bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Virulence Characteristics of Aeromonas Species in Meat, Milk and Fish in India
Authors: Manna Sanjib Kumar , Maurye Praveen , Dutta Chandraval , Samanta Gopal 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAeromonas‐induced gastroenteritis is common in India. The incidence of Aeromonas in meat, milk and fish in Kolkata, India and their enterotoxic potentiality have been evaluated here. Aeromonas contamination was detected in all or most of the meat and fish with average load of 1.1 × 102, 3.5 × 103, 1.1 × 103, 2.1 × 103 and 1.6 × 104 cfu/g of red meats, chicken, Indian major carps, tilapia and shrimp, respectively; the levels were at least one order higher on fish skin and meat surface. Aeromonas was also detected in milk and ready‐to‐eat foods. About 59% of the isolates were β‐hemolytic, and 66–92% of them produced phospholipase, caseinase and enterotoxicity. Fish and shrimp isolates produced significantly higher levels of gelatinase (102.73–120.6 U/mL), hemolysin (causing >80% erythrocyte lysis) and enteric fluid accumulation (0.86–0.89 mL/cm ileum length) compared with those from meat and milk indicating their serious pathogenic potentiality. Phenotypically, 43.2, 12.2 and 12.2% of β‐hemolytic strains were identified as recognized human pathogenic species, viz. Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria, respectively, which also expressed higher levels of virulence factors than other Aeromonas species detected. The ubiquitous presence of enterotoxigenic Aeromonas in different raw as well as ready‐to‐eat foods poses serious threat to human health.Practical ApplicationsUbiquitous presence of enterotoxigenic Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria in raw and ready‐to‐eat meat, milk and fish poses a serious human health risk in Indian subcontinent. Heavy bacterial load, combined with higher expression of virulence factors by the isolates, makes fish and shellfish as the most potential sources of Aeromonas infection. Different Aeromonas spp. differed in quantitative expression of different virulence factors. Qualitative and quantitative expression studies showed low positive correlations among gelatinase, hemolysin and ileal enterotoxicity, suggesting requirement of studying multiple virulence factors for identifying the virulent strains. A higher distribution of the bacterium on meat or fish surface and in unhygienically processed or stored food items indicates that adoption of standard practices of cleaning and sanitation would substantially improve safety of food products.
Effects of treatment with hydrogen sulfide on methionine‐choline deficient diet‐induced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Authors: Luo Zhu‐Lin , Tang Li‐Jun , Wang Tao , Dai Rui‐Wu , Ren Jian‐Dong , Cheng Long , Xiang Ke , Tian Fu‐Zhou 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimOxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in the progression from simple fatty liver to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this work was to investigate whether treatment with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) prevented NASH in rats through abating oxidative stress and suppressing inflammation.MethodsA methionine‐choline‐deficient (MCD) diet rat model was prepared. Rats were divided into three experimental groups and fed for 8 weeks as follows: (i) control rats; (ii) MCD‐diet‐fed rats; (iii) MCD‐diet‐fed rats treated with NaHS (intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL/kg/day of 0.28 mol/L NaHS, a donor of H2S).ResultsMCD diet impaired hepatic H2S biosynthesis in rats. Treatment with H2S prevented MCD‐diet‐induced NASH, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin staining, reduced apoptosis and activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and attenuated hepatic fat accumulation in rats. Treatment with H2S abated MCD‐diet‐induced oxidative stress through reducing cytochrome p4502E1 expression, enhancing heme oxygenase‐1 expression, and suppressing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation, and suppressed MCD‐diet‐induced inflammation through suppressing activated nuclear factor κB signaling and reducing interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor α expressions. In addition, treatment of MCD‐diet fed rats with H2S had a beneficial modulation on expression profiles of fatty acid metabolism genes in livers.ConclusionsTreatment with H2S prevented NASH induced by MCD diet in rats possibly through abating oxidative stress and suppressing inflammation.
