bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens can obtain sulphur from an opine that is synthesized by octopine synthase using S‐methylmethionine as a substrate
Authors: Flores‐Mireles Ana Lidia , Eberhard Anatol , Winans Stephen C. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryAgrobacterium tumefaciens incites plant tumours that produce nutrients called opines, which are utilized by the bacteria during host colonization. Various opines provide sources of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, but virtually nothing was previously known about how A. tumefaciens acquires sulphur during colonization. Some strains encode an operon required for the catabolism of the opine octopine. This operon contains a gene, msh, that is predicted to direct the conversion of S‐methylmethionine (SMM) and homocysteine (HCys) to two equivalents of methionine. Purified Msh carried out this reaction, suggesting that SMM could be an intermediate in opine catabolism. Purified octopine synthase (Ocs, normally expressed in plant tumours) utilized SMM and pyruvate to produce a novel opine, designated sulfonopine, whose catabolism by the bacteria would regenerate SMM. Sulfonopine was produced by tobacco and Arabidopsis when colonized by A. tumefaciens and was utilized as sole source of sulphur by A. tumefaciens. Purified Ocs also used 13 other proteogenic and non‐proteogenic amino acids as substrates, including three that contain sulphur. Sulfonopine and 11 other opines were tested for induction of octopine catabolic operon and all were able to do so. This is the first study of the acquisition of sulphur, an essential element, by this pathogen.
Meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius: clinical challenge and treatment options
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Loeffler Anette 
Published: April 2012

Meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP) has emerged as a major therapeutic challenge for small animal veterinarians over the past 10 years and continues to spread worryingly in many countries.This review focuses on the clinical aspects of MRSP infections seen in patients with skin disease and on currently available treatment options. In addition, it discusses the implications for in‐contact people, other animals and the environment, because infection control strategies are likely to have a significant impact on treatment success and prevention of spread.There is currently no indication that MRSP is more virulent than meticillin‐susceptibleS. pseudintermedius, and reported infections have mostly been treated successfully, although possibly with a longer time to resolution than infections with more susceptibleS. pseudintermedius. However,in vitrotesting of MRSP isolates indicates resistance to most or all antibacterial agents licensed for use in pets. Based on susceptibility results, the most useful systemic antimicrobials may include chloramphenicol, rifampicin, amikacin, clindamycin and/or minocycline. Adverse effects of some of these medications may limit their usefulness. Whilein vitrosusceptibility to vancomycin and linezolid is reported by some laboratories, use of these drugs in animals is strongly discouraged because of ethical considerations. Aggressive topical therapy has been effective as the only treatment in certain cases.Awareness, continued research and comprehensive management of infections are required by veterinary practitioners not only to help treat infected animals but also to limit the spread and prevent the establishment of this highly drug‐resistant and zoonotic pathogen in veterinary facilities and in the community.
Spectrum of pediatric dermatological emergencies at a tertiary care hospital in India: a descriptive study
Authors: Mathias Rohini C. , Jayaseelan Elizabeth , Augustine Mary 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Dermatological emergencies in children are not uncommon. Worldwide, limited studies have been done to study the spectrum of such emergencies. The aim of our study was to analyze the spectrum of dermatological emergencies in the pediatric age group.Materials and methods  Over a period of 18 months, ninety consecutive patients under 18 years of age presenting with cutaneous in addition to emergency disorders as assessed by the Nelson's severity scoring system were recruited.Results  The most common emergency was primary cutaneous infections (40%), followed by adverse cutaneous drug reactions (13.33%). Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome was the most frequent infection, and the most common adverse cutaneous drug reaction was Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Other emergencies included purpura fulminans (12.22%), congenital dermatoses (11.11%), vasculitis (8.90%), angioedema (6.67%), collagen vascular diseases (2.22%), serum sickness (2.22%), post‐varicella cerebellitis (1.11%), post‐infected scabies glomerulonephritis (1.11%), and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (1.11%). These emergencies presented in equal numbers to the outpatient department of dermatology or pediatrics and to the emergency department.Conclusion  Our study recommends the use of standard scoring systems such as the Nelson’s score to assess sick children. The appropriateness of this scale or other scales for the assessment of dermatological emergencies needs to be established. Over half of our cases were initially assessed by pediatricians and emergency personnel, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness about cutaneous emergencies and providing them with access to a dermatologist’s services.
