bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor Diagnostic Accuracy of Commercial Antibody-Based Assays for the Diagnosis of Acute Chikungunya Infection
Authors: Blacksell Stuart D. , Tanganuchitcharnchai Ampai , Jarman Richard G. , Gibbons Robert V. , Paris Daniel H. , Bailey Mark S. , Day Nicholas P. J. , Premaratna Ranjan , Lalloo David G. , de Silva H. Janaka 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

A Sri Lankan fever cohort (
n
= 292 patients; 17.8% prevalence) was used to assess two standard diagnostic Chikungunya IgM tests. The immunochromatographic test (ICT) acute sample sensitivity (SN) was 1.9 to 3.9%, and specificity (SP) was 92.5 to 95.0%. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) gave an acute sample SN of 3.9% and an SP of 92.5% and a convalescent sample SN of 84% and an SP of 91%. These assays are not suitable for the acute diagnosis of Chikungunya virus infection.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A2 Participates in the Replication of Japanese Encephalitis Virus through an Interaction with Viral Proteins and RNA
Authors: Katoh Hiroshi , Mori Yoshio , Kambara Hiroto , Abe Takayuki , Fukuhara Takasuke , Morita Eiji , Moriishi Kohji , Kamitani Wataru , Matsuura Yoshiharu 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is kept in a zoonotic transmission cycle between pigs and mosquitoes. JEV causes infection of the central nervous system with a high mortality rate in dead-end hosts, including humans. Many studies have suggested that the flavivirus core protein is not only a component of nucleocapsids but also an important pathogenic determinant. In this study, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2 (hnRNP A2) as a binding partner of the JEV core protein by pulldown purification and mass spectrometry. Reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation analyses in transfected and infected cells confirmed a specific interaction between the JEV core protein and hnRNP A2. Expression of the JEV core protein induced cytoplasmic retention of hnRNP A2 in JEV subgenomic replicon cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of hnRNP A2 resulted in a 90% reduction of viral RNA replication in cells infected with JEV, and the reduction was cancelled by the expression of an siRNA-resistant hnRNP A2 mutant. In addition to the core protein, hnRNP A2 also associated with JEV nonstructural protein 5, which has both methyltransferase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities, and with the 5′-untranslated region of the negative-sense JEV RNA. During one-step growth, synthesis of both positive- and negative-strand JEV RNAs was delayed by the knockdown of hnRNP A2. These results suggest that hnRNP A2 plays an important role in the replication of JEV RNA through the interaction with viral proteins and RNA.
Mutation of Glutamine to Arginine at Position 548 of IE2 86 in Human Cytomegalovirus Leads to Decreased Expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84 and Increased Transcription of US8-9 and US29-32
Authors: Burgdorf Sarah W. , Clark Charles L. , Burgdorf James R. , Spector Deborah H. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
The IE2 86 protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is essential for productive infection. The mutation of glutamine to arginine at position 548 of IE2 86 causes the virus to grow both slowly and to very low titers, making it difficult to study this mutant via infection. In this study, Q548R IE2 86 HCMV was produced on the complementing cell line 86F/40HA, which allowed faster and higher-titer production of mutant virus. The main defects observed in this mutant were greatly decreased expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84. Genome replication and the induction of cell cycle arrest were found to proceed at or near wild-type levels, and there was no defect in transitioning to early or late protein expression. Q548R IE2 86 was still able to interact with UL84. Furthermore, Q548R IE2 40 maintained the ability to enhance UL84 expression in a cotransfection assay. Microarray analysis of Q548R IE2 HCMV revealed that the US8, US9, and US29-32 transcripts were all significantly upregulated. These results further confirm the importance of IE2 in UL83 and UL84 expression as well as pointing to several previously unknown regions of the HCMV genome that may be regulated by IE2.
HIV, HSV-2 and syphilis among married couples in India: patterns of discordance and concordance
Authors: Arora Paul , Nagelkerke Nico , Sgaier Sema K , Kumar Rajesh , Dhingra Neeraj , Jha Prabhat 
Published: August 2011

