bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study on the incidence and outcome of proven and probable invasive fungal infections in high‐risk pediatric onco‐hematological patients
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Tridello Gloria , Castagnola Elio , Calore Elisabetta , Carraro Francesca , Mariotti Ilaria , Colombini Antonella , Perruccio Katia , Decembrino Nunzia , Russo Giovanna , Maximova Natalia , Baretta Valentina , Caselli Désirée
Published: May 2017

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a cause of morbidity, mortality and increased health costs in children undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

Methods

Multicenter, retrospective study to assess the incidence, outcome of proven and probable IFI (PP‐IFI) in children treated for acute leukemia, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma or who underwent HSCT from 2006 to 2012.

Results

Over the 7‐year period, 127 PP‐IFI were diagnosed in 123 patients, median age of 9.7 years. The 1‐year cumulative incidence was 2.5% (CI 1.8‐3.7) after frontline chemotherapy, 9.4% (CI 5.8‐15.0) after relapse, and 5.3% (CI 3.9‐7.1) after HSCT. Severe neutropenia was present in 98 (77%) patients. Culture‐proven agents were Candida spp., mostly non‐albicans, 28, mold 23, whereas three proven IFI were identified by histopathology. Favorable response to treatment within 3 months from diagnosis was observed in 77 (89%). The overall ninety‐day probability of survival was 68% (CI 59‐76).

Conclusions

About two‐thirds of pediatric patients with PP‐IFI survived, regardless of whether the infection occurred after frontline chemotherapy, reinduction chemotherapy for disease relapse, or after HSCT. Further prospective studies are needed to define the impact of antifungal prophylaxis and early combination therapy on short‐term overall survival.
Tracing the origin of the early wet‐season Anopheles coluzzii in the Sahel
Authors: Lehmann Tovi , Weetman David , Huestis Diana L. , Yaro Alpha S. , Kassogue Yaya , Diallo Moussa , Donnelly Martin J. , Dao Adama
Published: May 2017

In arid environments, the source of the malaria mosquito populations that re‐establish soon after first rains remains a puzzle and alternative explanations have been proposed. Using genetic data, we evaluated whether the early rainy season (RS) population of Anopheles coluzzii is descended from the preceding late RS generation at the same locality, consistent with dry season (DS) dormancy (aestivation), or from migrants from distant locations. Distinct predictions derived from these two hypotheses were assessed, based on variation in 738 SNPs in eleven A. coluzzii samples, including seven samples spanning 2 years in a Sahelian village. As predicted by the “local origin under aestivation hypothesis,” temporal samples from the late RS and those collected after the first rain of the following RS were clustered together, while larger genetic distances were found among samples spanning the RS. Likewise, multilocus genotype composition of samples from the end of the RS was similar across samples until the following RS, unlike samples that spanned the RS. Consistent with reproductive arrest during the DS, no genetic drift was detected between samples taken over that period, despite encompassing extreme population minima, whereas it was detected between samples spanning the RS. Accordingly, the variance in allele frequency increased with time over the RS, but not over the DS. However, not all the results agreed with aestivation. Large genetic distances separated samples taken a year apart, and during the first year, within‐sample genetic diversity declined and increased back during the late RS, suggesting a bottleneck followed by migration. The decline of genetic diversity followed by a mass distribution of insecticide‐treated nets was accompanied by a reduced mosquito density and a rise in the mutation conferring resistance to pyrethroids, indicating a bottleneck due to insecticidal selection. Overall, our results support aestivation in A. coluzzii during the DS that is accompanied by long‐distance migration in the late RS.
Anterior compartment descent: A new measure in the assessment of urethral hypermobility in women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Serdinšek Tamara , But Igor
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To introduce a new, simple, non‐invasive test to quantify urethral hypermobility.

Methods

We reviewed data of women with urinary incontinence who were examined at the Department for General Gynaecology and Urogynaecology, Clinic for Gynaecology and Perinatology, Maribor, Slovenia, between October 2010 and March 2014. Patients’ age, diagnosis, results of the Q‐tip test and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements were collected. In addition, a new parameter was defined as anterior compartment descent, a midline distance between the external urethral meatus and maximum descent of the anterior vaginal wall when performed the Valsalva maneuver. Statistical analysis was performed with spss software using the Mann–Whitney test, correlation, regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The analysis was also carried out separately for patients with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I.

