bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compliance with Postexposure Screening and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Balkhy Hanan H. , Miller Thaddeus L. , Ali Saira , Nuzzo Jennifer B. , Kentenyants Karine , El-Saed Aiman , McNabb Scott J. N. 
Published: December 2013

Background.Controlling tuberculosis (TB) infection among occupationally exposed healthcare workers (HCWs) may be challenging.Methods.We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of HCWs who were exposed to patients diagnosed with infectious TB at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2008 and 2010. The collected data included baseline tuberculin skin test (TST) status, potential predictors of TST positivity, postexposure diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI), and postexposure compliance with LTBI therapy.Results.Thirteen patients were diagnosed with infectious pulmonary TB during the study period. A total of 298 HCWs met our definition for exposure. Exposed HCWs tended to be female (62.9%), non-Saudi (83.9%), nurses (68.6%), or respiratory therapists (24.0%) working in critical care locations (72.8%). Baseline (preemployment) TST documentation existed for 41.3% (123/298). Among those with documented baseline TSTs, 51.2% (63/123) were positive, representing 21.1% (63/298) of all HCWs. Only 48.9% (115/235) of exposed HCWs who had negative or unknown preexposure TST status had their TST tested after exposure. Approximately 46.1% (53/115) of them were diagnosed with postexposure LTBI, and 92.5% (49/53) of them were prescribed LTBI therapy. Among those, 93.9% (46/49) started LTBI therapy; however, 82.6% (38/46) failed to complete the recommended course.Conclusions.We found low rates of baseline TST documentation and postexposure screening among exposed HCWs. Compliance with initiating postexposure isoniazid prophylaxis among HCWs was fair, but only a small fraction of those who started prophylaxis completed the recommended course of therapy. These findings suggest substantial opportunities to implement administrative measures to enhance LTBI management among HCWs.
TDP1 deficiency sensitizes human cells to base damage via distinct topoisomerase I and PARP mechanisms with potential applications for cancer therapy
Authors: Alagoz Meryem , Wells Owen S. , El-Khamisy Sherif F. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Base damage and topoisomerase I (Top1)-linked DNA breaks are abundant forms of endogenous DNA breakage, contributing to hereditary ataxia and underlying the cytotoxicity of a wide range of anti-cancer agents. Despite their frequency, the overlapping mechanisms that repair these forms of DNA breakage are largely unknown. Here, we report that depletion of Tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) sensitizes human cells to alkylation damage and the additional depletion of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease I (APE1) confers hypersensitivity above that observed for TDP1 or APE1 depletion alone. Quantification of DNA breaks and clonogenic survival assays confirm a role for TDP1 in response to base damage, independently of APE1. The hypersensitivity to alkylation damage is partly restored by depletion of Top1, illustrating that alkylating agents can trigger cytotoxic Top1-breaks. Although inhibition of PARP activity does not sensitize TDP1-deficient cells to Top1 poisons, it confers increased sensitivity to alkylation damage, highlighting partially overlapping roles for PARP and TDP1 in response to genotoxic challenge. Finally, we demonstrate that cancer cells in which TDP1 is inherently deficient are hypersensitive to alkylation damage and that TDP1 depletion sensitizes glioblastoma-resistant cancer cells to the alkylating agent temozolomide.
Extensive Phenotypic Changes Associated with Large-scale Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Dougherty Kevin , Smith Brian A. , Moore Autumn F. , Maitland Shannon , Fanger Chris , Murillo Rachel , Baltrus David A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTHorizontal gene transfer often leads to phenotypic changes within recipient organisms independent of any immediate evolutionary benefits. While secondary phenotypic effects of horizontal transfer (i.e. changes in growth rates) have been demonstrated and studied across a variety of systems using relatively small plasmid and phage, little is known about how size of the acquired region affects the magnitude or number of such costs. Here we describe an amazing breadth of phenotypic changes which occur after a large-scale horizontal transfer event (~1Mb megaplasmid) withinPseudomonas stutzeriincluding sensitization to various stresses as well as changes in bacterial behavior. These results highlight the power of horizontal transfer to shift pleiotropic relationships and cellular networks within bacterial genomes. They also provide an important context for how secondary effects of transfer can bias evolutionary trajectories and interactions between species. Lastly, these results and system provide a foundation to investigate evolutionary consequences in real time as newly acquired regions are ameliorated and integrated into new genomic contexts.
