bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the IDS Octeia ELISA for the determination of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in equine serum and tendon tissue extracts
Authors: Lygren Tone , Schjerling Peter , Jacobsen Stine , Berg Lise C. , Nielsen Mette O. , Langberg Henning , Thomsen Preben D. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundInsulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) is an important mediator of tissue repair in horses.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether IGF‐1 could be measured reliably in equine serum and tendon tissue extracts, using an IGF‐1 ELISA kit developed for human serum and plasma.MethodsA glycyl‐glycine pretreatment protocol of samples was compared with the pretreatment procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Intra‐ and inter‐assay imprecision were evaluated by repeated measurements of equine serum pools. Assay inaccuracy was determined based on the linearity of serially diluted equine serum samples and tendon tissue extracts. The recovery of IGF‐1 was evaluated in serum and tendon tissue extracts spiked with known amounts of IGF‐1.ResultsThe range of IGF‐1 released using the manufacturer's pretreatment was between 23% and 56% of the amount released using the gly‐gly pretreatment in different equine samples. In serum pools with low, intermediate, and high IGF‐1 concentrations, intra‐assay imprecision was 4.0%, 4.0%, and 3.1%, respectively, and inter‐assay imprecision was 13.9%, 7.3%, and 12.8%, respectively. The recovery of serially diluted serum was 96 ± 3% when diluted with serum, and 72 ± 15% when diluted with PBS. The recovery after dilution was 108 ± 17% in tendon tissue extracts. Recovery from serum spiked with a fixed amount of IGF‐1 was 101 ± 5% and 99 ± 7% from tendon tissue samples.ConclusionsThe IDS Octeia IGF‐1 ELISA kit can be used for measuring IGF‐1 in equine serum and tendon tissue extract after pretreatment with glycyl‐glycine.
Serum alpha1‐proteinase inhibitor concentrations in healthy dogs – method validation and determination of reference interval and intra‐individual variation
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Ruaux Craig G. , Burgener Iwan A. , Hern Jennifer D. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundA chronic loss of canine α1‐proteinase inhibitor (cα1‐PI) into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract could change the systemic proteinase‐proteinase inhibitor balance. Serum cα1‐PIconcentrations have not been studied in dogs with well‐definedGIdiseases.ObjectivesTo further evaluate serum cα1‐PIconcentrations in dogs withGIdiseases, the objectives of this study were to (1) analytically validate a previously developed fecal cα1‐PIimmunoassay to determine serum concentrations, (2) determine a population‐based reference interval (RI) and assess the clinical utility, (3) determine stability of serum cα1‐PI, (4) determine the intra‐individual variation in healthy dogs, and (5) determine the clinically relevant magnitude of change of serum cα1‐PI.MethodsPrestudy validation of the125I‐cα1‐PIimmunoassay included linearity, spiking recovery, and intra‐ and inter‐assay precision. ARIwas calculated with samples of healthy dogs. Stability at −20°C was tested on 36 samples. Intra‐individual variation was assessed using samples collected from 11 healthy dogs over a 12‐week period.ResultsThe cα1‐PI radioimmunoassay (RIA)was linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible. Serum cα1‐PIdecreased by 11% after one year at −20°C. Analytical, intra‐individual, inter‐individual, and total variation were 6.4, 9.9, 9.0, and 25.3%, respectively. TheRIfor serum cα1‐PIwas 732–1802 mg/L (n = 87); there were no differences between sex and age groups. The index of individuality was 1.31. As analytical variation was > ½ inter‐individual variation, the minimum critical difference was not determined.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide the basis for further evaluating serum cα1‐PIin dogs withGIdisease. Using a population‐basedRIfor serum cα1‐PIappears to be appropriate.
