bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Raw Meat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Prevalence at an Abattoir and Retailers and Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Bekele Tizeta , Zewde Girma , Tefera Genene , Feleke Aklilu , Zerom Kaleab 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Although raw meat and its products are commonly consumed in traditional Ethiopian diets, E. coli O157: H7 is rarely studied compared to other countries. Thus the present study has been designed to determine the prevalence and assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli O157: H7 isolated from beef, sheep meat and goat meat at one abattoir and in 48 selected raw meat retail shops in Addis Ababa.

Results
Out of 384 meat samples examined, 10.2% (39/384) were positive to E. coli O157:H7. Among these samples examined, beef was the most frequently contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 with an overall prevalence of 13.3% (17/128) followed by 9.4% (12/128) sheep meat and 7.8% (10/128) goat meat. With regard to meat source, the prevalence rates of E. coli O157:H7 at the abattoir and the selected retail shops were 5.7% (11/192) and 14.6% (28/192), respectively. Significant differences in prevalence was observed among sample sources (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial susceptibility investigation of 39 E. coli O157:H7 isolates using 10 commercially available antimicrobial discs revealed that the isolates were susceptible to nine antimicrobials from 69.3% to 100% except streptomycin which showed susceptibility of 48.7%. An overall resistance of 33.4% and 30.9% was recorded to streptomycin and amikacin, whereas 5.1%, 5.1%, 7.7%, 12.8% and 17.9% resistance rates were recorded against nalidixic acid, tetracycline, amoxacilin-clavulanic acid, cephalothin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Multidrug resistance was observed among amikacin, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, cephalothin, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin and tetracycline antimicrobials drugs.

Conclusions
The isolation of E. coli O157:H7 in raw meat and the existence of antimicrobial resistant isolates highlight the potential threat to public health. Hence implementation of E. coli O157:H7 prevention and control strategies from farm production to consumption of meat and meat products are crucial.
BAG3 Promoted Starvation-Induced Apoptosis of Thyroid Cancer Cells via Attenuation of Autophagy
Authors: Li Si , Zhang Hai-Yan , Wang Tian , Meng Xin , Zong Zhi-Hong , Kong De-Hui , Wang Hua-Qin , Du Zhen-Xian 
Published: July 2014

Context:
BAG3 plays a regulatory role in a number of cellular processes. Recent studies have attracted much attention on its role in activation of selective autophagy. In addition, we have very recently reported that BAG3 is implicated in a BECN1-independent autophagy, namely noncanonical autophagy.

Objective:
The current study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of BAG3 in canonical autophagy triggered by Earle's Balanced Salt Solution (EBSS) starvation.

Setting and Design:
Replacement of complete medium with EBSS was used to trigger canonical autophagy. BAG3 expression was measured using real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Autophagy was monitored using LC3-II transition and p62/SQSTM1 accumulation by Western blot, as well as punctate distribution of LC3 by immunofluorescence staining. Cell growth and apoptotic cell death was investigated using real-time cell analyzer and flowcytometry, respectively.

Results:
BAG3 expression was potently reduced by EBSS starvation. Forced expression of BAG3 suppressed autophagy and promoted apoptotic cell death of thyroid cancer cells elicited by starvation. In addition, in the presence of autophagy inhibitor, the enhancing effect of BAG3 on apoptotic cell death was attenuated.

Conclusions:
These results suggest that BAG3 promotes apoptotic cell death in starved thyroid cancer cells, at least in part by autophagy attenuation.
Core-imprinted Star Polymers via Living Radical Polymerization: Precision Cavity Microgels for Selective Molecular Recognition
Authors: Terashima Takaya , Kojima Hironori , Sawamoto Mitsuo 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Core-imprinted star polymers with precision cavity microgels were designed by living radical polymerization with molecular imprinting for selective molecular recognition. The key is to employ NaI-bearing poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate as a template linker during the linking process of poly(methyl methacrylate) arms with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate; Na-imprinted PEG loop cavities are thus effectively created within microgels. As a result, the star polymer encapsulated NaI 15 times more selectively than KI under competitive conditions.
Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on the Formation of Silver Nanoparticles by Biphotonic Reduction of Silver Nitrate in Water
Authors: Qazi Umair Y , Kajimoto Shinji , Fukumura Hiroshi 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Nanocubes (NCs) were found to be produced by the irradiation of nanosecond UV pulses to an aqueous solution of silver nitrate. The photoproduct was turned to nanospheres (NSs) when irradiated with a certain amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The SDS concentration to alter the photoproduct from NCs to NSs was about ten times lower than the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of SDS, which implies that a single layer of SDS adsorbed on silver surfaces assisted the growth of NSs.
Combining low sampling frequency smartphone sensors and video for a Wearable Mobility Monitoring System
Authors: Wu Hui-Hsien , Lemaire Edward , Baddour Natalie 
Published: July 2014

