bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are we ready? Preparedness of acute care providers for the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand
Authors: Al-Shaqsi Sultan , McBride David , Gauld Robin , Al-Kashmiri Ammar , Al-Harthy Abdullah 
Published: November 2011

New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. It is the largest sporting event in New Zealand's history, with around 70 000 fans estimated to visit the country from September to October 2011. This influx of tourists will have an impact on its already stretched healthcare services. The preparedness of New Zealand's healthcare system to handle this mass event is unclear.ObjectivesThe two main objectives of this study were (1) to determine the perceived preparedness of acute care providers in New Zealand to respond to the healthcare demands of RWC 2011; and (2) to determine the factors associated with perceived strong preparedness among acute care providers in New Zealand.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 1500 doctors, nurses and ambulance officers working in acute care services in New Zealand was conducted between June 2010 and March 2011.Results911 surveys were completed (response rate 60.7%). Only 12.7% of acute care providers felt they were prepared to deal with possible health issues arising from RWC 2011. Perceived preparedness was highest among ambulance officers and lowest among providers in intensive care units (16.3% vs 4.1%, p<0.01). Acute care providers who were aware of their role in a mass emergency were more likely to report preparedness with a prevalence OR of 3.5 and a 95% CI of 2.1 to 5.7.ConclusionOnly 12.7% of acute care providers in New Zealand perceived preparedness for RWC 2011. Perceived preparedness followed a stepwise decline from prehospital services, emergency department, to surgery and then finally to intensive care services. This indicates that current preparedness activities are focusing on prehospital emergency services and neglecting surgical and intensive care services. Awareness about the role of acute care providers during emergencies, training and previous experience were associated with perceived strong preparedness for RWC 2011.
Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeling of enterobacteria associated with fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and persistence in their natural hostRhagoletis completaCresson.
Authors: Martinez-Sañudo Isabel , Savio Claudia , Mazzon Luca , Girolami Vincenzo , Ciolfi Silvia , Marri Laura 
Published: November 2011

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are a highly successful, widespread group of insects that cause economic damage in agriculture. Data available so far on the composition of the bacterial community associated with their digestive tract indicate that members of Enterobacteriaceae are the species most often isolated. Bacteria naturally occurring in insect guts may be engineered and used to study the spatial and functional interactions of microbes within the insect system and offer one route to meet the demand for novel insect pest management strategies. With this aim we introduced by conjugation the gfp gene carried by the suicide plasmid pTn5gfpmut1 into Klebsiella oxytoca and Raoultella (formerly Klebsiella ) spp. strains isolated from the oesophageal bulb of the fruit flies Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Rhagoletis completa Cresson, respectively. The GFP-encoding gene was stably maintained in two tested transgenic strains, both originally isolated from R. completa. In one case, GFP-labeled bacterial cells were used to feed larvae and adults of the original host. Genetically modified bacteria were able to colonize the gut of larvae and persisted through all larval instars to pupal stage.
Biological control of Botrytis cinerea using the antagonistic and endophytic Burkholderia cepacia Cs5 for vine plantlet protection
Authors: Kilani-Feki Olfa , Jaoua Samir 
Published: November 2011

Antifungal activity of the Burkholderia cepacia Cs5 was tested in vitro and in vivo for the control of Botrytis cinerea . Bacterial biomass was significantly improved by the amendment of ZnSO4, Mo7(NH4)6O24, and mannitol to the NBY medium; consequently, the amount of the secreted fungicides was increased. The quantification of B. cinerea inhibition, in liquid and solid conditions, showed an important sensitivity of this fungus to the strain Cs5 fungicides. Microscopic monitoring impact of these fungicides on mycelium structure showed an important increase in their diameter and ramifications in the presence of 0.75% supernatant. For the in vivo application of the strain Cs5, Vitis vinifera plantlets were inoculated with a Cs5 bacterial suspension, then with B. cinerea spores. The plantlets protection was total and durable when these two inoculations were made 3 weeks apart, which is the time for the endophytic bacterium to colonize the plantlets up to the top leaves. This protection is due to Cs5 antagonism and the elicitation of the plantlets self-defense via the root overgrowth.
Genetic characterization of Human astrovirus infection in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, 2007–2008
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Yuan-Hong , Peng Jin-Song , Zhou Xuan , Tang Li , Kobayashi Nobumichi , Hu Quan , Zhou Dun-Jin , Huang Han-Ju , Liu Man-Qing 
Published: November 2011