Results

A total of 472 women were included, 323 of them with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I. Women with urethral hypermobility had significantly higher anterior compartment descent values than patients without urethral hypermobility (3.7 cm vs 2.6 cm, P < 0.001). A moderate correlation was found between anterior compartment descent and the Q‐tip test (Spearman's rho = 0.55, P < 0.001). Age and anterior compartment descent were identified as independent variables for the presence of urethral hypermobility. When the cut‐off value is set at 3.5 cm, anterior compartment descent represents a test for urethral hypermobility assessment with sensitivity of 65.2%, specificity of 88.6%, positive predictive value of 97.0% and negative predictive value of 30.7%. Anterior compartment descent values were also significantly higher in patients with anterior compartment prolapse stage 0 or I (3.4 ± 0.7 cm vs 2.6 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The anterior compartment descent could be a valuable tool for the assessment of urethral hypermobility. Further effort should be directed into the standardization of the technique, determination of the normal range of anterior compartment descent, and its intra‐ and interobserver reliability.
New developments in chyluria after global programs to eliminate lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Abeygunasekera Anuruddha M , Sutharshan Kugadas , Balagobi Balasingam
Published: May 2017

Chyluria, commonly seen in south Asian countries, is mainly a manifestation of lymphatic filariasis as a result of infestation with Wuchereria bancrofti, although many other causes can contribute. Many patients can be effectively treated with dietary modifications and drug therapy. The most widely used drug is diethyl carbamazine. The recurrences are common after such treatment. Such patients would benefit from sclerotherapy to obliterate the lympatico‐renal fistulae located mainly in the renal pelvicalyceal system. The commonly used sclerosing agent is a combination of 5% povidone‐iodine and 50% dextrose instilled through a ureteric catheter. A small percentage of patients who recur after sclerotherapy and those with systemic complications, such as hypoproteinemia and edema, might require surgery in the form of renal hilar lymphatic disconnection. Although it is a major operation, the success rates are >90%. Laparoscopic and robotic techniques have minimized the morbidity related to such surgery. With the advent of the global program for eradication of filariasis initiated by the World Health Organization, the incidence of the disease is decreasing. Mass chemotherapy with diethyl carbamazine is the mainstay of this global program. Many years after eliminating filariasis, chyluria continue to occur in such populations, though in dwindling numbers. Future research should aim at finding more efficacious sclerosing agents with minimal recurrences.
Identification and expression profiling of novel plant cell wall degrading enzymes from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Authors: Antony B. , Johny J. , Aldosari S. A. , Abdelazim M. M.
Published: May 2017

Plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) from insects were recently identified as a multigene family of proteins that consist primarily of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs) and play essential roles in the degradation of the cellulose/hemicellulose/pectin network in the invaded host plant. Here we applied transcriptomic and degenerate PCR approaches to identify the PCWDEs from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, followed by a gut‐specific and stage‐specific differential expression analysis. We identified a total of 27 transcripts encoding GH family members and three transcripts of the CE family with cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase activities. We also identified two GH9 candidates, which have not previously been reported from Curculionidae. The gut‐specific quantitative expression analysis identified key cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases from R. ferrugineus. The expression analysis revealed a pectin methylesterase, RferCE8u02, and a cellulase, GH45c34485, which showed the highest gut enriched expression. Comparison of PCWDE expression patterns revealed that cellulases and pectinases are significantly upregulated in the adult stages, and we observed specific high expression of the hemicellulase RferGH16c4170. Overall, our study revealed the potential of PCWDEs from R. ferrugineus, which may be useful in biotechnological applications and may represent new tools in R. ferrugineus pest management strategies.
Activation of Aedes aegypti prophenoloxidase‐3 and its role in the immune response against entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Wang Y. , Jiang H. , Cheng Y. , An C. , Chu Y. , Raikhel A. S. , Zou Z.
Published: May 2017

Serine protease cascade‐mediated melanization is an important innate immune response in insects and crustaceans, which involves the proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO). In this study, we investigated the role of Aedes aegypti PPO3 in antifungal immune defence. We expressed and purified recombinant PPO3 (rPPO3) in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that rPPO3 was activated by ethanol and, to a lesser extent, by cetylpyridinium chloride. In the presence of Cu2+, rPPO3 exhibited enzyme activity. Immunoblot results revealed that the rPPO3 was cleaved by the haemolymph from immune‐challenged mosquitoes or purified Ostrinia furnacalis serine protease 105 in vitro. The cleaved rPPO3 converted dopamine to toxic intermediates that killed fungal conidia of Beauveria bassiana in vitro. In mosquitoes challenged with Be. bassiana, cleavage of rPPO3 produced a 50 kDa phenoloxidase (PO) fragment. Further analysis revealed that the survival rate of mosquitoes with fungal infection increased significantly following injection of rPPO3 into the haemocoel. Taken together, our results suggest that proteolytic cleavage of the mosquito PPO3 plays an important role in the antifungal immune response. This has led to a better understanding of the mechanism of PPO activation in the mosquito and the role of melanization in the antifungal immune response.
Academies 2 – The New Batch: The Changing Nature of Academy Schools in England
Authors: Eyles Andrew , Machin Stephen , Silva Olmo
Published: May 2017

