bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-Associated Risk Factors for Acquisition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Salangsang Jo-anne M. , Harrison Lee H. , Brooks Maria M. , Shutt Kathleen A. , Saul Melissa I. , Muto Carlene A. 
Published: October 2010

Background.Determining risk factors for acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals is important for defining infection-control measures that may lead to fewer hospital-acquired infections.Objective.To determine patient-associated risk factors for acquisition of MRSA in a tertiary care hospital with the goal of identifying modifiable risk factors.Methods.A retrospective matched case-control study was performed. Case patients who acquired MRSA during hospitalization and 2 matched control patients were selected among inpatients admitted to target units during the period from 2001 through 2008. The odds of exposure to potential risk factors were compared between case patients and control patients, using matched univariate conditional logistic regression. A single multivariate conditional logistic regression model identifying independent patient-specific risk factors was generated.Results.A total of 451 case patients and 866 control patients were analyzed. Factors positively associated with MRSA acquisition were as follows: target unit stay before index culture; primary diagnosis of respiratory disease, digestive tract disease, injury or trauma, or other diagnosis compared with cardiocirculatory disease; peripheral vascular disease; mechanical ventilation with pneumonia; ventricular shunting or ventriculostomy; and ciprofloxacin use. Factors associated with decreased risk were receipt of a solid-organ transplant and use of penicillins, cephalosporins, rifamycins, daptomycin or linezolid, and proton pump inhibitors.Conclusion.Among the factors associated with increased risk, few are modifiable. Patients with at-risk conditions could be targeted for intensive surveillance to detect acquisition sooner. The association of MRSA acquisition with target unit exposure argues for rigorous application of hand hygiene, appropriate barriers, environmental control, and strict aseptic technique for all procedures performed on such Patients. Our findings support focusing efforts to prevent MRSA transmission and restriction of ciprofloxacin use.
Cross Talk between the KNOX and Ethylene Pathways Is Mediated by Intron-Binding Transcription Factors in Barley
Authors: Osnato Michela , Stile Maria Rosaria , Wang Yamei , Meynard Donaldo , Curiale Serena , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Liu Yongxiu , Horner David S. , Ouwerkerk Pieter B.F. , Pozzi Carlo , Müller Kai J. , Salamini Francesco , Rossini Laura 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
In the barley (Hordeum vulgare) Hooded (Kap) mutant, the duplication of a 305-bp intron sequence leads to the overexpression of the Barley knox3 (Bkn3) gene, resulting in the development of an extra flower in the spikelet. We used a one-hybrid screen to identify four proteins that bind the intron-located regulatory element (Kap intron-binding proteins). Three of these, Barley Ethylene Response Factor1 (BERF1), Barley Ethylene Insensitive Like1 (BEIL1), and Barley Growth Regulating Factor1 (BGRF1), were characterized and their in vitro DNA-binding capacities verified. Given the homology of BERF1 and BEIL1 to ethylene signaling proteins, we investigated if these factors might play a dual role in intron-mediated regulation and ethylene response. In transgenic rice (Oryza sativa), constitutive expression of the corresponding genes produced phenotypic alterations consistent with perturbations in ethylene levels and variations in the expression of a key gene of ethylene biosynthesis. In barley, ethylene treatment results in partial suppression of the Kap phenotype, accompanied by up-regulation of BERF1 and BEIL1 expression, followed by down-regulation of Bkn3 mRNA levels. In rice protoplasts, BEIL1 activates the expression of a reporter gene driven by the 305-bp intron element, while BERF1 can counteract this activation. Thus, BEIL1 and BERF1, likely in association with other Kap intron-binding proteins, should mediate the fine-tuning of Bkn3 expression by ethylene. We propose a hypothesis for the cross talk between the KNOX and ethylene pathways.
The rate of decompensation and clinical progression of disease in people with cirrhosis: a cohort study
Authors: Fleming K. M. , Aithal G. P. , Card T. R. , West J. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1343–1350SummaryBackground  We lack population‐based estimates of the rate of decompensation in people with compensated cirrhosis as well as estimates of the manner in which the disease progresses once identified.Aim  To determine the rate of decompensation and clinical progression of disease in patients with cirrhosis based upon clinical symptoms recorded electronically in general practice data.Methods  Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we modelled the rate of decompensation for patients from the UK General Practice Research Database with a diagnosis of cirrhosis between 1987 and 2002. We determined the clinical progression in the first year following diagnosis and subsequently categorizing patients through time according to a simple clinical staging system agreed at the Baveno IV consensus conference.Results  The rate of decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis was found to be 11% overall. The rate of decompensation was higher in the first year (at 31% compared with 7.3% afterwards) and in patients with an alcoholic aetiology. Patients with compensated cirrhosis had a 1‐year probability of proceeding directly to death of 7% compared with 20% in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Conclusions  Using data recorded in general practice records, it is possible to determine the rate of decompensation and the clinical progression of disease in people with cirrhosis.
Practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Peery A. F. , Shaheen N. J. , Dellon E. S. 
Published: October 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1373–1382SummaryBackground  Although consensus guidelines for eosinophilic oesophagitis have been published, it remains unclear whether gastroenterologists follow these recommendations.Aim  To assess academic and community practice patterns for the evaluation and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis and to compare these practices with current guidelines.Methods  This was a prospective study of academic and community gastroenterologists using a self‐administered online survey.Results  A total of 60% (34 of 57) of academic and 29% (38 of 133) of community gastroenterologists completed the survey. Only 24% of academic and 3% of community gastroenterologists follow consensus guidelines to diagnose eosinophilic oesophagitis (P = 0.007). A proton pump inhibitor trial or negative pH study prior to diagnosis was required by just 25% of all gastroenterologists. A majority (60%) do not use the recommended threshold of 15 eosinophils per high powered field to diagnosis eosinophilic oesophagitis. Half (51%) mistakenly require a positive endoscopic finding. For first‐line treatment, about half of the gastroenterologists surveyed treat with a swallowed topical steroid (53% academic, 56% community; P = N.S.), consistent with the guidelines.Conclusions  There is variability in practice patterns for both diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic oesophagitis. Ongoing education and research concerning diagnosis and treatment are needed.
Isolation and preservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells for analysis of islet antigen-reactive T cell responses: position statement of the T-Cell Workshop Committee of the Immunology of Diabetes Society
Authors: Mallone R , Mannering S I , Brooks-Worrell B M , Durinovic-Belló I , Cilio C M , Wong F S , Schloot N C 
Published: October 2010

SummaryAutoimmune T cell responses directed against insulin-producing β cells are central to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Detection of such responses is therefore critical to provide novel biomarkers for T1D ‘immune staging’ and to understand the mechanisms underlying the disease. While different T cell assays are being developed for these purposes, it is important to optimize and standardize methods for processing human blood samples for these assays. To this end, we review data relevant to critical parameters in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation, (cryo)preservation, distribution and usage for detecting antigen-specific T cell responses. Based on these data, we propose recommendations on processing blood samples for T cell assays and identify gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed. These recommendations may be relevant not only for the analysis of T cell responses in autoimmune disease, but also in cancer and infectious disease, particularly in the context of clinical trials.
The relationship between postprandial bile acid concentration, GLP‐1, PYY and ghrelin
Authors: Roberts R. E. , Glicksman C. , Alaghband‐Zadeh J. , Sherwood R. A. , Akuji N. , le Roux C. W. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryBackground  Gut hormones peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) play an integral role in appetite control and energy homeostasis. Entero‐endocrine L‐cells can be stimulated by nutrients and or bile acids to co‐secrete PYY and GLP‐1. The aim of this study was to determine the response of bile acids, PYY, GLP‐1 and ghrelin after a test meal.Design  Twelve subjects with a BMI of 22·8 (0·52) kg/m2 [mean (SEM)] received a 400 kcal test meal after which blood samples were taken every 30 min from 0 to 180 min. PYY, GLP‐1 and ghrelin were measured by radioimmunoassays. Fractionated bile acids were measured by HPLC‐MSMS.Results  PYY positively correlated with glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) (rs = 0·23, P = 0·03) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (rs = 0·26, P = 0·02). GLP‐1 positively correlated with GCDCA (rs = 0·22, P = 0·047) and glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) (rs = 0·3, P = 0·005). Ghrelin negatively correlated with GDCA (rs = −0·45, P≤ 0·0001), TCDCA (rs = −0·23, P = 0·034) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (rs = −0·44, P≤ 0·0001).Conclusion  PYY and GLP‐1 responses correlated with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) counterparts, whereas ghrelin negatively correlated with deoxycholic acid (DCA) counterparts. Specific bile acids may thus differentially affect entero‐endocrine cells.
