bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sewage reflects the distribution of human faecal Lachnospiraceae
Authors: McLellan Sandra L. , Newton Ryan J. , Vandewalle Jessica L. , Shanks Orin C. , Huse Susan M. , Eren A. Murat , Sogin Mitchell L. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryFaecal pollution contains a rich and diverse community of bacteria derived from animals and humans, many of which might serve as alternatives to the traditional enterococci and Escherichia coli faecal indicators. We used massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize microbial communities from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent sewage from 12 cities geographically distributed across the USA. We examined members of the Clostridiales, which included the families Clostridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae for their potential as sewage indicators. Lachnospiraceae was one of the most abundant groups of faecal bacteria in sewage, and several Lachnospiraceae high‐abundance sewage pyrotags occurred in at least 46 of 48 human faecal samples. Clone libraries targeting Clostridium coccoides (C. coccoides) in sewage samples demonstrated that Lachnospiraceae‐annotated V6 pyrotags encompassed the previously reported C. coccoides group. We used oligotyping to profile the genus Blautia within Lachnospiraceae and found oligotypes comprised of 24 entropy components that showed patterns of host specificity. These findings suggest that indicators based on Blautia might have the capacity to discriminate between different faecal pollution sources. Development of source‐specific alternative indicators would enhance water quality assessments, which leads to improved ecosystem health and reduced human health risk due to waterborne disease.
Admission rate and characteristics of hospitalized systemic connective tissue disorders: analysis from a nationwide Thailand healthcare database
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Thavornpitak Yupa , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Nanagara Ratanavadee 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundReports of hospitalized systemic connective tissue disorders (SCNTD) are mostly disease‐specific reports from institutional databases.ObjectiveTo clarify the admission rate, disease determination, hospital mortality rate, length of stay and hospital charges among hospitalized patients diagnosed with SCNTD.Materials and methodsThe data were extracted from the 2010 national database of hospitalized patients provided by the Thai Health Coding Center, Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Patients over 18 years having International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 codes for a primary diagnosis related to SCNTD were included.ResultsThere were 6861 admissions coded as disorders related to SCNTD during the fiscal year 2010. The admission rate was 141 per 100 000 admissions. Among these, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was the most common, followed by systemic sclerosis (SSc) and dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM‐PM). The overall mean length of hospital stay was 6.8 days. Small vessel vasculitis and Sjögren syndrome had the longest and the shortest hospital stays respectively (14.5 vs. 5.3 days). Hospital charges were highest among systemic vasculitis and DM‐PM patients.ConclusionThe admission rate for SCNTD in Thailand was 141 per 100 000 admissions among which SLE was the most common. Overall hospital mortality was 4.1%. Although a lower prevalence was found among systemic vasculitis, it had a higher mortality rate, longer length of stay and greater therapeutic cost.
Filaggrin mutations are strongly associated with contact sensitization in individuals with dermatitis
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Linneberg Allan , Ross‐Hansen Katrine , Carlsen Berit C. , Meldgaard Michael , Szecsi Pal B. , Stender Steen , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D. 
Published: January 2013

Background. Although heterozygous filaggrin gene (FLG) mutation carriers seem to have an increased risk of atopic, irritant and allergic nickel dermatitis, it remains unclear whether the risk of contact sensitization to allergens other than nickel is also elevated in FLG mutation carriers.Objectives. We hypothesized that heterozygous FLG mutation carriers who suffer from dermatitis will have strongly reduced or even absent filaggrin levels during episodes of inflammation, potentially increasing the penetration of contact allergens, and hence the risk of becoming sensitized.Materials and methods. During 2006–2008, 3335 randomly invited 18–69‐year‐old adult Danes participated in a general health examination, filled out a questionnaire, and were genotyped for the R501X and 2282del4 mutations in FLG.Results. A logistic regression analysis restricted to individuals who reported atopic dermatitis and frequent episodes of hand eczema showed a strong association between FLG mutations and contact sensitization to allergens other than nickel (odds ratio 5.71; 95% confidence interval 1.31–24.94). In participants without dermatitis, no association was found between contact sensitization and FLG mutations.Conclusion.
FLG mutation carriers with self‐reported dermatitis have an increased risk of contact sensitization to substances other than nickel, whereas FLG mutations alone may not, or may only slightly, increase the risk of sensitization.
