bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Rapid and High-Throughput Screening Approach for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Based on the Combination of Two Different Real-Time PCR Assays
Authors: Nijhuis Roel H. T. , van Maarseveen Noortje M. , van Hannen Erik J. , van Zwet Anton A. , Mascini Ellen M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been responsible for major nosocomial epidemics worldwide. For infection control programs, rapid and adequate detection of MRSA is of great importance. We developed a rapid and high-throughput molecular screening approach that consists of an overnight selective broth enrichment, followed by
mecA
,
mecC
, and
S. aureus
-specific (SA442 gene) real-time PCR assays, with subsequent confirmation using a staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
)-
orfX
-based real-time PCR assay (GeneOhm MRSA assay) and culture. Here, the results of the screening approach over a 2-year period are presented. During this period, a total of 13,387 samples were analyzed for the presence of MRSA, 2.6% of which were reported as MRSA positive. No MRSA isolates carrying the
mecC
gene were detected during this study. Based on the results of the real-time PCR assays only, 95.2% of the samples could be reported as negative within 24 h. Furthermore, the performance of these real-time PCR assays was evaluated using a set of 104 assorted MRSA isolates, which demonstrated high sensitivity for both the combination of
mecA
and
mecC
with SA442 and the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay (98.1% and 97.1%, respectively). This molecular screening approach proved to be an accurate method for obtaining reliable negative results within 24 h after arrival at the laboratory and contributes to improvement of infection control programs, especially in areas with a low MRSA prevalence.
Defective Viral Genomes: Critical Danger Signals of Viral Infections
Authors: López Carolina B. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Viruses efficiently block the host antiviral response in order to replicate and spread before host intervention. The mechanism initiating antiviral immunity during stealth viral replication is unknown, but recent data demonstrate that defective viral genomes generated at peak virus replication are critical for this process
in vivo
. This article summarizes the supporting evidence and highlights gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms and impact of immunostimulatory defective viral genomes generated during natural infections.
Dependence of Coronavirus RNA Replication on an NH
2
-Terminal Partial Nonstructural Protein 1 in
cis
Authors: Su Yu-Pin , Fan Yi-Hsin , Brian David A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Genomes of positive (+)-strand RNA viruses use
cis
-acting signals to direct both translation and replication. Here we examine two 5′-proximal
cis
-replication signals of different character in a defective interfering (DI) RNA of the bovine coronavirus (BCoV) that map within a 322-nucleotide (nt) sequence (136 nt from the genomic 5′ untranslated region and 186 nt from the nonstructural protein 1 [nsp1]-coding region) not found in the otherwise-identical nonreplicating subgenomic mRNA7 (sgmRNA7). The natural DI RNA is structurally a fusion of the two ends of the BCoV genome that results in a single open reading frame between a partial nsp1-coding region and the entire N gene. (i) In the first examination, mutation analyses of a recently discovered long-range RNA-RNA base-paired structure between the 5′ untranslated region and the partial nsp1-coding region showed that it, possibly in concert with adjacent stem-loops, is a
cis
-acting replication signal in the (+) strand. We postulate that the higher-order structure promotes (+)-strand synthesis. (ii) In the second examination, analyses of multiple frame shifts, truncations, and point mutations within the partial nsp1-coding region showed that synthesis of a PEFP core amino acid sequence within a group A lineage betacoronavirus-conserved NH
2
-proximal WAPEFPWM domain is required in
cis
for DI RNA replication. We postulate that the nascent protein, as part of an RNA-associated translating complex, acts to direct the DI RNA to a critical site, enabling RNA replication. We suggest that these results have implications for viral genome replication and explain, in part, why coronavirus sgmRNAs fail to replicate.

IMPORTANCE
cis
-Acting RNA and protein structures that regulate (+)-strand RNA virus genome synthesis are potential sites for blocking virus replication. Here we describe two: a previously suspected 5′-proximal long-range higher-order RNA structure and a novel nascent NH
2
-terminal protein component of nsp1 that are common among betacoronaviruses of group A lineage.
Evaluating a website to teach children safety with dogs
Authors: Schwebel David C , McClure Leslie A , Severson Joan 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundPaediatric dog bites are a significant public health problem worldwide. Existing prevention programmes focused on altering children's risky behaviour with pet dogs tend to be atheoretical and only moderately effective.ObjectiveTest efficacy of a website to train young children in relevant cognitive skills to be safe with pet dogs in their home.SettingBirmingham, Alabama, USA.MethodsA randomised trial will be conducted with an expected sample of two groups of 34 children (total N=68) ages 4–6 years. One group will engage in the newly designed website at home for 2 weeks and the other group will engage in a control website on transportation safety for an equivalent amount of time. All participants will complete a battery of laboratory-based tests to assess safety with dogs and cognitive functioning at baseline and postintervention.Outcome measuresPrimary analyses will be conducted through linear mixed models testing change over time. Children's cognitive functioning, knowledge about safety with dogs, and behaviour with dogs in simulation and in vivo will serve as the primary outcomes.Clinical trial registrationThis study is exempt from registry at the US government website,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, based on being a behavioural trial in the early phases of testing.
Study ofχc01P→J/ψγandχb0(1P)→Υ1SγDecays via QCD Sum Rules
Authors: Bashiry V. 
Published: May 2014

