bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Primary Sources of Fecal Pollution in a Tropical Watershed in a One-Year Study
Authors: Toledo-Hernandez Carlos , Ryu Hodon , Gonzalez-Nieves Joel , Huertas Evelyn , Toranzos Gary A. , Santo Domingo Jorge W. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to determine the primary sources of fecal pollution in a subtropical watershed using host-specific assays developed in temperate regions. Water samples (
n
= 534) from 10 different sites along the Rio Grande de Arecibo (RGA) watershed were collected mostly on a weekly basis (54 sampling events) during 13 months. DNA extracts from water samples were used in PCR assays to determine the occurrence of fecal bacteria (
Bacteroidales
,
Clostridium coccoides
, and enterococci) and human-, cattle-, swine-, and chicken-specific fecal sources. Feces from 12 different animals (
n
= 340) and wastewater treatment samples (
n
= 16) were analyzed to determine the specificity and distribution of host-specific assays. The human-specific assay (HF183) was found to be highly specific, as it did not cross-react with nontarget samples. The cattle marker (CF128) cross-reacted to some extent with swine, chicken, and turkeys and was present in 64% of the cattle samples tested. The swine assays showed poor host specificity, while the three chicken assays showed poor host distribution. Differences in the detection of host-specific markers were noted per site. While human and cattle assays showed moderate average detection rates throughout the watershed, areas impacted by wastewater treatment plants and cattle exhibited the highest prevalence of these markers. When conditional probability for positive signals was determined for each of the markers, the results indicated higher confidence levels for the human assay and lower levels for all the other assays. Overall, the results from this study suggest that additional assays are needed, particularly to track cattle, chicken, and swine fecal pollution sources in the RGA watershed. The results also suggest that the geographic stability of genetic markers needs to be determined prior to conducting applied source tracking studies in tropical settings.
Bradyzoite Pseudokinase 1 Is Crucial for Efficient Oral Infectivity of the Toxoplasma gondii Tissue Cyst
Authors: Buchholz Kerry R. , Bowyer Paul W. , Boothroyd John C. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

The tissue cyst formed by the bradyzoite stage of
Toxoplasma gondii
is essential for persistent infection of the host and oral transmission. Bradyzoite pseudokinase 1 (BPK1) is a component of the cyst wall, but nothing has previously been known about its function. Here, we show that immunoprecipitation of BPK1 from
in vitro
bradyzoite cultures, 4 days postinfection, identifies at least four associating proteins: MAG1, MCP4, GRA8, and GRA9. To determine the role of BPK1, a strain of
Toxoplasma
was generated with the
bpk1
locus deleted. This BPK1 knockout strain (
Δbpk1
) was investigated
in vitro
and
in vivo
. No defect was found in terms of
in vitro
cyst formation and no difference in pathogenesis or cyst burden 4 weeks postinfection (wpi) was detected after intraperitoneal (i.p.) infection with
Δbpk1
tachyzoites, although the Δ
bpk1
cysts were significantly smaller than parental or BPK1-complemented strains at 8 wpi. Pepsin-acid treatment of 4 wpi
in vivo
cysts revealed that Δ
bpk1
parasites are significantly more sensitive to this treatment than the parental and complemented strains. Consistent with this, 4 wpi Δ
bpk1
cysts showed reduced ability to cause oral infection compared to the parental and complemented strains. Together, these data reveal that BPK1 plays a crucial role in the
in vivo
development and infectivity of
Toxoplasma
cysts.