Human astrovirus (HAstV) was an important cause of viral gastroenteritis in infants in Wuhan city based on our previous study. The aim of the study was to investigate the nature of HAstV infection in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, especially in adults. Stool specimens were collected from 361 children and 301 adults with diarrhea from July 2007 to June 2008 and were tested for HAstV RNA by RT-PCR. The 348-bp PCR product of positive samples was further sequenced and analyzed for multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree. HAstV RNA was detected in 2.33% (7/301) adults, which was significantly lower than that in children (13.57%, 49/361). HAstV-positive patients were either older than 50 years of age or younger than 3. Genetic analysis showed that the HAstV strain in adults was the same as that in children in 2007–2008. Contrarily, HAstV strains prevalent in 2007–2008 showed genetic characteristics different from those in 2004–2005 and belonged to two new groups of HAstV-1b. Thus, our data characterized HAstV infection in Wuhan 2007–2008, suggesting that HAstV infection also played an important role in adults in Wuhan, especial in patients of >50 years, and should be included for routine diagnosis in the population with diarrheal illness.
Angiographic Disease Progression and Residual Risk of Cardiovascular Events While on Optimal Medical Therapy
Authors: Mancini G.B. John , Hartigan Pamela M. , Bates Eric R. , Sedlis Steven P. , Maron David J. , Spertus John A. , Berman Daniel S. , Kostuk William J. , Shaw Leslee J. , Weintraub William S. , Teo Koon K. , Dada Marcin , Chaitman Bernard R. , O'Rourke Robert A. , Boden William E. 
Published: November 2011

Background—
The extent to which recurrent events in patients with stable coronary artery disease is attributable to progression of an index lesion originally ≥50% diameter stenosis (DS) but not revascularized or originally <50% DS is unknown during optimal medical therapy (OMT).

Methods and Results—

In the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial, 205 patients assigned to OMT plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 284 patients assigned to OMT only had symptom-driven angiograms suitable for analysis. Percentages of patients in the OMT+PCI and OMT-only cohorts with index lesions originally <50% DS were 30% and 32%, respectively; 20% and 68% had index lesions originally ≥50% DS. In both groups, index lesions originally <50% or ≥50% DS represented <4% and <25% of all such lesions, respectively. The only angiographic predictor of myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome was the number of lesions originally ≥50% DS that had not been revascularized (odds ratio, 1.15; confidence limits, 1.01–1.31;
P
<0.04).

Conclusions—
Lesions originally <50% DS were index lesions in one third of patients referred for symptom-driven repeat angiography, but represented <4% of all such lesions. Nonrevascularized lesions originally ≥50% DS were more often index lesions in OMT-only patients, but still represented a minority (<25%) of all such lesions. These findings underscore the need for improved therapies to arrest plaque progression and reliable strategies for selecting stenoses warranting PCI.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00007657.
The effect of loom settings on weavability limits on air-jet weaving machines
Authors: Turhan Yildiray , Eren Recep 
Published: November 2011

In this paper, the effect of weaving machine settings on weavability limits of air-jet looms was investigated by weaving plain weave fabrics with polyester warp and weft yarns. For this purpose, firstly, weavability limits were determined for 16.7 tex weft by setting back-rest height, total warp tension, frontshed angle and shed closing time at different levels without changing the properties of warp. For each machine setting, weft density was increased gradually until reaching the weavable limit. During the experiments, weaving continuity, unfavorable effects interrupting this continuity, negative changes on fabric and yarns were observed. In the mean time, the warp yarn tension and cloth-fell distance were measured. Later, the weaving with 7.8 and 33.3 tex wefts was carried out at the settings required to produce a weave at the maximum weft density for 16.7 tex weft. The maximum weavable weft densities were determined for these two weft yarns. Finally, the obtained maximum weft densities and cover factors with three different weft yarns were compared with the results obtained from theoretical equations of Pierce, Love and Brierley. It was found that the warp tension had the most significant effect on the weavability limits. Changing shed adjustment from the zero level of the back rest to higher values, increased the weavability limit slightly, but increasing the shed asymmetry further did not have a significant effect on the weavability limit. The shed closing time had some effect on the limit. But this was less than the effect of the warp tension. Changing the front shed angle did not have any effect on weavability limits.
Effects of erdosteine on hemostasis
Authors: Tutanc M , Arica V , Motor S , Basarslan F , Erden ES , Ozturk OH , Zararsiz I , Aydin M 
Published: November 2011

