bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of the index case of a subclinical Salmonella Kentucky epidemic on a dairy farm
Authors: HALEY B. J. , ALLARD M. , BROWN E. , HOVINGH E. , KARNS J. S. , van KESSEL J. S. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYSalmonella enterica commonly colonizes the intestinal tract of cattle and is a leading cause of foodborne illness. A previously described investigation into the prevalence of S. enterica on a dairy farm revealed an 8-year-long asymptomatic S. enterica epidemic caused by serotypes Cerro and Kentucky in the lactating herd. To investigate the source of the S. Kentucky strains, the genomes of two S. Kentucky isolates were sequenced; one collected prior to the epidemic (2004) and one collected during the epidemic (2010). Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated significant polymorphisms between the two strains. PCR primers targeting unique and strain-specific regions were developed, and screening of the archived isolates identified the index case of the asymptomatic S. Kentucky epidemic as a heifer that was raised off-site and transported onto the study farm in 2005. Analysis of isolates collected from all heifers brought onto the farm demonstrated frequent re-introduction of clones of the epidemic strain suggesting transmission of pathogens between farms might occur repeatedly.
Ultrahigh Performance C60 Nanorod Large Area Flexible Photoconductor Devices via Ultralow Organic and Inorganic Photodoping
Authors: Saran Rinku , Stolojan Vlad , Curry Richard J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOne dimensional single-crystal nanorods of C60 possess unique optoelectronic properties including high electron mobility, high photosensitivity and an excellent electron accepting nature. In addition, their rapid large scale synthesis at room temperature makes these organic semiconducting nanorods highly attractive for advanced optoelectronic device applications. Here, we report low-cost large-area flexible photoconductor devices fabricated using C60 nanorods. We demonstrate that the photosensitivity of the C60 nanorods can be enhanced ~400-fold via an ultralow photodoping mechanism. The photodoped devices offer broadband UV-vis-NIR spectral tuneability, exhibit a detectivitiy >109 Jones, an external quantum efficiency of ~100%, a linear dynamic range of 80 dB, a rise time 60 µs and the ability to measure ac signals up to ~250 kHz. These figures of merit combined are among the highest reported for one dimensional organic and inorganic large-area planar photoconductors and are competitive with commercially available inorganic photoconductors and photoconductive cells. With the additional processing benefits providing compatibility with large-area flexible platforms, these devices represent significant advances and make C60 nanorods a promising candidate for advanced photodetector technologies.
Logarithm of short‐time Fourier transform for extending the seismic bandwidth
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Ghosh Deva 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTImproving seismic resolution is essential for obtaining more detailed structural and stratigraphic information. We present a new algorithm to increase seismic resolution with a minimum of user‐defined parameters. The algorithm inherits useful properties of both the short‐time Fourier transform and the cepstrum to smooth and broaden the frequency spectrum at each translation of the spectral decomposing window. The key idea is to replace the amplitude spectrum with its logarithm in each window of the short‐time Fourier transform. We describe the mathematical formulation of the algorithm and its testing on synthetic and real seismic data to obtain broader frequency spectra and thus enhance the seismic resolution.
