bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-stage bulk electron heating in the diffusion region of anti-parallel symmetric reconnection
Authors: Le A. , Egedal J. , Daughton W.
Published: October 2016

Electron bulk energization in the diffusion region during anti-parallel symmetric reconnection entails two stages. First, the inflowing electrons are adiabatically trapped and energized by an ambipolar parallel electric field. Next, the electrons gain energy from the reconnection electric field as they undergo meandering motion. These collisionless mechanisms have been described previously, and they lead to highly structured electron velocity distributions. Nevertheless, a simplified control-volume analysis gives estimates for how the net effective heating scales with the upstream plasma conditions in agreement with fully kinetic simulations and spacecraft observations.
Effects of time of initiation of feeding after hatching and diet composition on performance, carcass characteristics, digestive tract development and immune responses of broilers
Authors: Sarlak Sima , Tabeidian Sayed Ali , Gheisari Abasali
Published: October 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of time of initiation of feeding after hatching and influence of diet composition on growth performance, carcass characteristics, digestive tract development and immune responses of broilers. A total of straight-run 420 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to six treatments with five replicates of 14 chicks each. The dietary treatments consisted of feeding a maize-soybean meal diet immediately posthatching until 14 days of age (Control), fasting for 24 or 48 h posthatching, feeding maize for 24–48 h posthatching, and feeding a maize gluten-dextrose pre-starter diet for 5 days posthatching. The study lasted from 0 to 42 days of age. For the entire 42-day period, chicks fasted or fed maize for 48 h posthatching or those fed the maize gluten-dextrose diet for 5 days posthatching had lower (P < 0.05) feed intake and lower (P < 0.05) weight gain compared with the Control. However, birds fasted or those fed maize for 24 or 48 h posthatching had similar (P > 0.05) feed intake and weight gain as the Control. The duodenal villus height and villus height:crypt depth ratio were lower (P < 0.05) and the duodenal crypt depth was higher (P < 0.05) in birds fasted for 48 h posthatching compared with the Control. Conversely, birds fasted for 48 h posthatching had higher (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus height:crypt depth ratio and lower (P < 0.05) jejunal crypt depth compared with the Control. The antibody titres against Newcastle disease was lower (P < 0.05) for the groups other than the Control, whereas the antibody titres against Avian Influenza virus was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fasted for 48 h posthatching and in those fed maize for 48 h posthatching compared with the Control. Also, birds fed maize for 24 h posthatching had lower (P < 0.05) antibody titres against sheep red blood cells compared with the other treatments. These results indicated that feeding a maize-soybean meal starter diet immediately after hatch has a beneficial effect on growth performance and immune response of broilers and improves morphological development of the intestine.
Interpenetrated Double Pillared-Layer CoII MOFs with pcu Topology
Authors: Park In-Hyeok , Kang Yunji , Lee Eunji , Chanthapally Anjana , Lee Shim Sung , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: October 2016

Three double pillared-layer CoII metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a pcu topology of a long, conformationally flexible, dipyridyl spacer ligand, 1,4-bis[2-(4-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzene (bpeb), and aromatic dicarboxylates (1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (bdc), 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate (ndc), and biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate (bpdc)) have been synthesised and structurally characterised by X-ray crystallography. The MOFs are denoted as [Co2(bpeb)2(bdc)2]·DMF·3H2O (1), [Co2(bpeb)2(ndc)2]·1.75DMF·3.75H2O (2), and [Co2(bpeb)2(bpdc)2]·3.5DMF·4H2O (3). In the dinuclear repeating unit, four carboxylates are bonded to two CoII atoms forming a (4,4) layer structure. The axial positions are occupied by bpeb ligands. Of these, 1 and 2 have 2-fold interpenetration, whereas 3 displays 3-fold interpenetration. The two bpeb space ligands in 1 have trans,trans,trans and trans,cis,trans conformations. In contrast, the bpeb ligands in 2 and 3 have a trans,cis,trans conformation. Although the olefin groups in two adjacent bpeb ligands, as the double pillars in 2 and 3, satisfy the conditions for photo-dimerisation to occur, they are photo-inactive. The conformational changes of bpeb, bonding modes of the dicarboxylates, and pore sizes in these double pillared-layer compounds have been discussed.
Assembly and transfer of tripartite integrative and conjugative genetic elements
Authors: Haskett Timothy L. , Terpolilli Jason J. , Bekuma Amanuel , O’Hara Graham W. , Sullivan John T. , Wang Penghao , Ronson Clive W. , Ramsay Joshua P.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are one of the most prevalent but least-characterized families of mobile genetic elements in bacteria. We identified a family of ICEs that exists as three separate parts integrated within the single chromosomes of symbiotic mesorhizobia. These “tripartite ICEs,” through a series of chromosomal recombinations mediated by integrase proteins, assemble into a single circular ICE. Following transfer to nonsymbiotic mesorhizobia, tripartite ICEs integrate and disassemble into three parts in the recipient genome and exconjugant mesorhizobia gain the ability to form a symbiosis with legumes. These discoveries expand our appreciation of the potential for gene transfer in bacteria and demonstrate how mobile genetic elements can dramatically manipulate the bacterial genome.
Study on carbide-bearing and carbide-free bainitic steels and their wear resistance
Authors: Long X. Y. , Zhang F. C. , Kang J. , Yang Z. N. , Wu D. D. , Wu K. M. , Zhang G. H.
Published: October 2016