Bacterial Community Morphogenesis Is Intimately Linked to the Intracellular Redox State
Authors: Dietrich Lars E. P. , Okegbe Chinweike , Price-Whelan Alexa , Sakhtah Hassan , Hunter Ryan C. , Newman Dianne K. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Many microbial species form multicellular structures comprising elaborate wrinkles and concentric rings, yet the rules governing their architecture are poorly understood. The opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
produces phenazines, small molecules that act as alternate electron acceptors to oxygen and nitrate to oxidize the intracellular redox state and that influence biofilm morphogenesis. Here, we show that the depth occupied by cells within colony biofilms correlates well with electron acceptor availability. Perturbations in the environmental provision, endogenous production, and utilization of electron acceptors affect colony development in a manner consistent with redox control. Intracellular NADH levels peak before the induction of colony wrinkling. These results suggest that redox imbalance is a major factor driving the morphogenesis of
P. aeruginosa
biofilms and that wrinkling itself is an adaptation that maximizes oxygen accessibility and thereby supports metabolic homeostasis. This type of redox-driven morphological change is reminiscent of developmental processes that occur in metazoans.
Mapping English GP prescribing data: a tool for monitoring health-service inequalities
Authors: Rowlingson Barry , Lawson Euan , Taylor Benjamin , Diggle Peter J 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to show that easily interpretable maps of local and national prescribing data, available from open sources, can be used to demonstrate meaningful variations in prescribing performance.DesignThe prescription dispensing data from the National Health Service (NHS) Information Centre for the medications metformin hydrochloride and methylphenidate were compared with reported incidence data for the conditions, diabetes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, respectively. The incidence data were obtained from the open source general practitioner (GP) Quality and Outcomes Framework. These data were mapped using the Ordnance Survey CodePoint Open data and the data tables stored in a PostGIS spatial database. Continuous maps of spending per person in England were then computed by using a smoothing algorithm and areas whose local spending is substantially (at least fourfold) and significantly (p<0.05) higher than the national average are then highlighted on the maps.SettingNHS data with analysis of primary care prescribing.PopulationEngland, UK.ResultsThe spatial mapping demonstrates that several areas in England have substantially and significantly higher spending per person on metformin and methyphenidate. North Kent and the Wirral have substantially and significantly higher spending per child on methyphenidate.ConclusionsIt is possible, using open source data, to use statistical methods to distinguish chance fluctuations in prescribing from genuine differences in prescribing rates. The results can be interactively mapped at a fine spatial resolution down to individual GP practices in England. This process could be automated and reported in real time. This can inform decision-making and could enable earlier detection of emergent phenomena.
Are race-specific ERCC1 haplotypes in melanoma cases versus controls related to the predictive and prognostic value of ERCC1 N118N?
Authors: Gao Rui , Reece Kelie M , Sissung Tristan , Fu Samuel H , Venzon David J , Reed Eddie , Spencer Shawn D , Price Douglas K , Figg William D 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesAlthough it does not alter the ERCC1 phenotype, theERCC1 500C>T(rs11615) polymorphism has undergone a myriad of investigations into its role as a marker for nucleotide excision repair (NER) function in different races, diseases and treatment outcomes. The goal of our study was to test the hypothesis that500C>Tis in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with causative alleles, and that these haplotypes are more frequent in Caucasians with melanoma than in healthy Caucasians or African Americans.DesignIn this case–control study, we selected race-specificERCC1single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), conducted LD analysis withERCC1 500C>Tand compared the frequency ofERCC1diplotypes in Caucasians with melanoma (n=165), healthy Caucasians (n=150) and healthy African Americans (n=159). The haplotype was further studied using a fusion gene containing multipleERCC1SNPs.SettingLarge cancer institute in the USA.ParticipantsA total of 165 Caucasian melanoma patients, 159 healthy Caucasian controls and 159 African American healthy controls. Men and women were enrolled in the clinical trial; however, since the screening trial included prostate cancer screening in addition to screening for other cancers, only male controls were available.Outcome measuresThe outcome measures were melanoma risk in Caucasians, and LD between ERCC1 SNP, N118N and other race-specific allelic variants.ResultsWhen compared toERCC1 500C>Talone, a race-specific three-SNP variant haplotype inERCC1(comprised of rs11615, rs3212950 and rs3212948) was even more frequent in Caucasians with melanoma than in healthy Caucasians (p=0.0034) or African Americans (p<0.0001). A plasmid containing the variant haplotype was not differentially expressed.ConclusionsWe demonstrate thatERCC1 500C>Tparticipates in a previously characterised cancer-risk haplotype found more frequently in Caucasians, while LD is weak in African Americans; this haplotype appears to also be related to melanoma. It is therefore likely thatERCC1 500C>Tis only a valid NER, disease or treatment outcome marker in Caucasians.
