bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Prevalence and Genetic Heterogeneity of Rodent-Borne Bartonella Species on Heixiazi Island, China
Authors: Li Dong-Mei , Hou Yong , Song Xiu-Ping , Fu Ying-Qun , Li Gui-Chang , Li Ming , Eremeeva Marina E. , Wu Hai-Xia , Pang Bo , Yue Yu-Juan , Huang Ying , Lu Liang , Wang Jun , Liu Qi-Yong 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

We performed genetic analysis of
Bartonella
isolates from rodent populations from Heixiazi Island in northeast China. Animals were captured at four sites representing grassland and brushwood habitats in 2011 and examined for the prevalence and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
species, their relationship to their hosts, and geographic distribution. A high prevalence (57.7%) and a high diversity (14 unique genotypes which belonged to 8 clades) of
Bartonella
spp. were detected from 71 rodents comprising 5 species and 4 genera from 3 rodent families. Forty-one
Bartonella
isolates were recovered and identified, including
B. taylorii
,
B. japonica
,
B. coopersplainsensis
,
B. grahamii
,
B. washoensis
subsp.
cynomysii
,
B. doshiae
, and two novel
Bartonella
species, by sequencing of four genes (
gltA
, the 16S rRNA gene,
ftsZ
, and
rpoB
). The isolates of
B. taylorii
and
B. grahamii
were the most prevalent and exhibited genetic difference from isolates identified elsewhere. Several isolates clustered with strains from Japan and far-eastern Russia; strains isolated from the same host typically were found within the same cluster. Species descriptions are provided for
Bartonella heixiaziensis
sp. nov. and
B. fuyuanensis
sp. nov.
Monitoring patient safety in primary care: an exploratory study using in-depth semistructured interviews
Authors: Samra Rajvinder , Bottle Alex , Aylin Paul 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo explore how information and data are used to monitor patient safety and quality of primary care by professionals working in, or supporting, primary healthcare.DesignQualitative study of semistructured interviews with a directed content analysis of transcripts.SettingNorth-West London, UK.Participants21 individuals from various levels of the primary healthcare system were recruited, including general practitioners, practice nurses, practice managers, members of Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) governing bodies, and senior members of regional patient safety teams.ResultsParticipants described being overwhelmed with complicated data which lacked any meaningful analyses about safety and quality. There was also a lack of clarity over which patient safety events are expected to be reported or monitored. Participants also reported uncertainty on whose responsibility it was to act on patient safety information or concerns. At the practice level, there was a range of disincentives for responding to and acting on safety issues and concerns, with few reported benefits. Participants made recommendations to improve future monitoring.ConclusionsThere is a need for clearer information in the form of specific guidelines, policies and procedures with regard to who monitors patient safety in primary care, what is monitored and how it should be monitored.
Interpersonal violence: quantifying the burden of injury in a South African trauma centre
Authors: Bola Sumrit , Dash Isabella , Naidoo Maheshwar , Aldous Colleen 
Published: September 2015

