bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Detection of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius ST68 from Hospitalized Equines in Spain
Authors: Gómez‐Sanz E. , Simón C. , Ortega C. , Gómez P. , Lozano C. , Zarazaga M. , Torres C. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryEight coagulase‐positive staphylococci from equines with different pathologies obtained between 2005 and 2011 were investigated. Isolates were characterized by different molecular techniques (spa‐, agr‐, MLST), and clonal relatedness of strains was investigated by ApaI and SmaI PFGE. Anti‐microbial resistance and virulence profiles were determined. Six isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, and two as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Of these, four isolates were methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ST398 and one S. pseudintermedius was mecA positive and typed as ST68. One MRSA ST398 strain was isolated in 2005 and might be one of the earliest MRSA ST398 descriptions in Spain. All 5 mecA‐positive strains were multidrug resistant and were isolated from hospitalized equines. Three MRSA ST398 strains carried the recently described transposon Tn559 within the chromosomal radC gene. The mecA‐positive S. pseudintermedius ST68 strain was also multidrug resistant and harboured the erm(B)‐Tn5405‐like element. This ST68 strain presented a clear susceptible phenotype to oxacillin and cefoxitin regardless of the presence of an integral and conserved mecA gene and mecA promoter, which enhances the need for testing the presence of this gene in routine analysis to avoid treatment failures. These data reflect the extended anti‐microbial resistance gene acquisition capacities of both bacterial species and evidence their pathogenic properties. The first detection of MRSA ST398 and S. pseudintermedius ST68 in horses in Spain is reported.
Dose calculation for electron therapy using an improved LBR method
Authors: Gebreamlak Wondesen T. , Tedeschi David J. , Alkhatib Hassaan A. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose:To calculate the percentage depth dose (PDD) of any irregularly shaped electron beam using a modified lateral build‐up ratio (LBR) method.Methods:Percentage depth dose curves were measured using 6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV electron beam energies for applicator cone sizes of 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 14 × 14, and 20 × 20 cm2. Circular cutouts for each cone were prepared from 2.0 cm diameter to the maximum possible size for each cone. In addition, three irregular cutouts were prepared.Results:The LBR for each circular cutout was calculated from the measured PDD curve using the open field of the 14 × 14 cm2 cone as the reference field. Using the LBR values and the radius of the circular cutouts, the corresponding lateral spread parameter [σR(z)] of the electron shower was calculated. Unlike the commonly accepted assumption that σR(z) is independent of cutout size, it is shown that its value increases linearly with circular cutout size (R). Using this characteristic of the lateral spread parameter, the PDD curves of irregularly shaped cutouts were calculated. Finally, the calculated PDD curves were compared with measured PDD curves.Conclusions:In this research, it is shown that the lateral spread parameter σR(z) increases with cutout size. For radii of circular cutout sizes up to the equilibrium range of the electron beam, the increase of σR(z) with the cutout size is linear. The percentage difference of the calculated PDD curve from the measured PDD data for irregularly shaped cutouts was under 1.0% in the region between the surface and therapeutic range of the electron beam. Similar results were obtained for four electron beam energies (6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV).
On the subjective responses based on the auditory-brain model in relation to the factors extracted from the interaural cross-correlation mechanism and the auto-correlation mechanism of sound fields
Authors: Sato Shin-ichi 
Published: June 2013