Patient and family involvement in decision making for management of cancer patients at a centre in Singapore
Authors: Chong Jia An , Quah Yan Ling , Yang Grace Meijuan , Menon Sumytra , Radha Krishna Lalit Kumar 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe practice of patient autonomy within the prevailing bioethical framework in the West appears increasingly at odds with the prominent influence of the family in medical decision making in the Asian culture. The actual extent of involvement of patient versus the family in the decision making process for cancer management in clinical practice is largely unknown in Asia.Aims(1) To describe patient and family involvement in healthcare decision making in actual practice, and to determine whether those practices are consistent with Singapore law; and (2) to act as a pilot for a larger prospective study examining the preferences of cancer patients on the decision making process, and the reasons for excluding patients from that process.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who died in an oncology ward in Singapore General Hospital from February to April 2011. Patient and family involvement in discussions on (1) disclosure of diagnosis, (2) initial treatment decisions and (3) initiation of a ‘maximum ward management’ order was evaluated by reviewing case notes completed by healthcare professionals.ResultsData were collected for 55 patients. Involvement of patients and families at first disclosure of diagnosis was noted in 61% and 64% of cases, respectively. In 12% of cases, the family requested withholding of the diagnosis from the patient. 86% of patients were involved in the initial treatment decisions, and their family was involved in 65% of cases. Only 9% of the 32 alert patients were consulted in end of life decisions. Factors associated with lower patient involvement were advanced age and inability to speak English.ConclusionsWhile most cancer patients are involved in the healthcare decision making process during the early phase, familial involvement gains prominence as the disease progresses.
Who, why and when: stroke care unit patients seen by a palliative care service within a large metropolitan teaching hospital
Authors: Eastman Peter , McCarthy Gillian , Brand Caroline A , Weir Louise , Gorelik Alexandra , Le Brian 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate factors associated with referral of patients from an Australian stroke care unit (SCU) to an inpatient palliative care service (PCS).MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study included patients who were referred to the PCS after SCU admission between 1 January and 31 December 2008. Variables measured included patient demographics, premorbid functional status, premorbid living situation, stroke type, history of previous stroke and discharge outcomes. Group differences between all SCU patients seen and not seen by the PCS were compared using univariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify factors associated with PCS involvement. Group differences were also compared between deceased stroke patients seen and not seen by the PCS.Results544 patients were admitted to the SCU during the study period with 62 (11.4%) referred to the PCS. Assistance with end-of-life care was the commonest reason for referral. From univariate analyses, factors significantly associated with PCS involvement included age, gender, premorbid modified Rankin score, living situation prior to stroke and stroke type. Factors predicting PCS involvement for SCU patients from logistic regression were: increasing age, higher premorbid modified Rankin score and haemorrhagic stroke. 87 (16.0%) SCU patients died during their admission, with 49 (56.3%) seen by PCS. Deceased patients seen were significantly older, more disabled premorbidly and lived significantly longer.ConclusionsThis study indicates there are patient and condition-level factors associated with referral of stroke patients to PCS. It highlights factors that might better stratify hospitalised stroke patients to timely palliative care involvement, and adds an Australian perspective to limited data addressing this patient population.