Ocular findings in 87 adults with Ghent‐1 verified Marfan syndrome
Authors: Drolsum Liv , Rand‐Hendriksen Svend , Paus Benedicte , Geiran Odd R. , Semb Svein Ove 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo study ocular characteristics in 87 patients with verified Marfan syndrome (MFS) based on the Ghent criteria from 1996 (Ghent‐1).MethodsThe position of the lens was noted by observing the eye in different gaze directions in maximal mydriasis during slit lamp examination. Ectopia lentis (EL) was classified as subluxated (dislocation slightly backwards) or luxated (vertical or horizontal displacement). Corneal curvature, axial length (AL), corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, condition of the iris, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent and visual acuity were also investigated.ResultsEL was found in 108 eyes (62.1%). Of the 68 phakic eyes with EL, 43 (63.2%) had subluxation. Mean AL was 24.80 ± 2.57 mm, and the AL was above 23.5 mm in 65.3%. Mean keratometry (K) in phakic eyes was 41.79 ± 1.70 diopters (D), and the K value was <41.5D in 46.8%. Iris hypoplasia was found in 3.4%. Myopia above 3D occurred in 38.4% of the phakic eyes. Mean binocular logMAR was 0.10 ± 0.32. Only five patients (5.7%) had a logMAR more than 0.5. These 5 patients had EL, and 4 of them were amblyopic.ConclusionIn this strictly defined MFS group fulfilling the Ghent‐1 criteria, the prevalence of EL was 62.1%. In many cases, the dislocation of the lens was subtle. On average, the corneas were flattened and the globe length was increased. Only a few patients were visually impaired. Children with MFS should have a thorough follow up to avoid amblyopia.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM affects colonic mucosal opioid receptor expression in patients with functional abdominal pain ‐ a randomised clinical study
Authors: Ringel‐Kulka T. , Goldsmith J. R. , Carroll I. M. , Barros S. P. , Palsson O. , Jobin C. , Ringel Y. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn a recent double‐blinded clinical trial, the probiotic combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (L‐NCFM) and B‐LBi07 reduced bloating symptoms in patients with functional bowel disorders; an effect more evident in those who reported abdominal pain. In mice, L‐NCFM but not B‐LBi07 induced colonic mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) expression, and reduced visceral sensitivity.AimsTo determine if L‐NCFM was the active component in the clinical trial and to investigate the mechanism of action in humans with mild to moderate abdominal pain.MethodsCaucasian women (n = 20) 18–70 years with mild to moderate abdominal pain were enrolled in a double‐blind, two‐armed, single‐centre study. Patients were given either L‐NCFM alone or in combination with B‐LBi07 for 21 days at a total dose of 2×1010 CFU b.d. Colonic biopsies were collected during unsedated, unprepped flexible sigmoidoscopy before and at the end of probiotic consumption. mRNA and immunostaining were then performed on these biopsies. Patients kept symptom diaries for the 7 days prior to starting probiotic therapy and for the last 7 days of therapy.ResultsL‐NCFM alone, but not with B‐LBi07, induced colonic MOR mRNA and protein expression, as well as downstream signalling, as measured by enterocyte STAT3‐phosphorylation. In contrast, CB2 expression was decreased. Both treatment groups trended towards improvement in symptoms, but the study was insufficiently powered to draw meaningful conclusions.ConclusionsLactobacillus acidophilus NCFM modulates mu‐opioid receptor expression and activity, while the combination of L‐NCFM and B‐LBi07 does not. This study provides a possible mechanism for action by which probiotics modulates pain sensation in humans (Clinical Trial Number: NCT01064661).
Gender differences in the impact of poverty on health: disparities in risk of diabetes‐related amputation
Authors: Amin L. , Shah B. R. , Bierman A. S. , Lipscombe L. L. , Wu C. F. , Feig D. S. , Booth G. L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsTo assess the combined impact of socio‐economic status and gender on the risk of diabetes‐related lower extremity amputation within a universal healthcare system.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cohort study using administrative health databases from Ontario, Canada. Adults with pre‐existing or newly diagnosed diabetes (N = 606 494) were included and the incidence of lower extremity amputation was assessed for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2009. Socio‐economic status was based on neighbourhood‐level income groups, assigned to individuals using the Canadian Census and their postal code of residence.ResultsLow socio‐economic status was associated with a significantly higher incidence of lower extremity amputation (27.0 vs 19.3 per 10,000 person‐years in the lowest (Q1) vs the highest (Q5) socio‐economic status quintile. This relationship persisted after adjusting for primary care use, region of residence and comorbidity, and was greater among men (adjusted Q1:Q5 hazard ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.30–1.54; P < 0.0001 for all male gender–socio‐economic status interactions) than women (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.36). Overall, the incidence of lower extremity amputation was higher among men than women (hazard ratio for men vs women: 1.87, 95% CI 1.79–1.96), with the greatest disparity between men in the lowest socio‐economic status category and women in the highest (hazard ratio 2.39, 95% CI 2.06–2.77 and hazard ratio 2.30, 95% CI 1.97–2.68, for major and minor amputation, respectively).ConclusionsDespite universal access to hospital and physician care, we found marked socio‐economic status and gender disparities in the risk of lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes. Men living in low‐income neighbourhoods were at greatest risk.