Indocyanine green injection for detecting sentinel nodes using color fluorescence camera in the laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Kubota Keisuke , Kuroda Junko , Ohta Keiichiro , Nakamura Tetsuya , Saito Junichi , Kobayashi Michiya , Sato Takayuki , Beck Yoshifumi , Kitagawa Yuko , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We seek for the accurate and simple method for detecting sentinel nodes of gastric cancer which can be popularized in community hospitals. The indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence‐guided method is reported to be sensitive. However, the ordinal fluorescence cameras have gray scale imaging and require a dark room. We have developed a new device, Hyper Eye Medical System (HEMS) which can simultaneously detect color and near‐infrared rays and can be used under room light. This study was planned to examine whether submucosal injection of 0.5 mL × 4 of 50 µg/mL ICG on the day before operation is the adequate administration for detecting sentinel nodes using HEMS in the gastric cancer surgery.Methods:  The patients underwent gastrectomy for clinical T1a (mucosa)–T2 (muscularis propria) and clinical N0 were enrolled in the present study. As a preliminary trial, one case each of the ICG 25 and 100 µg/mL, injected on the day before operation and intraoperative injection, was examined. Then, 10 cases injected 50 µg/mL ICG on the day before operation were examined.Results:  The ICG fluorescence of the patient injected 100 µg/mL was too intense and that of the patient injected 25 µg/mL was too faint. Sentinel lymph nodes were detected in all of 10 cases injected 50 µg/mL, the day before operation and number of sentinel lymph nodes per patient was 3.6 ± 2.1. Metastasis was observed in one case. All of ICG fluorescence‐positive sentinel nodes were positive for the metastasis. In the patient who underwent intraoperative injection, sentinel lymphatic basins could be identified.Conclusion:  The present study shows that HEMS‐guided abdominal surgery is feasible under room light. Submucosal injection of 0.5 mL × 4 of 50 µg/mL ICG on the day before operation is the adequate administration for detecting sentinel nodes using HEMS in the gastric cancer surgery.
Pathogenesis of proton‐pump inhibitor‐refractory non‐erosive reflux disease according to multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring
Authors: Kohata Yukie , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Machida Hirohisa , Okazaki Hirotoshi , Yamagami Hirokazu , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Kenji , Watanabe Toshio , Tominaga Kazunari , Arakawa Tetsuo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is the first‐line treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, there are some reports of PPI failure in cases of non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Among the pathogenic factors associated with PPI‐refractory NERD, reflux other than acid reflux can not be detected by conventional pH monitoring. The purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring for PPI‐refractory NERD patients and examine the pathogenesis.Methods:  We used MII‐pH monitoring to examine 29 PPI‐refractory NERD patients on PPI treatment. Reflux parameters, symptom index (SI: positive if ≥ 50%), and proximal migration were analyzed. The acidity of the reflux was divided into acid (nadir pH ≤ 4) and non‐acid (nadir pH > 4). Subjects were classified into reflux‐related disease (abnormal reflux parameters or positive SI) and non‐reflux‐related disease (normal reflux parameters and negative SI).Results:  Of the 29 subjects, 21 were diagnosed with reflux‐related disease, including 6 with acid reflux type and 15 with non‐acid reflux type, and 8 were diagnosed with non‐reflux‐related disease. Of the total 1816 liquid reflux episodes, 834 showed proximal migration, which was more common in symptomatic reflux than in asymptomatic reflux.Conclusions:  MII‐pH monitoring could distinguish reflux‐related disease (especially non‐acid type) from PPI‐refractory NERD. Proximal migration was associated with symptomatic reflux in PPI‐refractory NERD patients.
Correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and low‐dose aspirin use on damage of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Fukuzawa Mari , Kawai Takashi , Watanabe Masataka , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Yamashina Akira , Moriyasu Fuminori 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Low‐dose aspirin (LDA), and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection are considered the two primary causes of peptic ulceration. The interaction between HP infection and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is, however, a matter of considerable discussion and controversy. In this study, we investigated possible synergistic or negative interactions between HP infection and LDA in gastric mucosal lesions, according to lesion site.Methods:  The subjects were 120 patients attending the Cardiology Outpatients Department (average age, 67.1 ± 8.9 years; male : female ratio 2.9:1). Endoscopic findings were graded using the Modified Lanza score. Lesions were scored for the antral, body and fundal regions. Ulcers were defined as mucosal defects ≥ 5 mm in size.Results:  There were 55 HP‐positive and 65 HP‐negative subjects, and 91 subjects on LDA therapy. The gastric antral Lanza scores were HP(−) LDA(−): 0.2 ± 1.6, HP(−) LDA(+): 1.8 ± 1.5, HP(+) LDA(−): 0.3 ± 0.7, and HP(+) LDA(+): 0.5 ± 1.0. The gastric body and fundal Lanza scores were 0.0 ± 0.0, 0.8 ± 0.9, 0.4 ± 1.1, and 1.0 ± 1.5, respectively, and 0.1 ± 0.3, 0.5 ± 0.9, 0.1 ± 0.3, and 0.1 ± 0.3, respectively. Variance analysis of the correlation between HP infection and LDA by regional Lanza scores identified both HP infection and LDA use as factors that significantly influence the antral Lanza score. However, LDA was an aggressive factor, and HP infection a protective factor. In the gastric body, LDA was a non‐significant, and HP infection a significant, aggressive factor. In the gastric fundus, neither HP infection nor LDA was a significant factor (LDA was an aggressive factor, and HP infection a protective factor).Conclusions:  LDA had aggressive effects in all gastric lesions; on the other hand, HP infection had protective effects in the antrum and fundus in the stomach, and aggressive effects in the body in the stomach.
