bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemotaxis and oospore formation in Phytophthora sojae are controlled by G‐protein‐coupled receptors with a phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase domain
Authors: Yang X. , Zhao W. , Hua C. , Zheng X. , Jing M. , Li D. , Govers F. , Meijer H. J. G. , Wang Y. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryG‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key cellular components that mediate extracellular signals into intracellular responses. Genome mining revealed that Phytophthora spp. have over 60 GPCR genes among which a prominent class of 12 encoding novel proteins with an N‐terminal GPCR domain fused to a C‐terminal phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPK) domain. This study focuses on two GPCR‐PIPKs (GKs) in Phytophthora sojae. PsGK4 and PsGK5 are differentially expressed during the life cycle with the highest expression in cysts and during cyst germination, and at late infection stages. In P. sojae transformants that constitutively express RFP‐tagged PsGK4 and PsGK5, the fusion proteins in hyphae reside in small, rapidly moving vesicular‐like structures. Functional analysis using gene silencing showed that PsGK4‐silenced transformants displayed higher levels of encystment and a reduced cyst germination rate when compared with the recipient strain. Moreover, GK4 deficiency (or reduction) resulted in severe defects in zoospore chemotaxis towards isoflavones and soybean roots. In contrast, PsGK5‐silenced transformants exhibited no obvious defects in asexual development but oospore production was severely impaired. Both, PsGK4‐ and PsGK5‐silenced transformants showed reduced pathogenicity. These results point to involvement of GKs in zoospore behaviour, chemotaxis and oospore development, and suggest that PsGK4 and PsGK5 each head independent signalling pathways.
Pain, fentanyl consumption, and delirium in adolescents after scoliosis surgery: dexmedetomidine vs midazolam
Authors: Aydogan Mustafa S. , Korkmaz Mehmet F. , Ozgül Ulkü , Erdogan Mehmet A. , Yucel Aytac , Karaman Abdurrahman , Togal Turkan , Durmus Mahmut , Colak Cemil 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe study aim was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for sedation during the early postoperative period in adolescents who underwent scoliosis surgery.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized trial in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care center. In this study, 42 patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I and II) who underwent scoliosis surgery were divided into two groups according to sedation protocols: group dexmedetomidine (DEX) (n = 22) and group midazolam (MDZ) (n = 20). Adolescents (12–18 years) requiring mechanical ventilation underwent a continuous infusion of either dexmedetomidine (group DEX; starting dose, 0.4 μg·kg−1·h−1) or midazolam (group MDZ; starting dose, 0.1 mg·kg−1·h−1) with intermittent fentanyl, as needed. The efficacy of sedation was assessed using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS). Quality of pain relief was measured using the Numeric Visual Analog Scale (NVAS). Delirium was determined in patients in the RASS range of −2 to +1 using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU). Fentanyl consumption, incidence of delirium, NVAS scores, and hemodynamics were recorded postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h in the ICU.ResultsThe NVAS pain scores and fentanyl consumption at all the evaluation time points were significantly higher in group MDZ than those in group DEX (P < 0.05). Further, total fentanyl consumption in group MDZ was significantly higher than that in group DEX (P < 0.05). Delirium was significantly higher in the group MDZ than that in group DEX (31.3% vs 12.5%) when analyzed as the endpoint of CAM‐ICU (P < 0.05). The heart rate was significantly lower in group DEX compared with that in group MDZ at all the evaluation time points (P < 0.05).ConclusionDexmedetomidine was associated with the decreased postoperative fentanyl consumption, NVAS scores, and a decreased incidence of delirium. These findings may be beneficial for managing sedation protocols in adolescents who have undergone scoliosis surgery.
