bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mortality and pathology of hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), associated with Edwardsiella ictaluri infection in southern Thailand
Authors: Suanyuk N , Rogge M , Thune R , Watthanaphiromsakul M , Champhat N , Wiangkum W 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEnteric septicaemia of catfish (ESC) caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri is becoming an increasing problem in aquaculture and has been reported worldwide in a variety of fish species. This study reports ESC in hybrid catfish, Clarias macrocephalus (Günther) × Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), cultured in southern Thailand. The bacteria were identified as E. ictaluri by conventional and rapid identification systems, as well as by genetic and phylogenetic characterization. Analysis of 16S rRNA indicated 100% homology to the 16S rRNA sequence of several E. ictaluri strains in GenBank. Plasmid profiles demonstrated 4.0‐ and 5.6‐kb plasmids, compared with the 4.8‐ and 5.6‐kb plasmids in the US isolates, and representative genes of three of the four known pathogenicity islands of US isolates were present. Serologically, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from the Thai isolates was not recognized by a monoclonal antibody against the LPS of US isolates. Fish experimentally infected with E. ictaluri showed 23–100% mortality within 14 days with a 168‐h LD50 of 6.92 × 107 CFU mL−1 by immersion and a 96‐h LD50 of 1.58 × 106 CFU fish−1 by intraperitoneal injection. Examination of tissue sections obtained from both naturally and experimentally infected fish indicated that infection of hybrid catfish with E. ictaluri produced lesions in several organs including liver, kidney, spleen, heart and brain. Histopathology findings included cellular necrosis, focal haemorrhage, infiltration of lymphocytes and multifocal granulomatous inflammation in the infected organs.
Being Suckled in a Large Litter Mitigates the Effects of Early‐Life Stress on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis Function in the Male Rat
Authors: Clarke M. , Cai G. , Saleh S. , Buller K. M. , Spencer S. J. 
Published: June 2013

The perinatal environment influences stress responses in the long‐term, as does body composition. Male rats suckled in large litters, where they have reduced access to milk and attention from the dam, are less anxious and have attenuated hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis responses to stress compared to rats from control litters. In the present study, we investigated whether this early‐life environment can also ameliorate anxiety and HPA axis function in rats prone to be stress‐sensitive. We conducted these experiments in male rats from control litters (n = 12) or large litters (n = 20). Half were given 24 h of maternal separation on postnatal day 10 to induce HPA axis hyperactivity; the remainder staying undisturbed with their dam. When the rats reached adulthood, we examined behavioural indices of anxiety (elevated plus maze) and depression (Porsolt's forced swim test) under basal conditions and after 15 min of restraint stress. We also examined neuronal activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) as an index of HPA axis function. Being suckled in a large litter led to a significantly attenuated PVN response to stress in adulthood. Maternal separation strongly exacerbated the stress‐induced increase in PVN neuronal activation in control rats but did not affect the PVN response in large‐litter rats. Immobility in the forced swim after restraint was also exacerbated in neonatally maternally separated control rats but not in those from large litters. Our findings show that being suckled in large litters mitigates the effects of early‐life stress on HPA axis function and indices of depression in the rat.
