bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Improved Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol Safely Identifies Low‐risk Patients With Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Aldous Sally J. , Richards Mark A. , Cullen Louise , Troughton Richard , Than Martin 
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 510–516 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  To assess whether the accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADP) studied in the Asia Pacific Evaluation of Chest Pain Trial (ASPECT) could be optimized to effectively risk stratify patients with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and allow early discharge of very‐low‐risk patients.Methods:  Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain were prospectively enrolled between November 2007 and April 2010. Blood samples were analyzed at 0 and 2 hours postpresentation with a point‐of‐care multimarker panel (POC‐MMP; troponin I [TnI], creatine kinase myocardial band [CKMB] isoenzyme fraction, and myoglobin) and a high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay (hsTnT). Patients received standard care. The original ADP (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] risk score = 0, no ischemic electrocardiogram [ECG] changes, and the multimarker panel negative) was compared with an ADP using the point of care TnI only, hsTnT only, or TIMI risk score = 0 to 1. Primary outcome was ACS within 30 days.Results:  Of the 1,000 patients recruited, 362 (36.2%) had ACS. There were 12.3% identified as low risk by the original ADP with a sensitivity for ACS of 99.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 97.5% to 99.8%). The ADP with the point of care TnI only or hsTnT had the same sensitivity, but identified more patients for discharge (15.0% vs. 12.3%). Including patients with a TIMI risk score of 1 identified more patients as low risk (19.7%), but with a lower sensitivity (97.0% vs. 99.2%).Conclusions:  An ADP consisting of a TIMI risk score of 0, no new ECG changes, and negative troponin at 0 and 2 hours postpresentation safely identifies patients at low risk of ACS, in whom discharge without further evaluation can be considered.
Medical Malpractice in Taiwan: Injury Types, Compensation, and Specialty Risk
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Yu , Yang Che‐Ming , Tsai Shin‐Han , Chiou Hung‐Yi , Lin Mau‐Roung , Chiu Wen‐Ta 
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19: 598–600 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractThe authors analyzed all medical malpractice claims from 2000 to 2008 using cases from the national database of the judicial system of Taiwan. The objective was to describe the factors associated with malpractice claims in Taiwan, a non‐Western country that does not have a common law heritage. Emergency physicians (EPs) were the most likely to be sued and made the highest median payments. Most lawsuits involved death or permanent injury. Eighty‐two percent of the cases were settled in the physician’s favor.
Establishing aluminium contact allergy
Authors: Siemund Ingrid , Zimerson Erik , Hindsén Monica , Bruze Magnus 
Published: May 2012

Background. Traditionally, contact allergy to aluminium has been established by patch testing with aluminium chloride hexahydrate in petrolatum at 2.0% and an empty Finn Chamber®.Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate different aluminium test preparations regarding an optimal compound and an optimal test concentration.Methods. Six different aluminium compounds and an empty Finn Chamber® were used to patch test 21 patients with aluminium contact allergy. Aluminium chloride hexahydrate in saline was used for intracutaneous injection of 19 patients.Results. One test preparation, aluminium lactate 2.4%, was found to show significantly more positive patch test reactions than aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2.0% (p = 0.03). Aluminium chloride hexahydrate at 10.0% pet. gave the highest number of positive reactions to aluminium [14/21 (67%)]. No positive reactions were noted to an empty Finn Chamber®, and 3 of 19 (16%) patients reacted positively to the intradermal test.Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that patch testing with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2.0%, with an empty Finn Chamber® and the intradermal test with the salt and doses used are insufficient methods to detect contact allergy to aluminium. Aluminium chloride hexahydrate at 10.0% gave the highest number of positive reactions to aluminium.
A deficiency in haem oxygenase‐1 induces foetal growth restriction by placental vasculature defects
Authors: Wong Ronald J , Zhao Hui , Stevenson David K 
Published: May 2012

AbstractHaem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), the rate‐limiting enzyme in haem degradation, plays a role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and is highly expressed in the placenta. Deficiencies in HO‐1 are associated with several pregnancy disorders, such as recurrent miscarriages and pre‐eclampsia. The unique combination of tissue protective, smooth muscle relaxing and angiogenesis regulatory properties makes HO‐1 a key player in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy through a direct effect on placental structural and vascular development, thus affecting foetal development.Conclusion:  Therefore, we conclude that HO‐1 plays an important role in placental vasculature development and a deficiency in HO‐1 may contribute to pregnancy complications, such as pre‐eclampsia, spontaneous abortions and premature births.
