bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic injuries in under‐age Australian rules footballers
Authors: Burton Paul , Fenton Edmond 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBlunt injury to the pancreas is rare in children. It has significant physiological effects and can result in death. The most common injury mechanism is a high‐velocity motor vehicle accident. Bicycle accidents, non‐accidental injuries and falls can also cause pancreatic injury.1Given the protected retroperitoneal location of the pancreas, it is not surprising that low‐velocity injuries are an uncommon cause of pancreatic injury.Over a 12‐month period we have observed three cases of blunt pancreatic injury, occurring during under‐age Australian rules football (AFL) matches. These represented a spectrum of injuries from ‘traumatic pancreatitis’ to a devascularized distal pancreas requiring initial percutaneous drainage complicated by pseudocyst development requiring cyst gastrostomy.AFL is a free flowing game that combines certain attributes of soccer and rugby. There is an emphasis on physical contact and high‐velocity interpersonal collisions are frequent.
Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses to Alphavirus Replicon Vaccines Expressing Cytomegalovirus pp65, IE1, and gB Proteins
Authors: Reap Elizabeth A. , Dryga Sergey A. , Morris John , Rivers Bryan , Norberg Pamela K. , Olmsted Robert A. , Chulay Jeffrey D. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTDevelopment of vaccines against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important public health priority. We used a propagation-defective, single-cycle RNA replicon vector system derived from an attenuated strain of an alphavirus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, to produce virus-like replicon particles (VRP) expressing various combinations of pp65, IE1, or gB proteins of human CMV. Protein expression in VRP-infected cells was highest with single-promoter replicons expressing pp65, IE1, a pp65/IE1 fusion protein, or the extracellular domain of gB and with double-promoter replicons expressing pp65 and IE1. Protein expression was lower with double- and triple-promoter replicons expressing gB, especially the full-length form of gB. BALB/c mice immunized with VRP expressing gB developed high titers of neutralizing antibody to CMV, and mice immunized with VRP expressing pp65, IE1, or a pp65/IE1 fusion protein developed robust antigen-specific T-cell responses as measured by gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Three overlapping immunodominant pp65 peptides contained a nine-amino-acid sequence (LGPISGHVL) that matches the consensus binding motif for a major histocompatibility complex H2-DdT-cell epitope. These data provide the basis for further development and clinical evaluation of an alphavirus replicon vaccine for CMV expressing the pp65, IE1, and gB proteins.
Evaluation of a Simplified Dual-Platform Flow Cytometric Method for Measurement of Lymphocyte Subsets and T-Cell Maturation Phenotypes in the Population of Nouna, Burkina Faso
Authors: Böhler T. , von Au M. , Klose N. , Müller K. , Coulibaly B. , Nauwelaers F. , Spengler H. P. , Kynast-Wolf G. , Kräusslich H.-G. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

In the context of a larger clinical study in Nouna, Burkina Faso, we evaluated a simplified dual-platform (DP) flow cytometric (FCM) method that allows the determination of major lymphocyte subsets in a single test tube. We compared the phenotyping of lymphocytes with DP FCM and simultaneous measurements with standard single-platform (SP) FCM for samples from 177 individuals. Analysis of the comparative measurements revealed that DP FCM systematically underestimates the proportion of NK cells, overestimates the percentage of CD3
+
CD8
+
lymphocytes, and yields proportions of B cells and CD4
+
T cells comparable with the results from SP FCM. Bland-Altman analysis showed a low bias between both methods and an acceptable precision for percent values of CD4
+
T cells (bias ± precision, −1% ± 6%) and CD8
+
T cells (−3% ± 6%). The absolute cell numbers of all lymphocyte subpopulations, however, were systematically biased towards lower values being obtained by DP FCM. Reference values for the distribution of T-cell maturation phenotypes in 177 healthy adults were calculated using DP FCM. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) CD4
+
-to-CD8
+
T-cell ratio was 1.61 ± 0.61, the mean percentage ± SD of CD4
+
T cells was 42% ± 7%, and that of CD8
+
T cells 29% ± 7%. Among CD4
+
lymphocytes, 28% ± 7% were classified as central memory (CD45RA
low
CCR7
+
), 22% ± 10% as naïve (CD45RA
high
CCR7
+
), 45% ± 12% as effector memory (CD45RA
low
CCR7
−
); and 5% ± 3% as terminally differentiated effector memory expressing CD45RA (CD45RA
high
CCR7
−
). Among CD8
bright
lymphocytes, 3% ± 2% had a central memory phenotype, 27% ± 13% were naïve, 37% ± 13% had an effector memory phenotype, and 34% ± 12% were terminally differentiated effector memory cells expressing CD45RA.