A proof-of-concept Wearable Mobility Monitoring System (WMMS) was developed to identify daily activities and provide environmental context, using integrated BlackBerry Smartphone low sensor and video data. Integrated accelerometer data were used to identify mobility changes-of-state (CoS) in real-time, trigger BlackBerry video capture at each CoS, and save activity outcomes on the Smartphone. System evaluation involved collecting WMMS output and (separate) camcorder video under realistic conditions for five able-bodied subjects. The subjects each performed a consecutive series of mobility tasks; including, walking, sitting, lying, stairs, ramps, elevator, bathroom activities, kitchen activities, dining activities and outdoor walking. Activity, timing and contextual information were obtained from the camcorder for comparison. Sensitivity results for sensor-based CoS identification were 97-100% for standing, sitting, lying and taking an elevator; 67-73% for walking-related CoS (stairs, ramps); 40-93% between walking and small movements (brushing teeth, etc.); and below 27% for daily living activities. False positives occurred in less than 12% of all activities, with less than 5% false positives for half the measures. Better classification results were achieved when using both acceleration features and Smartphone integrated video for all activities except sitting. The evaluation demonstrated that the WMMS algorithm and BlackBerry platform were effective for detecting mobility activities, even with low sampling rate sensors. The combined sensor and video analysis enhanced mobility task identification and contextual information.
Competition in Portfolio Management: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Asparouhova Elena , Bossaerts Peter , Čopič Jernej , Cornell Brad , Cvitanić Jakša , Meloso Debrah 
Published: July 2014

We explore theoretically and experimentally the general equilibrium price and allocation implications of delegated portfolio management when the investor–manager relationship is nonexclusive. Our theory predicts that competition forces managers to promise portfolios that mimic Arrow–Debreu (AD) securities, which investors then combine to fit their preferences. A weak version of the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) obtains, where state prices (relative to state probabilities) implicit in prices of traded securities will be inversely ranked to aggregate wealth across states. Our experiment broadly corroborates the price and choice predictions of the theory. However, price quality deteriorates when only a few managers attract most of the available wealth. Wealth concentration increases because funds flow toward managers who offer portfolios closer to replicating AD securities (as in the theory), but also because funds flow to managers who had better performance in the immediate past (an observation unrelated to the theory). This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
Optimization for Multiclass Residential Location Models with Congestible Transportation Networks
Authors: Ying Jiang Qian 
Published: July 2014

There has been extensive research on the optimal design of road congestion pricing schemes based on traffic network equilibrium models. Since travel demands are closely related to the locations of workplace and residence, it is of both theoretical and practical importance to extend the optimization approach to treat location choices as well as travel route choices. This paper addresses the problem of optimal location of housing supply and transportation network pricing in an integrated location and transportation model with heterogeneous households that have different values of travel time. In the model, housing exhibits external economies and diseconomies of scale, depending on the population density in residential zones. It is shown that in such a model the marginal cost pricing principle applied to internalize these externalities in general results in local optima of social surplus. Optimization algorithms based on sensitivity analysis are proposed to find combinations of housing supply patterns and road tolls that optimize social surplus under various conditions. A numerical example is given to illustrate the proposed method. The potential policy implications of the optimization approach are examined and compared with that of the marginal cost pricing principle.
Is telephone triage an effective and feasible form of treatment within physiotherapy outpatient settings? A systematic review
Authors: Enock L , Saad M , McLean S 
Published: July 2014