Carbide-free and carbide-bearing bainitic steels have been obtained. The relationship between the bainitic microstructure and wear resistance has been studied. Results show that carbide-free upper and lower bainitic microstructures obtained in the steel with Si + Al mainly consist of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite. Carbide-bearing upper and lower bainitic microstructures obtained in the steel without Si + Al consist of bainitic ferrite, carbide and trace amounts of retained austenite. The carbide-free bainite exhibits higher strength and toughness than carbide-bearing bainite, especially the toughness. Under lower wear loading, carbide-bearing lower bainite (LB) exhibits higher wear resistance. Under higher wear loading, carbide-free LB exhibits higher wear resistance, which results from the improved surface hardness due to strain-induced martensitic transformation from the retained austenite.
Translating erased history: Inter-Asian translation of the national Changgeuk company of Korea’s Romeo and Juliet
Authors: Takiguchi Ken
Published: October 2016

As a western canonical text, Shakespeare has been translated and staged in East Asia in various ways and often adapted into traditional performance styles to counterbalance its western textual canonicity with the authenticity of eastern performative forms and styles. Negotiations between west and east, which reflect the colonial and postcolonial experiences of the region, have been a critical focus of academic investigations.

What is remarkable, yet often overlooked in the west and in Asia itself, is that there were complex negotiations among East Asian translators and theatre practitioners in the early reception and translation of Shakespeare. The doubleness of Japanese colonialism – which first behaved as the “east” that absorbed western culture and later took the position of the “west” that provided advanced modern culture and technology to neighbouring countries – is the most notable element in inter-Asian cultural negotiation in the early twentieth century in general, and in the translation and staging of Shakespeare in particular. Such historicity in translation was nevertheless generally unrecognized, and even ignored, in the post–World War II cultural and social contexts in East Asia.

This essay aims to explore the “erased” historicity of the translation in East Asia by examining Japanese translation of the National Changgeuk Theatre of Korea’s production of Romeo and Juliet (2009) as it was published in a multilingual online digital archive called Asian Shakespeare Intercultural Archive (A|S|I|A), and to add another layer to the existing discourses on translation in this region that have mainly focused on the east-west binary. The translation strategies employed by the A|S|I|A team have sought to address the complexity of the history of translation of Shakespeare in Korea and Japan, and of discourse making in the postcolonial South Korea. The article also suggests the potential of a digital platform like A|S|I|A in capturing and representing inter-Asian negotiations thanks to its capacity to juxtapose multiple elements of translation on the screen.
Ana-Maria Lennon-Duménil: A dynamic career
Authors: Siletti Kimberly
Published: October 2016

Lennon-Duménil uses quantitative biology to investigate the spatiotemporal regulation of antigen presentation.
Tolerogenic immunoreceptor ILT3/LILRB4 paradoxically marks pathogenic auto-antibody-producing plasmablasts and plasma cells in non-treated SLE
Authors: Inui Masanori , Sugahara-Tobinai Akiko , Fujii Hiroshi , Itoh-Nakadai Ari , Fukuyama Hidehiro , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Ishii Tomonori , Harigae Hideo , Takai Toshiyuki
Published: October 2016

Plasmablasts and plasma cells (PBs and PCs) producing pathogenic auto-antibodies in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases could be a better target for specific therapies for the disease than general immunosuppression or pan- or activated B-cell targeting. Our previous study indicated that leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) B4 (B4, also known as ILT3/LIR-5/CD85k), a tolerogenic receptor in antigen-presenting cells, is ectopically expressed on the PB/PC surface in healthy individuals. Here, we show that the enlarged population size of PBs/PCs with augmented B4 expression is characteristic in non-treated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Paradoxically, the transcription frequency of the anti-double-strand DNA immunoglobulin-coding VH sequence in the B4+ population of non-treated SLE was significantly higher than that in B4− cells. B4+ and B4− PBs/PCs were suggested to be developmentally equivalent based on the simultaneous generation of these populations upon activation of memory B cells in vitro. B4 expression was found to be induced efficiently by IL-2, while IFN-α effectively induced B4+ PBs/PCs in vitro. Utilizing the elevated B4 will support opening a new avenue for identifying the mechanism for generation of, and additional molecular markers for, pathogenic cells.
Chorionic Villus Sampling, Early Amniocentesis, and Termination of Pregnancy Without Diagnostic Testing: Comparison of Fetal Risk Following Positive Non-invasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Zelig Craig M. , Knutzen Dana M. , Ennen Christopher S. , Dolinsky Brad M. , Napolitano Peter G.
Published: October 2016

(Abstracted from J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2016;38(5):441–445)

