bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of urban birds as source of β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Marseille city, France
Authors: Ngaiganam Edgarthe Priscilla , Pagnier Isabelle , Chaalal Wafaa , Leangapichart Thongpan , Chabou Selma , Rolain Jean-Marc , Diene Seydina Mouhamadou 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
We investigate here the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from stool samples of yellow-legged gulls and chickens (n = 136) in urban parks and beaches of Marseille, France. Bacterial isolation was performed on selective media, including MacConkey agar with ceftriaxone and LBJMR medium. Antibiotic resistance genes, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) (i.e. blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV), carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-58) and colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-5) were screened by real-time PCR and standard PCR and sequenced when found.

Results
Of the 136 stools samples collected, seven ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria (BGN) and 12 colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were isolated. Among them, five ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and eight colistin-resistant Hafnia alvei strains were identified. Four blaTEM-1 genes were detected in yellow-legged gulls and chickens. Three CTX-M-15 genes were detected in yellow-legged gulls and pigeons, and one CTX-M-1 in a yellow-legged gull. No mcr-1 to mcr-5 gene were detected in colistin-resistant isolates. Genotyping of E. coli strains revealed four different sequence types already described in humans and animals and one new sequence type.

Conclusions
Urban birds, which are believed to have no contact with antibiotics appear as potential source of ESBL genes. Our findings highlight the important role of urban birds in the proliferation of multidrug-resistant bacteria and also the possible zoonotic transmission of such bacteria from wild birds to humans.
Adverse reproductive health outcomes in a cohort of young women with breast cancer exposed to systemic treatments
Authors: Silva Cristina , Ribeiro Rama Ana Cristina , Reis Soares Sérgio , Moura-Ramos Mariana , Almeida-Santos Teresa 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in young women. Fortunately current survival rates of BC are significant which makes future fertility very important for quality of life of BC survivors. Chemotherapy carries a significant risk of infertility in BC patients so it is important to support fertility preservation decisions in premenopausal women. Amenorrhea has long been used as a surrogate marker of infertility in cancer patients but more reliable ovarian reserve (OR) markers are available. This study aimed to prospectively measure levels of OR in a cohort of young women with breast cancer exposed to chemotherapy, to identify adverse reproductive health outcomes in this population and to assess the influence of patient and treatment-related factors in those outcomes.

Methods
This prospective observational study included premenopausal women with breast cancer aged 18–40 years at diagnosis and proposed for (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated before, during and a minimum of 9 months after the end of chemotherapy. Reproductive health outcomes: menses, hormonal and ultrasound OR markers, recovery of ovarian function and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).

Results
A total of 38 patients were included (mean age 32.9 ± 3.5 years). Levels of OR significantly decreased during the study. At the last follow up, 35 patients had AMH below the expected values for age; eight presented postmenopausal FSH; ten had not recovered their ovarian function and five met the defined criteria for POI. Age and baseline AMH were positively correlated with AMH at the last follow-up. AMH levels were higher in the group of patients treated with trastuzumab and lower in those under hormonal therapy, at the last follow-up.

Conclusions
Significant effects of systemic treatments on several reproductive outcomes and a strong relation of those outcomes with patient’s age and baseline level of AMH were observed. Our results point to a possible lower gonadotoxicity when treatment includes targeted therapy with trastuzumab. Also, this investigation highlights the lack of reliable OR markers in women under hormonal therapy.
Enhanced production of biomass and lipids by Euglena gracilis via co-culturing with a microalga growth-promoting bacterium, Emticicia sp. EG3
Authors: Toyama Tadashi , Hanaoka Tsubasa , Yamada Koji , Suzuki Kengo , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Morikawa Masaaki , Mori Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundEuglena gracilis, a unicellular flagellated microalga, is regarded as one of the most promising species as microalgal feedstock for biofuels. Its lipids (mainly wax esters) are suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel. Culture ofE. gracilisusing wastewater effluent will improve the economics ofE. gracilisbiofuel production. Enhancement of the productivity ofE. gracilisbiomass is critical to creating a highly efficient biofuels production system. Certain bacteria have been found to promote microalgal growth by creating a favorable microenvironment. These bacteria have been characterized as microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB). Co-culture of microalgae with MGPB might offer an effective strategy to enhance microalgal biomass production in wastewater effluent culture systems. However, no MGPB has been identified to enhance the growth ofE. gracilis. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to isolate and characterize the MGPB effective forE. gracilisand to demonstrate that the isolated MGPB indeed enhances the production of biomass and lipids byE. gracilisin wastewater effluent culture system.ResultsA bacterium,Emticiciasp. EG3, which is capable of promoting the growth of microalgaE. gracilis, was isolated from anE. gracilis-municipal wastewater effluent culture. Biomass production rate ofE. graciliswas enhanced 3.5-fold and 3.1-fold by EG3 in the co-culture system using a medium of heat-sterilized and non-sterilized wastewater effluent, respectively, compared to growth in the same effluent culture but without EG3. Two-step culture system was examined as follows:E. graciliswas cultured with or without EG3 in wastewater effluent in the first step and was further grown in wastewater effluent in the second step. Production yields of biomass and lipids byE. graciliswere enhanced 3.2-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, in the second step of the system in whichE. graciliswas co-cultured with EG3 in the first step.ConclusionEmticiciasp. EG3 is the first MGPB forE. gracilis. Growth-promoting bacteria such as EG3 will be promising agents for enhancingE. gracilisbiomass/biofuel productivities.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome presenting with dysmenorrhea: a case report
Authors: Nishu Dilruba Sharmen , Uddin Md. Monir , Akter Khadija , Akter Shameema , Sarmin Monira , Begum Sartaj 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal mass secondary to hematocolpos. We present the first case report on Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome from Bangladesh.

