bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Increased Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination
Rates: Results from a National Survey of University Hospitals and Medical
Centers
Authors: Talbot Thomas R. , Dellit Timothy H. , Hebden Joan , Sama Danny , Cuny Joanne 
Published: March 2010

Objective.
To ascertain which components of healthcare worker (HCW) influenza
vaccination programs are associated with higher vaccination rates.

Design.
Survey.

Setting.
University-affiliated hospitals.

Methods.
Participating hospitals were surveyed with regard to their institutional
HCW influenza vaccination program for the 2007-2008 influenza season. Topics
assessed included vaccination adherence and availability, use of declination
statements, education methods, accountability, and data reporting. Factors
associated with higher vaccination rates were ascertained.

Results.
Fifty hospitals representing 368,696 HCWs participated in the project. The
median vaccination rate was 55.0% (range, 25.6%-80.6%); however, the types of
HCWs targeted by vaccination programs varied. Programs with the following
components had significantly higher vaccination rates: weekend provision of
vaccine (58.8% in those with this feature vs 43.9% in those without;
P = .01), train-the-trainer programs (59.5% vs
46.5%; P = .005), report of vaccination rates to
administrators (57.2% vs 48.1%; P = .04) or to the
board of trustees (63.9% vs 53.4%; P = .01), a
letter sent to employees emphasizing the importance of vaccination (59.3% vs
47%; P = .01), and any form of visible leadership
support (57.9% vs 36.9%; P = .01). Vaccination rates
were not significantly different between facilities that did and those that did
not require a signed declination form for HCWs who refused vaccination (56.9%
vs 55.1%; P = .68), although the precise content of
such statements varied.

Conclusions.
Vaccination programs that emphasized accountability to the highest levels
of the organization, provided weekend access to vaccination, and used
train-the-trainer programs had higher vaccination coverage. Of concern, the
types of HCWs targeted by vaccination programs differed, and uniform
definitions will be essential in the event of public reporting of vaccination
rates.
Composition bias and the origin of ORFan genes
Authors: Yomtovian Inbal , Teerakulkittipong Nuttinee , Lee Byungkook , Moult John , Unger Ron 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Intriguingly, sequence analysis of genomes reveals that a large number of genes are unique to each organism. The origin of these genes, termed ORFans, is not known. Here, we explore the origin of ORFan genes by defining a simple measure called ‘composition bias’, based on the deviation of the amino acid composition of a given sequence from the average composition of all proteins of a given genome.
Results: For a set of 47 prokaryotic genomes, we show that the amino acid composition bias of real proteins, random ‘proteins’ (created by using the nucleotide frequencies of each genome) and ‘proteins’ translated from intergenic regions are distinct. For ORFans, we observed a correlation between their composition bias and their relative evolutionary age. Recent ORFan proteins have compositions more similar to those of random ‘proteins’, while the compositions of more ancient ORFan proteins are more similar to those of the set of all proteins of the organism. This observation is consistent with an evolutionary scenario wherein ORFan genes emerged and underwent a large number of random mutations and selection, eventually adapting to the composition preference of their organism over time.
Contact: ron@biocoml.ls.biu.ac.il
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Fire Blight of Apples and Pears: Epidemiological Concepts Comprising the Maryblyt Forecasting Program
Authors: Biggs Alan R. , Turechek W. W. 
Published: March 2010

This article describes the fire blight prediction model Maryblyt, developed by Steiner and Lightner, and its recent release in the first Windows-compatible version. A brief discussion of the biological basis for the model is provided, including its integrated use of multiple cumulative heat unit “clocks.” Furthermore, we describe the recent release of Maryblyt v. 7 for Windows, which is available for free. Accepted for publication 1 December 2009. Published 15 March 2010.
First Report of Sugar Beet Seedling Rust Caused by Puccinia subnitens in Nebraska
Authors: Harveson Robert M. 
Published: March 2010

