bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spread of multidrug resistance among Ureaplasma serovars, Tunisia
Authors: Boujemaa Safa , Mlik Béhija , Ben Allaya Amina , Mardassi Helmi , Ben Abdelmoumen Mardassi Boutheina 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Ureaplasma spp. have been implicated in a variety of clinical conditions and certain serovars are likely to be disease-associated. Hence, the ascending trend of Ureaplasma spp. resistance to antimicrobials should deserve more attention. Here we assessed the extent of antimicrobial resistance of Ureaplasma serovars in Tunisia, and investigated the underlying molecular basis.

Methods
This study included 101 molecularly typed Ureaplasma spp. clinical strains isolated over a 12-year time period (2005–2017). The antimicrobial susceptibility was tested against nine antibacterial agents using the broth microdilution method. Neighbor-joining tree was constructed to establish the phylogenetic relationships among isolates.

Results
We found that all ureaplasma isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, intermediately resistant to azithromycin, and susceptible to doxycycline, moxifloxacin and josamycin. Ofloxacin and levofloxacin resistance was found in 73.27 and 17.82%, respectively, while 37.62% of isolates proved resistant to tetracycline. Consequently, we detected an elevated multidrug resistance rate among ureaplasma isolates (37.62%), particularly among serovars 2, 5, 8, and 9 (77.77% overall), as well as serovars 4, 10, 12, and 13 (52.63% overall). In most cases, drug resistance was found to be associated with known molecular mechanisms, yet we have identified two novel mutations in the L22 protein, which might be associated with macrolide-resistance.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the widespread expansion of multidrug resistance among Ureaplasma serovars, a finding of importance in terms of both surveillance and antimicrobial usage.
N-acetylcysteine inhibits bacterial lipopeptide-mediated neutrophil transmigration through the choroid plexus in the developing brain
Authors: Mottahedin Amin , Blondel Sandrine , Ek Joakim , Leverin Anna-Lena , Svedin Pernilla , Hagberg Henrik , Mallard Carina , Ghersi-Egea Jean-Francois , Strazielle Nathalie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe etiology of neurological impairments associated with prematurity and other perinatal complications often involves an infectious or pro-inflammatory component. The use of antioxidant molecules have proved useful to protect the neonatal brain from injury. The choroid plexuses-CSF system shapes the central nervous system response to inflammation at the adult stage, but little is known on the neuroimmune interactions that take place at the choroidal blood-CSF barrier during development. We previously described that peripheral administration to neonatal mice of the TLR2 ligand PAM3CSK4 (P3C), a prototypic Gram-positive bacterial lipopeptide, induces the migration of innate immune cells to the CSF. Here we showed in neonatal rats exposed to P3C that the migration of neutrophils into the CSF, which occurred through the choroid plexuses, is abolished following administration of the antioxidant drug N-acetylcysteine. Combining light sheet microscopy imaging of choroid plexus, a differentiated model of the blood-CSF barrier, and multiplex cytokine assays, we showed that the choroidal epithelium responds to the bacterial insult by a specific pattern of cytokine secretion, leading to a selective accumulation of neutrophils in the choroid plexus and to their trafficking into CSF. N-acetylcysteine acted by blocking neutrophil migration across both the endothelium of choroidal stromal vessels and the epithelium forming the blood-CSF barrier, without interfering with neutrophil blood count, neutrophil tropism for choroid plexus, and choroidal chemokine-driven chemotaxis. N-acetylcysteine reduced the injury induced by hypoxia-ischemia in P3C-sensitized neonatal rats. Overall, the data show that a double endothelial and epithelial check point controls the transchoroidal migration of neutrophils into the developing brain. They also point to the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in reducing the deleterious effects of inflammation-associated perinatal injuries by a previously undescribed mechanism, i.e. the inhibition of innate immune cell migration across the choroid plexuses, without interfering with the systemic inflammatory response to infection.
FTIR surface analysis for conservation
Authors: Thickett David , Pretzel Boris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Several FTIR techniques are surface-sensitive. This sensitivity can be utilized to help with a wide range conservation issues. Examples from object degradation studies, conservation materials performance assessment and monitoring are presented. These are used to discuss the issues, advantages and information that can be drawn from studies. Glass degradation was quantified on the surfaces of cover glasses from important Nineteenth century daguerreotypes using Germanium attenuated total reflectance. The very limited information depth endowed by the high refractive index crystal gave good sensitivity when other techniques such as sectioning and scanning electron microscopy had failed to detect a gel layer present. The inner glass surface was always more deteriorated and the degree of deterioration inversely correlated with the distance between the inner glass surface and the daguerreotype or brass matt surface. Reflection–absorption FTIR microscopy has been combined with an excimer laser to determine the water content of a series of sections through the depth of a wax. A common wax used to protect metals has been found to take up liquid water in humid environments and hold that water close to or at the metal surface. An adjustable height gold mirror was used to bounce the IR beam many times across a surface, which can give extreme sensitivity. Haze and smoke generators are increasingly being introduced into displays or for special events or filming. Very low detection limits (1 ng) were found using gold coated glass slides to detect haze deposits.
Circadian Misalignment of the 24-hour Profile of Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in Obese Adults
Authors: Hanlon Erin C , Leproult Rachel , Stuhr Kara L , Doncheck Elizabeth M , Hillard Cecilia J , Van Cauter Eve 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Context
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system partly controls hedonic eating, a major cause of obesity. While some studies suggested an overactivation of the eCB system in obesity, peripheral levels of eCBs across the 24-hour cycle have not been characterized in obese individuals despite the fact that in lean adults, levels of the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) vary across the day.