To err or to guess: An ERP study on the source of errors
Authors: Meckler Cédric , Carbonnell Laurence , Hasbroucq Thierry , Burle Boris , Vidal Franck 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGiven the large contribution of human error in the failure of complex systems, understanding the source of errors is an important issue. It has been proposed that, in speeded situations, responses biases induce subjects to guess which response will be required. When the guess turns out to be wrong, a fast guess error occurs. In unbiased conditions the possible contribution of fast guess errors remains an open question. We used a response‐locked event‐related potential (N‐40), assumed to reveal the presence of a response selection process during the reaction time, to probe the presence of a response selection in biased and unbiased situations. The N‐40 was present without response bias but absent in biased situations. This lends physiological support to the idea that, in a priming paradigm as used here, most errors in biased conditions are fast guesses whereas most errors result from inappropriate response selections in unbiased conditions. This reveals different sources of errors.
The utility of low frequency heart rate variability as an index of sympathetic cardiac tone: A review with emphasis on a reanalysis of previous studies
Authors: Reyes del Paso Gustavo A. , Langewitz Wolf , Mulder Lambertus J. M. , van Roon Arie , Duschek Stefan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article evaluates the suitability of low frequency (LF) heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of sympathetic cardiac control and the LF/high frequency (HF) ratio as an index of autonomic balance. It includes a comprehensive literature review and a reanalysis of some previous studies on autonomic cardiovascular regulation. The following sources of evidence are addressed: effects of manipulations affecting sympathetic and vagal activity on HRV, predictions of group differences in cardiac autonomic regulation from HRV, relationships between HRV and other cardiac parameters, and the theoretical and mathematical bases of the concept of autonomic balance. Available data challenge the interpretation of the LF and LF/HF ratio as indices of sympathetic cardiac control and autonomic balance, respectively, and suggest that the HRV power spectrum, including its LF component, is mainly determined by the parasympathetic system.
Babesia microti real‐time polymerase chain reaction testing of Connecticut blood donors: potential implications for screening algorithms
Authors: Johnson Stephanie T. , Van Tassell Eric R. , Tonnetti Laura , Cable Ritchard G. , Berardi Victor P. , Leiby David A. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundBabesia microti, an intraerythrocytic parasite, has been implicated in transfusion transmission. B. microti seroprevalence in Connecticut (CT) blood donors is approximately 1%; however, it is not known what percentage of donors is parasitemic and poses a risk for transmitting infection. Therefore, we determined the prevalence of demonstrable B. microti DNA in donors from a highly endemic area of CT and compared observed rates with concurrent immunofluorescence assay (IFA) testing results.Study Design and MethodsBlood samples from consenting donors in southeastern CT were collected from mid‐August through early October 2009 and tested by IFA for immunoglobulin G antibodies and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. microti DNA. IFA specificity was determined using blood donor samples collected in northwestern Vermont (VT), an area nonendemic for Babesia.ResultsOf 1002 CT donors, 25 (2.5%) were IFA positive and three (0.3%) were real‐time PCR positive. Among the three real‐time PCR–positive donors, two were also IFA positive, while one was IFA negative and may represent a window period infection. The two IFA‐ and real‐time PCR–positive donors appeared to subsequently clear infection. The other real‐time PCR–positive donor did not provide follow‐up samples. Of 1015 VT donors tested by IFA, only one (0.1%) was positive, but may have acquired infection during travel to an endemic area.ConclusionWe prospectively identified several real‐time PCR–positive blood donors, including an IFA‐negative real‐time PCR–positive donor, in an area highly endemic for B. microti. These results suggest the need to include nucleic acid testing in planned mitigation strategies for B. microti.
The Health Burden of Orphan Zoonotic Disease in the United Kingdom, 2005–2009
Authors: Halsby K. D. , Walsh A. L. , Smith R. , Said B. , Kirkbride H. , Smyth B. , Browning L. , Larkin L. , Morgan D. 
