bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Directly from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Wang Hye-young , Kim Sunghyun , Kim Jungho , Park Soon-Deok , Uh Young , Lee Hyeyoung 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is the most prevalent cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and is recognized as a major nosocomial pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate a newly designed multiplex real-time PCR assay capable of the simultaneous detection of
mecA
,
S. aureus
, and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in blood culture specimens. The Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays (M&D, Republic of Korea) use the TaqMan probes 16S rRNA for
Staphylococcus
spp., the
nuc
gene for
S. aureus
, and the
mecA
gene for methicillin resistance. The detection limit of the multiplex real-time PCR assay was 10
3
CFU/ml per PCR for each gene target. The multiplex real-time PCR assay was evaluated using 118 clinical isolates from various specimen types and a total of 350 positive blood cultures from a continuous monitoring blood culture system. The results obtained with the multiplex real-time PCR assay for the three targets were in agreement with those of conventional identification and susceptibility testing methods except for one organism. Of 350 positive bottle cultures, the sensitivities of the multiplex real-time PCR kit were 100% (166/166 cultures), 97.2% (35/36 cultures), and 99.2% (117/118 cultures) for the 16S rRNA,
nuc
, and
mecA
genes, respectively, and the specificities for all three targets were 100%. The Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays are very useful for the rapid accurate diagnosis of staphylococcal BSIs. In addition, the Real-MRSA and Real-MRCoNS multiplex real-time PCR assays could have an important impact on the choice of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, based on detection of the
mecA
gene.
Support of the Infectivity of Hepatitis Delta Virus Particles by the Envelope Proteins of Different Genotypes of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Freitas Natalia , Abe Kenji , Cunha Celso , Menne Stephan , Gudima Severin O. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThis study examined how the envelope proteins of 25 variants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A to I support hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infectivity. The assembled virions bore the same HDV ribonucleoprotein and differed only by the HBV variant-specific envelope proteins coating the particles. The total HDV yields varied within a 122-fold range. A residue Y (position 374) in the HDV binding site was identified as critical for HDV assembly. Virions that bound antibodies, which recognize the region that includes the HBV matrix domain and predominantly but not exclusively immunoprecipitate the PreS1-containing virions, were termed PreS1*-HDVs. Usingin vitroinfection of primary human hepatocytes (PHH), we measured the specific infectivity (SI), which is the number of HDV genomes/cell produced by infection and normalized by the PreS1*-MOI, which is the multiplicity of infection that reflects the number of PreS1*-HDVs per cell in the inoculum used. The SI values varied within a 160-fold range and indicated a probable HBV genotype-specific trend of D > B > E > A in supporting HDV infectivity. Three variants, of genotypes B, C, and D, supported the highest SI values. We also determined the normalized index (NI) of infected PHH, which is the percentage of HDV-infected hepatocytes normalized by the PreS1*-MOI. Comparison of the SI and NI values revealed that, while a particular HBV variant may facilitate the infection of a relatively significant fraction of PHH, it may not always result in a considerable number of genomes that initiated replication after entry. The potential implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the mechanism of attachment/entry of HBV and HDV.IMPORTANCEThe study advances the understanding of the mechanisms of (i) attachment and entry of HDV and HBV and (ii) transmission of HDV infection/disease.
HIV-1 Interacts with Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) Envelopes Derived from Human Primary Lymphocytes
Authors: Brinzevich Daria , Young George R. , Sebra Robert , Ayllon Juan , Maio Susan M. , Deikus Gintaras , Chen Benjamin K. , Fernandez-Sesma Ana , Simon Viviana , Mulder Lubbertus C. F. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are viruses that have colonized the germ line and spread through vertical passage. Only the more recently acquired HERVs, such as the HERV-K (HML-2) group, maintain coding open reading frames. Expression of HERV-Ks has been linked to different pathological conditions, including HIV infection, but our knowledge on which specific HERV-Ks are expressed in primary lymphocytes currently is very limited. To identify the most expressed HERV-Ks in an unbiased manner, we analyzed their expression patterns in peripheral blood lymphocytes using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We observe that three HERV-Ks (KII, K102, and K18) constitute over 90% of the total HERV-K expression in primary human lymphocytes of five different donors. We also show experimentally that two of these HERV-K
env
sequences (K18 and K102) retain their ability to produce full-length and posttranslationally processed envelope proteins in cell culture. We show that HERV-K18 Env can be incorporated into HIV-1 but not simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) particles. Moreover, HERV-K18 Env incorporation into HIV-1 virions is dependent on HIV-1 matrix. Taken together, we generated high-resolution HERV-K expression profiles specific for activated human lymphocytes. We found that one of the most abundantly expressed HERV-K envelopes not only makes a full-length protein but also specifically interacts with HIV-1. Our findings raise the possibility that these endogenous retroviral Env proteins could directly influence HIV-1 replication.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we report the HERV-K expression profile of primary lymphocytes from 5 different healthy donors. We used a novel deep-sequencing technology (PacBio SMRT) that produces the long reads necessary to discriminate the complexity of HERV-K expression. We find that primary lymphocytes express up to 32 different HERV-K envelopes, and that at least two of the most expressed Env proteins retain their ability to make a protein. Importantly, one of them, the envelope glycoprotein of HERV-K18, is incorporated into HIV-1 in an HIV matrix-specific fashion. The ramifications of such interactions are discussed, as the possibility of HIV-1 target tissue broadening and immune evasion are considered.
Nonoscillatory Solutions for System of Neutral Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Chen Zhanhe , Sun Taixiang , Wang Qi , Xi Hongjian 
Published: March 2014