Suicidal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Combining Formic Acid and Sulfuric Acid Within a Confined Space
Authors: Lin Peter T. , Dunn William A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSuicide by inhalation of carbon monoxide produced by mixing formic acid and sulfuric acid within a confined space is a rare method of suicide. This method is similar to the so‐called “detergent suicide” method where an acid‐based detergent is mixed with a sulfur source to produce hydrogen sulfide. Both methods produce a toxic gas that poses significant hazards for death investigators, first responders and bystanders. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, while hydrogen sulfide has a characteristic rotten eggs odor, so the risks associated with carbon monoxide are potentially greater due to lack of an important warning signal. While detergent suicides have become increasingly common in the USA, suicide with formic acid and sulfuric acid is rare with only three prior cases being reported. Greater awareness of this method among death investigators is warranted because of the special risks of accidental intoxication by toxic gas and the possibility that this method of suicide will become more common in the future.
Pneumomediastinum and Soft Tissue Emphysema in Pediatric Hanging
Authors: Sieswerda‐Hoogendoorn Tessa , Strik Anne S. , Hilgersom Nick F. J. , Soerdjbalie‐Maikoe Vidija , van Rijn Rick R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPostmortem computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used as a tool in forensic pathology. The exact value of postmortem imaging in detecting specific conditions has not yet been established, but in specific cases, it can be used as a diagnostic tool demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy, as in this case. Pneumomediastinum and soft tissue emphysema were detected with postmortem CT in a 3‐year‐old girl after hanging. It was not found during autopsy. This radiological finding matches 3 adult cases previously described. It is assumed that in this case, the first reported in a child, hanging was the most likely cause as well. In the adult cases, it was interpreted as a vital sign; the person must have been alive to create a pressure gradient causing rupture of the alveoli. This case demonstrates one of the added values of postmortem imaging, the possibility of demonstrating findings that remain undetected during autopsy.
The importance of native trees for forest bird conservation in tropical farmland
Authors: Douglas D. J. T. , Nalwanga D. , Katebaka R. , Atkinson P. W. , Pomeroy D. E. , Nkuutu D. , Vickery J. A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTrees in farmland provide valuable ecosystem services that enhance agricultural productivity and income, as well as supporting biodiversity such as birds. A better understanding of the benefits of farmland trees for birds, specifically the relative value of native and exotic trees, is essential in developing effective management options, particularly within tropical regions with intense cultivation pressure. In farmland in central Uganda, neither total bird species richness nor richness of forest visitors (non‐forest dependent) were related to any measures of tree cover, whereas richness of forest‐dependent bird species showed a positive relationship with the number of native tree species. The density of 10 out of 17 forest‐dependent bird species within farmland showed at least one significant relationship with measures of tree cover; variables relating to native trees typically had more, and stronger, positive effects on bird density than exotic trees. The combined density of 17 forest‐dependent bird species on farmland was positively related to both the total number of native trees and number of large native trees. Increasing the density of forest‐dependent bird species by 1 bird ha−1 within a farmland site is predicted to require c. one to two large native trees, or c. 30 native trees of all sizes, per ha. Despite comprising c. 40% of all trees, exotics exerted little positive influence on forest birds, possibly because these offer poorer resources in terms of foraging, nesting and shelter. While numerous previous studies in the tropics have considered the value, for birds, of tree cover in farmland, few have focused on tree size or species composition. This study suggests that the retention or planting of native trees is an important tool for conserving forest birds within farmland, will provide additional ecosystem services, and should be encouraged through, for example, agricultural development schemes, extension advice and demonstration farms.