The English education system has undergone large‐scale restructuring through the introduction of academy schools. The most salient feature of these schools is that, despite remaining part of the state sector, they operate with more autonomy than the predecessors they replaced. Two distinct periods of academy school introduction have taken place, under the auspices of different governments. The first batch was initiated in the 2002–03 school year by the Labour government of the time, and was a school improvement programme directly aimed at turning around badly performing schools. The second batch involved a mass academisation process following the change of government in May 2010 and the Academies Act of that year, which resulted in increased heterogeneity of new academies. This paper compares the two batches of introduction with the aim of getting a better understanding of their similarities and differences, and their importance for education policy. To do so, we study what types of schools were more likely to change to academy status in the two programmes, and the impact of this change on the quality of new pupil enrolments into the new types of school. Whilst we do point out some similarities, these are the exception rather than the norm. For the most part, our analysis reveals a number of marked dissimilarities between the two programmes, in terms of both the characteristics of schools that became academies and the changes in pupil intakes that occurred post‐conversion.
Income Shifting in the Spanish Dual Income Tax*
Authors: López‐Laborda Julio , Vallés‐Giménez Jaime , Zárate‐Marco Anabel
Published: May 2017

Based on a model of behavioural response to taxes, and using the Taxpayers Panel from the Instituto de Estudios Fiscales for the period 1999–2009, we analyse whether the dual nature of the Spanish personal income tax (PIT), reinforced by the 2007 reform, has influenced taxpayers’ behaviour, causing them to convert part of their ‘general income’ (from labour, real estate or economic activities) into ‘savings income’ (from movable capital or capital gains). We also extend the analysis of income shifting and study whether Spanish taxpayers also responded to the different tax treatments given to the two types of savings income (from movable capital and capital gains) until 2007, transforming savings income from one type to the other. The results of our study demonstrate three facts. First, Spanish taxpayers did respond to the different tax rates, shifting income from the general base to different forms of savings, especially capital gains. The highest‐income individuals and the self‐employed and business owners are the groups where this behaviour was most marked. Second, the self‐employed and business owners also turned income from movable assets into capital gains, guided by their different tax rates. And third, we find signs of ‘anticipation’ and ‘learning’ effects caused by the 2007 tax reform. We believe that the results obtained will enrich the growing literature on income shifting.
Defect structure‐electrical property relationship in Mn‐doped calcium strontium titanate dielectric ceramics
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hao Hua , Zhang Shujun , Lanagan Michael T. , Yao Zhonghua , Xu Qi , Xie Juan , Zhou Jing , Cao Minghe , Liu Hanxing
Published: May 2017

Ca0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (CST) ceramics with different amounts of Mn dopant (0‐2.0 mol%) were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. The electric field and temperature stability of energy storage performance was found to be greatly enhanced with moderate doped level of 0.5 mol%. The dielectric loss‐frequency spectra revealed the existence and evolution of defect dipoles at elevated temperature, which was confirmed directly by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The response of defect dipoles was characterized by thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC), where the activation energy and the concentration evolution of defect dipoles were calculated, with the highest values observed for 0.5% doped samples. The dissociation of defect dipoles and the movement of free were analyzed by high‐temperature impedance spectra analysis, with the activation energy of 1.04‐1.60 eV, and 0.5% doped samples also demonstrated the highest Ea. The relationship between microscopic defect structure and macroscopic electrical behavior was established in this work.
Choice of Allocations and Constructs for Attributional or Consequential Life Cycle Assessment and Input‐Output Analysis
Authors: Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Dandres Thomas , Pauliuk Stefan , Wood Richard , Hertwich Edgar , Samson Réjean , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: May 2017

The divide between attributional and consequential research perspectives partly overlaps with the long‐standing methodological discussions in the life cycle assessment (LCA) and input‐output analysis (IO) research communities on the choice of techniques and models for dealing with situations of coproduction.

The recent harmonization of LCA allocations and IO constructs revealed a more diverse set of coproduction models than had previously been understood. This increased flexibility and transparency in inventory modeling warrants a re‐evaluation of the treatment of coproduction in analyses with attributional and consequential perspectives.

In the present article, the main types of coproductions situations and of coproduction models are reviewed, along with key desirable characteristics of attributional and consequential studies. A concordance analysis leads to clear recommendations, which call for important refinements to current guidelines for both LCA/IO practitioners and database developers. We notably challenge the simple association between, on the one hand, attributional LCA and partition allocation, and on the one hand, consequential LCA and substitution modeling.
Magma source transition of lunar mare volcanism at 2.3 Ga
Authors: Kato Shinsuke , Morota Tomokatsu , Yamaguchi Yasushi , Watanabe Sei‐ichiro , Otake Hisashi , Ohtake Makiko
Published: June 2017

