bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The expression of histamine H4 receptor mRNA in the skin and other tissues of normal dogs
Authors: Eisenschenk Melissa N. C. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Oliveira Simone , Been Clint S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe histamine 4 (H4) receptor was first cloned and characterized in 2000 using the human H3 receptor DNA sequence. The H4 receptor has been shown to participate in various aspects of inflammation, such as chemotaxis, upregulation of adhesion molecule expression and modulation of cytokine secretion. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether H4 receptor mRNA is expressed in normal canine skin by performing an RT‐PCR. An additional goal was to determine the expression of this receptor in the colon, liver, spleen and kidney. Tissues were collected from five healthy, young‐adult pit bull dogs. Samples were immediately placed in RNAlater® solution and stored at −20°C until processed. The amplified products in all skin samples in addition to the colon, liver, spleen and kidney (variable expression) had the expected size of 400–500 bp. The sequenced amplicons matched the National Center for Biotechnology Information published sequence for the canine H4 receptor. The study results showed that canine normal skin expresses the H4 receptor mRNA. Further studies using immunohistochemistry should be conducted to demonstrate the expression of the H4 receptor at the protein level and to localize the expression of this receptor in the skin.
Dose assessment of 2% chlorhexidine acetate for canine superficial pyoderma
Authors: Murayama Nobuo , Terada Yuri , Okuaki Mio , Nagata Masahiko 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe dose of 2% chlorhexidine acetate (2CA; Nolvasan® Surgical Scrub; Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IA, USA) for canine superficial pyoderma was evaluated. The first trial compared three doses (group 1, 57 mL/m2 body surface area; group 2, 29 mL/m2 body surface area; and group 3, 19 mL/m2 body surface area) in a randomized, double‐blind, controlled fashion. Twenty‐seven dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with 2CA at the allocated doses every 2 days for 1 week. The owners and investigators subjectively evaluated the dogs, and investigators scored skin lesions, including erythema, papules/pustules, alopecia and scales, on a 0–4 scale. There were no significant differences in response between the treatment groups. The second trial established a practical dose‐measuring method for 2CA. Sixty‐eight owners were asked to apply 2CA on their palm in an amount corresponding to a Japanese ¥500 coin, 26.5 mm in diameter. This yielded an average dose of 0.90 ± 0.40 mL. Mathematically, the doses used in groups 1, 2 and 3 can be represented as one coin per approximately one‐, two‐ and three‐hand‐sized lesions, respectively. The results therefore suggest that owners instructed to apply one coin of the product per two‐hand‐sized areas of superficial pyoderma would use the range of doses evaluated in this trial.
Oseltamivir‐resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia during therapy in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Shetty Avinash K. , Ross Gregory A. , Pranikoff Thomas , Gubareva Larissa V. , Sechrist Catherine , Guirand Derek M. , Abramson Jon , Lin Jen‐Jar 
Published: March 2011

Shetty AK, Ross GA, Pranikoff T, Gubareva LV, Sechrist C, Guirand DM, Abramson J, Lin J‐J. Oseltamivir‐resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia during therapy in a renal transplant recipient.Abstract:  The emergence of oseltamivir‐resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (conferred by the H275Y substitution in NA) during therapy or prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients is a serious concern. The optimal therapy for immunosuppressed patients with oseltamivir‐resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is unknown and few options exist. We report a 10‐yr‐old recipient of kidney transplant who was hospitalized with oseltamivir‐resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia complicated by severe respiratory failure, ARDS, and renal failure requiring institution of ECMO and CRRT. On presentation, treatment with oseltamivir (second course) and broad‐spectrum antibiotics was initiated. Immunosuppressive agents were stopped on hospital day (d) 2. On hospital d 7, given his critical status, immunocompromised state, and difficulty in obtaining intravenous zanamivir, after obtaining ethical approval and parental consent, he was treated with intravenous peramivir (through an Emergency Investigational New Drug Application) for two wk. He tolerated the regimen well and his clinical status improved gradually. Several factors may have contributed to virus clearance and survival including recovery of the immune system, aggressive critical care support, and administration of peramivir. Ongoing surveillance is essential to monitor how oseltamivir‐resistant H275Y mutant viruses may evolve in the future.
