bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal patterns of fish assemblage structure in a coastal plain stream: appropriate scales reveal historic tales
Authors: Geheber Aaron D. , Piller Kyle R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractQuantifying assemblage structure across spatio‐temporal scales is ecologically important and further aids in the understanding of community organisation processes. Currently, few studies have assessed assemblage structure across generous magnitudes of scale, and influences of processes (biotic and abiotic) responsible for structuring assemblages are still questioned. Using community and hydrologic data collected over a 22‐year period from a stretch of river nearing 150 km, we examined spatio‐temporal fish assemblage structural patterns in a temperate coastal plain stream. Results indicated that significant changes in assemblage structure across time were influenced by environmental disturbances, including drought and hurricane events. Assemblages were restructured in a punctuated manner directly following these events, and complete recovery of initial assemblage structure did not occur across the study period. Additionally, we found spatial differentiations between upstream and downstream assemblages, which were driven by greater abundances of several species in downstream sites. Our results suggest that assemblage structure is influenced by environmental variation, specifically, extreme disturbance events and spatial habitat heterogeneity.
Fracture resistance of human root dentin exposed to calcium hydroxide intervisit medication at various time periods: an  in vitro study
Authors: Zarei Mina , Afkhami Farzaneh , Malek Poor Zahra 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide on the fracture resistance of human root dentin at different time intervals. After root canal preparation, one hundred single‐rooted premolar human teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups. After placement of calcium hydroxide paste within the canal, one group of teeth was divided into 5 subgroups and incubated for a period of 1 week or 1, 3, 6, or 12 months at 37°C and 100% humidity. The second group of teeth was also divided into 5 subgroups and incubated under the same conditions without placement of calcium hydroxide paste. After mounting the teeth in a Zwick test machine, the force required to break each tooth was determined. Data analysis was performed using the one‐ and two‐way analysis of variance tests. The results demonstrated that the mean force needed to cause fracture differed significantly between the two groups during the first, third and sixth months of incubation (P = 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively), and the amount of force necessary for fracture was greater in the control group. Therefore, it would appear from this study that using calcium hydroxide as a long‐term intracanal dressing showed a significant decrease in peak load at fracture when compared with the control groups at the end of the first, third and sixth months of treatment and would suggest that using Ca(OH)2 for periods longer than 1 month should be used with caution.
Fatty acid‐binding protein expression in the gastrointestinal tract of calves and cows
Authors: HAYASHI Hideaki , MARUYAMA Sachiko , FUKUOKA Madoka , KOZAKAI Takaharu , NAKAJIMA Keiichi , ONAGA Takenori , KATO Seiyu 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTFatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) has high affinity for long‐chain fatty acids and appears to participate in the metabolism and intracellular transport of lipids. Liver‐ and intestinal‐type FABP (L‐FABP and I‐FABP, respectively) are expressed in the small intestine. However, in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, expression and localization of FABPs are unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of I‐FABP and L‐FABP in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle. I‐ and L‐FABP had higher messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels in the duodenum and jejunum relatively to other gastrointestinal regions in both calves and cows. Furthermore, L‐FABP mRNA and protein expression were high in the colon. Both these protein types were confirmed to be in the cytosol of jejunal epithelial cells, where they were found in the villi rather than in the crypts. We concluded that duodenal and jejunal FABPs might be involved in the metabolism of fatty acids mainly in epithelial cells in cattle.
Spectrum and ionization rate of low-energy Galactic cosmic rays
Authors: Nath Biman B. , Gupta Nayantara , Biermann Peter L. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
We consider the rate of ionization of diffuse and molecular clouds in the interstellar medium by Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) in order to constrain its low-energy spectrum. We extrapolate the GCR spectrum obtained from PAMELA at high energies (≥200 GeV nucleon−1) and a recently derived GCR proton flux at 1–200 GeV from observations of gamma-rays from molecular clouds, and find that the observed average Galactic ionization rate can be reconciled with this GCR spectrum if there is a low-energy cut-off for protons at 10–100 MeV. We also identify the flattening below a few GeV as being due to (a) decrease of the diffusion coefficient and dominance of convective loss at low energy and (b) the expected break in energy spectrum for a constant spectral index in momentum. We show that the inferred CR proton spectrum of Φ ∝ E−1.7±0.2kin for Ekin ≤ few GeV is consistent with a power-law spectrum in momentum p−2.45± 0.4, which we identify as the spectrum at source. Diffusion loss at higher energies then introduces a steepening by E−α with α ∼ 1/3, making it consistent with high-energy measurements.