Case presentation
A 15-year-old Asian girl presented with lower abdominal pain of 3 months’ duration. She had had menarche 3 months earlier and had a regular menstrual cycle with cyclical abdominal pain. Abdominal examination found a tender mass on the right iliac fossa. Further evaluation with ultrasound revealed distended endometrial cavity filled with complex fluid and nonvisualization of the right kidney. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed absent right kidney and two separate endometrial stripes surrounded by endometrium and a muscular layer. The right endometrial cavity and cervix were distended with blood. This magnetic resonance imaging finding is consistent with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome with uterine didelphyis, right-sided hematometra resulting from obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral agenesis of the right kidney. The vaginal septum was resected for vaginoplasty. She was discharged 5 days after surgery and came for follow-up after 7 days. Vaginal examination revealed a healthy wound with no adhesion of the vaginal wall. She also informed us that she had started regular menstruation without any pain 30 days after the operation.

Conclusion
An unusual presentation of regular menstruation and nonspecific abdominal pain delays the diagnosis, which can lead to complications such as endometriosis and infertility. Awareness is required; otherwise, misdiagnosis clearly can occur.
Protective and therapeutic effects of Trianthema portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in male albino rats via G-protein-coupled receptor 124
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Gao Tianjiao , Cao Yiwei , Diao Jiayu , Chang Fengjun , Qi Jie , Wang Congxia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowing of the lumen, plaque formation, and blood flow turbulence as a result of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the inner lining of arteries. Bishkhapra (Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.) is a well-known common weed belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from this weed and widely used against several diseases. The present study evaluated the protective and therapeutic efficacies of T. portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in a rat model. The animals were divided into the sham, control (diabetes- + atherosclerosis-inducing diet), 100 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, and positive control groups. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipid parameters, as well as the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124), were measured. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced to near normal levels. The serum levels of fibrinogen, sVCAM-1, and oxidized low density lipoproteins were substantially increased in control rats. Treatment with the T. portulacastrum extract reversed these levels to near normal levels. The mRNA expression of GPR124 was increased by 150% in the control group. However, treatment with T. portulacastrum extract decreased the mRNA expression up to 40% compared with the control group. Rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum extract showed a decrease in GPR124 protein expression by 9.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that an extract of T. portulacastrum is effective against atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
High-throughput phenotyping in cotton: a review
Authors: PABUAYON Irish Lorraine B. , SUN Yazhou , GUO Wenxuan , RITCHIE Glen L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Recent technological advances in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis. High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid approach of monitoring and measuring multiple phenotypic traits related to the growth, yield, and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress. Researchers have conducted extensive experiments on HTP and developed techniques including spectral, fluorescence, thermal, and three-dimensional imaging to measure the morphological, physiological, and pathological resistance traits of cotton. In addition, ground-based and aerial-based platforms were also developed to aid in the implementation of these HTP systems. This review paper highlights the techniques and recent developments for HTP in cotton, reviews the potential applications according to morphological and physiological traits of cotton, and compares the advantages and limitations of these HTP systems when used in cotton cropping systems. Overall, the use of HTP has generated many opportunities to accurately and efficiently measure and analyze diverse traits of cotton. However, because of its relative novelty, HTP has some limitations that constrains the ability to take full advantage of what it can offer. These challenges need to be addressed to increase the accuracy and utility of HTP, which can be done by integrating analytical techniques for big data and continuous advances in imaging.
In vitro tissue-engineered adipose constructs for modeling disease
