bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CodY orchestrates the expression of virulence determinants in emetic Bacillus cereus by impacting key regulatory circuits
Authors: Frenzel Elrike , Doll Viktoria , Pauthner Matthias , Lücking Genia , Scherer Siegfried , Ehling‐Schulz Monika 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBacillus cereus causes gastrointestinal diseases and local and systemic infections elicited by the depsipeptide cereulide, enterotoxins, phospholipases, cytolysins and proteases. The PlcR‐PapR quorum sensing system activates the expression of several virulence factors, whereas the Spo0A‐AbrB regulatory circuit partially controls the plasmid‐borne cereulide synthetase (ces) operon. Here, we show that CodY, a nutrient‐responsive regulator of Gram‐positive bacteria, has a profound effect on both regulatory systems, which have been assumed to operate independently of each other. Deletion of codY resulted in downregulation of virulence genes belonging to the PlcR regulon and a concomitant upregulation of the ces genes. CodY was found to be a repressor of the ces operon, but did not interact with the promoter regions of PlcR‐dependent virulence genes in vitro, suggesting an indirect regulation of the latter. Furthermore, CodY binds to the promoter of the immune inhibitor metalloprotease InhA1, demonstrating that CodY directly links B. cereus metabolism to virulence. In vivo studies using a Galleria mellonella infection model, showed that the codY mutant was substantially attenuated, highlighting the importance of CodY as a key regulator of pathogenicity. Our results demonstrate that CodY profoundly modulates the virulence of B. cereus, possibly controlling the development of pathogenic traits in suitable host environments.
Impact of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis infection in kidney transplantation: a nationwide population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Ou S.‐M. , Liu C.‐J. , Teng C.‐J. , Lin Y.‐T. , Chang Y.‐S. , Chiang S.‐C. , Tzeng C.‐H. , Chen T.‐J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) has been reported to increase morbidity after kidney transplantation and pose a therapeutic challenge. However, population‐based research, specifically focused on the association between kidney transplantation and subsequent pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB, is lacking.MethodsA nationwide population‐based study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, which provided claims data belonging to kidney transplant recipients during 1997–2006. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for TB after kidney transplantation. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to assess the outcome of patients with TB.ResultsAmong 4554 kidney transplant recipients over the 10‐year period, 109 (2.4%) patients with newly diagnosed TB were identified: 75 patients with only pulmonary involvement, and 34 with extrapulmonary spread. The incidence of kidney transplant recipients developing TB was 638 per 100,000 person‐years. The independent risk factors for post‐transplant TB included cyclosporine‐based immunosuppressant agents during the first year after kidney transplantation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.98, P = 0.001), hepatitis C infection (OR: 1.79, P = 0.024), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.50, P = 0.041). Kidney transplant recipients who developed TB had a lower 5‐year survival rate than those who did not (78.6% vs. 93.4%, P = 0.001).ConclusionsKidney transplant recipients in Taiwan did have a high risk of TB infection, with high proportion of extrapulmonary spread. Physicians need to be vigilant in surveying for TB in kidney transplantation, especially in high‐risk patients.
Adverse events are common on the intensive care unit: results from a structured record review
Authors: NILSSON L. , PIHL A. , TÅGSJÖ M. , ERICSSON E. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundIntensive care is advanced and highly technical, and it is essential that, despite this, patient care remains safe and of high quality. Adverse events (AEs) are supposed to be reported to internal quality control systems by health‐care providers, but many are never reported. Patients on the intensive care unit (ICU) are at special risk for AEs. Our aim was to identify the incidence and characteristics of AEs in patients who died on the ICUduring a 2‐year period.MethodsA structured record review according to the Global Trigger Tool (GTT) was used to review charts from patients cared for at the ICU of a middle‐sized Swedish hospital during 2007 and 2008 and who died during or immediately after ICU care. All identified AEs were scored according to severity and preventability.ResultsWe reviewed 128 records, and 41 different AEs were identified in 25 patients (19.5%). Health care‐associated infections, hypoglycaemia, pressure sores and procedural complications were the most common harmful events. Twenty two (54%) of the AEs were classified as being avoidable. Two of the 41AEs were reported as complications according to the Swedish Intensive Care Registry, and one AE had been reported in the internal AE‐reporting system.ConclusionAlmost one fifth of the patients who died on the ICU were subjected to harmful events. GTT has the advantage of identifying more patient injuries caused by AEs than the traditional AE‐reporting systems used on many ICUs.
