bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jugular venipuncture and other innovative approaches to phlebotomy among people who inject drugs
Authors: Ferguson Catherine , Higgs Peter , Olsen Anna 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn their recent paper on patient experiences of accessing phlebotomy services in hospital outpatient clinics, Clements and colleagues state that there is a real need to better understand the responses of people who inject drugs to phlebotomy. They discuss the reasons why people who inject drugs might not be accessing healthcare services, especially in relation to treatment for hepatitis C. Their research is a welcome addition to the literature that emphasizes the stigma and discrimination faced by people who inject drugs, including within healthcare settings, and outlines the need to promote effective partnerships between healthcare workers and patients so as to deliver the best health outcomes.
Seed dormancy responses to temperature relate toNothofagusspecies distribution and determine temporal patterns of germination across altitudes in Patagonia
Authors: Arana María V. , Gonzalez‐Polo Marina , Martinez‐Meier Alejandro , Gallo Leonardo A. , Benech‐Arnold Roberto L. , Sánchez Rodolfo A. , Batlla Diego 
Published: August 2015

SummarySeeds integrate environmental cues that modulate their dormancy and germination. Although many mechanisms have been identified in laboratory experiments, their contribution to germination dynamics in existing communities and their involvement in defining species habitats remain elusive.By coupling mathematical models with ecological data we investigated the contribution of seed temperature responses to the dynamics of germination of threeNothofagusspecies that are sharply distributed across different altitudes in the Patagonian Andes.Seed responsiveness to temperature of the threeNothofagusspecies was linked to the thermal characteristics of their preferred ecological niche. In their natural distribution range, there was overlap in the timing of germination of the species, which was restricted to mid‐spring. By contrast, outside their species distribution range, germination was temporally uncoupled with altitude. This phenomenon was described mathematically by the interplay between interspecific differences in seed population thermal parameters and the range in soil thermic environments across different altitudes.The observed interspecific variations in seed responsiveness to temperature and its environmental regulation, constitute a major determinant of the dynamics ofNothofagusgermination across elevations. This phenomenon likely contributes to the maintenance of patterns of species abundance across altitude by placing germinated seeds in a favorable environment for plant growth.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography to Distinguish Muscle Changes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 from Those of Neuropathic Pain: An Observational Study
Authors: Vas Lakshmi , Pai Renuka 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMusculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSK USG) can identify myofascial structural lesions. We describe in this retrospective report the observational findings of USG data of muscles from limbs affected with neuropathic pain in 7 patients and compare them with muscles affected with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS‐1) in 7 patients. We highlight findings that distinguish between the 2 conditions.Musculoskeletal ultrasonography of muscles in CRPS was characterized by a variable or/and global intramuscular structural disruption with loss of muscle bulk. Adjacent muscles coalesced with one another to present an uniform hyperechogenic mass of tissue. Muscle edema was found in some patients. In comparison, MSK USG in muscles affected by neuropathic pain exhibited structural normalcy, but also showed considerable reduction in muscle bulk.Musculoskeletal ultrasonography shows promise as a diagnostic modality to distinguish between these 2 conditions which presently have only clinical diagnostic criteria to aid diagnosis.
Mesophyll conductance to CO2 and Rubisco as targets for improving intrinsic water use efficiency in C3 plants
Authors: Flexas J. , Díaz‐Espejo A. , Conesa M. A. , Coopman R. E. , Douthe C. , Gago J. , Gallé A. , Galmés J. , Medrano H. , Ribas‐Carbo M. , Tomàs M. , Niinemets Ü. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWater limitation is a major global constraint for plant productivity that is likely to be exacerbated by climate change. Hence, improving plant water use efficiency (WUE) has become a major goal for the near future. At the leaf level, WUE is the ratio between photosynthesis and transpiration. Maintaining high photosynthesis under water stress, while improving WUE requires either increasing mesophyll conductance (gm) and/or improving the biochemical capacity for CO2 assimilation—in which Rubisco properties play a key role, especially in C3 plants at current atmospheric CO2.The goals of the present analysis are: (1) to summarize the evidence that improving gm and/or Rubisco can result in increased WUE; (2) to review the degree of success of early attempts to genetically manipulate gm or Rubisco; (3) to analyse how gm, gsw and the Rubisco's maximum velocity (Vcmax) co‐vary across different plant species in well‐watered and drought‐stressed conditions; (4) to examine how these variations cause differences in WUE and what is the overall extent of variation in individual determinants of WUE; and finally, (5) to use simulation analysis to provide a theoretical framework for the possible control of WUE by gm and Rubisco catalytic constants vis‐à‐vis gsw under water limitations.