IntroductionInterpersonal violence is an epidemic in South Africa and remains an under-reported and expensive burden on health resources. In most of the developing world there is little or no descriptive information about the expense of treating the consequences of interpersonal violence.ObjectiveTo review the direct burden of interpersonal violence on a tertiary hospital in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, an area known to have high rates of poverty and violent crime.Material and methodsA retrospective case note review of emergency hospital admissions between January and March 2013 was carried out. The reports included demographic characteristics, admitting diagnosis and surgical management. Case files were reviewed to determine cost drivers, such as radiological investigations, blood products, theatre usage and specialist care.ResultsTrauma accounted for 374 hospital admissions from the emergency department, of which 142 (38%) were attributable to interpersonal violence (16% of total admissions). One hundred and fifty-six hospital bed days were used over the study period. The average inpatient stay was 9.8 days with 58% requiring a resuscitation bed on admission. One-third of patients underwent emergency surgery and eight patients required postoperative intensive care. The minimum hospital expenditure for interpersonal violence injuries over 3 months was R8 367 788 ($783 960).DiscussionInterpersonal violence is the source of a significant financial burden on the South African health system. Patients are often severely injured and require a high level of specialist investigations and surgical care. This study gives evidence to improve budget and workload planning for regional surgical departments and supports the need for more effective primary prevention.
Beyond triage: the diagnostic accuracy of emergency department nursing staff risk assessment in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Carlton Edward Watts , Khattab Ahmed , Greaves Kim 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesTo establish the accuracy of emergency department (ED) nursing staff risk assessment using an established chest pain risk score alone and when incorporated with presentation high-sensitivity troponin testing as part of an accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP).DesignProspective observational study comparing nursing and physician risk assessment using the modified Goldman (m-Goldman) score and a predefined ADP, incorporating presentation high-sensitivity troponin.SettingA UK District ED.PatientsConsecutive patients, aged ≥18, with suspected cardiac chest pain and non-ischaemic ECG, for whom the treating physician determined serial troponin testing was required.Outcome measures30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE).Results960 participants were recruited. 912/960 (95.0%) had m-Goldman scores recorded by physicians and 745/960 (77.6%) by nursing staff. The area under the curve of the m-Goldman score in predicting 30-day MACE was 0.647 (95% CI 0.594 to 0.700) for physicians and 0.572 (95% CI 0.510 to 0.634) for nursing staff (p=0.09). When incorporated into an ADP, sensitivity for the rule-out of MACE was 99.2% (95% CI 94.8% to 100%) and 96.7% (90.3% to 99.2%) for physicians and nurses, respectively. One patient in the physician group (0.3%) and three patients (1.1%) in the nursing group were classified as low risk yet had MACE. There was fair agreement in the identification of low-risk patients (kappa 0.31, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.38).ConclusionsThe diagnostic accuracy of ED nursing staff risk assessment is similar to that of ED physicians and interobserver reliability between assessor groups is fair. When incorporating high-sensitivity troponin testing, a nurse-led ADP has a miss rate of 1.1% for MACE at 30 days.Trial registration numberControlled Trials Database (ISRCTN no. 21109279).
CD73 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Turcotte Martin , Spring Kathleen , Pommey Sandra , Chouinard Guillaume , Cousineau Isabelle , George Joshy , Chen Gregory M. , Gendoo Deena M.A. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Karn Thomas , Rahimi Kurosh , Le Page Cécile , Provencher Diane , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Stagg John 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The cell surface nucleotidase CD73 is an immunosuppressive enzyme involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although preclinical studies suggest that CD73 can be targeted for cancer treatment, the clinical impact of CD73 in ovarian cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of CD73 in high-grade serous (HGS) ovarian cancer using gene and protein expression analyses. Our results demonstrate that high levels of CD73 are significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival in patients with HGS ovarian cancer. Furthermore, high levels of CD73 expression in ovarian tumor cells abolished the good prognosis associated with intraepithelial CD8+ cells. Notably, CD73 gene expression was highest in the C1/stromal molecular subtype of HGS ovarian cancer and positively correlated with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition gene signature. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that CD73 and extracellular adenosine enhance ovarian tumor cell growth as well as expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members. Finally, in vivo coinjection of ID8 mouse ovarian tumor cells with mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed that CD73 expression in fibroblasts promotes tumor immune escape and thereby tumor growth. In conclusion, our study highlights a role for CD73 as a prognostic marker of patient survival and also as a candidate therapeutic target in HGS ovarian cancers. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4494–503. ©2015 AACR.
Elevated Expression of the C-Type Lectin CD93 in the Glioblastoma Vasculature Regulates Cytoskeletal Rearrangements That Enhance Vessel Function and Reduce Host Survival
Authors: Langenkamp Elise , Zhang Lei , Lugano Roberta , Huang Hua , Elhassan Tamador Elsir Abu , Georganaki Maria , Bazzar Wesam , Lööf Johan , Trendelenburg George , Essand Magnus , Pontén Fredrik , Smits Anja , Dimberg Anna 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by an abnormal blood vasculature that is hyperpermeable. Here, we report a novel role for CD93 in regulating angiogenesis in this setting by modulating cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion of endothelial cells. Tissue microarray analysis demonstrated that vascular expression of CD93 was correlated with poor survival in a clinical cohort of patients with high-grade astrocytic glioma. Similarly, intracranial growth in the GL261 mouse model of glioma was delayed significantly in CD93−/− hosts, resulting in improved survival compared with wild-type mice. This effect was associated with increased vascular permeability and decreased vascular perfusion of tumors, indicating reduced vessel functionality in the absence of CD93. RNAi-mediated attenuation of CD93 in endothelial cells diminished VEGF-induced tube formation in a three-dimensional collagen gel. CD93 was required for efficient endothelial cell migration and proper cell polarization in vitro. Further, in endothelial cells where CD93 was attenuated, decreased cell spreading led to a severe reduction in cell adhesion, a lack of proper cell contacts, a loss of VE-cadherin, and aberrant actin stress fiber formation. Our results identify CD93 as a key regulator of glioma angiogenesis and vascular function, acting via cytoskeletal rearrangements required for cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4504–16. ©2015 AACR.
Molecular Characterization of the
NLRC4
Expression in Relation to Interleukin-18 Levels
Authors: Zeller Tanja , Haase Tina , Müller Christian , Riess Helene , Lau Denise , Zeller Simon , Krause Jasmin , Baumert Jens , Pless Ole , Dupuis Josée , Wild Philipp S. , Eleftheriadis Medea , Waldenberger Melanie , Zeilinger Sonja , Ziegler Andreas , Peters Annette , Tiret Laurence , Proust Carole , Marzi Carola , Munzel Thomas , Strauch Konstantin , Prokisch Holger , Lackner Karl J. , Herder Christian , Thorand Barbara , Benjamin Emilia J. , Blankenberg Stefan , Koenig Wolfgang , Schnabel Renate B. 
Published: September 2015