Morphometrical Study of Bony Elements of the Forelimb Fetlock Joints in Horses
Authors: Alrtib A. M. , Philip C. J. , Abdunnabi A. H. , Davies H. M. S. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThere are many reports describing fractures in the bony elements of the equine fetlock joint and a few of these discuss possible relationships of these fractures to the mechanical loading of these bones. The likelihood of fracture must be related to the size and shape of bones involved, but information concerning the normal range in size and shape of these bones in horses is lacking. This study aimed to identify morphometrical variations of these bones within different groups of horses. Right and left metacarpal, proximal phalangeal and proximal sesamoid bones were collected from 10 Thoroughbreds (TB), fiveStandardbreds (SB) and eightPonies (P) euthanized for non‐orthopaedic reasons. All bones were boiled, cleaned and dried. Dimensional parameters were measured using a custom‐built apparatus, calliper and plastic tape. The width and depth of the medial condyles ofMc3 were greater than the lateral condyles in all groups. The length to the lateral condyle was greater than the length to the medial condyle ofMc3, and the lengths of the lateral sides of theMc3 andP1 bones were greater than the lengths of the medial sides in both forelimbs of all groups. The lateral sesamoids were similar to, or larger than, the medial sesamoids in all dimensions. There were some morphometrical variations in the bony elements of the equine fetlock joints in all groups.
Botulinum toxin injection for lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Kuo Yue‐Chen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBotulinum toxin has been recently accepted as a novel treatment for lower urinary tract dysfunctions refractory to conventional treatment. Review of the clinical trials in recent years, botulinum toxin type A has been widely used in the urethra or urinary bladder to treat voiding dysfunction due to detrusor sphincter dyssynergia, incontinence due to neurogenic or idiopathic detrusor overactivity, sensory disorders such as bladder hypersensitivity, overactive bladder, and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Intravesical botulinum toxin type A injection is effective in treatment of urinary incontinence due to detrusor overactivity in men and women, as well as in children. Currently botulinum toxin type A has also been applied to treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients not suitable for surgery. This article reviewed the recent advances of botulinum toxin type A on lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Familial retinal detachment associated with COL2A1 exon 2 and FZD4 mutations
Authors: Edwards Thomas L , Burt Benjamin O , Black Graeme CM , Perveen Rahat , Kearns Lisa S , Staffieri Sandra E , Toomes Carmel , Buttery Robert G , Mackey David A 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  To characterize the clinical and genetic abnormalities within two Australian pedigrees with high incidences of retinal detachment and visual disability.Design:  Prospective review of two extended Australian pedigrees with high rates of retinal detachment.Participants:  Twenty‐two family members from two extended Australian pedigrees with high rates of retinal detachment were examined.Methods:  A full ophthalmic history and examination were performed, and DNA was analysed by linkage analysis and mutation screening.Main Outcome Measures:  Characterization of a causative hereditary gene mutation in each family.Results:  All affected family members of one pedigree carried a C192A COL2A1 exon 2 mutation. None of the affected family members had early‐onset arthritis, hearing abnormalities, abnormal clefting or facial features characteristic of classical Stickler syndrome. All affected members of the familial exudative vitreoretinopathy pedigree carried a 957delG FZD4 mutation.Conclusions:  Patients with retinal detachment and a positive family history should be investigated for heritable conditions associated with retinal detachment such as Stickler syndrome and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. The absence of non‐ocular features of Stickler syndrome should raise the possibility of mutations in exon 2 of COL2A1. Similarly, late‐onset familial exudative vitreoretinopathy may appear more like a rhegmatogenous detachment and not be correctly diagnosed. When a causative gene mutation is identified, cascade genetic screening of the family will facilitate genetic counselling and screening of high‐risk relatives, allowing targeted management of the pre‐detachment changes in affected patients.
Clinical trial assessing VSL#3 for the treatment of anterior resection syndrome
Authors: Stephens Jacqueline H. , Hewett Peter J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  Restoration of bowel continuity after a temporary loop ileostomy following rectal resection often produces impaired bowel function. The purpose of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of a probiotic, VSL#3 (VSL Pharmaceuticals Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA), in improving bowel function following ileostomy closure.Methods:  Between March 2005 and April 2008, a prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial of a probiotic preparation was conducted across four South Australian hospitals. Sixty‐three patients who underwent a loop ileostomy reversal were randomized to receive 4‐week treatment of either probiotic therapy (n= 31) or placebo (n= 32). Bowel symptomology was collected through a patient‐completed bowel diary and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).Results:  Completion rates of the 4‐week therapy regime were similar for both groups: 18 active versus 20 placebos. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who withdrew or had adverse events in the two treatment groups. Reasons for patient withdrawal from the study were similar for both groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference between the GIQLI scores for the two treatment groups.Conclusions:  The use of the probiotic preparation, VSL#3, did not alter the post‐operative bowel function of patients undergoing loop ileostomy reversal.
