bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Versus Later Presentations of Venous Malformations: Where and Why?
Authors: Vogel Sinae A. , Hess Christopher P. , Dowd Christopher F. , Hoffman William Y. , Kane Ari J. , Rajaii Roxanne , Frieden Ilona J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractVenous malformations (VMs) are congenital anomalies of the venous vasculature, but not all are evident at birth. The factors that lead to presentation later in life are not well understood. The objective of this retrospective cohort study of patients with VMs evaluated at the University of California at San Francisco Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Center from 2005 to 2009 was to investigate the clinical presentation of VMs and correlate these features with different types of tissues (e.g., skin, subcutis, intramuscular). Main outcomes included the age at which lesions were first noticed, tissue type involved, presenting signs and symptoms, aggravating factors, and morbidities. A total of 115 subjects was included. The mean age when VM was first noted was 6.7 ± 0.9 years. Tissue types involved included skin/subcutaneous (46%); intramuscular (40%); and bone, tendon, or joint (14%). Presenting signs/symptoms included soft tissue swelling (44%), discrete mass (34%), pain (33%), and skin discoloration (26%). When compared with VMs limited to the skin or subcutis, those restricted to the intramuscular compartment were less likely to present at birth (27% vs 53%, p < 0.05) but were more frequently painful (79% vs 60%, p < 0.05) and contained more phleboliths (28% vs 11%, p < 0.05), and were associated with more exercise limitation (35% vs 16%, p < 0.05). VMs differ in age of onset, clinical features, and complications based on differing tissues and sites of involvement, with isolated intramuscular involvement associated with later presentation and greater morbidity.
Differences Between Dementia Caregivers Who are Users and Nonusers of Community Services
Authors: Robinson Karen M. , Buckwalter Kathleen , Reed David 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo examine differences between users and non‐users of community services in caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD). A profile of who used services versus did not use services was developed.Design and SampleExisting cross‐sectional data from the NINR funded National Caregiver Training Project (data collected 1995–1997) were used. The sample (N = 241) of caucasian, well‐educated caregivers reflected a mix of spouse and adult caregivers with a mean age of 64.8 years.MeasuresVariables measured included caregiver social support, burden, and depression as well as problem behavior of PWD.ResultsThe majority of caregivers did not attend support groups (73%) or use respite services (79%). Among caregivers who did not use services, 78% lived with the recipient and 77% were spouses. The profile of non‐users compared to users revealed that non‐users were significantly older, more depressed, and received less social support. On the other hand, non‐users provided fewer hours of care per week to recipients who had less cognitive and functional deterioration and fewer behavior problems.ConclusionsThese findings provide public health nurses with knowledge about service use in caregivers of PWD. Recommendations regarding caregiver needs for assistance and increased use of services before a crisis ensues are presented.
Yes, Raise My Taxes: Property Tax Cap Override Elections
Authors: Roscoe Douglas D. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesAlthough public opinion generally is opposed to tax increases, voters frequently choose to raise their own taxes in property tax cap override elections. This study sought to uncover the factors that are associated with successful attempts to increase local property taxes.MethodsThis phenomenon was studied in Massachusetts towns, where over 1,200 overrides were successful from 1990 to 2007. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the relative importance of variables related to two theoretical perspectives: voting as utility maximization and voting as symbolic action.ResultsThe results show that override support reflects the fiscal condition of the town, the context of the particular override request, and, most importantly, the socioeconomics of the community. Overrides were more successful in communities that had higher levels of education, lower levels of affluence, and smaller nonwhite populations. In addition, overrides were more successful in towns with lower existing tax rates and where the particular override was less salient and narrower in scope.ConclusionsOn balance, the results are supportive of a symbolic theory of override voting in which voters are expressing their general views about government, rather than choosing in a way reflective of individual utility maximization.