Pre‐release feeding on hydrolysed yeast and methoprene treatment enhances male Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett (Diptera: Tephritidae) longevity
Authors: Haq I. , Hendrichs J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEnhanced male melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae) mating success due to application of a juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene (M+) and feeding on a sugar–protein diet (P+) (hydrolysed yeast), supports their incorporation into operational area‐wide programmes integrating the sterile insect technique. But enhanced mating success may have a cost in terms of shortened sterile male longevity as has been reported under certain situations for other tephritid pest species. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of methoprene treatment and addition of protein to the adult diet and then switching from a sugar–protein diet to sugar only (dietary switched after first 3 days; DS), on male longevity in laboratory. The treatments were as follows: (i) M‐P+; (ii) M‐P+ DS; (iii) M+P+ DS; and (iv) M‐P‐ (fed only sugar and water continuously since emergence). All treatments were significantly different from each other in their survival response in the following order, M‐P+ > M+P+ DS > M‐P+ DS > M‐P‐. Access to sugar–protein diet and then switching after 3 days had no negative effect on male longevity compared with males fed only sugar throughout. The results are discussed in the context of methoprene treatment and a sugar–protein diet as a pre‐release feeding protocol for maturing sterile flies in fly emergence/release facilities.
Evaluation of the Resistance of Malus Germplasm to Bot Canker Caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea
Authors: Liu Hai Tao , Zhang Yu Jing , Li Chun Min , Wang Yi , Liu Guo Jian , Chang Rui Feng , Zhao Yong Bo , Xu Xue Feng , Han Zhen Hai , Zhang Xin Zhong 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe resistance of 240 Malus germplasm accessions to bot canker was evaluated by inoculating branches in the field with cultured mycelia from five pathogenic isolates of Botryosphaeria dothidea. Differences in the disease resistance were significant among the examined germplasm accessions and the different pathogenic isolates. In general, the resistance of the wild species and the Chinese domestic cultivars was much stronger than that of the cultivars or mutants of Malus × domestica. Baccata HR, a genotype from a wild species, is highly resistant. Three M. × domestica cultivars/mutants, Maypole, Spy227 and Fengyan, are resistant, whereas Changhong is highly susceptible. A wide range of resistance levels were observed among the 28 M. sieversii genotypes. Differences in resistance were also found among clonal mutants from cultivars of M. × domestica. The disease indices of the same germplasm in response to different pathogenic isolates of B. dothidea are sometimes significantly different.
Estimating the number of street children and adolescents in two cities of Brazil using capture–recapture
Authors: Bezerra Kátia Floripes , Gurgel Ricardo Queiroz , Ilozue Chinenye , Castaneda Daniel Neyra 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To use the capture–recapture method to estimate the number of street children and adolescents in Maceió and Arapiraca, north‐east Brazil, and describe the characteristics of the two populations.Methods:  The number of children and adolescents on the street in Maceió and Arapiraca was estimated using the multi‐list capture–recapture method. Two street surveys and an official list from the social services department were compared. The characteristics of the children were recorded during the street surveys using a questionnaire.Results:  The estimated number of street children and adolescents was 5225 in Maceió and 1191 in Arapiraca. According to the official records, the population registered was 565 and 157, respectively. Most individuals were male (71.4% and 71.8%, respectively). They still maintain contact with their families (85.5% in Maceió and 89.6% in Arapiraca) and attend school regularly (43.4% and 49.7%). Drug use was admitted by 46.9% of the individuals in Maceió and by 26.9% in Arapiraca. In both cities, glue inhalation, associated or not with other drugs, was most frequently cited.Conclusions:  Children and adolescents on the streets are a common and underestimated occurrence in Maceió and Arapiraca. They have similar characteristics to street children from other countries and other cities in Brazil. The method of capture–recapture seems to be suited to study populations such as street children.