Diagnosis of rickettsial diseases in dogs and cats
Authors: Allison Robin W. , Little Susan E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRickettsial agents, including those in the generaAnaplasma,Ehrlichia,Neorickettsia, andRickettsia, are important and common vector‐borne pathogens of dogs and cats. Disease induced by these organisms ranges from clinically inapparent to severe and potentially fatal. However, laboratory confirmation of a rickettsial etiology can be complicated by a number of factors, including the wide spectrum of disease induced by these organisms, an often low and widely fluctuating level of organism present in infected animals, cross‐reactions on serologic and molecular assays, and the presence of co‐infections. Correct diagnosis is most likely to be reached when multiple diagnostic strategies, including careful microscopic examination of stained blood films or tissues, both specific and broad serologic tests, and a suite of molecular detection assays, are used in concert. Accurate interpretation of diagnostic tests requires awareness of the likelihood for multiple agents, including novel organisms, to be responsible for the results seen in a given patient. This review provides an overview of current strategies used to diagnose rickettsial infections in dogs and cats.
Deletion ofv-chiAfrom a Baculovirus Reduces Horizontal Transmission in the Field
Authors: D'Amico Vincent , Slavicek James , Podgwaite John D. , Webb Ralph , Fuester Roger , Peiffer Randall A. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTNucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) can initiate devastating disease outbreaks in populations of defoliating Lepidoptera, a fact that has been exploited for the purposes of biological control of some pest insects. A key part of the horizontal transmission process of NPVs is the degradation of the larval integument by virus-coded proteins called chitinases, such as V-CHIA produced by thev-chiAgenes. We used recombinant and naturally occurring strains of theLymantria disparNPV (LdMNPV) to test horizontal transmission in the field, release of virus from dead larvae under laboratory conditions, and cell lysis and virus release in cell culture. In the field, strains of LdMNPV lacking functionalv-chiAgenes showed reduced horizontal transmission compared to wild-type or repaired strains. These findings were mirrored by a marked reduction in released virus in laboratory tests and cell culture when the same strains were used to infect larvae or cells. Thus, this study tests the pivotal role of liquefaction and thev-chiAgene in field transmission for the first time and uses complementary laboratory data to provide a likely explanation for our findings.
Spatial Distribution and Factors Shaping the Niche Segregation of Ammonia-Oxidizing Microorganisms in the Qiantang River, China
Authors: Liu Shuai , Shen Lidong , Lou Liping , Tian Guangming , Zheng Ping , Hu Baolan 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Ammonia oxidation is performed by both ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). However, the current knowledge of the distribution, diversity, and relative abundance of these two microbial groups in freshwater sediments is insufficient. We examined the spatial distribution and analyzed the possible factors leading to the niche segregation of AOA and AOB in the sediments of the Qiantang River, using clone library construction and quantitative PCR for both archaeal and bacterial
amoA
genes. pH and NH
4
+
-N content had a significant effect on AOA abundance and AOA operational taxonomy unit (OTU) numbers. pH and organic carbon content influenced the ratio of AOA/AOB OTU numbers significantly. The influence of these factors showed an obvious spatial trend along the Qiantang River. This result suggested that AOA may contribute more than AOB to the upstream reaches of the Qiantang River, where the pH is lower and the organic carbon and NH
4
+
-N contents are higher, but AOB were the principal driver of nitrification downstream, where the opposite environmental conditions were present.
Constitutively Opa-Expressing and Opa-Deficient Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains Differentially Stimulate and Survive Exposure to Human Neutrophils
Authors: Ball Louise M. , Criss Alison K. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

The
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(the gonococcus [Gc]) opacity-associated (Opa) proteins mediate bacterial binding and internalization by human epithelial cells and neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]). Investigating the contribution of Opa proteins to gonococcal pathogenesis is complicated by high-frequency phase variation of the
opa
genes. We therefore engineered a derivative of Gc strain FA1090 in which all
opa
genes were deleted in frame, termed Opaless. Opaless Gc remained uniformly Opa negative (Opa
−
), whereas cultures of predominantly Opa
−
parental Gc and an intermediate lacking the “translucent” subset of
opa
genes (Δ
opaBEGK
) stochastically gave rise to Opa-positive (Opa
+
) bacterial colonies. Loss of Opa expression did not affect Gc growth. Opaless Gc survived exposure to primary human PMNs and suppressed the PMN oxidative burst akin to parental, Opa
−
bacteria. Notably, unopsonized Opaless Gc was internalized by adherent, chemokine-primed, primary human PMNs, by an actin-dependent process. When a non-phase-variable, in-frame allele of FA1090
opaD
was reintroduced into Opaless Gc, the bacteria induced the PMN oxidative burst, and OpaD
+
Gc survived less well after exposure to PMNs compared to Opa
−
bacteria. These derivatives provide a robust system for assessing the role of Opa proteins in Gc biology.