Objective
We sought to examine 24-hour profiles of serum concentrations of 2-AG in healthy obese and nonobese adults, under well-controlled laboratory conditions. We also simultaneously assessed 24-hour profiles of 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), leptin, and cortisol in each participant.

Design
With fixed light-dark and sleep-wake cycles, blood sampling was performed over an entire 24-hour period, including identical meals at 0900, 1400, and 1900.

Participants
Twelve obese (8 women, mean body mass index [BMI]: 39.1 kg/m2) and 15 nonobese (6 women; mean BMI: 23.6 kg/m2) healthy adults were studied.

Results
We observed a 24-hour variation of 2-AG levels in obese individuals but, relative to nonobese adults, the amplitude was dampened and the timings of the nadir and peak were delayed by 4 to 5 hours. The profile of 2-OG was similarly misaligned. In contrast, when expressed relative to the 24-hour mean level, the 24-hour rhythm of cortisol and leptin were similar in obese and nonobese participants.

Conclusions
Obesity appears to be associated with a dampening and delay of the 24-hour variation of eCB activity relative to the central circadian signal as well as to the daily leptin rhythm. This misalignment may play a role in the pathophysiology of obesity.
An Activating Variant inCTNNB1is Associated with a Sclerosing Bone Dysplasia and Adrenocortical Neoplasia
Authors: Peng Hui , Jenkins Zandra A , White Ruby , Connors Sam , Hunter Matthew F , Ronan Anne , Zankl Andreas , Markie David M , Daniel Philip B , Robertson Stephen P 
Published: January 2020