Structure of the effector‐binding domain of deoxyribonucleoside regulator DeoR from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Škerlová Jana , Fábry Milan , Hubálek Martin , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Řezáčová Pavlína 
Published: May 2014

Deoxyribonucleoside regulator (DeoR) from Bacillus subtilis negatively regulates expression of enzymes involved in the catabolism of deoxyribonucleosides and deoxyribose. The DeoR protein is homologous to the sorbitol operon regulator family of metabolic regulators and comprises an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain and a C‐terminal effector‐binding domain. We have determined the crystal structure of the effector‐binding domain of DeoR (C‐DeoR) in free form and in covalent complex with its effector deoxyribose‐5‐phosphate (dR5P). This is the first case of a covalently attached effector molecule captured in the structure of a bacterial transcriptional regulator. The dR5P molecule is attached through a Schiff base linkage to residue Lys141. The crucial role of Lys141 in effector binding was confirmed by mutational analysis and mass spectrometry of Schiff base adducts formed in solution. Structural analyses of the free and effector‐bound C‐DeoR structures provided a structural explanation for the mechanism of DeoR function as a molecular switch.DatabasesAtomic coordinates and structure factors for crystal structures of free C‐DeoR and the covalent Schiff base complex of C‐DeoR with dR5P have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession codes 4OQQ and 4OQP, respectively.Structured digital abstract

C-DeoR and C-DeoR bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)

DeoR and DeoR bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)
Efficacy of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent (Memokath) in elderly patients with urethral obstruction requiring long‐term management with urethral Foley catheters
Authors: Kimata Ryoji , Nemoto Kaoru , Tomita Yuji , Takahashi Ryo , Hamasaki Tsutomu , Kondo Yukihiro 
Published: May 2014

AimTo investigate whether the insertion of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent (Memokath) facilitates the removal of Foley catheters in elderly patients ineligible for urethral obstruction surgery because of the potential complications involved in long‐term catheter management.MethodsA total of 37 male patients (mean age 79.8 ± 6.2 years) ineligible for surgery under general anesthesia because of advanced age, the presence of post‐cerebrovascular disorders or anticoagulant therapy use and who subsequently had a Memokath stent inserted between June 2007 and November 2009 were enrolled in the present study. Patients with spinal injury were excluded. We compared the correlation between prostatic urethral length and total prostate volume (TPV). We also evaluated the postoperative postvoid residual (PVR) and presence of pyuria, and reviewed postoperative complications and unassisted urination ability.ResultsWe found a positive correlation between prostatic urethral length and TPV. After the insertion of the Memokath stent, the catheters were removed from all patients who could urinate unassisted. The PVR was <50 mL in 76.4% patients, and there was a 52% improvement in pyuria after insertion of the Memokath stent. The mean postoperative follow‐up duration was 33.2 ± 16.7 months. A total of 21 patients (56.7%) were able to urinate unassisted after receiving the Memokath stent. Unassisted urination was difficult in patients with poor performance status. No serious complications were observed after insertion of the Memokath stent.ConclusionsThe Memokath stent was safe and useful for elderly patients with urethral obstruction and good performance status requiring long‐term management with urethral Foley catheters. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 553–558.
