bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of water nanodroplets on skin moisture and viscoelasticity during air‐conditioning
Authors: Ohno Hideo , Nishimura Naoki , Yamada Kuniyuki , Shimizu Yuuki , Iwase Satoshi , Sugenoya Junichi , Sato Motohiko 
Published: April 2013

Background/purposeIn air‐conditioned rooms, dry air exacerbates some skin diseases, for example, senile xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and surface roughness. Humidifiers are used to improve air dryness, which often induces excess humidity and thermal discomfort. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of water nanodroplets (mist) on skin hydration, which may increase skin hydration by penetrating into the interstitial spaces between corneocytes of the stratum corneum (SC) without increasing air humidity.MethodsWe examined biophysical parameters, including skin conductance and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and biomechanical parameters of skin distension/retraction before and after suction at the forehead, lateral canthus, and cheek, with or without mist, in a testing environment (24°C, 35% relative humidity) for 120 min.ResultsIn the group without mist, TEWL values significantly decreased at all the sites after 1 h compared with the initial values. However, in the presence of mist, TEWL values were maintained at the initial values through the test, yielding significant differences vs. the group without mist. There were no significant differences between mist and mist‐free groups in terms of skin conductance. Skin distension was significantly increased in the group with mist compared with that in the group without mist at the forehead and cheek, suggesting a softening effect of mist.ConclusionSkin deformation of the face was improved by mist, suggesting hydration of the SC by mist. The change in TEWL was influenced by mist, suggesting supply of water to the skin, particularly the SC, by mist. These data indicated that a mist of water nanodroplets played an important role in softening skin in an air‐conditioned room without increasing excess humidity.
A Trickle or a Torrent? Understanding the Extent of Summer “Melt” Among College‐Intending High School Graduates
Authors: Castleman Benjamin L. , Page Lindsay C. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe object of this study was to examine whether college‐intending, low‐income high school graduates are particularly susceptible to having their postsecondary education plans change, or even fall apart, during the summer after high school graduation. College access research has largely overlooked this time period. Yet, previous research indicates that a sizeable share of low‐income students who had paid college deposits reconsidered where, and even whether, to enroll in the months following graduation. We assess the extent to which this phenomenon—commonly referred to as “summer melt”—is broadly generalizable.MethodsWe employ two data sources, a national survey and administrative data from a large metropolitan area, and regression analysis to estimate the prevalence of summer melt.ResultsOur analyses reveal summer melt rates of sizeable magnitude: ranging from 8 to 40 percent.ConclusionsOur results indicate that low‐income, college‐intending students experience high rates of summer attrition from the college pipeline. Given the goal of improving the flow of low‐income students to and through college, it is imperative to investigate how to effectively intervene and mitigate summer melt.
Evaluation of urine‐circulating cathodic antigen (Urine‐CCA) cassette test for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni infection in areas of moderate prevalence in Ethiopia
Authors: Erko Berhanu , Medhin Girmay , Teklehaymanot Tilahun , Degarege Abraham , Legesse Mengistu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of antigen detecting urine‐CCA cassette test for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni infection in areas of moderate prevalence in Ethiopia.MethodsStool specimens were collected from 620 schoolchildren on three consecutive days. The samples were microscopically examined using double Kato slides; midstream urine specimens were also collected for three consecutive days and tested for S. mansoni. The sensitivity of the urine‐CCA cassette test was determined using combined results of six Kato–Katz thick smears and three urine‐CCA cassette tests as gold standard. The specificity of the urine‐CCA cassette test was evaluated in an area where schistosomiasis is not endemic.ResultsPrevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by single urine‐CCA cassette test was 65.9%, by single Kato–Katz smear 37.3% and by six Kato–Katz thick smears 53.1% (P < 0.001). A single urine‐CCA cassette test was significantly (P < 0.001) more sensitive (89.1%), had a lower negative predictive value (78.2%), was more accurate (92.6%) and agreed better with the gold standard (k = 0.83) than one or six Kato–Katz thick smears. However, both the Kato–Katz and urine‐CCA cassette test showed 100% specificity in endemic settings.ConclusionsIn moderate and high prevalence areas, urine‐CCA cassette test is more sensitive than the Kato–Katz method and can be used for screening and mapping of S. mansoni infection.