Background—
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine centrally involved in the cytokine cascade with complex immunomodulatory functions in innate and acquired immunity. Circulating IL-18 concentrations are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, and diverse inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Methods and Results—

To identify causal variants affecting circulating IL-18 concentrations, we applied various omics and molecular biology approaches. By genome-wide association study, we confirmed association of IL-18 levels with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the untranslated exon 2 of the inflammasome component
NLRC4
(NLR family, caspase recruitment domain–containing 4) gene on chromosome 2 (rs385076;
P
=2.4×10
−45
). Subsequent molecular analyses by gene expression analysis and reporter gene assays indicated an effect of rs385076 on
NLRC4
expression and differential isoform usage by modulating binding of the transcription factor PU.1.

Conclusions—

Our study provides evidence for the functional causality of single nucleotide polymorphism rs385076 within the
NLRC4
gene in relation to IL-18 activation.
Paracrine Engineering of Human Cardiac Stem Cells With Insulin‐Like Growth Factor 1 Enhances Myocardial Repair
Authors: Jackson Robyn , Tilokee Everad L. , Latham Nicholas , Mount Seth , Rafatian Ghazaleh , Strydhorst Jared , Ye Bin , Boodhwani Munir , Chan Vincent , Ruel Marc , Ruddy Terrence D. , Suuronen Erik J. , Stewart Duncan J. , Davis Darryl R. 
Published: September 2015

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (
IGF
‐1) activates prosurvival pathways and improves postischemic cardiac function, but this key cytokine is not robustly expressed by cultured human cardiac stem cells. We explored the influence of an enhanced
IGF
‐1 paracrine signature on explant‐derived cardiac stem cell–mediated cardiac repair.

Methods and Results

Receptor profiling demonstrated that
IGF
‐1 receptor expression was increased in the infarct border zones of experimentally infarcted mice by 1 week after myocardial infarction. Human explant‐derived cells underwent somatic gene transfer to overexpress human
IGF
‐1 or the green fluorescent protein reporter alone. After culture in hypoxic reduced‐serum media, overexpression of
IGF
‐1 enhanced proliferation and expression of prosurvival transcripts and prosurvival proteins and decreased expression of apoptotic markers in both explant‐derived cells and cocultured neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Transplant of explant‐derived cells genetically engineered to overexpress
IGF
‐1 into immunodeficient mice 1 week after infarction boosted
IGF
‐1 content within infarcted tissue and long‐term engraftment of transplanted cells while reducing apoptosis and long‐term myocardial scarring.