Understanding Barriers for Communicating Injury Prevention Messages and Strategies Moving Forward: Perspectives from Community Stakeholders
Authors: Mack Diane E. , Aymar Matt , Cosby Jarold , Wilson Philip M. , Bradley Christina , Walters Gray Casey 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to elicit the perspectives of direct care providers on barriers and facilitators to communicating injury prevention messages to parents/caregivers of children under 4 years of age. The secondary objective was to examine characteristics of an injury prevention messaging strategy preferred by direct care providers.Design and SampleThis qualitative study was conducted across four regions in Ontario Canada. Fifty‐nine direct care providers were purposefully sampled and data interpreted using focus group analysis.MeasuresTranscripts were analyzed verbatim using content and discourse analysis.ResultsSeveral barriers to communicating injury prevention messages were identified encompassing (a) role, (b) parental, (c) social determinants, and (d) evidence impediments. In an effort to offset some of these barriers, participants endorsed the development of a tailored multicomponent injury prevention strategy adopting action‐based messages.ConclusionThe results of this study provide an in‐depth exploration of direct care providers perceptions that can inform the design of materials and dissemination strategies to help increase and optimize access to injury prevention information. Injury prevention messages should be action‐oriented, specifically tailored to the stage of child development, and disseminated through both face‐to‐face interactions and mobile technology.
Antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and the older dental patient: how do dentists respond?
Authors: Zwetchkenbaum Samuel R. , Overbeck Kevin J. , Pomerantz Sherry C. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundGastrointestinal complications from antibiotic use, including Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), can have significant morbidity, especially among older patients. This descriptive study surveyed dentists to find out how they would respond to a patient with signs indicating potential CDI.MethodsA survey on prescribing medications for older patients was mailed to 1,000 dentists in New Jersey. Questions were asked regarding antibiotic selection, probiotic use, and approach to a patient scenario of diarrhea after antibiotic use.ResultsRespondents chose amoxicillin most frequently as an antibiotic, and clindamycin if penicillin allergy. When informed their patients had diarrhea, 64.5% advised them to stop the antibiotic. If the patient continued to have diarrhea on follow‐up, 75.5% contacted the patient's physician. Most (61.6%) do not prescribe probiotics prophylactically.ConclusionsMost dentists respond appropriately to antibiotic‐associated diarrhea in advising to stop the antibiotic, and seeking physician involvement if no improvement, but there are still many who make recommendations that could delay appropriate care. Dentists may wish to learn more about benefits of probiotics.