Factors helping adolescents to stop self‐cutting: descriptions of 347 adolescents aged 13–18 years
Authors: Rissanen Marja‐Liisa , Kylmä Jari , Hintikka Jukka , Honkalampi Kirsi , Tolmunen Tommi , Laukkanen Eila 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe the factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting among 13–18‐year‐old Finnish adolescents from the personal perspective of the adolescents.BackgroundSelf‐cutting is quite common among adolescents. However, adolescents' personal descriptions of what helped them to stop self‐cutting have not previously been investigated.DesignQualitative descriptive design with quantification.MethodsThe data were collected from 347 participants using structured self‐rating questionnaires as a part of a larger research project focusing on the mental well‐being of adolescents aged between 13–18 years in Finland. The participants were asked to write their own descriptions of how they had been able to stop self‐cutting, if they had done so. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated in relation to the total number of identified references to factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting. This enabled the determination of the most important factors helping adolescents to stop self‐cutting from their own perspective.ResultsSix main themes emerged: factors associated with self‐cutting and meanings related to it (n = 173); personal factors (n = 126); factors associated with other people (n = 104); factors associated with care or therapy (n = 18); meanings related to the instruments used to cut (n = 1) and unidentified factors (n = 18).ConclusionsFactors associated with self‐cutting and meanings related to it were the most important factors contributing to the stopping of self‐cutting. Personal factors and those associated with other people were also important, while factors associated with care were of less importance in this study.Relevance to clinical practiceThe factors identified in this study could potentially be used in clinical practice to assist other adolescents in stopping their self‐cutting.
Nursing informatics competencies: assessment of undergraduate and graduate nursing students
Authors: Choi Jeungok , De Martinis Jean E 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo report the informatics competencies of students in selected undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes, to examine whether informatics competencies differed between the different programmes and to suggest competency‐based applications that will strengthen informatics courses and informatics‐related content throughout the curricula.BackgroundNursing students in undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes have different educational backgrounds and different practice experience. Thus, their informatics preparation is apt to be varied, and nursing curricula must reflect this variation while advancing students towards informatics proficiency. However, studies on informatics competency assessment in these nursing students are scarce.DesignA descriptive survey design.MethodsData were collected from 289 nursing students using a 30‐item Self‐Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale via an email sent to students using a LISTSERV mailing list. The email embedded link to the Internet survey package, SurveyMonkey, which included the Self‐Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies Scale and demographic questions along with an online consent form.ResultsStudents in both programmes were competent in three subscale areas: basic computer knowledge and skills, clinical informatics attitude, and wireless device skills. Graduate students reported slightly higher mean competency scores than did undergraduate students in three subscales: clinical informatics role, clinical informatics attitude and wireless device skills.ConclusionsFindings indicate specific topics for nurse educators to consider when designing informatics curricula. The comparison of undergraduate and graduate students indicates similarities in informatics competencies in terms of areas where students were competent and small mean score differences. Further studies are suggested to examine whether there are differences in informatics competencies between undergraduate and graduate students.Relevance to clinical practiceThese results assist nurse educators in determining specific areas of informatics content that need greater focus and inclusion in the design of better nursing educational programmes. Examples of integrating competencies into existing curriculum or informatics courses are suggested.
Dealing with the devil: weight loss concerns in young adult women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Balfe Myles , Doyle Frank , Smith Diarmuid , Sreenan Seamus , Conroy Ronan , Brugha Ruairi 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo examine the weight loss concerns of young adults with type 1 diabetes.BackgroundEating disorders are prevalent in young women with type 1 diabetes.DesignQualitative.MethodsInterviews with 35 young adults (23–30 years of age) with type 1 diabetes and 13 healthcare professionals.ResultsMost female interviewees were concerned about the difficulties of losing weight when having diabetes. Six female interviewees developed severe eating disturbances when they were younger. These women initially regarded their disturbed eating behaviour positively and engaged in weight loss activities intermittently. However, over time, they lost control of their behaviour, and it came to dominate their lives. Family conflict often intensified disordered eating behaviours. Eventually all of these women managed to transition away from their behaviour, although this process took, for some of them, several years. Several of them (now in their early to late twenties), however, continued to struggle with weight loss impulses. Healthcare professionals felt that eating‐ and weight‐related issues often went undiagnosed and undocumented in young adult women with type 1 diabetes.ConclusionMany young women with type 1 diabetes are worried about their weight, but will not engage in risky weight loss activities because of concerns about their health. A minority of young adult women will develop more severe eating‐related disturbances. These eating disturbances may last a significant amount of time before clinicians become aware of them. These women may also experience disordered weight loss impulses for sometime after clinical interventions.Relevance to clinical practiceClinicians should screen young adult women with type 1 diabetes for eating disorders and monitor young adult women who have developed eating disorders over the longer term. There may be a need to provide asymptomatic young women with diabetes with information about the potential risks of insulin omission.