The stochastic silencing phenotype of Arabidopsis morc6mutants reveals a role in efficient RNA‐directed DNAmethylation
Authors: Brabbs Thomas R. , He Zhesi , Hogg Karen , Kamenski Andrei , Li Yi , Paszkiewicz Konrad H. , Moore Karen A. , O'Toole Peter , Graham Ian A. , Jones Louise 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway is of central importance to the initiation and maintenance of transcriptional gene silencing in plants. DNA methylation is directed to target sequences by a mechanism that involves production of small RNAs by RNA polymerase IV and long non‐coding RNAs by RNA polymerase V. DNA methylation then leads to recruitment of histone‐modifying enzymes, followed by establishment of a silenced chromatin state. Recently MORC6, a member of the microrchidia (MORC) family of adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases), has been shown to be involved in transcriptional gene silencing. However, reports differ regarding whether MORC6 is involved in RdDM itself or acts downstream of DNA methylation to enable formation of higher‐order chromatin structure. Here we demonstrate that MORC6 is required for efficient RdDM at some target loci, and, using a GFP reporter system, we found that morc6 mutants show a stochastic silencing phenotype. By using cell sorting to separate silenced and unsilenced cells, we show that release of silencing at this locus is associated with a loss of DNA methylation. Thus our data support a view that MORC6 influences RdDM and that it is not acting downstream of DNA methylation. For some loci, efficient initiation or maintenance of DNA methylation may depend on the ability to form higher‐order chromatin structure.
Is That a Rodent in Your Luggage? A Mixed Method Approach to Describe Bushmeat Importation into the United States
Authors: Bair‐Brake H. , Bell T. , Higgins A. , Bailey N. , Duda M. , Shapiro S. , Eves H. E. , Marano N. , Galland G. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBushmeat, defined as meat derived from wild animals, is a potential source of zoonotic pathogens. Bushmeat from restricted animals is illegal to import into the United States under US federal regulations. We reviewed US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) port of entry surveillance records from September 2005 through December 2010 and conducted focus group studies to describe trends in and reasons for bushmeat importation into the United States. In total, 543 confiscated bushmeat items were recorded. Half of the confiscated bushmeat items identified were rodents. Africa was the most frequent continent of origin. Seasonality was evident, with bushmeat confiscations peaking in late spring to early summer. Four times more bushmeat was confiscated during an enhanced surveillance period in June 2010 compared with the same period in previous years, suggesting that routine surveillance underestimated the amount of bushmeat detected at US Ports of Entry. Focus groups held in three major US cities revealed that bushmeat importation is a multifaceted issue. Longstanding cultural practices of hunting and eating bushmeat make it difficult for consumers to acknowledge potential health and ecologic risks. Also, US merchants selling African goods, including bushmeat, in their stores have caused confusion among importers as to whether importation is truly illegal. Enhancing routine surveillance for bushmeat and consistent enforcement of penalties at all ports of entry, along with health education aimed at bushmeat importers, might be useful to deter illegal importation.