Staff immunisation: Policy and practice in child care
Authors: Spokes Paula J , Ferson Mark J , Ressler Kelly‐Anne 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The aims of this study were to determine the level of knowledge among child‐care centre directors regarding the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommendations for the immunisation of child‐care workers, the extent to which this knowledge was translated into practice and any organisational barriers to the development and implementation of staff immunisation policy.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey, conducted in August 2006, in which a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 784 NSW child‐care centres. Centre directors were asked to complete the questionnaire on immunisation knowledge, policy and practice for the centre. A multivariate logistic‐regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with centres with an immunisation policy for staff and centres that offered to pay all or part of the cost of vaccination of staff.Results:  Directors from 437 centres participated in the study for a response rate of 56%. Of these, 49% were aware of the NHMRC recommendations, and 57% had a staff immunisation policy in place. In the logistic regression model, centres with a written immunisation policy for staff were more likely to be aware of the NHMRC guidelines and offer long day care services. Centres that offered to pay all or part of the cost of immunisation for staff were more likely to be aware of the NHMRC guidelines, offer other child‐care services and not operate for profit. Barriers to staff immunisation were related to the implementation of policy and included cost, time and access to information.Conclusions:  The level of awareness of specific staff immunisation recommendations was relatively low. The transition of knowledge to policy was encouraging, although implementation of policies requires further commitment.
Self‐reported level of and factors influencing the compliance to desferrioxamine therapy in multitransfused thalassaemias
Authors: Lee Way Seah , Toh Tsun How , Chai Pei Fan , Soo Thian Lian 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To analyse the self‐reported degree of and factors influencing the compliance to desferrioxamine (DFO) therapy in children with transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia major in Malaysia.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted on all children with thalassaemia major on DFO attending Likas Hospital, Sabah, in September 2008. Patients or carer‐providers were interviewed to report on the degree of compliance as either highly (administering >90% of DFO), moderately (51–90%), poorly (1%–50%) or non‐compliant (0%) to DFO in the preceding month. The latest serum ferritin levels were noted.Results:  The median (range) age at first blood transfusion of these 139 (73 males, median (range) age at interview: 9.0 years (2–16 years)) patients were 1.0 year (2 months to 10 years). The median (range) duration of regular DFO therapy was 2 years (2 months to 10 years). Forty‐three (31%) of the patients reported themselves to be highly compliant, 70 (50%) moderately and 26 (19%) poorly or non‐compliant. Multivariate analysis showed that a lower family income negatively affected the degree of compliance, while family support positively affected the degree of compliance to DFO. No correlation existed between self‐reported degree of compliance and latest serum ferritin level (6444 ± µmol/L; P = 0.186).Conclusion:  The self‐reported compliance to DFO therapy was moderate in this cohort of patients with thalassaemia major in Malaysia. The serum ferritin level was high, possibly because of the relatively short duration of DFO therapy and compliance. Oral iron chelator should be considered to improve the compliance to iron chelation.
Health status of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A parent's perspective
Authors: Bray Paula , Bundy Anita C , Ryan Monique M , North Kathryn N , Burns Joshua 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To investigate parent‐reported health status of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared with a large Australian normative population and a cohort of children with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A).Methods:  The Child Health Questionnaire parent form (CHQ‐PF50) was completed by parents of 34 boys with confirmed DMD. Seventeen parents were followed up at 6 months. CHQ‐PF50 data were compared with 2620 age‐matched norms and 90 children with CMT1A.Results:  All domains of the CHQ‐PF50 for the DMD cohort were significantly lower than the general paediatric population, particularly for physical functioning (t=−17.2, P < 0.001) and the child's ability to fulfil school and social roles because of physical limitations (t=−9.4, P < 0.001). Parents experienced greatest emotional impact of their child's DMD around the time of loss of ambulation. Children with DMD had lower health status compared with children with CMT1A with the exception of the behaviour and pain domains. Physical functioning worsened during 6 months (P= 0.04); no other changes in health status were observed at follow‐up.Conclusions:  Parents report the impact of DMD on health status to be considerably worse when compared with CMT1A. Interventions should target minimising the impact of physical limitations on role functioning.