Published: February 2013

Summary‘Orphan’ zoonotic diseases attract disproportionately low scientific and public health attention for the impact that they can have. This article pulls together information on their health burden in the UK from routine and enhanced data sources. These diseases are heterogeneous in nature; some have very low case numbers (e.g. hydatid disease), whilst others affect hundreds of patients each year (e.g. toxoplasmosis). The number of deaths attributed to orphan zoonoses is relatively low, and the majority recorded in this article were caused by toxoplasmosis. There is a clear issue of under‐reporting and under‐diagnosis in the data sets presented, and further work should be carried out to obtain more accurate estimates of the prevalence of zoonotic infections. Joint human and veterinary studies are especially important for these diseases.
Evaluation of a Rapid Device for Serological Diagnosis of Leishmania infantum Infection in Dogs as an Alternative to Immunofluorescence Assay and Western Blotting
Authors: Ferroglio E. , Zanet S. , Mignone W. , Poggi M. , Trisciuoglio A. , Bianciardi P. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, we compared a rapid immunochromatographic test (Speed Leish K; BVT Groupe Virbac, La Seyne sur Mer, France) with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) and Western blotting (WB) for the detection ofLeishmania infantumantibodies in dogs. A total of 250 serum samples were collected from 125L. infantum-positive and 125L. infantum-negative dogs. Among the positive samples, 81 were strongly positive at low IFAT dilutions, while 44 were low-reactivity sera (IFAT titers, 1:40 to 1:80). The sensitivity and specificity of the Speed Leish K were 96.3% and 100%, respectively, compared with those of the IFAT. When IFAT low-reactivity sera (titers, 1:40 or 1:80) were tested with the Speed Leish K, using WB results as a reference, the sensitivities were 93.75% for sera with a 1:80 titer and 73.33% for sera with a 1:40 titer, and the specificity was 100%. The Speed Leish K is easy to use and performs well, so it can be considered a quick and reliable tool for the diagnosis ofL. infantuminfection in dogs.
Role of Gluten Intake at the Time of Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination in the Immune Response of Celiac Patients
Authors: Zingone F. , Capone P. , Tortora R. , Rispo A. , Morisco F. , Caporaso N. , Imperatore N. , De Stefano G. , Iovino P. , Ciacci C. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTSome reports have demonstrated an inadequate response to hepatitis B vaccination in patients affected by celiac disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate hepatitis B vaccination response in relation to gluten exposure status in patients with celiac disease. To measure the gluten exposure status at the time of vaccination, we considered three groups: group A (exposed to gluten), including patients vaccinated as 12-year-old adolescents (the celiac disease diagnosis was established after vaccination); group B (not exposed to gluten), including patients vaccinated as 12-year-old adolescents on a gluten-free diet at the time of vaccination; and group C (infants), including patients vaccinated at birth. The response of celiac patients to hepatitis B vaccination was compared to that of healthy subjects, i.e., those in the control group (group D). This study included 163 celiac patients (group A, 57 patients; group B, 46 patients; and group C, 60 patients) and 48 controls (group D). An inadequate response to hepatitis B immunization was present in 43.9% of patients in group A, 34.8% of patients in group B, 58.3% of patients in group C, and 8.3% of patients in group D (group A versus group D,P< 0.001; group B versus group D,P= 0.002; group C versus group D,P= 0.001) (no significant difference for group A versus group B and group A versus group C was evident). Our data suggest that gluten exposure does not influence the response to hepatitis B immunization and that the human leukocyte antigen probably plays the main immunological role in poor responses to hepatitis B-vaccinated celiac patients.