Efficacy of language‐appropriate cueing on micrographia inKorean patients withParkinson's disease
Authors: Kim HyangHee , Yoon Ji Hye , Nam Hyo Suk 
Published: May 2014

AimFirst, we objectively quantified the handwriting size ofParkinson's disease (PD) patients. Second, we investigated the efficacy of the external visual cueing onKorean handwriting inPD.MethodsWe recruited 57 patients diagnosed withPDand 37 community‐dwelling normal older adults. All participants were asked to write a target word on a blank sheet of paper. For investigating the external visual cueing, 24PDpatients wrote the target word in square grids. The size of each syllable of the word was measured using a public domain software program. In order to measure the area of a syllable, the upper, lower, left and right margins of the syllable were outlined with a rectangle. The area of selection in square pixels or in calibrated square units was used to spatially calibrate the image automatically.ResultsThePDgroup showed significantly smaller writing size than the normal group in all syllables of the free writing. The writing size in the square grids of thePDpatients was bigger than their free writing.ConclusionThe present study is noteworthy, because it is the first attempt to use a software program to objectively quantify parkinsonian handwriting size. This measuring system would help clinicians monitor handwriting size throughout the disease course. From the perspective of rehabilitation, language‐appropriate external visual cues might be useful in daily communication (i.e. handwriting) activities inKorean patients withPD.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 647–651.
Ambient Hate: Racist Graffiti and Social Apathy in a Rural Community
Authors: Wilson Jacqueline Z. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article examines racist street graffiti found in the rural city in which the author lives, especially in the environs of schools. Local authorities' commitment to the timely removal of such graffiti is questioned, and the ambiance in which expressions of hate are considered an unremarkable aspect of the social environment is examined. As Australia experiences influxes of migrant and refugee groups, plus increasing numbers of temporarily‐resident overseas students, many municipalities, rural and urban, are seeing major changes in their demographics. Such changes can exacerbate social tensions that can, in turn, be subsumed into the social matrix.
Influenza and other respiratory virus infections in outpatients with medically attended acute respiratory infection during the 2011‐12 influenza season
Authors: Zimmerman Richard K. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , GK Balasubramani , Thompson Mark G. , Moehling Krissy K. , Bullotta Arlene , Wisniewski Stephen 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundRespiratory tract infections are a major cause of outpatient visits, yet only a portion is tested to determine the etiologic organism. Multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (MRT‐PCR) assays for detection of multiple viruses are being used increasingly in clinical settings.MethodsDuring January–April 2012, outpatients with acute respiratory illness (≤7 days) were tested for influenza using singleplex RT‐PCR (SRT‐PCR). A subset was assayed for 18 viruses using MRT‐PCR to compare detection of influenza and examine the distribution of viruses and characteristics of patients using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsAmong 662 participants (6 months–82 years), detection of influenza was similar between the MRT‐PCR and SRT‐PCR (κ = 0·83). No virus was identified in 267 (40.3%) samples. Commonly detected viruses were human rhinovirus (HRV, 15·4%), coronavirus (CoV, 10·4%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 8·4%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 8·3%), and influenza (6%). Co‐detections were infrequent (6·9%) and most commonly occurred among those <18 years old. In regression analyses, compared with non‐viral illnesses, RSV and hMPV were significantly more frequent in children and less frequent in 18‐ to 49‐year‐olds than in those ≥50 years (P = 0·01), fever was more common in hMPV and influenza infections (P = 0·008), nasal congestion was more frequent in CoV, HRV, hMPV, influenza and RSV infections (P = 0·001), and body mass index was higher among those with influenza (P = 0·036).ConclusionsUsing MRT‐PCR, a viral etiology was found in three‐fifths of patients with medically attended outpatient visits for acute respiratory illness during the influenza season; co‐detected viruses were infrequent. Symptoms varied by viral etiology.