Immunohematological Reference Values for Healthy Adults in Burkina Faso
Authors: Klose N. , Coulibaly B. , Tebit D. M. , Nauwelaers F. , Spengler H. P. , Kynast-Wolf G. , Kouyaté B. , Kräusslich H.-G. , Böhler T. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Reference ranges for peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were generated for 186 healthy adults in Burkina Faso using single-platform flow cytometry. CD4
+
T-cell counts ranged from 631 to 1,696 cells μl
−1
; they were lower in males (
n
= 97) than in females (
n
= 89), whereas natural killer cell counts were higher.
High-Resolution Genetic Fingerprinting of European Strains of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
by Use of Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis
Authors: Bown Kevin J. , Lambin Xavier , Ogden Nicholas H. , Petrovec Miroslav , Shaw Susan E. , Woldehiwet Zerai , Birtles Richard J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Anaplasma phagocytophilum
is a widely distributed tick-borne pathogen of humans, livestock, and companion animals. We used in silico methods to identify 10 variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci within the genome sequence of the
A. phagocytophilum
HZ strain and used these data to develop a multilocus VNTR-based typing scheme for the species. Having confirmed the stability of four of the loci in replicates of the
A. phagocytophilum
strain that had been subjected to different numbers of passages through cell cocultures in vitro, we then used this typing scheme to discriminate between 20
A. phagocytophilum
strains of diverse geographical and host provenances. Extensive diversity was found at each of the four loci studied, with total allele numbers ranging from 13 to 18 and Hunter-Gaston discriminatory index values ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. Only 2 of the 20 strains examined shared alleles at all four loci. The discriminatory power of VNTR analysis was found to be greater than that of either partial
msp4
or 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. The extremely high sensitivity of this novel approach to the genetic fingerprinting of
A. phagocytophilum
strains should serve well in molecular epidemiological studies of infection transmission, particularly when fine-scale strain delineation is required.
Results from the ARTEMIS DISK Global Antifungal Surveillance Study, 1997 to 2005: an 8.5-Year Analysis of Susceptibilities of
Candida
Species and Other Yeast Species to Fluconazole and Voriconazole Determined by CLSI Standardized Disk Diffusion Testing
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Diekema D. J. , Gibbs D. L. , Newell V. A. , Meis J. F. , Gould I. M. , Fu W. , Colombo A. L. , Rodriguez-Noriega E. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Fluconazole in vitro susceptibility test results for 205,329 yeasts were collected from 134 study sites in 40 countries from June 1997 through December 2005. Data were collected for 147,776 yeast isolates tested with voriconazole from 2001 through 2005. All investigators tested clinical yeast isolates by the CLSI M44-A disk diffusion method. Test plates were automatically read and results recorded with a BIOMIC image analysis system. Species, drug, zone diameter, susceptibility category, and quality control results were collected quarterly. Duplicate (same patient, same species, and same susceptible-resistant biotype profile during any 7-day period) and uncontrolled test results were not analyzed. Overall, 90.1% of all
Candida
isolates tested were susceptible (S) to fluconazole; however, 10 of the 22 species identified exhibited decreased susceptibility (<75% S) on the order of that seen with the resistant (R) species
C. glabrata
and
C. krusei
. Among 137,487 isolates of
Candida
spp. tested against voriconazole, 94.8% were S and 3.1% were R. Less than 30% of fluconazole-resistant isolates of
C. albicans
,
C. glabrata
,
C. tropicalis
, and
C. rugosa
remained S to voriconazole. The non-
Candida
yeasts (8,821 isolates) were generally less susceptible to fluconazole than
Candida
spp. but, aside from
Rhodotorula
spp., remained susceptible to voriconazole. This survey demonstrates the broad spectrum of these azoles against the most common opportunistic yeast pathogens but identifies several less common yeast species with decreased susceptibility to antifungal agents. These organisms may pose a future threat to optimal antifungal therapy and emphasize the importance of prompt and accurate species identification.
