bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatal Burkholderia gladioli infection misidentified as Empedobacter brevis in a lung transplant recipient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Brizendine K.D. , Baddley J.W. , Pappas P.G. , Leon K.J. , Rodriguez J.M. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract:Data describing the risk of lung transplantation (LT), clinical features, and outcomes of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) infected with Burkholderia gladioli are limited. Herein, we report a case of disseminated B. gladioli infection characterized by bacteremia, necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, and empyema in a lung transplant recipient with CF, highlight the importance of accurate microbiological identification, and review published outcomes of LT in CF patients infected with B. gladioli, which include cases of pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, bacteremia, and abscesses, and demonstrate an all‐cause 1‐year mortality of approximately 23%, often after combined medical and surgical treatment.
Limitation of repeated radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma: Proposal of a three (times) ×  3 (years) index
Authors: Yokoyama Keiji , Anan Akira , Iwata Kaoru , Nishizawa Shinya , Morihara Daisuke , Ueda Shu‐ichi , Sakurai Kunitoshi , Iwashita Hideyuki , Hirano Genryu , Sakamoto Masaharu , Takeyama Yasuaki , Irie Makoto , Shakado Satoshi , Sohda Tetsuro , Sakisaka Shotaro 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the controllability of HCC and explored the algorithm of therapeutic strategy for HCC in patients who met the RFA criteria.Methods:  We enrolled 472 patients with HCC who met the RFA criteria (≤ 3 nodules, ≤ 3 cm) and underwent RFA for initial therapy. Patients who underwent repeated RFA were evaluated retrospectively when HCC exceeded the RFA criteria, or the functional hepatic reserve progressed to Child–Pugh grade C.Results:  Overall survival rates were: 1 year, 96%; 3 years, 79%; and 5 years, 56%. In 5 years, 14% of patients progressed to Child–Pugh grade C. Meanwhile, 47% of patients exceeded the RFA criteria. Annually, 8% of patients deviated from the RFA criteria. The percentage of patients who were able to receive RFA significantly decreased at the fourth session compared with up to the third session. The survival rates decreased at the rate of 7% annually until the third year after the initial RFA. Afterwards, it shifted to a decrease at the rate of 12% annually. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of hepatitis C virus infection and the existence of a single tumor were identified as significant independent factors contributing to probabilities exceeding the RFA criteria.Conclusions:  HCC was controlled by RFA up to three RFA treatments and 3 years from the initial therapy. On this basis, we propose a “three (times) × 3 (years) index” for considering a shift from RFA to other treatment modalities.
Identification of functionally active aerobic methanotrophs in sediments from an arctic lake using stable isotope probing
Authors: He Ruo , Wooller Matthew J. , Pohlman John W. , Catranis Catharine , Quensen John , Tiedje James M. , Leigh Mary Beth 
Published: March 2012

SummaryArctic lakes are a significant source of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), but the role that methane oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) play in limiting the overall CH4 flux is poorly understood. Here, we used stable isotope probing (SIP) techniques to identify the metabolically active aerobic methanotrophs in upper sediments (0–1 cm) from an arctic lake in northern Alaska sampled during ice‐free summer conditions. The highest CH4 oxidation potential was observed in the upper sediment (0–1 cm depth) with 1.59 µmol g wet weight−1 day−1 compared with the deeper sediment samples (1–3 cm, 3–5 cm and 5–10 cm), which exhibited CH4 oxidation potentials below 0.4 µmol g wet weight−1 day−1. Both type I and type II methanotrophs were directly detected in the upper sediment total communities using targeted primer sets based on 16S rRNA genes. Sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and functional genes (pmoA and mxaF) in the 13C‐DNA from the upper sediment indicated that type I methanotrophs, mainly Methylobacter, Methylosoma, Methylomonas and Methylovulum miyakonense, dominated the assimilation of CH4. Methylotrophs, including the genera Methylophilus and/or Methylotenera, were also abundant in the 13C‐DNA. Our results show that a diverse microbial consortium acquired carbon from CH4 in the sediments of this arctic lake.