Mutations in epidermis‐specific HD‐ZIP IV genes affect floral organ identity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kamata Naoko , Okada Hitomi , Komeda Yoshibumi , Takahashi Taku 
Published: April 2013

SummaryDevelopment of the epidermis involves members of the class–IV homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP IV) transcription factors. The Arabidopsis HD‐ZIP IV family consists of 16 members, among which PROTODERMAL FACTOR 2 (PDF2) and ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA MERISTEM LAYER 1 (ATML1) play an indispensable role in the differentiation of shoot epidermal cells; however, the functions of other HD‐ZIP IV genes that are also expressed specifically in the shoot epidermis remain to be fully elucidated. We constructed double mutant combinations of these HD‐ZIP IV mutant alleles and found that the double mutants of pdf2‐1 with homeodomain glabrous1‐1 (hdg1‐1), hdg2‐3, hdg5‐1 and hdg12‐2 produced abnormal flowers with sepaloid petals and carpelloid stamens in association with the reduced expression of the petal and stamen identity gene APETALA 3 (AP3). Expression of another petal and stamen identity gene PISTILATA (PI) was less affected in these mutants. We confirmed that AP3 expression in pdf2‐1 hdg2‐3 was normally induced at the initial stages of flower development, but was attenuated both in the epidermis and internal cell layers of developing flowers. As the expression of PDF2 and these HD‐ZIP IV genes during floral organ formation is exclusively limited to the epidermal cell layer, these double mutations may have non‐cell‐autonomous effects on AP3 expression in the internal cell layers. Our results suggest that cooperative functions of PDF2 and other members of the HD‐ZIP IV family in the epidermis are crucial for normal development of floral organs in Arabidopsis.
Head‐to‐head comparison of two transcription‐mediated amplification assay versions for detection of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 in blood donors
Authors: Grabarczyk Piotr , van Drimmelen Harry , Kopacz Aneta , Gdowska Jolanta , Liszewski Grzegorz , Piotrowski Dariusz , Górska Joanna , Kuśmierczyk Jolanta , Candotti Daniel , Łętowska Magdalena , Lelie Nico , Brojer Ewa 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe second triplex transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA) assay version (Ultrio Plus, Novartis Diagnostics) uses an additional reagent enhancing the disruption of hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles and release of DNA for the target capture probe. This study compares the performance of this new assay version with the previous one (Ultrio).Study Design and MethodsFor analytical sensitivity assessment the World Health Organization HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) international standards and various genotype dilution panels were used. Individual donations (IDs) from 9980 first‐time donors were screened simultaneously by serology and both TMA assay versions.ResultsThe 50 and 95% limits of detection (LODs) for HBV using Ultrio Plus were 0.8 (0.6‐1.0) and 4.6 (3.2‐7.2) IU/mL, respectively, 2.4 (1.4‐4.8)‐fold more sensitive than Ultrio. The TMA assay versions had comparable LODs for HIV‐1 and HCV. The improvement factors on analytical sensitivity panels of HBV Genotypes A to G ranged from 1.3 to 7.3 and 50% LODs (95% confidence interval) reduced from 12.5 (10‐15) to 3.8 (3.2‐4.4) copies/mL. One Ultrio Plus HBV Genotype D yield sample missed by the Ultrio assay in the donor screening study was detected with ninefold higher sensitivity. The specificities of ID nucleic acid test (ID‐NAT) and serologic testing in a similar repeat test algorithm were 100 and 99.41%, respectively.ConclusionMore efficient target capture chemistry in the new TMA assay version significantly improved sensitivity and diminished variability in detecting HBV strains of various genotypes. We recommend a triplicate ID‐NAT repeat test strategy to eliminate discriminatory tests on false‐non–repeat‐reactive (anti‐HBc–nonreactive) donations.
