bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population structure of the invasive forest pathogenHymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus
Authors: Gross Andrin , Hosoya Tsuyoshi , Queloz Valentin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic diversity and structure of invasive pathogens in source and in introduced areas is crucial to the revelation of hidden biological features of an organism, to the reconstruction of the course of invasions and to the establishment of effective control measures.Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus(anamorph:Chalara fraxinea) is an invasive and highly destructive fungal pathogen found on common ashFraxinus excelsiorin Europe and is native toEastAsia. To gain insights into its dispersal mechanisms and history of invasion, we used microsatellite markers and characterized the genetic structure and diversity ofH. pseudoalbiduspopulations at three spatial levels: (i) betweenEurope and Japan, (ii) inEurope and (iii) at the epidemic's front inSwitzerland. Phylogenetic and network analysis demonstrated that individuals from both regions are conspecific. However, populations from Japan harboured a higher genetic diversity and were genetically differentiated from European ones. No evident population structure was found among the 1208 European strains using Bayesian and multivariate clustering analysis. Only the distribution of genetic diversity in space, pairwise population differentiation (GST) and the spatial analysis of principal components revealed a faint geographical pattern around Europe. A significant allele deficiency in most European populations pointed to a recent genetic bottleneck, whereas no pattern of isolation by distance was found. Our data suggest thatH. pseudoalbiduswas introduced just once by at least two individuals. The potential source region ofH. pseudoalbidusis vast, and further investigations are required for a more accurate localization of the source population.
Analysis of the complement sensitivity of oral treponemes and the potential influence of FH binding, FH cleavage and dentilisin activity on the pathogenesis of periodontal disease
Authors: Miller D.P. , McDowell J.V. , Bell J.K. , Goetting‐Minesky M.P. , Fenno J.C. , Marconi R.T. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTreponema denticola, a periopathogen, evades complement‐mediated killing by binding the negative complement regulatory protein factor H (FH) to its surface via the FhbB protein. Paradoxically, bound FH is cleaved by T. denticola's dentilisin protease, a process hypothesized to trigger localized dysregulation of complement activation in periodontal pockets. The ability of other oral treponemes to evade complement‐mediated killing and bind and cleave FH has not been assessed. In this report, we demonstrate that representative isolates of Treponema socranskii, Treponema medium, Treponema pectinovorum and Treponema maltophilum are also serum resistant, whereas Treponema vincentii and Treponema amylovorum are serum sensitive. Although T. denticola's ability to evade complement‐mediated killing is strictly dependent on FH binding, other serum‐resistant treponemal species lack FhbB and do not bind FH, indicating an FH‐independent mechanism of complement evasion. To assess the influence of FhbB sequence variation on FH binding and cleavage by T. denticola, fhbB sequences were determined for 30 isolates. Three distinct phyletic types were identified. All T. denticola strains bound FH and were serum resistant, but differences in binding kinetics, dentilisin activity and FH cleavage ability were observed. Based on these analyses, we hypothesize that the composition of the T. denticola population is a determining factor that influences the progression and severity of periodontal disease.
‘It's the little things that count’. Families' experience of roles, relationships and quality of care in rural nursing homes
Authors: Ryan Assumpta Ann , McKenna Hugh 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundEntry to long‐term care is an emotional time for older people and their families. Poor communication and uncertainty about roles and responsibilities in the post‐placement period can cause distress for families and staff, further exacerbating an already difficult situation. However, there are limited studies that specifically address roles and relationships between families and care home staff in the post‐placement period.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families following the nursing home placement of an older relative.DesignA qualitative approach using grounded theory methodology was used to conduct the study.MethodSemi structured interviews were conducted with 29 relatives of nursing home residents in a region of the UK. Consistent with grounded theory methodology, data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously.FindingsData analysis revealed five distinct categories that captured the experience of families in the post‐placement period. These were: communication with staff, involvement in relative's care, the importance of ‘the little things’, quality of care and areas for improvement.ConclusionsDeveloping caring partnership is crucial if the resources of care home staff and families are to be maximised for the benefit of all concerned.Implications for practiceA number of programmes and initiatives already exist to enhance the quality of life of older people in care homes and their families. Serious consideration should be given to more widespread uptake of these initiatives.