Mare basalts provide insights into the composition and thermal history of the lunar mantle. The ages of mare basalts suggest a first peak of magma activity at 3.2–3.8 Ga and a second peak at ~2 Ga. In this study, we reassess the correlation between the titanium contents and the eruption ages of mare basalt units using the compositional and chronological data updated by SELENE (Kaguya). Using morphological and geological criteria, we calculated the titanium content of 261 mare units across a representative area of each mare unit. In the Procellarum KREEP Terrane, where the latest eruptions are located, an increase in the mean titanium content is observed during the Eratosthenian period, as reported by previous studies. We found that the increase in the mean titanium content occurred within a relatively short period near approximately 2.3 Ga, suggesting that the magma source of the mare basalts changed at this particular age. Moreover, the high‐titanium basaltic eruptions are correlated with a second peak in volcanic activity near ~2 Ga. The high‐titanium basaltic eruptions occurring during the last volcanic activity period can be explained by the three possible scenarios (1) the ilmenite‐bearing cumulate rich layer in the core‐mantle boundary formed after the mantle overturn, (2) the basaltic material layers beneath the lunar crust formed through upwelling magmas, and (3) ilmenite‐bearing cumulate blocks remained in the upper mantle after the mantle overturn.
Multicentre cross‐sectional study for bone‐articular lesions associated with dialysis related amyloidosis in Japan
Authors: Nishi Shinichi , Hoshino Junichi , Yamamoto Suguru , Goto Shunsuke , Fujii Hideki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Motomiya Yoshihiro , Morita Hiroyuki , Takaichi Kenmei , Yamagata Kunihiro , Shigematsu Takashi , Ueda Mitsuharu , Ando Yukio
Published: May 2017

Aim

Dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) exhibits multiple bone‐articular lesions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), trigger finger (TF), spinal canal stenosis (SCS), destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA), bone cysts, and joint pains. DRA leads to a decrease in activities of daily living (ADL). We investigated the initiation of CTS and TF, and evaluated the relationship between walking disturbances and bone‐articular lesions or joint pains.

Methods

A multicentre cross‐sectional study was performed. Eighty‐two patients with clinical DRA from 20 hospitals in Japan were evaluated.

Results

Of the 82 patients, the first symptom of DRA was CTS in 39 patients (47.6%) and TF in 21 (25.6%). The mean new‐onset vintages of 21 earlier cases in the CTS and TF groups were 86.1 ± 36.3 and 133.2 ± 56.4 (mean ± SD) months, respectively (P = 0.0091). The development of SCS and DSA appeared to be later than CTS and TF. Multiple regression analysis revealed that knee joint pain was a significant contributor to walking disturbances.

Conclusion

Carpal tunnel syndrome appeared significantly earlier than TF since the initiation of dialysis. In the advanced phase, knee joint pain was a major cause of decreased ADL in patients with clinical DRA.
Diagnosing endocrine hypertension: a practical approach
Authors: Yang Jun , Shen Jimmy , Fuller Peter J.
Published: May 2017

Hypertension is a leading cardiovascular risk factor that remains difficult to manage in a large segment of the population. Secondary causes of hypertension, which are amenable to targeted treatment or even cure, may contribute to poor blood pressure control. The most common endocrine cause, primary aldosteronism, requires biochemical screening as there are often no symptoms or signs other than hypertension. Screening tests should be performed after adequate preparation to optimize the results and minimize the confounding effects of diet and medications. Further testing beyond the initial screen generally requires input from specialist units to coordinate confirmatory tests and radiological procedures. Other less common or even rare endocrine causes of hypertension generally present with symptoms and signs of pituitary, adrenal, thyroid or parathyroid dysfunction rather than hypertension per se. Here, we review the endocrine causes of hypertension and provide a practical approach to their diagnosis.
The dual role of LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 as a condition‐dependent scaffold protein and transcription regulator
Authors: Czarnocka Weronika , Van Der Kelen Katrien , Willems Patrick , Szechyńska‐Hebda Magdalena , Shahnejat‐Bushehri Sara , Balazadeh Salma , Rusaczonek Anna , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd , Van Breusegem Frank , Karpiński Stanisław
Published: May 2017

Since its discovery over two decades ago as an important cell death regulator in Arabidopsis thaliana, the role of LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 (LSD1) has been studied intensively within both biotic and abiotic stress responses as well as with respect to plant fitness regulation. However, its molecular mode of action remains enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that nucleo‐cytoplasmic LSD1 interacts with a broad range of other proteins that are engaged in various molecular pathways such as ubiquitination, methylation, cell cycle control, gametogenesis, embryo development and cell wall formation. The interaction of LSD1 with these partners is dependent on redox status, as oxidative stress significantly changes the quantity and types of LSD1‐formed complexes. Furthermore, we show that LSD1 regulates the number and size of leaf mesophyll cells and affects plant vegetative growth. Importantly, we also reveal that in addition to its function as a scaffold protein, LSD1 acts as a transcriptional regulator. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LSD1 plays a dual role within the cell by acting as a condition‐dependent scaffold protein and as a transcription regulator.
Sex differences in empathy for pain: What is the role of autonomic regulation?
Authors: Tracy Lincoln M. , Giummarra Melita J.
Published: May 2017

