bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mannoproteins on the Growth, Gastrointestinal Viability, and Adherence to Caco‐2 Cells of Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ganan M. , Carrascosa A.V. , de Pascual‐Teresa S. , Martinez‐Rodriguez A.J. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Yeast cell wall (YCW) preparations and yeast mannoprotein extracts have been effective against some enteropathogenic bacteria as Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella, and they can affect the population of beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this work, we studied the effect of a mannoprotein extract on five strains of LAB. This extract was metabolised by the bacteria, enhancing their survival in simulated gastrointestinal juice, and increasing the adherence of Lactobacillus plantarum, L. salivarius, and Enterococcus faecium to Caco‐2 cells. Yeast mannoproteins are promising naturally occurring compounds that could be used to enhance LAB intestinal populations and control pathogens.Practical Application:  Mannoproteins could be used to enhance the population of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, improving their growth, gastrointestinal viability and adherence to epithelial intestinal cells.
Exploitation of a turbot (Scophthalmus maximusL.) immune‐related expressed sequence tag (EST) database for microsatellite screening and validation
Authors: NAVAJAS‐PÉREZ R. , ROBLES F. , MOLINA‐LUZÓN M. J. , De La HERRÁN R. , ÁLVAREZ‐DIOS J. A. , PARDO B. G. , VERA M. , BOUZA C. , MARTÍNEZ P. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this study, we identified and characterized 160 microsatellite loci from an expressed sequence tag (EST) database generated from immune‐related organs of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). A final set of 83 new polymorphic microsatellites were validated after the analysis of 40 individuals of Atlantic origin including both wild and farmed individuals. The allele number and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 2 to 18 and from 0.021 to 0.951, respectively. Evidences of null alleles at moderate–high frequencies were detected at six loci using population data. None of the analysed loci showed deviations from Mendelian segregation after the analysis of five full‐sib families including approximately 92 individuals/family. The markers are used to consolidate the turbot genetic map, and because they are mostly EST‐derived, they will be very useful for comparative genomic studies within flatfishes and with model fish species. Using anin silicoapproach, we detected significant homologies of microsatellite sequences with the EST databases of the flatfish species with highest genomic resources (Senegalese sole, Atlantic halibut, bastard halibut) in 31% of these turbot markers. The conservation of these microsatellites within Pleuronectiformes will pave the way for anchoring genetic maps of different species and identifying genomic regions related to productive traits.
Impact of clinical pharmacists in a warrior transition battalion at a military hospital
Authors: Hopper Ashley , Berry-Cabán Cristóbal S 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objective
Military treatment facilities across the USA began implementing Warriors in Transition Battalions (WTB), which provide enhanced health care and support to wounded soldiers in need of medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. With the implementation of WTB, clinical pharmacists have begun to play a role in the management of these patients. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of clinical pharmacists' interventions in a WTB by evaluating drug-related interventions recommendations and to determine the acceptance rate of these interventions by primary care providers.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of all soldiers referred to and seen by clinical pharmacists in the WTB registered at Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, NC, USA, was performed using the Composite Health Care System (CHCS) database. Data were collected for all patients between 1 March and 30 November 2009. Provider acceptance was determined from eligible pharmacist interventions. Clinical pharmacist-initiated medications or laboratory draws were not eligible for provider acceptance.

Key findings
Fifty patients were seen by a clinical pharmacist in the WTB; the mean age was 33.4 years and 84% were males. A total of 216 recommendations were documented. The most common intervention was drug addition (36%) followed by drug deletion (18%). The primary reason for consultation was medication therapy management (56%); pain management was the second most common reason for consultation (28%). Of the 216 recommendations examined, 181 (84%) were eligible for provider acceptance. Providers accepted 142 (78%) out of 181 pharmacist recommendations.

Conclusions
A majority of pharmacist recommendations were accepted. Clinical pharmacist presence in the WTB is a valuable resource in terms of optimizing medication therapy.