We will discuss nonoscillatory solutions to then-dimensional functional system of neutral type dynamic equations on time scales. We will establish some sufficient conditions for nonoscillatory solutions with the propertylimt→∞⁡xit=0, i=1, 2, …,n.
Association between the rs342293 polymorphism and adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Arbesu Iciar , Jilma Bernd , Maurer Gerald , Lang Irene M. , Mannhalter Christine , Siller-Matula Jolanta M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs342293 has been shown to influence platelet number and mean platelet volume (MPV). We investigated the association between the rs342293 polymorphism and cardiovascular outcome in a prospective cohort study. The rs342293 polymorphism was analysed in 404 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The rates of cardiac adverse events were recorded during two years of follow-up. The polymorphism was associated with MPV (median 10.1 fL, interquartile range [IQR]: 9.6 to 10.6 in patients with the CC-allele vs 10.4 fL, IQR: 9.9 to 11.1 in G>C SNP carriers; p<0.001), but not with platelet count. Survival analysis indicated that carriers of the rs342293 G variant had a substantially higher risk to develop cardiac adverse events compared with wild type carriers during two years of follow-up (33% vs 22%; adjusted hazard ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–2.52, p=0.027). The rs342293 SNP could explain 2.9% of the variability in MPV (p=0.01). In conclusion, patients undergoing coronary stenting who carry the G-variant of the rs342293 SNP which is associated with larger MPV are at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcome.
Prospective Study of the Association Between Dispositional Optimism and Incident Heart Failure
Authors: Kim Eric S. , Smith Jacqui , Kubzansky Laura D. 
Published: March 2014

Background—
Although higher optimism has been linked with an array of positive health behaviors, biological processes, and cardiovascular outcomes, the relationship between optimism and heart failure has not been examined. In the United States, 80% of heart failures occur in adults aged 65+ years. Therefore, we examined whether higher optimism was linked with a reduced incidence of heart failure among older adults.