HLA-B*44 Is Associated with a Lower Viral Set Point and Slow CD4 Decline in a Cohort of Chinese Homosexual Men Acutely Infected with HIV-1
Authors: Zhang Xin , Huang XiaoJie , Xia Wei , Li WeiHua , Zhang Tong , Wu Hao , Xu XiaoNing , Yan HuiPing 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTHLA class I alleles have been shown to have differential impacts on the viral load and the outcome of HIV-1 disease progression. In this study, HLA class I types from residents of China with acute HIV-1 infection, diagnosed between 2006 and 2011, were identified and the association between expression of individual HLA alleles and the level of the set point viral load was analyzed. A lower level of set point viral load was found to be associated with the Bw4 homozygote on HLA-B alleles. B*44 and B*57 alleles have also been found to be associated with lower set point viral load. The set point viral load of B*44-positive individuals homozygous for Bw4 was significantly lower than that of B*44-negative individuals homozygous for Bw4 (P= 0.030). The CD4 count declined to <350 in fewer B*44-positive individuals than B*44-negative individuals (X2= 7.295,P= 0.026). B*44-positive individuals had a lower magnitude of p24 pool-specific T cell responses than B*44-negative individuals homozygous for Bw4, though this was not statistically significant. The p24 pool-specific T cell responses were also inversely correlated with lower viral load (rs= −0.88,P= 0.033). Six peptides within p24 were recognized to induce the specific-T cell response in B*44-positive individuals, and the peptide breadth of response was same as that in B*44-negative individuals homozygous for Bw4, but the median magnitude of specific-T cell responses to the recognized peptides in B*44-positive individuals was lower than that in B*44-negative individuals homozygous for Bw4 (P= 0.049). These findings imply that weak p24-specific CD8+T cell responses might play an important role in the control of HIV viremia in B*44 allele-positive individuals. Such studies might contribute to the development of future therapeutic strategies that take into account the genetic background of the patients.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Gram-Positive Organisms Collected from Pediatric Patients Globally between 2004 and 2011: Results from the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial
Authors: Brandon Michael , Dowzicky Michael J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (TEST) was designed to monitor global longitudinal changes in bacterial susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobial agents, including tigecycline. In this study, we examine susceptibility among Gram-positive isolates collected from pediatric patients globally between 2004 and 2011. A total of 9,422 Gram-positive isolates were contributed by 1,255 centers, predominantly from Europe and North America. One-third of
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates were methicillin resistant, peaking in prevalence in 2007. All
S. aureus
isolates (
n
= 3,614) were susceptible to linezolid, tigecycline, and vancomycin; minocycline, imipenem, and meropenem were also highly active (>92% susceptibility). Ampicillin and penicillin susceptibility increased significantly during the study period (
P
< 0.0001 for both).
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates (
n
= 3,373) were highly susceptible to vancomycin (100%), linezolid (>99%), and levofloxacin and tigecycline (both >96%); imipenem susceptibility was low (32%) in Africa while minocycline susceptibility was low in Asia-Pacific Rim (38%). Penicillin resistance occurred in one-fifth of all
S. pneumoniae
isolates, with penicillin susceptibility ranging from 14% in Africa to 65% in Europe.
Streptococcus agalactiae
isolates (
n
= 1,056) were highly susceptible to most antimicrobials, although only 16% were susceptible to minocycline.
Enterococcus faecalis
isolates (
n
= 1,112) were highly susceptible (>97%) to ampicillin, linezolid, penicillin, tigecycline, and vancomycin globally, but only 34% were minocycline susceptible; minocycline susceptibility decreased significantly from 2004 to 2011 (
P
< 0.001). Tigecycline and linezolid were highly active against
Enterococcus faecium
(
n
= 267) globally (100% and 98% susceptible, respectively). Tigecycline and linezolid were highly active against Gram-positive pathogens from pediatric patients in TEST 2004 to 2011, with vancomycin and the carbapenems performing well against most pathogens.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Blood by Use of the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay
Authors: Banada Padmapriya P. , Koshy Ranie , Alland David 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We have developed a novel blood lysis-centrifugation approach for highly sensitive
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
detection in large volumes of blood with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. One through 20 ml of blood was spiked with 0.25 to 10 CFU/ml of the
M. tuberculosis
surrogate
M. bovis
BCG. Multiple replicates of each sample were processed by a new lysis-centrifugation method and tested with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. The assay was very sensitive with increased blood volumes. In the 20-ml samples, BCG was detected in blood spiked with 10, 5, 1, and 0.25 CFU/ml 100, 100, 83, and 57% of the time, respectively, compared to 100, 66, 18, and 18%, of the time, respectively, in 1-ml blood samples. Assay sensitivity was influenced by the type of anticoagulant used, with acid-citrate-dextrose solution B (ACD-B) providing the best results. A limit of detection of 10 CFU/ml was established with BCG spiked into ACD-B-treated blood, and 92, 36, and 33% of the samples with 5, 1, and 0.5 CFU/ml, respectively, were assay positive. The lysis buffer was stable both at room temperature and at 4°C for 2 months. The assay was tested with blood stored for 8 days without a change in sensitivity as measured by cycle threshold. This new assay format extends the capability of the Xpert MTB/RIF test, enabling up to 20 ml of blood to be tested rapidly for the presence of
M. tuberculosis
. This approach may be a useful method to detect extrapulmonary tuberculosis and the risk of death in immunocompromised patients.