The Episure Autodetect syringe, a loss‐of‐resistance technique for locating the epidural space, used in pediatric patients
Authors: Tielens Luc K. P. , Bruhn Jörgen , Vogt Mark , van Geffen Geert‐Jan , Scheffer Gert Jan 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe Episure Autodetect syringe, a spring‐loaded syringe, is a loss‐of‐resistance syringe with an internal compression that applies constant pressure on the plunger. As the principle of loss‐of‐resistance is the same for adult and for pediatric patients, the Episure Autodetect syringe should be able to identify correctly the epidural space also in pediatric patients.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out for all pediatric patients, in which the Episure Autodetect syringe was used for locating the epidural space between 2007 and 2011 in our department.ResultsIn 17 pediatric patients (9 months–14 years, 7.5–43 kg weight), the Episure syringe was used. In all 17 patients, the epidural space was correctly identified using the spring‐loaded syringe as evidenced by satisfactory analgesia. No accidental dural punctures or false loss‐of‐resistances were observed.ConclusionThe spring‐loaded Episure Autodetect syringe might be a potentially useful loss‐of‐resistance syringe for identification of the epidural space in pediatric patients.
Controlled rapid sequence induction and intubation – an analysis of 1001 children
Authors: Neuhaus Diego , Schmitz Achim , Gerber Andreas , Weiss Markus 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundClassic rapid sequence induction puts pediatric patients at risk of cardiorespiratory deterioration and traumatic intubation due to their reduced apnea tolerance and related shortened intubation time. A ‘controlled’ rapid sequence induction and intubation technique (cRSII) with gentle facemask ventilation prior to intubation may be a safer and more appropriate approach in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the benefits and complications of cRSII in a large cohort.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis of all patients undergoing cRSII according to a standardized institutional protocol between 2007 and 2011 in a tertiary pediatric hospital. By means of an electronic patient data management system, vital sign data were reviewed for cardiorespiratory parameters, intubation conditions, general adverse respiratory events, and general anesthesia parameters.ResultsA total of 1001 patients with cRSII were analyzed. Moderate hypoxemia (SpO2 80–89%) during cRSII occurred in 0.5% (n = 5) and severe hypoxemia (SpO2 <80%) in 0.3% of patients (n = 3). None of these patients developed bradycardia or hypotension. Overall, one single gastric regurgitation was observed (0.1%), but no pulmonary aspiration could be detected. Intubation was documented as ‘difficult’ in two patients with expected (0.2%) and in three patients with unexpected difficult intubation (0.3%). The further course of anesthesia as well as respiratory conditions after extubation did not reveal evidence of ‘silent aspiration’ during cRSII.ConclusionControlled RSII with gentle facemask ventilation prior to intubation supports stable cardiorespiratory conditions for securing the airway in children with an expected or suspected full stomach. Pulmonary aspiration does not seem to be significantly increased.
