bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central line bloodstream infections can be reduced in newborn infants using the modified Seldinger technique and care bundles of preventative measures
Authors: Arnts IJJ , Schrijvers NM , van der Flier M , Groenewoud JMM , Antonius T , Liem KD 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThere has been no evidence to show whether care bundles of preventive measures reduce central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in peripherally inserted central catheters using the modified Seldinger technique, which requires more specific skills than the traditional technique. The aim of this study was to address that gap in our knowledge and to determine whether other variables influenced the outcome.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted on a neonatal intensive care unit. We observed the incidence of CLABSI in 45 newborn infants with peripheral catheters before the introduction of bundles of preventative measures and 88 infants after the introduction.ResultsLaboratory‐confirmed CLABSI decreased after the introduction of the bundles, from 12.9 per 1000 days to 4.7/1000 days (p = 0.09). When we combined the rates for laboratory‐confirmed CLABSI and clinical CLABSI in a survival analysis, the incidence reduced significantly after introduction of the bundles (p = 0.02). There were no other variables that affected the outcome.ConclusionCost‐effective care bundles reduced CLABSI in peripherally inserted central catheters using the modified Seldinger technique, despite the specific insertion skills that were required. The bundles of preventative measures may increase healthcare professionals’ awareness of the need to care for central catheters and reduce CLABSI infections.
Novel Glycoconjugate of 8‐Fluoro Norfloxacin Derivatives as Gentamicin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus Inhibitors: Synthesis and Molecular Modelling Studies
Authors: Azad Chandra S. , Bhunia Shome S. , Krishna Atul , Shukla Praveen K. , Saxena Anil K. 
Published: December 2014

Antibiotic resistance has been the subject of interest in clinical practice due to high prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogenic organisms. In view of the prevalence of lesser resistance in antibiotics belonging to aminoglycoside class of compounds viz. Food and Drug Administration‐approved gentamicin for the treatment of Staphylococcus infections, which also has instances of resistance in the clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, a series of novel glycoconjugates of 8‐fluoro norfloxacin analogues with high regio‐selectivity by employing copper (I)‐catalyzed 1, 3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 1‐O‐propargyl monosaccharides has been synthesized and evaluated for the antibacterial activity against gentamicin resistance Staphylococcus aureus. Among these compounds, the compound 10g showed better antibacterial activity (MIC = 3.12 μg/ml) than gentamicin (Escherichia coli (12.5 μg/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (6.25 μg/ml) and Klebsiella pneumonia (6.25 μg/ml), including gentamicin resistant (>50 μg/ml) strain in vitro). The docking studies suggest DNA gyrase of Staphylococcus aureus as a probable target for the antibacterial action of compound 10g.
Differences between disease-associated endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) isoforms in cellular expression, interactions with tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) and regulation by cytokines
Authors: Yousaf N , Low W Y , Onipinla A , Mein C , Caulfield M , Munroe P B , Chernajovsky Y 
Published: December 2014

Summary
Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) processes peptides for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I presentation and promotes cytokine receptor ectodomain shedding. These known functions of ERAP1 may explain its genetic association with several autoimmune inflammatory diseases. In this study, we identified four novel alternatively spliced variants of ERAP1 mRNA, designated as ΔExon-11, ΔExon-13, ΔExon-14 and ΔExon-15. We also observed a rapid and differential modulation of ERAP1 mRNA levels and spliced variants in different cell types pretreated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We have studied three full-length allelic forms of ERAP1 (R127-K528, P127-K528, P127-R528) and one spliced variant (ΔExon-11) and assessed their interactions with tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) in transfected cells. We observed variation in cellular expression of different ERAP1 isoforms, with R127-K528 being expressed at a much lower level. Furthermore, the cellular expression of full-length P127-K528 and ΔExon-11 spliced variant was enhanced significantly when co-transfected with TNF-R1. Isoforms P127-K528, P127-R528 and ΔExon-11 spliced variant associated with TNF-R1, and this interaction occurred in a region within the first 10 exons of ERAP1. Supernatant-derived vesicles from transfected cells contained the full-length and ectodomain form of soluble TNF-R1, as well as carrying the full-length ERAP1 isoforms. We observed marginal differences between TNF-R1 ectodomain levels when co-expressed with individual ERAP1 isoforms, and treatment of transfected cells with tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 exerted variable effects on TNF-R1 ectodomain cleavage. Our data suggest that ERAP1 isoforms may exhibit differential biological properties and inflammatory mediators could play critical roles in modulating ERAP1 expression, leading to altered functional activities of this enzyme.