Multicenter Clinical Evaluation of the
illumi
gene Group A Streptococcus DNA Amplification Assay for Detection of Group A Streptococcus from Pharyngeal Swabs
Authors: Anderson Neil W. , Buchan Blake W. , Mayne Donna , Mortensen Joel E. , Mackey Tami-Lea A. , Ledeboer Nathan A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Acute pharyngitis is a nonspecific symptom that can result from a number of viral or bacterial infections. For most etiologies, symptoms are self-limited and resolve without lasting effects; however, pharyngitis resulting from infection with
Streptococcus pyogenes
(a group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) can be associated with serious sequelae, including acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis. Rapid accurate detection of GAS in pharyngeal specimens from individuals suffering from pharyngitis aids in the management and selection of antibiotic therapy for these patients. A total of 796 pharyngeal swabs were collected at three separate clinical centers. Each specimen was analyzed using the
illumi
gene group A strep DNA amplification assay (Meridian Bioscience Inc., Cincinnati, OH). To confirm GAS identification, the results were compared to those from direct and extracted culture methods using Gram staining and a GAS-specific latex agglutination test. Discrepant results were resolved using an alternative nucleic acid amplification test. The prevalence of culture-detected GAS in this study was 12.8% (102/796 specimens). The
illumi
gene assay detected GAS in 74/74 direct culture-positive specimens (100% sensitivity) and 100/102 extracted culture-positive specimens (98.0% sensitivity). GAS was detected by the
illumi
gene assay in an additional 42 specimens that were direct culture negative (94.2% specificity) and 16 specimens that were extracted culture negative (97.7% specificity). Discrepant analysis using an alternative molecular assay detected GAS nucleic acid in 13/16 (81.3%) false-positive specimens and 1/2 false-negative specimens, resulting in a final sensitivity of 99.0% and a specificity of 99.6% for the detection of GAS in pharyngeal swabs using the
illumi
gene assay.
Suspected Goat-to-Human Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 398
Authors: Loncaric Igor , Brunthaler René , Spergser Joachim 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Transmission of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) between animals and humans is widely recognized. In this study, we describe the first case of infection of a goat and suspected transmission of MRSA ST398 to a human, which resulted in colonization of animal owners by MRSA sequence type 398.
Functional outcomes following a non-operative treatment algorithm for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in skeletally immature children 12 years and younger. A prospective cohort with 2 years follow-up
Authors: Moksnes Håvard , Engebretsen Lars , Eitzen Ingrid , Risberg May Arna 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe methodological quality of studies on treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature children after ACL injury is low, and no prospective studies have evaluated the functional outcomes following a non-operative treatment algorithm.PurposeTo report changes in knee function and activity level in skeletally immature children following a non-operative treatment algorithm for a minimum of 2 years after ACL injury.Study designProspective cohort.Methods46 skeletally immature children aged 12 years and younger were evaluated at baseline and subsequent yearly follow-ups using patient-reported outcome measurements, isokinetic muscle strength measurements, single-legged hop tests and clinical examinations over a minimum period of 2 years. Participation in physical activities was monitored using a monthly online activity survey, and the main leisure-time sport activity was registered at the yearly follow-ups.Results36 (78%) of the children did not undergo an ACL reconstruction during the follow-up. Statistically significant changes with questionable clinical relevance were discovered with the patient-reported outcome measurements or hop tests. Leg symmetry indexes were consistently above 90% for muscle strength and single legged hop tests throughout the study, and the isokinetic muscle strength improved significantly in the injured limb. Ninety-one per cent maintained participation in pivoting sports and/or physical education in school, although 38% of the ACL deficient children changed their main activity from a level 1 to a level 2 activity.ConclusionsA non-operative treatment algorithm may be appropriate for ACL injured skeletally immature children, although a reduced participation in level 1 activities may be necessary for some children.
