bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Mathematical Model for the Quantification of Acylated Homoserine Lactones Produces by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Chicken Breast Meat and Broth
Authors: Zhang Qiu‐Qin , Wang Hu‐Hu , Zhuang Su , Xiao Hong‐Mei , Xu Xing‐Lian , Zhou Guang‐Hong 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAs storage temperature had no influence on the acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs) production, the main AHLs (C8‐HSL and C6‐HSL) were used as reference standards. We proposed to describe the relationship between AHLs and β‐galactosidase of AHL biosensor with an equation. The equation could fit the β‐galactosidase data well with a high determination coefficient (0.994) and low root mean squared error (0.016). In all experiment, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the observed and calculated AHL values in chicken meat, when different type of AHLs was used. Hence, based on the equation the AHLs similar to Pseudomonas aeruginosa production can be calculated. This approach simplified the calculation of the AHL production in chicken meat and broth. Based on this method, we found that during bacterial growth, the AHLs accumulate in the exponential phase, but decreased in the stationary phase. The highest AHLs were determined during late exponential and early stationary phase.Practical ApplicationIn present study, we propose to simplify the calculation of the AHL produced by P. aeruginosa in chicken meat and broth based on the microplate bioassay. We developed a nonlinear model to describe the relationship between the β‐galactosidase expression of Agrobacterium tumefaeiens KYC55 and AHLs addition. The model can be applied to quantify the AHLs‐extraction concentration in the range 0–6 ug/mL.
Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome: Complex presentations and protracted time to diagnosis
Authors: Knight Sarah , Harvey Adrienne , Lubitz Lionel , Rowe Kathy , Reveley Colette , Veit Frederike , Hennel Sabine , Scheinberg Adam 
Published: October 2013

AimThe diagnosis and management of paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remain ongoing challenges for paediatric clinicians, particularly given its unknown aetiology and the little research on effective treatments for this condition. The aim of this study was to describe the presenting features of new patients attending a specialist chronic fatigue clinic at a tertiary‐level Australian children's hospital.MethodThe medical records of all patients with an initial consultation at the chronic fatigue clinic over a 12‐month period were reviewed using a standardised data collection template. Functional impact was based on school attendance and classified according to the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines (2007).ResultsA total of 99 patients attending the clinic were identified. Of these, 59 were diagnosed with CFS. Median age was 15.4 years with almost two‐thirds of patients of female sex. Median time between symptom onset and diagnosis was 15.5 months. There was a high occurrence of fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain, postexertional malaise, and autonomic and cognitive symptoms in the group. The functional impact of CFS was classified as mild for 20%, moderate for 66% and severe for 14% of patients.ConclusionsMost young people diagnosed with CFS experience symptoms for a protracted period, with considerable functional impact prior to initial tertiary service consultation. This audit has identified important areas for research, practice development and education in relation to the management of patients with CFS.
A review of wild boarSus scrofadiet and factors affecting food selection in native and introduced ranges
Authors: Ballari Sebastián A. , Barrios‐García M. Noelia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe wild boarSus scrofais an omnivore with one of the largest geographical ranges of all species. However, no synthesis exists on its diet, feeding behaviour and factors affecting food selection in its native and introduced ranges.A literature review and a test of effect size revealed significant differences in wild boar diet composition in native and introduced ranges. Wild boar diet is dominated by plant material (∼90%) in both ranges, but animal matter and fungi are consumed in greater proportions in the introduced range than in the native range. Food items frequently include agricultural crops (especially in the native range) and endangered animal species (especially in the introduced range). Energy requirements, food availability, and seasonal and geographical variations are major factors influencing food selection by wild boar. These factors may also interact with human activities (e.g. agricultural crops, supplementary feeding) to influence diet composition further.Dietary studies should be more rigorous and consistent across ranges to allow better comparisons. A detailed study of diet in combination with seasonal patterns of habitat use could provide key information such as target species and susceptible habitats on which management efforts should focus.