Empathy involves both affective and cognitive components whereby we understand, and express concerns for, the experiences of others. Women typically have superior trait empathy compared with men, which seems to have a neurological basis with sex differences in the structure and function of neural networks involved in empathy. This study investigated sex differences in empathy for pain using the Empathy for Pain Scale, and examined whether these trait differences were associated with disruptions in autonomic regulation, specifically via the parasympathetic nervous system (measured through the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R‐R intervals; RMSSD) both at rest and during a socioevaluative stress task (i.e., the serial sevens task). Compared with men, women reported higher empathic concern (Cohen's r = .25) and affective distress (Cohen's d = 0.65) toward another in pain. In both men and women, there was a decrease in lnRMSSD in the stress task compared to rest. Sex moderated the relationship between resting lnRMSSD and self‐reported empathic concern. Specifically, there was no clear association between empathic concern and lnRMSSD in men whereas in women there was a negative relationship, with lower resting lnRMSSD associated with higher empathic concern, and higher lnRMSSD associated with lower levels of empathic concern that were similar to men. These findings suggest that empathic feelings may result from poorer psychophysiological regulation, and concur with previous research displaying sex‐specific relationships between resting heart rate variability and emotion regulation abilities.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: May 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 6 Amanda ElBassiouny, Spring Hill College, USAAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAyşegül Sili Kalem, Necmettin Erbakan Universitesi, TurkeyCaroline Schmitt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, GermanyEmanuele Achino, C. D. T. O., ItalyImran Ali Sandano, Zhejiang University, ChinaJianquan Cheng, Manchester Metropolitan University, UKJosé María Fernandez-Crehuet, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, SpainJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaKatja Eman, Univerza v Mariboru, SloveniaLaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education,Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaYanzhe Zhang, Jilin University, ChinaZlatan Begić, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Engineering of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis for Chitin-Dependent Hydrogen Production
Authors: Aslam Mehwish , Horiuchi Ayumi , Simons Jan-Robert , Jha Savyasachee , Yamada Masahiro , Odani Toru , Fujimoto Rikako , Yamamoto Yasuyuki , Gunji Ryoma , Imanaka Tadayuki , Kanai Tamotsu , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: May 2017

Thermococcus kodakarensis
is a hyperthermophilic archaeon that harbors a complete set of genes for chitin degradation to fructose 6-phosphate. However, wild-type
T. kodakarensis
KOD1 does not display growth on chitin. In this study, we developed a
T. kodakarensis
strain that can grow on chitin via genetic and adaptive engineering. First, a chitinase overproduction strain (KC01) was constructed by replacing the chitinase gene promoter with a strong promoter from the cell surface glycoprotein gene, resulting in increased degradation of swollen chitin and accumulation of
N
-,
N
′-diacetylchitobiose in the medium. To enhance
N
-,
N
′-diacetylchitobiose assimilation in KC01, genes encoding diacetylchitobiose deacetylase, exo-β-
d
-glucosaminidase, and glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase were also overexpressed to obtain strain KC04. To strengthen the glycolytic flux of KC04, the gene encoding Tgr (transcriptional repressor of glycolytic genes) was disrupted to obtain strain KC04Δt. In both KC04 and KC04Δt strains, degradation of swollen chitin was further enhanced. In the culture broth of these strains, the accumulation of glucosamine was observed. KC04Δt was repeatedly inoculated in a swollen-chitin-containing medium for 13 cultures. This adaptive engineering strategy resulted in the isolation of a strain (KC04ΔtM1) that showed almost complete degradation of 0.4% (wt/vol) swollen chitin after 90 h. The strain produced high levels of acetate and ammonium in the culture medium, and, moreover, molecular hydrogen was generated. This strongly suggests that strain KC04ΔtM1 has acquired the ability to convert chitin to fructose 6-phosphate via deacetylation and deamination and further convert fructose 6-phosphate to acetate via glycolysis coupled to hydrogen generation.

IMPORTANCE
Chitin is a linear homopolymer of β-1,4-linked
N
-acetylglucosamine and is the second most abundant biomass next to cellulose. Compared to the wealth of research focused on the microbial degradation and conversion of cellulose, studies addressing microbial chitin utilization are still limited. In this study, using the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakarensis
as a host, we have constructed a strain that displays chitin-dependent hydrogen generation. The apparent hydrogen yield per unit of sugar consumed was slightly higher with swollen chitin than with starch. As gene manipulation in
T. kodakarensis
is relatively simple, the strain constructed in this study can also be used as a parent strain for the development and expansion of chitin-dependent biorefinery, in addition to its capacity to produce hydrogen.
Surface Sensing for Paenibacillus sp. NAIST15-1 Flagellar Gene Expression on Solid Medium
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuo , Kanesaki Yu , Yoshikawa Hirofumi
Published: May 2017