Can therapy dogs evoke awareness of one's past and present life in persons with Alzheimer′s disease?
Authors: Swall Anna , Ebbeskog Britt , Lundh Hagelin Carina , Fagerberg Ingegerd 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPersons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) sometimes express themselves through behaviours that are difficult to manage for themselves and their caregivers, and to minimise these symptoms alternative methods are recommended. For some time now, animals have been introduced in different ways into the environment of persons with dementia. Animal‐Assisted Therapy (AAT) includes prescribed therapy dogs visiting the person with dementia for a specific purpose.AimThis study aims to illuminate the meaning of the lived experience of encounters with a therapy dog for persons with Alzheimer's disease.MethodVideo recorded sessions were conducted for each visit of the dog and its handler to a person with AD (10 times/person). The observations have a life‐world approach and were transcribed and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach.ResultsThe result shows a main theme ‘Being aware of one's past and present existence’, meaning to connect with one's senses and memories and to reflect upon these with the dog. The time spent with the dog shows the person recounting memories and feelings, and enables an opportunity to reach the person on a cognitive level.ConclusionsThe present study may contribute to health care research and provide knowledge about the use of trained therapy dogs in the care of older persons with AD in a way that might increase quality of life and well‐being in persons with dementia.Implications for practiceThe study might be useful for caregivers and dog handlers in the care of older persons with dementia.
A Systematic Review of Pharmacoeconomic Studies for Pregabalin
Authors: Parker Lindsay , Huelin Rachel , Khankhel Zarmina , Wasiak Radek , Mould Joaquin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundWith anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties, pregabalin has been evaluated for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia (FM). These chronic conditions diminish patients' quality of life and increase healthcare utilization and costs.ObjectiveTo assess the current understanding of economic outcomes associated with pregabalin in neuropathic pain andFM.MethodsUsing keywords related to economic outcomes and pregabalin, we systematically searchedMEDLINE‐ andEMBASE‐indexed literature and nonindexed “grey” literature on neuropathic pain andFMpublished from March 2001 to October 2012. Included studies reported economic findings associated with pregabalin.ResultsIn the past 11 years, 55 publications assessed the direct costs, resource use, or cost‐effectiveness of pregabalin for neuropathic pain andFM. Studies generally lacked comparability due to heterogeneous patient populations, assumptions, time periods, and geographies. In theUS, following treatment initiation, pregabalin resulted in similar or higher levels of healthcare use forFMcompared with duloxetine. In contrast, medical costs for neuropathic pain did not significantly differ after initiation of pregabalin vs. duloxetine or other standard therapies in theUS, but in Spain and Sweden, retrospective database studies suggested that pregabalin was cost‐saving vs. gabapentin. Few economic analyses estimated indirect costs.ConclusionsNeuropathic pain andFMare associated with high healthcare resource use and costs. Economic studies of pregabalin in neuropathic pain andFMindicate some results favorable to other forms of care, but heterogeneity among study designs and populations hinder comparisons. Future economic analyses should aim to address data gaps regarding effects of pregabalin on productivity and resource use.