Importance of proper patient selection and endpoint selection in evaluation of new therapies in acute stroke: further analysis of the SENTIS trial
Authors: Shuaib Ashfaq , Schwab Stefan , Rutledge J Neal , Starkman Sidney , Liebeskind David S , Bernardini Gary L , Boulos Alan , Abou-Chebl Alex , Huang David Y , Vanhooren Geert , Cruz-Flores Salvador , Klucznik Richard Paul , Saver Jeffrey L ,   for the SENTIS trial investigators
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe magnitude of treatment effect in acute stroke depends on several factors, including time from symptom onset (TFSO) to treatment and severity of the initial insult.ObjectiveTo report further evaluation of NeuroFlo therapy, focusing on the effect of time and stroke severity.MethodsSENTIS was a prospective randomized trial (N=515) comparing standard medical therapy with/without NeuroFlo therapy. For this analysis, we evaluated outcomes in groups of patients based on TFSO and stroke severity: patients randomized <6 h, 6–10 h, and >10 h with mild (NIHSS<8), moderate (8–14), and severe (>14) symptoms at randomization. 90-Day mRS (modified Rankin Scale) scores and stroke-related death rates were compared between treatment groups.ResultsFor patients randomized <6 h TFSO (n=128), the OR for mRS 0–2 was 3.11 (CI 1.30 to 7.46, p=0.011) for treated versus non-treated patients. In patients with disease of moderate severity (NIHSS 8–14, n=214), NeuroFlo-treated patients were more likely to have a good outcome (mRS 0–2; OR=1.84, CI 1.02 to 3.33, p=0.043). The stroke-related death rate was better in the treated group with TFSO >10 h and NIHSS >14 (n=42) (OR=7.10, CI 1.13 to 44.55, p=0.036).ConclusionsThe results of our analysis support the importance of careful selection of outcome measures and the impact that rapid treatment and initial stroke severity have on outcome.Clinical trial registration URL://http.clinicaltrials.gov.Unique identifier:NCT00119717.
The cost of coils implanted in aneurysms: 2 years of clinical data
Authors: Wang Charlie , Hui Ferdinand K , Spiotta Alejandro M , Rasmussen Peter A 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveA study on factors of material costs in endovascular coil embolization has not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aneurysm size and other factors on implanted coil costs.MethodsImplanted coil costs were retrospectively obtained for all 387 consecutive aneurysm coiling procedures of saccular aneurysms performed in 342 patients over 2.5 years at the Cleveland Clinic. ANOVA and least squares linear regression were utilized to examine relationships.ResultsLinear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between log volume and log cost (p<0.0001). The fit relationship can be represented as normalized cost=1.6×volume0.36. Other factors (aneurysm geometry, recurrent vs primary, vendor/coil choice, procedure dates) were not shown to be significant at the p<0.05 level.ConclusionsThe costs associated with the coils implanted in an aneurysm vary in a predictable fashion as a function of aneurysm volume, suggesting that coiling costs can be modeled prior to actual embolization of a lesion and may be useful in refining the reimbursement models for endovascular aneurysm treatment.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer and Risk of Second Primary Malignancies
Authors: Wallner Lauren P. , Wang Renyi , Jacobsen Steven J. , Haque Reina 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Background: While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer, little is known regarding its long-term health effects, particularly as it relates to the development of second primary malignancies. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the association between ADT use and second primary malignancies among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.
Methods: We assessed whether use of ADT (specifically, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) was associated with the development of second primary malignancies in a retrospective cohort of 24,038 men ages more than 18 years who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 1998 and 2007, and followed through 2009. We used proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of developing a second primary cancer among men who were treated with ADT compared with men who were not.
Results: Men who were treated with ADT were not more likely to develop any second primary malignancy compared with those who were not treated with ADT after adjustment for age, race, date of diagnosis, utilization, clinical stage, Gleason score, and radiation therapy [HR, 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–1.22)]. Radiotherapy, diabetes, and obesity did not modify the association between ADT use and second primary cancer risk.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that among men with localized prostate cancer, ADT is not associated with an increased risk of second primary malignancies.