Conclusions

Paracrine engineering of explant‐derived cells to overexpress
IGF
‐1 provided a targeted means of improving cardiac stem cell–mediated repair by enhancing the long‐term survival of transplanted cells and surrounding myocardium.
Collaborative derivation of reference intervals for major clinical laboratory tests in Japan
Authors: Ichihara Kiyoshi , Yomamoto Yoshikazu , Hotta Taeko , Hosogaya Shigemi , Miyachi Hayato , Itoh Yoshihisa , Ishibashi Midori , Kang Dongchon ,   on behalf of the Committee on Common Reference Intervals, Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry
Published: September 2015

Objectives Three multicentre studies of reference intervals were conducted recently in Japan. The Committee on Common Reference Intervals of the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry sought to establish common reference intervals for 40 laboratory tests which were measured in common in the three studies and regarded as well harmonized in Japan. Methods The study protocols were comparable with recruitment mostly from hospital workers with body mass index ≤28 and no medications. Age and sex distributions were made equal to obtain a final data size of 6345 individuals. Between-subgroup differences were expressed as the SD ratio (between-subgroup SD divided by SD representing the reference interval). Between-study differences were all within acceptable levels, and thus the three datasets were merged. Results By adopting SD ratio ≥0.50 as a guide, sex-specific reference intervals were necessary for 12 assays. Age-specific reference intervals for females partitioned at age 45 were required for five analytes. The reference intervals derived by the parametric method resulted in appreciable narrowing of the ranges by applying the latent abnormal values exclusion method in 10 items which were closely associated with prevalent disorders among healthy individuals. Sex- and age-related profiles of reference values, derived from individuals with no abnormal results in major tests, showed peculiar patterns specific to each analyte. Conclusion Common reference intervals for nationwide use were developed for 40 major tests, based on three multicentre studies by advanced statistical methods. Sex- and age-related profiles of reference values are of great relevance not only for interpreting test results, but for applying clinical decision limits specified in various clinical guidelines.
Family Model of Diabetes Education With a Pacific Islander Community
Authors: McElfish Pearl Anna , Bridges Melissa D. , Hudson Jonell S. , Purvis Rachel S. , Bursac Zoran , Kohler Peter O. , Goulden Peter A. 
Published: September 2015

Purpose The purpose of the study was to use a community-based participatory research approach to pilot-test a family model of diabetes education conducted in participants’ homes with extended family members. Methods The pilot test included 6 families (27 participants) who took part in a family model of diabetes self-management education (DSME) using an intervention-driven pre- and posttest design with the aim of improving glycemic control as measured by A1C. Questionnaires and additional biometric data were also collected. Researchers systematically documented elements of feasibility using participant observations and research field reports. Results More than three-fourths (78%) of participants were retained in the study. Posttest results indicated a 5% reduction in A1C across all participants and a 7% reduction among those with type 2 diabetes. Feasibility of an in-home model with extended family members was documented, along with observations and recommendations for further DSME adaptations related to blood glucose monitoring, physical activity, nutrition, and medication adherence. Conclusions The information gained from this pilot helps to bridge the gap between knowledge of an evidence-based intervention and its actual implementation within a unique minority population with especially high rates of type 2 diabetes and significant health disparities. Building on the emerging literature of family models of DSME, this study shows that the family model delivered in the home had high acceptance and that the intervention was more accessible for this hard-to-reach population.
Ruptured Tendons in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users
Authors: Kanayama Gen , DeLuca James , Meehan William P. , Hudson James I. , Isaacs Stephanie , Baggish Aaron , Weiner Rory , Micheli Lyle , Pope Harrison G. 
Published: September 2015