Experimental drought reduces the transfer of recently fixed plant carbon to soil microbes and alters the bacterial community composition in a mountain meadow
Authors: Fuchslueger Lucia , Bahn Michael , Fritz Karina , Hasibeder Roland , Richter Andreas 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Drought affects plants and soil microorganisms, but it is still not clear how it alters the carbon (C) transfer at the plant–microbial interface. Here, we tested direct and indirect effects of drought on soil microbes and microbial turnover of recent plant‐derived C in a mountain meadow.

Microbial community composition was assessed using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs); the allocation of recent plant‐derived C to microbial groups was analysed by pulse‐labelling of canopy sections with 13CO2 and the subsequent tracing of the label into microbial PLFAs.

Microbial biomass was significantly higher in plots exposed to a severe experimental drought. In addition, drought induced a shift of the microbial community composition, mainly driven by an increase of Gram‐positive bacteria. Drought reduced belowground C allocation, but not the transfer of recently plant‐assimilated C to fungi, and in particular reduced tracer uptake by bacteria. This was accompanied by an increase of 13C in the extractable organic C pool during drought, which was even more pronounced after plots were mown.

We conclude that drought weakened the link between plant and bacterial, but not fungal, C turnover, and facilitated the growth of potentially slow‐growing, drought‐adapted soil microbes, such as Gram‐positive bacteria.
Improving health: structure and agency in health interventions
Authors: Choby Alexandra A. , Clark Alexander M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTaking debates about the roles of structure and agency in health as a lens, this essay asks how Critical Realist and Feminist Intersectional approaches might inform health interventions research. Despite recognition of multiple determinants of health, health problems are often thought of as individual and interventions, in turn, target risky individual behaviours. Such approaches are rooted in a liberal model of personhood. This paper critiques enduring individualist assumptions linked to Western liberal underpinnings embedded in health interventions. It posits the need to include a robust conception of the social world in which change depends on shifting power relations, and individual agency is shaped by power as well as individual will. We propose preliminary steps for undertaking critical realist intersectional interventions research.
The nature of reality represented in high fidelity human patient simulation: philosophical perspectives and implications for nursing education
Authors: Dunnington Renee M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSimulation technology is increasingly being used in nursing education. Previously used primarily for teaching procedural, instrumental, or critical incident types of skills, simulation is now being applied to training related to more dynamic, complex, and interpersonal human contexts. While high fidelity human patient simulators have significantly increased in authenticity, human responses have greater complexity and are qualitatively different than current technology represents. This paper examines the texture of representation by simulation. Through a tracing of historical and contemporary philosophical perspectives on simulation, the nature and limits of the reality of human health responses represented by high fidelity human patient simulation (HF‐HPS) are explored. Issues concerning nursing education are raised around the nature of reality represented in HF‐HPS. Drawing on Waks, a framework for guiding pedagogical considerations around simulation in nursing education is presented for the ultimate purpose of promoting an educative experience with simulation.
A specific Streptococcus mutans strain aggravates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Naka S , Nomura R , Takashima Y , Okawa R , Ooshima T , Nakano K 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveStreptococcus mutans, a major dental caries pathogen, has shown to be associated with the aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of S. mutans on the development of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a mouse model.Materials and methodsStreptococcus mutans oral strain MT8148 (serotype c) and a blood isolate TW871 (k) were used. C57BL/6J mice (6 weeks old) were fed a high‐fat diet for 4 weeks; the test strains or phosphate‐buffered saline was then intravenously administered. Mice were euthanized after 8 or 12 weeks. Whole body, extirpated liver, and visceral fat weights were determined, and histopathological evaluations of the liver specimens were performed.ResultsMice infected with TW871 showed significantly greater body and liver weights than those administered MT8148 or phosphate‐buffered saline. Histopathological analyses revealed prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells and adipocellular deposition in livers extirpated 8 weeks after an infection with TW871; fibrosis was also observed in livers extirpated after 12 weeks.ConclusionThese results suggest that a specific strain of S. mutans could induce NASH.
