bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA‐B50 polymorphism in the Saudi population
Authors: Jawdat D. , Al‐Hamad B. , Al‐Jumah M. , Hajeer A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThe HLA‐B50 serologic family is very frequent in people of Arabic origin. In Saudi Arabia, HLA‐B50 is the most frequent HLA‐B allele. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of HLA‐B50 alleles in healthy Saudi individuals. A total of 162 healthy Saudi individuals were selected based on low‐resolution HLA typing. DNA samples were typed by sequence‐based typing method for exons 2, 3 and 4 of the HLA‐B locus (Genome Diagnostics B.V.). The HLA‐B*50 alleles were analysed using SBT engine software. HLA‐B*50:01:01 was found in 161 of 162 individuals (99.4%), while HLA‐B*50:09 was found in one individual (0.6%). HLA‐B*50:01:01 is the most common HLA‐B50 allele in Saudi Arabia.
Bridges Self-Management Program for People with Stroke in the Community: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McKenna Suzanne , Jones Fiona , Glenfield Pauline , Lennon Sheila 
Published: November 2013

Background Enabling self-management behaviors is considered important in order to develop coping strategies and confidence for managing life with a long-term condition. However, there is limited research into stroke-specific self-management interventions. Aim The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the feasibility of delivering the Bridges stroke self-management program in addition to usual stroke rehabilitation compared with usual rehabilitation only. Methods Participants recruited from the referrals to a community stroke team were randomly allocated to the Bridges stroke self-management program, receiving either one session of up to one-hour per week over a six-week period in addition to usual stroke rehabilitation, or usual rehabilitation only. Feasibility was measured using a range of methods to determine recruitment and retention; adherence to the program; suitability and variability of outcome measures used; application and fidelity of the program; and acceptability of the program to patients, carers and professionals. Results Twenty-five people were recruited to the study over a 13-month period. Eight out of the 12 participants in the Bridges stroke self-management program received all six sessions; there was one withdrawal from the study. There were changes in outcomes between the two groups. Participants who received the Bridges stroke self-management program appeared to have a greater change in self-efficacy, functional activity, social integration and quality of life over the six-week intervention period and showed less decline in mood and quality of life at the three-month follow-up. Professionals found the program acceptable to use in practice, and feedback from participants was broadly positive. Conclusions The findings from this study appear promising, but questions remain regarding the feasibility of delivering the Bridges stroke self-management program in addition to usual rehabilitation. The dose response of receiving the program cannot be ruled out, and the next stage of research should explore the feasibility of an integrated program. Exploration of the reasons behind relatively low recruitment and of the sensitivity of outcome measures to detect a change are also required. Additional investigation of intervention fidelity is required to monitor if the program is being delivered as intended.
Are Patients with Intracerebral Haemorrhage Disadvantaged in Hospitals?
Authors: Sheedy Renee , Bernhardt Julie , Levi Christopher R. , Longworth Mark , Churilov Leonid , Kilkenny Monique F. , Cadilhac Dominique A. 
Published: November 2013

Background and Aims Providing evidence-based clinical care reduces disability and mortality rates following stroke. We examined if compliance with evidence-based processes of care were different for patients with intracerebral haemorrhage when compared with ischemic stroke and sought to describe differences in health outcomes during hospitalization and at time of discharge for these stroke subtypes. Methods The New South Wales acute stroke dataset was used. This included data from 50–100 consecutively admitted patients' medical records collected from 32 New South Wales hospitals between 2003 and 2010. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted taking into account patient factors and clustering of patients by hospital. Results Ischemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage cases had similar demographic features (ischemic stroke n = 3467, mean age 74 years [standard deviation 13], 50% female; intracerebral haemorrhage n = 275, mean age 74 years [standard deviation 13], 48% female). Following multivariable analyses patients with intracerebral haemorrhage were less likely to be admitted to a stroke unit (adjusted odds ratio 0·65; 95% confidence interval 0·45–0·94) or receive an assessment from allied health (adjusted odds ratio 0·54; 95% confidence interval 0·33–0·89) than patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with intracerebral haemorrhage are also less likely to be independent (adjusted odds ratio 0·36; 95% confidence interval 0·3–0·5) at time of hospital discharge and had a greater odds of dying in hospital (adjusted odds ratio 2·1; 95% confidence interval 1·3–3·5). Patients that were admitted to a stroke unit had a greater odds of being independent (modified Rankin Score 0–2) at day 7–10 irrespective of stroke type or severity on admission (adjusted odds ratio 1·3; 95% confidence interval 1·01–1·66). Conclusions Following intracerebral haemorrhage, patients were less likely to be admitted to an acute stroke unit and receive allied health interventions. Admission to stroke units improved the likelihood of being independent at days 7–10 and, therefore, more should be done to encourage evidence-based care for intracerebral haemorrhage.
