bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infrequent cross-transmission of Shigella flexneri 2a strains among villages of a mountainous township in Taiwan with endemic shigellosis
Authors: Ko Ching-Fen , Lin Nien-Tsung , Chiou Chien-Shun , Wang Li-Yu , Liu Ming-Ching , Yang Chiou-Ying , Lee Yeong-Sheng 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Shigellosis is rare in Taiwan, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.68 cases per 100,000 persons in 2000–2007. However, the incidence rate for a mountainous township in eastern Taiwan, Zhuoxi, is 60.2 times the average rate for the entire country. Traveling between Zhuoxi’s 6 villages (V1–V6) is inconvenient. Disease transmission among the villages/tribes with endemic shigellosis was investigated in this study.

Methods
Demographic data were collected in 2000–2010 for epidemiological investigation. Thirty-eight Shigella flexneri 2a isolates were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Results
Fifty-five shigellosis cases were identified in 2000–2007, of which 38 were caused by S. flexneri 2a from 2000–2007, 16 cases were caused by S. sonnei from 2000–2003, and 1 case was caused by S. flexneri 3b in 2006. S. flexneri 2a caused infections in 4 of the 6 villages of Zhuoxi Township, showing the highest prevalence in villages V2 and V5. PFGE genotyping categorized the 38 S. flexneri 2a isolates into 2 distinct clusters (clones), 1 and 2. AST results indicated that most isolates in cluster 1 were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (ACSSuX); all isolates in cluster 2 were resistant to ACSSuX and tetracycline. Genotypes were primarily unique to different villages or tribes. Tribe V2-1 showed the highest endemic rates. Eighteen isolates recovered from V2-1 tribe members fell into 6 genotypes, where 5 were the same clone (cluster 1). An outbreak (OB2) in 2004 in village V2 was caused by different clonal strains; cases in tribe V2-1 were caused by 2 strains of clone 1, and those in tribe V2-2 were infected by a strain of clone 2.

Conclusions
From 2000–2007, 2 S. flexneri 2a clones circulated among 4 villages/tribes in the eastern mountainous township of Zhuoxi. Genotyping data showed restricted disease transmission between the villages and tribes, which may be associated with difficulties in traveling between villages and limited contact between different ethnic aborigines. Transmission of shigellosis in this township likely occurred via person-to-person contact. The endemic disease was controlled by successful public health intervention.
Fever in the tropics: aetiology and case-fatality - a prospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Abrahamsen Siri Kratter , Haugen Cathrine Nødtvedt , Rupali Priscilla , Mathai Dilip , Langeland Nina , Eide Geir Egil , Mørch Kristine 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to describe aetiology and case fatality of fever among inpatients in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Methods
This was an observational, prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. Between July 2nd 2007 and August 2nd in 2007, adult patients admitted to the hospital with temperature ≥ 38.0°C were included consecutively and followed during the hospitalisation period. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed for each patient. Associations were sought between death and various clinical and demographic variables.

Results
One hundred patients were included, 61 male and 39 female. Mean age was 37.5 (range: 16 to 84) years. Mean fever duration was 5.4 (range: 0.1 to 42.9) weeks.
The following infectious aetiologies were recorded: tuberculosis (19%), lower respiratory infection (11%) including three with sepsis, urinary tract infection (10%) including three with E. coli sepsis, Plasmodium falciparum malaria (5%) including three patients with mixed P. vivax infection, scrub typhus (5%), typhoid fever (4%), cryptococcal meningitis (4%) including three HIV positive patients, endocarditis (3%) including two patients with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, spleen abscess (2%), amoebic liver abscess (2%), sepsis undefined focus (1%), HIV infection (1%), hepatitis B (1%), rubella (1%), peritonitis (1%) and cholecystitis (1%).
Non-infectious causes of fever were diagnosed in 15%, including systemic lupus erythematosus in four and malignancy in six patients. Cause of fever remained unknown in 13%.
Case fatality during hospitalisation was 7% (7/100). Six of those who died were male. Five fatalities had bacterial sepsis, one spleen abscess and malignancy, and one had lymphomalignant disorder.
Diabetes and increasing age were significant risk factors for fatal outcome in unadjusted analyses, but only increasing age was a risk factor for death in adjusted analysis.

Conclusions
A high number of tuberculosis and bacterial infections and a high case fatality rate from sepsis were found in this cohort, underlining the importance of microbiological diagnostics and targeted antimicrobial treatment in the management of fever. P. falciparum was identified in all malaria cases, and this rapidly fatal infection should be considered in patients with acute undifferentiated fever in India.
Diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in thyroid disease: application in differentiating benign from malignant disease
Authors: Wu Yingwei , Yue Xiuhui , Shen Weiwen , Du Yushan , Yuan Ying , Tao Xiaofeng , Tang Cheuk Ying 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Fine needle aspiration biopsy is usually performed to evaluate thyroid lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion weighted imaging to differentiate malignancy of thyroid lesions.