AbstractContextThe WNT/β-catenin pathway is central to the pathogenesis of various human diseases including those affecting bone development and tumor progression.ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of a gain-of-function variant in CTNNB1 in a child with a sclerosing bone dysplasia and an adrenocortical adenoma.DesignWhole exome sequencing with corroborative biochemical analyses.PatientsWe recruited a child with a sclerosing bone dysplasia and an adrenocortical adenoma together with her unaffected parents.InterventionWhole exome sequencing and performance of immunoblotting and luciferase-based assays to assess the cellular consequences of a de novo variant in CTNNB1.Main Outcome Measure(s)/ResultA de novo variant in CTNNB1 (c.131C&gt;T; p.[Pro44Leu]) was identified in a patient with a sclerosing bone dysplasia and an adrenocortical adenoma. A luciferase-based transcriptional assay of WNT signaling activity verified that the activity of β-catenin was increased in the cells transfected with a CTNNB1p.Pro44Leu construct (P = 4.00 × 10–5). The β-catenin p.Pro44Leu variant was also associated with a decrease in phosphorylation at Ser45 and Ser33/Ser37/Thr41 in comparison to a wild-type (WT) CTNNB1 construct (P = 2.16 × 10–3, P = 9.34 × 10–8 respectively).ConclusionIncreased β-catenin activity associated with a de novo gain-of-function CTNNB1 variant is associated with osteosclerotic phenotype and adrenocortical neoplasia.
Obese Adolescents With PCOS Have Altered Biodiversity and Relative Abundance in Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Authors: Jobira Beza , Frank Daniel N , Pyle Laura , Silveira Lori J , Kelsey Megan M , Garcia-Reyes Yesenia , Robertson Charles E , Ir Diana , Nadeau Kristen J , Cree-Green Melanie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Context
Alterations in gut microbiota relate to the metabolic syndrome, but have not been examined in at-risk obese youth with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Objective
Compare the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota and associations with metabolic and hormonal measures between 2 groups of female adolescents with equal obesity with or without PCOS.

Design
Prospective, case-control cross-sectional study.

Setting
Tertiary-care center.

Participants
A total of 58 obese female adolescents (n = 37 with PCOS; 16.1 ± 0.3 years of age; body mass index [BMI] 98.5th percentile) and (n = 21 without PCOS; 14.5 ± 0.4 years of age; BMI 98.7th percentile).

Outcomes
Bacterial diversity, percent relative abundance (%RA), and correlations with hormonal and metabolic measures.

Results
Participants with PCOS had decreased α-diversity compared with the non-PCOS group (Shannon diversity P = 0.045 and evenness P = 0.0052). β-diversity, reflecting overall microbial composition, differed between groups (P &lt; 0.001). PCOS had higher %RA of phyla Actinobacteria (P = 0.027), lower Bacteroidetes (P = 0.004), and similar Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. PCOS had lower %RA of families Bacteroidaceae (P &lt; 0.001) and Porphyromonadaceae (P = 0.024) and higher Streptococcaceae (P = 0.047). Lower bacterial α-diversity was strongly associated with higher testosterone concentrations. Several individual taxa correlated with testosterone and metabolic measures within PCOS and across the entire cohort. Receiver operative curve analysis showed 6 taxa for which the %RA related to PCOS status and lower Bacteroidaceae conferred a 4.4-fold likelihood ratio for PCOS.

Conclusion
Alterations in the gut microbiota exist in obese adolescents with PCOS versus obese adolescents without PCOS and these changes relate to markers of metabolic disease and testosterone. Further work is needed to determine if microbiota changes are reflective of, or influencing, hormonal metabolism.
The effect of capped biparametric magnetic resonance imaging slots on weekly prostate cancer imaging workload
Authors: Sushentsev Nikita , Caglic Iztok , Sala Evis , Shaida Nadeem , Slough Rhys A , Carmo Bruno , Kozlov Vasily , Gnanapragasam Vincent J. , Barrett Tristan 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
To introduce capped biparametric (bp) MRI slots for follow-up imaging of prostate cancer patients enrolled in active surveillance (AS) and evaluate the effect on weekly variation in the number of AS cases and total MRI workload.

Methods:
Three 20 min bpMRI AS slots on two separate days were introduced at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. The weekly numbers of total prostate MRIs and AS cases recorded 15 months before and after the change (Groups 1 and 2, respectively). An intergroup variation in the weekly scan numbers was assessed using the coefficient of variance (CV) and mean absolute deviation; the Mann–Whitney U test was used for an intergroup comparison of the latter.

Results:
In AS patients, a shift from considerable to moderate variation in weekly scan numbers was observed between the two groups (CV, 51.7 and 26.8%, respectively); mean absolute deviation of AS scans also demonstrated a significant decrease in Group 2 (1.28 vs 2.58 in Group 1; p &lt; 0.001). No significant changes in the variation in total prostate MRIs were observed, despite a 10% increased workload in Group 2.

