bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays for Rapid Detection of Ehrlichia ruminantium
Authors: Nakao Ryo , Stromdahl Ellen Y , Magona Joseph W , Faburay Bonto , Namangala Boniface , Malele Imna , Inoue Noboru , Geysen Dirk , Kajino Kiichi , Jongejan Frans , Sugimoto Chihiro 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
The rickettsial bacterium Ehrlichia ruminantium is the causative agent of heartwater, a potential zoonotic disease of ruminants transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma. The disease is distributed in nearly all of sub-Saharan Africa and some islands of the Caribbean, from where it threatens the American mainland. This report describes the development of two different loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for sensitive and specific detection of E. ruminantium.

Results
Two sets of LAMP primers were designed from the pCS20 and sodB genes. The detection limits for each assay were 10 copies for pCS20 and 5 copies for sodB, which is at least 10 times higher than that of the conventional pCS20 PCR assay. DNA amplification was completed within 60 min. The assays detected 16 different isolates of E. ruminantium from geographically distinct countries as well as two attenuated vaccine isolates. No cross-reaction was observed with genetically related Rickettsiales, including zoonotic Ehrlichia species from the USA. LAMP detected more positive samples than conventional PCR but less than real-time PCR, when tested with field samples collected in sub-Saharan countries.

Conclusions
Due to its simplicity and specificity, LAMP has the potential for use in resource-poor settings and also for active screening of E. ruminantium in both heartwater-endemic areas and regions that are at risk of contracting the disease.
Diffuse small bowel thickening in aids patient - a case report
Authors: Singla Rohit , Hari Samriti , Sharma Surendra K 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackgroundDiarrhea is common in HIV/AIDS patients, caused by both classic enteric pathogens and different opportunistic agents.Infection with these different pathogens may lead to similar radiological findings, thus causing diagnostic confusion.Case presentationA 30-yr-old female with AIDS presented with chronic diarrhea of 4 months duration. She had diffuse small bowel thickening present on CT scan of her abdomen, with stool examination showing no parasites. She was erroneously diagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis and given antituberculosis drugs with which she showed no improvement. Repeat stool examination later at a specialized laboratory revealedCryptosporidium parvuminfection.The patient was given an extended course of nitazoxanide treatment, as her stool examination was positive forCryptosporidium parvumeven after 2 weeks of drug consumption. Parasite clearance was documented after 10 weeks of treatment. Interestingly, the bowel thickening reversed with parasitological clearance.ConclusionsCryptosporidium parvummay lead to small bowel thickening in AIDS patients. This small bowel thickening may reverse following parasitological clearance.
Cell-free miRNAs may indicate diagnosis and docetaxel sensitivity of tumor cells in malignant effusions
Authors: Xie Li , Chen Xi , Wang Lifeng , Qian Xiaoping , Wang Tingting , Wei Jia , Yu Lixia , Ding Yitao , Zhang Chenyu , Liu Baorui 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Circulating cell-free microRNAs have been identified as potential cancer biomarkers. However, the existence and the potential application of cell-free miRNAs in effusion samples are still uncertain. In order to explore the potential role of cell-free miRNA in malignant effusions, we selected 22 miRNAs differentially expressed in the serum of lung cancer patients and studied their expression levels in body cavity effusion samples.

Methods
We measured the expression of 22 miRNAs using qRT-PCR in two samples, which were pooled with 18 malignant and 12 benign effusions, respectively. After discarding 9 lowly expressed miRNAs, a panel of 13 miRNAs were measured in 29 samples (benign n = 11, malignant n = 18). We also carried out a WST-8 test to evaluate the docetaxel sensitivity of tumor cells directly isolated from 15 malignant effusions.

Results
We compared the miRNA expression levels between benign and malignant effusions using a Mann-Whitney U test and found miR-24, miR-26a and miR-30d were expressed differently between the two groups (P = 0.006, 0.021 and 0.011, respectively). Cells isolated from effusions rich in cell-free miR-152 were more sensitive to docetaxel (r = 0.60, P = 0.016).

Conclusions
Collectively, our study demonstrated that cell-free miRNAs in the supernatant of effusions may aid in the diagnosis of malignancy and predict chemosensitivity to docetaxel.
Functional diversity in the color vision of cichlid fishes
Authors: Sabbah Shai , Laria Raico Lamela , Gray Suzanne M , Hawryshyn Craig W 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Color vision plays a critical role in visual behavior. An animal's capacity for color vision rests on the presence of differentially sensitive cone photoreceptors. Spectral sensitivity is a measure of the visual responsiveness of these cones at different light wavelengths. Four classes of cone pigments have been identified in vertebrates, but in teleost fishes, opsin genes have undergone gene duplication events and thus can produce a larger number of spectrally distinct cone pigments. In this study, we examine the question of large-scale variation in color vision with respect to individual, sex and species that may result from differential expression of cone pigments. Cichlid fishes are an excellent model system for examining variation in spectral sensitivity because they have seven distinct cone opsin genes that are differentially expressed.