Factor XIII Val34Leu mutation accelerates the development of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C
Authors: Dik Kathelijne , de Bruijne Joep , Takkenberg R. Bart , Roelofs Joris J. , Tempelmans Marjan J. , Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Gelderblom Huub C. , Reesink Henk W. , Meijers Joost C. M. , Jansen Peter L. , Levi Marcel 
Published: March 2012

Aim:  There is considerable variation in liver fibrosis stage and progression to cirrhosis among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or C (CHC). Coagulation pathway activity due to genetic variations could influence the rate of fibrosis. We investigated thrombotic risk factors and their association with the extent and progression of fibrosis in CHB or CHC patients.Methods:  In total, 194 patients with CHB (n = 88) or CHC (n = 106) were included. Data on demographic and laboratory findings were collected. Liver biopsies were evaluated according to the Ishak classification system. Fibrosis progression rate (FPR), defined as ratio of fibrosis score to duration of infection, was determined for 131 patients. Prevalence of factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1) 4G/5G and factor XIIIA Val34Leu mutations was evaluated.Results:  Heterozygosity for factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, PAI‐1 4G/5G and factor XIIIA Val34Leu mutations was present in 3.1%, 2.1%, 49% and 28% of the patients, respectively. Factor XIII Val34Leu mutation was a risk for enhanced FPR (odds ratio 4.7; P = 0.01). In patients with both factor XIII Val34Leu and PAI‐1 4G/5G mutations the risk of an accelerated FPR was further increased (odds ratio 5.0; P = 0.02). Mutations of the other thrombotic genes were not significantly associated with fibrosis stage and FPR.Conclusion:  Our data show that factor XIII Val34Leu mutation alone or in combination with PAI‐1 4G/5G mutation is a risk factor for an increased rate of liver fibrosis development in patients with CHB or CHC.
jPopGen Suite: population genetic analysis of DNA polymorphism from nucleotide sequences with errors
Authors: Liu Xiaoming 
Published: March 2012

Summary1. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is being increasingly used in ecological and evolutionary studies. Though promising, NGS is known to be error‐prone. Sequencing error can cause significant bias for population genetic analysis of a sequence sample.2. We present jPopGen Suite, an integrated tool for population genetic analysis of DNA polymorphisms from nucleotide sequences. It is specially designed for data with a non‐negligible error rate, although it serves well for ‘error‐free’ data. It implements several methods for estimating the population mutation rate, population growth rate and conducting neutrality tests.3. jPopGen Suite facilitates the population genetic analysis of NGS data in various applications and is freely available for non‐commercial users at http://sites.google.com/site/jpopgen/.
The relationship between compulsive exercise and emotion regulation in adolescents
Authors: Goodwin Huw , Haycraft Emma , Meyer Caroline 
Published: March 2012

Objective. Compulsive exercise is suggested to be a strategy to regulate emotions. This suggestion has never been studied in adolescents. Therefore, this study examined the cross‐sectional association between emotion regulation and compulsive exercise attitudes in adolescents.Design. A cross‐sectional design was employed for this study.Method. A sample of 1,630 adolescent boys and girls completed self‐report measures of compulsive exercise, emotion regulation, and disordered eating attitudes, as part of ongoing research into exercise and eating attitudes in adolescents.Results. Compulsive exercise was significantly associated with emotion regulation, after controlling for disordered eating attitudes. Among boys, compulsive exercise was associated with internal functional, internal dysfunctional, and external functional emotion regulation strategies. In girls, internal functional and internal dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies predicted compulsive exercise.Conclusions. Adolescents’ compulsivity towards exercise is positively associated with different emotion regulation strategies. More work is needed to identify whether emotion regulation strategies longitudinally predict compulsive exercise.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Ethanol Elicit Increased Amyloid Biogenesis and Amyloid-Integrated Biofilm Formation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lim Ji Youn , May Janine M. , Cegelski Lynette 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTEscherichia colidirects the assembly of functional amyloid fibers termed “curli” that mediate adhesion and biofilm formation. We discovered thatE. coliexhibits a tunable and selective increase in curli protein expression and fiber assembly in response to moderate concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethanol. Furthermore, the molecular alterations resulted in dramatic functional phenotypes associated with community behavior, including (i) cellular agglutination in broth, (ii) altered colony morphology, and (iii) increased biofilm formation. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of intact pellicles formed in the presence of [13C2]DMSO confirmed that DMSO was not being transformed and utilized directly for metabolism. Collectively, the chemically induced phenotypes emphasize the plasticity ofE. coli's response to environmental stimuli to enhance amyloid production and amyloid-integrated biofilm formation. The data also support our developing model of the extracellular matrix as an organized assembly of polymeric components, including amyloid fibers, in which composition relates to bacterial physiology and community function.
The Trypanosomatid-Specific N Terminus of RPA2 Is Required for RNA Polymerase I Assembly, Localization, and Function
Authors: Daniels Jan-Peter , Gull Keith , Wickstead Bill 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

African trypanosomes are the only organisms known to use RNA polymerase I (pol I) to transcribe protein-coding genes. These genes include
VSG
, which is essential for immune evasion and is transcribed from an extranucleolar expression site body (ESB). Several trypanosome pol I subunits vary compared to their homologues elsewhere, and the question arises as to how these variations relate to pol I function. A clear example is the N-terminal extension found on the second-largest subunit of pol I, RPA2. Here, we identify an essential role for this region. RPA2 truncation leads to nuclear exclusion and a growth defect which phenocopies single-allele knockout. The N terminus is not a general nuclear localization signal (NLS), however, and it fails to accumulate unrelated proteins in the nucleus. An ectopic NLS is sufficient to reinstate nuclear localization of truncated RPA2, but it does not restore function. Moreover, NLS-tagged, truncated RPA2 has a different subnuclear distribution to full-length protein and is unable to build stable pol I complexes. We conclude that the RPA2 N-terminal extension does not have a role exclusive to the expression of protein-coding genes, but it is essential for all pol I functions in trypanosomes because it directs trypanosomatid-specific interactions with RPA1.