Developing a patient measure of safety (PMOS)
Authors: Giles Sally J , Lawton Rebecca J , Din Ikhlaq , McEachan Rosemary R C 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundTools that proactively identify factors that contribute to accidents have been developed within high-risk industries. Although patients provide feedback on their experience of care in hospitals, there is no existing measure which asks patients to comment on the factors that contribute to patient safety incidents. The aim of the current study was to determine those contributory factors from the Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework (YCFF) that patients are able to identify in a hospital setting and to use this information to develop a patient measure of safety (PMOS).MethodsThirty-three qualitative interviews with a representative sample of patients from six units in a teaching hospital in the north of England were carried out. Patients were asked either to describe their most recent/current hospital experience (unstructured) or were asked to describe their experience in relation to specific contributory factors (structured). Responses were coded using the YCFF. Face validity of the PMOS was tested with 12 patients and 12 health professionals, using a ‘think aloud’ approach, and appropriate revisions made. The research was supported by two patient representatives.ResultsPatients were able to comment on/identify 13 of the 20 contributory factors contained within the YCFF domains. They identified contributory factors relating to communication and individual factors more frequently, and contributory factors relating to team factors, and support from central functions less frequently. In addition, they identified one theme not included in the YCFF: dignity and respect. The draft PMOS showed acceptable face validity.DiscussionPatients are able to identify factors which contribute to the safety of their care. The PMOS provides a way of systematically assessing these and has the potential to help health professionals and healthcare organisations understand and identify, safety concerns from the patients’ perspective, and, in doing so, make appropriate service improvements.
Assessment of the global trigger tool to measure, monitor and evaluate patient safety in cancer patients: reliability concerns are raised
Authors: Mattsson Thea Otto , Knudsen Janne Lehmann , Lauritsen Jens , Brixen Kim , Herrstedt Jørn 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundCountries around the world are currently aiming to improve patient safety by means of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement global trigger tool (GTT), which is considered a valid tool for evaluating and measuring patient safety within organisations. So far, only few data on the measurement properties and utility of the GTT have been published.AimsTo determine and evaluate the effect of interrater variation between review teams on the standard outcome measures of the GTT and to assess and quantify measurement error of the GTT.MethodsRetrospective chart reviews were conducted on identical charts by two independent review teams in 2010 at a department of oncology in a university hospital. Standard GTT outcome measurements were obtained and compared between teams using statistical process control (SPC) charts. A Bland–Altman plot assessed measurement error and limits of agreement.ResultsOnly 31% of adverse events (AE) were identified by both teams, and further differences in categorisation of identical events was found. Moderate interrater agreement (κ=0.45) between teams gave rise to different conclusions on the patient safety process when monitoring using SPC charts. The Bland–Altman plot suggests little systematic error but large random error.ConclusionsReview teams may identify different AE and reach different conclusions on the safety process when using the GTT on identical charts. Tracking true change in the safety level is difficult due to measurement error of the GTT. The results do not encourage further use of the GTT until additional evaluation studies on the measurement properties of the GTT have been conducted.
Impacts of alcohol duty reductions on cardiovascular mortality among elderly Chinese: a 10-year time series analysis
Authors: Pun Vivian C , Lin Hualiang , Kim Jean H , Yip Benjamin H K , Chung Vincent C H , Wong Martin C S , Yu Ignatius T S , Griffiths Sian M , Tian Linwei 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIn March 2007, the Hong Kong Government halved its heavy excise taxes on beer and wine, and 1 year later, it eliminated all duties on these beverages. This study examines the impact of such duty reductions on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality among the elderly in Hong Kong.MethodsBox-Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average intervention time series analyses were applied to monthly morality data from 2001 to 2010 to quantify the impacts of duty reduction and exemption on CVD death rates among those aged 65 years or older.ResultsThe alcohol duty reduction in March 2007 was associated with an estimated 13% increase (95% CI 2% to 24%) in CVD death rates among elderly men, after controlling for the other intervention, outlier, trends and seasonal variations. This was equivalent to an extra 11 CVD deaths per 100 000 elderly men each month. Much of the observed impacts on CVD death rates were found to have contributed only by that on ischaemic heart disease mortality (18% increase in rate for men (95% CI 4% to 34%); 15% increase for women (95% CI 0.4% to 31%)), not by mortality due to stroke or hypertension. The alcohol duty exemption on March 2008 was not found to have impacted the CVD death rates.ConclusionsThe increase in CVD death rates among the Chinese elderly after alcohol duty reduction suggest that the purported beneficial effect of moderate alcohol use may not apply to certain Chinese populations, adding fuel to the ongoing debate on the risks and benefits of moderate alcohol consumption on mortality.