An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2007–2011
Authors: Swinnen Inge , Goossens An 
Published: January 2013

Background. Reviews on irritant and allergic airborne contact dermatitis have been previously reported in the literature.Materials and methods. Here, we present an update based on recently published airborne‐induced skin reactions. For this survey, we screened the journals Contact Dermatitis, Dermatitis, and included relevant articles from other journals during the period January 2007 to December 2011. We also present the airborne cases observed in our department during the same time period.Results. This survey provides an updated list of causal agents that have produced airborne allergic contact dermatitis, and briefly mentions some other types of skin reaction induced by airborne exposure. The sources of the reactions are multiple: drugs; plants, natural resins, and wood allergens; plastics, rubbers, and glues; preservatives and other chemicals; and metals.Conclusions. Airborne contact dermatitis is frequent, and most of the airborne allergens (and irritants) identified are in occupational settings. Drugs and preservatives have recently become more important causes. Dermatologists and occupational physicians need to be aware of them.
Predicted effects of climate change on potential sources of non‐indigenous marine species
Authors: Floerl Oliver , Rickard Graham , Inglis Graeme , Roulston Helen 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimWe compare the present‐day global ocean climate with future climatologies based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models and examine whether changes in global ocean climate will affect the environmental similarity of New Zealand's (NZ) coastal environments to those of the rest of the world. Our underlying rationale is that environmental changes to source and recipient regions may result in changes to the risk of non‐indigenous species survival and establishment.LocationCoastlines of global continents and islands.MethodsWe determined the environmental similarity (Euclidean distance) between global coastlines and north‐east NZ for 2005 and 2050 using data on coastal seawater surface temperature and salinity. Anticipated climate models from the SRES A1B scenario family were used to derive coastal climatologies for 2050.ResultsDuring the next decades, most global regions will experience an increase in coastal seawater surface temperatures and a decline or increase in salinity. This will result in changes in the similarity of other coastal environments to north‐east NZ's coastal areas. Global regions that presently have high environmental similarity to north‐east NZ will variously retain this level of similarity, become more similar or decrease in environmental similarity. Some regions that presently have a low level of similarity will become more similar to NZ. Our models predict a widespread decrease in the seasonal variation in environmental similarity to NZ.Main conclusionsAnticipated changes in the global ocean climate have the potential to change the risk of survival and establishment of non‐indigenous marine species arriving to NZ from some global regions. Predicted changes to global human transport networks over the coming decades highlight the importance of incorporating climate change into conservation planning and modelling.
Briefly Trained Medical Students Can Effectively Identify Rheumatic Mitral Valve Injury Using a Hand‐Carried Ultrasound
Authors: Shmueli Hezzy , Burstein Yuval , Sagy Iftach , Perry Zvi H. , Ilia Ruben , Henkin Yaakov , Shafat Tali , Liel‐Cohen Noah , Kobal Sergio L. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is common and remains a major cause of morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Its diagnosis relies on expertise‐dependent echocardiographic studies. We evaluated the accuracy of briefly trained examiners in identifying RHD utilizing a hand‐carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) device.MethodsThree medical students received 8 hours of training in cardiac ultrasound, focused on assessment of rheumatic valve injury and its complications, using a prototype of HCU device, OptiGo. The students, blinded to the patients' medical condition, performed an auscultation‐based physical examination and a focused HCU study on volunteers and patients with known RHD. A standard echocardiography study was used to validate the results.ResultsEach student performed a physical examination followed by an HCU study on 45 subjects (mean age 57 ± 14 years, 52% men), 14 of whom (31%) had rheumatic mitral valve injury. The students' averaged sensitivity for diagnosing RHD by HCU examination was 81%, while specificity was 95%. The interrater agreement (kappa) of the 3 students' HCU study and the standard echocardiography examination were between 0.55 and 0.88 (P < 0.01), and among the students themselves between 0.57 and 0.74 (P < 0.01), as students 1 and 2 had better results than student 3. Auscultation‐based physical examination rendered low sensitivity (16%) for diagnosing rheumatic valve complications, namely mitral regurgitation and stenosis; however, it improved by 26% when students based their diagnosis on an HCU study.ConclusionsThe ability to detect rheumatic valve injury using a portable ultrasound device by operators who only received brief echocardiographic training is remarkably high. However, the diagnosis of RHD complications is only modest. This result highlights the utility of portable cardiac ultrasound devices operated by basically trained personnel as a valuable diagnostic tool for RHD.