Methods
The study was approved by ethics committee of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital.Forty-two patients, 10 men and 32 women (range: 20–72 years, mean age 42.4 years) with thyroid lesions were included in the study. Routine neck MR and diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed using multiple b-values. ADC values were computed for the different b-values. Histological results of the thyroidectomy samples were obtained for all the patients. ADC values of benign and malignant thyroid lesions were compared with the pathology results. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect independent parameters for differentiating benign and malignancy of lesions.

Result
Based on the histology results there were 28 benign and 14 malignant cases. The difference of ADC value between benign and malignant thyroid lesions was significant for ADC values obtained using b-values of 0 and 300 s/mm2 (p < 0.001). The ADC values were significantly higher in benign lesions (benign ADC: 2.37 ± 0.47 × 10-3 mm2/s vs. malignant: 1.49 ± 0.60 × 10-3 mm2/s). ADC values obtained with b-values of 0 and 300 mm2/s and max nodular diameter was regarded as the two most discriminative parameters for differentiating malignancy. Using the pathology results as a standard reference, area under ROC curve was found to be 0.876 for an ADC cutoff value of 2.17 × 10-3 mm2/s that corresponded to an acquisition with b-values of 0 and 300 mm2/s.

Conclusion
Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is a promising non-invasive method to differentiate malignancy in thyroid lesions.
Overexpression of primary microRNA 221/222 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rommer Anna , Steinleitner Katarina , Hackl Hubert , Schneckenleithner Christine , Engelmann Maria , Scheideler Marcel , Vlatkovic Irena , Kralovics Robert , Cerny-Reiterer Sabine , Valent Peter , Sill Heinz , Wieser Rotraud 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic malignancy with a dismal outcome in the majority of cases. A detailed understanding of the genetic alterations and gene expression changes that contribute to its pathogenesis is important to improve prognostication, disease monitoring, and therapy. In this context, leukemia-associated misexpression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been studied, but no coherent picture has emerged yet, thus warranting further investigations.MethodsThe expression of 636 human miRNAs was compared between samples from 52 patients with AML and 13 healthy individuals by highly specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) based microarray technology. The levels of individual mature miRNAs and of primary miRNAs (pri-miRs) were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT) PCR. Transfections and infections of human cell lines were performed using standard procedures.Results64 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between AML and controls. Further studies on the clustered miRNAs 221 and 222, already known to act as oncogenes in other tumor types, revealed a deficiency of human myeloid cell lines to process vector derived precursor transcripts. Moreover, endogenous pri-miR-221/222 was overexpressed to a substantially higher extent than its mature products in most primary AML samples, indicating that its transcription was enhanced, but processing was rate limiting, in these cells. Comparison of samples from the times of diagnosis, remission, and relapse of AML demonstrated that pri-miR-221/222 levels faithfully reflected the stage of disease.ConclusionsExpression of some miRNAs is strongly regulated at the posttranscriptional level in AML. Pri-miR-221/222 represents a novel molecular marker and putative oncogene in this disease.
Urban built environment configuration and psychological distress in older men: Results from the Caerphilly study
Authors: Sarkar Chinmoy , Gallacher John , Webster Chris 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Few studies have examined the impact of the built environment configuration upon mental health. The study examines the impact of objectively assessed land use and street network configuration upon psychological distress and whether this association is moderated by the natural environment and area-level deprivation.

Methods
In a community sample of 687 older men from the Caerphilly Prospective Study, built environment morphological metrics (morphometrics) were related to differences in psychological distress as measured by the General Health Questionnaire. Cross-sectional data were taken from the most recent (5th) phase. A multi-level analysis with individuals nested within census-defined neighbourhoods was conducted. Environmental measures comprised GIS-constructed land use and street network metrics, slope variability and a satellite derived measure of greenness.

Results
Reduced psychological distress was associated with residing in a terraced dwelling (OR = 0.48, p = 0.03), higher degrees of land-use mix (OR = 0.42, p = 0.03 for the high tertile) and having higher local-level street-network accessibility (‘movement potential’) (OR = 0.54, p = 0.03). Hillier topography with higher slope variability was associated with increased risks of psychological distress (OR = 1.38, p = 0.05).

