR-EL1
Authors: Blanco-Ulate Barbara , Rolshausen Philippe E. , Cantu Dario 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The vascular pathogen
Eutypa lata
, which causes Eutypa dieback in grapevines, is a major threat to grape production worldwide. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of
E. lata
(UCR-EL1). The computational prediction and annotation of the protein-coding genes of UCR-EL1 provide an initial inventory of its potential virulence factors.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated in China
Authors: Wang Jing-Yu , Ren Juan-Juan , Liu Wan-Hua , Tang Pan , Wu Ning , Wang Chi-Young , Chang Ching-Dong , Liu Hung-Jen 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
The complete genomic sequence of a new H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV), isolated in northwestern China, was determined. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of eight genomic segments revealed that the isolate is phylogenetically related to the Y280-like sublineage.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains of Sequence Type ST92 and ST96
Authors: Ho Alex Y. M. , Chow Kin-Hung , Law Pierra Y. T. , Tse Herman , Ho Pak-Leung 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The global epidemiology of multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
is dominated by a limited number of clones. Here, we announce the draft genome sequences of two multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
strains, 1H8 and 4A3, representing the major epidemic clones, sequence type 92 (ST92) and ST96, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Human Betapapillomavirus, HPV-159
Authors: Kocjan Boštjan J. , Hošnjak Lea , Seme Katja , Poljak Mario 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

A novel human papillomavirus (HPV), now officially recognized as HPV-159, isolated from an anal swab, was fully cloned, sequenced, and genetically characterized. HPV-159 has a genomic organization that is typical of cutaneotrophic HPV types, and it belongs to the genus
Betapapillomavirus.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Agrobacterium
sp. Strain UHFBA-218, Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of Crown Gall-Infected Cherry Rootstock Colt
Authors: Dua Ankita , Sangwan Naseer , Kaur Jasvinder , Saxena Anjali , Kohli Puneet , Gupta A. K. , Lal Rup 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of the alphaproteobacterium
Agrobacterium
sp. strain UHFBA-218, which was isolated from rhizosphere soil of crown gall-infected cherry rootstock Colt. The draft genome of strain UHFBA-218 consists of 112 contigs (5,425,303 bp) and 5,063 coding sequences with a G+C content of 59.8%.
Genome Sequence of Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755, a Butyric Acid-Overproducing Strain
Authors: Jiang Ling , Zhu Liying , Xu Xian , Li Yanping , Li Shuang , Huang He 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Clostridium tyrobutyricum
ATCC 25755 is an efficient producer of butyric acid. Here we report a 3.01-Mb assembly of its genome sequence and other useful information, including the coding sequences (CDSs) responsible for an alternative pathway leading to acetate synthesis as well as a series of membrane transport systems.
Genome of the Psychrophilic Bacterium Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus, a Potential Source of 2′-Deoxyribosyltransferase for Industrial Nucleoside Synthesis
Authors: Fresco-Taboada Alba , del Cerro Carlos , Fernández-Lucas Jesús , Arroyo Miguel , Acebal Carmen , García José L. , de la Mata Isabel 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus
, a cold-adapted bacterium with biotechnological interest. The genome contains genes related to the ability of this microorganism to grow at low temperatures and includes a nucleoside 2′-deoxyribosyltransferase, which can be used in the industrial synthesis of modified nucleosides with therapeutic activity.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mannheimia haemolytica Strain 42548 from a Case of Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Eidam Christopher , Poehlein Anja , Brenner Michael Geovana , Kadlec Kristina , Liesegang Heiko , Brzuszkiewicz Elzbieta , Daniel Rolf , Sweeney Michael T. , Murray Robert W. , Watts Jeffrey L. , Schwarz Stefan 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Mannheimia haemolytica
is the major bacterial component in the bovine respiratory disease complex, which accounts for considerable economic losses to the cattle industry worldwide. The complete genome sequence of
M. haemolytica
strain 42548 was determined. It has a size of 2.73 Mb and contains 2,888 genes, including several antibiotic resistance genes.