Effects of astaxanthin‐enriched yeast on mucosal IgA induction in the jejunum and ileum of weanling mice
Authors: Nagayama Tatsuhiko , Sugimoto Miki , Ikeda Shuntaro , Kume Shinichi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe present study was conducted to clarify the effects of astaxanthin‐enriched yeast on the concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA), the numbers of IgA antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of IgA C‐region in the jejunum and ileum of weanling mice. Weanling mice were fed rodent feed or astaxanthin‐enriched yeast‐supplemented rodent feed for 7, 14 or 21 days. Supplemental astaxanthin‐enriched yeast increased the numbers of IgA ASC in the jejunum and ileum after 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment. Supplemental astaxanthin‐enriched yeast increased IgA concentrations in the jejunum after 21 days of treatment, but IgA concentrations in the ileum were not affected by the treatment. The mRNA expressions of IgA C‐region in the jejunum after 14 and 21 days of treatment and the ileum after 14 days of treatment were enhanced by supplementation of astaxanthin‐enriched yeast. These results indicate that supplementation of astaxanthin‐enriched yeast is effective to enhance the numbers of IgA ASC in the jejunum and ileum and IgA concentrations in the ileum of weanling mice.
Effects of hypothalamic dopamine (DA) on salsolinol (SAL)‐induced prolactin (PRL) secretion in male goats
Authors: Jin Jin , Hara Sayaka , Sawai Ken , Fülöp Ferenc , Nagy György Miklos , Hashizume Tsutomu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of hypothalamic dopamine (DA) on salsolinol (SAL)‐induced prolactin (PRL) release in goats. ThePRL‐releasing response to an intravenous (i.v.) injection ofSALwas examined after treatment with augmentation of centralDAusing carbidopa (carbi) andL‐dopa in male goats under 8‐h (8 h light, 16 h dark) or 16‐h (16 h light, 8 h dark) photoperiod conditions. The carbi andL‐dopa treatments reduced basalPRLconcentrations in the 16‐h photoperiod group (P < 0.05), while a reduction was not observed in the 8‐h photoperiod group. The mean basal plasmaPRLconcentration in the control group for the 8‐h photoperiod was lower than that for the 16‐h photoperiod (P < 0.05).SALsignificantly stimulated the release ofPRLpromptly after the injection in both the 8‐ and 16‐h photoperiod groups (P < 0.05).PRL‐releasing responses for the 16‐h photoperiod were greater than those for the 8‐h photoperiod (P < 0.05). The carbi andL‐dopa treatments bluntedSAL‐inducedPRLrelease in both the 8‐ and 16‐h photoperiods (P < 0.05). These results indicate that hypothalamicDAblunts theSAL‐induced release ofPRLin male goats, regardless of the photoperiod, which suggests that bothSALandDAare involved in regulating the secretion ofPRLin goats.
Medical Biostatistics, 3rd Edition by INDRAYAN, ABHAYA
Authors: Park Mira 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
EDITOR: TAESUNG PARK
Medical Biostatistics, 3rd Edition
(Abhaya Indrayan)
Mira Park
Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis (5th Ed.)
(Douglas C. Montgomery, Elizabeth A. Peck, and G. Geoffrey Vining)
Hee-Seok Oh
Statistical Methods with Applications to Demography and Life Insurance
(Estate V. Khmaladze)
Dong Wan Shin
Categorical Data Analysis, 3rd Edition
(Alan Agresti)
Donguk Kim
Mechanism of cytotoxic action of crambescidin‐816 on human liver‐derived tumour cells
Authors: Rubiolo J A , López‐Alonso H , Roel M , Vieytes M R , Thomas O , Ternon E , Vega F V , Botana L M 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeMarine sponges have evolved the capacity to produce a series of very efficient chemicals to combat viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic organisms. It has been demonstrated that several of these compounds have anti‐neoplastic activity. The highly toxic sponge Crambe crambe has been the source of several molecules named crambescidins. Of these, crambescidin‐816 has been shown to be cytotoxic for colon carcinoma cells. To further investigate the potential anti‐carcinogenic effect of crambescidin‐816, we analysed its effect on the transcription of HepG2 cells by microarray analysis followed by experiments guided by the results obtained.Experimental ApproachAfter cytotoxicity determination, a transcriptomic analysis was performed to test the effect of crambescidin‐816 on the liver‐derived tumour cell HepG2. Based on the results obtained, we analysed the effect of crambescidin‐816 on cell‐cell adhesion, cell‐matrix adhesion, and cell migration by Western blot, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity and cell migration were also studied in a variety of other cell lines derived from human tumours.Key ResultsCrambescidin‐816 had a cytotoxic effect on all the cell lines studied. It inhibited cell‐cell adhesion, interfered with the formation of tight junctions, and cell‐matrix adhesion, negatively affecting focal adhesions. It also altered the cytoskeleton dynamics. As a consequence of all these effects on cells crambescidin‐816 inhibited cell migration.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that crambescidin‐816 is active against tumour cells and implicate a new mechanism for the anti‐tumour effect of this compound.