The effectiveness of school mental health literacy programs to address knowledge, attitudes and help seeking among youth
Authors: Wei Yifeng , Hayden Jill A. , Kutcher Stan , Zygmunt Austin , McGrath Patrick 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAim:Conduct a systematic review for the effectiveness of school mental health literacy programs to enhance knowledge, reduce stigmatizing attitudes and improve help‐seeking behaviours among youth (12–25 years of age).Methods:Reviewers independently searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ERIC, grey literature and reference lists of included studies. They reached a consensus on the included studies, and rated the risk of bias of each study. Studies that reported three outcomes: knowledge acquisition, stigmatizing attitudes and help‐seeking behaviours; and were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, quasi‐experimental studies, and controlled‐before‐and‐after studies, were eligible.Results:This review resulted in 27 articles including 5 RCTs, 13 quasi‐experimental studies, and 9 controlled‐before‐and‐after studies. Whereas most included studies claimed school‐based mental health literacy programs improve knowledge, attitudes and help‐seeking behaviour, 17 studies met criteria for high risk of bias, 10 studies for moderate risk of bias, and no studies for low risk of bias. Common limitations included the lack of randomization, control for confounding factors, validated measures and report on attrition in most studies. The overall quality of the evidence for knowledge and help‐seeking behaviour outcomes was very low, and low for the attitude outcome.Conclusions:Research into school‐based mental health literacy is still in its infancy and there is insufficient evidence to claim for positive impact of school mental health literacy programs on knowledge improvement, attitudinal change or help‐seeking behaviour. Future research should focus on methods to appropriately determine the evidence of effectiveness on school‐based mental health literacy programs, considering the values of both RCTs and other research designs in this approach. Educators should consider the strengths and weaknesses of current mental health literacy programs to inform decisions regarding possible implementation.
Aspects of training in clinical medical sciences in dentistry (human disease): recent graduates' perspectives from a UK dental school
Authors: Greenwood M. , Beattie A. , Green R. , Durham J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTeaching the management of medical emergencies is an important part of most courses in Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry (Human Disease). The aim of this study was to examine which medical emergencies graduates from the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University had experienced 1 year after qualification and their perceptions of their ability to assess a patient's fitness for treatment or to manage a medical emergency. The study instrument was a computer readable questionnaire. Very few emergencies had been experienced in general practice at this stage of their career, but all respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that their training had adequately equipped them to assess a patient's medical history and deal with medical emergencies. There were, however, aspects of the course that upon reflection that clearly needed to be addressed, including the use of different teachers for aspects of the medical emergency teaching.
Case report: Atenolol overdose successfully treated with hemodialysis
Authors: Huang Shih‐Han S. , Tirona Rommel G. , Ross Cameron , Suri Rita S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOwing to the drug's favorable hydrophilic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, a number of case reports have demonstrated effective treatment of atenolol overdose with hemodialysis. However, the efficiency of atenolol clearance throughout hemodialysis treatments has not previously been examined. In this report, a patient with impaired renal function was successfully treated with two 5‐hour intermittent high‐flux high‐efficiency hemodialysis therapies after atenolol overdose. Serial atenolol levels were measured during his hemodialysis treatments. We observed an over 50% plasma atenolol concentration reduction after each 5‐hour hemodialysis therapy. Hemodialysis therapy is an effective treatment for atenolol overdose, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
The setting characteristics of MTA Plus in different environmental conditions
Authors: Camilleri J. , Formosa L. , Damidot D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimCharacterization and assessment of the hydration reaction of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Plus exposed to different environmental conditions.MethodologyThe specific surface area, surface morphology and characterization of un‐hydrated MTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc. Bradenton, FL, USA) were investigated. The specific surface area was compared with that of ProRoot MTA (Dentsply International, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN, USA). The reaction rate was determined using calorimetry, and the hydrated cement was assessed for setting time (determined using an indentation technique), and the set material was characterized using X‐ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy‐dispersive analysis. Atomic ratio plots were drawn to establish the relationship of the hydration products. Three different environmental conditions namely dry or immersed in either water or Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) were used.ResultsMineral trioxide aggregate Plus had a higher specific surface area than ProRoot MTA. The hydration reaction was exothermic. The setting time of MTA Plus was retarded when in contact with fluids (P < 0.001). The setting time was longer when MTA Plus was in contact with HBSS than when in contact with water (P < 0.001). Hydration of MTA Plus resulted in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate, calcium hydroxide, ettringite and monosulfate phases. Bismuth was incorporated in the calcium silicate hydrate structure. The hydration of the core material was not affected by contact with the different solutions but the periphery exhibited microcracking, leaching of calcium hydroxide, partial decalcification of calcium silicate hydrate, inhibition of hydration in contact with the physiological solution.ConclusionsThe novel MTA Plus was finer than ProRoot MTA but had a similar chemical composition. MTA Plus in direct contact with fluids exhibited partial decalcification of calcium silicate hydrate in contact with the solution, microcracking and leaching of calcium hydroxide. Interaction with a physiological solution resulted in inhibition of hydration.
Treatment of Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Sinnathurai P. , Schrieber L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSystemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease characterised by microvascular injury and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Most patients with this condition experience Raynaud phenomenon, usually as the earliest manifestation of disease. In addition to pain and functional impairment, Raynaud phenomenon can produce tissue ischaemia resulting in digital ulceration and gangrene. Current treatments have been only moderately successful in reducing the frequency and severity of Raynaud phenomenon in patients with systemic sclerosis. This review will address treatments available for Raynaud phenomenon in systemic sclerosis.