Based on the auditory-brain model for subjective responses, the author investigated the relationship between several important subjective attributes of the sound field and the orthogonal factors that are extracted from both of the interaural cross-correlation function and the autocorrelation function. There are three significant findings. (1) The apparent source width (ASW) is described by two orthogonal spatial factors: the IACC and the width of the interaural cross-correlation function (WIACC). The scale value of ASW is formulated by superpositioning two terms: the 3/2 power of the IACC and the 1/2 power of the WIACC. (2) The most preferred delay time of a single reflection for a cello soloist can be calculated by the amplitude of the reflection and the minimum value of the effective duration of the running autocorrelation function of the music motifs played by the cellist. (3) From subjective preference tests by paired-comparison method, for different source locations on the stage in an actual concert hall, the subjective preference can be calculated using four orthogonal factors and the interaural time delay of the IACC (IACC). When the IACC is not obtained at = 0IACC, the preference scores decrease rapidly due to an image shift or an unbalanced sound field. Results agree well with the subjective preference obtained by use of simulated sound fields when = 0IACC.
Thesis advisor: Yoichi Ando
Copies of this thesis written in English can be obtained from Shin-ichi Sato, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University, Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501 Japan. E-mail address: satos@kobe-u.ac.jp.
Joining up health and planning: how Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) can inform health and wellbeing strategies and spatial planning
Authors: Tomlinson Paul , Hewitt Stephen , Blackshaw Neil 
Published: June 2013

There has been a welcome joining up of the rhetoric around health, the environment and land use or spatial planning in both the English public health white paper and the National Planning Policy Framework. However, this paper highlights a real concern that this is not being followed through into practical guidance needed by local authorities (LAs), health bodies and developers about how to deliver this at the local level. The role of Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) and Health and Wellbeing Strategies (HWSs) have the potential to provide a strong basis for integrated local policies for health improvement, to address the wider determinants of health and to reduce inequities. However, the draft JSNA guidance from the Department of Health falls short of providing a robust, comprehensive and practical guide to meeting these very significant challenges. The paper identifies some examples of good practice. It recommends that action should be taken to raise the standards of all JSNAs to meet the new challenges and that HWSs should be aligned spatially and temporally with local plans and other LA strategies. HWSs should also identify spatially targeted interventions that can be delivered through spatial planning or transport planning. Steps need to be taken to ensure that district councils are brought into the process.
Delivery of a national home safety equipment scheme in England: a survey of local scheme leaders
Authors: Mulvaney CA , Watson MC , Hamilton T , Errington G 
Published: June 2013

Aims: Unintentional home injuries sustained by preschool children are a major cause of morbidity in the UK. Home safety equipment schemes may reduce home injury rates. In 2009, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents was appointed as central coordinator of a two-year, £18m national home safety equipment scheme in England. This paper reports the findings from a national survey of all scheme leaders responsible for local scheme delivery. Methods: A questionnaire mailed to all local scheme leaders sought details of how the schemes were operated locally; barriers and facilitators to scheme implementation; evaluation of the local scheme and its sustainability. Results: A response rate of 73% was achieved. Health visitors and family support workers played a key role in both the identification of eligible families and performing home safety checks. The majority of local scheme leaders (94.6%) reported that they thought their local scheme had been successful in including those families considered ‘harder to engage’. Many scheme leaders (72.4%) reported that they had evaluated the provision of safety equipment in their scheme and over half (56.6%) stated that they would not be able to continue the scheme once funding ceased. Conclusions: Local schemes need support to effectively evaluate their scheme and to seek sustainability funding to ensure the future of the scheme. There remains a lack of evidence of whether the provision of home safety equipment reduces injuries in preschool children.
Liquidity Trap and the Conditional Policy Commitment: An Analysis under Adaptive Learning
Authors: Chattopadhyay Siddhartha 
Published: June 2013

A liquidity trap is no longer a mere theoretical curiosity after Japan’s economic slump in the early 1990s and the recent global recession triggered by economic depression in the United States in 2007. Several non-standard policy alternatives have been prescribed to combat a liquidity trap. One of them is the conditional policy commitment that keeps nominal interest rate near zero depending on the state of the economy. Such a credible commitment is expected to stimulate the economy by raising asset prices. Using the principle of adaptive learning, this article analyzes the impact of a conditional policy commitment on a liquidity trap, which keeps nominal interest rate near zero when the inflation rate is below a unique threshold level. I would show that a conditional policy commitment like this eliminates a liquidity trap and the associated deflationary spiral by anchoring inflationary expectations. As a result, the targeted equilibrium becomes globally stable. JEL Classification: E63, E52, E58
Interleukin-10 facilitates the selection of patients for systemic thrombolysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Yáñez Manuel , Castellanos Mar , Sobrino Tomás , Brea David , Ramos-Cabrer Pedro , Pedraza Salvador , Castiñeiras José A , Serena Joaquín , Dávalos Antonio , Castillo José , Blanco Miguel 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Clinical-Diffusion mismatch (CDM; NIHSS score ≥8 & DWI lesion volume ≤25 mL) and Perfusion-Diffusion mismatch (PDM; difference >20% between initial DWI and MTT lesion volumes) have been proposed as surrogates for ischemic brains that are at risk of infarction. However, their utility to improve the selection of patients for thrombolytic treatment remains controversial. Our aim was to identify molecular biomarkers that can be used with neuroimaging to facilitate the selection of ischemic stroke patients for systemic thrombolysis.