Methods and Results—
Prospective data were from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of older US adults. Our sample included 6808 participants who were followed for 4 years. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess whether optimism was independently associated with incident heart failure. We adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, biological, and psychological covariates. Higher optimism was associated with a lower risk of incident heart failure during the follow-up period. In a model that adjusted for sociodemographic factors, each SD increase in optimism had an odds ratio of 0.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.85) for heart failure. Effects of optimism persisted even after adjusting for a wide range of covariates. There was also evidence of a dose–response relationship. As optimism increased, risk of developing heart failure decreased monotonically, with a 48% reduced odds among people with the highest versus lowest optimism.

Conclusions—
This is the first study to suggest that optimism is associated with a lower risk of heart failure. If future studies confirm these findings, they may be used to inform new strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of heart failure.
History and the Claims of Revelation: Joseph Smith and the Materialization of the Golden Plates
Authors: Taves Ann 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Mormon claim that Joseph Smith discovered ancient golden plates buried in a hillside in upstate New York is too often viewed in simple either/or terms, such that the plates either existed, making Smith the prophet he claimed to be, or did not, making him deceptive or delusional. If we assume that there were no ancient golden plates and at the same that Smith was not a fraud, then the task of historical explanation is more complex. Building on a review of the evidence for the materiality of the plates, the paper uses a series of comparisons — between the golden plates and sacred objects in other religious traditions, between Smith’s claims and claims that psychiatrists define as delusional, and between Smith’s role as a seer and the role of the artist and the physician as skilled perceivers — to generate a greater range of explanatory options. In light of these comparisons, we can view the materialization of the golden plates in naturalistic terms as resulting from an interaction between an individual with unusual abilities, intimate others who recognized and called forth those abilities, and objects that facilitated the creation of both the revelator and the revelation.
Clinical and hemodynamic study of tilting disc heart valve: Single-center study
Authors: Malhotra Amber , Pawar Sanjay R , Srivastava Anubhav , Yadav Balbir Singh , Kaushal Ramprasad , Sharma Praveen , Songra Moolchand 
Published: March 2014

Background The TTK Chitra heart valve has been developed and widely used in India. This study aimed to evaluate its hemodynamics, complications, and event-free survival in comparison with other commonly used prosthetic valves. The role of color Doppler echocardiography in the follow-up of patients with prosthetic valves was also studied. Patients and methods Two hundred patients underwent 249 valve replacements (122 mitral, 29 aortic, 49 both). Total follow-up was 451 patient-years. Results There were 18 late deaths (3.98% ± 0.92% per patient-year). One mitral valve replacement patient (0.36% ± 0.36% per patient-year) developed valve thrombosis. Two aortic valve replacement patients (2.74% ± 1.91% per patient-year), 2 double-valve replacement patients (1.95% ± 1.36% per patient-year) and 3 mitral valve replacement patients (1.08% ± 0.62% per patient-year) developed embolic complications. Freedom from all valve related mortality and morbidity at 4 years was 86% ± 4% for mitral valve replacement, 56% ± 10% for double-valve replacement, and 89% ± 6% for aortic valve replacement. The average peak gradient, mean gradient, and average peak velocity for the aortic and mitral positions were found to be comparable to those of other commonly used valves. Conclusion The performance of this valve in terms of hemodynamic complications, mortality, and morbidity is comparable to other valves in common use. Hemodynamic gradients are more reproducible than effective orifice area, hence more beneficial for follow-up.
Dysmetropsia and Cotard's syndrome due to migrainous infarction – or not?
Authors: Parks Natalie E , Rigby Heather B , Gubitz Gordon J , Shankar Jai J , Purdy R Allan 
Published: March 2014

Introduction Migrainous infarction accounts for 12.8% of ischemic strokes of unusual etiology. Case report A 59-year-old woman with longstanding migraine with aura experienced what appeared to be migrainous infarction characterized by dysmetropsia and transient Cotard’s syndrome. Imaging demonstrated right temporal-parietal-occipital changes with apparent cortical laminar necrosis. Conclusion The spectrum of the pathophysiology of migrainous infarction has not been established; however, cortical spreading depression may explain the appearance of imaging findings that do not obey a vascular territory.
Olfactory function in migraine both during and between attacks
Authors: Marmura Michael J , Monteith Teshamae S , Anjum Waseem , Doty Richard L , Hegarty Sarah E , Keith Scott W 
Published: March 2014