We present the calculation of the form factor of theχc01P→J/ψγandχb0(1P)→Υ1Sγ decays in the frame work of QCD sum rules. We also find branching ratioBrχc01P→J/ψγ=1.36-0.6+0.9×10-2which is in agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, we estimate theΓtot(χb0(1P))=4.2-2.21+3.18 MeV, where experimental bound for full width ofχb0is Γtot(χb0(1P))<6 MeV.
Genetic Variations of Cytokines and Cytokine Receptors in Psoriasis Patients from China
Authors: Li Xiao-Lan , Wu Chun-Feng , Wu Gui-Sheng 
Published: May 2014

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate polymorphisms in a candidate gene family of interleukin (IL) in unrelated Chinese patients with psoriasis and control subjects without psoriasis. In this case-control study, 200 unrelated Chinese psoriasis patients and 298 age- and sex-matched control subjects were enrolled. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood obtained from all psoriasis patients and control subjects. We genotyped seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes of six ILs: IL4, IL10, IL12B, IL13, IL15, and IL23R, which have been shown in the literature to be associated with psoriasis in other ethnic groups. Among the seven SNPs in the six IL genes studied, only the rs3212227 in the IL12B gene was found to be associated with psoriasis at genotypic level in the studied population. The C/C genotype in the IL12B gene is a protective factor of psoriasis (P = 0.0218; OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27–0.96) in Chinese. Furthermore, the studied Chinese population has extremely low minor allele frequency for IL23R. Together, the data reveal unique genetic patterns in Chinese that may be in part responsible for the lower risk for psoriasis in this population.
Convergence against the Odds: The Development of Safe Country of Origin Policies in EU Member States (1990–2013)
Authors: Engelmann Claudia 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Safe country of origin (sco) policies have become very popular in many of the European countries. Scholars however disagree whether this leads to policy convergence or divergence. Based on the absence of a comprehensive dataset from which to make such a convergence/divergence observation, this paper consequently describes the development of sco policies in depth, and their variation over time and across Member States. It is observed that sco policies adopted at the domestic level are becoming increasingly similar across eu Member States, especially with regard to certain regions (the Western Balkans and West Africa). Following from these observations, several mechanisms behind the established trends are discussed. The paper is based on an original dataset of the sco designations for all eu Member States over the time period 1990–2013, as well as on interviews with ministry officials in several eu Member States.
Four new Luticola taxa (Bacillariophyta) from Maritime Antarctica
Authors: ZIDAROVA RALITSA , LEVKOV ZLATKO , VAN DE VIJVER BART 
Published: May 2014

The paper describes four new Luticola taxa from the South Shetland Archipelago, Antarctica: Luticola neglecta sp. nov., L. bogaertsiana sp. nov., L. contii sp. nov. and L. olegsakharovii sp. nov. All new taxa are studied using both light and scanning electron microscopy and compared to other morphologically similar species from (sub-)Antarctica and elsewhere in the world. Data on their ecology and biogeography are added.
‘We didn’t have a clue’: Family caregivers’ experiences of the communication of a diagnosis of schizophrenia
Authors: Outram Sue , Harris Gillian , Kelly Brian , Bylund Carma L , Cohen Martin , Landa Yulia , Levin Tomer , Sandhu Harsimrat , Vamos Marina , Loughland Carmel 
Published: May 2014

Background: Despite widespread acceptance of the principle that patients should be informed about their diagnosis, many clinicians are reluctant to provide a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This study examines family caregivers’ experiences of the communication of a schizophrenia diagnosis and related information. Methods: A generic qualitative methodological approach was used. In all, 13 family caregivers were recruited in regional New South Wales, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore their experiences and perceptions of discussing the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of schizophrenia with mental health professionals. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, codes generated and thematic analysis undertaken. Results: Family caregivers described long and difficult pathways to being given a diagnosis, haphazard means of finding out the diagnosis, high unmet needs for information, exclusion from the medical care process and problematic communication and general interactions with mental health clinicians. Caregivers were unanimous about the importance of receiving a timely diagnosis, for them and their relative with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Family caregivers are an integral part of the mental health-care system, and they should be included early in discussions of diagnosis and treatment of a person with schizophrenia. Their perspectives on communicating a diagnosis of schizophrenia provide important information for communication skills training of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
War traumas in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Moro Maria Francesca , Bass Judith 
Published: May 2014