Fatigue experienced by patients receiving maintenance dialysis in hemodialysis units
Authors: Letchmi Santhna , Das Srijit , Halim Hasliza , Zakariah Farid Azizul , Hassan Hamidah , Mat Samsiah , Packiavathy Ruth 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe fatigue that is observed in patients who are undergoing dialysis is usually associated with an impaired quality of life. The present cross‐sectional study was conducted from January to April 2009 in three hemodialysis units in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In this study, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Depression Anxiety and Stress Score 21 were used to determine the level of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress of patients who were undergoing dialysis. The data were obtained from a calculated sample of 116 and a total of 103 respondents participated in the study. A total of 56 (54.4%) and 47 (45.6%) respondents experienced a high level and a low level of fatigue, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the level of fatigue. The respondents who had been receiving treatment for > 2 years experienced more fatigue, compared to the respondents who had been undergoing hemodialysis for > 2 years. There was a significant difference in relation to the age of the participants regarding the level of fatigue. No significant relationship between the sex of the participants, anemia, depression, anxiety, stress, and the level of fatigue was observed. Special attention needs to be paid to both the younger and older adults who are receiving treatment. In addition, proper planning is needed for the patients regarding their daily activities in order to reduce fatigue. Nurses who work in hemodialysis units are recommended to provide exercise classes or group therapy in order to boost the energy levels among patients who are undergoing dialysis. Health professionals should provide appropriate treatment for patients who are experiencing fatigue in order to prevent any other complications that could arise.
Quality of work life: Experiences of Iranian nurses
Authors: Vagharseyyedin Seyyed Abolfazl , Vanaki Zohreh , Mohammadi Eesa 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences of Iranian nurses concerning their quality of work life. A purposive sample of nurses (n = 14) was recruited from two university hospitals. The data were collected through unstructured interviews and were analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. The results indicated that the participants discerned their quality of work life by assessing how favorable were their working conditions, the level of fulfilment of their personal needs, and the impact of their working conditions on their private life and their social life. Three main themes were identified: quality of work life, as experienced from a personal perspective; quality of work life, as experienced from a sociocultural perspective; and quality of work life, as experienced from an organizational–professional perspective. The results of the present study will help Iranian nurse administrators to adopt effective strategies in order to improve nurses' quality of work life. Future research can broaden the scope of the current results and offer a more comprehensive understanding of nurses' quality of work life.
Computed tomography for the preoperative diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis
Authors: Bae Jeong‐Hoon , Song Rok , Lee Ahwon , Park Jong‐Sup , Kim Mee‐Ran 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAims:  The aim of this study was to review the clinical manifestations of pelvic actinomycosis in order to aid clinicians in its diagnosis and treatment.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the histopathology and clinical records of all cases confirmed by surgery as pelvic actinomycosis from 1996 to 2006.Results:  A total of 16 cases of pelvic actinomycosis were selected and evaluated. The median age was 51 years (range, 36–66 years). All patients experienced childbirth, and had risk factors including use of an intrauterine device (93.8%) or pessary (6.2%), and/or a history of dilatation and curettage (68.8%), or previous abdominal surgery (31.3%). Nine patients (56.3%) were correctly diagnosed before surgery with computed tomography. Other common preoperative diagnoses were intra‐abdominal malignancy (18.8%) and tubo‐ovarian abscess (25%). The most common initial laboratory abnormalities were anemia (68.8%) and leukocytosis (62.5%). In six patients (37.5%), the preoperative values of carbohydrate antigen‐125 were elevated. All patients were cured by surgery and no recurrence or mortality was noted.Conclusions:  The correct initial diagnosis of pelvic actinomycosis is important for decreasing treatment‐related morbidity. Imaging studies, especially computed tomography, might have assisted the diagnoses of actinomycosis.