Authors: Murphy Connor S. , Liaw Lucy , Reagan Michaela R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAdipose tissue is a vital tissue in mammals that functions to insulate our bodies, regulate our internal thermostat, protect our organs, store energy (and burn energy, in the case of beige and brown fat), and provide endocrine signals to other organs in the body. Tissue engineering of adipose and other soft tissues may prove essential for people who have lost this tissue from trauma or disease. In this review, we discuss the applications of tissue-engineered adipose tissue specifically for disease modeling applications. We provide a basic background to adipose depots and describe three-dimensional (3D) in vitro adipose models for obesity, diabetes, and cancer research applications. The approaches to engineering 3D adipose models are diverse in terms of scaffold type (hydrogel-based, silk-based and scaffold-free), species of origin (H. sapiensandM. musculus) and cell types used, which allows researchers to choose a model that best fits their application, whether it is optimization of adipocyte differentiation or studying the interaction of adipocytes and other cell types like endothelial cells. In vitro 3D adipose tissue models support discoveries into the mechanisms of adipose-related diseases and thus support the development of novel anti-cancer or anti-obesity/diabetes therapies.
From primary instabilities to secondary instabilities in Görtler vortex flows
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Jianqiang , Yuan Xianxu , Tu Guohua , Zhang Yifeng 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
We have studied the transformation process from primary instabilities to secondary instabilities with direct numerical simulations and stability theories (Spatial Biglobal and plane-marching parabolized stability equations) in detail. First Mack mode and second Mack mode are shown to be able to evolve into the sinuous mode and the varicose mode of secondary instability, respectively. Although the characteristics of second Mack mode eventually lose in the downstream due to the synchronization with the continuous spectrum, second Mack mode is found to be able to trigger a sequence of mode resonations which in turn give birth to highly unstable secondary instabilities. In contrast, first Mack mode does not involve in any mode synchronization. Nevertheless, it can still “jump" to a sinuous mode of secondary instability with a much larger growth rate than that of the first Mack mode. Therefore, secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices are highly receptive to the primary instabilities in the upstream, so that one should consider the primary instability in the upstream and the secondary instability in the downstream as a whole in order to get an accurate prediction of the boundary layer transition.
Paying for Progress: School Taxes, Municipal Government, and Liberal State Building, Cuetzalan and Huehuetla, Mexico, 1876–1930
Authors: Acevedo-Rodrigo Ariadna 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Focusing on school funding, this article examines the relationship between the majority indigenous population of the Puebla Sierra and the Mexican state from 1876 to 1930. The article questions assumptions about peasant resistance to taxes and about the dearth of rural schooling before 1921. I find that the municipal personal taxes that funded education during the Porfiriato were raised continually in spite of the fact that they burdened the poor disproportionately. Acquiescence to taxation administered by local authorities was further demonstrated when personal taxes were abolished in 1917 and municipalities resuscitated a Porfirian-era education tax in order to maintain schools that state and federal governments would not pay for—a fact ignored by the historiography, which has focused on federal schools. This article argues that municipalities contributed to the emergent educational system and that school funding helped to construct an economically unequal liberal citizenship in which the price for inclusion could be high.
MRI-guided stereotactic ablative radiation therapy of spinal bone metastases: a preliminary experience
Authors: Llorente Ricardo , Spieler Benjamin O , Victoria James , Takita Cristiane , Yechieli Raphael , Ford John C , Brown Karen , Samuels Michael A , Mellon Eric A 
Published: October 2019

Objective:
MRI provides clear visualization of spinal cord, tumor, and bone for patient positioning and verification during MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRI-RT). Therefore, we wished to evaluate spine stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) feasibility with MRI-RT. Given dosimetric limitations of first generation Co-60 MRI-RT, we then evaluated improvements by newer linear accelerator (linac) MRI-RT.

Methods:
Nine spinal metastases were treated with Co-60 MRI-RT. Seven received a single 16 Gy fraction, and two received three fractions totaling 24 or 30 Gy. After replanning with linac MRI-RT software, comparisons of organ at risk and dose spillage objectives between Co-60 and linac plans were performed.

Results:
Spinal cord and cauda equina dose constraints were met in all Co-60 cases. Treatments were delivered successfully with real-time imaging during treatment and no treatment-related toxicities. While limits for dose spillage into surrounding soft tissues were not achieved due to the limitations of the Co-60 system, this could be corrected with linac MRI-RT delivery.

Conclusions:
MRI-RT SABR of spinal metastases is feasible with Co-60 MRI-RT. Dose delivery is improved by linac MRI-RT.