Gating function of isoleucine‐116 in TM‐3 (position III:16/3.40) for the activity state of the CC‐chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)
Authors: Steen A , Sparre‐Ulrich A H , Thiele S , Guo D , Frimurer T M , Rosenkilde M M 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeA conserved amino acid within a protein family indicates a significance of the residue. In the centre of transmembrane helix (TM)‐5, position V:13/5.47, an aromatic amino acid is conserved among class A 7TM receptors. However, in 37% of chemokine receptors – a subgroup of 7TM receptors – it is a leucine indicating an altered function. Here, we describe the significance of this position and its possible interaction with TM‐3 for CCR5 activity.Experimental ApproachThe effects of [L203F]‐CCR5 in TM‐5 (position V:13/5.47), [I116A]‐CCR5 in TM‐3 (III:16/3.40) and [L203F;G286F]‐CCR5 (V:13/5.47;VII:09/7.42) were determined in G‐protein‐ and β‐arrestin‐coupled signalling. Computational modelling monitored changes in amino acid conformation.Key Results[L203F]‐CCR5 increased the basal level of G‐protein coupling (20–70% of Emax) and β‐arrestin recruitment (50% of Emax) with a threefold increase in agonist potency. In silico, [I116A]‐CCR5 switched χ1‐angle in [L203F]‐CCR5. Furthermore, [I116A]‐CCR5 was constitutively active to a similar degree as [L203F]‐CCR5. Tyr244 in TM‐6 (VI:09/6.44) moved towards TM‐5 in silico, consistent with its previously shown function for CCR5 activation. On [L203F;G286F]‐CCR5 the antagonist aplaviroc was converted to a superagonist.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results imply that an aromatic amino acid in the centre of TM‐5 controls the level of receptor activity. Furthermore, Ile116 acts as a gate for the movement of Tyr244 towards TM‐5 in the active state, a mechanism proposed previously for the β2‐adrenoceptor. The results provide an understanding of chemokine receptor function and thereby information for the development of biased and non‐biased antagonists and inverse agonists.
Burden of copy number variation in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Keller M , Glessner J , Resnick E , Perez E , Chapel H , Lucas M , Sullivan K E , Cunningham-Rundles C , Orange J S , Hakonarson H 
Published: December 2013

Summary
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) has been associated recently with a dramatic increase in total copy number variation burden, the cause of which is unclear. In order to explore further the origin and clinical relevance of this finding, we quantified the total genomic copy number variation (CNV) burden in affected patients and evaluated clinical details in relationship to total CNV burden. No correlation was found between total CNV burden and either patient age or time elapsed since symptom onset, and higher total burden did not correlate with incidence of malignancy or other subphenotypes. These findings suggest that the increased CNV burden is static and intrinsic to CVID as a disease.