Results
To examine the variation in the number of cones that participate in cichlid spectral sensitivity, we used whole organism electrophysiology, opsin gene expression and empirical modeling. Examination of over 100 spectral sensitivity curves from 34 individuals of three species revealed that (1) spectral sensitivity of individual cichlids was based on different subsets of four or five cone pigments, (2) spectral sensitivity was shaped by multiple cone interactions and (3) spectral sensitivity differed between species and correlated with foraging mode and the spectral reflectance of conspecifics. Our data also suggest that there may be significant differences in opsin gene expression between the sexes.

Conclusions
Our study describes complex opponent and nonopponent cone interactions that represent the requisite neural processing for color vision. We present the first comprehensive evidence for pentachromatic color vision in vertebrates, which offers the potential for extraordinary spectral discrimination capabilities. We show that opsin gene expression in cichlids, and possibly also spectral sensitivity, may be sex-dependent. We argue that females and males sample their visual environment differently, providing a neural basis for sexually dimorphic visual behaviour. The diversification of spectral sensitivity likely contributes to sensory adaptations that enhance the contrast of transparent prey and the detection of optical signals from conspecifics, suggesting a role for both natural and sexual selection in tuning color vision.
Comparison of the collagen haemostat Sangustop® versus a carrier-bound fibrin sealant during liver resection; ESSCALIVER-Study
Authors: Moench Christian , Bechstein Wolf O , Hermanutz Valentin , Hoexter Godehard , Knaebel Hanns-Peter 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Haemostasis in liver surgery remains a challenge despite improved resection techniques. Oozing from blood vessels too small to be ligated necessitate a treatment with haemostats in order to prevent complications attributed to bleeding. There is good evidence from randomised trials for the efficacy of fibrin sealants, on their own or in combination with a carrier material. A new haemostatic device is Sangustop®. It is a collagen based material without any coagulation factors. Pre-clinical data for Sangustop® showed superior haemostatic effect. This present study aims to show that in the clinical situation Sangustop® is not inferior to a carrier-bound fibrin sealant (Tachosil®) as a haemostatic treatment in hepatic resection.

Methods/Design
This is a multi-centre, patient-blinded, intra-operatively randomised controlled trial. A total of 126 patients planned for an elective liver resection will be enrolled in eight surgical centres. The primary objective of this study is to show the non-inferiority of Sangustop® versus a carrier-bound fibrin sealant (Tachosil®) in achieving haemostasis after hepatic resection. The surgical intervention is standardised with regard to devices and techniques used for resection and primary haemostasis. Patients will be followed-up for three months for complications and adverse events.

Discussion
This randomised controlled trial (ESSCALIVER) aims to compare the new collagen haemostat Sangustop® with a carrier-bound fibrin sealant which can be seen as a "gold standard" in hepatic and other visceral organ surgery. If non-inferiority is shown other criteria than the haemostatic efficacy (e.g. costs, adverse events rate) may be considered for the choice of the most appropriate treatment.

Trial Registration
NCT00918619
Efficacy of postural techniques assessed by videofluoroscopy for myasthenia gravis with dysphagia as the presenting symptom: a case report
Authors: Juan Hui-Chun , Tou Isabel , Lo Shu-Chen , Wu I-Hsien 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Oropharyngeal weakness leading to dysphagia is rarely the presenting symptom of myasthenia gravis, but it can be a significant source of morbidity and mortality. The earliest possible diagnosis of myasthenia gravis should be made for better management of this cause of treatable dysphagia. A detailed evaluation of swallowing by videofluoroscopy can assist in making an accurate diagnosis and in individualizing appropriate diet compensatory techniques.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 57-year-old Taiwanese man with dysphagia as the presenting symptom of myasthenia gravis, and evaluate the pathological findings of swallowing and effectiveness of compensatory postural techniques for dysphagia using videofluoroscopy.

Conclusions
Videofluoroscopy is a valuable technique for evaluating myasthenia gravis dysphagia, because it allows swallowing interventions to be precisely individualized in accordance with the results obtained.
"Bong lung" in cystic fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Gao Zoe , Wood-Baker Richard , Harle Robin , Muller Kon , Hauser Jenny , Reid David W 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Marijuana or "bong" lung has been recently described. Subjects typically develop large peripheral paraseptal lung bullae and are predisposed to spontaneous pneumothoraces. The underlying mechanism for bullae formation is uncertain, but probably relates to direct lung toxicity and repeated barotrauma as the smoker performs frequent valsalva manoeuvres in an attempt to derive a greater drug effect.