Background: Accumulating case reports have described tendon rupture in men who use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). However, no controlled study has assessed the history of tendon rupture in a large cohort of AAS users and comparison nonusers. Hypothesis: Men reporting long-term AAS abuse would report an elevated lifetime incidence of tendon rupture compared with non–AAS-using bodybuilders. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Medical histories were obtained from 142 experienced male bodybuilders aged 35 to 55 years recruited in the course of 2 studies. Of these men, 88 reported at least 2 years of cumulative lifetime AAS use, and 54 reported no history of AAS use. In men reporting a history of tendon rupture, the circumstances of the injury, prodromal symptoms, concomitant drug or alcohol use, and details of current and lifetime AAS use (if applicable) were recorded. Surgical records were obtained for most participants. Results: Nineteen (22%) of the AAS users, but only 3 (6%) of the nonusers, reported at least 1 lifetime tendon rupture. The hazard ratio for a first ruptured tendon in AAS users versus nonusers was 9.0 (95% CI, 2.5-32.3; P < .001). Several men reported 2 or more independent lifetime tendon ruptures. Interestingly, upper-body tendon ruptures occurred exclusively in the AAS group (15 [17%] AAS users vs 0 nonusers; risk difference, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.09-0.25]; P < .001 [hazard ratio not estimable]), whereas there was no significant difference between users and nonusers in risk for lower-body ruptures (6 [7%] AAS users, 3 [6%] nonusers; hazard ratio, 3.1 [95% CI, 0.7-13.8]; P = .13). Of 31 individual tendon ruptures assessed, only 6 (19%) occurred while weightlifting, with the majority occurring during other sports activities. Eight (26%) ruptures followed prodromal symptoms of nonspecific pain in the region. Virtually all ruptures were treated surgically, with complete or near-complete ultimate restoration of function. Conclusion: AAS abusers, compared with otherwise similar bodybuilders, showed a markedly increased risk of tendon ruptures, particularly upper-body tendon rupture.
Differential Interactive Effects of Cartilage Traumatization and Blood Exposure In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Joos Helga , Leucht Frank , Riegger Jana , Hogrefe Cathrin , Fiedler Jörg , Dürselen Lutz , Reichel Heiko , Ignatius Anita , Brenner Rolf E. 
Published: September 2015

Background: Sport injuries of the knee often lead to posttraumatic arthritis. In addition to direct damage of the cartilage, trauma-associated intra-articular bleeding may cause hemarthrosis. Both blood exposure and trauma are known to induce cell death and inflammation and to enhance proteoglycan release in cartilage. Hypothesis: Blood exposure increases chondrocyte death as well as inflammatory and degenerative processes in traumatized cartilage. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Human macroscopically intact osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage explants were impacted by a drop-tower system (0.59 J) and cultivated with or without 10% blood. Interactive effects were studied concerning cell survival, gene expression, and the release of mediators over 24 hours and 96 hours. To evaluate the effects of trauma and hemarthrosis in vivo, a newly established blunt cartilage trauma model in the rabbit was used. Treatment of the knee joints of mature New Zealand White rabbits consisted of the following groups: control (C), arthrotomy (A), arthrotomy with cartilage trauma (AT; 1.0 J), and arthrotomy with cartilage trauma and blood injection (ATH). After 1 and 12 weeks, inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid and histological changes of the cartilage were determined, and immunohistological staining was performed. Results: The in vitro studies revealed a significant additional or synergistic effect of blood exposure on trauma-induced chondrocyte death, interleukin (IL)–1β and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) release, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/pro-MMP level. Singular arthrotomy in vivo induced a temporary inflammation. Histologically, cartilage trauma caused significant OA changes that were not aggravated by an additional hemarthrosis. Trauma led to a persistent deposition of terminal complement complex (TCC), being enhanced by hemarthrosis. However, trauma-induced formation of osteophytes and arthrotomy-induced elevation of tumor necrosis factor–α release were reduced by hemarthrosis. Conclusion: While blood exposure clearly aggravated trauma-induced OA processes in the in vitro model, a singular blood injection revealed heterogeneous effects in vivo, enhancing TCC deposition but reducing trauma-induced osteophyte formation while the histological score of traumatized cartilage was not further impaired. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study indicate that a singular, limited bleeding event might not exacerbate early trauma-induced cartilage degeneration in joint injuries. An early removal of intra-articular blood may not prevent the final resulting cartilage damage.