ObjectivesDifferences in sexual networks probably explain the disparity in the scale of HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and India. HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) discordant couple studies provide insights into important aspects of these sexual networks. The authors quantify the role of male sexual behaviour in HIV transmission in married couples in India.MethodsThe authors analysed patterns of HIV and STI discordance in married couples from two community surveys in India: the National Family Health Study-3 for HIV-1 and the Centre for Global Health Research health check-up for HSV-2 and syphilis. A statistical model was used to estimate the fraction of infections introduced by each of the two partners.ResultsOnly 0.8%, 16.0% and 3.5% of couples were infected (either partner or both) with HIV-1, HSV-2 and syphilis, respectively. A large proportion of infected couples were discordant (73.0%, 56.3% and 84.2% for HIV-1, HSV-2 and syphilis, respectively). This model estimated that, among couples with any STI, the male partner introduced the infection the majority of the time (HIV-1: 85.4%, HSV-2: 64.1%, syphilis: 75.0%).ConclusionsMale sexual activity outside of marriage appears to be a driving force for the Indian HIV/STI epidemic. Male client and female sex worker contacts should remain a primary target of the National AIDS Control Program in India.
Impact of a combined diet and progressive exercise intervention for overweight and obese children: the B.E. H.I.P. study
Authors: Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Venner Allison A. , Lyon Martha E. , Fung Tak 
Published: August 2011

The Biochemical Evaluation of a Health Intervention Programme (B.E. H.I.P.) investigated the impact of progressive exercise intensity in overweight and obese children. A 5-month prospective randomized crossover design (XA, immediate intervention; OB, control group; XB, delayed intervention, OA, postintervention follow-up) with a 10-week health intervention programme was employed. The intervention utilized a progressive increase in high-intensity exercise (≥75% maximum heart rate) and included 3 nutrition and 2 parent education sessions. Primary analysis was completed with (i) XA versus OB and (ii) all intervention participants (collapsed XA and XB = XAXB). Prepubertal overweight and obese male and female children (n = 27) between 5 and 10 years of age were randomly allocated to XA (n = 16; 11 females; waist circumference = 80.0 ± 10.6 cm) or OB (n = 11; 3 females; waist circumference = 76.6 ± 7.5 cm). The primary variables were heart rate and percent fat mass. All variables, including body composition, habitual activity, and serum lipids, were repeatedly measured for up to a maximum of 7 time points. Energy expenditure was quantitatively measured throughout each exercise class (n = 20). A significantly longer time in the exercise sessions was spent in high-intensity (35.1%–60.0%) versus low- to moderate-intensity (64.9%–40.0%) exercise as the intervention progressed from the first to the last attended exercise class (Fisher exact test, p < 0.0001). The percent fat mass decreased in all intervention participants (–2.2%, p < 0.0001). XA had a greater slope decrease than OB for percent fat mass (p = 0.00051) and triglycerides (p = 0.0467). In conclusion, high-intensity exercise, within a comprehensive health programme that includes nutrition education, improved the lipid and physiological health profiles of obese children.
Tumor growth reduction in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats performing anaerobic exercise: participation of Bcl-2, Bax, apoptosis, and peroxidation
Authors: de Lima Carina , Alves Luciana , Iagher Fabíola , Machado Andressa Franzoi , Kryczyk Marcelo , Yamazaki Ricardo Key , Brito Gleisson Alisson Pereira , Nunes Everson Araújo , Naliwaiko Katya , Fernandes Luiz Cláudio 
Published: August 2011