Background: In the last 10 years, at least 15 NHS physiotherapy departments have introduced telephone triage systems, e.g. PhysioDirect, with the aim of decreasing patient waiting times and increasing efficiencies. Many of these schemes appear to have been implemented with little reference to underpinning evidence. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of telephone triage systems in physiotherapy outpatient settings. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched between 1990–2013: MEDLINE, PUBMED, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PEDro, AMED, EMBASE. In addition, reference sections of relevant articles were screened to identify appropriate articles. Primary quantitative studies published in English, which reviewed physiotherapy-led telephone triage were included. Two reviewers screened the studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index Assessment tool. A third reviewer arbitrated if conflict occurred. Data on clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of telephone triage and patient compliance was collated. The results were analysed and presented as a narrative synthesis. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Three studies were rated as high quality, one was of moderate quality and one was of poor quality. There was strong evidence that telephone triage and usual care are similarly cost-effective. There is moderate evidence of equivalent clinical effectiveness between telephone triage and usual care, and that appointment non-attendance rates are comparable between usual care and telephone triage. There is conflicting and therefore inconclusive evidence for the acceptability to patients and staff of telephone triage. There is currently no level of evidence reviewing patient compliance with telephone triage. Conclusions: The limited published evidence indicates that telephone triage systems lead to relatively similar clinical and cost-effectiveness outcomes, but with no conclusive added efficiencies in waiting times, satisfaction levels and patients attendance. Further studies in this area would clarify the clinical usefulness of introducing telephone triage systems in musculoskeletal physiotherapy outpatient settings.
Physiotherapists’ use and perspectives on the importance of patient-reported outcome measures for shoulder dysfunction
Authors: Payne C , Michener LA 
Published: July 2014

Background: Many patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) for shoulder dysfunctions have acceptable psychometric properties. However, the large number of measures that are available present clinicians and researchers with dilemmas in PRO selection. This study set out to determine the perceived importance of PROs, the measures currently used by physiotherapists in clinical practice and research, and the psychometric criteria that are considered important in PRO selection. Methods: Delegates at the 2010 International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists were invited to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) web-based tools were used to design an online questionnaire. IRB approval was gained prior to commencement of the study. Anonymised numerical survey data were tallied and frequency counts reported descriptively. Results: Participants submitted 101 completed questionnaires, which was an 84% response rate. One or more validated shoulder or upper extremity PROs were used by 91% of clinicians, and 94% of researchers. The use of PROs was considered to be ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important by the majority of clinicians (76%), and researchers (98%). Most commonly used as a primary outcome by clinicians and researchers respectively were: the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire (DASH) (40%, 44%) and the Oxford Shoulder Scale (OSS) (36%, 22%); and as secondary outcomes: the DASH (33%, 28%); OSS (17%, 8%), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (8%, 18%); and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized assessment form (ASES) (8%, 13%). Psychometric properties and practicality aspects were deemed extremely or very important by 86–96% of participants. Conclusion: The majority of clinicians and researchers use a shoulder or upper extremity function or disability questionnaire. This indicates that PROs are considered important in clinical practice and research, and psychometric properties are critical in PRO selection. The DASH, OSS, SPADI and ASES are most commonly used by shoulder therapists in clinical practice and research studies. Implications: These findings can be used to aid the development of a consensus on a core set of PROs for shoulder dysfunctions for use by clinicians and researchers.
Characterising lower limb muscle activity and test-retest repeatability of EMG measures in healthy adults during upright pedalling
Authors: Sammon E , Hancock NJ , Kennedy NC , Pomeroy VM 
Published: July 2014

Background: Upright pedalling (UP) has similarities to walking in terms of both muscle activation and biomechanical activity. Therefore, UP is a potential rehabilitation therapy for enhancing walking recovery. The development of UP as a rehabilitation intervention requires understanding of muscle activity patterns elicited during pedalling in a range of participants, including young healthy adults. The aims of this study were: to characterise muscle activation patterns during UP in young healthy adults, and to investigate the test-retest repeatability of EMG-derived measures used to characterise activity patterns. Methods: Participants (total n=8, females: n=7) performed two UP sessions, separated by a 1-hour rest period. During UP, muscle activity of rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was recorded using surface EMG. Lower limb muscle activity was characterised by average, integrated activity (iEMG) for each muscle group according to four 90° phases of the 360° wheel turn. This procedure provided a measure of muscle activity throughout the pedalling cycle. Testretest repeatability of mean iEMG values for each pedal revolution was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Characterisation of activity: muscle activity for all participants during UP demonstrated reciprocal muscle activation of BF and RF. More specifically, RF exhibited double bursts of activity at 0–135° and 270–360°, whereas BF demonstrated a single burst at 135–270°. Test-retest repeatability: appeared high for RF when considering the point estimate (ICC=0.837), but the associated wide CIs (-0.224–1.39) mean that this finding is imprecise. A lack of repeatability observed for BF (ICC=0.02) was also inconclusive due to wide CI's (-0.258–0.737). Conclusions: UP elicited a reciprocal muscle activation pattern in RF and BF in a small sample of young healthy volunteers. Definitive test-retest repeatability of recorded measures was not established. Implications: This study has contributed normative data on muscle activation patterns during walking-like activity, and data to inform sample size for definitively testing intra-participant variance.
The effect of sensory-focused therapeutic interventions on functional outcomes in the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke
Authors: Drzyzga L , Watkins C 
Published: July 2014