A rhizosphere Gram-positive bacterial isolate,
Paenibacillus
sp. NAIST15-1, exhibits intriguing motility behavior on hard agar medium.
Paenibacillus
sp. shows increased transcription of flagellar genes and hyperflagellation when transferred from liquid to solid medium. Hyperflagellated cells form wandering colonies that are capable of moving around on the surface of medium containing ≥1.5% agar. Transposon mutagenesis was used to identify genes critical for motility. In addition to flagellar genes, this mutagenesis identified five nonflagellar structural genes that were important for motility. Of these, the disruption of
degSU
,
wsfP
, or
PBN151_4312
resulted in a complete loss of flagellin synthesis. Analysis of flagellar gene promoter activity showed that each mutation severely reduced flagellar gene transcription in a different manner. Flagellar gene transcription was induced in liquid medium by the addition of a viscous agent, Ficoll, or by disruption of flagellar stator genes, indicating that flagellar gene transcription was induced in response to restriction of flagellar rotation. Overexpression of DegSU bypassed the requirement of flagellar rotation restriction for induction of flagellar genes. These results indicate that physical restriction of flagellar rotation by physical contact with the surface of solid medium induces flagellar gene transcription through the activation of DegSU. Further analysis revealed that the same mechanism was conserved in
Bacillus subtilis
. These results demonstrate that flagella act as mechanosensors to control flagellar transcription in Gram-positive bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Many bacteria exist on living or nonliving surfaces in nature. Bacteria express distinct behaviors, such as surface motility and biofilm formation, to adapt to surfaces. However, it remains largely unknown how bacteria sense the surfaces on which they sit and how they induce the genes needed for growth on a surface. Swarming motility is flagellum-dependent motility on a surface. The Gram-positive bacterium
Paenibacillus
sp. exhibits strong swarming motility ability and is capable of moving on 1.5% agar medium. In this study, we showed that the two-component system DegSU was responsible for inducing flagellar genes in response to heavy loads on flagellar rotation in
Paenibacillus
sp. The same mechanism was conserved in a related species,
B. subtilis
, even though these two bacteria exhibit very different motility behaviors. This study shows that flagellum serves as a sensor for surface contact to induce flagellar gene transcription in these bacteria.
Biofilm Formation Potential of Heat-Resistant Escherichia coli Dairy Isolates and the Complete Genome of Multidrug-Resistant, Heat-Resistant Strain FAM21845
Authors: Marti Roger , Schmid Michael , Kulli Sandra , Schneeberger Kerstin , Naskova Javorka , Knøchel Susanne , Ahrens Christian H. , Hummerjohann Jörg
Published: May 2017

We tested the biofilm formation potential of 30 heat-resistant and 6 heat-sensitive
Escherichia coli
dairy isolates. Production of curli and cellulose, static biofilm formation on polystyrene (PS) and stainless steel surfaces, biofilm formation under dynamic conditions (Bioflux), and initial adhesion rates (IAR) were evaluated. Biofilm formation varied greatly between strains, media, and assays. Our results highlight the importance of the experimental setup in determining biofilm formation under conditions of interest, as correlation between different assays was often not a given. The heat-resistant, multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain FAM21845 showed the strongest biofilm formation on PS and the highest IAR and was the only strain that formed significant biofilms on stainless steel under conditions relevant to the dairy industry, and it was therefore fully sequenced. Its chromosome is 4.9 Mb long, and it harbors a total of five plasmids (147.2, 54.2, 5.8, 2.5, and 1.9 kb). The strain carries a broad range of genes relevant to antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation, including some on its two large conjugative plasmids, as demonstrated in plate mating assays.

IMPORTANCE
In biofilms, cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix that protects them from stresses, such as UV radiation, osmotic shock, desiccation, antibiotics, and predation. Biofilm formation is a major bacterial persistence factor of great concern in the clinic and the food industry. Many tested strains formed strong biofilms, and especially strains such as the heat-resistant, MDR strain FAM21845 may pose a serious issue for food production. Strong biofilm formation combined with diverse resistances (some encoded on conjugative plasmids) may allow for increased persistence, coselection, and possible transfer of these resistance factors. Horizontal gene transfer may conceivably occur in the food production setting or the gastrointestinal tract after consumption.
The Lectin Chaperone Calnexin Is Involved in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response by Regulating Ca
2+
Homeostasis in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Zhang Shenghua , Zheng Hailin , Chen Qiuyi , Chen Yuan , Wang Sha , Lu Ling , Zhang Shizhu
Published: May 2017

The Ca
2+
-mediated signaling pathway is crucial for environmental adaptation in fungi. Here we show that calnexin, a molecular chaperone located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), plays an important role in regulating the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
c
) in
Aspergillus nidulans
. Inactivation of calnexin (ClxA) in
A. nidulans
caused severe defects in hyphal growth and conidiation under ER stress caused by the ER stress-inducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) or high temperature. Importantly, defects in the Δ
clxA
mutant were restored by the addition of extracellular calcium. Furthermore, the CchA/MidA complex (the high-affinity Ca
2+
channels), calcineurin (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase), and PmrA (secretory pathway Ca
2+
ATPase) were required for extracellular calcium-based restoration of the DTT/thermal stress sensitivity in the Δ
clxA
mutant. Interestingly, the Δ
clxA
mutant exhibited markedly reduced conidium formation and hyphal growth defects under the low-calcium condition, which is similar to defects caused by mutations in MidA/CchA. Moreover, the phenotypic defects were further exacerbated in the Δ
clxA
Δ
midA
Δ
cchA
mutant, which suggested that ClxA and MidA/CchA are both required under the calcium-limiting condition. Using the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin to monitor [Ca
2+
]
c
in living cells, we found that ClxA and MidA/CchA complex synergistically coordinate transient increase in [Ca
2+
]
c
in response to extracellular calcium. Moreover, ClxA, in particular its luminal domain, plays a role in mediating the transient [Ca
2+
]
c
in response to DTT-induced ER stress in the absence of extracellular calcium, indicating ClxA may mediate calcium release from internal calcium stores. Our findings provide new insights into the role of calnexin in the regulation of calcium-mediated response in fungal ER stress adaptation.