Laparoendoscopic single‐site cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Dong , Wang Yan , Ji Zhen‐Ling 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  Laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery is a revolution in minimally invasive surgery in recent years, and cholecystectomy is the most common intervention. However, laparoendoscopic single‐site cholecystectomy (LESSC) is a controversial procedure. Its safety, cosmetic results, complications, post‐operative pain and post‐operative stay are not confirmed by multi‐centre randomized controlled studies.Objectives:  This review examined the impact of LESSC versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). The primary outcomes were conversional rate and intraoperative and post‐operative complications, and other outcomes were cosmetic results, operative time, post‐operative pain and post‐operative stay.Data sources:  Pubmed, EMbase, Web of Science, Ovid, clinical trials of the US National Institutes of Health and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify all possible randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods:  Two reviewers completed article search, and eligible data were entered into a computerized spreadsheet for analysis.Results:  Nine studies were obtained using the search strategy. Patients accepting LESSC had a higher conversion rate than those having CLC (7.17 (3.00, 17.11) (P < 0.01)). There was no significant difference for total complications between the two groups (1.17 (0.76, 1.80) (P= 0.46)), but incidence of incisional hernia and haemorrhage (seroma) in the LESSC group was obviously higher than that in the CLC group. Operative time was much longer in the LESSC group (mean difference: 10.69 (3.14, 18.24) (P= 0.006)). Cosmetic results favoured LESSC; however, post‐operative abdominal pain and post‐operative stay were not significantly different between the two groups in most of the nine studies.Conclusions:  LESSC can be safely performed with better cosmetic results; however, it carries a higher conversion rate and a longer operative time, and offers no benefit in terms of post‐operative abdominal pain and post‐operative stay. Further RCTs, according to the CONSORT statement, are advocated to validate its objective benefits.
Factors influencing career decisions in internal medicine
Authors: Macdonald C. , Cawood T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  Numerous factors influence career decisions for internal medicine trainees and Fellows. There is a perception that a greater emphasis is placed on work–family balance by younger physicians.Aims:  To determine the characteristics of the modern internal medicine workforce and ascertain whether job flexibility is important to career decision‐making. We hypothesised that factors which reflect flexibility would be highly influential in decision‐making, especially for women and those with young children.Methods:  A questionnaire was mailed to 250 New Zealand internal medicine trainees and Fellows. It focused on factors, including job flexibility, interest and collegial support, and included demographic details which were primarily aimed at ascertaining family responsibilities.Results:  Response rate was 54%. The majority of female physicians are the main person responsible for their children (62%), and the majority of their partners work full‐time (80%). This contrasts with male physicians, of whom only 4% are the main person responsible for their children. Flexibility was found to be more influential in women, those with young children, trainees and those working in outpatient‐based subspecialties. However, contrary to our original hypothesis, flexibility was not reported to be highly influential in any group, with career choice being most influenced by interest and enjoyment, intellectual challenge and variety within the job.Conclusion:  It is hoped that results will inform employers and those involved with training to enable them to better cater for the needs of the workforce and also encourage trainees to consider future family commitments when making career decisions.
Systematic review of the prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia in Australia
Authors: Robinson P. C. , Taylor W. J. , Merriman T. R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAims:  Gout is a growing health problem worldwide especially in affluent countries, such as Australia. Gout and hyperuricaemia are associated with the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension. More importantly, Australia has a growing prevalence of these important health problems. The aim of this study was to systematically review published information regarding the prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia in Australia.Methods:  A systematic search was undertaken of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases, as well as relevant websites for journal articles and reports relating to the prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout in Australia.Results:  Twenty‐five journal articles and five reports were included in the review. Data collected in a standardised way show gout increased in prevalence from 0.5% population prevalence to 1.7% population prevalence from 1968 to 1995/1996. There has been a significant rise in the prevalence of gout in the Australian Aboriginal population from 0% in 1965 to 9.7% in men and 2.9% in women in 2002. Consistent with the rise in gout prevalence, serum uric acid in blood donors has increased from 1959 to 1980 (17% in 30‐ to 40‐year‐old men).Conclusions:  The rate of gout and hyperuricaemia in Australia is high in relation to comparable countries and is increasing. The prevalence of gout in elderly male Australians is second only to New Zealand, which has the highest reported rate in the world. Further research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gout and hyperuricaemia is required as a result of the lack of contemporary data.