Identification of Medically Relevant Species of Arthroconidial Yeasts by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kolecka Anna , Khayhan Kantarawee , Groenewald Marizeth , Theelen Bart , Arabatzis Michael , Velegraki Aristea , Kostrzewa Markus , Mares Mihai , Taj-Aldeen Saad J. , Boekhout Teun 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMatrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used for an extensive identification study of arthroconidial yeasts, using 85 reference strains from the CBS-KNAW yeast collection and 134 clinical isolates collected from medical centers in Qatar, Greece, and Romania. The test set included 72 strains of ascomycetous yeasts (Galactomyces,Geotrichum,Saprochaete, andMagnusiomycesspp.) and 147 strains of basidiomycetous yeasts (TrichosporonandGuehomycesspp.). With minimal preparation time, MALDI-TOF MS proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool that provided reliable identification of most (98%) of the tested strains to the species level, with good discriminatory power. The majority of strains were correctly identified at the species level with good scores (>2.0) and seven of the tested strains with log score values between 1.7 and 2.0. The MALDI-TOF MS results obtained were consistent with validated internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and/or large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA sequencing results. Expanding the mass spectrum database by increasing the number of reference strains for closely related species, including those of nonclinical origin, should enhance the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS-based diagnostic analysis of these arthroconidial fungi in medical and other laboratories.
Development and Evaluation of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii on the Fully Automated BD MAX Platform
Authors: Dalpke Alexander H. , Hofko Marjeta , Zimmermann Stefan 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis jirovecii
is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised and AIDS patients. Detection by quantitative PCR is faster and more sensitive than microscopic diagnosis yet requires specific infrastructure. We adapted a real-time PCR amplifying the major surface glycoprotein (MSG) target from
Pneumocystis jirovecii
for use on the new BD MAX platform. The assay allowed fully automated DNA extraction and multiplex real-time PCR. The BD MAX assay was evaluated against manual DNA extraction and conventional real-time PCR. The BD MAX was used in the research mode running a multiplex PCR (MSG, internal control, and sample process control). The assay had a detection limit of 10 copies of an MSG-encoding plasmid per PCR that equated to 500 copies/ml in respiratory specimens. We observed accurate quantification of MSG targets over a 7- to 8-log range. Prealiquoting and sealing of the complete PCR reagents in conical tubes allowed easy and convenient handling of the BD MAX PCR. In a retrospective analysis of 54 positive samples, the BD MAX assay showed good quantitative correlation with the reference PCR method (
R
2
= 0.82). Cross-contamination was not observed. Prospectively, 278 respiratory samples were analyzed by both molecular assays. The positivity rate overall was 18.3%. The BD MAX assay identified 46 positive samples, compared to 40 by the reference PCR. The BD MAX assay required liquefaction of highly viscous samples with dithiothreitol as the only manual step, thus offering advantages for timely availability of molecular-based detection assays.