What do nurse practitioners do? Analysis of a skills survey of nurse practitioners
Authors: Laustsen Gary 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurposeTo report findings from a survey, analysis, and evaluation of the frequency and criticality of clinical skills and procedures (CSPs) used by nurse practitioners (NPs). In addition, data regarding NP demographic, geographic, and educational preparation were also obtained.Data sourcesParticipants were a convenience sample of 452 NPs in Oregon (31% response rate).ConclusionsFindings point to the importance of assessing both frequency and criticality of practice skills. Demographic and geographic data reflected significant dichotomies between urban and rural practice. Rural NPs face challenges of providing care with more distant physician specialists and reported the use of a greater number of CSPs. A majority of participants reported learning most of the CSPs used in practice outside of their NP educational programs. The frequency and criticality of CSPs utilized in practice are both important considerations for NP clinicians and educators.Implications for practiceNPs planning to practice in rural areas may need broader exposure and training in CSPs. An understanding of CSPs used by NPs may better inform administrative, reimbursement, licensure, and certification issues for advanced practice nursing. NP clinicians and faculty involved in NP education should seek to promote improved congruence between the CSPs taught in programs and those used in clinical practice.
Urea cycle disorder—argininosuccinic lyase deficiency
Authors: Mehta Neeta , Kirk Pia Chatterjee , Holder Ray , Precheur Harry V. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTAn increased level of ammonia in the bloodstream, or hyperammonemia, is a symptom associated with metabolic disorders referred to as inborn errors of metabolism. Urea cycle disorder is a congenital abnormality or absence of one of the six enzymes involved in the elimination of ammonia. Administration of certain medications, high protein diet, excessive exercise, surgical procedures, or trauma can precipitate symptoms of mental confusion, seizure‐like activity, and ataxia. This paper reviews the literature with insight into current treatment and management options of the disorder and modification of treatment for the dental patient.
Bilateral ceratohyoidectomy for the resolution of clinical signs associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy
Authors: Bras J. J. , Davis E. , Beard W. L. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryTemporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive bilateral disease of unknown aetiology that most commonly affects adult horses. Irrespective of aetiology, THO frequently results in pain or fracture of the petrous temporal bone during normal movement of the tongue and larynx. In an effort to decrease pain and reduce the likelihood of petrous temporal bone fracture, partial stylohyoidectomy and ceratohyoidectomy have been developed. Serious complications have been reported following stylohyoidectomy and therefore the current recommendation is to perform unilateral ceratohyoidectomy. Benefits of ceratohyoidectomy include a lower risk of vascular and nerve damage and a reduced risk of clinical signs recurrence when compared with stylohyoidectomy. This report describes a case of THO in which clinical signs recurred approximately 2 years after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy was performed. Due to this complication, resection of the contralateral ceratohyoid bone was performed, which resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs. Although the clinical signs are frequently unilateral, the disease is most commonly a progressive bilateral condition and some horses may not have complete resolution of clinical signs when unilateral ceratohyoidectomy is performed. Therefore, if clinical signs persist after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy, a therapeutic consideration should include bilateral ceratohyoidectomy. This report suggests a favourable short‐term prognosis for a horse treated with bilateral ceratohyoidectomy.
Successful treatment of a horse with presumed parasitic encephalitis
Authors: Wilford S. , Weller R. , Dunkel B. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryVerminous myeloencephalitis is a rare, but predominately fatal, cause of neurological disease in horses. A 6‐year‐old mare was admitted to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital following acute onset of depression, central unilateral blindness and compromised vision in the opposite eye. Based on pronounced eosinophilic inflammation detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and diagnostic imaging findings indicating a space‐occupying lesion within the brain, a presumptive diagnosis of aberrant parasitic migration causing parasitic encephalitis was made. Treatment consisted of anti‐inflammatories and high doses of an anthelmintic. The horse's condition improved, the neurological deficits and observed space‐occupying lesion within the brain resolved completely and the mare returned to full work. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing complete recovery from suspected aberrant parasite migration in the CNS and will hopefully encourage treatment of suspected cases in the future.
The proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in the horse: How precise are ultrasonographic measurements?
Authors: ZAUSCHER J. M. , ESTRADA R. , EDINGER J. , LISCHER C. J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: To evaluate intra‐ and interobserver variability in ultrasonographic measurements of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PSL) in the horse.Hypothesis: A minimum difference of ≥20% is required to differentiate reliably between physiological and pathological alterations related to dimensions.Materials and methods: Two operators examined the PSL in all 4 limbs of 14 horses twice using different techniques and different probes with and without standoff pads. Measurements were taken from the longitudinal and transverse images. Inter‐ and intraoperator variability was evaluated using agreement indices (AI) and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA).Results: On the longitudinal scan the mean inter‐ and intraoperator AIs for dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness were both ≥0.89 and the 95% LOA were within target values for almost all intra‐ and interoperator comparisons. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for the dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness on the transverse image. For lateromedial width, cross‐sectional area and circumference on the transverse scan, the mean inter‐ and intraoperator AIs ranged between 0.81 and 0.95 and the 95% LOA were higher than target values regardless of the imaging technique used. In general, better values for AIs and 95% LOA were achieved in the fore‐ compared with the hindlimb.Conclusion and clinical relevance: Acceptable precision was identified within and between operators only for the dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness in longitudinal and in transverse scanning directions. For the lateromedial width, cross‐sectional area and circumference, a relatively large variability was identified. This aspect has to be considered if these parameters are to be used for objective measurement of the PSL from the transverse ultrasound image.