Evaluation of an Australian chest pain assessment unit
Authors: Sonigra A. , Lawlor J. , Roberts L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn order to mitigate the risk of missing atypical or low probability presentations of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), many hospitals have designated resources specifically for the assessment of chest pain.AimThis study aims to evaluate the introduction of a chest pain assessment unit (CPAU) in a North Queensland hospital.MethodsInformation on admission status, diagnosis, procedures, length of stay and chest pain representation rates was obtained for patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department (ED) at The Townsville Hospital in the 2.5 years prior to the introduction of a CPAU in March 2007 (n = 6665). This was compared with information on chest pain patients (n = 7885) presenting to the ED in the 2.5 years after it opened.ResultsThe CPAU resulted in a reduction in the percentage of ‘missed’ cases of ACS. The rate of people who represented with chest pain at 3 months and who ultimately received an ACS diagnosis reduced from 1.9% to 1.4%. There was an increased rate of apparently appropriate angiograms from 6.7% to 9.4% of chest pain admissions. The admission rate of ED chest pain presentations was stable as was the median length of stay (1.14–1.16 days). A relative decrease in the proportion of admitted patients diagnosed with ACS compared with those with unspecified chest pain was observed.ConclusionThe implementation of a CPAU at The Townsville Hospital resulted in improved care of those presenting to the ED with chest pain. Further Australian CPAU evaluations are recommended.
Dissociating hippocampal and striatal contributions to sequential prediction learning
Authors: Bornstein Aaron M. , Daw Nathaniel D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBehavior may be generated on the basis of many different kinds of learned contingencies. For instance, responses could be guided by the direct association between a stimulus and response, or by sequential stimulus–stimulus relationships (as in model‐based reinforcement learning or goal‐directed actions). However, the neural architecture underlying sequential predictive learning is not well understood, in part because it is difficult to isolate its effect on choice behavior. To track such learning more directly, we examined reaction times (RTs) in a probabilistic sequential picture identification task in healthy individuals. We used computational learning models to isolate trial‐by‐trial effects of two distinct learning processes in behavior, and used these as signatures to analyse the separate neural substrates of each process. RTs were best explained via the combination of two delta rule learning processes with different learning rates. To examine neural manifestations of these learning processes, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to seek correlates of time‐series related to expectancy or surprise. We observed such correlates in two regions, hippocampus and striatum. By estimating the learning rates best explaining each signal, we verified that they were uniquely associated with one of the two distinct processes identified behaviorally. These differential correlates suggest that complementary anticipatory functions drive each region’s effect on behavior. Our results provide novel insights as to the quantitative computational distinctions between medial temporal and basal ganglia learning networks and enable experiments that exploit trial‐by‐trial measurement of the unique contributions of both hippocampus and striatum to response behavior.
From prediction error to incentive salience: mesolimbic computation of reward motivation
Authors: Berridge Kent C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractReward contains separable psychological components of learning, incentive motivation and pleasure. Most computational models have focused only on the learning component of reward, but the motivational component is equally important in reward circuitry, and even more directly controls behavior. Modeling the motivational component requires recognition of additional control factors besides learning. Here I discuss how mesocorticolimbic mechanisms generate the motivation component of incentive salience. Incentive salience takes Pavlovian learning and memory as one input and as an equally important input takes neurobiological state factors (e.g. drug states, appetite states, satiety states) that can vary independently of learning. Neurobiological state changes can produce unlearned fluctuations or even reversals in the ability of a previously learned reward cue to trigger motivation. Such fluctuations in cue‐triggered motivation can dramatically depart from all previously learned values about the associated reward outcome. Thus, one consequence of the difference between incentive salience and learning can be to decouple cue‐triggered motivation of the moment from previously learned values of how good the associated reward has been in the past. Another consequence can be to produce irrationally strong motivation urges that are not justified by any memories of previous reward values (and without distorting associative predictions of future reward value). Such irrationally strong motivation may be especially problematic in addiction. To understand these phenomena, future models of mesocorticolimbic reward function should address the neurobiological state factors that participate to control generation of incentive salience.