Methods
We prospectively studied 595 patients with ischemic stroke within 12 h of the stroke onset. A total of 184 patients received thrombolytic treatment according to the SITS-MOST criteria. DWI and MTT volumes were measured at admission. The main outcome variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale <3). Serum levels of glutamate (Glu), IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, NSE, and active MMP-9 also were determined at admission.

Results
Patients treated with t-PA who presented with PDM had higher IL-10 levels at admission (p < 0.0001). In contrast, patients with CDM had higher levels of IL-10 (p < 0.0001) as well as Glu and TNF-α (all p < 0.05) and lower levels of NSE and active MMP-9 (all p < 0.0001). IL-10 ≥ 30 pg/mL predicts good functional outcome at 3 months with a specificity of 88% and a sensitibity of 86%. IL-10 levels ≥30 pg/mL independently in both patients with PDM (OR, 18.9) and CDM (OR, 7.5), after an adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions
Serum levels of IL-10 facilitate the selection of ischemic stroke patients with CDM and PDM for systemic thrombolysis.
Lack of associations between two previously identified susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-23 receptor gene and ankylosing spondylitis: a replication study in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Qian Bang-ping , Jiang Jun , Ji Ming-liang , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Qiu Yong 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 gene is considered to be a major gene associated with predisposition to ankylosing spondylitis (AS); however, studies have demonstrated that non-HLA-B27 genes also contribute substantially to the susceptibility to AS. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1004819 and rs10889677, of the interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) gene have been shown to be associated with AS susceptibility in European populations. However, ethnicity factors contribute to population splitting and genetic variation, and ethnic-specific genetic association studies are needed to validate these associations in patients from different ethnic backgrounds. This study therefore aimed to replicate the associations between these two SNPs and AS susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Methods
A total of 195 AS patients and 203 normal controls were recruited in this study. Two IL-23R gene SNPs, rs1004819 and rs10889677 were selected. Genotyping was performed in all subjects using the TaqMan probe method. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between AS patients and normal controls by χ2 tests.