Family-based behavioural intervention programme for obese children: a feasibility study
Authors: Teder Marie , Mörelius Evalotte , Bolme Per , Nordwall Maria , Ekberg Joakim , Timpka Toomas 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesTo assess a 2-year family-based behavioural intervention programme against child obesity.DesignSingle-group pre- and post-intervention feasibility study.SettingSwedish paediatric outpatient care.Participants26 obese children aged 8.3–12.0 years and their parents who had consented to actively participate in a 2-year intervention.Interventions25 paediatric outpatient group sessions over a 2-year period with parallel groups for children and parents. The basis for the programme was a manual containing instructions for tutor-supervised group sessions with obese children and their parents.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was change in standardised body mass index between baseline and after 36 months. The secondary outcome measures were change in the waist:height ratio, metabolic parameters and programme adherence. The participants were examined at baseline and after 3, 12 and 24 months of therapy and at follow-up 12 months after completion of the programme.ResultsThe primary outcome measure, standardised body mass index, declined from a mean of 3.3 (0.7 SD) at baseline to 2.9 (0.7 SD) (p<0.001) at follow-up 12 months after completion of the programme. There was no change in the waist:height ratio. Biomedical markers of blood glucose metabolism and lipid status remained in the normal range. 96% of the families completed the programme.ConclusionsThis feasibility study of a 2-year family-based behavioural intervention programme in paediatric outpatient care showed promising results with regard to further weight gain and programme adherence. These findings must be confirmed in a randomised controlled trial with longer follow-up before the intervention programme can be implemented on a larger scale.
Social and geographic inequalities in premature adult mortality in Japan: a multilevel observational study from 1970 to 2005
Authors: Suzuki Etsuji , Kashima Saori , Kawachi Ichiro , Subramanian S V 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesTo examine trends in social and geographic inequalities in all-cause premature adult mortality in Japan.DesignObservational study of the vital statistics and the census data.SettingJapan.ParticipantsEntire population aged 25 years or older and less than 65 years in 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. The total number of decedents was 984 022 and 532 223 in men and women, respectively.Main outcome measuresFor each sex, ORs and 95% CIs for mortality were estimated by using multilevel logistic regression models with ‘cells’ (cross-tabulated by age and occupation) at level 1, 8 years at level 2 and 47 prefectures at level 3. The prefecture-level variance was used as an estimate of geographic inequalities of mortality.ResultsAdjusting for age and time-trends, compared with production process and related workers, ORs ranged from 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.98) among administrative and managerial workers to 2.22 (95% CI 2.19 to 2.24) among service workers in men. By contrast, in women, the lowest odds for mortality was observed among production process and related workers (reference), while the highest OR was 12.22 (95% CI 11.40 to 13.10) among security workers. The degree of occupational inequality increased in both sexes. Higher occupational groups did not experience reductions in mortality throughout the period and was overtaken by lower occupational groups in the early 1990s, among men. Conditional on individual age and occupation, overall geographic inequalities of mortality were relatively small in both sexes; the ORs ranged from 0.87 (Okinawa) to 1.13 (Aomori) for men and from 0.84 (Kanagawa) to 1.11 (Kagoshima) for women, even though there is a suggestion of increasing inequalities across prefectures since 1995 in both sexes.ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that both social and geographic inequalities in all-cause mortality have increased in Japan during the last 3 decades.