Tourniquet application only during cement fixation in total knee arthroplasty: a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mittal Rajat , Ko Victoria , Adie Sam , Naylor Justine , Dave Jaykar , Dave Chandrakant , Harris Ian A. , Hackett Danella , Ngo David , Dietsch Susan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  The functional benefits of tourniquet application for short periods compared with standard duration applications during total knee arthroplasty surgery have not been well explored. We aimed to compare functional outcomes between tourniquet application of short duration (during cement fixation only) and tourniquet application of longer duration (from skin incision to just after cement fixation).Methods:  We planned to randomize 230 patients to short and long duration groups. The primary outcome was Oxford Knee Score at 10 weeks post‐surgery. In‐hospital blood transfusion rate was also a primary safety measure. Serial measures of knee function were taken together with knee range, quadriceps lag and timed stair tests.Results:  The trial was discontinued after randomization of 65 patients. Interim analysis indicated a higher risk of transfusion (odds ratio 7.38, P= 0.015) in the short duration group. No significant difference was observed in Oxford Knee Score at 10 weeks. There were no between‐group differences in rate of recovery up to 52 weeks for any outcome.Conclusions:  Restricting tourniquet application to the period of cementing is associated with a significantly higher risk of transfusion. This approach is impractical if it is not offset by gains in functional recovery.
Formalin fixation in the ‘‐omics’ era: a primer for the surgeon‐scientist
Authors: Frankel Adam 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFormalin is the most commonly used tissue fixative worldwide. While it offers excellent morphological preservation for routine histology, it has detrimental effects on nucleic acids. Most studies of nucleic acids have therefore used fresh frozen tissue, the collection and storage of which is resource intensive. The ability to use modern genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic methods with nucleic acids derived from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues would allow enormous archives of routinely stored tissues (usually with well‐annotated clinical data) to be used for translational research. This paper outlines the effects of formalin on nucleic acids, describes ways of minimizing nucleic acid degradation and optimizing extraction, and reviews recent studies that have used contemporary techniques to analyse FFPE‐derived nucleic acids (with a focus on malignant tissue sources). Simple tips are also offered to ensure the utility of your institution's samples for future studies, and broadly applicable guidelines are listed for those contemplating their own study using FFPE‐derived material.
Anti‐tobacco mass media and socially disadvantaged groups: A systematic and methodological review
Authors: GUILLAUMIER ASHLEIGH , BONEVSKI BILLIE , PAUL CHRIS 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIssues. Only a limited amount of research has been conducted to explore whether there are socioeconomic status differences in responses to mass media. However, the methodological quality of this evidence has not been assessed, limiting confidence in conclusions that can be drawn regarding study outcomes. A systematic review of the effectiveness of anti‐tobacco mass media campaigns with socially disadvantaged groups was conducted, and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed.Approach. Medline, The Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Embase and Web of Science were searched using MeSH and keywords for quantitative studies conducted in Western countries prior to March 2012. A methodological quality assessment and narrative analysis of included studies was undertaken.Key Findings. Seventeen relevant studies (reported in 18 papers) were identified; however, weak study designs and selection bias were common characteristics, limiting strong conclusions about effectiveness. Using predominantly non‐cessation related outcome measures reviewed papers indicated mixed results for mass media tobacco control campaign effectiveness among various social groups. Most studies assessed mass media impact on low socioeconomic status groups rather than highly socially disadvantaged groups.Implications. Methodological rigour of evaluations in this field must be improved to aid understanding regarding the effectiveness of mass media campaigns in driving cessation among disadvantaged groups.Conclusion. The results of this review indicate a gap in methodologically rigorous research into the effectiveness of mass media campaigns among socially disadvantaged groups, particularly the highly disadvantaged.[Guillaumier A, Bonevski B, Paul C. Anti‐tobacco mass media and socially disadvantaged groups: A systematic and methodological review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:698–708]
Plant species loss from European semi‐natural grasslands following nutrient enrichment – is it nitrogen or is it phosphorus?