Gastro 2013 APDW/WCOG Shanghai Working Party Report: Chronic diarrhea: Definition, classification, diagnosis
Authors: Schiller Lawrence R , Pardi Darrell S , Spiller Robin , Semrad Carol E , Surawicz Christina M , Giannella Ralph A , Krejs Guenter J , Farthing Michael J G , Sellin Joseph H 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDiarrhea is best defined as passage of loose stools often with more frequent bowel movements. For clinical purposes, the Bristol Stool Form Scale works well to distinguish stool form and to identify loose stools. Laboratory testing of stool consistency has lagged behind. Acute diarrhea is likely to be due to infection and to be self‐limited. As diarrhea becomes chronic, it is less likely to be due to infection; duration of 1 month seems to work well as a cut‐off for chronic diarrhea, but detailed scientific knowledge is missing about the utility of this definition. In addition to duration of diarrhea, classifications by presenting scenario, by pathophysiology, and by stool characteristics (e.g. watery, fatty, or inflammatory) may help the canny clinician refine the differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. In this regard, a careful history remains the essential part of the evaluation of a patient with diarrhea. Imaging the intestine with endoscopy and radiographic techniques is useful, and biopsy of the small intestine and colon for histological assessment provides key diagnostic information. Endomicroscopy and molecular pathology are only now being explored for the diagnosis of chronic diarrhea. Interest in the microbiome of the gut is increasing; aside from a handful of well‐described infections because of pathogens, little is known about alterations in the microbiome in chronic diarrhea. Serological tests have well‐defined roles in the diagnosis of celiac disease but have less clearly defined application in autoimmune enteropathies and inflammatory bowel disease. Measurement of peptide hormones is of value in the diagnosis and management of endocrine tumors causing diarrhea, but these are so rare that these tests are of little value in screening because there will be many more false‐positives than true‐positive results. Chemical analysis of stools is of use in classifying chronic diarrhea and may limit the differential diagnosis that must be considered, but interpretation of the results is still evolving. Breath tests for assessment of carbohydrate malabsorption, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and intestinal transit are fraught with technical limitations that decrease sensitivity and specificity. Likewise, tests of bile acid malabsorption have had limited utility beyond empirical trials of bile acid sequestrants.
Endoscopic resection therapies for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Xin , Xie Haiting , Xie Lingduo , Li Jing , Cao Weihua , Fu Wei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAmong various endoscopic resection therapies, including conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) only with a snare after submucosal injection, modified EMR (m‐EMR) with other assistant devices such as a ligation band or a suction cap, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), we aimed to study which is the best choice for rectal neuroendocrine tumors.MethodsA broad literature research was performed, and a systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted.ResultsTen retrospective studies with 650 patients were included. Complete resection rates were significantly higher in the ESD group compared with the EMR group (relative risk [RR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.79, 0.99]), in the m‐EMR group compared with the conventional EMR group (RR 0.72, 95% CI [0.60, 0.86]), and was comparable between the ESD group and the m‐EMR group (RR 1.03, 95% CI [0.95, 1.11]). Procedure time was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the EMR group (standard mean differences −1.37, 95% CI [−1.99, −0.75]), but there was no significant difference between that of the m‐EMR group and ESD group (standard mean differences −1.50, 95% CI [−3.14, 0.14]). Local recurrence occurred in five cases in the EMR group (5/328) and did not occur in the ESD group (0/209).ConclusionsESD or m‐EMR techniques could be applied to rectal neuroendocrine tumors with indications for endoscopic treatment. m‐EMR procedures appear to be comparable with ESD in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors. However, the findings have to be carefully interpreted due to the lower level of evidence.