IMPORTANCE
Calnexin is a well-known molecular chaperone conserved from yeast to humans. Although it contains calcium binding domains, little is known about the role of calnexin in Ca
2+
regulation. In this study, we demonstrate that calnexin (ClxA) in the filamentous fungus
Aspergillus nidulans
, similar to the high-affinity calcium uptake system (HACS), is required for normal growth and conidiation under the calcium-limiting condition. The ClxA dysfunction decreases the transient cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
c
) induced by a high extracellular calcium or DTT-induced ER stress. Our findings provide the direct evidence that calnexin plays important roles in regulating Ca
2+
homeostasis in addition to its role as a molecular chaperone in fungi. These results provide new insights into the roles of calnexin and expand knowledge of fungal stress adaptation.
Prevalence and Genomic Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cow-Calf Herds throughout California
Authors: Worley Jay N. , Flores Kristopher A. , Yang Xun , Chase Jennifer A. , Cao Guojie , Tang Shuai , Meng Jianghong , Atwill Edward R.
Published: May 2017

Escherichia coli
serotype O157:H7 is a zoonotic food- and waterborne bacterial pathogen that causes a high hospitalization rate and can cause life-threatening complications. Increasingly,
E. coli
O157:H7 infections appear to originate from fresh produce. Ruminants, such as cattle, are a prominent reservoir of
E. coli
O157:H7 in the United States. California is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world for fresh produce, beef, and milk. The close proximity of fresh produce and cattle presents food safety challenges on a uniquely large scale. We performed a survey of
E. coli
O157:H7 on 20 farms in California to observe the regional diversity and prevalence of
E. coli
O157:H7. Isolates were obtained from enrichment cultures of cow feces. Some farms were sampled on two dates. Genomes from isolates were sequenced to determine their relatedness and pathogenic potential.
E. coli
O157:H7 was isolated from approximately half of the farms. The point prevalence of
E. coli
O157:H7 on farms was highly variable, ranging from zero to nearly 90%. Within farms, generally one or a few lineages were found, even when the rate of isolation was high. On farms with high isolation rates, a single clonal lineage accounted for most of the isolates. Farms that were visited months after the first visit might have had the same lineages of
E. coli
O157:H7. Strains of
E. coli
O157:H7 may be persistent for months on farms.

IMPORTANCE
This survey of 20 cow-calf operations from different regions of California provides an in depth look at resident
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 populations at the molecular level.
E. coli
O157:H7 is found to have a highly variable prevalence, and with whole-genome sequencing, high prevalences in herds were found to be due to a single lineage shed from multiple cows. Few repeat lineages were found between farms in this area; therefore, we predict that
E. coli
O157:H7 has significant diversity in this area beyond what is detected in this survey. All isolates from this study were found to have pathogenic potential based on the presence of key virulence gene sequences. This represents a novel insight into pathogen diversity within a single subtype and will inform future attempts to survey regional pathogen populations.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and mononeuritis multiplex responded to induction cyclophosphamide
Authors: Mohammad Nurashikin , Wan Ghazali Wan Syamimee
Published: May 2017

We report a case of 28-year-old Malay woman who initially presented with multiple joints pain with underlying poorly controlled asthma since her childhood. She was treated as seronegative arthritis. However, the involvement of joints, asthma and high-eosinophil counts raised suspicion of Churg-Strauss syndrome. This disease is undoubtedly rare in Malaysians or even in Asian populations. After appropriate therapy was delivered for the correct diagnosis her clinical condition improved. She is currently receiving maintenance treatment.
Pure posterior communicating artery occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Otsuji Ryosuke , Kameda Katsuharu , Uno Junji , Gi Hidefuku
Published: May 2017

There has been no report of mechanical thrombectomy for a pure posterior communicating artery (PComA) occlusion. Here, we report the case of an 87-year-old woman with a disturbance of consciousness and left hemiparesis diagnosed with a right PComA occlusion. The patient was successfully treated using mechanical thrombectomy in combination with a stent retriever and the Penumbra system. A CT perfusion image showed cerebral blood flow reduction in the ipsilateral occipital lobe and thalamus. A CT angiography supported the diagnosis of an occlusion of fetal type PComA. The PComA could not be detected by internal carotidangiogram, but after deployment of stent retriever, the PComA was recanalised and distal embolus at the right posterior cerebral artery was visualised. The thrombus was then removed using the Penumbra system. Although the treatment for a PComA occlusion requires further investigation, the present case supports a thrombectomy as an effective rescue strategy for PComA occlusions.
Clozapine re-exposure after dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nederlof Mariëtte , Benschop Theo WJ , de Vries Feyens Cornelia Adriana , Heerdink Eibert Roelof
Published: May 2017