New Modes of Governance in the External Dimension of EU Migration Policy
Authors: Cardwell Paul James 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAgainst the background of the limited “hard” law measures in place on external migration, the EU institutions are attempting to use a more differentiated approach to migration. This is evidenced by both the Stockholm Programme and the Global Approach to Migration (2005) which rely less on binding instruments and more on flexible, coordinated measures to meet their goals. This article discusses whether these measures can be understood as “new modes of governance” (NMG), which have only rarely been discussed insofar as the external sphere of EU governance is concerned. The article will also investigate the extent to which the initiatives are already in place, contextualising them in the broader debates on new governance and the conduct of the internal and external dimensions of the EU's system of governance. The article concludes that new modes of governance are indeed present in the external dimension of EU migration policy and that understanding them as such helps towards a better understanding of the contemporary state of policymaking at EU level.
Water Management Applications for Satellite Precipitation Products: Synthesis and Recommendations
Authors: Serrat‐Capdevila Aleix , Valdes Juan B. , Stakhiv Eugene Z. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article is an assessment of the current state of the art and relative utility of satellite precipitation products (SPPs) for hydrologic applications to support water management decisions. We present a review of SPPs, their accuracy in diverse settings including the influence of geography, topography, and weather systems, as well as the pros and cons of their use for different water management applications. At the end of this broad synthesizing effort, recommendations are proposed for: (1) SPP developers to improve the quality, usability, and relevance of precipitation products; and (2) SPP users to improve the reliability of their predictions and hydrologic applications to better support water management.
A randomized controlled trial on immediate surgery versus root planing in patients with advanced periodontal disease: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Miremadi Seyed Reza , De Bruyn Hugo , Steyaert Harold , Princen Katrijn , Sabzevar Mehran M. , Cosyn Jan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo compare immediate surgery to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of advanced periodontal disease focusing on the prevalence of residual sites and cost‐effectiveness (1); to evaluate the adjunctive effects of azithromycin in a second treatment phase (2).Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine patients (18 males, 21 females; mean age: 54.6) received oral hygiene instructions and were randomly allocated to surgery (n = 19) or SRP (n = 20). Patients with residual pockets (≥6 mm) at 6 months received re‐debridement of these sites and systemic azithromycin. Treatment groups were followed up to 12 months and evaluated in terms of clinical response parameters and cost‐effectiveness. Chair‐time was used to assess the financial impact of treatment.ResultsBoth treatment arms were equally effective in terms of clinical outcome demonstrating less than 1% residual pockets at 12 months. Surgery imposed an extra 746 Euro on the patient up to 6 months when compared to SRP. At 12 months, 46 Euro of this amount could be offset as a result of a reduced need for supportive care. Only 6 patients in the surgery group needed systemic antibiotics, whereas 14 patients in the SRP needed such additional treatment.ConclusionsAlthough 700 Euro could be saved on average by performing SRP instead of surgery, the latter significantly reduced the need for supportive care and systemic antibiotics.