Effects of Acute Carnosine and β-Alanine on Isometric Force and Jumping Performance
Authors: Invernizzi Pietro Luigi , Limonta Eloisa , Riboli Andrea , Bosio Andrea , Scurati Raffaele , Esposito Fabio 
Published: August 2015

Purpose:To assess the effects of acute combined L-carnosine and β-alanine (Carn-BA) supplementation on isometric and dynamic tasks.Methods:Twelve healthy participants performed knee-extensor maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and countermovement jumps (CMJs) before and after a fatiguing protocol (45-s continuous CMJs). Isometric and dynamic tests were performed 4 h after ingestion of Carn-BA (2 g of L-carnosine and 2 g of β-alanine) or placebo (PLA), in random order. After the fatiguing protocol, blood lactate concentration ([La−]), general and muscular rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle pain (24 and 48 h after the end of the fatiguing protocol) were assessed.Results:During the fatiguing protocol, significant decreases in jump height and increases in contact time were found in both groups from the 15th second onward to the end of the fatiguing protocol. Average contact time and jump height were respectively lower (−7%; P = .018) and higher (+6%; P = .025) in Carn-BA than in PLA. After the fatiguing protocol, MVC decreased in both PLA and Carn-BA, but it was higher in Carn-BA than in PLA (+15%, P = 0.012), while CMJ did not change. Moreover, general RPE was lower and muscle pain at 24 h was higher in Carn-BA than in PLA, whereas muscle RPE and [La−] did not differ between conditions.Conclusions:Ingesting Carn-BA before exercise induced positive effects on MVC and CMJ after the fatiguing protocol and improved CMJ performance during the 45-s continuous jumping effort, even when acutely supplemented. Furthermore, Carn-BA reduced the general RPE and increased muscle pain 24 h after the fatiguing task.
Novel LinA Type 3 δ-Hexachlorocyclohexane Dehydrochlorinase
Authors: Shrivastava Nidhi , Prokop Zbynek , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT
LinA is the first enzyme of the microbial degradation pathway of a chlorinated insecticide, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and mediates the dehydrochlorination of α-, γ-, and δ-HCH. Its two variants, LinA type 1 and LinA type 2, which differ at 10 out of 156 amino acid residues, have been described. Their activities for the metabolism of different HCH isomers differ considerably but overall are high for γ-HCH, moderate for α-HCH, low for δ-HCH, and lacking for β-HCH. Here, we describe the characterization of a new variant of this enzyme, LinA type 3, whose gene was identified from the metagenome of an HCH-contaminated soil sample. Its deduced primary structure in the region spanning amino acid residues 1 to 147 of the protein exhibits 17 and 12 differences from LinA type 1 and LinA type 2, respectively. In addition, the residues GIHFAPS, present at the region spanning residues 148 to 154 in both LinA type 1 and LinA type 2, are deleted in LinA type 3.The activity of LinA type 3 for the metabolism of δ-HCH is several orders of magnitude higher than that of LinA type 1 or LinA type 2 and can be useful for improvement of the metabolism of δ-HCH.
Profiling Humoral Immune Responses to Clostridium difficile-Specific Antigens by Protein Microarray Analysis
Authors: Negm Ola H. , Hamed Mohamed R. , Dilnot Elizabeth M. , Shone Clifford C. , Marszalowska Izabela , Lynch Mark , Loscher Christine E. , Edwards Laura J. , Tighe Patrick J. , Wilcox Mark H. , Monaghan Tanya M. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
is an anaerobic, Gram-positive, and spore-forming bacterium that is the leading worldwide infective cause of hospital-acquired and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Several studies have reported associations between humoral immunity and the clinical course of
C. difficile
infection (CDI). Host humoral immune responses are determined using conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Herein, we report the first use of a novel protein microarray assay to determine systemic IgG antibody responses against a panel of highly purified
C. difficile
-specific antigens, including native toxins A and B (TcdA and TcdB, respectively), recombinant fragments of toxins A and B (TxA4 and TxB4, respectively), ribotype-specific surface layer proteins (SLPs; 001, 002, 027), and control proteins (tetanus toxoid and
Candida albicans
). Microarrays were probed with sera from a total of 327 individuals with CDI, cystic fibrosis without diarrhea, and healthy controls. For all antigens, precision profiles demonstrated <10% coefficient of variation (CV). Significant correlation was observed between microarray and ELISA in the quantification of antitoxin A and antitoxin B IgG. These results indicate that microarray is a suitable assay for defining humoral immune responses to
C. difficile
protein antigens and may have potential advantages in throughput, convenience, and cost.