A method for early evaluation of a recently introduced technology by deriving a comparative group from existing clinical data: a case study in external support of the Marfan aortic root
Authors: Treasure Tom , Crowe Sonya , Chan K M John , Ranasinghe Aaron , Attia Rizwan , Lees Belinda , Utley Martin , Golesworthy Tal , Pepper John 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveDuring the early phase of evaluation of a new intervention, data exist for present practice. The authors propose a method of constructing a fair comparator group using these data. In this case study, the authors use the example of external aortic root support, a novel alternative to aortic root replacement.DesignA matched comparison group, of similar age, aortic size and aortic valve function to those having the novel intervention, was constructed, by minimization, from among patients having conventional aortic root replacement in other hospitals during the same time frame.SettingThree cardiac surgical units in England.PatientsThe first 20 patients, aged 16–58 years with aortic root diameters of 40–54 mm, having external support surgery were compared with 20 patients, aged 18–63 years and aortic root diameters of 38–58 mm, who had conventional aortic root replacement, between May 2004 and December 2009.InterventionsA pliant external mesh sleeve, customised by computer-aided design, encloses the whole of the ascending aorta. The comparator group had conventional aortic root replacement, 16 valve-sparing and four with composite valved grafts.Main outcome measuresDuration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), myocardial ischaemic time, blood loss and transfusion of blood, platelets and clotting factors.ResultsComparing total root replacement and customised aortic root support surgery: CPB (median (range)) was 134 (52–316) versus 0 (0–20) min; myocardial ischaemia 114 (41–250) versus 0 (0–0) min; 4 h blood loss was 218 (85–735) versus 50 (25–400) ml; and 9/18 had blood transfusion, 9/18 platelets and 12/18 fresh frozen plasma after root replacement versus 1/20, 0/20 and 0/20, respectively, for the novel surgery.ConclusionsAvoidance or large reductions in CPB, myocardial ischaemia and blood product usage were achieved with the novel surgery. These data are of use in decision analysis and health economic evaluation and are available early in evaluation before randomised trial data are available.
Exploring the role of salient distracting clinical features in the emergence of diagnostic errors and the mechanisms through which reflection counteracts mistakes
Authors: Mamede Sílvia , Splinter Ted A W , van Gog Tamara , Rikers Remy M J P , Schmidt Henk G 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundFlaws in clinical reasoning are present in most diagnostic errors and occur even when physicians have enough knowledge to solve the problem. Deliberate reflection has been shown to improve diagnoses. The sources of faulty reasoning and how reflection counteracts them remain largely unknown.ObjectiveTo explore the causes of faulty reasoning and the mechanisms through which reflection neutralises them by investigating the influence of salient distracting clinical features on diagnostic decision-making.Design and settingIn a prior study, 34 internal medicine residents and 50 medical students of the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, diagnosed four clinical cases by means of non-analytical reasoning and four by reflective reasoning. In the secondary analysis of the data presented here, five internists independently evaluated the diagnoses and examined the nature of the diagnostic errors in relation to case features that gave rise to these errors.Main outcomesFrequency of incorrect diagnoses caused by salient distracting features made through reflective and non-analytical reasoning.ResultsAmong residents, reflective reasoning (Mean diagnostic accuracy score (M)=2.09, 95% CI 1.77 to 2.40) led to a significantly higher number of correct diagnoses than non-analytical reasoning (M=1.71, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.04; p=0.03). This higher diagnostic accuracy was associated with fewer incorrect diagnoses triggered by salient distracting clinical features (M=0.47, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.68) compared with non-analytical reasoning (M=0.85, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.11; p=0.02). Students did not benefit from reflection to improve diagnoses.ConclusionSalient features in a case tend to attract physicians' attention and may misdirect diagnostic reasoning when they turn out to be unrelated to the problem, causing errors. Reflection helps by enabling physicians to overcome the influence of distracting features. The lack of effect for students suggests that this is only possible when there is enough knowledge to recognise which features discriminate between alternative diagnoses.
Tibetan plateau earthquake: altitude challenges to medical rescue work
Authors: Xu Tengda , Wang Zhenhua , Li Tao , Pei Veronica , Wen Liping , Wan Lidong , Wang Yuxuan , Yu Xuezhong 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundRescue efforts for earthquakes in remote plateau regions require large numbers of professional personnel to be transported from various lowland regions for relief work. Unacclimatised rescuers to high-altitude regions commonly suffer acute mountain sickness (AMS), which makes relief efforts inefficient and potentially dangerous.MethodsIn this study, the AMS symptoms of 78 unacclimatised rescue workers for the Yushu earthquake from Beijing were recorded using the Lake Louise AMS self-report questionnaire. Heart rate and blood oxygen were recorded at rest before departure, during rest and during activity.ResultsAfter ascending, resting heart rate increased from mean 75.87 bpm to 87.45 bpm and resting SpO2decreased from an average of 98.51% to 90.35% (both p<0.001). The mean Lake Louise AMS Score for participants was 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.6). 29 members (37.2%) met the diagnosis criteria for AMS. 16 members (20.5%) were evacuated early due to acute AMS (AMS score ≥5).Rhodiolawas offered on a voluntary basis as a prophylactic measure but shown to be ineffective.ConclusionGiven the ineffectiveness of prophylactic measures and the urgency of such disaster situations, it is unrealistic to mobilise rescue teams from lowland regions for immediate relief efforts. A local disaster plan specific to plateau earthquakes needs to be developed with local personnel for timely and efficient relief.