An 11‐yr exclosure experiment in a high‐elevation island ecosystem: introduced herbivore impact on shrub species richness, seedling recruitment and population dynamics
Authors: Irl Severin David Howard , Steinbauer Manuel Jonas , Babel Wolfgang , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Blume‐Werry Gesche , Messinger Jana , Palomares Martínez Ángel , Strohmeier Stefan , Jentsch Anke 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionsDo introduced herbivores and fire explain the mono‐dominance of one legume shrub (Adenocarpus viscosus subsp. spartioides) above the tree line on an oceanic island, given the fact that a number of other legume shrub species are potentially present? What drives the observed landscape‐scale life–death pattern within the mono‐dominant shrub species population?LocationThe sub‐alpine scrub vegetation of La Palma (Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean).MethodsAn 11‐yr exclosure experiment with sites distributed along an elevation and orientation gradient was used to identify the influence of introduced herbivore pressure on four endemic shrub species and their seedling recruitment. Further, we assessed the population dynamics and spatial pattern of the dominant shrub species A. viscosus subsp. spartioides. Habitat and vitality characteristics were investigated, assessing spatial topographic features and tree ring‐based age estimates. Linear mixed models, ANOVAs, linear regression and variation partitioning were used as statistical analysis tools.ResultsOutside of the exclosures A. viscosus subsp. spartioides was virtually mono‐dominant in the study area, even though other shrub species seem better suited in the absence of introduced herbivores. The presence of introduced herbivores significantly reduced seedling recruitment within all target species, except for A. viscosus subsp. spartioides. Mean age of A. viscosus subsp. spartioides increased with elevation, although vitality analyses indicated that the sub‐alpine scrub is elevated above its growth optimum. Three out of four investigated shrub species showed differences in growth height depending on elevation and island orientation.ConclusionIntroduced herbivores and fire are identified as key disturbances enhancing the occurrence of A. viscosus subsp. spartioides, a commonly less competitive species. However, Genista benehoavensis, a single island endemic shrub species, seems to be better adapted to the harsh climate conditions of the sub‐alpine scrub in the absence of introduced herbivores than any other shrub species.
The 2010 IADR – Geriatric Oral Research Group satellite meeting
Authors: Schimmel Martin ,   the Speakers
Published: May 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00508.x

The 2010 IADR – Geriatric Oral Research Group satellite meetingOn 12 and 13 July, the 2010 IADR General Session satellite meeting of the IADR – Geriatric Oral Research Group (GORG) – was attended by around 60 participants in the beautiful surroundings of Sitges in the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. The speakers reflected on the main topics ‘Disparities and Expectations in Oral Healthcare: An Elderly Focus’ and ‘Risks and Benefits of Ageing with a Natural Dentition’, which was followed by fruitful discussions in the auditorium and the jointly enjoyed meals. The Sitges meeting comprised lectures of distinguished speakers as well as poster presentations, which discussed and defined the situation of research in the field of gerodontology today as well as the development since the last GORG satellite symposium held on Vancouver Island in 1999. Despite enormous progress over the last 10 years, many important questions concerning economics, regulation, the implementation of oral health care, treatment protocols as well as general health implications of oral disease in the frail and elderly remain still unanswered.
The Effect of Habitat Association and Edaphic Conditions on Tree Mortality during El Niño‐induced Drought in a Bornean Dipterocarp Forest
Authors: Itoh Akira , Nanami Satoshi , Harata Tsuyoshi , Ohkubo Tatsuhiro , Tan Sylvester , Chong Lucy , Davies Stuart J. , Yamakura Takuo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe effects of El Niño‐induced droughts on dipterocarp forests must be quantified to evaluate the implications of future global climatic changes for the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. We studied the mortality of trees ≥ 1 cm in diameter in a lowland dipterocarp forest in Borneo before, during, and after the 1997/1998 El Niño drought. The annual mortality rates were 1.30, 1.75, and 1.66 percent/yr for the pre‐drought, drought, and post‐drought periods, respectively. The effect of drought was tree size‐dependent being greater for larger trees. Modified logistic regression analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between species' habitat association and edaphic condition on mortality rates in all periods. For species associated with wet habitat, drought effect was greater in dry conditions than in wet conditions, in both the drought and post‐drought periods. The mortality rates of dry‐habitat species were less affected by the drought both in dry and wet conditions. A similar pattern was also found in common Dipterocarpaceae species; mortality rates increased more in species associated with wet‐habitat in the drought and post‐drought periods. Species and families with higher mortality in the pre‐drought period tended to experience greater mortality increases during the drought and post‐drought periods. These results suggest that changes in drought regimes alter the species composition and spatial distribution of dipterocarp forests.