This is the first report of seedling rust on sugar beets and common lambsquarters in Nebraska. It is also the first report of the pycnial stage of P. subnitens from natural infections and documentation of multiple infections of sugar beet leaves beyond the seedling stage. The unusually cool and wet weather during May and June 2009 likely contributed to the high incidence of fields with rust. Accepted for publication 17 December 2009. Published 15 March 2010.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Lang Irene 
Published: March 2010

SummaryChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) comprises organizing thrombotic obstructions in the pulmonary arteries. While roughly 40% of CTEPH cases are not preceded by a venous thromboembolic event, 0·1–5·1% of acute pulmonary thromboemboli evolve into organized obstructions of the pulmonary artery. In patients with predominantly proximal disease, surgical pulmonary endarterectomy provides a potential cure of the disease. For years, the scientific debate of CTEPH was mainly focused around its thromboembolic nature because of striking dissimilarities to classical venous thromboembolism, for example, the lack of risk factors for venous thrombosis, the lack of clinically apparent pulmonary embolism in many patients, the difficulty to reproduce the disease in animal models of thrombosis, and the nature of the pulmonary vascular obstructions that are dissociated from the degree of hemodynamic compromise. Recent studies have confirmed an association between venous thromboembolism and the evolution of CTEPH, and have shed light on disease‐modifying conditions.
Anti‐thymocyte globulin plus etanercept as therapy for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): a phase II study
Authors: Scott Bart L. , Ramakrishnan Aravind , Fosdal Mark , Storer Barry , Becker Pamela , Petersdorf Steve , Deeg H.Joachim 
Published: March 2010

SummaryImmunosuppressive therapies have proven valuable in treating patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We evaluated the combination of equine anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATGAM®) and the soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor, etanercept (Enbrel®), in a phase II trial. Twenty‐five patients with MDS [4‐refractory anaemia (RA), 2‐RA with ring sideroblasts, 15‐refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD), 3‐RCMD and ring sideroblasts, 1‐RA with excess blasts type 1] in International Prognostic Staging System risk groups low (n = 11) or intermediate‐1 (n = 14) were enrolled. All patients were platelet or red cell transfusion‐dependent. Nineteen patients completed therapy with ATG at 40 mg/kg per day for four consecutive days, followed by etanercept, 25 mg subcutaneous twice a week for 2 weeks, every month for 4 months. Thirteen patients had haematological improvement (HI)‐erythroid, 2 HI‐neutrophil, and 6 HI‐platelet. One patient with a co‐existing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis had a complete remission. The overall response by intent to treat analysis among the 25 patients was 56% (95% confidence interval 35–56%). Four patients did not complete their first course of therapy and one patient did not survive to the 8‐week post‐treatment assessment. Among patients who completed treatment and survived to the 8‐week assessment, 70% had at least haematological responses lasting for at least 5 to more than 36 months. Thus, combination therapy with ATG and etanercept was active and safe in patients with MDS.
Tracheostomy management in Acute Care Facilities – a matter of teamwork
Authors: Parker Vicki , Giles Michelle , Shylan Gai , Austin Nicole , Smith Kelvin , Morison Jane , Archer Wendy 
Published: March 2010