Ecological Surveillance for West Nile in Catalonia (Spain), Learning from a Five‐Year Period of Follow‐up
Authors: Alba A. , Allepuz A. , Napp S. , Soler M. , Selga I. , Aranda C. , Casal J. , Pages N. , Hayes E. B. , Busquets N. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryTo enhance early detection of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission, an integrated ecological surveillance system was implemented in Catalonia (north‐eastern Spain) from 2007 to 2011. This system incorporated passive and active equine surveillance, periodical testing of chicken sentinels in wetland areas, serosurveillance wild birds and testing of adult mosquitoes. Samples from 298 equines, 100 sentinel chickens, 1086 wild birds and 39 599 mosquitoes were analysed. During these 5 years, no acute WNV infection was detected in humans or domestic animal populations in Catalonia. WNV was not detected in mosquitoes either. Nevertheless, several seroconversions in resident and migrant wild birds indicate that local WNV or other closely related flaviviruses transmission was occurring among bird populations. These data indicate that bird and mosquito surveillance can detect otherwise silent transmission of flaviviruses and give some insights regarding possible avian hosts and vectors in a European setting.
CT‐perfusion versus [15O]H2O PET in lung tumors: Effects of CT‐perfusion methodology
Authors: Kramer G. M. , Yaqub M. , Bahce I. , Smit E. F. , Lubberink M. , Hoekstra O. S. , Boellaard R. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:Nowadays, PET and dynamic contrast enhanced CT or MRI are used to assess tumor blood perfusion. Although [15O]H2O PET is the gold standard, it is hardly available for routine clinical practice, due to the short half‐life of 15O. However, the lack of uniformity in scanning and analytic methods limits the use of CT perfusion (CTP) in clinical trials and practice. This study compares [15O]H2O PET with CT based perfusion in lung tumors and assesses the effects of various CTP postprocessing and analytical methods on the CTP results using [15O]H2O PET as the reference technique.Methods:Various CTP analysis and image postprocessing methods were assessed. Furthermore, parametric images were obtained using the Slope method. Volumes of interests were defined using several different segmentation methods including Hounsfield unit based contouring thresholds, both with and without framewise application of dynamic contouring thresholds to exclude lung tissue or intravascular contrast. A head‐to‐head comparison of tumor perfusion obtained by CTP and [15O]H2O PET was performed using linear regressions, Bland‐Altman plots, and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, the different postprocessing methods were compared reciprocally.Results:In six lung cancer patients, perfusion assessed using CTP studies combined with the Slope method correlated best with [15O]H2O PET (ICC = 0.88; R2 = 0.89; Y = 0.80). The Mullani‐Gould method showed best correlation with the Slope method (ICC ≥ 0.71; R2 ≥ 0.80; Y = 0.71–1.35). These correlations were obtained using dynamic contouring thresholds and show the influence of CTP postprocessing methods.Conclusions:Tumor perfusion assessed by CTP in combination with dynamic contouring thresholds using the Slope method correlates well with [15O]H2O PET. This suggests that CTP can be used as a method to evaluate tumor perfusion in lung cancer.
Optimization of normalized prescription isodose selection for stereotactic body radiation therapy: Conventional vs robotic linac
Authors: Ding Chuxiong , Solberg Timothy D. , Hrycushko Brian , Xing Lei , Heinzerling John , Timmerman Robert D. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:Although modern technology has allowed for target dose escalation by minimizing normal tissue dose, the dose delivered to a tumor and surrounding tissues still depends largely on the inherent characteristics of the radiation delivery platform. This work aims to determine the optimal prescription isodose line that minimizes normal tissue irradiation for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for a conventional linear accelerator and a robotic delivery platform.Methods:Spherical targets with diameters of 10, 20, and 30 mm were constructed in the lungs and liver of a computer based digital torso phantom which simulates respiratory and cardiac motion. Normal tissue contours included normal lung, normal liver, and a concentric 10 mm shell of normal tissue extending from the spherical target surface. For linac planning, noncoplanar, nonopposing three dimensional (3D) conformal beams were designed, and variable prescription isodose lines were achieved by varying the MLC block margin. For CyberKnife planning, variable prescription isodose lines were achieved by inverse planning. True 4D dose calculations were used for the moving target and surrounding tissue based on each of ten phases of a 4D CT dataset. Doses of 60 Gy in three fractions were prescribed to cover 95% of the target tumor. Commonly used conformality, dosimetric, and radiobiological indices for lung and liver SBRT were used to compare different plans and determine the optimally prescribed isodose line for each treatment platform.Results:For linac plans, the average optimal prescription isodose line based on all indices evaluated occurred between 59% and 69% for lung tumors and between 67% and 77% for liver tumors depending on the tumor size. CyberKnife plans had average optimal prescription isodose lines occurring between 40% and 48% for lung tumors and between 41% and 42% depending on the tumor size. However, prescription isodose lines under 50% are not advised to prevent large heterogeneous dose distributions within the target.Conclusions:The choice of prescription isodose line was shown to have a significant impact on parameters commonly used as constraints for lung and liver SBRT treatment planning for both linac‐based and CyberKnife delivery platforms. By methodically choosing the prescription isodose line, normal tissue toxicities from SBRT may be reduced.