Aim: In this study, the effects of erdosteine (ED) on the platelet function and coagulation were investigated in adult rats. Materials and Method: Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The control rats in group I ( n = 7) were given only 0.5 cc of normal saline daily through oral gavage. Group II ( n = 7) rats were administered 3 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days; while group III ( n = 7) rats were given 10 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days; and group IV ( n = 7) rats were administered 30 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated prothromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), coagulation factors and complete blood counts were measured from the blood drawn. Results: There were a lot of differences between ED groups and control group, and among ED groups. The found differences were level of PT, aPTT, INR, coagulation factors, and number of platelets. Discussion: We consider that ED which is used as a mucolytic agent in child clinics may affect hemostasis and coagulation in a dose-dependent manner. ED should be used carefully by the patients with coagulation disorders, since there is no information available in the package insert and literature screening regarding the effect of ED.
Structural and evolutionary divergence of eukaryotic protein kinases in Apicomplexa
Authors: Talevich Eric , Mirza Amar , Kannan Natarajan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe Apicomplexa constitute an evolutionarily divergent phylum of protozoan pathogens responsible for widespread parasitic diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. Many cellular functions in these medically important organisms are controlled by protein kinases, which have emerged as promising drug targets for parasitic diseases. However, an incomplete understanding of how apicomplexan kinases structurally and mechanistically differ from their host counterparts has hindered drug development efforts to target parasite kinases.ResultsWe used the wealth of sequence data recently made available for 15 apicomplexan species to identify the kinome of each species and quantify the evolutionary constraints imposed on each family of apicomplexan kinases. Our analysis revealed lineage-specific adaptations in selected families, namely cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and CLK/LAMMER, which have been identified as important in the pathogenesis of these organisms. Bayesian analysis of selective constraints imposed on these families identified the sequence and structural features that most distinguish apicomplexan protein kinases from their homologs in model organisms and other eukaryotes. In particular, in a subfamily of CDKs orthologous toPlasmodium falciparumcrk-5, the activation loop contains a novel PTxC motif which is absent from all CDKs outside Apicomplexa. Our analysis also suggests a convergent mode of regulation in a subset of apicomplexan CDPKs and mammalian MAPKs involving a commonly conserved arginine in theαC helix. In all recognized apicomplexan CLKs, we find a set of co-conserved residues involved in substrate recognition and docking that are distinct from metazoan CLKs.ConclusionsWe pinpoint key conserved residues that can be predicted to mediate functional differences from eukaryotic homologs in three identified kinase families. We discuss the structural, functional and evolutionary implications of these lineage-specific variations and propose specific hypotheses for experimental investigation. The apicomplexan-specific kinase features reported in this study can be used in the design of selective kinase inhibitors.
Development of genomic resources for the narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius): construction of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library and BAC-end sequencing
Authors: Gao Ling-Ling , Hane James K , Kamphuis Lars G , Foley Rhonda , Shi Bu-Jun , Atkins Craig A , Singh Karam B 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundLupinus angustifoliusL, also known as narrow-leafed lupin (NLL), is becoming an important grain legume crop that is valuable for sustainable farming and is becoming recognised as a potential human health food. Recent interest is being directed at NLL to improve grain production, disease and pest management and health benefits of the grain. However, studies have been hindered by a lack of extensive genomic resources for the species.ResultsA NLL BAC library was constructed consisting of 111,360 clones with an average insert size of 99.7 Kbp fromcvTanjil. The library has approximately 12 × genome coverage. Both ends of 9600 randomly selected BAC clones were sequenced to generate 13985 BAC end-sequences (BESs), covering approximately 1% of the NLL genome. These BESs permitted a preliminary characterisation of the NLL genome such as organisation and composition, with the BESs having approximately 39% G:C content, 16.6% repetitive DNA and 5.4% putative gene-encoding regions. From the BESs 9966 simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs were identified and some of these are shown to be potential markers.ConclusionsThe NLL BAC library and BAC-end sequences are powerful resources for genetic and genomic research on lupin. These resources will provide a robust platform for future high-resolution mapping, map-based cloning, comparative genomics and assembly of whole-genome sequencing data for the species.
Insight into cross-talk between intra-amoebal pathogens
Authors: Gimenez Gregory , Bertelli Claire , Moliner Claire , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Greub Gilbert 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Amoebae are phagocytic protists where genetic exchanges might take place between amoeba-resistant bacteria. These amoebal pathogens are able to escape the phagocytic behaviour of their host. They belong to different bacterial phyla and often show a larger genome size than human-infecting pathogens. This characteristic is proposed to be the result of frequent gene exchanges with other bacteria that share a sympatric lifestyle and contrasts with the genome reduction observed among strict human pathogens.

Results
We sequenced the genome of a new amoebal pathogen, Legionella drancourtii, and compared its gene content to that of a Chlamydia- related bacterium, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. Phylogenetic reconstructions identified seven potential horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) between the two amoeba-resistant bacteria, including a complete operon of four genes that encodes an ABC-type transporter. These comparisons pinpointed potential cases of gene exchange between P. acanthamoebae and Legionella pneumophila, as well as gene exchanges between other members of the Legionellales and Chlamydiales orders. Moreover, nine cases represent possible HGTs between representatives from the Legionellales or Chlamydiales and members of the Rickettsiales order.