A rectal bleeding algorithm can successfully reduce emergency admissions
Authors: Patel R. , Clancy R. , Crowther E. , Vannahme M. , Pullyblank A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimAcute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common cause of emergency admissions yet rarely requires blood transfusion or radiological/surgical intervention. We aimed to develop a risk assessment tool to identify patients with acute LGIB who can be safely managed in primary care.MethodWe retrospectively applied an existing nomogram to 20 admissions to obtain criteria that could predict the need for transfusion. We simplified the algorithm to three criteria and developed an associated care pathway. If haemoglobin was > 13 g/dl, systolic blood pressure > 115 mmHg and the patient was not anticoagulated, admission could be avoided. These criteria were then applied to 57 prospective patients attending during a 16‐week period. This was implemented with education of primary and secondary care staff, access to an emergency clinic and provision of patient information.ResultsWe applied our algorithm and care pathway to 57 patients with uncomplicated rectal bleeding. Thirty‐five per cent (20/57) of potential admissions were avoided. Instead, patients received written information and underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy as outpatients within 6 weeks. One discharged patient was readmitted from endoscopy with severe colitis. There were no other readmissions or complications. Of the 36 patients for whom the algorithm predicted admission was needed, 33% (12/36) were anticoagulated, 94% (34/36) had haemoglobin < 13 g/dl and 42% (15/36) had a systolic blood pressure < 115 mmHg. Only one admission (1.8%) did not fulfil the admission criteria and could have potentially been avoided. Avoidable admissions reduced from 50 to 1.8%.ConclusionThe application of a simple rectal bleeding algorithm can safely prevent unnecessary admissions.
Post‐operative complications requiring hospitalization more than one yr after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Soyama Akihiko , Muraoka Izumi , Hara Takanobu , Kinoshita Ayaka , Yamaguchi Izumi , Tanaka Takayuki , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground/PurposeThe long‐term outcomes after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have not been clearly established. This retrospective study assessed long‐term outcomes after LDLT through reviewing complications requiring hospitalization more than one yr after engraftment.MethodsSixty‐five LDLT recipients alive more than one yr post‐transplantation were enrolled, 37 males and 28 females, with a median age at transplantation of 53 yr (range, 0–68 yr). We reviewed all post‐operative complications requiring hospitalization more than one yr after LDLT.ResultsThere were 61 post‐operative complications requiring hospitalization in 43 of the 65 patients (66%), and the majority of these complications were transplantation related (59/61; 97%). Despite this, 43 (78%) of 55 surviving patients had normal liver function at their last follow‐up, and 50 patients (91%) achieved normal activity (Karnofsky score 100%).ConclusionsMore than one‐half of our LDLT recipients required hospitalization more than one yr post‐LDLT to treat a complication. Most were able to maintain their quality of life and liver function with appropriate treatment.
Downward accountability in response to collective actions
Authors: Li Yuan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWill autocratic governments implement policies to satisfy the people's demands in order to prevent large scale social unrest? This article explores this question through quantitative analysis of the political economy of public goods provision in Chinese provinces. Data were collected on the number of labour disputes to measure collective actions. My sample includes provincial leaders whose incentives to deliver public goods can either be explained as a result of upward accountability towards the Centre or downward accountability towards the citizens. The confounding factor of upward accountability is ruled out by using two‐step estimation, and the reverse causality between public goods provision and collective actions is controlled by using instrumental variables. This result suggests that provincial leaders will implement policies more in favour of the citizens in response to intensified labour disputes.
Region‐specific impairments in striatal synaptic transmission and impaired instrumental learning in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome
Authors: Hayrapetyan Volodya , Castro Stephen , Sukharnikova Tatyana , Yu Chunxiu , Cao Xinyu , Jiang Yong‐Hui , Yin Henry H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAngelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by mental retardation and impaired speech. Because patients with this disorder often exhibit motor tremor and stereotypical behaviors, which are associated with basal ganglia pathology, we hypothesized that AS is accompanied by abnormal functioning of the striatum, the input nucleus of the basal ganglia. Using mutant mice with maternal deficiency of AS E6‐AP ubiquitin protein ligase Ube3a (Ube3am−/p+), we assessed the effects of Ube3a deficiency on instrumental conditioning, a striatum‐dependent task. We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording to measure glutamatergic transmission in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS). Ube3am−/p+ mice were severely impaired in initial acquisition of lever pressing. Whereas the lever pressing of wild‐type controls was reduced by outcome devaluation and instrumental contingency reversal, the performance of Ube3am−/p+ mice were more habitual, impervious to changes in outcome value and action–outcome contingency. In the DMS, but not the DLS, Ube3am−/p+ mice showed reduced amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. These results show for the first time a selective deficit in instrumental conditioning in the Ube3a deficient mouse model, and suggest a specific impairment in glutmatergic transmission in the associative corticostriatal circuit in AS.