Impact of IL28B polymorphisms on 24‐week telaprevir‐based combination therapy for Asian chronic hepatitis C patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b
Authors: Tsubota Akihito , Shimada Noritomo , Atsukawa Masanori , Abe Hiroshi , Kato Keizo , Ika Makiko , Matsudaira Hiroshi , Nagatsuma Keisuke , Matsuura Tomokazu , Aizawa Yoshio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim of this study was to clarify which or how factors could influence the probability of sustained virological response (SVR) in 24‐week telaprevir‐based triple combination therapy for East Asian chronic hepatitis C patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b.MethodsOf 140 patients who were enrolled in this study, 137 received 12‐week telaprevir combined with 24‐week pegylated interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin and were subjected to the analysis. Factors associated with SVR were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf the 137 patients, 112 (82%) achieved SVR. Of 87 patients with IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism rs8099917 genotype TT, 84 (97%) achieved SVR. By contrast, 28 of 50 (56%) patients with the genotype TG/GG had SVR (P = 3.29 × 10−9). Fifty‐three of 60 (88%) naïve patients and 50 of 54 (93%) prior relapsers achieved SVR. Nine of 13 (69%) prior partial responders and none of 10 (0%) prior null responders achieved SVR. Multivariable analysis identified four independent factors that were significantly associated with SVR: IL28B SNP rs8099917 genotype (P = 6.90 × 10−5), pre‐existence of cirrhosis (P = 3.99 × 10−3), prior treatment response (P = 0.0126), and rapid virological response (P = 0.0239).ConclusionsThe IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism still remained informative as a predictor of SVR to 24‐week telaprevir‐based triple combination therapy for East Asian patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b.
Prevention and risk factors of hepatitis B recurrence after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Na Gun Hyung , Kim Dong Goo , Han Jae Hyun , Kim Eun Young , Lee Soo Ho , Hong Tae Ho , You Young Kyoung , Choi Jong Young 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimWithout effective prophylaxis, liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver disease is frequently complicated by severe and rapidly progressive HBV recurrence. The combination of low‐dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and the new nucleos(t)ide analog, entecavir, as prophylaxis for HBV recurrence after living‐donor LT (LDLT) were analyzed.MethodsA total of 315 patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen underwent LDLT at our transplant center between July 2003 and December 2011. Our protocol for post‐transplantation HBV prophylaxis was a combination of low‐dose HBIG and nucleos(t)ide analog.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 49 months post‐transplant, 10 patients (3.2%) had HBV recurrence, which was significantly related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at transplantation (P = 0.041) and post‐LT antiviral agent (P < 0.001) in multivariate analysis. The level of HBV DNA and hepatitis B e antigen state at transplantation were not significant factors for HBV recurrence (P = 0.342 and P = 0.802, respectively). In 170 patients with HCC at LDLT, HCC recurrence was significantly related to HBV recurrence (P < 0.001). Among 10 patients with HBV recurrence, three are alive and two had lost hepatitis B surface antigen. The remaining seven patients died of HCC recurrence.ConclusionsThe combination of low‐dose HBIG and nucleos(t)ide analogs is safe and effective for HBV prophylaxis after LDLT. As a post‐LT antiviral treatment, entecavir is more effective than lamivudine. HCC at transplantation was significantly associated with HBV recurrence. HBV‐related HCC patients who undergo LDLT require close virological monitoring.
Skilled Nursing Facility Admissions of Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Givens Jane L. , Mitchell Susan L. , Kuo Sylvia , Gozalo Pedro , Mor Vince , Teno Joan 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo describe the extent to which hospitalized nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia were admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a qualifying hospitalization and to identify resident and nursing home characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of SNF admissions.DesignCohort study using data from the Minimum Data Set, Medicare claims, and the On‐line Survey Certification of Automated Records.SettingUnited States, 2000–2006.ParticipantsNursing home residents with advanced dementia aged 65 and older with a 3‐day hospitalization (N = 4,177).MeasurementsThe likelihood of SNF admission after hospitalization was calculated. Resident and nursing home factors associated with SNF admission were identified using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression.ResultsSixty‐one percent of residents with advanced dementia were admitted to a SNF after their hospitalization. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement during hospitalization was strongly associated with SNF admission (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.85–2.88), as was better functional status (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.05–1.38). The presence of diabetes mellitus was associated with lower likelihood of SNF admission (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73–0.99). Facility features significantly associated with SNF admission included more than 100 beds (AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07–1.46), being part of a chain (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.14–1.50), urban location (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03–1.41), and for‐profit status (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09–1.51).ConclusionThe majority of nursing home residents with advanced dementia are admitted to SNFs after a qualifying hospitalization. SNF admission is strongly associated with PEG tube insertion during hospitalization and with nursing home factors. Efforts to optimize appropriate use of SNF services in individuals with advanced dementia should focus on these factors.