Migration of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in cortical and xylem axial resin canals of resistant pines
Authors: Son J. A. , Matsushita N. , Hogetsu T. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMigration of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in susceptible and resistant pines was investigated at the tissue level. PWN was inoculated onto the top cross‐cut surface of 20‐cm stem cuttings of susceptible Pinus thunbergii and resistant pines (P. strobus, P. rigida and P. thunbergii of a resistant family Namikata‐(t)‐73 (half‐sib)). PWNs were mainly distributed in cortical resin canals of susceptible P. thunbergii down to 15 cm from the inoculated surface by 6 h after inoculation (HAI) and all tissues (including cortical and xylem resin canals) down to the bottom at 192 HAI. In P. strobus, P. rigida and P. thunbergii family Namikata‐(t)‐73 (half‐sib), PWN was distributed in cortical resin canals down to 5 cm by 6 HAI and down to the base at 192 HAI. However, the distribution of PWN in xylem resin canals of the resistant pines was restricted near inoculated surfaces down to 5 cm, even at 192 HAI. These results demonstrated that migration of PWN in resistant pines was slowed in cortical resin canals and restricted in xylem axial resin canals, features which may be associated with the resistance.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of primary CNS lymphoma: single‐centre experience and literature review
Authors: Bojic Marija , Berghoff Anna S. , Troch Marlene , Agis Hermine , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Widhalm Georg , Wöhrer Adelheid , Kalhs Peter , Preusser Matthias , Rabitsch Werner 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPrimary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare and malignant tumour type. Established treatment approaches include high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX)‐based chemotherapy and whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT is associated with significant neurotoxicity and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been proposed as an alternative treatment – either in the 1st line setting after HD‐MTX‐based chemotherapy or as salvage treatment for relapsed/refractory PCNSL. We here report our single‐centre experience with five PCNSL patients, who had achieved an objective response after a high‐dose methotrexate‐based induction therapy and consecutively received a high‐dose chemotherapy, consisting of carmustine and thiotepa, followed by ASCT. We also provide a literature review on ASCL for PCNSL. Our data, with three of five patients in continuous complete remission and four of five patients alive after a median follow‐up time of 8 months, as well as previously published results, show that ASCT is a safe treatment option that is able to induce tumour remissions in patients with PCNSL. However, controlled trials are needed to compare the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of ASCT with other treatment approaches and also to establish the optimal sequence of treatment regimens in PCNSL patients.
Polylysogeny magnifies competitiveness of a bacterial pathogen in vivo
Authors: Burns Nicola , James Chloe E. , Harrison Ellie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe rise of next generation sequencing is revealing a hidden diversity of temperate phages within the microbial community. While a handful of these phages have been well characterized, for the vast majority, the role of phage carriage, and especially multiple phage carriage, is poorly understood. The Liverpool epidemic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an aggressive pathogen in cystic fibrosis lung infections that has recently been found to contain several unique prophages within its genome. Here, we experimentally investigate the role of two of these phages in vivo, using an insect model of infection. We find that while no benefit is conferred by phage carriage in single bacterial infections, phages confer a large fitness advantage during mixed infections by mediating bacteria–bacteria competition. Differences between the two phages appeared to be associated with the rate at which the competitor acquired the phage, and therefore resistance. However, the advantage was greatest in the polylysogen, carrying both phages. These findings suggest that the LES phages may play an important role in host invasions and more generally show that the carriage of multiple phages may itself be beneficial by hindering the spread of resistance in rival bacterial populations.
Pharmacology of Src family kinases and therapeutic implications of their modulators
Authors: Kumar Amit , Jaggi Amteshwar S. , Singh Nirmal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSrc family kinases (SFKs), the largest family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, include 10 members. Src was the first gene product discovered to have intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase activity. Src is widely expressed in many cell types and can have different locations within a cell; the subcellular location of Src can affect its function. Src can associate with cellular membranes, such as the plasma membrane, the perinuclear membrane, and the endosomal membrane. SFKs actions on mammalian cells are pleiotropic and include effect on cell morphology, adhesion, migration, invasion, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. SFKs at one end have been documented to play some important physiological functions; on the other end, they have been described in the pathophysiology of some disorders. In this review article, an exhaustive attempt has been made to unearth pharmacology of SFKs and therapeutic implications of SFKs modulators.