The accuracy of screening tests for fetal aneuploidy such as noninvasive prenatal testing based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) techniques has improved remarkably over the past 40 years, thereby decreasing the likelihood of false-positive detection rates. Diagnostic tests such as early amniocentesis (EA) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) have been recommended following positive first-trimester screening tests for confirmation.
Outcomes of Nonoperative Pediatric Medial Humeral Epicondyle Fractures With and Without Associated Elbow Dislocation
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Fausett Cameron L. , Gilmore Allison , Liu Raymond W.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Medial epicondyle fractures may occur in isolation or with associated elbow dislocation. In the absence of open fracture or fragment incarceration, nonoperative management with immobilization has been shown to result in generally successfully outcomes comparable with those reported after surgical fixation. However, no comparative investigation has assessed outcomes after nonoperative treatment based on the presence or absence of elbow dislocation.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted investigating all studies in the literature reporting nonoperative outcomes for isolated medial epicondyle fractures and fracture-dislocations. Databases included in this review were PubMed, Biosis Preview, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and EMBASE. We sought to evaluate results related to the incidence and outcomes of bony nonunion and the incidence of elbow stiffness, pain, ulnar neuropathy, cubitus valgus deformity, and laxity between isolated fractures of the medial epicondyle and fracture-dislocations.

Results:

Review of the literature yielded 7 studied meeting appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprising 81 total patients (n=42 patients with fracture-dislocations, n=39 patients with isolated fracture). Bony nonunion occurred in 69% (n=29) of patients with fracture-dislocation versus 49% (n=19) with isolated fractures (P=0.11); however, both groups had minimal clinical or functional disabilities at final follow-up. Decreased elbow flexion and extension range of motion were significantly more frequent after fracture-dislocation than isolated fractures [43% (n=18) vs. 15% (n=6), respectively, P=0.01], while patients rarely demonstrated pain, ulnar neuropathy, or deformity in the presence or absence of dislocation.

Conclusions:

In the absence of absolute surgical indication, nonoperative management of isolated medical epicondyle fractures with or without concomitant elbow dislocation seems to be successful with few long-term complications leading to functional disability. However, increased rates of nonunion, elbow stiffness, and elbow laxity may occur with fracture-dislocations, and merit further study with validated functional outcome scores. Further comparative studies are necessary to determine the true indications and outcomes in nonoperatively managed medial epicondyle fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—systematic review of level-II or level-I studies with inconsistent results.
Oxytocin, social factors, and the expression of conditioned disgust (anticipatory nausea) in male rats
Authors: Boulet Nathalie P. , Cloutier Caylen J. , Ossenkopp Klaus-Peter , Kavaliers Martin
Published: October 2016

Disgust has been proposed to have evolved as a means to rid the body and mouth of noxious substances and toxins, as well as to motivate and facilitate avoidance of contact with disease-causing organisms and infectious materials. Nonemetic species, such as the rat, show distinctive facial expressions, including the gaping reaction, indicative of nausea-based disgust. These conditioned disgust responses can be used to model anticipatory nausea in humans, which is a learned response observed following chemotherapy treatment. As social factors play a role in the modulation and expression of conditioned disgust responses in rats, and the nonapeptide, oxytocin (OT), is involved in the modulation of social behavior, the present study examined the effects of an OT antagonist, L-368 899, on the development and expression of socially mediated conditioned disgust in male rats. When administered 10 min before testing in a distinct context (different from the original conditioning context), L-368 899 (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased gaping behavior in rats that were conditioned with a social partner. LiCl-treated rats administered L-368 899 before testing also showed decreased social initiations toward their social partner. These findings suggest that OT may play a role in the modulation and expression of socially mediated conditioned disgust in rats.
Objective Assessment of Ocular Surface Response to Contact Lens Wear in Presbyopic Contact Lens Wearers of Asian Descent
Authors: Guillon Michel , Dumbleton Kathy , Theodoratos Panagiotis , Patel Trisha , Karkkainen Tom , Moody Kurt
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Contact lens wearers of Asian descent may be predisposed to experience microtrauma of the ocular surface as a result a thinner post-lens tear film and higher eyelid tension, and these effects would be anticipated to be most marked in an older population. The objective of this study was to quantify the mechanical effects of the study contact lenses on the ocular surface in a population of presbyopic contact lens wearers of Asian descent.

Methods:

Twenty established presbyopic contact lens wearers (hydrogel n=5, none habitual wearers of etafilcon A lenses; silicone hydrogel n=15) of Asian descent were refitted with etafilcon A multifocal daily disposable contact lenses (1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST MULTIFOCAL) for a period of 1 month of daily lens wear. The habitual modalities of wear were 45% daily disposable and 55% planned replacement. Digital photographs of the upper lid margins, nasal and temporal conjunctiva, and superior cornea were taken after 6 hr of wear of the participants' habitual contact lenses, after 1 day without contact lens wear, and after 6 hr of wear of the study contact lenses at the end of the 1-month period. The photographs were masked according to study visit and the staining extent measured using proprietary software.