Knowledge tests in patient education: A systematic review
Authors: Kesänen Jukka , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Arifulla Dinah , Siekkinen Mervi , Valkeapää Kirsi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis study describes knowledge tests in patient education through a systematic review of the Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases with the guidance of the PRISMA Statement. Forty‐nine knowledge tests were identified. The contents were health‐problem related, focusing on biophysiological and functional knowledge. The mean number of items was 20, with true–false or multiple‐choice scales. Most of the tests were purposely designed for the studies included in the review. The most frequently reported quality assessments of knowledge tests were content validity and internal consistency. The outcome measurements for patient‐education needs were comprehensive, validating knowledge tests that cover multidimensional aspects of knowledge. Besides the measurement of the outcomes of patient education, knowledge tests could be used for several purposes in patient education: to guide the content of education as checklists, to monitor the learning process, and as educational tools. There is a need for more efficient content and health problem‐specific knowledge‐test assessments.
bHLH122 is important for drought and osmotic stress resistance in Arabidopsis and in the repression of ABA catabolism
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Tai Huanhuan , Li Songsong , Gao Wei , Zhao Meng , Xie Chuanxiao , Li Wen‐Xue 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Although proteins in the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) family are universal transcription factors in eukaryotes, the biological roles of most bHLH family members are not well understood in plants.

The Arabidopsis thaliana bHLH122 transcripts were strongly induced by drought, NaCl and osmotic stresses, but not by ABA treatment. Promoter::GUS analysis showed that bHLH122 was highly expressed in vascular tissues and guard cells. Compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, transgenic plants overexpressing bHLH122 displayed greater resistance to drought, NaCl and osmotic stresses. In contrast, the bhlh122 loss‐of‐function mutant was more sensitive to NaCl and osmotic stresses than were WT plants.

Microarray analysis indicated that bHLH122 was important for the expression of a number of abiotic stress‐responsive genes. In electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, bHLH122 could bind directly to the G‐box/E‐box cis‐elements in the CYP707A3 promoter, and repress its expression. Further, up‐regulation of bHLH122 substantially increased cellular ABA levels.

These results suggest that bHLH122 functions as a positive regulator of drought, NaCl and osmotic signaling.
Microstructure and growth of the lenses of schizochroal trilobite eyes
Authors: Torney Clare , Lee Martin R. , Owen Alan W. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLenses within the schizochroal eyes of phacopine trilobites are made principally of calcite, and characterization of them using light microscopy and high‐resolution electron imaging and diffraction has revealed an array of microstructural arrangements that suggest a common original pattern across the suborder. The low convexity lenses of Odontochile hausmanni and Dalmanites sp. contain calcite fibres termed trabeculae. The c axis of trabecular calcite lies parallel to the lens axis, and adjacent trabeculae are distinguished by small differences in their a axis orientations. Despite the common alignment, the boundaries between trabeculae cross‐cut the c axis as they fan out towards the lens base. Trabeculae are absent from the lens immediately beneath the visual surface, and instead, a radial fringe is present and is composed of micrometre‐thick sheets of calcite whose c axes are oriented at a low angle to the visual surface. High convexity lenses are more common than those of lower convexity among the species studied, and they have a much thicker radial fringe. Beneath this fringe, all of the lens calcite is oriented with its c axis parallel to the lens axis and it lacks trabeculae. We propose that both the high and low convexity lenses formed by rapid growth of calcite from a surface that migrated inwards from the cornea, and they may have had an amorphous calcium carbonate precursor. The trabeculae and radial fringes are unlikely to have had any beneficial effect on the transmission or focusing of light, but rather are the outcomes of an elegant solution to the problem of how to construct a biconvex lens from a crystalline solid.