The efficacy of powered toothbrushes following a brushing exercise: a systematic review
Authors: Rosema NAM , Slot DE , van Palenstein Helderman WH , Wiggelinkhuizen L , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe primary objective was to determine, based on the available published evidence, the efficacy of powered toothbrushing following a brushing exercise and secondary to what magnitude this effect is dependent on the plaque index score, power supply and mode of action.Material and MethodsThe PubMed–MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched through and up to August 2014 to identify appropriate studies. The outcome measurement was the weighted mean (WM) percentage plaque score reduction of a full‐mouth assessment following subject brushing.ResultsThe search yielded 2420 titles and abstracts. Ultimately, 58 articles with 146 brushing exercises as separate legs were selected. The overall effect of a powered brushing exercise provides a 46% WM plaque score reduction. One hundred and six experiments provided data as assessed according to the Quigley and Hein plaque index. The WM reduction from baseline in plaque scores was 36%. A WM plaque score reduction of 65% was observed in 39 experiments using the Navy plaque index. Subanalysis on power supply and mode of action showed WM plaque score reductions ranging from 33% up to 71% depending on plaque index score.ConclusionThe efficacy in plaque removal following a brushing exercise using a powered toothbrush provides a WM plaque score reduction of 46% on average, with a range of 36–65% dependent on the index scale to score plaque. The available evidence indicates that the power supply (rechargeable or replaceable battery), mode of action, as well as brushing duration and type of instructions are factors which contribute to the variation in the observed efficacy.
Circadian Sleep/Wake Rhythm Abnormalities as a Risk Factor of a Poststroke Apathy
Authors: Cosin Charlotte , Sibon Igor , Poli Mathilde , Allard Michèle , Debruxelles Sabrina , Renou Pauline , Rouanet François , Mayo Willy 
Published: December 2014

Background Poststroke apathy affects 19–55% of patients following stroke and has a negative impact on functional recovery, general health, and quality of life, as well as being a source of significant burden for caregivers. Aims A major clinical issue is the delayed diagnosis of post-stroke apathy, and so the aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between early poststroke alterations of circadian rhythms of sleep/wake cycles and the occurrence of poststroke apathy. Methods Forty-six patients with a recent magnetic resonance imaging confirmed stroke were included. Main exclusion criteria were a mild to severe disability impeding home discharge from the hospital and the presence of apathy or dementia before stroke. Cerebrovascular lesions were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. At hospital discharge, an actigraph was used to measure patient's global activity as well as parameters of circadian rhythmicity (relative amplitude, interdaily stability, intradaily variability) and sleep (sleep duration, sleep efficiency, fragmentation index) over seven-days. Apathy was assessed at hospital discharge as well as at three-months using the Apathy Inventory and the Lille Apathy Rating Scale. Results Of the 46 patients evaluated, 10 (22%) showed apathy three-months after stroke (median Apathy Inventory = 4·5). Before inclusion, these 10 subjects did not differ significantly from other patients concerning their sleep and, at inclusion, they did not differ concerning apathy, anxiety, depression, or cognitive and functional abilities. However, actigraphy measured at discharged identified significant alterations of sleep ( P < 0·005). Future poststroke apathy patients exhibited a decrease in sleep efficiency (actual sleep time expressed as a percentage of time in bed) and an increase in the fragmentation index (degree of fragmentation during the sleep period) at three-months. No association was observed between poststroke apathy and the characteristics of cerebrovascular lesions (stroke location, extent of leucoencephalopathy, number of lacunes and microbleeds). Conclusion These results indicate that early poststroke alterations of sleep/wake circadian rhythms — easily evaluated by actigraphy — are associated with a higher risk of poststroke apathy at three-months. In terms of clinical outcomes, our results provide targets for very early identification of patients at risk to develop apathy after stroke and for assessing when to start specific therapy to optimize rehabilitation efficiency.
BCG treatment for bladder cancer, from past to present use
Authors: Alcorn Jason , Burton Rob , Topping Annie 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTSince the turn of the 20th century Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) treatment for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has been in and out of favour. However, only a small proportion of patients, as low as 16%, complete what is seen as a gold standard treatment. To understand why it is the gold standard treatment the epidemiology and aetiology of NMIBC is presented. This article discusses how BCG was first discovered in cows to it being used as a treatment for NMIBC. The issues of side effects which can be from mild to severe and local to systemic, will be discussed. The impact of age in the tolerance of this treatment will be also be looked at. In conclusion, with BCG treatment being the preferred option for NMIBC, it also comes with significant side effects. It is these that should be of concern to the health care professional as they can be potentially life threatening.
Help‐seeking behaviour for urinary incontinence: experience from a university community
Authors: Limpawattana Panita , Kongbunkiat Kannikar , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Sribenjalux Wantin 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTUrinary incontinence (UI) is a silent problem which leads to adverse outcomes in older adults but is usually undetected. Little is known about help‐seeking behaviour among adults age >50 years. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of help‐seeking care among these populations for UI, identify potential reasons for seeking care and explore the barriers against seeking help. Participants who were aged >50 years who attended the Healthy Ageing Khon Kaen University Campus Project from March 2012 to October 2013 were recruited. It was a cohort study that was specific for major geriatric syndromes. All participants with a UI over the past 12 months were asked questions using self‐administered questionnaires. Information on baseline characteristics was also collected. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyse the outcomes. Seventy participants were recruited. The median age was 57 and most of them were women (77·71%). Only 15 of them had sought help (21·43%, 95% confidence interval 12·52, 32·87%). Independent factors associated with help‐seeking care using multiple logistic analyses were severity of UI (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 42·94) and greater frequency of UI (adjusted OR 1·48). The main reason for not seeking help was the belief of normalcy of UI (77·86%). About one‐fifth of Thai pre‐retired and older adults with UI had sought help. Severity and frequency of UI were the independent factors associated with the reasons for seeking care. Barriers of not seeking care were similar to previous reports.