Restructuring of the Diabetes Day Centre: a pilot lean project in a tertiary referral centre in the West of Ireland
Authors: McDermott A M , Kidd P , Gately M , Casey R , Burke H , O'Donnell P , Kirrane F , Dinneen S F , O'Brien T 
Published: May 2013

IntroductionDiabetes is a chronic disease amenable to management in the community and outpatient setting. The increasing incidence of diabetes places outpatient endocrinology services under pressure to provide a quality service in a timely manner. Our aim was to apply lean thinking to the diabetes clinic in a tertiary referral centre in the West of Ireland to improve flow, as reflected in reduced patient journey times.MethodsThe project lasted 6 months, from January to June 2011. An introductory seminar on lean thinking was arranged to inform and motivate the Diabetes Day Centre staff. Two ‘rapid improvement events’ took place. Value stream mapping (VSM) was the predominant lean tool employed. Patient journeys were mapped and quantified (minutes) using timesheets allocated to each step in the process at baseline, and following intervention. Data were analysed using Minitab V.16.0.ResultsVSM allowed the value-adding and problem-causing steps in the patient journey through the diabetes clinic process to be identified and addressed. Total patient journey time through the clinic was significantly reduced from 118 (±38.02) min to 58 (±18.30) min (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis project reflects the successful application of VSM as a lean tool in a pilot study at our institution as evidenced by improved patient flow and a significant reduction in patient journey time through the clinic. Through the incorporation of Lean into the ethos of the hospital, we have the potential to deliver excellent care in a safe environment and in an efficient manner, while benefiting the patient, employees and tax-payer.
Pneumoperitoneum without visceral trauma: an under-recognised phenomenon after blast injury?
Authors: Bowley Doug M , Gillingham S , Mercer S , Schrager J J , West A 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesThe management of patients who have sustained blast injuries poses an important challenge for military healthcare professionals. Current military operations are generating large numbers of casualties and modern military healthcare facilities are increasingly using CT scanning to facilitate their management. This small case series serves to draw attention to a rare (or possibly under-reported) phenomenon after blast injury.Methods and resultsWe report two patients exposed to blast who had pneumoperitoneum identified by CT scan but who did not have abdominal visceral injury or ballistic peritoneal violation.DiscussionThe use of cross-sectional imaging is leading to the recognition of otherwise occult injury. Military practitioners should be aware of this injury pattern when using CT to help select patients for conservative management after abdominal blast injury.
The ‘one and a half round microcatheterization technique’ for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysm: technical case series
Authors: Miyachi Shigeru , Matsubara Noriaki , Izumi Takashi , Asai Takumi , Yamanouchi Takashi , Ota Keisuke , Oda Keiko , Wakabayashi Toshihiko 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundStent-assisted coil embolization is useful for wide-necked, large and giant aneurysms, and is effective for avoiding coil herniation. However, the mobility of the microcatheter is often restricted, resulting in deviated or unbalanced coiling. In order to prevent this insufficient coiling, the authors devised a method for microcatheterization, the ‘one and a half round microcatheterization technique’. This technique is based on the formation of a one and a half round loop by the microcatheter along the aneurysmal wall. Furthermore, this technique can be supplemented with the double-catheter technique.MethodsFrom July 2010 to July 2012, the authors used this technique for 20 aneurysms in 20 patients (6 men and 14 women; mean age 61.7 years). The one and a half round microcatheterization technique was used alone in 12 cases and was supplemented with the double-catheter technique in eight. The clinical and angiographic results were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThe average aneurysm size was 16.7 mm; 12 aneurysms (60%) were located at the internal carotid artery, 5 (25%) at the basilar artery and 3 (15%) at the vertebral artery. Immediate angiographic results showed complete obliteration in 6 aneurysms (30%) and residual neck in 10 (50%), leaving 4 residual aneurysms (20%). This technique was useful and acceptably safe for packing the aneurysmal sac entirely. During an average follow-up of 20.5 months, 13 of the 18 aneurysms (72%) were stable or had improved, although 3 (16%) required retreatment.ConclusionsThe one and a half round microcatheterization technique provides dense coil packing for stent-assisted embolization of large or giant aneurysms.