Evaluation of a global algorithm for wavefront reconstruction for Shack–Hartmann wave‐front sensors and thick fundus reflectors
Authors: Liu Tao , Thibos Larry , Marin Gildas , Hernandez Martha 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPurposeConventional aberration analysis by a Shack–Hartmann aberrometer is based on the implicit assumption that an injected probe beam reflects from a single fundus layer. In fact, the biological fundus is a thick reflector and therefore conventional analysis may produce errors of unknown magnitude. We developed a novel computational method to investigate this potential failure of conventional analysis.MethodsThe Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor was simulated by computer software and used to recover by two methods the known wavefront aberrations expected from a population of normally‐aberrated human eyes and bi‐layer fundus reflection. The conventional method determines the centroid of each spot in the SH data image, from which wavefront slopes are computed for least‐squares fitting with derivatives of Zernike polynomials. The novel ‘global’ method iteratively adjusted the aberration coefficients derived from conventional centroid analysis until the SH image, when treated as a unitary picture, optimally matched the original data image.ResultsBoth methods recovered higher order aberrations accurately and precisely, but only the global algorithm correctly recovered the defocus coefficients associated with each layer of fundus reflection. The global algorithm accurately recovered Zernike coefficients for mean defocus and bi‐layer separation with maximum error <0.1%. The global algorithm was robust for bi‐layer separation up to 2 dioptres for a typical SH wavefront sensor design. For 100 randomly generated test wavefronts with 0.7 D axial separation, the retrieved mean axial separation was 0.70 D with standard deviations (S.D.) of 0.002 D.ConclusionsSufficient information is contained in SH data images to measure the dioptric thickness of dual‐layer fundus reflection. The global algorithm is superior since it successfully recovered the focus value associated with both fundus layers even when their separation was too small to produce clearly separated spots, while the conventional analysis misrepresents the defocus component of the wavefront aberration as the mean defocus for the two reflectors. Our novel global algorithm is a promising method for SH data image analysis in clinical and visual optics research for human and animal eyes.
Reliability and validity of a Brief Self‐rated Scale of Health Condition with Acute Schizophrenia
Authors: Ohata Hisanori , Yotsumoto Kayano , Taira Masaru , Kochi Yoshiro , Hashimoto Takeshi 
Published: October 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to develop a new Brief Scale of Self‐rated Health Condition with Acute Schizophrenia (BsHAS) and to examine its reliability, validity and correlation to psychiatric symptoms.MethodsWe examined the reliability and validity of the BsHAS consisting of four items (physical health condition, mood, interpersonal fatigue and interest) for 199 inpatients with acute schizophrenia and compared the patients’ subjective health conditions as assessed by the BsHAS with their objective psychiatric symptoms.ResultsCronbach's α coefficient was 0.79, indicating that the reliability of the scale was sufficient. These four items chosen from the previous studies were approved by an expert panel, which suggested that the scale has content validity. The BsHAS total score was significantly improved at discharge. However, the effect size was only −0.24. In particular, improvement was not recognized in the interpersonal fatigue item. These findings suggest that some patients weredischarged without realizing the improvement of their health condition. The patients answered all questions without subsequently showing deteriorating symptoms, suggesting that the scale can be applied to acute‐phase patients with schizophrenia. No obvious relation was recognized between the patients’ subjective health condition as assessed by the BsHAS and their objective psychiatric symptoms. This result suggests that the BsHAS can provide additional information to the objective assessment of psychiatric symptoms.ConclusionThese results show that the BsHAS can help psychiatric professionals to know patients’ subjective health conditions, and that the longitudinal use of this scale may be useful for evaluating the degree of recovery from schizophrenia.