Background: Despite the high prevalence of upper limb sensorimotor impairments among stroke victims, very few evidence-based reviews exist about the functional benefit of sensory-focussed therapeutic interventions upon the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke. This systematic-review aims to address this concern to determine the efficacy of sensory-focussed therapeutic interventions upon functional outcomes in the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke. Methods: Studies included within the systematic review were sourced from the following databases: Medline; SPORTDiscus; AMED; CINAHL; and PEDro, via EBSCO Host. The keywords used to obtain the pertinent literature were: ‘stroke’, ‘therapy’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘function’, ‘upper limb’ and ‘sensory’. The reference list of each retrieved paper was hand searched to identify any additional relevant literature. Two independent researchers applied the specific inclusion/exclusion criteria to each paper to eliminate any irrelevant studies. The methodological quality of each of the selected papers was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. This gave a final total of 11 studies to be included within the systematic review. A data extraction form was devised and all relevant data was extrapolated from each study by two independent researchers. For each study, primary outcome measures were compared between the experimental group and the control group, pre- and post-treatment using the mean and standard deviation values. Statistical significance of these values was also assessed and compared using the respective P values. Results: Statistically significant results from all the included studies suggest that functional motor abilities of the hemiplegic upper limb following stroke can be improved by the application of the following sensory-focussed interventions: mirror therapy; thermal therapy; transcutaneous electrical stimulation; intermittent pneumatic compression; and proprioceptive and exteroceptive stimulation therapy. Due to significant differences in methodology and outcome measures, it was difficult to draw a comparison between the efficacies of specific sensory interventional subtypes evaluated within this review. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence to support the use of several sensory-focused therapeutic interventions for improving motor recovery in the hemiplegic upper-limb following stroke. Implications: This review indicates that sensory-focused therapeutic interventions should be employed in clinical practice as an evidence-based means to improve the functional abilities of patients with hemiplegic upper limbs post stroke.
Infant cervical range of motion in the sagittal plane
Authors: Williams JM , Theobald PS , Jones MD 
Published: July 2014

Background: Data pertaining to infant sagittal cervical range of motion (CROM) is lacking. Previous studies have either quantified motions other than sagittal or quantified sagittal range of motion in children >3 years old. Data capture in infants is complex and novel methods are required to overcome previous limitations. Such data is invaluable to inform paediatric injury models, such as those for shaken baby syndrome and automotive safety. Methods: Nine infants were recruited from a local group of parents (mean age=406 days, SD=19). Sagittal range-of-motion was measured using two miniature accelerometers (THETAmetrix), which provide orientation angle with respect to gravity. One sensor was placed on the forehead and one over the T2–3 spinous process. Sagittal range of motion was determined by subtracting the tilt angle of thorax sensor from that of the forehead and then summing the total sagittal movement cycle to yield resultant cervical range of motion. Infants were placed in their usual highchair and encouraged to move their head into flexion and extension by a parent focussing their attention on a favourite toy. At the point of maximal motion, the lead researcher applied gentle overpressure to ensure full range was achieved with parental consent. Once one full cycle of sagittal motion was achieved, data collection was terminated. Results: Overpressure was not possible in two infants, therefore, their data was omitted. The mean peak sagittal range of motion was 115° (SD=12) with a 95% CI=106–124°. Conclusions: The described methods were successful in measuring sagittal CROM in infants and could be used to determine range of motion in even younger infants. The data produced is in agreement with previous reports on older children; however, this method overcomes limitations of other data capture methods. Implications: The results provide the first estimate of infant CROM. These data can serve as reference for models of musculoskeletal and neurological injury, including those for shaken baby syndrome and automotive safety.