Identification and characterization of the major histocompatibility complex class IIDQB (MhcMath‐DQB1) alleles in Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Yao Y.‐F. , Zhao J.‐J. , Dai Q.‐X. , Li J.‐Y. , Zhou L. , Wang Y.‐t. , Ni Q.‐Y. , Zhang M.‐w. , Xu H.‐L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana), an endangered primate species endemic to China, have been used as experimental animal model for various human diseases. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play a crucial role in the susceptibility and/or resistance to many human diseases, but little is known about Tibetan macaques. To gain an insight into the MHC background and to facilitate the experimental use of Tibetan macaques, the second exon of Mhc‐DQB1 gene was sequenced in a cohort of wild Tibetan macaques living in the Sichuan province of China. A total of 23 MhcMath‐DQB1 alleles were identified for the first time, illustrating a marked allelic polymorphism at the DQB1 locus for these macaques. Most of the sequences (74%) observed in this study belong to DQB1*06 (9 alleles) and DQB1*18 (8 alleles) lineages, and the rest (26%) belong to DQB1*15 (3 alleles) and DQB1*17 (3 alleles) lineages. The most frequent alleles detected among these macaques were MhcMath‐DQB1*15:02:02 (17.9%), followed by Math‐DQB1*06:06, 17:03 and 18:01, which were detected in 9 (16.1%) of the monkeys, respectively. Non‐synonymous substitutions occurred at a significantly higher frequency than synonymous substitutions in the peptide‐binding region, suggesting balancing selection for maintaining polymorphisms at the MHC class II DQB1 locus. Phylogenetic analyses confirms the trans‐species model of evolution of the Mhc‐DQB1 genes in non‐human primates, and in particular, the extensive allele sharing is observed between Tibetan and other macaque species.
Results from a multicenter prostate IMRT dosimetry intercomparison for an OCOG‐TROG clinical trial
Authors: Healy B. , Frantzis J. , Murry R. , Martin J. , Plank A. , Middleton M. , Catton C. , Kron T. 
Published: June 2013

Purpose:A multi‐institution dosimetry intercomparison has been undertaken of prostate intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivery. The dosimetry intercomparison was incorporated into the quality assurance for site credentialing for the Trans‐Tasman Radiation Oncology Group Prostate Fractionated Irradiation Trial 08.01 clinical trial.Methods:An anthropomorphic pelvic phantom with realistic anatomy was used along with multiplanar dosimetry tools for the assessment. Nineteen centers across Australia and New Zealand participated in the study.Results:In comparing planned versus measured dose to the target at the isocenter within the phantom, all centers were able to achieve a total delivered dose within 3% of planned dose. In multiplanar analysis with radiochromic film using the gamma analysis method to compare delivered and planned dose, pass rates for a 5%/3 mm criterion were better than 90% for a coronal slice through the isocenter. Pass rates for an off‐axis coronal slice were also better than 90% except for one instance with 84% pass rate.Conclusions:Strengths of the dosimetry assessment procedure included the true anthropomorphic nature of the phantom used, the involvement of an expert from the reference center in carrying out the assessment at every site, and the ability of the assessment to detect and resolve dosimetry discrepancies.
Dispersal and Survival of Flavobacterium psychrophilum PhagesIn Vivoin Rainbow Trout andIn Vitrounder Laboratory Conditions: Implications for Their Use in Phage Therapy
Authors: Madsen Lone , Bertelsen Sif K. , Dalsgaard Inger , Middelboe Mathias 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTAttention has been drawn to phage therapy as an alternative approach for controlling pathogenic bacteria such asFlavobacterium psychrophilumin salmonid aquaculture, which can give rise to high mortalities, especially in rainbow trout fry. Recently, phages have been isolated with a broad host range and a strong lytic potential against pathogenicF. psychrophilumunder experimental conditions. However, little is known about the fate of phages at environmental conditions. Here, we quantified the dispersal and fate ofF. psychrophilumphages and hosts in rainbow trout fry after intraperitoneal injection. Both phages and bacteria were isolated from the fish organs for up to 10 days after injection, and coinjection with both bacteria and phages resulted in a longer persistence of the phage in the fish organs, than when the fish had been injected with the phages only. The occurrence of both phage and bacterium was most prevalent in the kidney and spleen, with only minor occurrence in the brain. The experiment showed that injected phages were rapidly spread in the internal organs of the fish, also in the absence of bacteria. Parallel examination of the regulation of bacteriophage infectivity in controlled laboratory experiments at various environmental conditions showed that pH had only minor effects on long-term (3 months) phage infectivity within a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5, whereas phage infectivity was immediately lost at pH 3. In the absence of host cells, phage infectivity decreased by a factor of 10,000 over 55 days in untreated pond water, while the sterilization and removal of particles caused a 100-fold increase in phage survival relative to the control. In addition,F. psychrophilum-specific phages maintained their infectivity for ∼2 months in glycerol at −80°C, whereas infectivity decreased by a factor 10 when kept in a buffer at 20°C. Only a very small degradation in infectivity was seen when bacteriophages were added and dried on fish feed pellets. Together, these results indicate that application of bacteriophages represents a promising approach for the control ofF. psychrophiluminfections in trout and suggest fish feed as a potential delivery method.
