bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the clinical utility of several published formulae for estimated osmolality of canine serum
Authors: Dugger Daniel T. , Epstein Steven E. , Hopper Kate , Mellema Matthew S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the normal osmole gap for 18 previously published formulae used to estimate serum osmolality in dogs.DesignProspective study.SettingUniversity veterinary medical teaching hospital.AnimalsTwo hundred and fifty client‐owned dogs.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsSerum samples were saved and frozen at −80°C after routine biochemical analysis as ordered by attending clinicians. An Advanced Micro Osmometer 3300 was used to measure serum osmolality. Eighteen distinct formulae previously reported in the medical literature were used to calculate the osmolality from the biochemical analysis results. The calculated osmolality was then subtracted from the measured osmolality to determine the osmole gap. Osmole gaps for azotemic and hyperglycemic dogs were compared to those of dogs without azotemia or hyperglycemia using each formula. The median measured osmolality for all dogs in the study was 302 mOsm/kg (interquartile range 297–307). The osmole gaps varied widely depending on the formula used to calculate osmolality and the presence or absence of hyperglycemia or azotemia. Eleven formulae led to calculated osmolality and osmole gaps that were not statistically different when hyperglycemia or azotemia was present. Four out of these 11 formulae resulted in osmole gaps near zero.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceMultiple formulae reported to calculate serum osmolality can be used in the clinical setting, but they result in significantly different normal osmole gaps. Clinicians should be aware of the specific reference interval for the formula being used. The authors recommend the formula 2(Na+) + [glucose/18] + [BUN/2.8] because it is easy to use and is reliable even when hyperglycemia or azotemia are present.
Prevalence and formation of primary cataracts and persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis in the German Pinscher population in Germany
Authors: Pfahler Sophia , Menzel Julia , Brahm Rolf , Rosenhagen Carsten U. , Hafemeister Birgit , Schmidt Uta , Sinzinger Wolfgang , Distl Ottmar 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe the prevalences of primary noncongenital cataracts (CAT) and persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis (PHTVL) in the German Pinscher population in Germany and to analyze the mode of inheritance of CAT in this dog breed.Animals studiedAll German Pinschers with a certified veterinary ophthalmological diagnosis and born between 1993 and 2010 were included in this study. Examinations were performed between 1997 and 2013 by certified veterinary ophthalmologists of the German panel of the European Eye Scheme for Diagnosis of Inherited Eye Diseases in Animals (DOK).ProceduresData were reviewed retrospectively for the prevalence of PHTVL, and the prevalence, location and age at diagnosis of CAT. Inheritance of CAT was analyzed using the Singles Method.ResultsA total of 779 eye examination reports of 409 dogs were available. Primary noncongenital cataracts were diagnosed in 64 (15.6%), and PHTVL in 13 (3.2%) of the examined dogs. The pedigrees included 168 ophthalmologically examined dogs with 104 CAT‐unaffected and 64 CAT‐affected dogs. All affected animals were offspring of a frequently used stud‐dog or closely related ancestors of this stud‐dog. Simple segregation analysis revealed a recessive mode of inheritance for CAT.ConclusionsAn early onset form of CAT with various cortical, posterior polar or multiple locations was the most prevalent manifestation among close relatives in German Pinschers. The pedigree analysis indicated a hereditary component of cataract formation with a monogenic autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
Human Pathogens in Marine Mammal Meat – A Northern Perspective
Authors: Tryland M. , Nesbakken T. , Robertson L. , Grahek‐Ogden D. , Lunestad B. T. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryOnly a few countries worldwide hunt seals and whales commercially. In Norway, hooded and harp seals and minke whales are commercially harvested, and coastal seals (harbour and grey seals) are hunted as game. Marine mammal meat is sold to the public and thus included in general microbiological meat control regulations. Slaughtering and dressing of marine mammals are performed in the open air on deck, and many factors on board sealing or whaling vessels may affect meat quality, such as the ice used for cooling whale meat and the seawater used for cleaning, storage of whale meat in the open air until ambient temperature is reached, and the hygienic conditions of equipment, decks, and other surfaces. Based on existing reports, it appears that meat of seal and whale does not usually represent a microbiological hazard to consumers in Norway, because human disease has not been associated with consumption of such foods. However, as hygienic control on marine mammal meat is ad hoc, mainly based on spot‐testing, and addresses very few human pathogens, this conclusion may be premature. Additionally, few data from surveys or systematic quality control screenings have been published. This review examines the occurrence of potential human pathogens in marine mammals, as well as critical points for contamination of meat during the slaughter, dressing, cooling, storage and processing of meat. Some zoonotic agents are of particular relevance as foodborne pathogens, such as Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Salmonella and Leptospira spp. In addition, Mycoplasma spp. parapoxvirus and Mycobacterium spp. constitute occupational risks during handling of marine mammals and marine mammal products. Adequate training in hygienic procedures is necessary to minimize the risk of contamination on board, and acquiring further data is essential for obtaining a realistic assessment of the microbiological risk to humans from consuming marine mammal meat.