Male Circumcision Significantly Reduces Prevalence and Load of Genital Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Liu Cindy M. , Hungate Bruce A. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Serwadda David , Ravel Jacques , Lester Richard , Kigozi Godfrey , Aziz Maliha , Galiwango Ronald M. , Nalugoda Fred , Contente-Cuomo Tania L. , Wawer Maria J. , Keim Paul , Gray Ronald H. , Price Lance B. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Male circumcision reduces female-to-male HIV transmission. Hypothesized mechanisms for this protective effect include decreased HIV target cell recruitment and activation due to changes in the penis microbiome. We compared the coronal sulcus microbiota of men from a group of uncircumcised controls (
n
= 77) and from a circumcised intervention group (
n
= 79) at enrollment and year 1 follow-up in a randomized circumcision trial in Rakai, Uganda. We characterized microbiota using16S rRNA gene-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) and pyrosequencing, log response ratio (LRR), Bayesian classification, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PerMANOVA). At baseline, men in both study arms had comparable coronal sulcus microbiota; however, by year 1, circumcision decreased the total bacterial load and reduced microbiota biodiversity. Specifically, the prevalence and absolute abundance of 12 anaerobic bacterial taxa decreased significantly in the circumcised men. While aerobic bacterial taxa also increased postcircumcision, these gains were minor. The reduction in anaerobes may partly account for the effects of circumcision on reduced HIV acquisition.

IMPORTANCE
The bacterial changes identified in this study may play an important role in the HIV risk reduction conferred by male circumcision. Decreasing the load of specific anaerobes could reduce HIV target cell recruitment to the foreskin. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the benefits of male circumcision could help to identify new intervention strategies for decreasing HIV transmission, applicable to populations with high HIV prevalence where male circumcision is culturally less acceptable.
Assembly and Annotation of Pneumocystis jirovecii from the Human Lung Microbiome
Authors: Cushion Melanie T. , Keely Scott P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Pneumocystis jirovecii
is a fungus that causes
Pneumocystis
pneumonia in immunosuppressed patients and has been closely associated with AIDS since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Because
in vitro
cultivation of
P. jirovecii
is not possible, progress has been hindered in our understanding of its life cycle, mode of transmission, metabolic function, and genome. Limited amounts of
P. jirovecii
can be obtained from infected patients, but the occurrence of bacteria, other fungi, and human cells in clinical samples presents new challenges for whole-genome sequencing and downstream bioinformatic analysis. In a recent article, Cissé et al. used cell immunoprecipitation enrichment together with whole-genome amplification to generate sufficient quantities of DNA for Roche 454 and Illumina sequencing [O. H. Cissé, M. Pagni, and P. M. Hauser, mBio 4(1):e00428-12, 2012, doi:10.1128/mBio.00428-12]. In addition, a bioinformatic pipeline was devised to sort and assemble lung microbiome reads, thereby generating an 8.1-Mb
P. jirovecii
genome comprised of 356 contigs with an N
50
(median length of all contigs) of 41.6 kb. Knowledge of this genome will open new avenues of research, including the identification of nutritional requirements for
in vitro
cultivation as well as the identification of new and novel drug and vaccine targets.