Environmental conditions that influence toxin biosynthesis in cyanobacteria
Authors: Neilan Brett A. , Pearson Leanne A. , Muenchhoff Julia , Moffitt Michelle C. , Dittmann Elke 
Published: March 2012

SummaryOver the past 15 years, the genetic basis for production of many cyanobacterial bioactive compounds has been described. This knowledge has enabled investigations into the environmental factors that regulate the production of these toxins at the molecular level. Such molecular or systems level studies are also likely to reveal the physiological role of the toxin and contribute to effective water resource management. This review focuses on the environmental regulation of some of the most relevant cyanotoxins, namely the microcystins, nodularin, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxins, anatoxins and jamaicamides.
Alpha and Beta Traits and Egoistic and Moralistic Self‐Enhancement: A Point of Convergence Between Two Research Traditions
Authors: Vecchione Michele , Alessandri Guido 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe current study investigated the relationship of egoistic and moralistic self‐enhancement with Alpha and Beta, the two higher‐order factors of personality encompassing the Big Five.MethodFour hundred sixteen Italian adults (59% females, mean age = 41.13) completed self‐report measures of the Big Five and of egoistic and moralistic self‐enhancement. They were also rated by acquaintances on the two self‐enhancement measures. A cross‐observer design within the framework of structural equation modeling was used to disentangle the variance shared by the constructs that is due to (a) substantive personality characteristics (i.e., the variance of egoistic and moralistic self‐enhancement common to different informants), (b) response bias (i.e., the tendency to exaggerate agentic and communal qualities), and (c) halo effect (i.e., the common factor underlying all self‐report measures).ResultsFindings revealed significant correlations between Alpha and Beta and the substantive parts of egoistic and moralistic dimensions. Beta was primarily related to egoistic self‐enhancement, whereas alpha was mostly related to moralistic self‐enhancement. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of variance in Alpha and Beta was explained by response bias and halo effect.ConclusionsSubstance, bias, and method variance all represent important sources of covariation among the Big Five.
Genetic Influences on Psychological Well‐Being: A Nationally Representative Twin Study
Authors: Archontaki Despina , Lewis Gary J. , Bates Timothy C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectivePsychological well‐being, or eudaimonia, features strongly in theories of human development and thriving. However, the factors of eudaimonia are debated, and their genetic architecture has not been studied in detail.MethodA classical twin design was used to decompose behavioral variance into genetic and environmental components implemented in a multigroup, multivariate structural equation modeling framework. Subjects were 837 pairs of adult U.S. twins from the nationally representative MIDUS II sample. Psychological well‐being was measured using the 42‐item Ryff Psychological Well‐Being Scale, which assesses autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self‐acceptance.ResultsSubstantial genetic influences were observed on all components of well‐being. Attempts to model these six factors as reflecting a single common psychological mechanism gave a poor fit to the data. The best‐fitting model supported the existence of five distinct genetic effects. Effects of shared environment were weak and nonsignificant. Unique environmental effects for all measures were mostly trait specific.ConclusionsThese results indicate that psychological well‐being is underpinned by a general genetic factor influencing self‐control, and four underlying biological mechanisms enabling the psychological capabilities of purpose, agency, growth, and positive social relations.
Accuracy of circulating placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kleinrouweler CE , Wiegerinck MMJ , Ris‐Stalpers C , Bossuyt PMM , van der Post JAM , von Dadelszen P , Mol BWJ , Pajkrt E ,   for the EBM CONNECT Collaboration
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Kleinrouweler C, Wiegerinck M, Ris‐Stalpers C, Bossuyt P, van der Post J, von Dadelszen P, Mol B, Pajkrt E, for the EBM CONNECT Collaboration. Accuracy of circulating placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. BJOG 2012;119:778–787.Background  Biomarkers have been proposed for identification of women at increased risk of developing pre‐eclampsia.Objectives  To investigate the capacity of circulating placental growth factor (PlGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFLT1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) to predict pre‐eclampsia.Search strategy  Medline and Embase through October 2010 and reference lists of reviews, without constraints.Selection criteria  We included original publications on testing of PlGF, VEGF, sFLT1 and sENG in serum or plasma of pregnant women at <30 weeks of gestation and before clinical onset of pre‐eclampsia.Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted descriptive and test accuracy data and assessed methodological quality. Summary estimates of discriminatory performance were obtained.Main results  We included 34 studies. Concentrations of PlGF (27 studies) and VEGF (three studies) were lower in women who developed pre‐eclampsia: standardised mean differences (SMD) −0.56 (95% CI −0.77 to −0.35) and −1.25 (95% CI −2.73 to 0.23). Concentrations of sFLT1 (19 studies) and sENG (ten studies) were higher: SMD 0.48 (95% CI 0.21–0.75) and SMD 0.54 (95% CI 0.24–0.84). The summary diagnostic odds ratios were: PlGF 9.0 (95% CI 5.6–14.5), sFLT1 6.6 (95% CI 3.1–13.7), sENG 4.2 (95% CI 2.4–7.2), which correspond to sensitivities of 32%, 26% and 18%, respectively, for a 5% false‐positive rate.Author’s conclusions  PlGF, sFLT1 and sENG showed modest but significantly different concentrations before 30 weeks of gestation in women who developed pre‐eclampsia. Test accuracies of all four markers, however, are too poor for accurate prediction of pre‐eclampsia in clinical practice.