Varicella-Zoster Virus-Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay Responses and Zoster-Associated Pain in Herpes Zoster Subjects
Authors: Tyring Stephen K. , Stek Jon E. , Smith Jeffrey G. , Xu Jin , Pagnoni Marco , Chan Ivan S. F. , Silber Jeffrey L. , Parrino Janie , Levin Myron J. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) responses were compared over time following an episode of herpes zoster (HZ) with those of age-, race-, and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) without HZ, using a validated gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. The zoster brief-pain inventory (ZBPI) was used to assess zoster-associated pain. HZ patients (
n
= 140) had significantly higher IFN-γ ELISPOT responses to VZV antigen than did HC (
n
= 140). ELISPOT geometric mean count (GMC) responses (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for subjects who presented within 72 h were as follows: for HZ patients ≥ 60 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 110 and at week 2 the GMC was 235; for HZ patients 21 to 59 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 111 and at week 2 the GMC was 198; for HC ≥ 60 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 19 and at week 2 the GMC was 18; and for HC 21 to 59 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 59 and at week 2 the GMC was 56. The mean pain score (95% CI) across age groups at 1 week postrash (
n
= 106) was 6.0 (5.5, 6.5) and at 2 weeks postrash (
n
= 119) was 3.5 (2.9, 4.0). The percentage of HZ patients with substantial pain (score ≥ 3) at 6 weeks postrash increased with age from 8% for patients 21 to 49 years of age to 16% for patients 50 to 59 years of age to 22% for patients ≥ 60 years of age. The VZV-specific CMI response was substantially boosted by an episode of HZ, as measured by ELISPOT results. Older adults had lower VZV-specific cellular immunity than younger subjects at baseline, but the boosting effect of HZ was substantial for all age groups. HZ patients experienced considerable zoster-associated acute (1 to 2 weeks after rash) pain across age groups, while chronic pain increased with age.
The Campylobacter jejuni Dps Homologue Is Important forIn VitroBiofilm Formation and Cecal Colonization of Poultry and May Serve as a Protective Antigen for Vaccination
Authors: Theoret James R. , Cooper Kerry K. , Zekarias Bereket , Roland Kenneth L. , Law Bibiana F. , Curtiss Roy , Joens Lynn A. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTIn this work, we investigated theCampylobacter jejuni dps(DNA binding protein from starved cells) gene for a role in biofilm formation and cecal colonization in poultry.In vitrobiofilm formation assays were conducted with stationary-phase cells in cell culture plates under microaerophilic conditions. These studies demonstrated a significant (>50%) reduction in biofilm formation by theC. jejuni dpsmutant compared to that by the wild-type strain. Studies in poultry also demonstrated the importance of thedpsgene in host colonization byC. jejuni. Real-time PCR analysis of mRNA extracted from the cecal contents of poultry infected with wild-typeC. jejuniindicated that thedpsgene is upregulated 20-fold during poultry colonization. Cecal colonization was greater than 5 log CFU lower in chicks infected with thedpsmutant than chicks infected with the wild-typeC. jejunistrain. Moreover, thedpsmutant failed to colonize 75% of the chicks following challenge with 105CFU. Preliminary studies were conducted in chicks by parenteral vaccination with a recombinant Dps protein or through oral vaccination with a recombinant attenuatedSalmonella entericastrain synthesizing theC. jejuniDps protein. No reduction inC. jejuniwas noted in chicks vaccinated with the parenteral recombinant protein, whereas, a 2.5-log-unit reduction ofC. jejuniwas achieved in chicks vaccinated with the attenuatedSalmonellavector after homologous challenge. Taken together, this work demonstrated the importance of Dps for biofilm formation and poultry colonization, and the study also provides a basis for continued work using the Dps protein as a vaccine antigen when delivered through aSalmonellavaccine vector.