Possible Transmission ofCryptosporidium canisamong Children and a Dog in a Household
Authors: Xiao Lihua , Cama Vitaliano A. , Cabrera Lilia , Ortega Ynes , Pearson Julie , Gilman Robert H. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTIn a longitudinal cohort diarrhea study, a girl living in Lima, Peru, and her brother and dog were diagnosed withCryptosporidium canisinfections during the same period. Both children had transient diarrhea, but the dog was asymptomatic. This is the first report of possible transmission of cryptosporidiosis between humans and dogs.
Pantoea agglomerans
, a Plant Pathogen Causing Human Disease
Authors: Cruz Andrea T. , Cazacu Andreea C. , Allen Coburn H. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

We present 53 pediatric cases of
Pantoea agglomerans
infections cultured from normally sterile sites in patients seen at a children's hospital over 6 years. Isolates included 23 from the bloodstream, 14 from abscesses, 10 from joints/bones, 4 from the urinary tract, and 1 each from the peritoneum and the thorax.
P. agglomerans
was most associated with penetrating trauma by vegetative material and catheter-related bacteremia.
Genetic and Antigenic Analysis of Invasive Serogroup Y
Neisseria meningitidis
Isolates Collected from 1999 to 2003 in Canada
Authors: Tsang Raymond S. W. , Henderson Averil M. , Cameron Marissa L. , Tyler Shaun D. , Tyson Shari , Law Dennis K. S. , Stoltz Jan , Zollinger Wendell D. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

One hundred forty serogroup Y
Neisseria meningitidis
isolates recovered from patients with invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Canada from 1999 to 2003 were analyzed by genetic and serological methods. Seventy-four isolates (52.9%) belonged to serotype 2c, and most have serosubtype antigen P1.5,2 (37 isolates, 26%) or P1.5 (31 isolates, 22%). Forty-eight isolates (34.3%) belonged to serotype 14 and have serosubtype antigen P1.5,2 (13 isolates, 9%) or P1.5 (7 isolates, 5%) or were nonserosubtypeable (27 isolates, 19%). Thirteen isolates (9.3%) were nonserotypeable. Multilocus sequence typing identified two unrelated clonal populations of serogroup Y meningococci causing invasive disease in Canada: ST-23 and ST-167 clonal complexes. Almost all ST-167-related isolates were typed as 2c:P1.5, while strains of the ST-23 clonal complex were either serotype 14 or 2c but with the serosubtype antigen P1.5,2. In contrast to previous reports that patients with serogroup Y disease are usually older, 26% of the Canadian serogroup Y cases were found in the 10-to-19-year-old age group and another 11% were in the 20-to-39-year-old age group.
Performance of CAPTIA SelectSyph-G Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Syphilis Testing of a High-Risk Population: Analysis of Discordant Results
Authors: Woznicová Vladana , Vališová Zuzana 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Using the Captia Select Syph-G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we analyzed the sera of 1,771 patients from a high-risk population attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. We focused on discrepancies between the results of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA and the
Treponema pallidum
hemagglutination (TPHA) test. We identified 57 patients (3.22%) with conflicting results in the IgG ELISA and TPHA test. In order to resolve these discrepancies, these patients’ health records were reviewed and additional serological tests (rapid plasma reagin, IgM ELISA, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption, and Western blotting) were performed. We subsequently diagnosed 22 of these 57 (38.6%) patients with late latent syphilis. None of the patients with discordant test results was diagnosed with early syphilis. We followed 35 of these 57 patients, analyzing two consecutive serum samples at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Discordant results persisted in 12 (33.3%) patients. We successfully resolved the test result discrepancies for 28 patients (80%) involved in follow-up. Captia SelectSyph-G ELISA showed a sensitivity of 99.0%, a specificity of 98.0%, and positive and negative predictive values of 99.3% and 97.2%, respectively. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the Captia SelectSyph-G ELISA is a reliable tool for syphilis testing in a high-risk population and recommend the utilization of the Captia SelectSyph-G ELISA as a confirmatory test in at-risk patients.