Results:

Lid margin staining was significantly lower with the study contact lenses (2.0±1.0 mm2) than with the participants' own contact lenses (3.2±3.0 mm2) after 6 hr of wear, representing a mean staining decrease of 38% (P=0.010). Lid margin staining after 6 hr of wear of the study contact lenses was not different from that measured after 1 day without contact lenses (P=0.507). Limbal staining was also significantly less with the study contact lenses than with the participants' own contact lenses after 6 hr of wear (P=0.009). There was minimal upper corneal staining, and the degree was similar with the study and habitual lenses.

Conclusions:

Etafilcon A material, worn under a daily disposable modality, was shown to reduce upper lid margin and limbal staining in presbyopic contact lens wearers of Asian descent compared with the wearers' own contact lenses. Because of the high preponderance of dry eye amongst presbyopes, material selection is of importance and consideration should be given to the lens–ocular surface interaction.
Ultra-High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Inner Ear at 11.7 Tesla
Authors: Thylur David S. , Jacobs Russell E. , Go John L. , Toga Arthur W. , Niparko John K.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the ability of ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) at 11.7 T to visualize membranous structures of the human inner ear.

Specimens:

Three temporal bones were extracted from cadaveric human heads for use with small-bore UHF-MRI.

Intervention:

Ex vivo cadaveric temporal bone specimens were imaged using an 11.7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner via T1- and T2-weighted-imaging with and without contrast.

Main Outcome Measure:

Qualitative visualization of membranous components of the inner ear compared with reports of UHF-MRI at lower field strengths.

Results:

The membranous anatomy of the inner ear was superbly visualized at 11.7 T. In the cochlea, Reissner's membrane, the scala media, and the basilar membrane were clearly shown on the scan. In the vestibular labyrinth, the wedge-shaped crista ampullaris and the maculae of both the saccule and utricle were visible. Details of the endolymphatic sac and duct were also demonstrated.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this report presents the first images of the ex vivo human inner ear using 11.7 T UHF-MRI, offering near-histologic resolution. Increased field strength may be particularly useful when imaging the delicate membranous anatomy of the inner ear. Further research on the use of UHF-MRI in clinical and research settings could illuminate structural changes associated with inner ear disorders.
Reduction of the Harmonic Series Influences Musical Enjoyment With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Nemer John S. , Kohlberg Gavriel D. , Mancuso Dean M. , Griffin Brianna M. , Certo Michael V. , Chen Stephanie Y. , Chun Michael B. , Spitzer Jaclyn B. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Cochlear implantation is associated with poor music perception and enjoyment. Reducing music complexity has been shown to enhance music enjoyment in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. In this study, we assess the impact of harmonic series reduction on music enjoyment.

Study Design:

Prospective analysis of music enjoyment in normal-hearing (NH) individuals and CI recipients.

Setting:

Single tertiary academic medical center.

Patients:

NH adults (N = 20) and CI users (N = 8) rated the Happy Birthday song on three validated enjoyment modalities—musicality, pleasantness, and naturalness.

Intervention:

Subjective rating of music excerpts.

Main Outcome Measures:

Participants listened to seven different instruments play the melody, each with five levels of harmonic reduction (Full, F3+F2+F1+F0, F2+F1+F0, F1+F0, F0). NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation. Linear mixed effect models (LME) and likelihood ratio tests were used to assess the impact of harmonic reduction on enjoyment.

Results:

NH listeners without simulation rated segments with the first four harmonics (F3+F2+F1+F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.004). NH listeners with simulation rated the first harmonic alone (F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.003). Their ratings demonstrated a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and both pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.030, SE = 0.004, p <0.001, LME) and naturalness (slope estimate = 0.012, SE = 0.003, p = 0.003, LME). CI recipients also found the first harmonic alone (F0) to be most pleasant (p = 0.003), with a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.029, SE = 0.008, p <0.001, LME).

Conclusion:

Harmonic series reduction increases music enjoyment in CI and NH individuals with or without CI simulation. Therefore, minimization of the harmonics may be a useful strategy for enhancing musical enjoyment among both NH and CI listeners.
The Role of Vitamin D in Allergic Diseases in Children
Authors: Miraglia del Giudice Michele , Allegorico Annalisa
Published: October 2016

The role of vitamin D in calcium and phosphate homeostasis is well known; however, in addition to traditional functions, vitamin D modulates a variety of processes, and evidence shows that it has an important role in different allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. Vitamin D acts by binding to the vitamin D receptor, which is present in a variety of tissues; for this reason it is considered a hormone. One of the most important functions is to modulate the immune system response, both innate and adaptive, by suppressing Th2-type response and increasing natural killer cells. Recent studies show that higher serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with a reduced risk for asthma exacerbations and hospitalization. Other experimental data suggest that vitamin D can potentially increase the therapeutic response to glucocorticoid and potentially be used as an add-on treatment in steroid-resistant asthmatic patients. However, vitamin D stimulates the production and regulation of skin antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidins, which have both direct antimicrobial activity and induced host cellular response by triggering cytokine release. Recent evidence suggests that low blood vitamin D level is a risk factor for food allergy; vitamin D deficiency predisposes to gastrointestinal infections, which may promote the development of food allergy. In conclusion, several data suggest that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are often insufficient in children with asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. Further clinical trials are needed to provide conclusive evidence and to identify the effects of vitamin D in allergic diseases.
Protective Role of Postbiotic Mediators Secreted by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Versus Lipopolysaccharide-induced Damage in Human Colonic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Cicenia Alessia , Santangelo Floriana , Gambardella Lucrezia , Pallotta Lucia , Iebba Valerio , Scirocco Annunziata , Marignani Massimo , Tellan Guglielmo , Carabotti Marilia , Corazziari Enrico Stefano , Schippa Serena , Severi Carola
Published: October 2016