SiOCN Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Gas Sensors for Elevated Temperature Applications
Authors: Karakuscu Aylin , Hu Lung‐Hao , Ponzoni Andrea , Baratto Camilla , Ceccato Riccardo , Sberveglieri Giorgio , Raj Rishi 
Published: December 2014

Silicon Oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) functionalization is proposed for stable, reproducible, reliable, and enhanced gas‐sensing properties in carbon nanotube (CNT) gas sensors. The process is very simple: liquid precursor completely coats the surfaces of the CNTs without requiring any surface modification and a thin layer of semiconductor ceramic SiOCN is created on the CNTs after heat treatment. This new kind of conductometric gas sensors can detect 10 ppm NH3 and 2 ppm NO2 at temperatures up to 350°C. The stability of the functionalized CNT sensor is verified up to 520°C, while the CNT sensor without the SiOCN coating lost conductance after 250°C due to the structural modification. SiOCN functionalization of CNT changes the recovery from irreversible to reversible and the recovery time decreases from 60 min at 100°C to 19 min at 350°C.
Telocytes and putative stem cells in ageing human heart
Authors: Popescu Laurentiu M. , Curici Antoanela , Wang Enshi , Zhang Hao , Hu Shengshou , Gherghiceanu Mihaela 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTradition considers that mammalian heart consists of about 70% non‐myocytes (interstitial cells) and 30% cardiomyocytes (CMs). Anyway, the presence of telocytes (TCs) has been overlooked, since they were described in 2010 (visit www.telocytes.com). Also, the number of cardiac stem cells (CSCs) has not accurately estimated in humans during ageing. We used electron microscopy to identify and estimate the number of cells in human atrial myocardium (appendages). Three age‐related groups were studied: newborns (17 days–1 year), children (6–17 years) and adults (34–60 years). Morphometry was performed on low‐magnification electron microscope images using computer‐assisted technology. We found that interstitial area gradually increases with age from 31.3 ± 4.9% in newborns to 41 ± 5.2% in adults. Also, the number of blood capillaries (per mm2) increased with several hundreds in children and adults versus newborns. CMs are the most numerous cells, representing 76% in newborns, 88% in children and 86% in adults. Images of CMs mitoses were seen in the 17‐day newborns. Interestingly, no lipofuscin granules were found in CMs of human newborns and children. The percentage of cells that occupy interstitium were (depending on age): endothelial cells 52–62%; vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes 22–28%, Schwann cells with nerve endings 6–7%, fibroblasts 3–10%, macrophages 1–8%, TCs about 1% and stem cells less than 1%. We cannot confirm the popular belief that cardiac fibroblasts are the most prevalent cell type in the heart and account for about 20% of myocardial volume. Numerically, TCs represent a small fraction of human cardiac interstitial cells, but because of their extensive telopodes, they achieve a 3D network that, for instance, supports CSCs. The myocardial (very) low capability to regenerate may be explained by the number of CSCs, which decreases fivefold by age (from 0.5% to 0.1% in newborns versus adults).
Are outbreaks of cambium‐feeding beetles generated by nutritionally enhanced phloem of drought‐stressed trees?
Authors: White T. C. R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOutbreaks of cambium‐feeding beetles follow droughts, becoming most severe in overmature trees and those growing on stressful sites or planted beyond their natural range. Outbreaks develop from small endemic populations confined to a few senescing or damaged trees and expand into neighbouring trees that become newly stressed as a drought intensifies, eventually coalescing as a full‐blown outbreak. The beetles' larvae normally face a severe nutritional challenge feeding on the slow outflow of dilute nutrients in the phloem of damaged or senescing trees. This is reflected in their slow rate of growth. But when drought stresses trees, they senesce more quickly, releasing a faster flow of more concentrated nutrients that enhances the survival of the insects. The increased survival and faster rate of growth of larvae feeding in this enriched phloem can generate an outbreak. Both the dieback of the trees and the outbreaks of these insects are generated by drought. This hypothesis presents a parsimonious explanation for outbreaks of cambium‐feeding insects. Apart from providing a focus for future research, it has the added benefit that it replaces non‐explanatory descriptions of these outbreaks with a testable biological explanation based on known plant and insect physiology.