Biofilms 2012: New Discoveries and Significant Wrinkles in a Dynamic Field
Authors: Haussler Susanne , Fuqua Clay 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
The ASM 6th Conference on Biofilms was held in Miami, Florida, 29 September to 4 October, 2012. The conference provided an opportunity for the exchange of new findings and ideas with regard to biofilm research. A wide range of findings, spanning applied biology, evolution, ecology, physiology, and molecular biology, were presented at the conference. This review summarizes the presentations with regard to emerging biofilm-related themes.
Effects of a 20-month cluster randomised controlled school-based intervention trial on BMI of school-aged boys and girls: the HEIA study
Authors: Grydeland May , Bjelland Mona , Anderssen Sigmund Alfred , Klepp Knut-Inge , Bergh Ingunn Holden , Andersen Lene Frost , Ommundsen Yngvar , Lien Nanna 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundSchool-based interventions that target prevention of overweight and obesity in children have been tested with mixed results. Thus, successful interventions are still called for. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of a multicomponent school-based intervention programme targeting physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviours on anthropometric outcomes.MethodsA 20-month intervention was evaluated in a cluster randomised, controlled study of 1324 11-year-olds. Outcome variables were body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age z-score (BMIz), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR) and weight status (International Obesity Task Force's cut-offs). Weight, height and WC were measured objectively; pubertal status was self-reported and parental education was self-reported by the parents. Intervention effects were determined by one-way analysis of covariance and logistic regression, after checking for clustering effects of school, and moderating effects of gender, pubertal status and parental education.ResultsBeneficial effects were found for BMI (p=0.02) and BMIz (p=0.003) in girls, but not in boys. While a beneficial effect was found for BMI (p=0.03) in participants of parents reporting a high level of education, a negative effect was found for WTHR in participants with parents reporting a low level of education (p=0.003). There were no intervention effects for WC and weight status.ConclusionsA multicomponent 20-month school-based intervention had a beneficial effect on BMI and BMIz in adolescent girls, but not in boys. Furthermore, children of higher educated parents seemed to benefit more from the intervention, and this needs attention in future interventions to avoid further increase in social inequalities in overweight and obesity.
Association of type XI collagen genes with chronic Achilles tendinopathy in independent populations from South Africa and Australia
Authors: Hay Melanie , Patricios Jon , Collins Robert , Branfield Andy , Cook Jill , Handley Christopher J , September Alison V , Posthumus Michael , Collins Malcolm 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundType XI collagen, which is expressed in developing tendons and is encoded by theCOL11A1,COL11A2andCOL2A1genes, shares structural and functional homology with type V collagen, which plays an important role in collagen fibril assembly. We investigated the association of these three polymorphisms with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and whether these polymorphisms interact withCOL5A1to modulate the risk of AT.Methods184 participants diagnosed with chronic AT (TEN) and 338 appropriately matched asymptomatic controls (CON) were genotyped for the three polymorphisms.ResultsAlthough there were no independent associations with AT, the TCT pseudohaplotype constructed from rs3753841 (T/C), rs1676486 (C/T) and rs1799907 (T/A) was significantly over-represented (p=0.006) in the TEN (25.9%) compared with the CON (17.1%) group. The TCT(AGGG) pseudohaplotypes constructed using these type XI collagen polymorphisms and the functionalCOL5A1rs71746744 (-/AGGG) polymorphism were also significantly over-represented (p<0.001) in the TEN (25.2%) compared with the CON (9.1%) group.DiscussionThe genes encoding structural and functionally related type XI (COL11A1andCOL11A2) and type V (COL5A1) collagens interact with one another to collectively modulate the risk for AT. Although there are no immediate clinical applications, the results of this study provide additional evidence that interindividual variations in collagen fibril assembly might be an important molecular mechanism in the aetiology of chronic AT.
