bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of airborne microbiota in selected areas in a health-care setting in South Africa
Authors: Setlhare Gaofetoge , Malebo Ntsoaki , Shale Karabo , Lues Ryk 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
The role of bio-aerosols in the spread of disease and spoilage of food has been described in numerous studies; nevertheless this information at South African hospitals is limited. Attributable to their size, bio-aerosols may be suspended in the air for long periods placing patients at risk of infection and possibly settling on surfaces resulting in food contamination. The aim of the study is to assess the microbial composition of the air in the kitchen and selected wards at a typical district hospital in South Africa. Air samples were collected using the settle plates and an SAS Super 90 air sampler by impaction on agar. These microbial samples were quantified and identified using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Analytic Profile Index (API).

Results
Microbial counts were found to be higher in the fourth (≤6.0 × 101 cfu/m-3) sampling rounds when compared to the first (≥2 cfu/m-3), second (≤3.0 × 101 cfu/m-3) and third (≤1.5 × 101 cfu/m-3) sampling rounds. Genera identified included Bacillus, Kocuria, Staphylococcus, Arthrobacter, Candida, Aureobasidium, Penicillium and Phoma amongst others. The presence of these pathogens is of concern, attributable to their ability to cause diseases in humans especially in those with suppressed host immunity defenses. Furthermore, fungal genera identified (e.g. Candida) in this study are also known to cause food spoilage and fungal infections in patients.

Conclusion
Results from this study indicate the importance of air quality monitoring in health-care settings to prevent possible hospital-acquired infections and contamination of hospital surfaces including food contact surfaces by airborne contaminants.
Beacon-based (bbFISH®) technology for rapid pathogens identification in blood cultures
Authors: Sakarikou Christina , Parisato Martina , Cascio Giuliana Lo , Fontana Carla 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infections (BSI) are often hampered by the delay in obtaining the final results of blood cultures. Rapid identification of pathogens involved in BSI is of great importance in order to improve survival of septic patients. Beacon-based fluorescent in situ hybridization (hemoFISH® Gram positive and hemoFISH® Gram negative test kits, miacom diagnostics GmbH Düsseldorf, Germany) accelerates the identification of most frequent bacterial pathogens of sepsis.

Results
In this study a total of 558 blood culture (377 blood culture positive and 181 negative) were tested with the hemoFISH® method and the results were evaluated in comparison with the traditional culture based methods. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the hemoFISH® tests were 94.16% and 100%, while, the PPV and NPV were 100 and 89.16%, respectively. As the hemoFISH® results were obtained within 45 mins, the time difference between the final results of the traditional culture method and the hemoFISH® assay was about two days.

Conclusions
Considering the good sensitivity and specificity of the hemoFISH® assays as well as the significant time saving in obtaining the final results (p-value 0.0001), the introduction of the system could be rialable in the microbiology laboratories, even alongside the traditional systems.
Differential regulation of MMPs by E2F1, Sp1 and NF-kappa B controls the small cell lung cancer invasive phenotype
Authors: Li Zunling , Guo Yanxia , Jiang Hanming , Zhang Tingguo , Jin Changzhu , Young Charles YF , Yuan Huiqing 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
E2F1 transcription factor plays a vital role in the regulation of diverse cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. E2F1 overexpression has been demonstrated in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and extensive metastasis in early phase is the most important feature of SCLC. In this study, we investigated the involvement of E2F1 in the process of invasion and metastasis in SCLC by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of E2F1 and MMPs in SCLC samples in a Chinese Han population. The impact of E2F1 on invasion and metastasis was observed by transwell and wound healing experiments with depletion of E2F1 by specific siRNA. The target genes regulated by E2F1 were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-to-sequence, and the expressions of target genes were detected by real time PCR and western blotting. The dual luciferase reporter system was performed to analyze the regulatory relationship between E2F1 and MMPs.