The Medicago truncatula hypermycorrhizal B9 mutant displays an altered response to phosphate and is more susceptible to Aphanomyces euteiches
Authors: TRUONG HOAI‐NAM , THALINEAU ELISE , BONNEAU LAURENT , FOURNIER CARINE , POTIN SOPHIE , BALZERGUE SANDRINE , VAN TUINEN DIEDERIK , JEANDROZ SYLVAIN , MORANDI DOMINIQUE 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInorganic phosphate (Pi) plays a key role in the development of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, which is favoured when Pi is limiting in the environment. We have characterized the Medicago truncatula hypermycorrhizal B9 mutant for its response to limiting (P/10) and replete (P2) Pi. On P2, mycorrhization was significantly higher in B9 plants than in wild‐type (WT). The B9 mutant displayed hallmarks of Pi‐limited plants, including higher levels of anthocyanins and lower concentrations of Pi in shoots than WT plants. Transcriptome analyses of roots of WT and B9 plants cultivated on P2 or on P/10 confirmed the Pi‐limited profile of the mutant on P2 and highlighted its altered response to Pi on P/10. Furthermore, the B9 mutant displayed a higher expression of defence/stress‐related genes and was more susceptible to infection by the root oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches than WT plants. We propose that the hypermycorrhizal phenotype of the B9 mutant is linked to its Pi‐limited status favouring AM symbiosis in contrast to WT plants in Pi‐replete conditions, and discuss the possible links between the altered response of the B9 mutant to Pi, mycorrhization and infection by A. euteiches.
Efficacy of prophylactic additional cranial irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy for the prevention of CNS relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT for childhood ALL
Authors: Fukano Reiji , Nishimura Miho , Ito Nobuhiro , Nakashima Kentaro , Kodama Yuichi , Okamura Jun , Inagaki Jiro 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe evaluated the efficacy of CRT and IT chemotherapy, in addition to conditioning including TBI, for the prevention of CNS relapse, in allogeneic HSCT for childhood ALL. From January 1999 to December 2009, a total of 48 patients, without previous or presenting CNS involvement, underwent HSCT for ALL. All patients received myeloablative conditioning including TBI of 12 or 13.2 Gy and IT chemotherapy twice between days −10 and −2 prior to HSCT. Twenty‐five patients received CRT prior to TBI (CRT+), and 23 patients did not (CRT−). CRT+ and CRT− patients had a seven‐yr EFS rate of 40.0 ± 9.8% and 41.7 ± 10.6%, respectively (p = 0.8252). The seven‐yr relapse rates for CRT+ and CRT− patients were 45.0 ± 11.2% and 38.4 ± 11.6%, respectively (p = 0.7460). CNS relapses were evident in 1 (4.0%) CRT+ patient and 1 (4.4%) CRT− patient (p = 1.000). There were no significant differences in EFS and the probability of CNS relapse between CRT+ and CRT− patients. These results demonstrate that CRT and IT chemotherapy, in addition to conditioning chemotherapy, may not be necessary in childhood ALL patients without previous or presenting CNS involvement.
Successful living donor liver transplantation for giant extensive venous malformation
Authors: Hatanaka Masahiro , Nakazawa Atsuko , Nakano Natsuko , Matsuoka Kentaro , Ikeda Hitoshi , Hamano Ikumi , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe report our success in employing LDLT as a course of treatment for extensive hepatic VM. A 14‐yr‐old pediatric patient presented at our hospital with nosebleed, fatigability, orthopnea, and abdominal distension. He had a history of right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis due to VM of the transverse colon at age seven. Coagulation abnormalities were apparent, characterized by high international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, decreased fibrinogen level, increased FDPs, and D‐dimer. T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed numerous, variable‐sized high signal intensity nodules. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan showed hepatomegaly with multiple hypo‐echogenic lesions and arteriovenous shunting in the liver. Doppler ultrasound showed hypokinetic flow in the hypo‐echogenic lesions of liver. Immediate LDLT was performed to avoid spontaneous rupture and DIC. The right lobe of the liver was implanted with temporary portocaval shunt to prevent intestinal congestion and bleeding. Pathologic examination of the explanted liver confirmed the presence of an extensive hepatic VM. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained symptom‐free with normal liver function throughout the 12‐month follow‐up period.