Authors: Ceulemans Tobias , Merckx Roel , Hens Maarten , Honnay Olivier 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAim Although many studies support the prevailing paradigm of nitrogen (N)‐driven biodiversity loss, some have argued that phosphorus (P) may be the main culprit. This questions the generality of the global threat through N enrichment. The major objective here was to quantify the relative importance of soil N and P in explaining patterns of plant species richness, under different levels of N and P limitation.Location North‐western Europe.Methods We collected soil, productivity and plant species data from 132 semi‐natural grasslands located along a gradient of nutrient availability and atmospheric N deposition. We used linear mixed models to investigate the relation between soil nutrients, acidity, limitation and productivity on one side, and indices for plant species richness on the other.Results Mixed models explained between 38 and 50% of the total variation in species numbers, forbs and endangered species. Soil P was significantly negatively related to total species number, forbs and endangered species. Soil N was only significantly negatively related to number of forbs and endangered species. Compared with soil P, the explained variation attributed to soil N was between five‐ and twenty‐fold lower. P‐limited grasslands exhibited higher species richness, numbers of forbs and endangered species. Species richness and number of forbs decreased with lower soil acidity. N deposition was negatively related to the number of forbs and endangered species, as well as to soil acidity. Productivity was weakly positively related to soil P and negatively to species and forb numbers. We found no interaction factors between the explanatory variables.Main conclusions P enrichment can present a greater threat to biodiversity than N enrichment in at least some terrestrial ecosystems. However, as N‐ and P‐driven species loss appeared independent, our results suggest that simultaneously reducing N and P inputs is a prerequisite for maintaining maximum plant diversity.
Conservation of phylogeographic lineages under climate change
Authors: D’Amen Manuela , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Pearman Peter B. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAim  We address the unexplored question of whether the lack of information on intra‐specific diversity inherent in species‐level niche modelling might bias evaluation of the conservation requirements of species and phylogeographic lineages under changing climates. We test for directional biases that might arise due to these methodological differences in ways of assessing risks from climate change.Location  The African continent.Methods  We identified from peer‐reviewed studies that used both nuclear and plastid markers the distribution of deep phylogeographic divisions within nine species of African mammals and their phylogeographic lineages. We fitted ecological niche models to describe currently suitable, occupied climates and to project the shift of suitable climate to two future time slices. We applied gap analysis to reveal potential changes in the protection of phylogeographic diversity owing to climatic shifts.Results  We found that, within species, most phylogeographic lineages differ in the climates they experience and have substantial geographic separation. Models that do not distinguish these subspecific units often fail to identify potential risks of climate change to lineages. Modelled potential effects of climate change on the geographic extent of suitable climate vary in both direction and magnitude. Predictions of the persistence of suitable climate in current protected areas for the resident lineages differ on average by factor of 2 between species and lineage models.Main conclusions  Our study develops an original synthetic approach by combining niche modelling, projected climate change, phylogeographic information and gap analysis. We clearly identify the potential benefits of using the new approach to evaluate risks to the conservation of intra‐specific genetic diversity that are posed by climate change. Our results suggest that prudent conservation strategies need to incorporate potential differences in climate tolerance among lineages when planning conservation measures for species confronted with environmental change.
AUTISM BEYOND PEDIATRICS: WHY BIOETHICISTS OUGHT TO RETHINK CONSENT IN LIGHT OF CHRONICITY AND GENETIC IDENTITY
Authors: PERRY ALEXANDRA 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAutism is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that presents unique challenges to bioethicists. In particular, bioethicists ought to reconsider pediatric consent in light of disparity between beliefs that are held about the disorder by parents and adults with autism. The neurodiverse community ought to be given some consideration in this debate, and, as such, there may be a role for autistic narratives in clarifying this problem.
Labour Adjustment Implications of Service Offshoring: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Gomez Rafael , Gunderson Morley , Morissette René 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAbout one‐fifth of Canadian employees are in jobs that are vulnerable to service offshoring. Despite this figure, both theory and our empirical evidence (based on a variety of methodologies and datasets) suggest that the offshoring of business services is not likely to lead to large adverse employment effects. We also conclude that existing active labour market adjustment policies (e.g. increased labour market information, job search, mobility and training) developed for other adjustment pressures such as technological change and free‐trade in goods are just as appropriate (perhaps even more so) to deal with the consequences of service offshoring.
Business as a Pivotal Actor in the Politics of Training Reform: Insights from the Case of Germany
Authors: Busemeyer Marius R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOften admired by international observers, the German dual training system has come under pressure in recent years because of a persistent lack in training slots for young people. The article addresses the question of how policy makers have reacted to the problems in the training market. Particular attention is paid to the formation of politico‐economic coalitions between state actors, business representatives and unions. On the basis of three case studies of recent reforms (or reform attempts), we identify two types of cross‐class coalitions: a conservative coalition that aims at maintaining the status quo of the firm‐based training regime and a segmentalist coalition promoting the gradual transformation of the system towards a less collective and more firm‐centred variety. In both kinds of politico‐economic coalitions, business actors play a pivotal role. The reason for the privileged position of business in the politics of training reform is, I argue, a politically constructed dependency of the state and unions on the continued co‐operation of business in the provision of training slots. In the conclusion, I discuss the implications of my findings for the debate on the dualization of co‐ordinated market economies.