Impact: When evaluating the risks and benefits of using ADT as a treatment for localized prostate cancer, considering the risk of second primary malignancies may not be clinically important. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 313–6. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of Preoperative Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction on Long-Term Survival After Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Goldberg Joshua B. , DeSimone Joseph P. , Kramer Robert S. , DiScipio Anthony W. , Russo Louis , Dacey Lawrence J. , Leavitt Bruce J. , Helm Robert E. , Baribeau Yvon R. , Sardella Gerald , Clough Robert A. , Surgenor Stephen D. , Sorensen Meredith J. , Ross Cathy S. , Olmstead Elaine M. , MacKenzie Todd A. , Malenka David J. , Likosky Donald S. ,   for the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group
Published: January 2013

Background—
The survival of patients who undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis with reduced preoperative ejection fractions (EFs) is not well described in the literature.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing AVR for severe aortic stenosis were analyzed using the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group surgical registry. Patients were stratified by preoperative EF (≥50%, 40%–49%, and <40%) and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Crude and adjusted survival across strata of EF was estimated for patients up to 8 years beyond their index admission. A total of 5277 patients underwent AVR for severe aortic stenosis between 1992 and 2008. There were 727 (14%) patients with preoperative EF <40%. Preoperative EF had minimal effect on postoperative morbidity. There was no difference in 30-day mortality across EF strata among the isolated AVR cohort. Preserved EF conferred 30-day survival benefit among the AVR+coronary artery bypass grafting population (EF≥50%, 96%; EF<40%, 91%;
P
=0.003). Patients with preserved EF had significantly improved 6-month and 8-year survival compared with their reduced EF counterparts.

Conclusions—
Survival after AVR or AVR+coronary artery bypass grafting was most favorable among patients with preoperative preserved EF. However, patients with mild to moderately depressed EF experienced a substantial survival benefit compared with the natural history of medically treated patients. Furthermore, minor reductions of EF carried equivalent increased risk to those with more compromised function suggesting patients are best served when an AVR is performed before even minor reductions in myocardial function.
Taxonomy and song of the cicada Ayesha serva (Walker, 1850) from the coasts of northern Sundaland
Authors: Duffels Hans , Trilar Tomi 
Published: January 2013

The genus Ayesha belongs to the tribe Dundubiini and is distinguished from other genera of the tribe by the spatulate and strongly overlapping male opercula. The synonymy of three species, Cosmopsaltria vomerigera Breddin, 1901, Dundubia lelita Kirkaldy, 1902 and Cicada elopurina Distant, 1888, which are treated as junior synonyms of A. serva (Walker, 1850) in the literature, is confirmed. Two other species, A. spathulata Stål, 1870 and A. operculissima Stål, 1870, are synonymized here with A. serva, so that Ayesha now becomes a monotypic genus. Ayesha serva is redescribed and recorded from Greater Natuna Island, the northern parts of Borneo and Sulawesi and the southern Philippines; the species is mainly found in trees on the beach, in mangroves and other coastal forests. The broad band long lasting monotonous calling song has a very simple and constant pattern. It consists of a fast repetition of many echemes of duration from 41.7 to 79.0 ms, which are composed of 8 to 19 pulses with a repetition rate of 240 pulses per second.
Young students’ knowledge and perception of health and fitness: A study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Shu Mei , Zou Jin Liang , Gifford Mervyn , Dalal Koustuv 
Published: January 2013

Objective: This study investigated how young urban students conceptualize health and fitness and tried to identify their sources of information about health-related issues. The findings are intended to help make suggestions for policy makers to design and develop effective health-education strategies. Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) of 20 groups, each comprised of eight 10th-grade students, were carried out. In total 160 students participated in the FGDs. Results: Young students’ knowledge and perceptions about health and fitness had certain limitations, although most of the students emphasized the importance of good health and felt that they knew the meaning of health and fitness. They were most concerned with physical health and failed to consider other aspects of health such as mental/psychological, behavioural and social aspects. This represents a lack of awareness of contemporary conceptions of health and illness. Conclusion: These findings are important when considering the design of effective high school health education strategies that meet state content standards and for influencing students to continue participating in health-promoting activities.