The significance of Mg in prebiotic geochemistry
Authors: HOLM N. G. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMagnesium plays a special role in biochemistry because of its ability to coordinate six oxygen atoms efficiently in its first coordination shell. Such oxygen atoms may be part of one or two charged oxyanions, which means that Mg2+ can, for instance, tie together two different phosphate groups that are located at distance from each other in a macromolecule, and in this way be responsible for the folding of molecules like RNA. This property of Mg2+ also helps the stabilization of diphosphate and triphosphate groups of nucleotides, as well as promoting the condensation of orthophosphate to oligophosphates, like pyrophosphate and trimetaphosphate. Borates, on the other hand, are known to promote the formation of nucleobases and carbohydrates, ribose in particular, which is yet another constituent of nucleotides. The oldest borate minerals that we find on Earth today are magnesium borates. Dissolved borate stabilizes pentose sugars by forming complexes with cis‐hydroxyl groups. In the furanose form of ribose, the preferential binding occurs to the 2 and 3 carbon, leaving the 5 carbon free for phosphorylation. The central role of Mg2+ in the function of ribozymes and its ‘archaic’ position in ribosomes, and the fact that magnesium generally has coordination properties different from other cations, suggests that the inorganic chemistry of magnesium had a key position in the first chemical processes leading to the origin and early evolution of life.
Buprenorphine exposure in infants of opioid‐dependent mothers at birth
Authors: Bartu Anne E. , Ilett Kenneth F. , Hackett L. Peter , Doherty Dorota A. , Hamilton Dale 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundBuprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist used in treating opioid dependence, is not approved in Australia for use in pregnancy. Nevertheless, many pregnant women choose to remain on the drug.AimTo investigate cord/maternal transfer ratios for buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in women at delivery.MethodsMaternal and cord serum samples were collected from 10 maternal‐infant pairs at delivery. Drug concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Maternal and infant demographic information was collected. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between maternal and cord measurements.ResultsMedian (interquartile range) maternal age was 27 (23.8–32) years, with 90% of the women on buprenorphine before pregnancy. Median infant birthweight was 3148 (3088–3545) g and 60% of infants had neonatal abstinence requiring admission to a neonatal intensive care unit for a median of 8.5 (2.5–16.3) days. Median maternal buprenorphine daily dose was 8.5 mg (range 1–28 mg). Mean (95% confidence interval) cord serum concentrations of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine were 0.4 (0.3–0.5) μg/L and 1.2 (0.9–1.4) μg/L, respectively. Mean maternal concentrations of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine were 1.0 (0.6–1.4) μg/L and 1.2 (0.9–1.4) μg/L, respectively. Mean cord/maternal ratios were 0.43 (0.36–0.5) for buprenorphine and 0.53 (0.43–0.63) for norbuprenorphine. Maternal buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine concentrations and ratio of buprenorphine/norbuprenorphine explained 85.7, 69.6 and 94.4%, respectively, of variation in the corresponding cord concentrations.ConclusionUsual therapeutic doses of buprenorphine administered to pregnant women resulted in low concentrations of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in maternal serum and a low transfer to the fetal circulation (cord plasma) at birth.