Assessment of HIV-related risky behaviour: a comparative study of face-to-face interviews and polling booth surveys in the general population of Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Béhanzin Luc , Diabaté Souleymane , Minani Isaac , Lowndes Catherine M , Boily Marie-Claude , Labbé Annie-Claude , Anagonou Séverin , Zannou Djimon Marcel , Buvé Anne , Alary Michel 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesDuring the 2008 HIV prevalence survey carried out in the general population of Cotonou, Benin, face-to-face interviews (FTFI) were used to assess risky behaviours for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). We compared sexual behaviours reported in FTFI with those reported in polling booth surveys (PBS) carried out in parallel in an independent random sample of the same population.MethodsIn PBS, respondents grouped by gender and marital status answered simple questions by putting tokens with question numbers in a green box (affirmative answers) or a red box (negative answers). Both boxes were placed inside a private booth. For each group and question, data were gathered together by type of answer. The structured and gender-specific FTFI guided by trained interviewers included all questions asked during PBS. Pearson χ2or Fisher's exact test was used to compare FTFI and PBS according to affirmative answers.ResultsOverall, respondents reported more stigmatised behaviours in PBS than in FTFI: the proportions of married women and men who reported ever having had commercial sex were 17.4% and 41.6% in PBS versus 1.8% and 19.6% in FTFI, respectively. The corresponding proportions among unmarried women and men were 16.1% and 25.5% in PBS versus 3.9% and 13.0% in FTFI, respectively. The proportion of married women who reported having had extramarital sex since marriage was 23.6% in PBS versus 4.6% in FTFI.ConclusionsPBS are suitable to monitor reliable HIV/STI risk behaviours. Their use should be expanded in behavioural surveillance.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Identify Microcalcifications and Underlying Breast Lesions at Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy
Authors: Barman Ishan , Dingari Narahara Chari , Saha Anushree , McGee Sasha , Galindo Luis H. , Liu Wendy , Plecha Donna , Klein Nina , Dasari Ramachandra Rao , Fitzmaurice Maryann 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Microcalcifications are a feature of diagnostic significance on a mammogram and a target for stereotactic breast needle biopsy. Here, we report development of a Raman spectroscopy technique to simultaneously identify microcalcification status and diagnose the underlying breast lesion, in real-time, during stereotactic core needle biopsy procedures. Raman spectra were obtained ex vivo from 146 tissue sites from fresh stereotactic breast needle biopsy tissue cores from 33 patients, including 50 normal tissue sites, 77 lesions with microcalcifications, and 19 lesions without microcalcifications, using a compact clinical system. The Raman spectra were modeled on the basis of the breast tissue components, and a support vector machine framework was used to develop a single-step diagnostic algorithm to distinguish normal tissue, fibrocystic change (FCC), fibroadenoma, and breast cancer, in the absence and presence of microcalcifications. This algorithm was subjected to leave-one-site-out cross-validation, yielding a positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of 100%, 95.6%, 62.5%, and 100% for diagnosis of breast cancer (with or without microcalcifications) and an overall accuracy of 82.2% for classification into specific categories of normal tissue, FCC, fibroadenoma, or breast cancer (with and without microcalcifications). Notably, the majority of breast cancers diagnosed are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common lesion associated with microcalcifications, which could not be diagnosed using previous Raman algorithm(s). Our study shows the potential of Raman spectroscopy to concomitantly detect microcalcifications and diagnose associated lesions, including DCIS, and thus provide real-time feedback to radiologists during such biopsy procedures, reducing nondiagnostic and false-negative biopsies. Cancer Res; 73(11); 3206–15. ©2013 AACR.
Histone Demethylase RBP2 Promotes Lung Tumorigenesis and Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Teng Yu-Ching , Lee Cheng-Feng , Li Ying-Shiuan , Chen Yi-Ren , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Chan Meng-Yu , Lin Feng-Mao , Huang Hsien-Da , Chen Yen-Ting , Jeng Yung-Ming , Hsu Chih-Hung , Yan Qin , Tsai Ming-Daw , Juan Li-Jung 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The retinoblastoma binding protein RBP2 (KDM5A) is a histone demethylase that promotes gastric cancer cell growth and is enriched in drug-resistant lung cancer cells. In tumor-prone mice lacking the tumor suppressor gene RB or MEN1, genetic ablation of RBP2 can suppress tumor initiation, but the pathogenic breadth and mechanistic aspects of this effect relative to human tumors have not been defined. Here, we approached this question in the context of lung cancer. RBP2 was overexpressed in human lung cancer tissues where its depletion impaired cell proliferation, motility, migration, invasion, and metastasis. RBP2 oncogenicity relied on its demethylase and DNA-binding activities. RBP2 upregulated expression of cyclins D1 and E1 while suppressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 (CDKN1B), each contributing to RBP2-mediated cell proliferation. Expression microarray analyses revealed that RBP2 promoted expression of integrin-β1 (ITGB1), which is implicated in lung cancer metastasis. Mechanistic investigations established that RBP2 bound directly to the p27, cyclin D1, and ITGB1 promoters and that exogenous expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, or ITGB1 was sufficient to rescue proliferation or migration/invasion, respectively. Taken together, our results establish an oncogenic role for RBP2 in lung tumorigenesis and progression and uncover novel RBP2 targets mediating this role. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4711–21. ©2013 AACR.