Draft Genome Sequence of Quorum-Sensing and Quorum-Quenching Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain MW3a
Authors: Chan Kok-Gan , Wong Cheng Siang , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Xin Yue 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
has a broad range of habitation, from aquatic environments to human lungs. The coexistence of quorum-sensing and quorum-quenching activities occurs in
P. aeruginosa
strain MW3a. In this work, we present the draft genome sequence of
P. aeruginosa
MW3a, an interesting bacterium isolated from a marine environment.
Burkholderia pseudomallei Penetrates the Brain via Destruction of the Olfactory and Trigeminal Nerves: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Neurological Melioidosis
Authors: St. John James A. , Ekberg Jenny A. K. , Dando Samantha J. , Meedeniya Adrian C. B. , Horton Rachel E. , Batzloff Michael , Owen Suzzanne J. , Holt Stephanie , Peak Ian R. , Ulett Glen C. , Mackay-Sim Alan , Beacham Ifor R. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease that is endemic to tropical northern Australia and Southeast Asia, with a mortality rate of 14 to 50%. The bacterium
Burkholderia pseudomallei
is the causative agent which infects numerous parts of the human body, including the brain, which results in the neurological manifestation of melioidosis. The olfactory nerve constitutes a direct conduit from the nasal cavity into the brain, and we have previously reported that
B. pseudomallei
can colonize this nerve in mice. We have now investigated in detail the mechanism by which the bacteria penetrate the olfactory and trigeminal nerves within the nasal cavity and infect the brain. We found that the olfactory epithelium responded to intranasal
B. pseudomallei
infection by widespread crenellation followed by disintegration of the neuronal layer to expose the underlying basal layer, which the bacteria then colonized. With the loss of the neuronal cell bodies, olfactory axons also degenerated, and the bacteria then migrated through the now-open conduit of the olfactory nerves. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that
B. pseudomallei
migrated through the cribriform plate via the olfactory nerves to enter the outer layer of the olfactory bulb in the brain within 24 h. We also found that the bacteria colonized the thin respiratory epithelium in the nasal cavity and then rapidly migrated along the underlying trigeminal nerve to penetrate the cranial cavity. These results demonstrate that
B. pseudomallei
invasion of the nerves of the nasal cavity leads to direct infection of the brain and bypasses the blood-brain barrier.

IMPORTANCE
Melioidosis is a potentially fatal tropical disease that is endemic to northern Australia and Southeast Asia. It is caused by the bacterium
Burkholderia pseudomallei
, which can infect many organs of the body, including the brain, and results in neurological symptoms. The pathway by which the bacteria can penetrate the brain is unknown, and we have investigated the ability of the bacteria to migrate along nerves that innervate the nasal cavity and enter the frontal region of the brain by using a mouse model of infection. By generating a mutant strain of
B. pseudomallei
which is unable to survive in the blood, we show that the bacteria rapidly penetrate the cranial cavity using the olfactory (smell) nerve and the trigeminal (sensory) nerve that line the nasal cavity.