Conclusions
This study identifies numerous gene exchanges between intracellular Legionellales and Chlamydiales bacteria, which could preferentially occur within common inclusions in their amoebal hosts. Therefore it contributes to improve our knowledge on the intra-amoebal gene properties associated to their specific lifestyle.
Assessing diversity of the female urine microbiota by high throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons
Authors: Siddiqui Huma , Nederbragt Alexander J , Lagesen Karin , Jeansson Stig L , Jakobsen Kjetill S 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Urine within the urinary tract is commonly regarded as "sterile" in cultivation terms. Here, we present a comprehensive in-depth study of bacterial 16S rDNA sequences associated with urine from healthy females by means of culture-independent high-throughput sequencing techniques.

Results
Sequencing of the V1V2 and V6 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene using the 454 GS FLX system was performed to characterize the possible bacterial composition in 8 culture-negative (<100,000 CFU/ml) healthy female urine specimens. Sequences were compared to 16S rRNA databases and showed significant diversity, with the predominant genera detected being Lactobacillus, Prevotella and Gardnerella. The bacterial profiles in the female urine samples studied were complex; considerable variation between individuals was observed and a common microbial signature was not evident. Notably, a significant amount of sequences belonging to bacteria with a known pathogenic potential was observed. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for individual samples varied substantially and was in the range of 20 - 500.

Conclusions
Normal female urine displays a noticeable and variable bacterial 16S rDNA sequence richness, which includes fastidious and anaerobic bacteria previously shown to be associated with female urogenital pathology.
Sexual risk taking behaviour: prevalence and associated factors. A population-based study of 22 000 Danish men
Authors: Buttmann Nina , Nielsen Ann , Munk Christian , Liaw Kai L , Kjaer Susanne K 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Sexual habits and risky sexual behaviour strongly affect public health. Available data indicate that sexually transmitted infections are increasing in many EU countries. Changes in the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases across Europe are among other factors suggested to be driven by changes in sexual behaviour patterns. The purpose of our study is to assess the occurrence of risky behaviour in men aged 18-45 years from the general population. Furthermore, we aim to examine factors associated with risky sexual behaviour.

Methods
A random sample of 33 000 Danish men (18-45 years) was selected from the general population. The participants (participation-rate: 71.0%) received a self-administered questionnaire which could be returned in a paper-based version or as a web-based questionnaire. Non-respondents were subsequently asked to participate in a telephone interview with the same questions as in the paper- or web-based questionnaire. We defined risky sexual behaviour as > 8 lifetime sexual partners, ≥2 new sexual partners in the past 6 months and intercourse with a commercial sex worker.

Results
The Danish men reported having had sexual intercourse with a median of 8 female partners during their lifetime and 9.8% of the men have had ≥2 new sexual partners in the past 6 months. Sexual intercourse with a commercial sex worker was reported by 11.3% of the men. Furthermore, men reporting > 8 lifetime partners or ≥2 recent sex partners were more likely to have other risk taking behaviours such as early sexual debut, current smoking and regular binge drinking. A similar pattern was seen in men who had sex with a commercial sex worker.

Conclusions
Our results show that a high proportion of Danish men have had sexual contact with a large number of partners, and risky sexual behaviour is closely related to other risk-taking behaviours such as smoking and binge drinking.
Correspondence between salivary proteomic pattern and clinical course in primary Sjögren syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Baldini Chiara , Giusti Laura , Ciregia Federica , Da Valle Ylenia , Giacomelli Camillo , Donadio Elena , Ferro Francesco , Galimberti Sara , Donati Valentina , Bazzichi Laura , Bombardieri Stefano , Lucacchini Antonio 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
In the last years human proteomic has represented a promising tool to promote the communication between basic and clinical science.

Methods
To explore the correspondence between salivary proteomic profile and clinical response, herein, we used a proteomic approach to analyse the whole saliva of a patient with primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) and non-Hodgkin's-MALT type parotid lymphoma before, during and after a standard treatment with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and rituximab (RTX). To identify any discriminatory therapeutic salivary biomarker patient's whole saliva was collected at the baseline, after the fourth infusion of rituximab, and on remission and analysed combining two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry.

Results
Proteomic results obtained from the comparison of salivary samples indicated several qualitative and quantitative modifications in the salivary expression of putative albumin, immunoglobulin J chain, Ig kappa chain C region, alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin and Ig alpha-1 chain C region.

Conclusion
This study suggests that clinical and functional changes of the salivary glands driven by autoimmune and lymphoproliferative processes might be reflected in patients' whole saliva proteins, shedding new light on the potential usefulness of salivary proteomic analysis in the identification of prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for patients with pSS and non Hodgkin's lymphomas.