Role analysis of the nurse/midwives in the health services in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Uys Leana , Chipps Jennifer , Kohi Thekla , Makoka Dickson , Libetwa Miriam 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo describe the tasks and the roles of nurses and midwives in Sub‐Saharan African health services.BackgroundThe current roles of nurses and midwives in the African region of the World Health Organization have not been empirically established, with only studies from two countries found (South Africa and Mozambique). This makes it difficult to establish whether current nursing/midwifery education programmes and regulations adequately address the needs in the health services.DesignA descriptive quantitative study.MethodsA survey questionnaire was administered to ambulatory and hospital services. Data were collected between June–December 2010, with completed responses from 734 nurses from nine African countries (five Anglophone and four Francophone).ResultsThe highest reported role functioning in both settings was for ‘General Care and Treatment’. The lowest role functioning reported in both settings was in the role ‘Maternal and Child Health’ and in ‘The Provision of Mental Health Care’. The reported role performance in Anglophone countries was significantly greater than in Francophone countries.ConclusionThe development of competency in nursing/midwifery roles other than medical surgical roles (general assessment and care) should receive more attention in curricula. Special attention needs to be given to Francophone countries, where the professions of nursing and midwifery are poorly developed.
Prevalence and risk factors of actinic keratoses in Germany – analysis of multisource data
Authors: Schaefer I. , Augustin M. , Spehr C. , Reusch M. , Kornek T. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn Europe, only few and inconsistent data on the prevalence and treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) are available.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of AK in Germany, to identify potential predictors and to estimate the number of AK cases treated in dermatological practices.MethodsIn a multiple‐source approach, prevalence was assessed from whole‐body examinations in a cohort of 90 800 employees and from nationwide statutory health insurance (SHI) data of 2008. The number of cases documented in dermatological offices was estimated from statistics of a SHI Physicians Association.ResultsStandardized prevalence of AK from dermatological examinations was 2.7%; the rate increased with age (11.5% in the group 60–70 years) and was higher for men (3.9%) than for women (1.5%). Significant associations were also identified for skin phototype I, sunburns in childhood and solar lentigines. Vitiligo and a history of melanoma were also, but not significantly, associated with AK. In the SHI data analysis, standardized AK prevalence was 1.8%. Age‐specific rates were below 1.5% up to 60 years and rose to 8.2% (13.2% in men) in the group 80–89 years. The prevalence from these large data sets – which is at the lower limit of studies from other countries – suggests about 1.7 million estimated AK cases in Germany.In 2011, AK accounted for 8.3% of the hundred most frequently treated dermatological outpatient diagnoses. The proportion of AK cases has risen almost continuously over the last 10 years, compared to other dermatological conditions. Estimated annual number of AK cases documented by dermatologists in Germany is about 1.7 million.ConclusionsActinic keratosis is a frequent condition in higher age groups and more prevalent in men; a relevant need for health care is evident. Predictors and risk factors for AK are easy to identify in the population, which could also help to detect groups with special need for preventive measures.
Discovery of a Diverse Clade of Gregarine Apicomplexans (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida) from Pacific Eunicid and Onuphid Polychaetes, Including Descriptions of Paralecudina n. gen., Trichotokara japonica n. sp., and T. eunicae n. sp.
Authors: Rueckert Sonja , Wakeman Kevin C. , Leander Brian S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMarine gregarines are poorly understood apicomplexan parasites with large trophozoites that inhabit the body cavities of marine invertebrates. Two novel species of gregarines were discovered in polychaete hosts collected in Canada and Japan. The trophozoites of Trichotokara japonica n. sp. were oval to rhomboidal shaped, and covered with longitudinal epicytic folds with a density of six to eight folds/micron. The nucleus was situated in the middle of the cell, and the mucron was elongated and covered with hair‐like projections; antler‐like projections also extended from the anterior tip of the mucron. The distinctively large trophozoites of Trichotokara eunicae n. sp. lacked an elongated mucron and had a tadpole‐like cell shape consisting of a bulbous anterior region and a tapered tail‐like posterior region. The cell surface was covered with longitudinal epicytic folds with a density of three to five folds/micron. Small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences of both species were very divergent and formed a strongly supported clade with the recently described species Trichotokara nothriae and an environmental sequence (AB275074). This phylogenetic context combined with the morphological features of T. eunicae n. sp. required us to amend the description for Trichotokara. The sister clade to the Trichotokara clade consisted of environmental sequences and Lecudina polymorpha, which also possesses densely packed epicyctic folds (3–5 folds/micron) and a prominently elongated mucron. This improved morphological and molecular phylogenetic context justified the establishment of Paralecudina (ex. Lecudina) polymorpha n. gen. et comb.