Advances in knowledge:
This is the first report of MRI-RT for SABR of spinal metastases. The enhanced visualization of anatomy by MRI may facilitate RT dose escalation for spine SABR.
Bisphophonate alterations of the jaw bones in individuals with multiple myeloma
Authors: Feitosa Édila Figuerêdo , Vasconcellos Mariana Monteiro , Magalhães Roberto José Pessoa , Domingos-Vieira Andrea Castro , Visconti Maria Augusta , Guedes Fabio Ribeiro , Maiolino Angelo , Torres Sandra Regina 
Published: October 2019

Objectives: To verify quantitative differences of the mandibular cortical and trabecular bone between patients with multiple myeloma (MM) under bisphosphonate (BP) therapy and a control group never exposed to BP. Methods: Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected through medical records and interviews. Mandibular cortical thickness (MCT) and fractal dimension (FD) were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, on the molar region, in both groups. Additionally, FD was measured on periapical digital intraoral radiography and results were compared to CBCT measurements. Results: There were 33 patients with MM under BP therapy and 28 controls, with no significant differences in gender and age between groups. Pamidronate was used by all MM patients, either associated or not to other types of BP. The median MCT was higher in MM group exposed to BP (5.20 mm) than in controls (3.50 mm, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the median FD between patients in the MM group and controls, on CBCT (0.95 vs 0.90, p = 0.814) and periapical digital intraoral radiography (0.98 vs 0.96, p = 0.963), respectively, even when more than one type of BP was used. Conclusions: The MCT represents an useful tool in the detection of bone dimensional changes caused by BP, in patients with MM. Additional studies are necessary to improve the knowledge on the quantitative evaluation of trabecular jaw bone, in individuals with MM, under BP therapy.
Association of thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly in malaria patients in East Kalimantan: A cross-sectional, retrospective study
Authors: Siagian Loly R.D. , Lumbantoruan Vera M. , Hasanah Nurul , Sihotang Fransiska A. , Gunawan Carta 
Published: October 2019

Background: Malaria still presents as a major health problem in Indonesia and specifically in East Kalimantan. One common sign found in malaria patient is thrombocytopenia, the mechanism of which is still unclear. Several studies have suggested some mechanisms, one of which is splenomegaly. This study aimed to discover the association between thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly of malaria patients in East Kalimantan. Methods: This study was a descriptive retrospective study with clinical and laboratory data obtained from the medical records of malaria patients in four major public hospitals from January 2015 to July 2018. The association between thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly was analysed using Chi-Square test. Results: A total of 215 patients were included; 189 male (87.9%) and 26 female (12.1%). The etiologic agents found in these patients were Plasmodium vivax (43.2%), Plasmodium falciparum (42.8%), and mixed infection (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax) (4.6%). The thrombocyte count was normal in 28 patients (13%) and decreased in 187 patients (87%). Among patients with thrombocytopenia, the percentage of mild, moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was 18.2%, 43.8% and 33%, respectively. Splenomegaly was found in only 11 patients (5.1%). We found no association between thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly (p=0.61). Conclusions: We conclude that splenomegaly, which was a rare clinical finding of these malaria patients, was not associated with thrombocytopenia.
Estimating the proportion of vaccine-induced hospitalized dengue cases among Dengvaxia vaccinees in the Philippines
Authors: Flasche Stefan , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Hombach Joachim , Smith Peter G. 
Published: October 2019

Background: Dengvaxia was used in the Philippines to vaccinate 9-10-year-old school children, living in areas highly endemic for dengue. After about 830,000 had received at least 1 of 3 recommended doses, risks of enhanced disease in dengue-naïve vaccinees were reported. Methods: We used Phase 3 trial data to derive the proportions of cases of hospitalised and severe dengue that might have been prevented by the Philippines vaccination programme and, among those cases that may occur in vaccinees, what proportions are likely to arise in those who were seropositive or seronegative for dengue at the time of first vaccination and what proportion in the latter group may be enhanced disease attributable to the vaccine. Results: Assuming about 15% of vaccinees were dengue naïve at vaccination and the effects of the vaccine are independent of the number of doses received, we estimate that, in the 5 years following vaccination, the number of cases of severe disease in the vaccinated population will be reduced by about 70%. Among vaccinees who do develop severe disease, about half the cases will be due to vaccine breakthrough in seropositive vaccinees, and about a quarter will be excess cases in seronegative vaccinees that will have occurred as a consequence of vaccination. Conclusions: Overall, the Philippine dengue vaccination programme will likely prevent a substantial number of severe dengue cases and, among those that do occur, the majority are likely to be breakthrough disease in seropositive vaccinees and a minority attributable to the excess risk of enhanced disease in seronegative vaccinees.
Osłabiona granica – ekspresje świata demonicznego w przestrzeni domu na podstawie przekazów folklorystycznych i etnograficznych z XIX i XX wieku
Authors: Piotrowski Robert 
Published: October 2019

Weakened Border – Expressions of Demonic World in the House Space in the Folklore and Ethnographic Materials from the 19th and the 20th Century
The article focuses on three issues: folk beliefs related to the house, magic protecting the house against demonic creatures, and the so‑called “weak boundaries”. “Weak boundaries” are places through which demonic figures enter the human world. These are mostly slits – slots in the walls, a chimney, a keyhole or a window. Small holes can be interpreted as symbols of inversion and amorphousness of the underworld.