No Evidence for Xenotropic Murine Leukemia-Related Virus Infection in Sweden Using Internally Controlled Multiepitope Suspension Array Serology
Authors: Blomberg Jonas , Blomberg Fredrik , Sjösten Anna , Sheikholvaezin Ali , Bölin-Wiener Agnes , Elfaitouri Amal , Hessel Sanna , Gottfries Carl-Gerhard , Zachrisson Olof , Öhrmalm Christina , Jobs Magnus , Pipkorn Rüdiger 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Many syndromes have a large number of differential diagnoses, a situation which calls for multiplex diagnostic systems. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also named chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a common disease of unknown etiology. A mouse retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus (XMRV), was found in ME/CFS patients and blood donors, but this was not corroborated. However, the paucity of serological investigations on XMRV in humans prompted us to develop a serological assay which cover many aspects of XMRV antigenicity. It is a novel suspension array method, using a multiplex IgG assay with nine recombinant proteins from the
env
and
gag
genes of XMRV and 38 peptides based on known epitopes of vertebrate gammaretroviruses. IgG antibodies were sought in 520 blood donors and 85 ME/CFS patients and in positive- and negative-control sera from animals. We found no differences in seroreactivity between blood donors and ME/CFS patients for any of the antigens. This did not support an association between ME/CFS and XMRV infection. The multiplex serological system had several advantages: (i) biotinylated protein G allowed us to run both human and animal sera, which is essential because of a lack of XMRV-positive humans; (ii) a novel quality control was a pan-peptide positive-control rabbit serum; and (iii) synthetic XMRV Gag peptides with degenerate positions covering most of the variation of murine leukemia-like viruses did not give higher background than nondegenerate analogs. The principle may be used for creation of variant tolerant peptide serologies. Thus, our system allows rational large-scale serological assays with built-in quality control.
NlpI Facilitates Deposition of C4bp on Escherichia coli by Blocking Classical Complement-Mediated Killing, Which Results in High-Level Bacteremia
Authors: Tseng Yu-ting , Wang Shainn-Wei , Kim Kwang Sik , Wang Ying-Hsiang , Yao Yufeng , Chen Chien-Cheng , Chiang Chi-Wu , Hsieh Pao-Chuan , Teng Ching-Hao 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTNeonatal meningitisEscherichia coli(NMEC) is the most common Gram-negative organism that is associated with neonatal meningitis, which usually develops as a result of hematogenous spread of the bacteria. There are two key pathogenesis processes for NMEC to penetrate into the brain, the essential step for the development ofE. colimeningitis: a high-level bacteremia and traversal of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our previous study has shown that the bacterial outer membrane protein NlpI contributes to NMEC binding to and invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells, the major component cells of the BBB, suggesting a role for NlpI in NMEC crossing of the BBB. In this study, we showed that NlpI is involved in inducing a high level of bacteremia. In addition, NlpI contributed to the recruitment of the complement regulator C4bp to the surface of NMEC to evade serum killing, which is mediated by the classical complement pathway. NlpI may be involved in the interaction between C4bp and OmpA, which is an outer membrane protein that directly interacts with C4bp on the bacterial surface. The involvement of NlpI in two key pathogenesis processes of NMEC meningitis may make this bacterial factor a potential target for prevention and therapy ofE. colimeningitis.
Multilocus Sequence Typing Analysis of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Implies a Clonal Population Structure
Authors: Chassain Benoît , Lemée Ludovic , Didi Jennifer , Thiberge Jean-Michel , Brisse Sylvain , Pons Jean-Louis , Pestel-Caron Martine 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus lugdunensis
is recognized as one of the major pathogenic species within the genus
Staphylococcus
, even though it belongs to the coagulase-negative group. A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme was developed to study the genetic relationships and population structure of 87
S. lugdunensis
isolates from various clinical and geographic sources by DNA sequence analysis of seven housekeeping genes (
aroE
,
dat
,
ddl
,
gmk
,
ldh
,
recA
, and
yqiL
). The number of alleles ranged from four (
gmk
and
ldh
) to nine (
yqiL
). Allelic profiles allowed the definition of 20 different sequence types (STs) and five clonal complexes. The 20 STs lacked correlation with geographic source. Isolates recovered from hematogenic infections (blood or osteoarticular isolates) or from skin and soft tissue infections did not cluster in separate lineages. Penicillin-resistant isolates clustered mainly in one clonal complex, unlike glycopeptide-tolerant isolates, which did not constitute a distinct subpopulation within
S. lugdunensis
. Phylogenies from the sequences of the seven individual housekeeping genes were congruent, indicating a predominantly mutational evolution of these genes. Quantitative analysis of the linkages between alleles from the seven loci revealed a significant linkage disequilibrium, thus confirming a clonal population structure for
S. lugdunensis
. This first MLST scheme for
S. lugdunensis
provides a new tool for investigating the macroepidemiology and phylogeny of this unusually virulent coagulase-negative
Staphylococcus
.