Unconventional N-Linked Glycosylation Promotes Trimeric Autotransporter Function in Kingella kingae and Aggregatibacter aphrophilus
Authors: Rempe Katherine A. , Spruce Lynn A. , Porsch Eric A. , Seeholzer Steven H. , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels , St. Geme Joseph W. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Glycosylation is a widespread mechanism employed by both eukaryotes and bacteria to increase the functional diversity of their proteomes. The nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
glycosyltransferase HMW1C mediates unconventional N-linked glycosylation of the adhesive protein HMW1, which is encoded in a two-partner secretion system gene cluster that also encodes HMW1C. In this system, HMW1 is modified in the cytoplasm by sequential transfer of hexose residues. In the present study, we examined
Kingella kingae
and
Aggregatibacter aphrophilus
homologues of HMW1C that are not encoded near a gene encoding an obvious acceptor protein. We found both homologues to be functional glycosyltransferases and identified their substrates as the
K. kingae
Knh and the
A. aphrophilus
EmaA trimeric autotransporter proteins. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed multiple sites of N-linked glycosylation on Knh and EmaA. Without glycosylation, Knh and EmaA failed to facilitate wild-type levels of bacterial autoaggregation or adherence to human epithelial cells, establishing that glycosylation is essential for proper protein function.

IMPORTANCE
This work emphasizes the importance of glycosylation for proper function of bacterial proteins. Here we show that the
Kingella kingae
Knh and the
Aggregatibacter aphrophilus
EmaA trimeric autotransporter proteins are N-glycosylated by novel homologues of the
Haemophilus influenzae
HMW1C glycosyltransferase, highlighting the first examples of trimeric autotransporters that are modified by HMW1C-like enzymes. In the absence of glycosylation, Knh and EmaA lack adhesive activity. This work has relevance to our understanding of bacterial pathogenicity and expression of potential vaccine antigens.
Effects of Acupuncture on Cortical Expression of Wnt3A, β-Catenin and Sox2 in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhang Yi-min , Dai Qiu-fu , Chen Wei-hao , Jiang Shu-ting , Chen Sheng-xin , Zhang Yu-juan , Tang Chun-zhi , Cheng Shao-bing 
Published: August 2015

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture treatment on the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related genes (Wnt3a, β-catenin and Sox2) in the injured cerebral cortex of rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods A controlled impact model of TBI was established using Feeney's free-drop method. Seventy-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: a normal group (n=18) that was left untreated; a model group (n=30) that received no treatment after TBI; and an acupuncture group (n=30) that received acupuncture (at LI4, GV20, GV26 and GV16) after TBI. Rats in each group were randomly and equally divided into 3-day, 7-day and 14-day subgroups according to the duration of therapy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure mRNA expression of Wnt3a, β-catenin and Sox2. Western blots were performed to determine the expression levels of WNT3a, β-Catenin and SOX2. Results Wnt3a mRNA was upregulated in the 7-day and 14-day acupuncture subgroups compared with the corresponding model subgroups (p<0.05). β-catenin expression was significantly increased in the 7-day and 14-day acupuncture subgroups compared with the corresponding model subgroups (p<0.01). In the 3-day and 7-day acupuncture subgroups, Sox2 expression was significantly higher than that in the normal and model groups (p<0.01 each). The levels of WNT3a, β-catenin and SOX2 were generally consistent with the corresponding mRNA levels. Conclusions Acupuncture exerts a regulatory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which may in turn influence the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells.
The outcome and cost-effectiveness of nurse-led care in the community for people with rheumatoid arthritis: a non-randomised pragmatic study
Authors: Watts Richard A , Mooney Janice , Barton Garry , MacGregor Alex J , Shepstone Lee , Irvine Lisa , Scott David G I 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the outcome and cost-effectiveness of nurse-led care in the community for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).DesignNon-randomised pragmatic study.SettingPrimary (7 primary care practices) and secondary care (single centre) in the UK.MethodsIn a single area, pragmatic non-randomised study, we assessed the outcome, cost-effectiveness of community-based nurse-led care (NLC) compared with rheumatologist-led outpatient care (RLC). Participants were 349 adults (70% female) with stable RA assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. In the community NLC arm there were 192 participants. Outcome was assessed using Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The economic evaluation (healthcare perspective) estimated cost relative to change in HAQ and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) derived from EQ-5D-3L. We report complete case and multiple imputation results from regression analyses.ResultsThe demographics and baseline characteristics of patients in the community group were comparable to those under hospital care apart from use of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS), which were adjusted for in the analysis. The mean incremental cost was estimated to be £224 less for RLC compared to the community NLC, with wide CIs (CI –£213 to £701, p=0.296). Levels of functional disability were not clinically significantly higher in the community NLC group: HAQ 0.096 (95% CI −0.026 to 0.206; p=0.169) and QALY 0.023 (95% CI −0.059 to 0.012; p=0.194).ConclusionsThe results suggest that community care may be associated with non-significant higher costs with no significant differences in clinical outcomes, and this suggests a low probability that it is cost-effective.