Background:

Some beneficial effects of probiotics may be due to secreted probiotic-derived factors, identified as “postbiotic” mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether supernatants harvested from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) cultures (ATCC53103 strain) protect colonic human smooth muscle cells (HSMCs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myogenic damage.

Materials and Methods:

LGG was grown in de Man, Rogosa, Share medium at 37°C and samples were collected in middle and late exponential, stationary, and overnight phases. Supernatants were recovered by centrifugation, filtered, and stored at −20°C. The primary HSMCs culture was exposed for 24 hours to purified LPS of a pathogen strain of Escherichia coli (O111:B4) (1 μg/mL) with and without supernatants. Postbiotic effects were evaluated on the basis of HSMCs morphofunctional alterations and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Data are expressed as mean±SE (P<0.05 significant).

Results:

LPS induced persistent, significant, 20.5%±0.7% cell shortening and 34.5%±2.2% decrease in acetylcholine-induced contraction of human HSMCs. These morphofunctional alterations were paralleled to a 365.65%±203.13% increase in IL-6 production. All these effects were dose-dependently reduced by LGG supernatants. Supernatants of the middle exponential phase already partially restored LPS-induced cell shortening by 57.34%±12.7% and IL-6 increase by 145.8%±4.3% but had no effect on LPS-induced inhibition of contraction. Maximal protective effects were obtained with supernatants of the late stationary phase with LPS-induced cell shortening restored by 84.1%±4.7%, inhibition of contraction by 85.5%±6.4%, and IL-6 basal production by 92.7%±1.2%.

Conclusions:

LGG-derived products are able to protect human SMCs from LPS-induced myogenic damage. Novel insights have been provided for the possibility that LGG-derived products could reduce the risk of progression to postinfective motor disorders.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine is Frequent in Patients With Pancreatic Disorders
Authors: Stigliano Serena , Archibugi Livia , Zerboni Giulia , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Capurso Gabriele
Published: October 2016

Background:

Herbal remedies and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are used by 30% of the patients with liver and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there are no data regarding CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders, including potential pancreatotoxicity.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders and screen for pancreatotoxicity.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey of consecutive outpatients seen at a Pancreas Center. Data were collected in a specific questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the prevalence and the patterns of CAM use. Characteristics associated with CAM use were analyzed by appropriate statistics.

Results:

Of 108 patients (52% male; mean age, 65±13 years), 47 (43.5%) used CAM. The use of CAM was more frequent among patients with previous acute pancreatitis (47%). Reported reasons for the use of CAM were to help standard therapies and for an overall better feeling. About 61% of the patients reported advantages with treatment. As compared with nonusers, CAM users were more often female (55% vs. 42%), with a higher school degree (43% vs. 36%), more frequently performing physical activity (51% vs. 41%), and reporting anxiety (45% vs. 31%). However, none of these differences were statistically significant. Three patients with previous acute pancreatitis reported the use of Serenoa repens that is potentially pancreatotoxic.

Discussion:

The rate of CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders is similar to those reported for other digestive diseases. CAM use seems to be more frequent in women with a higher education level and a “healthier lifestyle.” Patients might not be aware of the potential pancreatotoxicity of CAM, which should be carefully considered by physicians.
The In Vitro Effectiveness of Lactobacillus fermentum Against Different Candida Species Compared With Broadly Used Azoles
Authors: Deidda Francesca , Amoruso Angela , Nicola Stefania , Graziano Teresa , Pane Marco , Allesina Serena , Raiteri Elisabetta , Del Piano Mario , Mogna Luca
Published: October 2016

Goals:

To investigate the possible use of Lactobacillus strains in the prophylaxis and/or adjuvant therapy of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis and other vaginal infections sustained by Candida yeasts.

Background:

The incidence of Candida infections has substantially increased in recent years. Treatment of vaginal infections with lactobacilli has a long tradition, starting with Döderlein’s description of the vaginal microbiota.

Materials and Methods:

We assessed the activity of serially diluted fluconazole and miconazole (from 3 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL) against Candida strains. Serial dilutions of the azoles were prepared in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth in the presence of Candida strains. Broths were incubated under aerobic condition at 30°C, and the optical density was measured at 560 nm. Minimum inhibitory concentration was defined as the lowest concentration of the antibiotic that completely inhibited visible growth.