Conclusions
The findings support our hypothesis that built environment configuration is independently associated with psychological distress. The study underscores the need for effective intervention in the planning and design of residential built environment to achieve the goal of health-sustaining communities.
Cell-cycle synchronization reverses Taxol resistance of human ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Wang Xueqing , Pan Lingya , Mao Ning , Sun Lifang , Qin Xiangjuan , Yin Jie 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTaxol is a powerful chemotherapy agent leading to mitotic arrest and cell death; however, its clinical efficacy has been hampered due to the development of drug resistance. Taxol specifically targets the cell cycle. Progress through mitosis (M stage) is an absolute requirement for drug-induced death because cell death is markedly reduced in cells blocked at the G1-S transition. The measured doubling time for ovarian cancer cells is about 27 h. As such, during treatment with Taxol most of the cells are not in the M stage of the cell cycle. Thus, the effect of cell-cycle synchronization was investigated in regard to reversing Taxol resistance in ovarian cancer cells.MethodsGiemsa-Wright staining was used for assessing the morphology of the cells. The doubling time of the cells was calculated using formula as follows: Td = In2/slope. The resistant index and cell cycle were measured via MTT assays and flow cytometry. Thymidine was used to induce cell-cycle synchronization, and cell apoptosis rates following exposure to Taxol were measured using a flow cytometer.ResultsThe growth doubling time of two Taxol-resistant cell lines were longer than that of Taxol-sensitive cells. Apoptotic rates in Taxol-sensitive and -resistant cell lines after synchronization and exposure to Taxol were all higher compared to unsynchronized controls (p <0.05).ConclusionsSynchronization of the cell-cycle resulted in an increased effectiveness of Taxol toward ovarian cancer cell lines. We speculated that formation of drug resistance toward Taxol in ovarian cancer could be partly attributed to the longer doubling time of these cells.
A sparse-projection computed tomography reconstruction method for in vivo application of in-line phase-contrast imaging
Authors: Wang Liting , Li Xueli , Wu Mingshu , Zhang Lu , Luo Shuqian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
In recent years, X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques have been extensively studied to visualize weakly absorbing objects. One of the most popular methods for phase-contrast imaging is in-line phase-contrast imaging (ILPCI). Combined with computed tomography (CT), phase-contrast CT can produce 3D volumetric images of samples. To date, the most common reconstruction method for phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging has been filtered back projection (FBP). However, because of the impact of respiration, lung slices cannot be reconstructed in vivo for a mouse using this method. Methods for reducing the radiation dose and the sampling time must also be considered.

Methods
This paper proposes a novel method of in vivo mouse lung in-line phase-contrast imaging that has two primary improvements compared with recent methods: 1) using a compressed sensing (CS) theory-based CT reconstruction method for the in vivo in-line phase-contrast imaging application and 2) using the breathing phase extraction method to address the lung and rib cage movement caused by a live mouse’s breathing.

Results
Experiments were performed to test the breathing phase extraction method as applied to the lung and rib cage movement of a live mouse. Results with a live mouse specimen demonstrate that our method can reconstruct images of in vivo mouse lung.

Conclusions
The results demonstrate that our method could deal with vivo mouse’s breathing and movements, meanwhile, using less sampling data than FBP while maintaining the same high quality.
Development of a panel of seven duplex real-time PCR assays for detecting 13 streptococcal superantigens
Authors: Yang Peng , Peng Xiaomin , Cui Shujuan , Shao Junbin , Zhu Xuping , Zhang Daitao , Liang Huijie , Wang Quanyi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Streptococcal superantigens (SAgs) are the major virulence factors of infection in humans for group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. A panel consisting of seven duplex real-time PCR assays was developed to simultaneously detect 13 streptococcal SAgs and one internal control which may be important in the control of GAS-mediated diseases.

Methods
Primer and probe sequences were selected based on the highly conserved region from an alignment of nucleotide sequences of the 13 streptococcal SAgs. The reaction conditions of the duplex real-time PCR were optimized and the specificity of the duplex assays was evaluated using SAg positive strains. The limit of detection of the duplex assays was determined by using 10-fold serial dilutions of the DNA of 13 streptococcal SAgs and compared to a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for evaluating the duplex assays sensitivity.

Results
Using the duplex assays, we were able to differentiate between 13 SAgs from Streptococcus strains and other non-Streptococcus bacteria without cross-reaction. On the other hand, the limit of detection of the duplex assays was at least one or two log dilutions lower than that of the conventional PCR.

Conclusions
The panel was highly specific (100%) and the limit of detection of these duplex groups was at least ten times lower than that obtained by using a conventional PCR method.
Distinction of subtype-specific antibodies against European porcine influenza viruses by indirect ELISA based on recombinant hemagglutinin protein fragment-1
Authors: Zhao Na , Lange Elke , Kubald Sybille , Grund Christian , Beer Martin , Harder Timm C 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Serological investigations of swine influenza virus infections and epidemiological conclusions thereof are challenging due to the complex and regionally variable pattern of co-circulating viral subtypes and lineages and varying vaccination regimes. Detection of subtype-specific antibodies currently depends on hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays which are difficult to standardize and unsuitable for large scale investigations.