Contribution of baseline body mass index and leptin serum level to the prediction of early weight gain with atypical antipsychotics in schizophrenia
Authors: Cortés Benjamín , Bécker Joemir , Mories Álvarez María Teresa , Marcos Ana I. Sánchez , Molina Vicente 
Published: October 2013

AimThis study investigated whether biochemical parameters add predictive information concerning risk for weight gain associated with treatment with atypical antipsychotics (AP) to that provided by baseline weight.MethodsWeight changes were assessed in 25 patients with schizophrenia after 3–6 months of treatment. These patients were started on AP monotherapy owing to a first psychotic episode or resumed treatment after at least a 6‐month period of abandonment. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected and analyzed as predictors of early weight change.ResultsThe baseline biochemical and anthropometric data were not significantly higher in the patients than in the healthy participants. During follow up, the patients had significant increases in body mass index and total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B level. The baseline weight and leptin level were predictive of weight gain during follow up, with an inverse association in both cases.ConclusionBaseline weight and leptin level may help to assess the risk of early weight gain with AP.
Effect of Laser Phototherapy on Enzymatic Activity of Salivary Glands of Hamsters Treated with 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Campos Luana , Nicolau José , Arana‐Chavez Victor E. , Simões Alyne 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe chemotherapeutic agent 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) can induce salivary gland hypofunction (SGH); however, previous studies did not reach final conclusions on the influence of this drug on glandular tissue. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 5‐FU on submandibular (SMs) and sublingual glands (SLs), as well as, the effect of laser phototherapy (LPT) on SGH induced by 5‐FU. Eighty‐five hamsters were divided into three groups: control (C), chemotherapy (CT) and laser (L), and the SGH was induced by two injections of 5‐FU in groups CT and L. The irradiation was performed using a diode (λ780 nm/20 mW/5 J cm−2/0.2 J and 10 s per point/spot size of 0.04 cm2) and applied daily. On the euthanasia day, SMs and SLs were removed and biochemical analyses were carried out. The lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased in group CT when compared with group C for SLs and SMs (P < 0.05). In addition, the peroxidase and catalase activities were increased and superoxide dismutase was decreased by 5‐FU (P < 0.05). However, LPT appears to be a protective mechanism against oxidative stress, tending to alter the activity of these antioxidant enzymes, suggesting LPT as a promising therapy to modulate the 5‐FU harmful effect.
Accurate Confidence Interval Estimation of Small Area Parameters Under the Fay–Herriot Model
Authors: Diao Lixia , Smith David D. , Datta Gauri Sankar , Maiti Tapabrata , Opsomer Jean D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTSmall area estimation has long been a popular and important research topic due to its growing demand in public and private sectors. We consider here the basic area level model, popularly known as the Fay–Herriot model. Although much of current research is predominantly focused on second order unbiased estimation of mean squared prediction errors, we concentrate on developing confidence intervals (CIs) for the small area means that are second order correct. The corrected CI can be readily implemented, because it only requires quantities that are already estimated as part of the mean squared error estimation. We extend the approach to a CI for the difference of two small area means. The findings are illustrated with a simulation study.
Family planning in Guinea: a need for better public commitment
Authors: Delamou Alexandre , Koivogui Akoi , Dubourg Dominique , Delvaux Thérèse 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the evolution of family planning (FP) in Guinea and to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the current FP programme.MethodsDescriptive study of the evolution of FP in Guinea between 1992 and 2010. First, national laws as well as health policies and strategic plans related to reproductive health and family planning were reviewed. Second, FP indicators were extracted from the Guinean Demographic and Health Surveys (1992, 1999 and 2005). Third, FP services, sources of supply and data on FP funding were analysed.ResultsLaws, policies and strategic plans in Guinea are supportive of FP programme and services. Public and private actors are not sufficiently coordinated. The general government expenditure on health has remained stable at 6–7% between 2005 and 2011 despite a doubling of total expenditures on health, and contraceptives are supplied by foreign aid. Modern contraceptive prevalence slightly increased from 1.5% in 1992 to 6.8% in 2005 among women aged 15–49.ConclusionA stronger national engagement in favour of repositioning FP should result in improved government funding of the FP programme and the promotion of long‐acting and permanent methods.