Effects of dantrolene on apoptosis and immunohistochemical expression of NeuN in the spinal cord after traumatic injury in rats
Authors: Torres Bruno Benetti Junta , Caldeira Fátima Maria Caetano , Gomes Mardelene Geísa , Serakides Rogéria , De Marco Viott Aline , Bertagnolli Angélica Cavalheiro , Fukushima Fabíola Bono , De Oliveira Karen Maciel , Gomes Marcus Vinícius , De Melo Eliane Gonçalves 
Published: October 2010

SummaryDantrolene has been shown to be neuroprotective by reducing neuronal apoptosis after brain injury in several animal models of neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of dantrolene on experimental spinal cord injury (SCI). Forty‐six male Wistar rats were laminectomized at T13 and divided in six groups: GI (n = 7) underwent SCI with placebo and was euthanized after 32 h; GII (n = 7) underwent laminectomy alone with placebo and was euthanized after 32 h; GIII (n = 8) underwent SCI with dantrolene and was euthanized after 32 h; GIV (n = 8) underwent SCI with placebo and was euthanized after 8 days; GV (n = 8) underwent laminectomy alone with placebo and was euthanized after 8 days; and GVI (n = 8) underwent SCI with dantrolene and was euthanized after 8 days. A compressive trauma was performed to induce SCI. After euthanasia, the spinal cord was evaluated using light microscopy, TUNEL staining and immunochemistry with anti‐Caspase‐3 and anti‐NeuN. Animals treated with dantrolene showed a smaller number of TUNEL‐positive and caspase‐3‐positive cells and a larger number of NeuN‐positive neurons, both at 32 h and 8 days (P ≤ 0.05). These results showed that dantrolene protects spinal cord tissue after traumatic SCI by decreasing apoptotic cell death.
Assessing potential invasiveness of woody horticultural plant species using seedling growth rate traits
Authors: Grotkopp Eva , Erskine‐Ogden Jennifer , Rejmánek Marcel 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. The ornamental plant trade, forestry, and agriculture have been responsible for the initial introduction of over 60% of invasive alien plant species. Screening tools to test potentially new horticultural species should help curtail the continued introduction of new invaders. 2. Using two methods for analysing phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs) of known invasive and non‐invasive, exotic woody horticultural species, we tested the potential of relative growth rate (RGR) and related traits including net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and specific leaf area (SLA) as predictors of invasiveness. These 29 PICs include 65 species and broadly cover angiosperms. 3. Without accounting for phylogeny, no significant differences were found in seedling RGR or related traits between invasive and non‐invasive woody species. Using PICs, invasive species’ RGRs were significantly higher. RGR was considerably more significant using our extensive dataset than in previous smaller studies, while SLA and LAR remained marginally significant. NAR was significantly higher for invasives for the 10–20 days interval. 4. Analysis of this broad data set confirms that RGR is significantly higher for invasive woody species than their non‐invasive counterparts, and may serve as a useful biological predictor of invasiveness for woody angiosperms. This expanded study shows that plant species use different physiological and biomass allocation patterns to achieve higher RGR; therefore individual components of RGR, such as SLA, do not consistently predict potential invasiveness of species. 5. Synthesis and applications. Comparative seedling RGR studies show that this measure has potential as a screening tool for new exotic plant species. Unfortunately, more easily measurable components of RGR do not consistently predict invasiveness, as previously thought. Using seedling RGR analysis as an invasive species’ screening tool requires growing a species proposed for introduction with related invasive and non‐invasive species. If the tested species’ RGR is higher or not significantly different from its known invasive counterpart, it should be considered highly likely to become invasive, and excluded from further consideration as a potential horticultural species. Seedling RGR could potentially produce a useful, straightforward screening tool when phylogenetically related species or cultivars are available.
Linking genetic diversity, mating patterns and progeny performance in fragmented populations of a Mediterranean shrub
Authors: González‐Varo Juan P. , Albaladejo Rafael G. , Aparicio Abelardo , Arroyo Juan 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. The long‐term persistence of fragmented plant populations is predicted to be threatened by a loss of genetic variability and increasing inbreeding, which might lower offspring fitness through inbreeding depression. Assessing plant progeny performance together with measurements of genetic diversity and mating patterns is therefore essential in the understanding of the role of the historical (i.e. genetic diversity in adults) and contemporary (i.e. current mating patterns) genetic effects of fragmentation on inbreeding depression, thus, on recruitment potential. 2. We evaluated genetic diversity, mating patterns and progeny performance at different life stages in seven populations of a Mediterranean shrub (myrtle Myrtus communis) that differed in size and degree of isolation (Large, Small‐connected and Small‐isolated populations). The study was conducted in the Guadalquivir Valley (SW Spain), a chronically and severely fragmented landscape characterized by c. 1% of woodland cover. 3. Parameters of genetic diversity (Ar, Ho and He) of adult plants were in general higher in the Large populations than in the two types of Small populations, which were similar. Outcrossing rates were higher in Small‐connected populations (mean: tm = 0·62), intermediate in Large (tm = 0·35) and lower in Small‐isolated populations (tm = 0·13), and were positively correlated with the genetic diversity of progenies. 4. Several measurements of progeny performance were higher in Small‐connected populations, intermediate in Large and lower in Small‐isolated populations, in particular those related with the quantity of viable seedlings produced (germination and survival). Outcrossing rates rather than the genetic diversity of adult plants were positively correlated with these measurements of progeny performance. 5. We thus conclude that contemporary mating patterns (outcrossing rates) have a more critical influence on progeny performance than either population fragmentation or the historical levels of genetic diversity. 6. Synthesis and applications. It may be possible to enhance either the fitness or certain levels of genetic diversity in progenies by promoting outcrossed matings in fragmented populations of self‐compatible plant species. In our study species, this would be feasible either by controlling honeybee Apis mellifera hives or maintaining and/or enhancing landscape connectivity around small patches.