The Conservation Value of Secondary Forests for Vascular Epiphytes in Central Panama
Authors: Woods Carrie L. , DeWalt Saara J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSecondary forests that develop following land abandonment could compensate for the losses of diversity and structure that accompany deforestation of old‐growth forests in tropical regions. Whether secondary forests can harbor similar species richness, density, and composition of old‐growth forests for vascular epiphytes remains largely unknown for secondary forests older than 50 yr. We examined community structure (species richness, density, and species composition) of vascular epiphytes in older secondary forests between 35 and 115 yr after land abandonment and nearby old‐growth forests to determine if the community structure of epiphytes in secondary forests approaches that of old‐growth forests over time. The recovery of epiphyte species richness was rapid with 55‐year‐old forests containing 65 percent of old‐growth epiphyte species richness. Secondary forest epiphyte communities were found to be statistically nested within secondary forests older in age and within old‐growth forests. Similarity of epiphyte communities to old‐growth forests increased to 75 percent, 115 yr after abandonment. This study suggests that secondary forests will likely recover old‐growth epiphyte richness and composition given enough time. Epiphyte densities did not recover quickly with 55‐year‐old forests having 14 percent and 115‐year‐old forests having only 49 percent of the density of old‐growth forest epiphytes. The low density of epiphytes in secondary forests could impact rainforest diversity and function. We conclude that in less than 115 yr, although secondary moist forests have high conservation value for some aspects of community structure, they are unlikely to compensate biologically for the loss of diversity and ecosystem function that high epiphyte densities provide.
Evaluation of the leukocyte differential on a new automated flow cytometry hematology analyzer
Authors: KIM J.‐E. , KIM B.‐R. , WOO K.‐S. , HAN J.‐Y. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryIntroduction:  The Hematoflow (Beckman Coulter, USA) is a new automated hematology analyzer, which provides a 16‐part white blood cell count (WBC) differential.Methods:  We evaluated the differential WBC count performance of the Hematoflow. 101 blood samples from patients were selected for comparison analysis.Results:  The methodological comparison of the WBC differential parameters of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils showed good correlations among 4 different analyses. More than 1% of blast cells were counted in 30 of 101 samples. A good correlation for blast cell counts obtained by Hematoflow was found with the reference manual method (r=0.9637, P 0.0001). For blast B, Hematoflow shows good correlation with reference method results but did not identify blast T.Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that the Hematoflow has a comparable performance with the Sysmex XE‐2100 and indicate that B cell lineage ALL can be identified by the use of the Hematoflow in an initial evaluation of acute leukemia.
Breast cancer suppressor candidate‐1 (BCSC‐1) is a melanoma tumor suppressor that down regulates MITF
Authors: Anghel Silvia I. , Correa‐Rochal Rafael , Budinska Eva , Boliganl Kayluz F. , Abraham Shahnaz , Colombetti Sara , Fontao Lionel , Mariotti Agnese , Rimoldi Donata , Ghanem Ghanem E. , Fisher David E. , Lévy Frederic , Delorenzi Mauro , Piguet Vincent 
Published: May 2012

SummaryUnderstanding the molecular aberrations involved in the development and progression of metastatic melanoma (MM) is essential for a better diagnosis and targeted therapy. We identified breast cancer suppressor candidate‐1 (BCSC‐1) as a novel tumor suppressor in melanoma. BCSC‐1 expression is decreased in human MM, and its ectopic expression in MM–derived cell lines blocks tumor formation in vivo and melanoma cell proliferation in vitro while increasing cell migration. We demonstrate that BCSC‐1 binds to Sox10, which down regulates MITF, and results in a switch of melanoma cells from a proliferative to a migratory phenotype. In conclusion, we have identified BCSC‐1 as a tumor suppressor in melanoma and as a novel regulator of the MITF pathway.
MAP1272c Encodes an NlpC/P60 Protein, an Antigen Detected in Cattle with Johne's Disease
Authors: Bannantine John P. , Lingle Cari K. , Stabel Judith R. , Ramyar Kasra X. , Garcia Brandon L. , Raeber Alex J. , Schacher Pascal , Kapur Vivek , Geisbrecht Brian V. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThe protein encoded by MAP1272c has been shown to be an antigen ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisthat contains an NlpC/P60 superfamily domain found in lipoproteins or integral membrane proteins. Proteins containing this domain have diverse enzymatic functions that include peptidases, amidases, and acetyltransferases. The NlpC protein was examined in comparison to over 100 recombinant proteins and showed the strongest antigenicity when analyzed with sera from cattle with Johne's disease. To further localize the immunogenicity of NlpC, recombinant proteins representing defined regions were expressed and evaluated with sera from cattle with Johne's disease. The region from amino acids 74 to 279 was shown to be the most immunogenic. This fragment was also evaluated against a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two monoclonal antibodies were produced in mice immunized with the full-length protein, and each recognized a distinct epitope. These antibodies cross-reacted with proteins from other mycobacterial species and demonstrated variable sizes of the proteins expressed from these subspecies. Both antibodies were further analyzed, and their interaction with MAP1272c and MAP1204 was characterized by a solution-based, luminescent binding assay. These tools provide additional means to study a strong antigen ofM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis.