Aim. Implement and evaluate an inter‐disciplinary team approach to tracheostomy management in non‐critical care.Background. Trends towards early tracheostomy in intensive care units (ICU) have led to increased numbers of tracheostomy patients. Together with the push for earlier discharge from ICU, this poses challenges across disciplines and wards. Even though tracheostomy is performed across a range of patient groups, tracheostomy care is seen as the domain of specialist clinicians in critical care. It is crucial to ensure quality care regardless of the patient’s destination after ICU.Design. A mixed method evaluation incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches.Method. Data collection included pre‐implementation and postimplementation clinical audits and staff surveys and a postimplementation tracheostomy team focus group. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to identify changes in clinical indicators and staff experiences. Focus group data were analysed using iterative processes of thematic analysis.Results. Findings revealed significant reductions in mean hospital length of stay (LOS) for survivors from 50–27 days (p < 0·0001) and an increase in the number of tracheostomy patients transferred to non‐critical care wards in the postgroup (p = 0·006). The number of wards accepting patients from ICU increased from 3–7 and there was increased staff knowledge, confidence and awareness of the team’s role.Conclusion. The team approach has led to work practice and patient outcome improvements. Organisational acceptance of the team has led to more wards indicating willingness to accept tracheostomy patients. Improved communication has resulted in more timely referral and better patient outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice. This study highlights the importance of inter‐disciplinary teamwork in achieving effective patient outcomes and efficiencies. It offers a model of inter‐disciplinary practice, supported by communication and data management that can be replicated across other patient groups.
Effects of a tailored web‐based educational intervention on women’s perceptions of and intentions to obtain mammography
Authors: Lin Zu‐Chun , Effken Judith A 
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  Breast cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Taiwanese women. Mammography has been recognised as a powerful tool for breast cancer detection. This study compared the effectiveness of a web‐based tailored educational intervention based on Transtheoretical Model concepts with currently available educational information for improving Taiwanese women’s perceptions and intentions to obtain mammography.Background.  Despite the wide use of the Internet for health information dissemination, health information found on the web frequently is very general and not individualised or tailored to meet specific individual needs. This has produced unsatisfactory outcomes such as little to no increase in individuals’ knowledge or behaviour changes.Design.  A pretest–posttest study. Tailored intervention was hypothesised to be significantly different from standard intervention in perceptions of and intentions for Taiwanese women to receive mammography.Methods.  One hundred and twenty‐eight Taiwanese women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: tailored intervention or standard intervention. The tailored intervention group received a variety of educational programme tailored to the precontemplation stage for mammography based on Transtheoretical Model concepts. The standard intervention group obtained standardised mammography brochures. Interventions were given online and online questionnaires were completed by subjects at baseline and completion of interventions.Results.  The tailored intervention group had significantly more positive perceptions of mammography and significantly more intention to obtain mammography than the standard intervention group postintervention.Conclusions.  This study contributes to our knowledge of how a health education website can enhance women’s mammography‐related positive perceptions and intentions if tailored to their readiness for change.Relevance to clinical practice.  Increasingly, people get their health information from the web. If that education is also tailored to individual needs, it can have a greater impact on their health care decisions.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Chp chemosensory system regulates intracellular cAMP levels by modulating adenylate cyclase activity
Authors: Fulcher Nanette B. , Holliday Phillip M. , Klem Erich , Cann Martin J. , Wolfgang Matthew C. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryMultiple virulence systems in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are regulated by the second messenger signalling molecule adenosine 3′, 5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Production of cAMP by the putative adenylate cyclase enzyme CyaB represents a critical control point for virulence gene regulation. To identify regulators of CyaB, we screened a transposon insertion library for mutants with reduced intracellular cAMP. The majority of insertions resulting in reduced cAMP mapped to the Chp gene cluster encoding a putative chemotaxis‐like chemosensory system. Further genetic analysis of the Chp system revealed that it has both positive and negative effects on intracellular cAMP and that it regulates cAMP levels by modulating CyaB activity. The Chp system was previously implicated in the production and function of type IV pili (TFP). Given that cAMP and the cAMP‐dependent transcriptional regulator Vfr control TFP biogenesis gene expression, we explored the relationship between cAMP, the Chp system and TFP regulation. We discovered that the Chp system controls TFP production through modulation of cAMP while control of TFP‐dependent twitching motility is cAMP‐independent. Overall, our data define a novel function for a chemotaxis‐like system in controlling cAMP production and establish a regulatory link between the Chp system, TFP and other cAMP‐dependent virulence systems.