150‐year legacy of land use on tree species composition in old‐secondary forests of Jamaica
Authors: Chai Shauna‐Lee , Tanner E. V. J. 
Published: October 2010

Summary1.The long term impacts of historical land use on montane tropical forest tree species composition and structure is unknown. We used old plantation survey maps of 19th century coffee plantations in the Blue and Port Royal Mountains of Jamaica to investigate the effects of land use history on forest tree species composition and structure after 150–170 years of re‐growth.2.We sampled trees (≥ 10 cm d.b.h.) in montane forests along eight 200 m × 5 m transects that ran across old plantation boundaries. We assumed that agriculture had been abandoned for at least 150 years in the old plantations, based on the present forest cover which has now re‐grown to resemble old growth forest, and that what was described as forest on old maps remained forested throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Transects were located in montane forests between 1100 and 1500 m elevation, except for one transect which was in lower montane forest at 600 m elevation. For data analysis, transects were divided into three equal lengths, representing three forest types: old plantation, old edge and old growth.3.There was no difference between old growth forest and old plantation forest or old edge forest in species density, endemic species richness or basal area. However we found a significantly higher percentage of individuals of endemic species in the old growth forest type.4.The species composition of large and medium sized stems (20.1–95.0 cm) in the three forest types was different. The similarity between forest types of species with small stems (10–20 cm) suggests that succession follows an equilibrium model.5.Synthesis.Old growth tropical montane forests are still different from forests on adjacent old plantations after 150–170 years of re‐growth in having a higher percentage of individuals of endemic tree species, and in the tree species composition of large and medium‐sized stems. While these old‐secondary forests are not identical to old growth forest, they can have similar species density and basal area to old growth forests after two‐centuries.
Is Alarm Calling Risky? Marmots Avoid Calling from Risky Places
Authors: Collier Travis C. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Girod Lewis , Taylor Charles E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAlarm calling is common in many species. A prevalent assumption is that calling puts the vocalizing individual at increased risk of predation. If calling is indeed costly, we need special explanations for its evolution and maintenance. In some, but not all species, callers vocalize away from safety and thus may be exposed to an increased risk of predation. However, for species that emit bouts with one or a few calls, it is often difficult to identify the caller and find the precise location where a call was produced. We analyzed the spatial dynamics of yellow‐bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) alarm calling using an acoustic localization system to determine the location from where calls were emitted. Marmots almost always called from positions close to the safety of their burrows, and, if they produced more than one alarm call, tended to end their calling bouts closer to safety than they started them. These results suggest that for this species, potential increased predation risk from alarm calling is greatly mitigated and indeed calling may have limited predation costs.
Lateralization When Monitoring Predators in the Wild: A Left Eye Control in the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Authors: Martín José , López Pilar , Bonati Beatrice , Csermely Davide 
Published: October 2010

AbstractLateralization is the function specialization between left and right brain hemispheres. It is now ascertained in ectotherms too, where bias in eye use for different tasks, i.e., visual lateralization, is widespread. The lateral eye position on the head of ectotherm animals, in fact, allows them to observe left/right stimuli independently and allows lateralized individuals to carry out left and right perceived tasks at the same time. A recent study conducted on common wall lizards, Podarcis muralis, showed that lizards predominantly monitor a predator with the left eye while escaping. However, this work was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting owing to the difficulty of carrying out lateralization experiments under natural conditions. Nevertheless, field studies could provide important information to support what was previously found in the laboratory and demonstrate that these traits occur in nature. In this study, we conducted a field study on the antipredatory behavior of P. muralis lizards. We simulated predatory attacks on lizards in their natural environment. We found no lateralization in the measure of eye used by the lizard to monitor the predator before escaping from it, but the eye used was probably determined by the relative position of the lizard and the predator just before the attack. This first eye used did not affect escape decisions; lizards chose to escape toward the nearest refuge irrespective of whether it was located to the lizard’s left or right side. However, once they had escaped to a refuge, lizards had a left eye–mediated bias to monitor the predator when first emerging from the refuge, and this bias was likely independent of other environmental variables. Hence, these field findings support a left eye–mediated observation of the predator in P. muralis lizards, which confirms previous findings in this and other species.