bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic characterization of an emerging blaKPC-2 carrying Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates in Thailand
Authors: Kerdsin Anusak , Deekae Saowarat , Chayangsu Sunee , Hatrongjit Rujirat , Chopjitt Peechanika , Takeuchi Dan , Akeda Yukihiro , Tomono Kazunori , Hamada Shigeyuki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe rapidly increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) over the past decade has increased concern in healthcare facilities and the impact on public health. The prevalence of blaKPC (KPC) in Thailand remains very low; only blaKPC-13 has been described previously. This study is the first to describe the characteristics of blaKPC-2-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter asburiae in Thailand. The prevalence rate of blaKPC-2-carrying isolates was 0.13% among CRE isolates in our study. Based on carbapenem susceptibility testing, K. pneumoniae C1985 was resistant to meropenem and ertapenem, E. coli C1992 was resistant to meropenem, imipenem, and ertapenem, and E. asburiae C2135 was only resistant to imipenem. K. pneumoniae C1985 carried blaKPC-2, blaSHV-11, fosA, oqxA, and oqxB, while E. coli C1992 contained blaKPC-2 and mdf(A) and E. asburiae C2135 harbored blaKPC-2, blaACT-2, and qnrE1. The genetic features of blaKPC-2 in the 3 isolates revealed identical rearrangement and flanking regions. Analysis of genomic sequences from these 3 isolates revealed that the sequence types of K. pneumoniae C1985, E. coli C1992, and E. asburiae C2135 were ST4008, ST7297, and ST1249, respectively. The 3 blaKPC-2 isolates were from individual living cases. Two cases were colonization for K. pneumoniae C1985 and E. asburiae C2135 and the third case was hospital-acquired infection of E. coli C1992. Although the prevalence of blaKPC-2-carrying CRE is relatively low in this study, continued surveillance and close monitoring are warranted. In addition, prompt or early detection of CRE and strict implementation of infection control are essential to prevent outbreaks or rapid spread in hospitals.
StructureDistiller: Structural relevance scoring identifies the most informative entries of a contact map
Authors: Bittrich Sebastian , Schroeder Michael , Labudde Dirk 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProtein folding and structure prediction are two sides of the same coin. Contact maps and the related techniques of constraint-based structure reconstruction can be considered as unifying aspects of both processes. We present the Structural Relevance (SR) score which quantifies the information content of individual contacts and residues in the context of the whole native structure. The physical process of protein folding is commonly characterized with spatial and temporal resolution: some residues are Early Folding while others are Highly Stable with respect to unfolding events. We employ the proposed SR score to demonstrate that folding initiation and structure stabilization are subprocesses realized by distinct sets of residues. The example of cytochrome c is used to demonstrate how StructureDistiller identifies the most important contacts needed for correct protein folding. This shows that entries of a contact map are not equally relevant for structural integrity. The proposed StructureDistiller algorithm identifies contacts with the highest information content; these entries convey unique constraints not captured by other contacts. Identification of the most informative contacts effectively doubles resilience toward contacts which are not observed in the native contact map. Furthermore, this knowledge increases reconstruction fidelity on sparse contact maps significantly by 0.4 Å.
Differences in the diagnosis and management of pyriform sinus fistula between newborns and children
Authors: Sheng Qingfeng , Lv Zhibao , Xu Weijue , Liu Jiangbin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPyriform sinus fistula (PSF) is a rare congenital entity. We hypothesized that clinical features, diagnosis and treatment may differ between newborns and children. 190 patients diagnosed with PSF were divided into two groups: neonatal (n = 15) and childhood (n = 175). The medical records including demographic and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 102 boys and 88 girls in this study. Most patients presented as a left-sided neck lesion. A neck mass, with or without infection and respiratory distress, was the common finding in newborn patients. Prenatal diagnosis was made in three cases. However, in childhood group, initial symptoms were neck abscess (78.8%), acute thyroiditis (11.4%), neck mass (6.9%), and thyroid lesion (2.8%). The presence of a cervical mass with air pocket showed on CT image was thought to be the pathognomonic finding of neonatal PSF. The diagnosis was usually established by barium esophagography in older children. Delayed accurate diagnosis was detected in both groups. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 22 months and 1 year respectively. Endoscopic-assisted open surgery was performed successfully in all patients, with good outcomes in majority cases of both groups (93.3% and 95.4%). Recurrence was developed in 5 patients. PSF should be suspected in newborns with cervical mass and in children with recurrent neck infection, especially on the left side. Early diagnosis and treatment might avoid repeated surgical procedures. Complete resection of the cyst and fistula in non-infected state is essential for good outcomes.