Case presentation
We describe a case of probable "bong lung" occurring in a 23-year-old Caucasian man with cystic fibrosis who had a history of recurrent pneumothoraces and unusual findings on sputum cytology.

Conclusion
Our case highlights the importance of questioning young adult cystic fibrosis patients about illicit drug use and the utility of sputum cytology and computed tomography scanning when patients present with pneumothoraces and deteriorations in clinical status.
Heme and blood-feeding parasites: friends or foes?
Authors: Toh Shu Qin , Glanfield Amber , Gobert Geoffrey N , Jones Malcolm K 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Hemoparasites, like malaria and schistosomes, are constantly faced with the challenges of storing and detoxifying large quantities of heme, released from their catabolism of host erythrocytes. Heme is an essential prosthetic group that forms the reactive core of numerous hemoproteins with diverse biological functions. However, due to its reactive nature, it is also a potentially toxic molecule. Thus, the acquisition and detoxification of heme is likely to be paramount for the survival and establishment of parasitism. Understanding the underlying mechanism involved in this interaction could possibly provide potential novel targets for drug and vaccine development, and disease treatment. However, there remains a wide gap in our understanding of these mechanisms. This review summarizes the biological importance of heme for hemoparasite, and the adaptations utilized in its sequestration and detoxification.
Increased access rate to a primary health-care centre by introducing a structured patient sorting system developed to make the most efficient use of the personnel: a pilot study
Authors: Thorn Jörgen , Maun Andy , Bornhöft Lena , Kornbakk Malena , Wedham Sofia , Zaffar Mona , Thanner Cathrine 
Published: November 2010

The primary health-care centre (PHCC) participating in the study has had financial problems for several years and it has been particularly difficult to recruit general practitioners (GPs). As a result, the access rate to the PHCC was low. The purpose of this study was to increase the access rate to the PHCC and to make the most efficient use of the staff by introducing a structured patient sorting system. All personnel were involved in the implementation process and participated regularly in interdisciplinary work-groups. A variety of Drop-in receptions were created and a manual for sorting patients by condition was introduced. The main finding was that the total access rate to the PHCC increased by 27% and that each staff member increased their personal access rate by an average of 13%. Eighty-three percent of the patients who were initially treated by the rehabilitation team were treated solely by the team and did not need to see a GP. No medical backlashes were reported. These findings indicate a more efficient use of the personnel. Furthermore, both personnel and patients indicated an improvement in the possibility to book patient appointments after the introduction of the structured patient sorting system.
The effect of work environment on intent to leave the nursing profession: a case study of bedside registered nurses in rural Florida
Authors: Cortelyou-Ward Kendall H , Unruh Lynn , Fottler Myron D 
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this research was to explore the effect work environment has on the intent to leave the profession for rural hospital bedside registered nurses (RNs). Subscales of autonomy, control over the practice setting, nurse–physician relationship and organizational support were incorporated into the analysis to determine which aspects of work environment directly affect the intent to leave the profession. An explanatory cross-sectional survey was distributed to 259 direct care bedside RNs employed at a rural system-affiliated hospital in Central Florida between February 2007 and June 2007. Anonymity was assured. A questionnaire containing demographic questions, the Nursing Work Index-Revised and Blau's intent to leave scale was distributed to all direct care nurses. A 32.8% response rate was achieved for a total of 85 complete and usable surveys. Data analysis shows that the work environment in general is negatively related to intent to leave. In addition, each of the four subscales was also negatively related to the intent to leave the profession. The results of this study support several recommendations for practice and education, including the promotion of professional practice environments, fostering inter-departmental relationships, and increasing the managerial training of RN managers.
Venous gas embolism during foam sclerotherapy of saphenous veins despite recommended treatment modifications
Authors: Parsi K 
Published: November 2010

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of methods proposed to prevent venous gas embolism during foam sclerotherapy. Methods Transthoracic echocardiography was performed concurrent with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) of great or small saphenous veins. A volume of 2.5 mL of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam was prepared following the Tessari method and injected slowly 5–10 cm away from saphenous junctions. The procedure was repeated with modifications including using a 5 µm filter to generate microfoam, carbon dioxide as the foaming gas, leg elevation before or after the injection and immobility post-treatment. Results Bubbles entered the right heart in less than 60 seconds and continued for up to 50 minutes despite all treatment modifications. None of the patients had a patent foramen ovale and none developed any neurological or cardiac symptoms. Conclusion Bubble emboli entered the heart during foam UGS of saphenous veins despite all treatment modifications and low volumes of foam used.
The face-lifting theorem for proportional transaction costs in multiasset models
Authors: Blum Benedikt 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe paper presents a multi-dimensional version of the face-lifting theorem presented by Guasoni et al. [5] for the one-dimensional case. The theorem provides a closed-form solution to the superreplication problem of path-independent European options for proportional, infinitesimally small transaction costs in continuous time. This formula can be shown to hold true for alld-dimensional asset processes sharing a certain full-support property. Semimartingale or continuity assumptions made in earlier works could be dropped as well as certain restrictions on the payoff function. Examples concerning the impact of this result and sharpness of our assumptions are given.
A note on incomplete and boundedly complete families of discrete distributions
Authors: Purkayastha Sumitra 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
We present a general result giving us families of incomplete and boundedly complete families of discrete distributions. For such families, the classes of unbiased estimators of zero with finite variance and of parametric functions which will have uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimators with finite variance are explicitly characterized. The general result allows us to construct a large number of families of incomplete and boundedly complete families of discrete distributions. Several new examples of such families are described.
On LAN for parametrized continuous periodic signals in a time inhomogeneous diffusion
Authors: Höpfner Reinhard , Kutoyants Yury A. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
We consider a diffusion (ξ