Long-Term Stability of Human Genomic and Human Papillomavirus DNA Stored in BD SurePath and Hologic PreservCyt Liquid-Based Cytology Media
Authors: Agreda Patricia M. , Beitman Gerard H. , Gutierrez Erin C. , Harris James M. , Koch Kristopher R. , LaViers William D. , Leitch Sharon V. , Maus Courtney E. , McMillian Ray A. , Nussbaumer William A. , Palmer Marcus L. R. , Porter Michael J. , Richart Gregory A. , Schwab Ryan J. , Vaughan Laurence M. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
We evaluated the effect of storage at 2 to 8°C on the stability of human genomic and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA stored in BD SurePath and Hologic PreservCyt liquid-based cytology media. DNA retained the ability to be extracted and PCR amplified for more than 2.5 years in both medium types. Prior inability to detect DNA in archived specimens may have been due to failure of the extraction method to isolate DNA from fixed cells.
Comparison of Restriction Enzymes for Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing of Moraxella catarrhalis
Authors: Marti Sara , Puig Carmen , Domenech Arnau , Liñares Josefina , Ardanuy Carmen 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

NotI, the most prevalent restriction enzyme used for typing
Moraxella catarrhalis
, failed to digest genomic DNA from respiratory samples. An improved pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methodology determined SpeI as the best choice for typing this bacterial species, with a good restriction of clinical samples and a good clustering correlation with NotI.
The Role of Virulence in
In Vivo
Superinfection Fitness of the Vertebrate RNA Virus Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus
Authors: Kell Alison M. , Wargo Andrew R. , Kurath Gael 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

We have developed a novel
in vivo
superinfection fitness assay to examine superinfection dynamics and the role of virulence in superinfection fitness. This assay involves controlled, sequential infections of a natural vertebrate host,
Oncorhynchus mykiss
(rainbow trout), with variants of a coevolved viral pathogen, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV). Intervals between infections ranged from 12 h to 7 days, and both frequency of superinfection and viral replication levels were examined. Using virus genotype pairs of equal and unequal virulence, we observed that superinfection generally occurred with decreasing frequency as the interval between exposures to each genotype increased. For both the equal-virulence and unequal-virulence genotype pairs, the frequency of superinfection in most cases was the same regardless of which genotype was used in the primary exposure. The ability to replicate in the context of superinfection also did not differ between the genotypes of equal or unequal virulence tested here. For both genotype pairs, the mean viral load of the secondary virus was significantly reduced in superinfection while primary virus replication was unaffected. Our results demonstrate, for the two genotype pairs examined, that superinfection restriction does occur for IHNV and that higher virulence did not correlate with a significant difference in superinfection fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first assay to examine the role of virulence of an RNA virus in determining superinfection fitness dynamics within a natural vertebrate host.
Upregulation of CHOP/GADD153 during Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Infection Modulates Apoptosis by Restricting Activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathway
Authors: Liao Ying , Fung To Sing , Huang Mei , Fang Shou Guo , Zhong Yanxin , Liu Ding Xiang 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptive cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that allows a cell to reestablish ER homeostasis. However, under severe and persistent ER stress, prolonged UPR may activate unique pathways that lead to cell death. In this study, we investigated the activation of the protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway of UPR in cells infected with the coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and its relationship with IBV-induced apoptosis. The results showed moderate induction of PERK phosphorylation in IBV-infected cells. Meanwhile, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) was upregulated at the protein level in the infected cells, resulting in the induction in
trans
of the transcription factor ATF3 and the proapoptotic growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein GADD153. Knockdown of PERK by small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed the activation of GADD153 and the IBV-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, knockdown of protein kinase R (PKR) by siRNA and inhibition of the PKR kinase activity by 2-aminopurine (2-AP) also reduced the IBV-induced upregulation of GADD153 and apoptosis induction. In GADD153-knockdown cells, IBV-induced apoptosis was suppressed and virus replication inhibited, revealing a key role of GADD153 in IBV-induced cell death and virus replication. Analysis of the pathways downstream of GADD153 revealed much more activation of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway in GADD153-knockdown cells during IBV infection, indicating that GADD153 may modulate apoptosis through suppression of the pathway. This study provides solid evidence that induction of GADD153 by PERK and PKR plays an important regulatory role in the apoptotic process triggered by IBV infection.