Introduction: The purpose is to explore the consequences of war and its impact on mental health with attention to the Mediterranean area. Methods: Narrative review of consequences of war on mental health and on the mental health of the communities in the current crises in the Mediterranean region. Results: A series of outbreaks of war are still raging in the Mediterranean region and producing horrible effects with a considerable number of refugees with unsatisfied needs. Studies relating to conflicts of the past suggest that the mental health consequences of these wars may affect future generations for many years. While violations of human rights are not new, what is new are attacks on medical institutions perceived to be traditionally Western. Conclusion: The scientific community has to fight violence through mediation of conflicts. The idea that science can improve lives is a concept that is found in the history of all Mediterranean cultures. The Greek and Roman medical tradition was saved thanks to doctors of the Arab courts when Christian fundamentalism fought science in the Middle Ages. Health institutions are the product of the great Islamic medical tradition as well as Western culture.
The results of pollicization for congenital thumb hypoplasia
Authors: Tonkin M. A. , Boyce D. E. , Fleming P. P. , Filan S. L. , Vigna N. 
Published: May 2014

We assessed pollicizations performed by one surgeon; compared function of the pollicized digit in patients with and without forearm/wrist anomalies; and determined if hand function changed with age. A total of 42 hands were assessed an average of 5.7 years post-operatively, 21 with a forearm/wrist anomaly (Group 1) and 21 without (Group 2). Fourteen patients with 16 pollicizations were assessed on two occasions 3.5 years apart. Carpometacarpal joint motion was near normal in both groups (decreased retropulsion in Group 1). Metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint flexion, grip, thumb lateral and tip pinch strengths, and Jebsen timed test were superior in Group 2. Subjective assessment by patients/parents found 72% excellent/good results for function and 94% for appearance. Doctor excellent/good assessments were 60% and 70%, respectively. Forearm/wrist anomalies significantly compromised results but are not a contraindication for pollicization. Strength and Jebsen timed test measurements improved at the second assessment of 16 thumbs, but this was consistent with age-related improvement. Level of evidence: 4
Muscleblind-like 1 (Mbnl1) regulates pre-mRNA alternative splicing during terminal erythropoiesis
Authors: Cheng Albert W. , Shi Jiahai , Wong Piu , Luo Katherine L. , Trepman Paula , Wang Eric T. , Choi Heejo , Burge Christopher B. , Lodish Harvey F. 
Published: May 2014

Key PointsRNA-seq identified thousands of changes in alternative gene isoform expression changes during erythropoiesis. MBNL1 regulates alternative splicing in terminal erythropoiesis.
Acetylation: a new key to unlock tau’s role in neurodegeneration
Authors: Cook Casey , Stankowski Jeannette N , Carlomagno Yari , Stetler Caroline , Petrucelli Leonard 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe identification of tau protein as a major constituent of neurofibrillary tangles spurred considerable effort devoted to identifying and validating pathways through which therapeutics may alleviate tau burden in Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy associated with sport- and military-related injuries. Most tau-based therapeutic strategies have previously focused on modulating tau phosphorylation, given that tau species present within neurofibrillary tangles are hyperphosphorylated on a number of different residues. However, the recent discovery that tau is modified by acetylation necessitates additional research to provide greater mechanistic insight into the spectrum of physiological consequences of tau acetylation, which may hold promise as a novel therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss recent findings evaluating tau acetylation in the context of previously accepted notions regarding tau biology and pathophysiology. We also examine the evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective and beneficial consequences of inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC)6, a tau deacetylase, including its effect on microtubule stabilization. We also discuss the rationale for pharmacologically modulating HDAC6 in tau-based pathologies as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Quantitative intratumoural microdistribution and kinetics of 131I-huA33 antibody in patients with colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Ciprotti Marika , Chong Geoffrey , Gan Hui K , Chan Anthony , Murone Carmel , MacGregor Duncan , Lee Fook-Thean , Johns Terrance G , Heath Joan K , Ernst Matthias , Burgess Antony W , Scott Andrew M 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
The ability of recombinant antibodies to adequately penetrate into tumours is a key factor in achieving therapeutic effect; however, the behaviour of antibodies at a cellular level in tumours is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate those factors that influence the macroscopic and microscopic intratumoural distribution of an IgG1-humanized antibody, huA33, in colorectal tumours.

Methods
Twelve patients were infused with radiolabelled huA33 at 7 days prior to elective surgery for colorectal carcinoma. Macroscopic huA33 uptake was determined by both gamma well counter and autoradiography measurements of the resected tumour specimens. Microscopic uptake was then quantitated at a cellular level and compared to vascular penetrance. The impact of variation in tumour antigen (GPA33) expression, tumour size, specimen type (primary vs metastatic), presence of macroscopic necrosis, and tumour vasculature on huA33 uptake were examined.