Results
E2F1 is an independent and adverse prognosis factor that is highly expressed in SCLC in a Chinese Han population. Knockdown of E2F1 by specific siRNA resulted in the downregulation of migration and invasion in SCLC. The expressions of MMP-9 and −16 in SCLC were higher than other MMPs, and their expressions were most significantly reduced after silencing E2F1. ChIP-to-sequence and promoter-based luciferase analysis demonstrated that E2F1 directly controlled MMP-16 expression via an E2F1 binding motif in the promoter. Although one E2F1 binding site was predicted in the MMP-9 promoter, luciferase analysis indicated that this binding site was not functionally required. Further study demonstrated that E2F1 transcriptionally controlled the expression of Sp1 and p65, which in turn enhanced the MMP-9 promoter activity in SCLC cells. The associations between E2F1, Sp1, p65, and MMP-9 were validated by immunohistochemistry staining in SCLC tumors.

Conclusions
E2F1 acts as a transcriptional activator for MMPs and directly enhances MMP transcription by binding to E2F1 binding sequences in the promoter, or indirectly activates MMPs through enhanced Sp1 and NF-kappa B as a consequence of E2F1 activation in SCLC.
Comparative chest computed tomography findings of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases and pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with acid fast bacilli smear-positive sputum
Authors: Yuan Mei-Kang , Chang Cheng-Yu , Tsai Ping-Huang , Lee Yuan-Ming , Huang Jen-Wu , Chang Shih-Chieh 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Early diagnosis and treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases (NTM-LD) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) are important clinical issues. The present study aimed to compare and identify the chest CT characteristics that help to distinguish NTM lung disease from PTB in patients with acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive sputum.

Methods
From January 2009 to April 2012, we received 467 AFB smear-positive sputum specimens. A total of 95 CT scans obtained from the 159 patients were analyzed, 75 scans were from patients with PTB and 20 scans from NTM-LD. The typical chest CT findings of mycobacterial diseases were analyzed.

Results
In patients with PTB, the prevalence of pleural effusion (38.7% vs. 15.0%; P =0.047), nodules < 10 mm in size (76.0% vs. 25.0%; P < 0.001), tree-in-bud pattern (81.3% vs. 55.0%; P =0.021), and cavities (31.1% vs. 5.0%; P =0.018) were significantly higher than patients with NTM. Of the 20 patients with NTM lung diseases, bronchiectasis and cystic changes were significantly higher than patients with PTB (20.0% vs. 4.0%; P = 0.034). In multivariate analysis, CT scan findings of nodules was independently associated with patients with diagnoses of PTB (odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.30). Presence of bronchiectasis and cystic changes in CT scans was strongly associated with patients with NTM-LD (OR, 33.04; 95% CI, 3.01-362.55).

Conclusions
The CT distinction between NTM-LD and PTB may help radiologists and physicians to know the most likely diagnoses in AFB-smear positive patients and avoid unnecessary adverse effects and the related costs of anti-TB drugs in endemic areas.
Ultrahigh refractive index sensing performance of plasmonic quadrupole resonances in gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yong Zehui , Lei Dang Yuan , Lam Chi Hang , Wang Yu 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The refractive index sensing properties of plasmonic resonances in gold nanoparticles (nanorods and nanobipyramids) are investigated through numerical simulations. We find that the quadruple resonance in both nanoparticles shows much higher sensing figure of merit (FOM) than its dipolar counterpart, which is attributed mainly to the reduction in resonance linewidth. More importantly, our results predict that at the same sensing wavelength, the sensing FOM of the quadrupole mode can be significantly boosted from 3.9 for gold nanorods to 7.4 for gold nanobipyramids due to the geometry-dependent resonance linewidth, revealing a useful strategy for optimizing the sensing performance of metal nanoparticles.
Kallikrein 3 and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms: potentials environmental risk factors for prostate cancer
Authors: Hu Jianpeng , Qiu Zhen , Zhang Liansheng , Cui Feilun 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the relationship and interaction of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KLK3 and VDR and environmental factors with the predisposition to prostate cancer within Chinese population.