Tea Consumption and Depressive Symptoms in Older People in Rural China
Authors: Feng Lei , Yan Zhongrui , Sun Binglun , Cai Chuanzhu , Jiang Hui , Kua Ee‐Heok , Ng Tze‐Pin , Qiu Chengxuan 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo examine the association between tea consumption and depressive symptoms in Chinese older people and to explore the mediating role of cerebrovascular disease in the association.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.SettingA rural community near Qufu in Shandong, China.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 60 and older (mean 68.6; 59.3% female) from the Confucius Hometown Aging Project (N = 1,368).MeasurmentsData were collected through interviews, clinical examinations, and psychological testing, following a standard procedure. Presence of high depressive symptoms was defined as a score of 5 or greater on the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale.ResultsOf the 1,368 participants, 165 (12.1%) were weekly and 489 (35.7%) were daily tea consumers. Compared with no or irregular tea consumption, controlling for age, sex, education, leisure activities, number of comorbidities, and Mini‐Mental State Examination score, the odds ratios of having high depressive symptoms were 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56–1.32) for weekly and 0.59 (95% CI = 0.43–0.81) for daily tea consumption (P for linear trend = .001); the linear trend of the association remained statistically significant when further controlling for history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, and presence of carotid plaques.ConclusionsDaily tea consumption is associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in Chinese older people living in a rural community. The association appears to be independent of cerebrovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Adverse Drug Events After Hospital Discharge in Older Adults: Types, Severity, and Involvement of Beers Criteria Medications
Authors: Kanaan Abir O. , Donovan Jennifer L. , Duchin Nerissa P. , Field Terry S. , Tjia Jennifer , Cutrona Sarah L. , Gagne Shawn J. , Garber Lawrence , Preusse Peggy , Harrold Leslie R. , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo characterize adverse drug events (ADEs) occurring within the high‐risk 45‐day period after hospitalization in older adults.DesignClinical pharmacists reviewed the ambulatory records of 1,000 consecutive discharges.SettingA large multispecialty group practice closely aligned with a Massachusetts‐based health plan.ParticipantsHospitalized individuals aged 65 and older discharged home.MeasurementsPossible drug‐related incidents occurring during the 45‐day period after hospitalization were identified and presented to a pair of physician‐reviewers who classified incidents as to whether an ADE was present, whether the event was preventable, and the severity of the event. Medications implicated in ADEs were further characterized according to their inclusion in the 2012 Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.ResultsAt least one ADE was identified during the 45‐day period in 18.7% (n = 187) of the 1,000 discharges. Of the 242 ADEs identified, 35% (n = 84) were deemed preventable, of which 32% (n = 27) were characterized as serious, and 5% (n = 4) as life threatening. More than half of all ADEs occurred within the first 14 days after hospitalization. The percentage of ADEs in which Beers Criteria medications were implicated was 16.5% (n = 40). Beers criteria medications with both a high quality of evidence and strong strength of recommendation were implicated in 6.6% (n = 16) of the ADEs.ConclusionADEs are common and often preventable in older adults after hospital discharge, underscoring the need to address medication safety during this high‐risk period in this vulnerable population. Beers criteria medications played a small role in these events, suggesting that efforts to improve the quality and safety of medication use during this critical transition period must extend beyond a singular focus on Beers criteria medications.