Entrance and propagation pattern of high‐frequency electrical currents in biological tissues as applied to fractional skin rejuvenation using penetrating electrodes
Authors: Taheri A. , Mansoori P. , Sandoval L. F. , Feldman S. R. , Williford P. M. , Pearce D. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundFractional resurfacing of the skin using radiofrequency devices has been used for collagen remodeling and rejuvenation.ObjectivesTo determine how radiofrequency current enters and propagates through tissue, and the pattern of the resulting effect.Materials and MethodsAn electrosurgical device with a 0.4 MHz frequency output was used as the source of radiofrequency current. Current was applied via a metallic needle introduced into a large piece of cow liver, with different amounts of energy delivered at multiple points. Cross‐sections of the liver were then studied for tissue effect.ResultsThermal coagulation of tissue started from the tip of the electrode. With higher energy, a rim of coagulated tissue formed around the entire length of the needle. This rim of coagulated tissue was thicker around the tip of the electrode.ConclusionRadiofrequency currents have a tendency to move toward the center of the bulk of tissue. When an electrode of a fractional radiofrequency device enters the skin, maximum heating effect will be around the tip of the electrode in the dermis. This phenomenon can preserve epidermis from injury during dermal heating, reducing post‐procedural skin surface side effects seen with many skin rejuvenation procedures.
Beyond Stem Cells: Self-Renewal of Differentiated Macrophages
Authors: Sieweke Michael H. , Allen Judith E. 
Published: November 2013

Background
Many mature cells of the body are continuously replaced, particularly in tissues that are most exposed to the environment such as cells of the immune system. The need for new cells is driven by cellular turnover during normal tissue homeostasis and is further increased upon infection. Because differentiated cells typically withdraw from the cell cycle, replacement of mature cells is generally thought to depend on differentiation of self-renewing, tissue-specific stem cells. Until recently, tissue macrophages were thought to follow such a pathway, developing from hematopoietic stem cells via bone marrow–progenitor and blood monocyte intermediates. But this view has changed of late with several observations indicating that macrophages can self-renew by local proliferation of mature differentiated cells.

Advances
Recent studies have demonstrated that in macrophages, differentiation and cell cycle withdrawal can be uncoupled by the inactivation of specific transcription factors. These cells can then be expanded indefinitely as functionally differentiated macrophages without tumorigenic transformation. At the same time, it became clear that mature macrophages could also expand massively in vivo in response to infections by local proliferation, independently of input from adult hematopoietic stem cells. Furthermore, several populations of tissue macrophages were found to be derived from embryonic progenitors, and macrophages can be self-maintained in adult tissues by local proliferation. Together, these recent data suggest that macrophages are mature differentiated cells that may be endowed with self-renewal capacity akin to that of stem cells.

Outlook
These findings challenge the classical view of tissue maintenance by adult tissue-specific stem cells and indicate that stem cell–like self-renewal mechanisms may be activated in mature differentiated cells. It will be important to determine whether the engaged pathways resemble those active in stem cells and whether they might be activated in other cell types as well. Furthermore, we need to understand how such self-renewal capacity differs from uncontrolled proliferation induced by oncogenic transformation. A first step will be to explore how macrophage proliferation is regulated in vivo: How do macrophages adapt their cell numbers to diverse tissue requirements, from near quiescence during homeostasis to massive expansion under challenge? Macrophages are present in nearly every tissue and serve important functions in immunity, cancer, metabolism, and tissue repair. The role of local macrophage proliferation in these processes has remained largely unexplored. It will be important to investigate how the consequences of macrophage accumulation by local proliferation differ from those of monocyte-derived macrophage recruitment under inflammatory conditions. The control of macrophage numbers independent of inflammatory signals may provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in many of these areas.
Clinical Insights from Metagenomic Analysis of Sputum Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Lim Yan Wei , Evangelista Jose S. , Schmieder Robert , Bailey Barbara , Haynes Matthew , Furlan Mike , Maughan Heather , Edwards Robert , Rohwer Forest , Conrad Douglas 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
As DNA sequencing becomes faster and cheaper, genomics-based approaches are being explored for their use in personalized diagnoses and treatments. Here, we provide a proof of principle for disease monitoring using personal metagenomic sequencing and traditional clinical microbiology by focusing on three adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). The CF lung is a dynamic environment that hosts a complex ecosystem composed of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can vary in space and time. Not surprisingly, the microbiome data from the induced sputum samples we collected revealed a significant amount of species diversity not seen in routine clinical laboratory cultures. The relative abundances of several species changed as clinical treatment was altered, enabling the identification of the climax and attack communities that were proposed in an earlier work. All patient microbiomes encoded a diversity of mechanisms to resist antibiotics, consistent with the characteristics of multidrug-resistant microbial communities that are commonly observed in CF patients. The metabolic potentials of these communities differed by the health status and recovery route of each patient. Thus, this pilot study provides an example of how metagenomic data might be used with clinical assessments for the development of treatments tailored to individual patients.