O
-Mannosylation in Candida albicans Enables Development of Interkingdom Biofilm Communities
Authors: Dutton Lindsay C. , Nobbs Angela H. , Jepson Katy , Jepson Mark A. , Vickerman M. Margaret , Aqeel Alawfi Sami , Munro Carol A. , Lamont Richard J. , Jenkinson Howard F. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
is a fungus that colonizes oral cavity surfaces, the gut, and the genital tract.
Streptococcus gordonii
is a ubiquitous oral bacterium that has been shown to form biofilm communities with
C. albicans
. Formation of dual-species
S. gordonii
-
C. albicans
biofilm communities involves interaction of the
S. gordonii
SspB protein with the Als3 protein on the hyphal filament surface of
C. albicans
. Mannoproteins comprise a major component of the
C. albicans
cell wall, and in this study we sought to determine if mannosylation in cell wall biogenesis of
C. albicans
was necessary for hyphal adhesin functions associated with interkingdom biofilm development. A
C. albicans mnt1
Δ
mnt2
Δ mutant, with deleted α-1,2-mannosyltransferase genes and thus defective in
O
-mannosylation, was abrogated in biofilm formation under various growth conditions and produced hyphal filaments that were not recognized by
S. gordonii
. Cell wall proteomes of hypha-forming
mnt1
Δ
mnt2
Δ mutant cells showed growth medium-dependent alterations, compared to findings for the wild type, in a range of protein components, including Als1, Als3, Rbt1, Scw1, and Sap9. Hyphal filaments formed by
mnt1
Δ
mnt2
Δ mutant cells, unlike wild-type hyphae, did not interact with
C. albicans
Als3 or Hwp1 partner cell wall proteins or with
S. gordonii
SspB partner adhesin, suggesting defective functionality of adhesins on the
mnt1
Δ
mnt2
Δ mutant. These observations imply that early stage
O
-mannosylation is critical for activation of hyphal adhesin functions required for biofilm formation, recognition by bacteria such as
S. gordonii
, and microbial community development.

IMPORTANCE
In the human mouth, microorganisms form communities known as biofilms that adhere to the surfaces present.
Candida albicans
is a fungus that is often found within these biofilms. We have focused on the mechanisms by which
C. albicans
becomes incorporated into communities containing bacteria, such as
Streptococcus
. We find that impairment of early stage addition of mannose sugars to
C. albicans
hyphal filament proteins deleteriously affects their subsequent performance in mediating formation of polymicrobial biofilms. Our analyses provide new understanding of the way that microbial communities develop, and of potential means to control
C. albicans
infections.
Do rapid BMI growth in childhood and early-onset obesity offer cardiometabolic protection to obese adults in mid-life? Analysis of a longitudinal cohort study of Danish men
Authors: Howe Laura D , Zimmermann Esther , Weiss Ram , Sørensen Thorkild I A 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveSome obese individuals have no cardiometabolic abnormalities; they are ‘metabolically healthy, but obese’ (MHO). Similarly, some non-obese individuals have cardiometabolic abnormalities, that is, ‘metabolically at risk, normal weight’ (MANW). Previous studies have suggested that early-onset obesity may be associated with MHO. We aimed to assess whether body mass index (BMI) in childhood and early-onset obesity are associated with MHO.SettingGeneral population longitudinal cohort study, Denmark.ParticipantsFrom 362 200 young men (mean age 20) examined for Danish national service between 1943 and 1977, all obese men (BMI ≥31 kg/m2, N=1930) were identified along with a random 1% sample of the others (N=3601). Our analysis includes 2392 of these men attending a research clinic in mid-life (mean age 42). For 613 of these men, data on childhood BMI are available. We summarised childhood BMI growth (7–13 years) using a multilevel model. Early-onset obesity was defined as obesity at examination for national service.Outcome measurementWe defined metabolic health at the mid-life clinic as non-fasting serum cholesterol <6.6 mmol/L, non-fasting glucose <8.39 mmol/L and pulse pressure <48 mm Hg. Participants were categorised into four groups according to their obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and metabolic health in mid-life.Results297 of 1097 (27.1%) of obese men were metabolically healthy; 826 of 1295 (63.8%) non-obese men had at least one metabolic abnormality. There was no evidence that rapid BMI growth in childhood or early-onset obesity was associated with either MHO or the MANW phenotype, for example, among obese men in mid-life, the OR for MHO comparing early-onset obesity with non-early-onset obesity was 0.97 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.10).ConclusionsWe found no robust evidence that early-onset obesity or rapid BMI growth in childhood is protective for cardiometabolic health.