Results:

An evident resistance to the azoles used was recorded for all species of Candida, with the exception of Candida parapsilosis. For this species, a minimum inhibitory concentration ≤1 mg/mL was obtained, thus confirming the slight sensitivity to fluconazole and miconazole.

All Lactobacillus strains tested, namely LF5, LF09, LF10, and LF11, have the ability to significantly inhibit the growth of the five species of Candida of at least 4 logarithms. Furthermore, the best result obtained with miconazole on C. parapsilosis is still 2 logarithms lower.

Conclusions:

The use of beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, could be regarded as a good alternative for the prevention and treatment of Candida infections.
An Advanced In Vitro Technology Platform to Study the Mechanism of Action of Prebiotics and Probiotics in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Marzorati Massimo , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: October 2016

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) hosts the most complex microbial community in the human body. Given the extensive metabolic potential which is present in this community, this additional organ is of key importance to maintain a healthy status and several diseases are frequently correlated with an alteration of the composition/functionality of the gut microbiota. Consequently, there is a great interest in identifying potential approaches that could modulate the microbiota and its metabolism to bring about a positive health effect. A classical approach to reach this goal is the use of prebiotics and/or probiotics. How to study the potential effect of new prebiotics/probiotics and how to localize this effect along the full GIT? Human intervention trials are the golden standard to validate functional properties of food products. Yet, most studies on gut microbiota are based on the analysis of fecal samples because they are easily collected in a non-invasive manner. A complementary option is represented by well-designed in vitro simulation technologies. Among all the available systems, the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem has already been shown to be a useful model for nutrition studies in terms of analysis of the intestinal microbial community composition and activity. The Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem is a scientifically validated platform representing the physiology and microbiology of the adult human GIT. Furthermore, recent advances in in vitro modelling also allow to combine the study of bacteria-host interactions, such as mucosal adhesion and interaction with the immune system, thereby further increasing the value of the scientific output.
Human Milk Processing
Authors: Peila Chiara , Emmerik Nikki E. , Giribaldi Marzia , Stahl Bernd , Ruitenberg Joost E. , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Moro Guido E. , Bertino Enrico , Coscia Alessandra , Cavallarin Laura
Published: October 2016

Pasteurization, performed at 62.5°C for 30 minutes (holder pasteurization), is currently recommended in all international human milk banks guidelines, but it affects some human milk bioactive and nutritive components. The present systematic review is aimed at critically reviewing evidence on the suitability of human milk processing techniques other than holder pasteurization, both thermal and nonthermal, to ensure microbiological safety, and on the effects of these techniques on biologically active donor milk components. A systematic review of English and non‐English articles using Medline, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and CAB Abstracts, with no restriction in publication date was performed. Search terms included: human, breast, donor, or banked milk, breastmilk, breast fed, breastfed, breastfeed*; HTST, Flash, High Pressure, UV, ultrasonic or nonthermal; process,* pasteuris,* pasteuriz*. Only primary research articles published in peer‐reviewed journals were included, providing or not a comparison with holder pasteurized human milk, provided that the pasteurization technique was clearly described, and not intended for domestic use. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies of relevant articles. Twenty‐six studies were identified as being relevant. Two examined both High Pressure Processing and High‐Temperature–Short‐Time pasteurization; 10 only examined High Pressure Processing; 10 only examined High‐Temperature–Short‐Time; 2 articles examined ultraviolet irradiation; 2 articles examined (thermo‐)ultrasonic processing. The results indicate that data about safety for microbiological control are still scarce for most of the novel technologies, and that consensus on processing conditions is necessary for nonthermal technologies, before any conclusions on the qualitative and nutritional advantages of these techniques can be drawn.
ALK-positive Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Pan Zenggang , Hu Shimin , Li Min , Zhou Yi , Kim Young S. , Reddy Vishnu , Sanmann Jennifer N. , Smith Lynette M. , Chen Mingyi , Gao Zifen , Wang Huan-You , Yuan Ji
Published: October 2016

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase–positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+ LBCL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with characteristic ALK rearrangements. Diagnosis of ALK+ LBCL can be challenging because of its rarity, unique morphologic characteristics, and unusual immunophenotypic features, which significantly overlap with other hematologic and nonhematologic neoplasms. The purpose of this study is to further explore the clinicopathologic features of ALK+ LBCL to ensure the awareness and accurate diagnosis of this entity. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 26 cases in our institutions and additional 108 cases from the literature. ALK+ LBCL typically occurred in the lymph nodes of young and middle-aged, immunocompetent patients. The medium age was 35 years with a male to female ratio of 3.5:1. Vast majority of cases showed immunoblastic and/or plasmablastic morphology. All cases expressed ALK protein with a cytoplasmic granular pattern in most of them. Common B-cell markers (CD20, CD79a, and PAX5) were typically negative, but the tumor cells mostly expressed 2 B-cell transcriptional factors, BOB1 and OCT2. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 34%, and the median survival was 1.83 years. In patients with stage III/IV disease, the 5-year OS was only 8%. Moreover, patients below 35 years of age had a significantly better OS than those aged 35 years or above.
The Microcystic, Elongated, and Fragmented (MELF) Pattern of Invasion
Authors: Joehlin-Price Amy S. , McHugh Kelsey E. , Stephens Julie A. , Li Zaibo , Backes Floor J. , Cohn David E. , Cohen David W. , Suarez Adrian A.
Published: October 2016