Physical activity has been used in cancer prevention and treatment. In this study, we investigated some of the mechanisms by which anaerobic exercise reduces tumor growth. To do so, rats were trained for 8 weeks. Training consisted of jumping in a swimming pool for ten 30-s sets, with a load that was 50% of body weight attached to the back, 4 times per week. At the sixth week, anaerobic exercise trained rats (EX group) were inoculated with a suspension of Walker 256 tumor cells. Tumor weight, apoptotic tumor cells, tumor Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression, tumor lipid peroxidation, and tumor cell proliferation ex vivo were evaluated. Tumor weight was significantly lower in the EX group (∼30%) than in rats that did not undergo training (sedentary group) (p < 0.05). Apoptosis in the tumor cells of EX rats was 2-fold higher than in the tumor cells of sedentary rats; in addition, Bax expression increased by 10% and Bcl-2 decreased by 13% in EX rats. Lipid peroxidation was 4-fold higher in the tumor cells of EX rats than in those of sedentary rats (p < 0.05). Tumor cell proliferation ex vivo was 29% lower in the EX group than in the sedentary group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Walker 256 tumor-bearing exercised rats presented more tumor cell apoptosis, a higher tumor content of lipid peroxides, pro-apoptotic protein expression balance, and reduced tumor weight and cell proliferation ex vivo, compared with sedentary rats. These events, together, account for the lower tumor growth we observed in the EX rats.
Prevalence of caffeine use in elite athletes following its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency list of banned substances
Authors: Del Coso Juan , Muñoz Gloria , Muñoz-Guerra Jesús 
Published: August 2011

The aim of this investigation was to determine the use of caffeine by athletes after its removal from the World Anti-Doping Agency list. For this purpose, we measured the caffeine concentration in 20 686 urine samples obtained for doping control from 2004 to 2008. We utilized only urine samples obtained after official national and international competitions. Urine caffeine concentration was determined using alkaline extraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 0.1 µg·mL–1. The percentage of urine samples below the LOD was 26.2%; the remaining 73.8% of the urine samples contained caffeine. Most urine samples (67.3%) had urinary caffeine concentrations below 5 µg·mL–1. Only 0.6% of urine samples exceeded the former threshold for caffeine doping (12 µg·mL–1). Triathlon (3.3 ± 2.2 µg·mL–1), cycling (2.6 ± 2.0 µg·mL–1), and rowing (1.9 ± 1.4 µg·mL–1) were the sports with the highest levels of urine caffeine concentration; gymnastics was the sport with the lowest urine caffeine concentration (0.5 ± 0.4 µg·mL–1). Older competitors (>30 y) had higher levels of caffeine in their urine than younger competitors (<20 y; p < 0.05); there were no differences between males and females. In conclusion, 3 out of 4 athletes had consumed caffeine before or during sports competition. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of these competitors (0.6%) had a urine caffeine concentration higher than 12 µg·mL–1. Endurance sports were the disciplines showing the highest urine caffeine excretion after competition.
Increased levels of platelet activation markers are positively associated with carotid wall thickness and other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients
Authors: Nagy Bela , Fulop Tibor , Varga Zsuzsa , Karányi Zsolt , Magyar Mária , Oláh László , Papp Mária , Facskó Andrea , Kappelmayer János , Paragh György , Káplar Miklós , Csongrádi Éva 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThe role of platelets in the development of atherosclerosis and obesity-related prothrombotic state is still under investigation. In this cross-sectional cohort study, we measured the levels of different platelet activation markers and evaluated their relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) along with other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients with or without atherosclerotic co-morbidities. We enrolled 154 obese patients, including 98 with either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia, 56 without these co-morbidities and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Platelet P-selectin expression and the number of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry; soluble P-selectin levels were analysed by ELISA and Thr715Pro P-selectin polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP. Carotid IMT was examined by ultrasonography. The levels of platelet activation parameters were significantly elevated in all obese subjects with increased carotid IMT compared to healthy controls. There was no effect of Thr715Pro genotype on soluble P-selectin levels in obese individuals contrary to normal subjects. Significant and positive association was revealed between carotid IMT and platelet P-selectin (p<0.0001), soluble P-selectin (p=0.039) and PMP (p=0.0001) levels. After adjusting for multiple variables, independent association was found between soluble P-selectin and fibrinogen (p=0.007), PMP levels and body mass index (p<0.0001) as well as platelet P-selectin and carotid IMT (p=0.012) plus plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p=0.009). In conclusion, P-selectin and PMP levels showed positive associations with abnormal carotid IMT and other risk factors in obesity suggesting a critical role of enhanced platelet reactivity in atherosclerotic wall alteration.
The evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care: An exploration of the potential of case study research strategies
Authors: Walshe Catherine 
Published: August 2011