Protocol for an overview of systematic reviews of interventions to reduce unscheduled hospital admissions among adults
Authors: Bobrovitz Niklas , Onakpoya Igho , Roberts Nia , Heneghan Carl , Mahtani Kamal R 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionUnscheduled hospital admissions are an increasing burden on health systems worldwide. To date, initiatives to reduce admissions have had limited success as it is unclear which strategies effectively reduce admissions and are supported by a strong evidence-base. Therefore, we will conduct an overview to find, assess and summarise all published peer-reviewed systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials that examine the effect of an intervention on unplanned admissions among adults.Methods and analysisThis is a protocol for a systematic overview of reviews. We will search four databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. We will consider systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials in adults (≥16 years old) evaluating the effect of any intervention on unscheduled hospital admissions including those to treat, monitor, diagnose or prevent a health problem. We will only include reviews that identified unscheduled hospitalisations as a prespecified outcome. Two authors will independently screen articles for inclusion using a priori criteria. We will assess the quality of included reviews and extract ratings of the quality of evidence from within each review. We will create a hierarchical list of interventions based on estimates of absolute admission reductions and the quality of the evidence. Presentation of results will align with guidelines in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. We will submit the results of this study for peer-review publication. The results will inform future research and could be used by healthcare managers, administrators and policymakers to guide resource allocation decisions and inform local implementation and optimisation of interventions to reduce unscheduled hospital admissions.
Protocol for updating a systematic review of randomised controlled trials on the prophylactic use of intravenous immunoglobulin for patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cowan Juthaporn , Cameron D W , Knoll Greg , Tay Jason 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionHaematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is commonly employed in the management of haematological malignancies. This intervention results in an increased risk of infectious and immune-related complications. Prophylactic immunoglobulin therapy has been used to prevent post-HSCT complications, including infections, with varying efficacy. We sought to update the current evidence supporting the use of immunoglobulins in the modern HSCT era.Methods/analysisUsing a structured search strategy, we will perform a systematic review of the literature from MEDLINE, EMBASE and all EBM Reviews databases. We will include randomised clinical trials investigating clinical outcomes of prophylactic polyvalent immunoglobulin or cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immunoglobulin or plasma in patients undergoing HSCT. Clinical outcomes will include overall survival, transplant-related mortality, CMV infection, CMV disease, graft-versus-host disease, interstitial pneumonitis/fibrosis and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Studies that only reported the results of biochemical tests will be excluded. Data will be extracted by two investigators independently. Study quality assessment will be evaluated using a validated five-point system as proposed by Jadad. Trial quality will be further assessed by identifying whether there was adequate allocation concealment. Where appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed where relative risk will be used as the primary summary measure with 95% CIs. Pooled measures will be calculated for randomised clinical trials using a random-effects model. The Cochrane Q/χ2test and I2statistic will also be calculated to evaluate heterogeneity. We will also use a visual inspection of a funnel plot to assess potential publication bias.DiscussionThis systematic review aims to provide current evidence to justify the use of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in HSCT recipients. We will discuss whether current HSCT guidelines are supported by the current evidence, and whether further trials are needed, given the changing landscape of patients undergoing HSCT and the immunoglobulin manufacturing process.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42015016684.