Gemifloxacin Can Partially Overcome Quinolone Resistance of H. pylori with gyrA Mutation in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Wei‐Lun , Kao Cheng‐Yen , Wu Chung‐Tai , Huang Ay‐Huey , Wu Jiunn‐Jong , Yang Hsiao‐Bai , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Sheu Bor‐Shyang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgrounds:  The levofloxacin resistance caused by gyrA gene mutation is rising rapidly to limit wide application for Helicobacter pylori eradication. We investigated whether gemifloxacin has a superior antimicrobial activity to levofloxacin against H. pylori.Materials and Methods:  Forty‐four consecutive clinical H. pylori isolates with levofloxacin resistance and 80 randomly selected levofloxacin‐sensitive controls were tested for gemifloxacin sensitivity by E‐test. The resistance to levofloxacin or gemifloxacin was defined as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) >1 mg/L. The clinical features and GyrA mutation patterns checked by direct sequencing were also analyzed to assess its association with the H. pylori gemifloxacin resistance.Results:  All levofloxacin‐sensitive H. pylori isolates were sensitive to gemifloxacin. Eight strains (18.2%) resistant to levofloxacin could be still sensitive to gemifloxacin. Gemifloxacin achieved a 5‐time lower in MIC levels against levofloxacin‐resistant isolates. Nearly all levofloxacin‐resistant isolates (97.7%, 43/44) had GyrA mutation at amino acid position 87 or 91. Double mutation sites may play dual roles in quinolone resistance, as N87K plus H57Y or D91N plus V77A mutations showed high‐level resistance to both quinolones; whereas D91Y plus A97V or D91N plus A97V mutations showed low level levofloxacin resistance to become sensitive to gemifloxacin. In H. pylori isolates with single N87K, D91Y or D91N mutation, near 20% was gemifloxacin‐sensitive and levofloxacin‐resistant. The gemifloxacin‐resistant rate of H. pylori was higher in patients with gastric ulcer than in those without (p <.05).Conclusion:  Gemifloxacin is superior to levofloxacin in antimicrobial activity against clinical H. pylori isolates, and even overcome some levofloxacin resistance.
Length of Thymidine Homopolymeric Repeats Modulates Promoter Activity of sabA in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kao Cheng‐Yen , Sheu Shew‐Meei , Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Wu Jiunn‐Jong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori uses SabA to interact with sialyl‐Lewis x on the gastric mucosal surface to establish persistent colonization. The number of CT repeats in sabA is variable and thus influences SabA translation, but the expression of SabA determined by Western blotting does not fully match with a CT sequence‐based prediction. Furthermore, a homopolymeric thymidine (polyT) tract located upstream of sabA has been observed, but its role in regulating sabA expression is still unknown.Methods:  The transcriptional start site (TSS) of sabA in strains J99 and Hp258 was determined by 5′ RACE. One hundred and fifteen clinical isolates were sequenced to analyze the distribution of the polyT tract length and promoter sequence. Finally, RT‐PCR and an E. coli‐lux reporter system were used to determine the sabA promoter activity with different lengths of the polyT tract.Results:  The TSS of sabA was located at 66 or 64 bp upstream of the translational start codon in J99 and Hp258, respectively. The polyT tract close to the −35 element varied from T10 to T28 in 115 clinical isolates, and 70% of the isolates contained a stretch of 14–19 Ts. The sabA gene displayed slipped strand mispairing (SSM) of the polyT tract, generating varying genotypes in J99 (16–18 Ts) and Hp258 (14–15 Ts). Furthermore, J99 with lengths of T16 and T30, had higher sabA promoter activity than the common length of T18.Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that the sabA promoter region modulates its transcriptional activity through a variable polyT tract, and SSM generates mixed genotypes in the population.