t
)
t≥0 whose drift involves some T-periodic signal. T is fixed and known, whereas the signal depends on a d-dimensional parameter θ∈Θ. Assuming positive Harris recurrence of the grid chain (ξ

kT
)
k∈N0
and exploiting the periodic structure in the semigroup, we work with path segments and limit theorems for certain functionals (more general than additive functionals) of the process to prove local asymptotic normality (LAN). Then we consider several estimators for the unknown parameter.
Crystallographic point groups in five dimensions
Authors: Downward Michael James 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper describes an approach to the deduction and labeling of crystallographic point groups in n-dimensional spaces where n is an odd number. It shows that point groups in such spaces may be formed from the generators of rotational groups and a single inversion operation characteristic of the odd dimension. Results are given for 188 of the 955 crystallographic point groups in a five dimensional space and the extension to the remainder of the groups is made clear. Since 3 is an odd number, the 32 classical point groups are used to illustrate the use of generators for this purpose. Further extensions to seven dimensions and to even dimensions are then discussed.
Temperature-dependent structural transformations of hydrothermally synthesized cubic Li2TiO3studied byin-situneutron diffraction
Authors: Laumann Andreas , Fehr Karl Thomas , Boysen Hans , Hölzel Markus , Holzapfel Michael 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe structural changes of hydrothermally synthesized cubic Li2TiO3were studiedin-situduring heating and cooling at the neutron powder diffractometer SPODI at FRM II, Garching. The initially cubic (Fm-3m) phase shows a slight Li deficit, but becomes stoichiometric with increasing temperature. It transforms to a monoclinic (C2/c) structure above 300 °C and back to the same cubic (Fm-3m) structure at 1155 °C. A two-phase region is observed between 300 and 500 °C, indicating a first order character of the transformation. Below 1000 °C, during the first heating, the monoclinic Li2TiO3phase is disordered due to stacking faults. Between 1160 and 1140 °C, the cubic phase becomes monoclinic again upon cooling and stays well ordered down to room temperature. Anomalies in the thermal expansion of the monoclinic modification occur at around 600 °C for both, heating and cooling. These are assigned to strains building up during the first phase transformation upon heating and the confinement in the compacted ceramic sample during cooling, respectively.
Dimorphic Nd2Cu2Cd – structures and magnetic properties of RE
2Cu2Cd (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd)
Authors: Tappe Frank , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Eul Matthias , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The intermetallic compounds RE
2Cu2Cd (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd) were synthesized by induction-melting of the elements. Nd2Cu2Cd is dimorphic with a tetragonal Mo2B2Fe high- (HT) and a monoclinic, Mn2B2Al related low-temperature (LT) modification. The reconstructive phase transition is confirmed by DTA measurements showing a fully reversible phase transition commencing around 931(2) K. Both structures were refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: P4/mbm, a = 764.7(3), c = 385.3(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0529, 288 F
2 values, 12 variables for HT-Nd2Cu2Cd and C2/c, a = 847.6(2), b = 740.4(2), c = 1509.3(5) pm, β = 106.31(2)°, 1180 F
2 values, 48 variables for LT-Nd2Cu2Cd. Both modifications are simple 1:1 intergrowth variants with slightly distorted CsCl and AlB2 related slabs of compositions NdCd and NdCu2. Formation of the monoclinic superstructure is discussed on the basis of a group sub-group scheme. Monoclinic Ce2Cu2Cd (a = 859.1(5), b = 743.0(3), c = 1520.6(7) pm, β = 106.37(5)°, 1243 F
2 values, 48 variables) and Pr2Cu2Cd (a = 855.8(4), b = 742.1(3), c = 1519.7(5) pm, β = 106.35(3)°, 1238 F
2 values, 48 variables) crystallize directly from the melt. Ce2Cu2Cd, Pr2Cu2Cd, LT- and HT-Nd2Cu2Cd show Curie-Weiss paramagnetism and magnetic ordering at low temperatures.