A randomised controlled trial of an intervention to facilitate the implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices in childcare services
Authors: Jones Jannah , Wolfenden Luke , Wyse Rebecca , Finch Meghan , Yoong Sze Lin , Dodds Pennie , Pond Nicole , Gillham Karen , Freund Megan , McElduff Patrick , Wye Paula , Wiggers John 
Published: April 2014

IntroductionChildhood overweight and obesity tracks into adulthood, increasing the risk of developing future chronic disease. Implementing initiatives promoting healthy eating and physical activity in childcare settings has been identified as a priority to prevent excessive child weight gain. Despite this, few trials have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of interventions to support population-wide implementation of such initiatives. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention in increasing the implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices by centre-based childcare services.Methods and analysisThe study will employ a parallel group randomised controlled trial design. A sample of 128 childcare services in the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia, will be recruited to participate in the trial. 64 services will be randomly allocated to a 12-month implementation intervention. The remaining 64 services will be allocated to a usual care control group. The intervention will consist of a number of strategies to facilitate childcare service implementation of healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices. Intervention strategies will include implementation support staff, securing executive support, consensus processes, staff training, academic detailing visits, performance monitoring and feedback, tools and resources, and a communications strategy. The primary outcome of the trial will be the prevalence of services implementing all healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices targeted by the intervention. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, telephone surveys with nominated supervisors and room leaders of childcare services will be conducted at baseline and immediately postintervention.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee and the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee. Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberAustralian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000927820.
Nitrous oxide use during colonoscopy: a national survey of English screening colonoscopists
Authors: Ball Alex J , Campbell Jennifer A , Riley Stuart A 
Published: April 2014

IntroductionNitrous oxide can improve patient experience during colonoscopy, and its rapid elimination minimises after effects and inconvenience. Despite its advantages, nitrous oxide is used infrequently in the UK. We sought to understand the reasons for its low use.MethodsColonoscopists within the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) were invited to participate in a web-based survey assessing the availability, current practices and perceptions towards nitrous oxide. Respondents were able to select predefined answers or offer written responses. Free text responses were assessed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe survey was completed by 68% of the English BCSP colonoscopists. Nitrous oxide was available to 73% of respondents but with considerable regional variation. Most colonoscopists rated the properties of nitrous oxide favourably and would use it if they had a colonoscopy themselves. Despite this, nearly half used it in less than 20% of examinations. 80% instruct patients to use nitrous oxide as required, and differences in how it was used in combination with intravenous sedation and analgesia were reported. Written responses suggest nitrous oxide is often used in the patients who are expected to have the least discomfort.ConclusionsMost colonoscopists perceive that nitrous oxide is effective and reduces inconvenience and would use it themselves if they required a colonoscopy. Studies to improve patient selection and optimise the use of nitrous oxide would be of value.