Conclusion:
A significant reduction in weekly variation of AS cases was demonstrated following the introduction of capped bpMRI slots, which can be used for more accurate long-term planning of MRI workload.

Advances in knowledge:
The paper illustrates the potential of introducing capped AS MRI slots using a bp protocol to reduce weekly variation in demand and allow for optimising workflow, which will be increasingly important as the demands on radiology departments increase worldwide.
Salvage PTBD in post living donor liver transplant patients with biliary complications—a single centre retrospective study
Authors: Mukund Amar , Choudhury Ashok , Das Swati , Pamecha Viniyendra , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: January 2020

Objective:
To study the outcome of salvage percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in complex and technically challenging post-liver transplant (LT) biliary complications and analyse the reason for failure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Methods and materials:
Hospital data were searched for all LT patients with biliary complications requiring salvage PTBD (upon failure of ERCP) from January 2010 to May 2017. Patients who underwent primary PTBD were excluded. Patients clinical and biochemical parameters were analysed for clinical, biochemical and imaging response, stent-free survival and the reason for ERCP failure.

Results:
Salvage PTBD was performed in 32 patients with post-LT biliary stricture/bile leak presenting with deranged liver function in 12 (37.5%), cholangitis in 12 (37.5%) and cholangitis with cholangitic abscess in remaining 8 (25%) patients. Of 32 patients, 20 (62.5%) already had plastic biliary stent placed by ERCP, while in remaining (n = 12, 37.5%) a wire could not be negotiated across stricture by ERCP. These patients were found to have long/tortuous stricture (n = 18, 56.3%) and multiple duct disconnection at anastomosis (n = 14, 43.7%). Immediate as well as sustained (persisting for a year or more) clinical and biochemical improvement was seen in 26 (81.3%) patients, while failure of resolution of sepsis and death occurred in remaining 6 (18.8%).

Conclusion:
Salvage PTBD is an effective treatment in difficult-to-treat post-LT biliary strictures with deranged liver functions with or without cholangitis/cholangitic abscess. It can reduce graft loss with improved clinical outcome. Post-LT ductal anatomy at anastomosis is important to decide the appropriate approach (ERCP/PTBD).

Advances in knowledge:
(1). PTBD as a salvage procedure in difficult anatomy or upon failure of ERCP-based intervention is effective and a good alternative strategy. (2). Postoperative surgical anatomy (type & length of stricture, number of ductanastomosis, location and graft-recipient duct alignment) is the key factor indeciding the appropriate therapeutic procedure.
Στοιχεία παραδοσιακής αισθητικής και μουσικολογικά στοιχεία στο αντίστοιχο έργο του Μίκη Θεοδωράκη
Authors: Peristeris Philippos 
Published: January 2020

Mikis Theodorakis' songs are an excellent field for exploring the mixing of poetry words with traditional and folk creation. Based on our studies and knowledge of the character, technical and musicological characteristics of these creations these, this paper attempts a reference based on the axes of tradition, ethos (character) and poetry in the traditional songs in relation to with the songs of Mikis Theodorakis (mostly with that of "Tou nekrou adelfou".
Determinants of prenatal depression among women attending the antenatal clinic at a referral facility in Mombasa County, Kenya: a case control study
Authors: Mirieri Harriet K. , Mweu Marshal M. , Olenja Joyce M. 
Published: January 2020