Results
The I-huA33 uptake in whole tumour sections was (mean ± SD) 5.13 ± 2.71 × 10−3% injected dose per gram (ID/g). GPA33 was expressed in all viable tumour cells, and huA33 uptake was excellent regardless of tumour size and specimen type. In tumours with macroscopically evident central necrosis (n = 5), huA33 uptake in tumour necrotic centres was lower than in viable peripheries (0.606 ± 0.493 vs 2.98 ± 2.17 × 10−3%ID, p = 0.06). However, when corrected for low cell viability in necrotic centres, uptake of huA33 at the cellular level was highly comparable to that in the more viable tumour periphery (7.10 ± 5.10 × 10−9 vs 3.82 ± 3.67 × 10−9%ID/cell, p = 0.4). In the five patients who exhibited macroscopic necrosis in their tumours, huA33 showed excellent tissue penetration, with a maximum penetration distance of 26 μm in peripheral tumour regions and 118 μm in central regions. No correlation was observed between 131I-huA33 uptake in tumour on a cellular basis and tumour vascularity.

Conclusions
In patients with colorectal carcinoma, monoclonal antibody huA33 effectively targets viable tumour cells in all cellular milieus examined, including effective penetration into necrotic tumour centres, a novel and therapeutically important finding.
Novel Epoxy Thermosetting Resin System Using ε-Caprolactam
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Ogawa Hiroki , Naritomi Kazunori , Murata Yuka , Kano Hiroki , Ochi Mitsukazu 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We developed an epoxy thermosetting system based on a reaction of an epoxy resin and ε-caprolactam (ε-CL) in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as a catalyst. Ring-opening copolymerization of epoxide groups and ε-CL proceeded at 170 °C, affording gel products in high yields. The physical properties of the products were dependent on the feed ratios of the epoxy resin and ε-CL.
On digital crossings in Europe
Authors: Ponzanesi Sandra , Leurs Koen 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
‘On digital crossings in Europe’ explores the entanglements of digital media and migration beyond the national and mono-ethnic focus. We argue how borders, identity and affectivity have been destabilized and reconfigured through medium-specific technological affordances, opting for a comparative and postcolonial framework that focuses on diversity in conjunction with cosmopolitan aspirations. Internet applications make it possible to sustain new forms of diaspora and networks, which operate within and beyond Europe, making issues of ethnicity, nationality, race and class not obsolete but transformed. It is therefore important and timely to analyse how these reconfigurations take place and affect everyday life. Using a critical approach to digital tools that avoids utopian notions of connectivity and borderlessness, this article highlights the dyssymmetries and tensions produced by the ubiquitousness of digital connectivity. It further introduces the different contributions to the special issue, making connections and tracing relations among themes and methods and sketching main patterns for further research. It also offers a panorama of other related studies and projects in the field, which partake in a critical reassessment of the enabling power of digital media and their divisive implications for new forms of surveillance, online racism and ‘economic’ inequality, which we gather under the heading of postcolonial digital humanities.
Dinheiro traz felicidade? A relação entre insumos e qualidade na educação
Authors: Pinto José Marcelino de Rezende 
Published: May 2014

O presente artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma revisão, com base na literatura e em dados estatísticos, do debate sobre a relação entre os investimentos financeiros nos sistemas de ensino e a qualidade da educação, focando-se especialmente para a situação no Brasil no contexto mundial. No trabalho busca-se mostrar como o debate acerca da relação entre insumos e qualidade do ensino, que remonta à década de 1960, continua suscetível de controvérsias em todo mundo. Conclui, contudo, tendo por base os indicadores internacionais de gastos por aluno e de desempenho dos estudantes em testes padronizados e os dados comparativos entre os gastos por aluno da rede pública e as mensalidade cobradas nas escolas privadas que, em especial para os países de baixo investimento por aluno, como o Brasil, um incremento, desde que significativo, nos gastos educacionais pode, sim, fazer diferença na qualidade, particularmente através da melhoria da infraestrutura e na oferta de equipamentos das escolas, bem como na atratividade e retenção de bons professores. O artigo procura alertar também para o risco de se avaliar a qualidade do ensino oferecido pelas escolas tendo por base apenas o desempenho dos alunos em testes padronizados, tendo em vista que os mesmos sofrem forte influência do nível socioeconômico das famílias. Finalmente mostra-se que o efeito da escola na formação de seus alunos envolve um conjunto de indicadores que vão além dos resultados em testes padronizados.indicadores que vão além do desempenho em testes padronizados.