High and low contraceptive use amongst young male offenders: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Buston Katie , Parkes Alison , Wight Danny 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThere are high rates of fatherhood and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young incarcerated men. Here we focus on a sample of men incarcerated in a Scottish Young Offender Institution, analysing their accounts of their contraceptive use. Those who report low or no use of contraception are compared with those who report high use.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 40 young male offenders, aged 16–21 years. Participants were purposively sampled using answers from a questionnaire administered to 67 inmates. Data from those men (n=31) reporting either high (n=14) or low/no use (n=17) of contraception are analysed here.ResultsLow users emphasise their desire for pleasure and appear fatalistic about both pregnancy and disease prevention. High users report a strong desire to protect themselves and their ‘manliness’ by using condoms to avoid the risk of STIs and, to a lesser extent, pregnancy. Both sets of men present themselves in a traditionally masculine way, with high users emphasising power, authority and self-control to justify their non-risk-taking contraceptive behaviour.ConclusionsThe masculine narrative regarding self-protection, utilised by the high users, may be an effective method of intervention with potential and actual low users. Conventional masculinity valorises risk-taking but if particular forms of risk avoidance – condom use – can be legitimised as confirming one's masculinity it may be possible to persuade low users to adopt them. The opportunity to work with young men whilst incarcerated should be grasped.
Notch3 Pathway Alterations in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hu Wei , Liu Tao , Ivan Cristina , Sun Yunjie , Huang Jie , Mangala Lingegowda S. , Miyake Takahito , Dalton Heather J. , Pradeep Sunila , Rupaimoole Rajesh , Previs Rebecca A. , Han Hee Dong , Bottsford-Miller Justin , Zand Behrouz , Kang Yu , Pecot Chad V. , Nick Alpa M. , Wu Sherry Y. , Lee Ju-Seog , Sehgal Vasudha , Ram Prahlad , Liu Jinsong , Tucker Susan L. , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Baggerly Keith A. , Coleman Robert L. , Sood Anil K. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The Notch pathway plays an important role in the growth of high-grade serous ovarian (HGS-OvCa) and other cancers, but its clinical and biologic mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we found that the Notch pathway alterations are prevalent and significantly related to poor clinical outcome in patients with ovarian cancer. Particularly, Notch3 alterations, including amplification and upregulation, were highly associated with poor patient survival. Targeting Notch3 inhibited ovarian cancer growth and induced apoptosis. Importantly, we found that dynamin-mediated endocytosis was required for selectively activating Jagged-1–mediated Notch3 signaling. Cleaved Notch3 expression was the critical determinant of response to Notch-targeted therapy. Collectively, these data identify previously unknown mechanisms underlying Notch3 signaling and identify new, biomarker-driven approaches for therapy. Cancer Res; 74(12); 3282–93. ©2014 AACR.
Activation of SOX2 Expression by BRD4-NUT Oncogenic Fusion Drives Neoplastic Transformation in NUT Midline Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ranran , Liu Wei , Helfer Christine M. , Bradner James E. , Hornick Jason L. , Janicki Susan M. , French Christopher A. , You Jianxin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
BRD4 is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of different cancers. It is also the target of translocation t(15;19) that accounts for the highly aggressive NUT midline carcinoma (NMC). We discovered that t(15;19) NMC cells display the ability to grow into stem cell–like spheres and express an exceptionally high level of the stem cell marker, SOX2. The BRD4-NUT fusion oncogene resulting from t(15;19) translocation is required for the abnormal activation of SOX2, which drives the stem cell–like proliferation and cellular transformation in NMC cells. SOX2 knockdown phenocopies the effects of BRD4-NUT inhibition, whereas ectopic SOX2 expression rescues the phenotype. The BRD4-NUT–induced abnormal SOX2 activation was observed in multiple NMC cell lines as well as in NMC primary tumors. We further demonstrate that BRD4-NUT oncoprotein recruits p300 to stimulate transcription activation and that inhibition of p300 represses SOX2 transcription in NMC cells. These studies identify this stem cell marker as a novel BRD4-NUT target that supports the highly aggressive transforming activity of t(15;19) carcinomas. Our study provides new mechanistic insights for understanding how alteration of BRD4 function by BRD4-NUT oncogene leads to the highly malignant NMC carcinoma. Because abnormal stem cell self-renewal is frequently observed during tumor formation and metastasis, the aberrant stem cell–like proliferation associated with BRD4 dysregulation observed in NMC carcinoma may have implications for studying the oncogenic mechanism of other BRD4-associated tumors. Cancer Res; 74(12); 3332–43. ©2014 AACR.