Indexical Beliefs and Communication: Against Stalnaker on Self‐Location
Authors: Weber Clas 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBeliefs are commonly analyzed as binary relations between subjects and propositions. Perry and Lewis have shown that the standard account has difficulties in handling self‐locating beliefs. Robert Stalnaker has recently put forward a version of the standard account that is supposed to overcome this problem. Stalnaker's motivation for defending the propositional account of belief is that it comes with a simple and powerful propositional model of communication. In this paper I argue that Stalnaker's proposal fails. The only way of upholding the propositional account of belief is by abandoning the simple account of communication.
Implications of bacterial contaminated seed lots and endophytic colonization by Pseudomonas fuscovaginae on rice establishment
Authors: Adorada D. L. , Stodart B. J. , Pangga I. B. , Ash G. J. 
Published: May 2014

The economic impact of seedborne bacterial diseases on rice production provides a major motivation for research on seed health. This paper reports on the endophytic growth of a rifampicin‐marked strain of the seedborne rice pathogen Pseudomonas fuscovaginae. The bacterium was found in most tested seeds indicating that, even without visible discolouration, seed transmission is possible. Crushed discoloured seeds contained more bacterial cells than did non‐crushed discoloured seeds. These bacteria were released during seed soaking, contaminating clean seed and lowering seed germination. Cells of a rifampicin‐resistant strain of P. fuscovaginae, which had been inoculated onto rice seeds, were subsequently recovered from different growth stages and from different rice tissues, thereby indicating endophytic colonization. These results have implications for seedling establishment, as symptomless seeds do not assure disease‐free seeds, and the presence of seedborne bacteria results in poor germination and poor seedling establishment. Elimination of seedborne bacteria by soaking in sodium hypochlorite can increase seed germination. This could be used in developing control strategies, and, if practised regularly, reduce entry of seedborne disease‐causing organisms into crops, resulting in lower disease pressure.
Iterative breakthrough invasive aspergillosis due to TR(34)/L98H azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and Emericella sublata in a single hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient
Authors: de Fontbrune F.S. , Denis B. , Meunier M. , Garcia‐Hermoso D. , Bretagne S. , Alanio A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe report 3 consecutive episodes of invasive aspergillosis in a single hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient successively attributed to TR(34)/L98H azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and to a first occurrence of invasive Emericella sublata infection. This case illustrates potential selection of resistant molds during antifungal therapy in hematological patient.
Systematic review: Prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martins‐Melo Francisco Rogerlândio , Lima Mauricélia da Silveira , Ramos Alberto Novaes , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Heukelbach Jörg 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and the risk of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Brazil, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsWe searched electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists of included publications to identify epidemiological studies on the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and on the congenital transmission rate of T. cruzi infection in Brazil published between January 1980 and June 2013. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using fixed‐ and random‐effects models.ResultsSixteen articles were included – 12 studies on the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women (549 359 pregnant women) and nine on congenital transmission rates (1687 children born to infected mothers). Prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women ranged from 0.1% to 8.5%, and congenital transmission rates from 0% to 5.2%. The pooled prevalence of Chagas disease among pregnant women across studies was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.6–2.0); the pooled congenital transmission rate was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.9–3.1). In 2010, 34 629 pregnant women were estimated to be infected with T. cruzi, and 312–1073 children born (mean: 589 cases) with congenital infection.ConclusionCongenital Chagas disease is a neglected public health problem in Brazil. Systematic congenital Chagas disease control programs through routine prenatal screening for T. cruzi should be widely implemented in Brazil's endemic areas, to identify infected pregnant women and newborns at risk of congenital infection.
The Evidence on Globalisation
Authors: Potrafke Niklas 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGlobalisation is blamed for many socioeconomic shortcomings. I discuss the consequences of globalisation by surveying the empirical globalisation literature. My focus is on the KOF indices of globalisation that have been used in more than 100 studies. Early studies using the KOF index reported correlations between globalisation and several outcome variables. Studies published more recently identify causal effects. The evidence shows that globalisation has spurred economic growth, promoted gender equality and improved human rights. Moreover, globalisation did not erode welfare state activities, did not have any significant effect on labour market interaction and hardly influenced market deregulation. It increased, however, within‐country income inequality. The consequences of globalisation thus turn out to be overall much more favourable than often conjectured in the public discourse.