Methods
The comparison between 108 patients and 242 healthy people was carried out by using the TaqMan/MGB Probe Technology to determine the genotypes of KLK3(rs2735839 is located between KLK2 and KLK3) and VDR (rs731236 is located exon 9). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to assess the connection of genetic polymorphisms and environmental risk factors with PCa by collecting demographic information, as well as BMI, consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, and tea, exercise, and other environmental risk factors.

Results
The appearing frequencies of AA, AG, and GG genotypes at the SNPs rs2735839 (A/G) for KLK3 were 13.89%, 62.96% and 23.15% in PCa and 37.19%, 44.63%, 18.18% in control, respectively; these two groups are statistically different (P = 0.00). While the appearing frequencies of TT, TC, and CC genotypes at the SNPs rs731236 (T/C) for VDR were 88.89%, 9, 26%, 1.85% and 90.50%, 9.10%, 0.40% in control, respectively, with no significant statistical difference between the two group. The study confirmed decreasing risk in tea drinkers (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35-0.96).

Conclusions
Our studies indicate that environmental factor-tea drinking is associated with the development of PCa. The habit of drinking tea is a protective factor against PCa. The SNPs rs2735839 for KLK3 is strongly related to the development of PCa, while the SNPs rs731236 for VDR is not.

Virtual slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/9759981571058803.
Repeatability of a multi‐segment foot model with a 15‐marker set in healthy adults
Authors: Seo Sang Gyo , Lee Dong Yeon , Moon Hyuk Ju , Kim Sung Ju , Kim Jihyeung , Lee Kyoung Min , Chung Chin Youb , Choi In Ho 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundSeveral 3D multi‐segment foot models (MFMs) have been introduced for the in vivo analysis of dynamic foot kinematics. However, reproducibility of a model should be checked and ascertained before clinical utilization of a MFM. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of recently introduced MFM with a 15‐marker set by assessing the participant's stride‐to‐stride (intra‐session) and visit‐to‐revisit (inter‐session) repeatability.MethodsTwenty healthy adults with a mean age of 28.9 years (10 males and 10 females) were tested. Three representative strides from five separate trials were used for analysis from each session. Kinematic data of foot segmental motion was collected and tracked using the Foot3D Multi‐Segment Software (Motion Analysis Co., Santa Rosa. CA). A retest was performed in the same manner at an interval of 4 weeks. Coefficients of multiple correlation (CMC) and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated in order to assess the intra‐session and inter‐session repeatability.ResultsInter‐segment foot angles from healthy adults from a MFM with 15‐marker set showed a narrow range of variability during the gait cycle. The mean intra‐session ICC was 0.981 (±0.010), which was interpreted as excellent. The mean intra‐session CMC was 0.948 (±0.027), which was interpreted as very good repeatability. The mean inter‐session ICC was 0.886 (±0.047) and the mean inter‐session CMC was 0.801 (±0.077), which were interpreted as excellent and good repeatability, respectively.ConclusionWe demonstrated a MFM with a 15‐marker set had high intra‐session and inter‐session repeatability, especially in sagittal plane motion. We thought this MFM would be applicable to evaluation of the segmental foot motion during gait.
Role of season, temperature and humidity on the incidence of epistaxis in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J , DeSerres Joshua J , Rudmik Luke , Wright Erin D 
Published: April 2014

Background Classical dogma holds that epistaxis is more common in winter months but there is significant variability reported in the literature. No study has yet examined the effect of season, humidity and temperature on epistaxis in a location with as severe weather extremes as seen in Alberta, Canada. The objective of the study is to evaluate for an effect of these meteorological factors on the incidence of epistaxis in Alberta. Method A retrospective review of consecutive adult patients presenting to the Emergency room (ER) in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta over a three-year period was performed. Daily temperature and humidity data was recorded from the respective airports. Statistical analysis with Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed. Results 4315 patients presented during the study period. Mean daily temperatures ranged from a low of -40°C to a high of +23°C. A significant negative correlation was found for mean monthly temperature with epistaxis (Pearson's r = -0.835, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was also present for daily temperature and epistaxis presentation (Pearson's r = -0.55, p = 0.018, range 1.8 to 2.2 events/day). No correlation was identified with humidity and no significant seasonal variation was present. Conclusions A negative correlation was found to exist for both daily and mean monthly temperature with rates of epistaxis. A seasonal variation was seen in Edmonton but not in Calgary. No correlation was found for humidity when compared to both presentation rates and admissions.
Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy but not standard therapy is associated with resolution of erosion in the sacroiliac joints of patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Pedersen Susanne J , Wichuk Stephanie , Chiowchanwisawakit Praveena , Lambert Robert G , Maksymowych Walter P 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Radiography is an unreliable and insensitive tool for the assessment of structural lesions in the sacroiliac joints (SIJ). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects a wider spectrum of structural lesions but has undergone minimal validation in prospective studies. The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Structural Score (SSS) assesses a spectrum of structural lesions (erosion, fat metaplasia, backfill, ankylosis) and its potential to discriminate between therapies requires evaluation.