Background: Despite prenatal depression being a public health burden and the major predictor of postnatal depression, it has not received as much attention as postnatal depression in research and policy globally. There is limited evidence on the factors associated with prenatal depression and therefore understanding these factors will inform the design of specific interventions and formulation of guidelines for the effective prevention and control of prenatal depression particularly in high-risk regions. Methods: A hospital-based case control study design was used to identify the determinants of prenatal depression among 170 women attending an antenatal clinic. Prenatal depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on the socio-demographic, social network and family, lifestyle and obstetric characteristics of the participants. All eligible cases were enrolled into the study while a simple random sample of depression-free women attending the antenatal clinic were enrolled as controls. The relationship between the predictors and prenatal depression was evaluated by logistic regression. Results: In the multivariable analysis, only marital status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=17.1; 95% confidence interval (CI):4.0-73.0), occupation (aOR=2.4; 95% CI:1.4-4.2), domestic violence (aOR=18.3; 95% CI: 5.7-58.7) and social support (aOR=0.2; 95% CI:0.05-0.8) were identified as significant determinants of prenatal depression. Conclusion: Marital status, occupation, domestic violence and lack of social support were the major predictors of prenatal depression in this setting. There is therefore need to implement screening for prenatal depression among pregnant women in health facilities as part of the routine antenatal care package, establish social support networks and spaces to provide an avenue for the prenatally depressed women to meet, share challenges and coping mechanisms and revise the government policy on sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) so as to strengthen efforts towards elimination of all forms of SGBV.
Una revisión de los celos románticos en las personas casadas en términos de educación familiar
Authors: öneri Uzun Gizem 
Published: January 2020

La familia es una institución, un grupo social o incluso un subsistema social, y el matrimonio es un contrato para que mujeres y hombres compartan la vida. El matrimonio es un paso esencial en la vida humana. Es una institución social universalmente aceptada y una de las instituciones más antiguas de la historia de la humanidad. Cuando se analiza el sentimiento de los celos en el matrimonio, se halla que es una de las principales razones de la disonancia y el descontento de los miembros de la pareja. Se puede decir que sentimientos tales como el miedo, la ira, la inseguridad o la frialdad emocional pueden afectar negativamente a la calidad de la relación. A diferencia de situaciones como la desconfianza, el miedo, la apatía y la inutilidad, una relación sana incluye emociones como la confianza, la relevancia y el sentimiento de valor. Por tanto, se espera que los celos de los individuos que tienen un apego saludable en la relación estén en niveles bajos. El tema de los celos ‘románticos’ es crítico y de actualidad en los individuos casados. Se pueden realizar estudios sobre la unidad y la solidaridad en la familia y sobre el reparto de las responsabilidades en la familia. El objetivo principal de la educación familiar es evitar que surjan problemas. Las familias pueden recibir capacitación sobre los temas fundamentales que pueden causar problemas en la vida familiar, de modo que tengan el conocimiento y las habilidades para ayudarlas a superar estos problemas.
Juegos de rol para la enseñanza de las matemáticas
Authors: Morales Carbajal Ricardo , Villa Angulo Carlos 
Published: January 2020

En la actualidad, las escuelas de niveles básicos, así como las universidades, tienen problemas para motivar a los estudiantes a aprender matemáticas.Con la intención de combatir el desinterés de los estudiantes por el aprendizaje de las matemáticas dentro de los primeros semestres de educación superior, se creó una metodología llamada Adventure School. Esta metodología emplea actividades lúdicas basadas en el sistema de juegos de rol y hace atractivo el proceso de aprendizaje hacia las matemáticas; además, fomenta la motivación, participación y creatividad estudiantil.En la metodología de Adventure School los estudiantes escogen una “profesión” y forman una especie de fraternidad llamada “clan” que les da un beneficio durante el curso académico. Posteriormente los estudiantes trabajan en equipo resolviendo situaciones ficticias, establecidas por el profesor, donde se involucran ciertos temas del área de matemáticas. Conforme los estudiantes avanzan en la resolución de las situaciones ficticias, los estudiantes obtienen “puntos de experiencia” que les sirven para incrementar el beneficio de su profesión (aplicación de sistema de recompensas basado en la teoría del juego) hasta que llegan al nivel legendario, y entonces, pueden anexar otra profesión a su personaje. Desde hace más de cinco años se ha implementado esta metodología, obteniendo una respuesta positiva por parte de los estudiantes, logrando incrementar la participación en equipos y la socialización entre los estudiantes.La metodología de Adventure School está diseñada para trabajar en al área de matemáticas, pero con algunos ajustes, puede ser adaptada con facilidad a cualquier otra área de conocimiento.