Material and Energy Flows and Environmental Impacts of the Internet in Switzerland
Authors: Müller Esther , Widmer Rolf , Coroama Vlad C. , Orthlieb Amélie 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe Internet leads to material and energy consumption as well as various environmental impacts on both the regional and global scale. Yet, assessments of the Internet's energy consumption and resulting greenhouse gas emissions are still rare, and assessments of material flows and further environmental impacts are virtually non‐existent. This article investigates material flows, the direct energy consumption during the use phase, as well as environmental impacts linked to the service, “Internet in Switzerland.” In our model, the service, Internet in Switzerland, is divided into various Internet participant categories. All devices used to access or provide Internet services are merged in a limited number of equipment families and, as such, included in an inventory of the existing infrastructure (stock). Based on this inventory, a material flow analysis (MFA) is performed, which includes the current stock as well as flows resulting from growth and disposal. The direct energy consumption for the operation of the infrastructure is quantified. Environmental impacts are calculated with a life cycle assessment approach, using the ecoinvent database and the software, SimaPro, applying four different methods. The MFA results in a 2009 stock of 98,100 tonnes. Approximately 4,130 gigawatt hours per year, or 7% of the total Swiss electricity consumption, were used in 2009 to operate the Swiss infrastructure. The environmental impacts caused during the production and use phases vary significantly depending on the assessment method chosen. The disposal phase had mainly positive impacts as a result of material recovery.
Iron deprivation results in a rapid but not sustained increase of the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism and sulfate uptake in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings
Authors: Paolacci Anna Rita , Celletti Silvia , Catarcione Giulio , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Astolfi Stefania , Ciaffi Mario 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCharacterization of the relationship between sulfur and iron in both Strategy I and Strategy II plants, has proven that low sulfur availability often limits plant capability to cope with iron shortage. Here it was investigated whether the adaptation to iron deficiency in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants was associated with an increased root sulfate uptake and translocation capacity, and modified dynamics of total sulfur and thiols accumulation between roots and shoots. Most of the tomato sulfate transporter genes belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 4 were significantly upregulated in iron‐deficient roots, as it commonly occurs under S‐deficient conditions. The upregulation of the two high affinity sulfate transporter genes, SlST1.1 and SlST1.2, by iron deprivation clearly suggests an increased root capability to take up sulfate. Furthermore, the upregulation of the two low affinity sulfate transporter genes SlST2.1 and SlST4.1 in iron‐deficient roots, accompanied by a substantial accumulation of total sulfur and thiols in shoots of iron‐starved plants, likely supports an increased root‐to‐shoot translocation of sulfate. Results suggest that tomato plants exposed to iron‐deficiency are able to change sulfur metabolic balance mimicking sulfur starvation responses to meet the increased demand for methionine and its derivatives, allowing them to cope with this stress.
Microscopic characterization of defect structure in RDX crystals
Authors: BOUMA R.H.B. , DUVALOIS W. , VAN DER HEIJDEN A.E.D.M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThree batches of the commercial energetic material RDX, as received from various production locations and differing in sensitivity towards shock initiation, have been characterized with different microscopic techniques in order to visualize the defect content in these crystals. The RDX crystals are embedded in an epoxy matrix and cross‐sectioned. By a treatment of grinding and polishing of the crystals, the internal defect structure of a multitude of energetic crystals can be visualized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Earlier optical micrographs of the same crystals immersed in a refractive index matched liquid could visualize internal defects, only not in the required detail. The combination of different microscopic techniques allows for a better characterization of the internal defects, down to inclusions of approximately 0.5 μm in size. The defect structure can be correlated to the sensitivity towards a high‐amplitude shock wave of the RDX crystals embedded in a polymer bonded explosive. The obtained experimental results comprise details on the size, type and quantity of the defects. These details should provide modellers with relevant and realistic information for modelling defects in energetic materials and their effect on the initiation and propagation of shock waves in PBX formulations.