Background: Complex, incrementally changing, context dependent and variable palliative care services are difficult to evaluate. Case study research strategies may have potential to contribute to evaluating such complex interventions, and to develop this field of evaluation research. Aim: This paper explores definitions of case study (as a unit of study, a process, and a product) and examines the features of case study research strategies which are thought to confer benefits for the evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care settings. Results: Ten features of case study that are thought to be beneficial in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care are discussed, drawing from exemplars of research in this field. Important features are related to a longitudinal approach, triangulation, purposive instance selection, comprehensive approach, multiple data sources, flexibility, concurrent data collection and analysis, search for proving-disproving evidence, pattern matching techniques and an engaging narrative. The limitations of case study approaches are discussed including the potential for subjectivity and their complex, time consuming and potentially expensive nature. Conclusions: Case study research strategies have great potential in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care settings. Three key features need to be exploited to develop this field: case selection, longitudinal designs, and the use of rival hypotheses. In particular, case study should be used in situations where there is interplay and interdependency between the intervention and its context, such that it is difficult to define or find relevant comparisons.
Paramedics experiences and expectations concerning advance directives: A prospective, questionnaire-based, bi-centre study
Authors: Taghavi Mahmoud , Simon Alfred , Kappus Stefan , Meyer Nicole , Lassen Christoph L , Klier Tobias , Ruppert David B , Graf Bernhard M , Hanekop Gerd G , Wiese Christoph HR 
Published: August 2011

Background: Advance directives and palliative crisis cards are means by which palliative care patients can exert their autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Aim: To examine paramedics’ attitudes towards advance directives and end-of-life care. Design: Questionnaire-based investigation using a self-administered survey instrument. Setting/participants: Paramedics of two cities (Hamburg and Goettingen, Germany) were included. Participants were questioned as to (1) their attitudes about advance directives, (2) their clinical experiences in connection with end-of-life situations (e.g. resuscitation), (3) their suggestions in regard to advance directives, ‘Do not attempt resuscitation’ orders and palliative crisis cards. Results: Questionnaires were returned by 728 paramedics (response rate: 81%). The majority of paramedics (71%) had dealt with advance directives and end-of-life decisions in emergency situations. Most participants (84%) found that cardiopulmonary resuscitation in end-of-life patients is not useful and 75% stated that they would withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the case of legal possibility. Participants also mentioned that more extensive discussion of legal aspects concerning advance directives should be included in paramedic training curricula. They suggested that palliative crisis cards should be integrated into end-of-life care. Conclusions: Decision making in prehospital end-of-life care is a challenge for all paramedics. The present investigation demonstrates that a dialogue bridging emergency medical and palliative care issues is necessary. The paramedics indicated that improved guidelines on end-of-life decisions and the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in palliative care patients may be essential. Participants do not feel adequately trained in end-of-life care and the content of advance directives. Other recent studies have also demonstrated that there is a need for training curricula in end-of-life care for paramedics.
Symptom clusters in patients with advanced cancer: Sub-analysis of patients reporting exclusively non-zero ESAS scores
Authors: Chen Emily , Nguyen Janet , Cramarossa Gemma , Khan Luluel , Zhang Liying , Tsao May , Danjoux Cyril , Barnes Elizabeth , Sahgal Arjun , Holden Lori , Jon Florencia , Dennis Kristopher , Chow Edward 
Published: August 2011