Global Improvement in Genotyping of Human Papillomavirus DNA: the 2011 HPV LabNet International Proficiency Study
Authors: Eklund Carina , Forslund Ola , Wallin Keng-Ling , Dillner Joakim 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Accurate and internationally comparable human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA genotyping is essential for HPV vaccine research and for HPV surveillance. The HPV Laboratory Network (LabNet) has designed international proficiency studies that can be issued regularly and in a reproducible manner. The 2011 HPV genotyping proficiency panel contained 43 coded samples composed of purified plasmids of 16 HPV types (HPV6, -11, -16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, -56, -58, -59, -66, -68a, and -68b) and 3 extraction controls. Tests that detected 50 IU of HPV16 and HPV18 and 500 genome equivalents for the other 14 HPV types in both single and multiple infections were considered proficient. Ninety-six laboratories worldwide submitted 134 data sets. Twenty-five different HPV genotyping assay methods were used, including the Linear Array, line blot/INNO-LiPA, PapilloCheck, and PCR Luminex assays. The major oncogenic HPV types, HPV16 and HPV18, were proficiently detected in 97.0% (113/116) and 87.0% (103/118) of the data sets, respectively. In 2011, 51 data sets (39%) were 100% proficient for the detection of at least one HPV type, and 37 data sets (28%) were proficient for all 16 HPV types; this was an improvement over the panel results from the 2008 and 2010 studies, when <25 data sets (23% and 19% for 2008 and 2010, respectively) were fully proficient. The improvement was also evident for the 54 laboratories that had also participated in the previous proficiency studies. In conclusion, a continuing global proficiency program has documented worldwide improvement in the comparability and reliability of HPV genotyping assay performances.
Pathogens of Bovine Respiratory Disease in North American Feedlots Conferring Multidrug Resistance via Integrative Conjugative Elements
Authors: Klima Cassidy L. , Zaheer Rahat , Cook Shaun R. , Booker Calvin W. , Hendrick Steve , Alexander Trevor W. , McAllister Tim A. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, we determined the prevalence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)-associated viral and bacterial pathogens in cattle and characterized the genetic profiles, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and nature of antimicrobial resistance determinants in collected bacteria. Nasopharyngeal swab and lung tissue samples from 68 BRD mortalities in Alberta, Canada (n= 42), Texas (n= 6), and Nebraska (n= 20) were screened using PCR for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, parainfluenza type 3 virus,Mycoplasma bovis,Mannheimia haemolytica,Pasteurella multocida, andHistophilus somni. Excepting bovine herpesvirus 1, all agents were detected.M. haemolytica(91%) and BVDV (69%) were the most prevalent, with cooccurrence in 63% of the cattle. Isolates ofM. haemolytica(n= 55),P. multocida(n= 8), andH. somni(n= 10) from lungs were also collected. AmongM. haemolyticaisolates, a clonal subpopulation (n= 8) was obtained from a Nebraskan feedlot. All three bacterial pathogens exhibited a high rate of antimicrobial resistance, with 45% exhibiting resistance to three or more antimicrobials.M. haemolytica(n= 18),P. multocida(n= 3), andH. somni(n= 3) from Texas and Nebraska possessed integrative conjugative elements (ICE) that conferred resistance for up to seven different antimicrobial classes. ICE were shown to be transferred via conjugation fromP. multocidatoEscherichia coliand fromM. haemolyticaandH. somnitoP. multocida. ICE-mediated multidrug-resistant profiles of bacterial BRD pathogens could be a major detriment to many of the therapeutic antimicrobial strategies currently used to control BRD.