Are fungi important for breaking seed dormancy in desert species? Experimental evidence in Opuntia streptacantha (Cactaceae)
Authors: Delgado‐Sánchez P. , Ortega‐Amaro M. A. , Jiménez‐Bremont J. F. , Flores J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSeeds of Opuntia spp. have physiological dormancy; they need a period of after‐ripening to break dormancy, and the embryos have low growth potential. We evaluated the combined effects of seed age and presence of fungi on the testa on germination of Opuntia streptacantha, an abundant species in the Chihuahuan Desert (Mexico), assuming that older seeds have broken seed dormancy and fungi can reduce mechanical resistance to germination. In a preliminary experiment, we found no germination of 9‐year‐old (1998) and freshly collected (2007) seeds. However, we obtained 67% and 27% germination from 9‐year‐old and fresh non‐sterilized seeds, respectively, and found fungi growing on the testa of all germinated seeds. Two fungal strains were isolated and identified using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis: Penicillium chrysogenum and Phoma sp. In a second experiment, we inoculated seeds with strains of P. chrysogenum and Phoma sp., as well as Trichoderma koningii and binucleate Rhizoctonia (Gto17S2), to evaluate their ability to break seed dormancy. Seeds inoculated with P. chrysogenum, Phoma sp. and T. koningii had higher germination than controls for both seed ages, but germination was higher in older seeds. Scanning electron microscopy showed that these fungi eroded the funiculus, reducing its resistance. Binucleate Rhizoctonia did not lead to germination and controls had almost no germination. Our results strongly indicate that fungi are involved in breaking seed dormancy of O. streptacantha, and that the effect of fungi on seeds is species‐specific.
Controlling established invaders: integrating economics and spread dynamics to determine optimal management
Authors: Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca S. , Hastings Alan 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters(2010) 13: 528–541AbstractWe review studies that address economically optimal control of established invasive species. We describe three important components for determining optimal invasion management: invasion dynamics, costs of control efforts and a monetary measure of invasion damages. We find that a management objective that explicitly considers both costs and damages is most appropriate for determining economically optimal strategies, but also leads to large challenges due to uncertainty in components of the management problem. To address uncertainty, some studies have included stochasticity in their models; others have quantified the value of information or focused on decision‐making with limited information. Our synthesis shows how invasion characteristics, such as costs, damages, pattern of spread and invasion and landscape size, affect optimal control strategies and goals in systematic ways. We find that even for simple questions, such as whether control should be applied at the centre of an invasion or to satellite patches, the answer depends on the details of a particular invasion. Future work should seek to better quantify key components of this problem, determine best management in the face of limited information, improve understanding of spatial aspects of invasion control and design approaches to improve the feasibility of achieving regional control goals.
Analysis of ER stress in developing rice endosperm accumulating β‐amyloid peptide
Authors: Oono Youko , Wakasa Yuhya , Hirose Sakiko , Yang Lijun , Sakuta Chiyoko , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe common neurodegenerative disorder known as Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cerebral neuritic plaques of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Plaque formation is related to the highly aggregative property of this peptide, because it polymerizes to form insoluble plaques or fibrils causing neurotoxicity. Here, we expressed Aβ peptide as a new causing agent to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to study ER stress occurred in plant. When the dimer of Aβ1–42peptide was expressed in maturing seed under the control of the 2.3‐kb glutelinGluB‐1promoter containing its signal peptide, a maximum of about 8 μg peptide per grain accumulated and was deposited at the periphery of distorted ER‐derived PB‐I protein bodies. Synthesis of Aβ peptide in the ER lumen severely inhibited the synthesis and deposition of seed storage proteins, resulting in the generation of many small and abnormally appearing PB bodies. This ultrastructural change was accounted for by ER stress leading to the accumulation of aggregated Aβ peptide in the ER lumen and a coordinated increase in ER‐resident molecular chaperones such as BiPs and PDIs in Aβ‐expressing plants. Microarray analysis also confirmed that expression of severalBiPs, PDIsandOsbZIP60containing putative transmembrane domains was affected by the ER stress response. Aβ‐expressing transgenic rice kernels exhibited an opaque and shrunken phenotype. When grain phenotype and expression levels were compared among transgenic rice grains expressing several different recombinant peptides, such detrimental effects on grain phenotype were correlated with the expressed peptide causing ER stress rather than expression levels.
Tapping RNA silencing pathways for plant biotechnology
Authors: Frizzi Alessandra , Huang Shihshieh 
Published: March 2010