The use of a surgical incision management system on vascular surgery incisions: a pilot study
Authors: Weir Gregory 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHealth care‐associated infections in hospitals, including surgical site infections, contribute significantly to morbidity as well as mortality. Surgical incision management (SIM) using negative pressure wound therapy (Prevena™ Incision Management System, Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, TX, USA) is designed to cover and protect closed surgical incisions from external factors including infectious sources and local trauma, while negative pressure removes fluid and infectious material from the surgical incision. A prospective case‐control study assessed wound complications in patients undergoing vascular bypass procedures, where both femoral areas were incised to gain access to the femoral arteries. SIM was placed on one femoral area while a standard postoperative wound dressing was placed on the contralateral femoral area. Eight patients were included in this pilot study. All of them required bilateral femoral artery access. During the follow‐up period patients were monitored for wound complications. All wound complications requiring surgical intervention were considered significant. No significant wound complications occurred in wounds treated with SIM, compared with three significant complications in control wounds. These preliminary data would suggest a potential reduction in wound complications and no observed increase in haemorrhage in high‐risk patients with severe co‐morbidities undergoing vascular surgery.
The ‘active ingredients’ for successful community engagement with disadvantaged expectant and new mothers: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Brunton Ginny , O'Mara‐Eves Alison , Thomas James 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsTo explore which conditions of community engagement are implicated in effective interventions targeting disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers.BackgroundAdaptive experiences during pregnancy and the early years are key to reducing health inequalities in women and children worldwide. Public health nurses, health visitors and community midwives are well placed to address such disadvantage, often using community engagement strategies. Such interventions are complex; however, and we need to better understand which aspects of community engagement are aligned with effectiveness.DesignQualitative comparative analysis conducted in 2013, of trials data included in a recently published systematic review.MethodsTwo reviewers agreed on relevant conditions from 24 maternity or early years intervention studies examining four models of community engagement. Effect size estimates were converted into ‘fuzzy’ effectiveness categories and truth tables were constructed. Using fsQCA software, Boolean minimization identified solution sets. Random effects multiple regression and fsQCA were conducted to rule out risk of methodological bias.Results/findingsStudies focused on antenatal, immunization, breastfeeding and early professional intervention outcomes. Peer delivery (consistency 0·83; unique coverage 0·63); and mother‐professional collaboration (consistency 0·833; unique coverage 0·21) were moderately aligned with effective interventions. Community‐identified health need plus consultation/collaboration in intervention design and leading on delivery were weakly aligned with ‘not effective’ interventions (consistency 0·78; unique coverage 0·29).ConclusionsFor disadvantaged new and expectant mothers, peer or collaborative delivery models could be used in interventions. A need exists to design and test community engagement interventions in other areas of maternity and early years care and to further evaluate models of empowerment.
Adherence in patients in the first year after kidney transplantation and its impact on graft loss and mortality: a cross‐sectional and prospective study
Authors: Prihodova Lucia , Nagyova Iveta , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Majernikova Maria , Roland Robert , Groothoff Johan W. , van Dijk Jitse P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsTo explore the predictive value of adherence to their immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant recipients in the first year after kidney transplantation as a determinant of graft loss and mortality up to 12 years (prospective analysis) and its association with sociodemographic and medical factors and social support (cross‐sectional analysis).BackgroundPoor adherence to their immunosuppressive medication in kidney transplant recipients remains the leading preventable cause of poor patient outcomes.DesignProspective and cross‐sectional study.MethodsAt baseline, 325 patients 3–12 months posttransplantation were invited to participate. Adherence was assessed using collateral reports – a combination of patients' self‐evaluation and an estimate by their nephrologist. The patients provided sociodemographic and medical data and completed the End‐Stage Renal Disease Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional scale of perceived social support. At follow‐up (average 7·1 years), data on patients and graft survival were obtained. All data were collected from 2002–2013. Multinomial regression analysis and Cox regression were performed.ResultsA total of 297 patients (48·1 (12·8) years, 61·6% men) agreed to participate (response rate 91·4%); 67·4% were considered as fully adherent. Poor adherence was associated with higher risk of graft loss and mortality over 12 years. Female sex, higher education, higher perceived side effects of corticosteroids, better perceived cardiac and renal function and higher perceived family social support in the first year posttransplantation were associated with full adherence to immunosuppressive treatment.ConclusionsPatients with poor adherence to the immunosuppressive medication in the first year after kidney transplantation showed increased likelihood of graft loss and death over 12 years compared with the adherent patients.