Plasma mRNA concentrations of placenta‐specific 1 (PLAC1) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) are higher in early‐onset than late‐onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Kodama Miho , Miyoshi Hiroshi , Fujito Naoya , Samura Osamu , Kudo Yoshiki 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  Some mRNA concentrations are observed to increase in the maternal circulation in association with pre‐eclampsia, including placenta‐specific 1 (PLAC1) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), which were previously proposed as predictive markers for pre‐eclampsia. Here, we investigated their concentrations in early‐onset and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia maternal plasma to determine whether different mechanisms are involved in these two forms of the disorder.Material and Methods:  Peripheral blood and placental samples were collected from patients with pre‐eclampsia. RNA was extracted and levels of PLAC1 and PAPP‐A mRNAs were determined using real‐time quantitative PCR.Results:  PLAC1 and PAPP‐A mRNA levels were significantly increased in plasma from pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia compared with those from healthy pregnant women. The median concentration of PLAC1 was 5.5 times higher (P < 0.01) and that of PAPP‐A was 5.1 times higher (P < 0.01) in early‐onset than in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia. The expression of these mRNAs in the placenta showed no significant difference in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia, late‐onset pre‐eclampsia and healthy pregnant women.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the concentration of mRNAs in maternal plasma reflect leakage from damaged villus cells rather than expression levels in the placenta. Injury to chorionic villus cells might be more severe in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia than in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia.
Lausannevirus, a giant amoebal virus encoding histone doublets
Authors: Thomas Vincent , Bertelli Claire , Collyn François , Casson Nicola , Telenti Amalio , Goesmann Alexander , Croxatto Antony , Greub Gilbert 
Published: March 2011

SummaryLarge viruses infecting algae or amoebae belong to the NucleoCytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses (NCLDV) and present genotypic and phenotypic characteristics that have raised major interest among microbiologists. Here, we describe a new large virus discovered in Acanthamoeba castellanii co‐culture of an environmental sample. The virus, referred to as Lausannevirus, has a very limited host range, infecting Acanthamoeba spp. but being unable to infect other amoebae and mammalian cell lines tested. Within A. castellanii, this icosahedral virus of about 200 nm exhibits a development cycle similar to Mimivirus, with an eclipse phase 2 h post infection and a logarithmic growth leading to amoebal lysis in less than 24 h. The 346 kb Lausannevirus genome presents similarities with the recently described Marseillevirus, sharing 89% of genes, and thus belongs to the same family as confirmed by core gene phylogeny. Interestingly, Lausannevirus and Marseillevirus genomes both encode three proteins with predicted histone folds, including two histone doublets, that present similarities to eukaryotic and archaeal histones. The discovery of Lausannevirus and the analysis of its genome provide some insight in the evolution of these large amoebae‐infecting viruses.
Influence of putative exopolysaccharide genes on Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilm stability
Authors: Nilsson Martin , Chiang Wen‐Chi , Fazli Mustafa , Gjermansen Morten , Givskov Michael , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: March 2011

SummaryWe report a study of the role of putative exopolysaccharide gene clusters in the formation and stability of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 biofilm. Two novel putative exopolysaccharide gene clusters, pea and peb, were identified, and evidence is provided that they encode products that stabilize P. putida KT2440 biofilm. The gene clusters alg and bcs, which code for proteins mediating alginate and cellulose biosynthesis, were found to play minor roles in P. putida KT2440 biofilm formation and stability under the conditions tested. A P. putida KT2440 derivative devoid of any identifiable exopolysaccharide genes was found to form biofilm with a structure similar to wild‐type biofilm, but with a stability lower than that of wild‐type biofilm. Based on our data, we suggest that the formation of structured P. putida KT2440 biofilm can occur in the absence of exopolysaccharides; however, exopolysaccharides play a role as structural stabilizers.