Introduction People with migraine often report being osmophobic, both during and between acute migraine attacks. It is not clear, however, whether such reports are associated with changes in olfaction such as hyperosmia, as measured by psychophysical testing. In this case-control study we quantitatively assessed olfactory identification ability, which correlates with threshold tests of olfactory acuity, in patients with migraine at baseline (no headache), during migraine episodes, and after a treated attack and compared the test scores to those of matched control subjects. Methods Fifty episodic migraine subjects and 50 and sex- and age-matched controls without headache were tested. All completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a standardized and well-validated olfactory test. Results At baseline, the UPSIT scores did not differ significantly between the migraine and control study groups (median paired score difference: −1, p = 0.18). During migraine attacks, a minority of migraine subjects (eight of 42) developed microsmia (i.e. lower test scores by at least four points), suggesting that, as compared to their matched controls, olfactory acuity was somewhat impaired during migraine attacks ( p = 0.02). This difference was less pronounced and not statistically significant after a successfully treated attack ( p = 0.15). Discussion People with episodic migraine were found to have similar olfactory function as age- and sex-matched controls, but a minority exhibit microsmia or hyposmia during acute attacks. The cause of this dysfunction is unknown, but could relate to autonomic symptoms, limbic system activation, or disorders of higher order sensory processing.
Gene polymorphism analysis of Yersinia enterocoliticaouter membrane protein A and putative outer membrane protein A family protein
Authors: Li Kewei , Gu Wenpeng , Liang Junrong , Xiao Yuchun , Qiu Haiyan , Yang Haoshu , Wang Xin , Jing Huaiqi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background

Yersinia enterocolitica outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is one of the major outer membrane proteins with high immunogenicity. We performed the polymorphism analysis for the outer membrane protein A and putative outer membrane protein A (p-ompA) family protein gene of 318 Y. enterocolitica strains.

Results
The data showed all the pathogenic strains and biotype 1A strains harboring ystB gene carried both ompA and p-ompA genes; parts of the biotype 1A strains not harboring ystB gene carried either ompA or p-ompA gene. In non-pathogenic strains (biotype 1A), distribution of the two genes and ystB were highly correlated, showing genetic polymorphism. The pathogenic and non-pathogenic, highly and weakly pathogenic strains were divided into different groups based on sequence analysis of two genes. Although the variations of the sequences, the translated proteins and predicted secondary or tertiary structures of OmpA and P-OmpA were similar.

Conclusions

OmpA and p-ompA gene were highly conserved for pathogenic Y. enterocolitica. The distributions of two genes were correlated with ystB for biotype 1A strains. The polymorphism analysis results of the two genes probably due to different bio-serotypes of the strains, and reflected the dissemination of different bio-serotype clones of Y. enterocolitica.
pZMO7-Derived shuttle vectors for heterologous protein expression and proteomic applications in the ethanol-producing bacterium Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: So Lok Yan , Chen Wen-yang , Lacap-Bugler Donnabella C , Seemann Myriam , Watt Rory M 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The ethanol-producing bacterium Zymomonas mobilis has attracted considerable scientific and commercial interest due to its exceptional physiological properties. Shuttle vectors derived from native plasmids have previously been successfully used for heterologous gene expression in this bacterium for a variety of purposes, most notably for metabolic engineering applications.