SummaryPlants have evolved a variety of gene silencing pathways mediated by small RNAs. Mostly 21 or 24 nt in size, these small RNAs repress the expression of sequence homologous genes at the transcriptional, post‐transcriptional and translational levels. These pathways, also referred as RNA silencing pathways, play important roles in regulating growth and development as well as in response to both biotic and abiotic stress. Although the molecular basis of these complicated and interconnected pathways has become clear only in recent years, RNA silencing effects were observed and utilized in transgenic plants early in the plant biotechnology era, more than two decades ago. Today, with a better understanding of the pathways, various genetic engineering approaches have been developed to apply RNA silencing more effectively and broadly. In addition to summarizing the current models of RNA silencing, this review discusses examples of its potential uses and related issues concerning its application in plant biotechnology.
Early‐life determinants of overweight and obesity: a review of systematic reviews
Authors: Monasta L. , Batty G. D. , Cattaneo A. , Lutje V. , Ronfani L. , Van Lenthe F. J. , Brug J. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe aim of this paper was to review the evidence for early‐life (from conception to 5 years of age) determinants of obesity. The design is review of published systematic reviews. Data sources included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO. Identification of 22 eligible reviews from a database of 12 021 independent publications. Quality of selected reviews assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews score. Articles published after the reviews were used to confirm results. No review was classified as high quality, 11 as moderate and 11 as low. Factors associated with later overweight and obesity: maternal diabetes, maternal smoking, rapid infant growth, no or short breastfeeding, obesity in infancy, short sleep duration, <30 min of daily physical activity, consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages. Other factors were identified as potentially relevant, although the size of their effect is difficult to estimate. Maternal smoking, breastfeeding, infant size and growth, short sleep duration and television viewing are supported by better‐quality reviews. It is difficult to establish a causal association between possible determinants and obesity, and the relative importance of each determinant. Future research should focus on early‐life interventions to confirm the role of protective and risk factors and to tackle the high burden obesity represents for present and future generations.
Muscle moment arms of the gibbon hind limb: implications for hylobatid locomotion
Authors: Channon Anthony J. , Crompton Robin H. , Günther Michael M. , Vereecke Evie E. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMuscles facilitate skeletal movement via the production of a torque or moment about a joint. The magnitude of the moment produced depends on both the force of muscular contraction and the size of the moment arm used to rotate the joint. Hence, larger muscle moment arms generate larger joint torques and forces at the point of application. The moment arms of a number of gibbon hind limb muscles were measured on four cadaveric specimens (one Hylobates lar, one H. moloch and two H. syndactylus). The tendon travel technique was used, utilizing an electro‐goniometer and a linear voltage displacement transducer. The data were analysed using a technique based on a differentiated cubic spline and normalized to remove the effect of body size. The data demonstrated a functional differentiation between voluminous muscles with short fascicles having small muscle moment arms and muscles with longer fascicles and comparatively smaller physiological cross‐sectional area having longer muscle moment arms. The functional implications of these particular configurations were simulated using a simple geometric fascicle strain model that predicts that the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles are more likely to act primarily at their distal joints (knee and ankle, respectively) because they have short fascicles. The data also show that the main hip and knee extensors maintain a very small moment arm throughout the range of joint angles seen in the locomotion of gibbons, which (coupled to voluminous, short‐fascicled muscles) might help facilitate rapid joint rotation during powerful movements.