Suicide following the death of a sibling: a nationwide follow-up study from Sweden
Authors: Rostila Mikael , Saarela Jan , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe death of a sibling can trigger grief and depression. Sibling deaths from external causes may be particularly detrimental, since they are often sudden. We aimed to examine the association between the death of an adult sibling from external causes and the risk of suicide among surviving siblings up to 18 years after bereavement. We adjusted for intrafamily correlation in death risks, which might occur because of shared genetics and shared early-life experiences of siblings in the same family.DesignA follow-up study between 1981 and 2002 based on the total population.SettingSweden.ParticipantsSwedes aged 25–64 years (n=1 748 069).Primary and secondary outcome measuresSuicide from the Swedish cause of death register.ResultsAn increased risk of mortality from suicide was found among persons who had experienced the death of a sibling. In women, the suicide risk was 1.55 times that of non-bereaved persons (95% CI 0.99 to 2.44), and in men it was 1.28 times higher (95% CI 0.93 to 1.77). If one sibling committed suicide, the risk of the remaining sibling also committing suicide was 3.19 (95% CI 1.23 to 8.25) among women and 2.44 (95% CI 1.34 to 4.45) among men. Associations with other main causes of death—such as external other than suicide, cardiovascular diseases or cancer—were generally much smaller and statistically not significant in either sex. We found no clear support for a specific time pattern according to time since a sibling's death.ConclusionsOur study provided evidence for suicide risk associated with the death of a sibling at adult age, revealing that bereaved persons’ risk of suicide is higher when siblings die from suicide, even when adjusting for intrafamily correlation in death risks.
High rates of head injury among homeless and low-income housed men: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Svoboda Tomislav , Ramsay Jason T 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the predictors and temporal patterns of head injury (HI) presentation in the emergency department among cohorts of homeless and low-income housed men.MethodsRetrospective review and logistic regression of HIs found in emergency department records for three groups of men, those: (1) who were chronically homeless with drinking problems (CHDP) (n=50), (2) in the general homeless population (GH) (n=60) and (3) in low-income housing (LIH) (n=59).ResultsThe proportion of individuals with non-minimal HIs documented in the previous year were 28%, 3% and 5% with annual rates of 0.47, 0.017 and 0.037 among the CHDP, GH and LIH groups (p<0.0001). In the multivariate model, independent associations with having an HI included: an HI in the previous year (OR 11.8, 95% CI 3.83 to 36.4), drug dependence (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.11 to 12.13) and seizures (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.13 to 10.90), while mood-disorders were protective. Homelessness had a crude risk increase of HI (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.21 to 8.23) but was not significant in the multivariate model. Among those with HIs, chronic homelessness with drinking problems was associated with a higher rate of HI. With each successive HI, the time interval to another HI was 12 days shorter (p=0.0004). The chronic subdural haematoma incidence in the under-65-year-old CHDP group was 11 per 1000 (95% CI 2.8 to 45).ConclusionsHaving an HI is better predicted by previous head injuries, drug dependence or a seizure disorder than a history of homelessness or alcohol dependence. HIs may become more frequent with time.