Multilocus Genotyping Identifies Infections by Multiple Strains of
Trichophyton tonsurans
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Susan M. , Preuett Barry , Gaedigk Andrea 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Acquisition of multiple genetic strains of a single dermatophyte species should not be unexpected in areas of high endemicity, and yet multistrain infections are infrequently reported. This communication details mixed
Trichophyton tonsurans
infections and highlights the need to confirm the presence of multiple strains in a clinical single isolate by use of a multilocus approach.
The p110α Isoform of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Is Essential for Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen-Mediated Transformation
Authors: Utermark Tamara , Schaffhausen Brian S. , Roberts Thomas M. , Zhao Jean J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Middle T antigen (MT) of polyomavirus is known to play an important role in virus-mediated cellular transformation. While MT has been extensively examined in spontaneously immortalized rodent fibroblasts, its interactions with cells of other types and species are less well understood. We have undertaken a cross-species and cross-cell-type comparison of MT-induced transformation in cells with genetically defined backgrounds. We tested the transforming abilities of a panel of MT mutants, Y250F, Y315F, and Y322F, that are selectively mutated in the binding sites for the principal effectors of MT—Src homology 2 domain-containing transforming protein, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C-γ, respectively—in fibroblasts and epithelial cells of murine or human origin. We found that the Y315F mutation disabled the ability of MT to induce transformation in all cell types and species tested. While Y315F also failed to activate the PI3K pathway in these cells, genetic evidence has indicated Y315 may make other contributions to transformation. To confirm the role of PI3K, the
PIK3CA
gene, encoding p110α, the prime effector of PI3K signaling downstream from activated growth factor receptors, was genetically ablated. This abolished the transforming activity of MT, demonstrating the essential role for this PI3K isoform in MT-mediated transformation. The Y250F mutant was able to transform the human, but not the murine, cells that were examined. Interestingly, this mutant fully activates the PI3K pathway in human cells but activated PI3K signaling poorly in the murine cells used in the study. This again points to the importance of PI3K activation for transformation and suggests that the mechanism by which MT activates the PI3K pathway differs in different species.
Ty3 Capsid Mutations Reveal Early and Late Functions of the Amino-Terminal Domain
Authors: Larsen Liza S. Z. , Zhang Min , Beliakova-Bethell Nadejda , Bilanchone Virginia , Lamsa Anne , Nagashima Kunio , Najdi Rani , Kosaka Kathryn , Kovacevic Vuk , Cheng Jianlin , Baldi Pierre , Hatfield G. Wesley , Sandmeyer Suzanne 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT
The Ty3 retrotransposon assembles into 50-nm virus-like particles that occur in large intracellular clusters in the case of wild-type (wt) Ty3. Within these particles, maturation of the Gag3 and Gag3-Pol3 polyproteins by Ty3 protease produces the structural proteins capsid (CA), spacer, and nucleocapsid. Secondary and tertiary structure predictions showed that, like retroviral CA, Ty3 CA contains a large amount of helical structure arranged in amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal bundles. Twenty-six mutants in which alanines were substituted for native residues were used to study CA subdomain functions. Transposition was measured, and particle morphogenesis and localization were characterized by analysis of protein processing, cDNA production, genomic RNA protection, and sedimentation and by fluorescence and electron microscopy. These measures defined five groups of mutants. Proteins from each group could be sedimented in a large complex. Mutations in the amino-terminal domain reduced the formation of fluorescent Ty3 protein foci. In at least one major homology region mutant, Ty3 protein concentrated in foci but no wt clusters of particles were observed. One mutation in the carboxyl-terminal domain shifted assembly from spherical particles to long filaments. Two mutants formed foci separate from P bodies, the proposed sites of assembly, and formed defective particles. P-body association was therefore found to be not necessary for assembly but correlated with the production of functional particles. One mutation in the amino terminus blocked transposition after cDNA synthesis. Our data suggest that Ty3 proteins are concentrated first, assembly associated with P bodies occurs, and particle morphogenesis concludes with a post-reverse transcription, CA-dependent step. Particle formation was generally resistant to localized substitutions, possibly indicating that multiple domains are involved.