Comprehensive Investigation of Areae Gastricae Pattern in Gastric Corpus using Magnifying Narrow Band Imaging Endoscopy in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Fundic Gastritis
Authors: Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Uedo Noriya , Ishihara Ryu , Nagai Kengo , Matsui Fumi , Ohta Takashi , Hanafusa Masao , Hanaoka Noboru , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Iishi Hiroyasu , Tomita Yasuhiko , Tatsuta Masaharu , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Barium radiographic studies have suggested the importance of evaluating areae gastricae pattern for the diagnosis of gastritis. Significance of endoscopic appearance of areae gastricae in the diagnosis of chronic atrophic fundic gastritis (CAFG) was investigated by image‐enhanced endoscopy.Materials and Methods:  Endoscopic images of the corpus lesser curvature were studied in 50 patients with CAFG. Extent of CAFG was evaluated with autofluorescence imaging endoscopy. The areae gastricae pattern was evaluated with 0.2% indigo carmine chromoendoscopy. Micro‐mucosal structure was examined with magnifying chromoendoscopy and narrow band imaging.Results:  In patients with small extent of CAFG, polygonal areae gastricae separated by a narrow intervening part of areae gastricae was observed, whereas in patients with wide extent of CAFG, the size of the areae gastricae decreased and the width of the intervening part of areae gastricae increased (p < 0.001). Most areae gastricae showed a foveola‐type micro‐mucosal structure (82.7%), while intervening part of areae gastricae had a groove‐type structure (98.0%, p < 0.001). Groove‐type mucosa had a higher grade of atrophy (p < 0.001) and intestinal metaplasia (p < 0.001) compared with foveola type.Conclusions:  As extent of CAFG widened, multifocal groove‐type mucosa that had high‐grade atrophy and intestinal metaplasia developed among areae gastricae and increased along the intervening part of areae gastricae. Our observations facilitate our understanding of the development and progression of CAFG.
Comparison of Lafutidine and Rabeprazole in 7‐day Second‐line Amoxicillin‐ and Metronidazole‐Containing Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kudo Takahiko , Fujinami Haruka , Ando Takayuki , Nishikawa Jun , Ogawa Kohei , Hosokawa Ayumu , Orihara Tadahiro , Murakami Jun , Takahara Terumi , Sugiyama Toshiro 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Lafutidine is an H2‐receptor antagonist with gastroprotective action through capsaicin‐sensitive afferent neurons and relatively inexpensive compare to proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs). A 7‐day course of PPIs–amoxicillin–metronidazole is recommended as standard second‐line Helicobacter pylori therapy and is covered by national health insurance in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of second‐line eradication using the H2‐receptor antagonist lafutidine as a substitute for a PPI.Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐two patients who failed in first‐line eradication using PPI–amoxicillin–clarithromycin were randomly assigned to a 7‐day course of rabeprazole at 10 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin at 750 mg b.i.d., and metronidazole at 250 mg b.i.d. (RPZ‐AM) or a 7‐day course of lafutidine at 10 mg t.i.d., amoxicillin at 750 mg b.i.d., and metronidazole at 250 mg b.i.d. (LFT‐AM) as second‐line therapy. Eradication was assessed by the 13C urea breath test. A drug susceptibility test was performed before the second‐line therapy.Results:  Prior to second‐line H. pylori eradication, the rate of resistance to clarithromycin was 86.5% and the rate of resistance to metronidazole was 3.8%. The eradication rates for both LFT‐AM and RPZ‐AM groups were 96% (95%CI = 88.6–100%). There were no severe adverse events in either group.Conclusions:  Lafutidine plus metronidazole–amoxicillin as second‐line therapy provided a high eradication rate and safe treatment similar to a PPI‐based regimen. Lafutidine‐based eradication therapy is therefore considered to be a promising alternative and is also expected to reduce health care costs in H. pylori eradication.
A Systematic Method to Document Population‐Level Nursing Interventions in an Electronic Health System
Authors: Baisch Mary Jo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMany public health electronic health systems lack the specificity to distinguish between individual‐ and population‐based levels of care provided by public health nurses. Data that describe the broad scope of the everyday practice of public health nurses are critical to providing evidence of their effectiveness in promoting community health, which may not be fully appreciated in an arena of scarce resources. This article describes a method to document population‐based nursing practice by adding population‐based interventions to the nursing taxonomy underlying an electronic health information system. These interventions, derived from the Intervention Wheel, were incorporated into the Omaha System taxonomy, the conceptual framework for the Automated Community Health Information System (ACHIS), which is a longstanding data system used to capture nursing practice in community nursing centers. This article includes a description of the development and testing of the system's ability to capture the practice of the district public health nurse model. This method of adapting an existing data system to capture population‐based interventions could be replicated by public health administrators interested in better evaluating the processes and outcomes of public health nursing and other public health professionals.