Cross-sectional study of the characteristics, healthcare usage, morbidity and mortality of injecting drug users attending an inner city emergency department
Authors: O'Connor Gerard , McGinty Tara , Yeung Sarah Jane , O'Shea Daire , Macken Alan , Brazil Eamon , Mallon Patrick 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe affliction of injecting drug use (IDU) has resulted in the emergence of a subgroup of people with a unique set of medical issues. We aimed to describe the emergency department (ED) presentations of IDUs.MethodsIn a prospective observational study over a 3-month period, we identified characteristics of patients with a history of active IDU presenting to the ED.ResultsFrom 1 January 2010 to 31 March 2010, 146 patients with a history of IDU were identified. These contributed to 222 acute presentations to the ED. Baseline characteristics revealed that patients were predominantly male, of Irish nationality, with high levels of homelessness, unemployment and lack of stable family or intimate partner relationships. 45% of presentations occurred as a result of infection (95% CI 38.5% to 51.5%). Trauma, pure toxicological issues, thromboembolic phenomena and psychiatric issues comprised the other common acute diagnoses. The burden of comorbid medical illness was substantial with high rates of hepatitis C infection (74%) and HIV infection (13.8%). Healthcare utilisation indices for this cohort are extreme on multiple measures. We found an ED attendance rate of 445 per 100 patient-years, an admission rate of 68.8 per 100 patient-years and mortality rate of 4.86 per 100 patient-years.ConclusionsOur study characterises the emergency presentations of active IDUs. We describe considerable acute and chronic medical consequences and high healthcare utilisation associated with IDU. This study is of particular relevance to any institution that provides acute medical care to this group of patients.
p63 And p53 expression in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Ye Ziyin , Cao Qinghua , Niu Gang , Liang Yingjie , Liu Yongdong , Jiang Lili , Yu Xiaoling , Han Anjia 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the pathological and clinical meaning of p63 in extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL).MethodsWe detected p63 and p53 expression using immunohistochemistry staining in 84 cases of NKTCL from Southern of China, an area with a well known high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection. Moreover, we analysed the relationship between p63 and p53 expression and the clinicopathological features of NKTCL.ResultsOur results first showed that p63 expression was found in 14.3% (12/84) of NKTCL compared with 6.6% (2/30) in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of nasopharynx. p63 Expression rate in NKTCL was significantly higher than that in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of nasopharynx (p=0.016). NKTCL patients with p63 positivity had poorer 5-year overall survival rate (29.2%) than that (49.9%) of p63 negativity. p53 expression was found in 33.3% (28/84) of NKTCL. Our data showed that p53 expression was significantly associated with tumour stage (p=0.016) and international prognostic index (p=0.026) in patients with NKTCL. Cox regression test showed that p53 expression rate and international prognostic index score were statistically independent prognostic factors for NKTCL patients (p=0.002 and p=0.016, respectively). Our results suggest that p63 and p53 might play a role in pathogenesis of NKTCL.
What is the actual cost of providing the intrauterine system for contraception in a UK community sexual and reproductive health setting?
Authors: Cook Louise , Fleming Charlotte 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe anticipated increase in uptake of intrauterine system (IUS) fittings is slower than predicted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). There is evidence to suggest that this is because of a high perceived cost of providing this contraceptive method. Whereas studies to date have all guessed at these costs, we calculated the actual costs of providing the IUS.MethodsWe tracked the notes of 283 women who had an IUS fitted in our community sexual and reproductive health service for 5 years. We recorded duration of use, measured the actual cost of all appointments and interventions over the lifespan of the device, and compared our findings with NICE predicted costs.ResultsWith 70% complete follow-up, the average duration of use of the IUS was 3.44 years compared to NICE's prediction of 3.32. The average annual cost of providing an IUS for contraception in community clinics was £54.55 per woman; this compares with £70.49 modelled by NICE for provision in primary care. Most (80%) of the cost is incurred in the first year. The cost of managing problems is small.ConclusionsProviding the IUS for contraception was 23% cheaper in the present study than that predicted by NICE and cheaper than providing combined oral contraception in our service. Fitting IUSs in community clinics may be cheaper than in primary care. Streamlining the patient pathway will reduce costs further. Restricting access to the IUS because of initial cost is a false economy.