Methods
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) and HA1 fragments of the hemagglutinin protein (HA) of five different lineages (H1N1av, H1N1pdm, H1pdmN2, H1N2, H3N2) of swine influenza viruses were bacterially expressed and used as diagnostic antigens in indirect ELISA.

Results
Proteins were co-translationally mono-biotinylated and refolded in vitro into an antigenically authentic conformation. Western blotting and indirect ELISA revealed highly subtype-specific antigenic characteristics of the recombinant HA1 proteins although some cross reactivity especially among antigens of the H1 subtype were evident. Discrimination of antibodies directed against four swine influenza virus subtypes co-circulating in Germany was feasible using the indirect ELISA format.

Conclusions
Bacterially expressed recombinant NP and HA1 swine influenza virus proteins served as antigens in indirect ELISAs and provided an alternative to commercial blocking NP ELISA and HI assays concerning generic (NP-specific) and HA subtype-specific sero-diagnostics, respectively, on a herd basis.
Comprehensive characterization of malignant phyllodes tumor by whole genomic and proteomic analysis: biological implications for targeted therapy opportunities
Authors: Jardim Denis L Fontes , Conley Anthony , Subbiah Vivek 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundPhyllodes tumors are uncommon breast tumors that account for less than 0.5% of all breast malignancies. After metastases develop, the prognosis is poor, with very few patients living more than 1 year. The biology of this unusual cancer is not understood and, consequently, no potential targets for treatments are currently available. There has been an exponential increase in the number of commercially available tumor profiling services. Herein, we report a case of metastatic malignant phyllodes tumor for which a comprehensive molecular analysis was performed by using Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs, providing new insights into the potential opportunities for molecularly targeted therapies for this extremely rare disease.MethodsNext-generation sequencing was performed by using the FoundationOne™ platform (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA). Whole-genome array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) was performed by using the DNAarray™ (CombiMatrix Diagnostics, Irvine, CA). Immunohistochemical and morphoproteomics analysis were performed at Consultative proteomics®, The University of Texas, UT Health Medical School, Houston,TX (Robert E Brown Lab); Clarient Diagnostics, Aliso Viejo, CA; and Caris Life Sciences Target one, Irving, TX, USA.ResultsNext-generation sequencing showed 3 aberrant genes: activating mutation Q61L onNRAS; inactivating mutations Q504* and K740* onRB1; andTP53loss. Whole-genome array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed amplifications of chromosome (chr.) 1 (CKS1Bgene), chr. 8 (MYCgene), and chr. 9 (CDKN2Agene) Deletions of chr. 17 (TP53), chr. 10 (GATA3), chr. 11 (FGF4andCCND1genes), and chr.22 (PDGFβ). Immunohistochemical analysis for relevant markers showed a positive staining for transducing-like enhancer of split (TLE) 3; secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) was expressed at 2-3+ in the cytoplasm of the tumors cells, whereas mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was expressed up to 2+ in the nuclei of the tumor cells.ConclusionsWe describe for the first time anNRASmutation with concomitant activation ofPI3K/Akt/mTORin phyllodes tumor. We also found markers for sensitivity to taxane-based therapies, especially albumin-bound paclitaxel. Exploring the biology of rare malignancies by CLIA certified labs may be reasonable strategy for the development of targeted treatments.
Developing an evidence‐based clinical pathway for the assessment, diagnosis and management of acute Charcot Neuro‐Arthropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Milne Tamara E , Rogers Joseph R , Kinnear Ewan M , Martin Helen V , Lazzarini Peter A , Quinton Thomas R , Boyle Frances M 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundCharcot Neuro‐Arthropathy (CN) is one of the more devastating complications of diabetes. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it appears that no clinical tools based on a systematic review of existing literature have been developed to manage acute CN. Thus, the aim of this paper was to systematically review existing literature and develop an evidence‐based clinical pathway for the assessment, diagnosis and management of acute CN in patients with diabetes.MethodsElectronic databases (Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane Library), reference lists, and relevant key websites were systematically searched for literature discussing the assessment, diagnosis and/or management of acute CN published between 2002‐2012. At least two independent investigators then quality rated and graded the evidence of each included paper. Consistent recommendations emanating from the included papers were then fashioned in a clinical pathway.ResultsThe systematic search identified 267 manuscripts, of which 117 (44%) met the inclusion criteria for this study. Most manuscripts discussing the assessment, diagnosis and/or management of acute CN constituted level IV (case series) or EO (expert opinion) evidence. The included literature was used to develop an evidence‐based clinical pathway for the assessment, investigations, diagnosis and management of acute CN.ConclusionsThis research has assisted in developing a comprehensive, evidence‐based clinical pathway to promote consistent and optimal practice in the assessment, diagnosis and management of acute CN. The pathway aims to support health professionals in making early diagnosis and providing appropriate immediate management of acute CN, ultimately reducing its associated complications such as amputations and hospitalisations.