Listeria monocytogenes Infection in a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) – New Mexico, 2011
Authors: Nichols M. , Takacs N. , Ragsdale J. , Levenson D. , Marquez C. , Roache K. , Tarr C. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryListeria monocytogenes is a Gram‐positive, facultative anaerobic, rod‐shaped bacterium that can infect and cause disease in many species. In this case report, we describe a case of L. monocytogenes infection causing sepsis in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). The sugar glider consumed a varied diet consisting of human food items, including cantaloupe. A nationwide outbreak of L. monocytogenes foodborne illness associated with cantaloupes occurred simultaneously with this incident case. In this case, the bacterial strains from the outbreak and glider were genetically distinct. Although rare, veterinarians should be aware of the emergence of foodborne pathogens' ability to infect exotic animals residing in domestic environments.
Community Survey of Rabies Knowledge and Exposure to Bats in Homes – Sumter County, South Carolina, USA
Authors: Lankau E. W. , Cox S. W. , Ferguson S. C. , Blanton J. D. , Tack D. M. , Petersen B. W. , Rupprecht C. E. 
Published: May 2014

SummarySubsequent to a human rabies death in Sumter County, South Carolina, we assessed the frequency of exposures to bats in homes and citizens' rabies knowledge. A self‐administered survey was mailed to 6033 randomly selected Sumter County addresses. The survey inquired about household exposures to bats and respondents' rabies knowledge. Surveys were returned by mail for descriptive analysis. Of 597 respondents, 3.5% (21/597) reported having bats living in (2.8% or 17/597) or entering their homes (2.5% or 15/597) during 2010–2012. Respondents generally understood that mammals transmit rabies virus through bites, but were less aware of the severity of rabies illness and modern post‐exposure vaccine administration. Respondents were unsure about how to exclude bats from homes and ranked highly both healthcare and non‐healthcare entities as preferred resources for obtaining assistance with bat‐related concerns. We found potential for human exposures to bats in Sumter County households and gaps in citizen knowledge of rabies and bat exclusion. Public health officials should engage non‐healthcare partners in assistance disseminating rabies educational materials and for providing appropriate referral for persons potentially exposed to bats.
Form and function remixed: developmental physiology in the evolution of vertebrate body plans
Authors: Newman Stuart A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe most widely accepted model of evolutionary change, the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis, is based on the gradualism of Darwin and Wallace. They, in turn, developed their ideas in the context of 19th century concepts of how matter, including the tissues of animals and plants, could be reshaped and repatterned. A new physics of condensed, chemically, electrically and mechanically excitable materials formulated in the 20th century was, however, readily taken up by physiologists, who applied it to the understanding of dynamical, external condition‐dependent and homeostatic properties of individual organisms. Nerve conduction, vascular and airway dynamics, and propagation of electrical excitations in heart and brain tissue all benefited from theories of biochemical oscillation, fluid dynamics, reaction–diffusion‐based pattern instability and allied dissipative processes. When, in the late 20th century, the development of body and organ form was increasingly seen to involve dynamical, frequently non‐linear processes similar to those that had become standard in physiology, a strong challenge to the evolutionary synthesis emerged. In particular, large‐scale changes in organismal form now had a scientific basis other than gradualistic natural selection based on adaptive advantage. Moreover, heritable morphological changes were seen to be capable of occurring abruptly with little or no genetic change, with involvement of the external environment, and in preferred directions. This paper discusses three examples of morphological motifs of vertebrate bodies and organs, the somites, the skeletons of the paired limbs, and musculoskeletal novelties distinctive to birds, for which evolutionary origination and transformation can be understood on the basis of the physiological and biophysical determinants of their development.