Performances of the Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Identification of Bacteria in Routine Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Dubois Damien , Grare Marion , Prere Marie-Françoise , Segonds Christine , Marty Nicole , Oswald Eric 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Rapid and cost-effective matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based systems will replace conventional phenotypic methods for routine identification of bacteria. We report here the first evaluation of the new MALDI-TOF MS-based Vitek MS system in a large clinical microbiology laboratory. This system uses an original spectrum classifier algorithm and a specific database designed for the identification of clinically relevant species. We have tested 767 routine clinical isolates representative of 50 genera and 124 species. Vitek MS-based identifications were performed by means of a single deposit on a MALDI disposable target without any prior extraction step and compared with reference identifications obtained mainly with the VITEK2 phenotypic system; if the identifications were discordant, molecular techniques provided reference identifications. The Vitek MS system provided 96.2% correct identifications to the species level (86.7%), to the genus level (8.2%), or within a range of species belonging to different genera (1.3%). Conversely, 1.3% of isolates were misidentified and 2.5% were unidentified, partly because the species was not included in the database; a second deposit provided a successful identification for 0.8% of isolates unidentified with the first deposit. The Vitek MS system is a simple, convenient, and accurate method for routine bacterial identification with a single deposit, considering the high bacterial diversity studied and as evidenced by the low prevalence of species without correct identification. In addition to a second deposit in uncommon cases, expanding the spectral database is expected to further enhance performances.
Mapping a Neutralizing Epitope onto the Capsid of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 8
Authors: Gurda Brittney L. , Raupp Christina , Popa-Wagner Ruth , Naumer Matthias , Olson Norman H. , Ng Robert , McKenna Robert , Baker Timothy S. , Kleinschmidt Jürgen A. , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are small single-stranded DNA viruses that can package and deliver nongenomic DNA for therapeutic gene delivery. AAV8, a liver-tropic vector, has shown great promise for the treatment of hemophilia A and B. However, as with other AAV vectors, host anti-capsid immune responses are a deterrent to therapeutic success. To characterize the antigenic structure of this vector, cryo-electron microscopy and image reconstruction (cryo-reconstruction) combined with molecular genetics, biochemistry, and
in vivo
approaches were used to define an antigenic epitope on the AAV8 capsid surface for a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, ADK8. Docking of the crystal structures of AAV8 and a generic Fab into the cryo-reconstruction for the AAV8-ADK8 complex identified a footprint on the prominent protrusions that flank the 3-fold axes of the icosahedrally symmetric capsid. Mutagenesis and cell-binding studies, along with
in vitro
and
in vivo
transduction assays, showed that the major ADK8 epitope is formed by an AAV variable region, VRVIII (amino acids 586 to 591 [AAV8 VP1 numbering]), which lies on the surface of the protrusions facing the 3-fold axis. This region plays a role in AAV2 and AAV8 cellular transduction. Coincidently, cell binding and trafficking assays indicate that ADK8 affects a postentry step required for successful virus trafficking to the nucleus, suggesting a probable mechanism of neutralization. This structure-directed strategy for characterizing the antigenic regions of AAVs can thus generate useful information to help re-engineer vectors that escape host neutralization and are hence more efficacious.
Vpu Mediates Depletion of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 during HIV Infection by a Lysosome-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Doehle Brian P. , Chang Kristina , Rustagi Arjun , McNevin John , McElrath M. Juliana , Gale Michael 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTHIV has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to avoid restriction by intracellular innate immune defenses that otherwise serve to control acute viral infection and virus dissemination. Innate defenses are triggered when pattern recognition receptor (PRR) proteins of the host cell engage pathogen-associated molecule patterns (PAMPs) present in viral products. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) plays a central role in PRR signaling of innate immunity to drive the expression of type I interferon (IFN) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including a variety of HIV restriction factors, that serve to limit viral replication directly and/or program adaptive immunity. Productive infection of T cells by HIV is dependent upon the targeted proteolysis of IRF3 that occurs through a virus-directed mechanism that results in suppression of innate immune defenses. However, the mechanisms by which HIV controls innate immune signaling and IRF3 function are not defined. Here, we examined the innate immune response induced by HIV strains identified through their differential control of PRR signaling. We identified viruses that, unlike typical circulating HIV strains, lack the ability to degrade IRF3. Our studies show that IRF3 regulation maps specifically to the HIV accessory protein Vpu. We define a molecular interaction between Vpu and IRF3 that redirects IRF3 to the endolysosome for proteolytic degradation, thus allowing HIV to avoid the innate antiviral immune response. Our studies reveal that Vpu is an important IRF3 regulator that supports acute HIV infection through innate immune suppression. These observations define the Vpu-IRF3 interface as a novel target for therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing the immune response to HIV.