Results
A quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach was used to determine the copy numbers of two endogenous double stranded DNA plasmids: pZMO1A (1,647 bp) and pZMO7 (pZA1003; 4,551 bp) within the NCIMB 11163 strain of Z. mobilis. Data indicated pZMO1A and pZMO7 were present at ca. 3-5 and ca. 1-2 copies per cell, respectively. A ca. 1,900 bp fragment from plasmid pZMO7 was used to construct two Escherichia coli – Z. mobilis shuttle vectors (pZ7C and pZ7-184). The intracellular stabilities and copy numbers of pZ7C and pZ7-184 were characterized within the NCIMB 11163, ATCC 29191 and (ATCC 10988-derived) CU1 Rif2 strains of Z. mobilis. Both shuttle vectors could be stably maintained within the ATCC 29191 strain (ca. 20-40 copies per cell), and the CU1 Rif2 strain (ca. 2-3 copies per cell), for more than 50 generations in the absence of an antibiotic selectable marker. A selectable marker was required for shuttle vector maintenance in the parental NCIMB 11163 strain; most probably due to competition for replication with the endogenous pZMO7 plasmid molecules. N-terminal glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fusions of four endogenous proteins, namely the acyl-carrier protein (AcpP); 2-dehydro-3-deoxyphosphooctonate aldolase (KdsA); DNA polymerase III chi subunit (HolC); and the RNA chaperone protein Hfq; were successfully expressed from pZ7C-derived shuttle vectors, and their protein-protein binding interactions were analyzed in Z. mobilis ATCC 29191. Using this approach, proteins that co-purified with AcpP and KdsA were identified.

Conclusions
We show that a shuttle vector-based protein affinity ‘pull-down’ approach can be used to probe protein interaction networks in Z. mobilis cells. Our results demonstrate that protein expression plasmids derived from pZMO7 have significant potential for use in future biological or biotechnological applications within Z. mobilis.
Exploring Australian Aboriginal Women’s experiences of menopause: a descriptive study
Authors: Jurgenson Janelle R , Jones Emma K , Haynes Emma , Green Charmaine , Thompson Sandra C 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Despite extensive literature demonstrating differing experiences in menopause around the world, documentation of the experience of menopause in Australian Aboriginal women is scarce, and thus their menopausal experience is relatively unknown. This study aimed to understand Australian Aboriginal women’s understanding and experience of menopause and its impact on their lives.

Methods
The study was an exploratory qualitative study. Twenty-five Aboriginal women were recruited from a regional centre in the Mid-West region of Western Australia using opportunistic and snowballing sampling. Interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken from February 2011 to February 2012 using open-ended questioning with a yarning technique. Thematic analysis was undertaken of the transcribed interviews.

Results
A number of themes were revealed. These related to the language used, meanings and attitudes to menopause, symptoms experienced, the role of men, a lack of understanding, coping mechanisms and the attribution of menopausal changes to something else. The term “change of life” was more widely recognised and signified the process of ageing, and an associated gain of respect in the local community. A fear of menopausal symptoms or uncertainty about their origin was also common. Overall, many women reported insufficient understanding and a lack of available information to assist them and their family to understand the transition.

Conclusion
There are similarities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal experiences of menopause, including similar symptom profiles. The current language used within mainstream health settings may not be appropriate to this population if it fails to recognise the importance of language and reflect the attributed meaning of menopause. The fear of symptoms and uncertainty of their relationship to menopause demonstrated a need for more information which has not adequately been supplied to Australian Aboriginal women through current services. While this study is with a select population of Aboriginal Australian women, it reveals the importance of acknowledging differences, particularly in use of language to convey ideas and support Aboriginal women experiencing menopause.
An approximate solution of fractional cable equation by homotopy analysis method
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Cavlak Ebru , Bayram Mustafa 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this article, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied to solve the fractional cable equation by the Riemann-Liouville fractional partial derivative. This method includes an auxiliary parameter h which provides a convenient way of adjusting and controlling the convergence region of the series solution. In this study, approximate solutions of the fractional cable equation are obtained by HAM. We also give a convergence theorem for this equation. A suitable value for the auxiliary parameter h is determined and results obtained are presented by tables and figures.