Results
There were no significant differences in either the genotype frequencies (TT 36.4%, TC 48.7% and CC 14.9% in AS patients; TT 35.0%, TC 50.0% and CC 15.0% in normal controls) or allele frequencies (T 60.8% and C 39.2% in AS patients; T 60.0% and C 40.0% in normal controls) of rs1004819 between AS patients and normal controls (P > 0.05). In addition, both the genotype frequencies (AA 51.3%, AC 43.1% and CC 5.6% in AS patients; AA 57.6%, AC 35.5% and CC 6.9% in normal controls) and allele frequencies (A 72.8% and C 27.2% in AS patients; A 75.4% and C 24.6% in normal controls) of rs10889677 were also comparable between AS patients and normal controls (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
This study found no evidence for an association between either of the two previously identified AS-susceptibility IL-23R SNPs (rs1004819 and rs10889677) and onset of AS, indicating a possible difference in pathogenesis of AS between Chinese and European patients.
Development and test of a trans-horizon communication system based on a MIMO architecture
Authors: Ndao Papa Moussa , Erhel Yvon , Lemur Dominique , Oger Martial , Le Masson Jérôme 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system for trans-horizon radio communications within the high-frequency (HF) band (3 to 30 MHz) is presented. The diversity of transmitted polarizations is proposed as an alternative to spatial diversity in order to limit the aperture of antenna arrays at both ends of the radio link. In a theoretical step providing the estimation of capacity gain for different MIMO architectures, a 2 × 2 MIMO solution transmitting two complementary circular polarizations is identified as a balanced trade-off between performance increase and complexity. The design of the corresponding system is described with a focus on antenna arrays and the kind of signal processing that should be implemented. This novel communication system has been tested on a 280-km-long radio link. The first results underline a data transfer rate reaching a value of 24.09 kbps (in a 4.2-kHz bandwidth) that significantly exceeds the current standards for HF modems.
Ethnic- and sex-specific associations between plasma fatty acids and markers of insulin resistance in healthy young adults
Authors: Ralston Jessica C , Zulyniak Michael A , Nielsen Daiva E , Clarke Shannon , Badawi Alaa , El-Sohemy Ahmed , Ma David WL , Mutch David M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Although evidence indicates that fatty acids (FA) can affect insulin resistance (IR), not all FA contribute equally to the process. Indeed, monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) are reported to reduce IR, whereas saturated FA (SFA) and trans FA appear to increase IR. However, it is not yet clear how individual FA are associated with markers of IR, and whether these relationships are influenced by ethnicity and/or sex. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine the ethnic- and sex-specific relationships between plasma FA and markers of IR in a cohort of healthy young Caucasian, East Asian, and South Asian adults.

Methods
Gas chromatography was used to quantify fasting plasma FA from young Canadian adults (22.6 ± 0.1 yrs) of Caucasian (n = 461), East Asian (n = 362), or South Asian (n = 104) descent. Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between plasma FA and markers of IR (i.e. fasting insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR) according to ethnicity and sex.

Results
Numerous significant associations (P < 0.05, adjusted for multiple testing) were identified between individual FA and markers of IR, with the majority identified in Caucasians. For SFA, positive associations were found between 14:0 and fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in Caucasian and East Asian populations, and 18:0 and fasting glucose in Caucasians only. Several positive associations were also found for specific MUFA (18:1t11 and 18:1t6-8 with HOMA-IR, and 18:1c9 with fasting glucose) and PUFA (18:2n6 with fasting glucose and 18:2c9t11 with HOMA-IR) in Caucasian adults only. Most of the aforementioned associations were stronger in males compared to females. Interestingly, no significant associations were found between FA and markers of IR in South Asian adults.

Conclusions
We report numerous associations between plasma FA and markers of IR in Caucasian and East Asian populations, but not in South Asian individuals. Furthermore, these associations appeared to be more robust in men. This demonstrates the importance of investigating associations between FA and markers of IR in an ethnic- and sex-specific manner in order to better understand the contribution of plasma FA to the development of IR and type-2 diabetes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney: a clinicopathological study of five cases
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Hao Jianwei , Zhou Ruijin , Zhang Xiangsheng , Yan Tianzhong , Ding Degang , Shan Lei , Liu Zhonghua 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the clinicopathological features of collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) and improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed with clinical data including follow-up results of five patients with CDC.

Results
A total of 5 cases, including 4 males and 1 female, were included in this analysis with the average age 54 years (range 42 to 65). Patients mainly suffered from lumbar pain, hematuria, abdominal mass and low grade fever. Four patients underwent radical nephrectomy while another received palliative nephrectomy. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 3 cases and renal hilum fat metastasis happened to 2 other cases. Tumors was located in the renal medulla and presented invasive growth. They had a tubulopapillary architecture with the hobnail-shaped cells protruding into the glandular lumen, and were accompanied by interstitial fibrosis and dysplasia of epithelial cells in collecting ducts adjacent to the tumors. One tumor was staged at AJCC II, two at AJCC III and two at AJCC IV. Postoperative interferon immunotherapy was applied in 2 cases. Patients were followed up for 5 to 18 months and the average survival time was 10 months.