MELF invasion has been associated with nonvaginal recurrences and lymph node (LN) metastases in multi-institutional case control studies but has not been well examined in large single-institution cohorts. Hysterectomy specimens with FIGO 1 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma and lymphadenectomies from 2007 to 2012 were identified. Electronic medical records and histologic slides were reviewed. Of 464 identified cases, 163 (35.1%) were noninvasive, 60 (12.9%) had MELF, 222 (47.8%) had a component of the infiltrative invasion pattern without MELF, 13 (2.8%) had pure pushing borders of invasion, 5 (1.1%) had pure adenomyosis-like invasion, and 1 (0.2%) had pure adenoma malignum-like invasion. Sixteen cases had LN metastases. Significantly more MELF cases had positive LNs than non-MELF cases overall (18.3% vs. 1.2%, P<0.001). The results were almost identical when invasive infiltrative cases with and without MELF were compared (18.3% vs. 1.8%, P<0.001). The maximum number of MELF glands per slide did not differ between cases with and without LN metastases, P=0.137. A majority of positive LNs, even in MELF cases, demonstrated nonhistiocyte-like metastases. Only 5 cases (all with MELF invasion) demonstrated micrometastatic lesions or isolated tumor cells only. MELF cases demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in time to extravaginal recurrence (P=0.082, log-rank test), for which analysis was limited by low recurrence rates. In summary, MELF is associated with LN metastases, even when compared with other infiltrative cases and shows multiple patterns of growth in positive LNs. MELF cases additionally trended toward decreased time to extravaginal recurrence.
Successful treatment of recurrent Helicobacter fennelliae bacteraemia by selective digestive decontamination with kanamycin in a lung cancer patient receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Fujiya Yoshihiro , Nagamatsu Maki , Tomida Junko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Kei , Mawatari Momoko , Kutsuna Satoshi , Takeshita Nozomi , Hayakawa Kayoko , Kanagawa Shuzo , Mezaki Kazuhisa , Hashimoto Masao , Ishii Satoru , Ohmagari Norio
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Helicobacter fennelliae is an enterohepatic Helicobacter species causing bacteraemia in immunocompromised hosts. Only a few cases of recurrent H. fennelliae bacteraemia have been reported in Japan and there are no guidelines regarding antimicrobial treatment for H. fennelliae infection.

Case presentation:

H. fennelliae bacteraemia was observed in a patient receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer. To prevent recurrence, the patient received antibiotic therapy with cefepime, amoxicillin and doxycycline for 6 weeks, which is similar to the therapy for Helicobacter
cinaedi bacteraemia. Bacteraemia recurred despite the long-term antibiotic therapy. We hypothesized that the H. fennelliae bacteraemia originated from endogenous infection in the intestinal tract due to the long-term damage of the enteric mucosa by platinum-based drugs and performed selective digestive decontamination (SDD) with kanamycin. Bacteraemia did not recur after SDD.

Conclusion:

Our observations indicate that clinicians should be aware of possible recurrent H. fennelliae bacteraemia, which could be effectively prevented by SDD with kanamycin.
Genomic analysis of Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi A during an outbreak in Cambodia, 2013–2015
Authors: Kuijpers Laura Maria Francisca , Le Hello Simon , Fawal Nizar , Fabre Laetitia , Tourdjman Mathieu , Dufour Muriel , Sar Dara , Kham Chun , Phe Thong , Vlieghe Erika , Bouchier Christiane , Jacobs Jan , Weill François-Xavier
Published: October 2016

In 2013, an unusual increase in the number of Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi A (Salmonella Paratyphi A) infections was reported in patients in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and in European, American and Japanese travellers returning from Cambodia. Epidemiological investigations did not identify a common source of exposure. To analyse the population structure and genetic diversity of these Salmonella Paratyphi A isolates, we used whole-genome sequencing on 65 isolates collected from 1999 to 2014: 55 from infections acquired in Cambodia and 10 from infections acquired in other countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Short-read sequences from 80 published genomes from around the world and from 13 published genomes associated with an outbreak in China were also included. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on a subset of isolates. Genomic analyses were found to provide much more accurate information for tracking the individual strains than PFGE. All but 2 of the 36 isolates acquired in Cambodia during 2013–2014 belonged to the same clade, C5, of lineage C. This clade has been isolated in Cambodia since at least 1999. The Chinese outbreak isolates belonged to a different clade (C4) and were resistant to nalidixic acid, whereas the Cambodian outbreak isolates displayed pan-susceptibility to antibiotics. Since 2014, the total number of cases has decreased, but there has been an increase in the frequency with which nalidixic acid-resistant C5 isolates are isolated. The frequency of these isolates should be monitored over time, because they display decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, the first-choice antibiotic for treating paratyphoid fever.
Microbes follow Humboldt: temperature drives plant and soil microbial diversity patterns from the Amazon to the Andes
Authors: Nottingham Andrew T. , Fierer Noah , Turner Benjamin L. , Whitaker Jeanette , Ostle Nick J. , McNamara Niall P. , Bardgett Richard D. , Leff Jonathan W. , Salinas Norma , Silman Miles , Kruuk Loeske , Meir Patrick
Published: October 2016