Methods
The SSS score assesses five consecutive coronal slices through the cartilaginous portion of the joint on T1-weighted sequences starting from the transitional slice between cartilaginous and ligamentous portions of the joint. Lesions are scored dichotomously (present/absent) in SIJ quadrants (fat metaplasia, erosion) or halves (backfill, ankylosis). Two readers independently scored 147 pairs (baseline, 2 years) of scans from a prospective cohort of patients with SpA who received either standard (n = 69) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor (n = 78) therapy. Smallest detectable change (SDC) was calculated using analysis of variance (ANOVA), discrimination was assessed using Guyatt’s effect size, and treatment group differences were assessed using t-tests and the Mann–Whitney test. We identified baseline demographic and structural damage variables associated with change in SSS score by univariate analysis and analyzed the effect of treatment by multivariate stepwise regression adjusted for severity of baseline structural damage and demographic variables.

Results
A significant increase in mean SSS score for fat metaplasia (P = 0.017) and decrease in mean SSS score for erosion (P = 0.017) was noted in anti-TNFα treated patients compared to those on standard therapy. Effect size for this change in SSS fat metaplasia and erosion score was moderate (0.5 and 0.6, respectively). Treatment and baseline SSS score for erosion were independently associated with change in SSS erosion score (β = 1.75, P = 0.003 and β = 0.40, P < 0.0001, respectively). Change in ASDAS (β = −0.46, P = 0.006), SPARCC MRI SIJ inflammation (β = −0.077, P = 0.019), and baseline SSS score for fat metaplasia (β = 0.085, P = 0.034) were independently associated with new fat metaplasia.

Conclusion
The SPARCC SSS method for assessment of structural lesions has discriminative capacity in demonstrating significantly greater reduction in erosion and new fat metaplasia in patients receiving anti-TNFα therapy.
Human placenta-derived neurospheres are susceptible to transformation after extensive in vitro expansion
Authors: Amendola Donatella , Nardella Marta , Guglielmi Loredana , Cerquetti Lidia , Carico Elisabetta , Alesi Viola , Porru Manuela , Leonetti Carlo , Bearzi Claudia , Rizzi Roberto , D’Agnano Igea , Stigliano Antonio , Novelli Giuseppe , Bucci Barbara 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The cancer stem cell model links neoplastic cells with normal stem cell biology, but little is known on how normal stem cells are transformed into cancer stem cells.

Methods
To investigate the processes underlying the transformation of normal stem cells we developed in vitro a cancer stem cell model from human amniotic and chorionic placenta membranes. In this model we studied the expression of specific stem cell molecules by flow cytometry, and genes, by real time RT-PCR. Microscopy immunfluorescence was employed to investigate the proliferative and differentiation patterns. Fluorescence microscopy and FACS were employed to investigate the proliferative and differentiation patterns. To evaluate the tumorigenic potential of our model we injected the cells into NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/NCrHsd mice.