Conclusion
The CDC exhibits special clinicopathological features, high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. The diagnosis depends on the histopathological examination. Early detection and early surgical treatment are still the main methods to improve the prognosis of patients with CDC.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3702794279387989
LINS, a modulator of the WNT signaling pathway, is involved in human cognition
Authors: Akawi Nadia A , Al-Jasmi Fatma , Al-Shamsi Aisha M , Ali Bassam R , Al-Gazali Lihadh 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundInherited intellectual disability (ID) conditions are a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders that lead to variable degrees of cognition deficits. It has been shown that inherited ID can be caused by mutations in over 100 different genes and there is evidence for the presence of as yet unidentified genes in a significant proportion of patients. We aimed at identifying the defective gene underlying an autosomal recessive ID in two sibs of an Emirati family.MethodsA combined approach involving homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing was used to identify the causative mutation. RNA analysis was performed to gain further insight into the pathogenic effect of the detected mutation.ResultsWe have identified a homozygous splicing mutation (c.1219_1222+1delAAAGG) in theLINSgene in the affected children.LINSis the human homologue of the Drosophila segment polarity genelinthat encodes an essential regulator of the wingless/Wnt signaling. The identified mutation alters the first consensus nucleotide of the 5' donor splice junction of intron 5 and the 3' end of exon 5. Transcript analysis revealed that this change leads to an exon skipping event resulting in direct splicing of exon 4 to exon 6. Another mutation inLINShas been described very briefly in an Iranian family with autosomal recessive ID and microcephaly.ConclusionOur study confirms thatLINS, a modulator of the WNT pathway, is an indispensable gene to human cognition and this finding sheds further light on the importance of WNT signaling in human brain development and/or function.
A pilot study demonstrating a non‐invasive method for the measurement of protein turnover in skin disorders: application to psoriasis
Authors: Emson Claire L , Fitzmaurice Sarah , Lindwall Glen , Li Kelvin W , Hellerstein Marc K , Maibach Howard I , Liao Wilson , Turner Scott M 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies of epidermal kinetics in psoriasis have relied on invasive biopsy procedures or the use of radioactive labels. We previously developed a non‐invasive method for measuring keratin synthesis in human skin using deuterated water labeling, serial collection of tape strips and measurement of deuterium enrichment in protein by mass spectrometry. This powerful method can be applied to measure other skin proteins and lipids collected by tape stripping. Here, for the first time, we apply this technique to investigate the epidermal kinetics of psoriasis, the first step in defining a kinetic profile for normal skin versus activated or quiescent psoriatic skin.MethodsPsoriatic subjects were given 2H2O orally as twice‐daily doses for 16–38 days. Affected and unaffected skin was sampled by tape stripping and washing (modified Pachtman method). Proteins were isolated from the tape strips by a method that enriches for keratin. Turnover times were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Kinetic data were compared to transepidermal water loss (TEWL).ResultsDeuterium‐labeled protein from lesional psoriatic skin appeared at the skin surface within 3–8 days of label administration, whereas labeled protein from non‐lesional skin requires 10–20 days to appear. Psoriatic skin had similar rate of growth despite varying anatomic location. Proteins recovered from tape strips were identified by nanoscale liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Isolated peptides were >98% from keratin in uninvolved skin and >72% keratin in psoriatic skin. Revealing that one‐quarter of all newly synthesized proteins in psoriatic skin are antimicrobial defense and other immune‐related proteins. TEWL values were greater in lesional than non‐lesional skin, suggesting barrier compromise in psoriatic skin despite increased clinical thickness.ConclusionsThis simple, elegant, and non‐invasive method for measuring epidermal protein synthesis, which can also be adapted to measure epidermal lipids, provides a metric that may reveal new insights into the mechanisms and dynamic processes underlying psoriasis and may also provide an objective scale for determining response to therapeutic agents in pre‐clinical and clinical trials. This opens a pathway to the non‐invasive study of kinetics of protein formation in psoriasis or other skin diseases.