Activating Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase and Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase in Combination for Improvement of Succinate Production
Authors: Tan Zaigao , Zhu Xinna , Chen Jing , Li Qingyan , Zhang Xueli 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylation is an important step in the production of succinate by
Escherichia coli
. Two enzymes, PEP carboxylase (PPC) and PEP carboxykinase (PCK), are responsible for PEP carboxylation. PPC has high substrate affinity and catalytic velocity but wastes the high energy of PEP. PCK has low substrate affinity and catalytic velocity but can conserve the high energy of PEP for ATP formation. In this work, the expression of both the
ppc
and
pck
genes was modulated, with multiple regulatory parts of different strengths, in order to investigate the relationship between PPC or PCK activity and succinate production. There was a positive correlation between PCK activity and succinate production. In contrast, there was a positive correlation between PPC activity and succinate production only when PPC activity was within a certain range; excessive PPC activity decreased the rates of both cell growth and succinate formation. These two enzymes were also activated in combination in order to recruit the advantages of each for the improvement of succinate production. It was demonstrated that PPC and PCK had a synergistic effect in improving succinate production.
Longitudinal Monitoring of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase/AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli at German Broiler Chicken Fattening Farms
Authors: Laube H. , Friese A. , von Salviati C. , Guerra B. , Käsbohrer A. , Kreienbrock L. , Roesler U. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance of
Escherichia coli
to modern beta-lactam antibiotics due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and/or plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpC) represents an emerging and increasing resistance problem that dramatically limits therapeutic options in both human and veterinary medicine. The presence of ESBL/AmpC genes in commensal
E. coli
from food-producing animals like broilers may pose a human health hazard. However, there are no data available concerning the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing
E. coli
in German broiler flocks using selective methods. In this longitudinal study, samples were taken from seven conventional broiler fattening farms at three different times within one fattening period. Various samples originating from the animals as well as from their direct environment in the barn were investigated for the occurrence of ESBL/AmpC-producing
E. coli
. Average detection levels of 51, 75, and 76% in animal samples collected during the three samplings in the course of the fattening period demonstrate a colonization of even 1-day-old chicks, as well as a continuous significant (
P
< 0.001) increase in prevalence thereafter. The detection frequencies in housing environmental samples were relatively high, with an increase over time, and ranged between 54.2 and 100%. A total of 359
E. coli
isolates were characterized by PCR and partly via the disc diffusion method. This study shows that prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing
E. coli
increases during the fattening period of the broiler flocks examined. Both colonized day-old chicks and contaminated farm environments could represent significant sources of ESBL/AmpC-producing
E. coli
in German broiler fattening farms.
PCR Characterization Suggests that an Unusual Range of Bartonella Species Infect the Striped Field Mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in Central Europe
Authors: Hildebrand Joanna , Paziewska-Harris Anna , Zaleśny Grzegorz , Harris Philip D. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Blood samples from
Apodemus agrarius
from Poland yielded PCR amplicons of
Bartonella
species. These included
B. grahamii
,
B. taylorii
, and
B. birtlesii
, as is typical of European
Apodemus
, as well as
B. elizabethae
-like forms and a recombinant strain of
B. taylorii
, most closely related to an American isolate from
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
.