More than 200 years ago, von Humboldt reported decreases in tropical plant species richness with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. Surprisingly, co-ordinated patterns in plant, bacterial and fungal diversity on tropical mountains are yet to be observed, despite the central role of soil microorganisms in terrestrial biogeochemistry. We studied an Andean transect traversing 3.5 km in elevation to test whether the species diversity and composition of tropical forest plants, soil bacteria and fungi can follow similar biogeographical patterns with shared environmental drivers. We found co-ordinated changes with elevation in all three groups: species richness declined as elevation increased, and the compositional-dissimilarity of communities increased with increased separation in elevation, although changes in plant diversity were larger than in bacteria and fungi. Temperature was the dominant driver of these diversity gradients, with weak influences of edaphic properties, including soil pH. The gradients in microbial diversity were strongly correlated with the activities of enzymes involved in organic matter cycling, and were accompanied by a transition in microbial traits towards slower-growing, oligotrophic taxa at higher elevations. We provide the first evidence of co-ordinated temperature-driven patterns in the diversity and distribution of three major biotic groups in tropical ecosystems: soil bacteria, fungi and plants. These findings suggest that, across landscape scales of relatively constant soil pH, inter-related patterns of plant and microbial communities with shared environmental drivers can occur, with large implications for tropical forest communities under future climate change.
Identification of genetic variants affecting vitamin D receptor binding and associations with autoimmune disease
Authors: Gallone Giuseppe , Haerty Wilfried , Disanto Giulio , Ramagopalan Sreeram , Ponting Chris P. , Berlanga-Taylor Antonio J.
Published: October 2016

Large numbers of statistically significant associations between sentinel SNPs and case-control status have been replicated by genome-wide association studies. Nevertheless, few underlying molecular mechanisms of complex disease are currently known. We investigated whether variation in binding of a transcription factor, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) whose activating ligand vitamin D has been proposed as a modifiable factor in multiple disorders, could explain any of these associations. VDR modifies gene expression by binding DNA as a heterodimer with the Retinoid X receptor (RXR).

We identified 43,332 genetic variants significantly associated with altered VDR binding affinity (VDR-BVs) using a high-resolution (ChIP-exo) genome-wide analysis of 27 HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines. VDR-BVs are enriched in consensus RXR::VDR binding motifs, yet most fell outside of these motifs, implying that genetic variation often affects binding affinity only indirectly. Finally, we compared 341 VDR-BVs replicating by position in multiple individuals against background sets of variants lying within VDR-binding regions that had been matched in allele frequency and were independent with respect to linkage disequilibrium. In this stringent test, these replicated VDR-BVs were significantly (q< 0.1) and substantially (> 2-fold) enriched in genomic intervals associated with autoimmune and other diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The approach’s validity is underscored by RXR::VDR motif sequence being predictive of binding strength and being evolutionarily constrained.

Our findings are consistent with altered RXR::VDR binding contributing to immunity-related diseases. Replicated VDR-BVs associated with these disorders could represent causal disease risk alleles whose effect may be modifiable by vitamin D levels.
Contrasting patterns of genome-level diversity across distinct co-occurring bacterial populations
Authors: Garcia Sarahi L , Stevens Sarah L R , Crary Benjamin , Martinez-Garcia Manuel , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Woyke Tanja , Tringe Susannah G , Andersson Siv G E , Bertilsson Stefan , Malmstrom Rex R. , McMahon Katherine D
Published: October 2016

To understand the forces driving differentiation and diversification in wild bacterial populations, we must be able to delineate and track ecologically relevant units through space and time. Mapping metagenomic sequences to reference genomes derived from the same environment can reveal genetic heterogeneity within populations, and in some cases, be used to identify boundaries between genetically similar, but ecologically distinct, populations. Here we examine population-level heterogeneity within abundant and ubiquitous freshwater bacterial groups such as the acI Actinobacteria and LD12 Alphaproteobacteria (the freshwater sister clade to the marine SAR11) using 33 single cell genomes and a 5-year metagenomic time series. The single cell genomes grouped into 15 monophyletic clusters (termed “tribes”) that share at least 97.9% 16S rRNA identity. Distinct populations were identified within most tribes based on the patterns of metagenomic read recruitments to single-cell genomes representing these tribes. Genetically distinct populations within tribes of the acI actinobacterial lineage living in the same lake had different seasonal abundance patterns, suggesting these populations were also ecologically distinct. In contrast, sympatric LD12 populations were less genetically differentiated. This suggests that within one lake, some freshwater lineages harbor genetically discrete (but still closely related) and ecologically distinct populations, while other lineages are composed of less differentiated populations with overlapping niches. Our results point at an interplay of evolutionary and ecological forces acting on these communities that can be observed in real time.