Discordance across Several Methods for Drug Susceptibility Testing of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates in a Single Laboratory
Authors: Banu Sayera , Rahman S. M. Mazidur , Khan M. Siddiqur Rahman , Ferdous Sara Sabrina , Ahmed Shahriar , Gratz Jean , Stroup Suzanne , Pholwat Suporn , Heysell Scott K. , Houpt Eric R. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Given the increases in drug-resistant tuberculosis, laboratory capacities for drug susceptibility testing are being scaled up worldwide. A laboratory must decide among several endorsed methodologies. We evaluated 87
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates for concordance of susceptibility results across six methods: the L-J proportion method, MGIT 960 SIRE AST, Gene/Xpert MTB/RIF, GenoType MTBDR
plus
line probe assay, MycoTB MIC plate, and a laboratory-developed mycobacteriophage quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based method. Most (80%) isolates were multidrug resistant. Of the culture-based methods, the mycobacteriophage qPCR method was fastest, the L-J proportion method was the slowest, and the MGIT method required the most repeat testing (
P
< 0.05). For isoniazid (INH), 82% of isolates were susceptible by all methods or resistant by all methods, whereas for rifampin (RIF), ethambutol (EMB), and streptomycin (STR), such complete concordance was observed in 77%, 50%, and 51% of isolates, respectively (
P
< 0.05 for INH or RIF versus EMB or STR). The discrepancies of EMB and STR stemmed largely from diminished concordance of the MGIT EMB results (kappa coefficient range, 0.26 to 0.30) and the L-J STR result (kappa range, 0.35 to 0.45) versus other methods. Phage qPCR and the MycoTB MIC plate were the only methods that yielded second-line susceptibilities and revealed significant quantitative correlations for all drugs except cycloserine, as well as moderate to excellent kappa coefficients for all drugs except for
para
-aminosalicylic acid. In summary, the performance of
M. tuberculosis
susceptibility testing differs by platform and by drug. Laboratories should carefully consider these factors before choosing one methodology, particularly in settings where EMB and STR results are clinically important.
Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing for Detection and Characterization of Microorganisms Directly from Clinical Samples
Authors: Hasman Henrik , Saputra Dhany , Sicheritz-Ponten Thomas , Lund Ole , Svendsen Christina Aaby , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Aarestrup Frank M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming available as a routine tool for clinical microbiology. If applied directly on clinical samples, this could further reduce diagnostic times and thereby improve control and treatment. A major bottleneck is the availability of fast and reliable bioinformatic tools. This study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of WGS directly on clinical samples and to develop easy-to-use bioinformatic tools for the analysis of sequencing data. Thirty-five random urine samples from patients with suspected urinary tract infections were examined using conventional microbiology, WGS of isolated bacteria, and direct sequencing on pellets from the urine samples. A rapid method for analyzing the sequence data was developed. Bacteria were cultivated from 19 samples but in pure cultures from only 17 samples. WGS improved the identification of the cultivated bacteria, and almost complete agreement was observed between phenotypic and predicted antimicrobial susceptibilities. Complete agreement was observed between species identification, multilocus sequence typing, and phylogenetic relationships for
Escherichia coli
and
Enterococcus faecalis
isolates when the results of WGS of cultured isolates and urine samples were directly compared. Sequencing directly from the urine enabled bacterial identification in polymicrobial samples. Additional putative pathogenic strains were observed in some culture-negative samples. WGS directly on clinical samples can provide clinically relevant information and drastically reduce diagnostic times. This may prove very useful, but the need for data analysis is still a hurdle to clinical implementation. To overcome this problem, a publicly available bioinformatic tool was developed in this study.