Analysis of Vibrio cholerae Genome Sequences Reveals Unique
rtxA
Variants in Environmental Strains and an
rtxA
-Null Mutation in Recent Altered El Tor Isolates
Authors: Dolores Jazel , Satchell Karla J. F. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
genome sequences were analyzed for variation in the
rtxA
gene that encodes the multifunctional autoprocessing RTX (MARTX) toxin. To accommodate genomic analysis, a discrepancy in the annotated
rtxA
start site was resolved experimentally. The correct start site is an ATG downstream from
rtxC
resulting in a gene of 13,638 bp and deduced protein of 4,545 amino acids. Among the El Tor O1 and closely related O139 and O37 genomes,
rtxA
was highly conserved, with nine alleles differing by only 1 to 6 nucleotides in 100 years. In contrast, 12 alleles from environment-associated isolates are highly variable, at 1 to 3% by nucleotide and 3 to 7% by amino acid. The difference in variation rates did not represent a bias for conservation of the El Tor
rtxA
compared to that of other strains but rather reflected the lack of gene variation in overall genomes. Three alleles were identified that would affect the function of the MARTX toxin. Two environmental isolates carry novel arrangements of effector domains. These include a variant from RC385 that would suggest an adenylate cyclase toxin and from HE-09 that may have actin ADP-ribosylating activity. Within the recently emerged altered El Tor strains that have a classical
ctxB
gene, a mutation arose in
rtxA
that introduces a premature stop codon that disabled toxin function. This null mutant is the genetic background for subsequent emergence of the
ctxB7
allele resulting in the strain that spread into Haiti in 2010. Thus, similar to classical strains, the altered El Tor pandemic strains eliminated
rtxA
after acquiring a classical
ctxB
.

IMPORTANCE
Pathogen evolution involves both gain and loss of factors that influence disease. In the environment, bacteria evolve rapidly, with nucleotide diversity arising by genetic modification. Such is occurring with
Vibrio cholerae
, exemplified by extensive diversity and unique variants of the
rtxA
-encoded multifunctional autoprocessing RTX (MARTX) toxin among environment-associated strains that cause localized diarrheal outbreaks and food-borne disease. In contrast, seventh pandemic El Tor
V. cholerae
strains associated with severe diarrhea have changed minimally until the altered El Tor emerged as the most frequent cause of cholera, including in the 2010 Haiti epidemic. These strains have increased virulence attributed to a new variant of the major virulence factor, cholera toxin. It is revealed that these strains also have an inactivated MARTX toxin gene. A similar inactivation occurred during classical cholera pandemics, highlighting that evolution of El Tor cholera is following a similar path of increased dependence on cholera toxin, while eliminating other secreted factors.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING IN A COMMUNITY SETTING FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC DISEASE
Authors: Beedham S , Cockayne Mark 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe Silver Chain Group, one of Australia's largest primary health care providers, recognised that it is in a unique position to offer Advanced Care Planning (ACP) to large numbers of clients in their own home.AimThe project aim was to develop a process and tools for the introduction of ACP within the community for people with chronic disease.MethodsClients with chronic disease and receiving community nursing services were invited to participate. Specific tools and processes were developed. Registered Nurses (RNs) provided clients with information and referral to the project nurse. Clients were visited at home to facilitate ACP conversation, liaising with GPs, and assist with completion of documentation where required. Data including demographics and outcomes of interviews with clients and staff were collected and analysed.ResultsThirty-three clients were visited and engaged in advanced care planning; 12 completed advanced health directives. Seventeen clients engaged in end of life conversations with the RN and did not require further intervention. Interviews with clients demonstrated satisfaction with the outcome. Staff highlighted concerns with delivering the information relating to personal discomfort and professional capability. Tools and processes for community ACP were developed with recommendations for sustainable implementation.DiscussionThe evaluation highlighted client and staff recommendations which include staff education and change management processes required to align culture and meet client needs.ConclusionThis project has been effective in highlighting the role of ACP within a large national primary health care organisation, and understanding the requirements of sustainable and systemic implementation.