Challenges of recruiting farm injury study participants through hospital emergency departments
Authors: Day Lesley , Langley John , Stathakis Voula , Wolfe Rory , Sim Malcolm , Voaklander Don , Ozanne-Smith Joan 
Published: April 2007

Background:Hospital emergency departments are common recruitment sites for injury studies. Yet recruitment method details, capture rates and response fractions are not consistently reported. As privacy legislation increasingly impinges on research activity, these parameters become even more important. The authors describe their experience with recruitment via emergency departments and outline subsequent adjustments to the recruitment approach.Methods:The FIRM study was an Australian case-control study of serious farm work-related injury. Cases were identified prospectively by hospital staff on presentation to emergency departments. Consistent with the Victorian Health Records Act, potential cases were initially approached by hospital staff, and full recruitment was subsequently undertaken by study staff. Manual hospital record audits were conducted at five recruitment sites to determine the proportion of eligible cases approached.Results:Among 660 medical records audited, 19 eligible cases were confirmed, 9 of whom were approached by hospital staff (47%, 95% CI 25 to 70%). In response, an additional process was established to capture missed cases, who were sent a letter from the hospital providing the opportunity to opt out of telephone contact by study staff. Early indications were that 34% (41/122) of missed cases actively declined to be contacted. Among those who were contacted and eligible, 84% (21/25) agree to study participation.Conclusions:Recruitment of injury research participants via hospital emergency departments is challenging, particularly where authorities require an intermediary to make the initial contact. Removal of some constraints imposed by privacy legislation would considerably simplify recruitment and enhance scientific rigour in conducting epidemiological research.
Bunk bed-related injuries sustained by young children treated in emergency departments in the United States, 2001–2004, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – All Injury Program
Authors: Mack Karin A , Gilchrist Julie , Ballesteros Michael F 
Published: April 2007

Objective:To characterize children’s bunk bed-related injuries.Methods:Data are from the 2001–2004 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – All Injury Program. Cases were defined as children aged 0–9 years treated for a non-fatal, unintentional injury related to a bunk bed.Results:An estimated 23 000 children aged 0–9 years were treated annually in emergency departments for bunk bed fall-related injuries, including 14 600 children aged <6 years. Overall, 3.2% were hospitalized. The injuries sustained were largely fractures, lacerations, contusions and abrasions, and internal injuries, with 25.2% injured in a fall from the top bunk. The most commonly injured body region was the head and neck.Conclusions:Strategies are needed to reduce the most serious injuries. Bunk beds should meet CPSC standards, and the youngest children should not sleep or play in the upper bunk or on ladders. Making care givers aware of the risks, and modifying the living environment are essential.
Water safety: age-specific changes in knowledge and attitudes following a school-based intervention
Authors: Terzidis Agis , Koutroumpa Anastasia , Skalkidis Ilias , Matzavakis Ioannis , Malliori Meni , Frangakis Constantine E , DiScala Carla , Petridou Eleni Th 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:To explore whether an intervention during mandatory schooling can lead to age-specific changes in water safety knowledge and attitudes.Methods:Age-specific questionnaires were distributed to 202 kindergarten and grade one pupils, 220 elementary school pupils and 337 pupils attending the first three high school grades in Greater Athens. The information was used to design an educational package that was subsequently presented to pupils of the same grades and similar socio-demographic profiles attending different schools in the same area. One month later, a post-exposure evaluation was conducted using the initial questionnaires, in which 115, 205 and 321 pupils from the respective grade categories provided their responses. In order to compare the performance of pupils exposed to the educational intervention with that of pupils who participated only in the initial assessment, mean differences in scores measuring overall knowledge and attitudes were estimated within each of the three grade groups adjusting for age, gender, sibship size, maternal education and swimming knowledge.Results:Among kindergarten and grade one pupils, those who received the intervention scored significantly higher for knowledge (17.40%, 95% CI 6.41% to 28.39%) and attitudes (23.64%, 95% CI 4.48% to 42.79%). Among elementary school pupils the gains in knowledge were less evident (14.58%, 95% CI −3.05% to 32.21%)) and almost null in attitudes (5.64%, 95% CI −11.47% to 22.77%). Further advancement of age showed no improvement in knowledge (−0.15%, 95% CI −5.30% to 4.99%) and a minimal, insignificant increase in attitudes (6.32%, 95% CI −1.87% to 14.52%) among exposed high school pupils.Conclusion:The school-based intervention resulted in considerable positive changes in knowledge and attitudes among very young pupils. Elementary schooling seems to provide meagre opportunities to simply improve knowledge. Alternative/complementary approaches should be sought in any attempt to modify behavior.