A 63-year-old woman with diabetes type II and a history of breast cancer was treated with clozapine for her refractory schizophrenia. She developed a dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 25%, a life-threatening event. The cause of heart failure could be multifactorial, with clozapine, family history, chemotherapy, diabetes type II and/or lithium as possible contributing risk factors. Clozapine was discontinued and the patient was referred to a hospice. Two weeks later, her heart failure slowly improved. Subsequently, she became extremely psychotic with a severe decline in quality of life. Therefore, it was decided to restart clozapine under cardiac monitoring. The patient’s psychotic symptoms improved and her heart failure status remained stable for more than a year. Thereafter, a small deterioration was seen in cardiac function. In this case, re-exposure to clozapine was successful for at least 2 years.
A rare cause of acute dysphagia: acute calcific tendonitis of the longus colli muscle
Authors: Abou Dargham Hanadi , Bytyci Faton , Shuman Christian , Stolear Anton
Published: May 2017

We are presenting a case of a 78-year-old female with multiple comorbidities and history of neck surgery, who presented with acute dysphagia, odynophagia and neck pain that has been progressively getting worse over the course of 2 days, with no recent injury or infection. The patient was afebrile. There were no visible signs of infection on routine oropharyngeal examination. Initial workup was unremarkable except for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and creatinine. CT of the cervical spine ruled out any fracture or cervical spine injury but showed an area of calcification, prevertebral oedema and fluid collection inferior to the anterior arch of C1. MRI of the cervical spine also showed prevertebral oedema and fluid collection in the retropharyngeal space from the skull base to the C3 level without abnormal surrounding enhancement that supported the diagnosis of acute calcific tendonitis of the longus colli muscle rather than an infectious process. There was significant improvement of symptoms 48 hours after initiating treatment with systemic steroids. The patient remains asymptomatic 6 months after treatment.
Vibrio vulnificusseptic shock due to a contaminated tattoo
Authors: Hendren Nicholas , Sukumar Senthil , Glazer Craig S
Published: May 2017

We present a case ofVibrio vulnificusseptic shock and cellulitis in a patient with chronic liver disease that occurred after obtaining a leg tattoo with subsequent seawater exposure in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial suspicion forV. vulnificuswas high and he was started on empiric doxycycline and ceftriaxone at admission. Blood and wound cultures grew oxidase positive and comma-shaped Gram-negative rods ultimately confirmed to beV. vulnificus.Despite aggressive initial treatment, the patient developed septic shock and died. This case highlights the association of chronic liver disease and high mortality associated with infections ofV. vulnificus. Health providers should remain vigilant forV. vulnificusinfections in patients with chronic liver disease and raw oyster ingestion or seawater exposure.
Translation, adaptation and validation of two versions of the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire in Malaysian patients for speakers of both English and Malay languages: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khairullah Shasha , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: May 2017

Objective

We aimed to adapt, translate and validate the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) in Malaysian patients with chronic liver diseases of various aetiologies.

Setting

Tertiary level teaching institution in Malaysia.

Participants

The validation process involved 211 adult patients (English language n=101, Malay language n=110) with chronic liver disease. Characteristics of the study subjects were as follows: mean (SD) age was 56 (12.8) years, 58.3% were male and 41.7% female. The inclusion criteria were patients 18 years or older with chronic hepatitis and/or liver cirrhosis of any aetiology. The exclusion criteria were as follows: presence of hepatic encephalopathy, ongoing treatment with interferon and presence of other chronic conditions that have an impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Cultural adaptation of the English version of the CLDQ was performed, and a Malay version was developed following standard forward–backward translation by independent native speakers. Psychometric properties of both versions were determined by assessing their internal consistency, test–retest reliability and discriminant and convergent validity.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency across the various domains of the CLDQ was 0.95 for the English version and 0.92 for the Malay version. Test–retest analysis showed excellent reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89 for the English version and 0.93 for the Malay version. The average scores of both the English and Malay versions of the CLDQ demonstrated adequate discriminant validity by differentiating between non-cirrhosis (English 6.3, Malay 6.1), compensated cirrhosis (English 5.6, Malay 6.0) and decompensated cirrhosis (English 5.1, Malay 4.9) (p<0.001). Convergent validity showed that correlation was fair between the English (ρ=0.59) and Malay (p=0.47) CLDQ versions with the EQ-5D, a generic HRQOL instrument.

Conclusion

The English and Malay versions of the CLDQ are reliable and valid disease-specific instruments for assessing HRQOL in Malaysian patients with chronic liver disease.