Results
Normal human stem cells from amniotic and chorionic placenta membranes were converted into neural cell lineages, under specific conditions, to form secondary neurospheres with a capacity for self-renewal. After extensive in vitro culture, these cells underwent spontaneous transformations and acquired a neuroblastoma (NB)-like phenotype with an elevated proliferative potential that is comparable to established neuroblastoma cell lines. The ability of these cells to transform their phenotype was evidenced by increased clonogenic ability in vitro; by augmented expression level of certain proliferation- and transformation-related genes (e.g., CCNA2, MYCN, ENPP2, GRIA3, and KIT); by the presence of multinucleated and hyperdiploid cells. We further demonstrated that the transformed phenotype is an NB by measuring the expression of NB-specific markers, disialoganglioside GD2 and N-Myc proteins.

Conclusions
We have developed a cancer stem cell model starting from normal human stem cells derived from amniotic and chorionic placenta membranes. These cells are able to differentiate into neural cell lineages and to undergo spontaneous transformations and acquire an NB-like phenotype.
Inhibition of murine fibrocyte differentiation by cross-linked IgG is dependent on FcγRI
Authors: Pilling Darrell , Crawford Jeffrey R , Verbeek J Sjef , Gomer Richard H 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMonocyte-derived, fibroblast-like cells, called fibrocytes, participate in wound-healing and the formation of fibrotic lesions. Aggregated or cross-linked IgG are key effectors in infections, autoimmune diseases, anaphylaxis, and immunotherapy. Cells, including monocytes and fibrocytes, bind IgG using FcγRs, and aggregated or cross-linked IgG inhibits fibrocyte differentiation. Mice have four different FcγRs, and which of these, if any, mediate the cross-linked IgG effect on fibrocyte differentiation is unknown. We find that in mice, deletion of FcγRI or the common signaling protein FcRγ significantly reduces the ability of cross-linked IgG or IgG2a to inhibit fibrocyte differentiation. Cells from FcγRIIb/III/IV KO mice are still sensitive to cross-linked IgG, whereas cells from FcγRI/IIb/III/IV KO mice are insensitive to cross-linked IgG. These observations suggest that IgG-mediated inhibition of fibrocyte differentiation is mediated by FcγRs, with FcγRI mediating most of the signaling.
Public media and climate change: Ethical standards and codes in the BBC treatment of environmental information
Authors: Parratt Sonia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Climate change has entered the public sphere thanks to the media, which are essential in providing information and raising awareness about the seriousness of the problem. Despite the fact that the media, and particularly public media, have the duty of providing adequate information, the coverage of a controversial issue such as global warming is not always properly accomplished by just complying strictly with the fundamental principles of good journalism. The British public broadcasting network, the BBC, is renowned as an international leader in terms of journalistic fairness, independence and clarity, but its news monitoring of everything concerning climate change is not devoid of problems and challenges, which are analysed in this article.
Reviews
Authors: Hoyos Gloria , Rodríguez Laura Teruel 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE MEDIA: REPORTING RISK AND UNCERTAINTY, JAMES PAINTER (2013) London: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and I.B. Tauris & Co., 150 pp., ISBN-10: 1780765886, ISBN-13: 9781780765884 (pbk), £11.00
CLIMATE CHANGE DENIAL: HEADS IN THE SAND, HAYDN WASHINGTON AND JOHN COOK (2011) London and New York: Routledge, 192 pp., ISBN-13: 9781849713368 (pbk), £11.00
Communication of the scientific consensus on climate change to the citizenship: Knowledge and perception of young university students from five countries regarding the media treatment of global warming
Authors: Estévez Marta Díaz , de Frutos García Ruth A. , Moya Jesús Peña 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This study focuses on how young university students perceive media communication of the scientific consensus. It has been carried out based on a non-probabilistic sample of 484 students from universities in Brazil, Spain, Italy, China and the United States. The study sets off from two assumptions. Firstly, that the survey participants belong to a global culture that shapes their identity through electronic interaction regardless of their geographical location. Secondly, as part of their ranking of priorities, which sets them apart from their predecessors, environmental issues are one of their main concerns. In response to environmental problems, they consider that interdisciplinarity is essential in tackling the causes that generate climate change and minimizing its consequences and they consider that it is the media’s duty to construct a specialized message in accordance with the discourse that the scientific community agrees on and which is free of business, economic or ideological interests.