Background: Advanced cancer patients often experience multiple concurrent symptoms, which can have prognostic effects on patients’ quality of life. Including patients who did not experience all of the symptoms measured by an assessment tool may interfere with accurate symptom cluster identification. Varying statistical methods may also contribute to inconsistencies of cluster results. Aims: To compare symptom clusters in a subgroup of patients reporting exclusively non-zero ESAS scores with those in the total patient sample. To examine whether using different statistical methods results in varied symptom clusters. Design: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were performed on the ‘non-zero’ subgroup and the total patient sample to identify symptom clusters at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 following palliative radiotherapy. Setting/participants: A previous single-centre study used Principal Component Analysis to explore symptom clusters in 1296 advanced cancer patients. The present study analyzed this previously reported data set. Results: Notably different symptom clusters were extracted between the two patient groups regardless of the statistical method at baseline, with the exception of a cluster composed of drowsiness, fatigue and dyspnea using Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. At follow-ups, different statistical methods yielded significantly varied symptom clusters. Only anxiety, depression and well-being consistently occurred in the same cluster across methods and over time. Conclusions: The composition of symptom clusters varied depending on if patients with non-zero scores were excluded at baseline and on the statistical method employed. Identifying valid clusters may prove useful for bettering symptom diagnosis and management for cancer patients.
Action research in palliative care: Defining an evaluation methodology
Authors: Froggatt Katherine , Hockley Jo 
Published: August 2011

Background: Action research is beginning to be utilized within palliative care research to address questions concerned with practice and organizational change. An understanding of appropriate evaluation practices is required in order to ensure that high-quality action research is conducted. Aim: The aim of this paper is to present an account of participatory action research and illustrate the way in which evaluation approaches are integrated within this methodology. Design: Participatory action research will be described identifying its origins, principles and its relationship with evaluation frameworks. The key features of the evaluation process in regard to participatory research are outlined. Setting: Two studies are presented which illustrate the integration of evaluation within a participatory action research framework. The first approach uses a before–after summative evaluation approach in a study undertaken to develop palliative care practice within a UK nursing home context. The evaluation focused upon the impact of the intervention. The second study utilized similar methods and addressed the process of the action research using the Äldreväst Sjuhärad (ÄVS) model to evaluate participation in a peer education programme for advance care planning amongst older adults. Results: These examples of evaluation within action research illustrate how diverse methods can be used. The use of a specific participatory evaluation model ensures the process reflects the underlying participatory principle of action research. Conclusions: Evaluation processes are integral to action research approaches. The specific evaluative methods adopted will reflect the nature and focus of the evaluation being undertaken.
Board governance and acquirers’ returns: A study of Australian acquisitions
Authors: Chan Winson , Emanuel David 
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the relation between acquirer (abnormal) returns and governance characteristics of the board of directors of the acquiring firm. The central question is: Are higher (acquirer) abnormal returns associated with ‘better’ board governance, having controlled for other factors that can affect returns? As acquisitions represent a significant change in the acquirer’s corporate structure and operations, the determinants of a successful acquisition are of considerable importance. We examine the relation between returns and governance variables using a sample of 80 Australian acquisitions that occurred between 1999 and 2005. We use both short-run and long-run (abnormal) returns to capture the wealth effects of the acquisitions. We find very limited evidence of a connection between our governance variables and acquirer returns. JEL Classification: G14, G34.
Changes in value relevance of accounting information upon IFRS adoption: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Chalmers Keryn , Clinch Greg , Godfrey Jayne M 
Published: August 2011

We investigate whether the adoption of IFRS increases the value relevance of accounting information for firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Using a longitudinal study that covers pre-IFRS and post-IFRS periods during 1990–2008, we find that earnings become more value-relevant whereas the book value of equity does not. This impact is concentrated in the subsamples of industrial firms, both large and small, and firms reporting an AGAAP-IFRS accounting reconciliation upon IFRS adoption. Consistent with an increase in the value relevance of earnings, earnings also become more persistent around IFRS adoption. Our study suggests that even for a country categorized by strong investor protection and high-quality financial reporting and enforcement, IFRS adoption affects the associations between accounting information and market value. JEL Classification: M40, M41