DNA methylation of a NF-κB binding site in the aquaporin 5 promoter impacts on mortality in sepsis
Authors: Rump Katharina , Unterberg Matthias , Dahlke Agnes , Nowak Hartmuth , Koos Björn , Bergmann Lars , Siffert Winfried , Schäfer Simon T. , Peters Jürgen , Adamzik Michael , Rahmel Tim 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAltered aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in immune cells impacts on key mechanisms of inflammation and is associated with sepsis survival. Since epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation might contribute to a differential AQP5 expression in sepsis, we tested the hypotheses that DNA methylation of the AQP5 promotor (1) influences AQP5 expression, (2) is associated with the 30-day survival of septic patients, and (3) alters the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB binding. AQP5 mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR in whole blood samples of 135 septic patients. In silico computer analysis of the AQP5 promoter (nt-567 to nt-975) revealed seven putative inflammatory transcription factor binding sites and methylation of these sites was analyzed. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed to assess the binding of nuclear NF-κB to the AQP5 promoter region nt-937. After adjustment for multiple testing, a greater methylation rate was found at cytosine site nt-937 in the AQP5 promoter linked to NF-κB binding in non-survivors compared to survivors (p = 0.002, padj = 0.014). This was associated with greater AQP5 mRNA expression in non-survivors (p = 0.037). Greater (≥16%) promoter methylation at nt-937 was also associated with an independently increased risk of death within 30 days (HR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.54–6.23; p = 0.002). We detected a functionally important AQP5 promoter cytosine site (nt-937) linked to the binding of the inflammatorily acting nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, with increased methylation in sepsis non-survivors. Thus, nt-937 APQ5 promoter methylation, presumably related to NF-κB binding, is prognostically relevant in sepsis and demonstrates that epigenetic changes impact on sepsis outcome.
Characteristic radiological findings for revision surgery after balloon kyphoplasty
Authors: Takahashi Shinji , Hoshino Masatoshi , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Hori Yusuke , Ohyama Shoichiro , Terai Hidetomi , Hayashi Kazunori , Tsujio Tadao , Kono Hiroshi , Suzuki Akinobu , Tamai Koji , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Dohzono Sho , Sasaoka Ryuichi , Kanematsu Fumiaki , Terakawa Masaki , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBalloon kyphoplasty (BKP) sometimes fails to improve patients’ outcomes, with revision surgery, using anterior or posterior reconstruction, being required. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiological risk factors of failure after BKP in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). This case-control study included 105 patients treated with single BKP and 14 patients who required revision BKP. We evaluated radiological findings differentiating both groups, using plain radiography and computed tomography, before BKP. Angular flexion-extension motion was significantly greater in the revision than BKP group. While the frequency of pedicle fracture and posterior wall injury was not different between the groups, a split type fracture was more frequent in the revision group. Split type fracture had the highest adjusted odds ratio (OR) for revision (16.5, p = 0.018). Angular motion ≥14° increased the risk for revision surgery by 6-fold (p = 0.013), with endplate deficit having an OR of revision of 5.0 (p = 0.032). The revision rate after BKP was 3.8%, with split type fracture, greater angular motion and large endplate deficit being risk factors for revision. Treatment strategies for patients with these risk factors should be carefully evaluated, considering the inherent difficulties in performing revision surgery after BKP.
Adolescent dental arch development among Southern Chinese in Hong Kong: a geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Wen Yi Feng , Wong Hai Ming , Pei Tao , McGrath Colman 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate changes in types of dental arch form during adolescence and explore adolescent changes in size and form of dental arch. Hong Kong Chinese were recruited and digital dental arch models were obtained at ages 12, 15, and 18 years. Geometric morphometrics was used to investigate adolescent changes of dental arch form. There were 225 participants from whom digital models at all three age periods were available. Three types of dental arch form were identified through clustering. Significant changes (p < 0.001) in types of dental arch form were noted during age 12–18 years. During age 12–18 years, significant changes in centroid size and form of dental arch were observed (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed during 15–18 years. Adolescent changes of dental arch form occur primarily during age 12–15 years, whereas dental arch form was relatively stable during age 15–18 years.
Association of multiple glycemic parameters at intensive care unit admission with mortality and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients
Authors: Bellaver Priscila , Schaeffer Ariell F. , Dullius Diego P. , Viana Marina V. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Rech Tatiana H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association of multiple glycemic parameters at intensive care unit (ICU) admission with outcomes in critically ill patients. Critically ill adults admitted to ICU were included prospectively in the study and followed for 180 days until hospital discharge or death. Patients were assessed for glycemic gap, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, glycemic variability, and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). A total of 542 patients were enrolled (30% with preexisting diabetes). Patients with glycemic gap >80 mg/dL had increased need for renal replacement therapy (RRT; 37.7% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.025) and shock incidence (54.7% vs. 37.4%, p = 0.014). Hypoglycemia was associated with increased mortality (54.8% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.004), need for RRT (45.1% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (MV; 72.6% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.024), and shock incidence (62.9% vs. 35.8%, p < 0.001). Hyperglycemia increased mortality (44.3% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.031). Glycemic variability >40 mg/dL was associated with increased need for RRT (28.3% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.002) and shock incidence (41.4% vs.31.2%, p = 0.039). In this mixed sample of critically ill subjects, including patients with and without preexisting diabetes, glycemic gap, glycemic variability, and SHR were associated with worse outcomes, but not with mortality. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were independently associated with increased mortality.
A novel panel of differentially-expressed microRNAs in breast cancer brain metastasis may predict patient survival
Authors: Giannoudis Athina , Clarke Kim , Zakaria Rasheed , Varešlija Damir , Farahani Mosavar , Rainbow Lucille , Platt-Higgins Angela , Ruthven Stuart , Brougham Katherine A. , Rudland Philip S. , Jenkinson Michael D. , Young Leonie S. , Falciani Francesco , Palmieri Carlo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBreast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is an area of unmet clinical need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to the metastatic process in breast cancer (BC). In this study, we aim to determine differentially-expressed miRNAs utilising primary BCs that did not relapse (BCNR, n = 12), primaries that relapsed (BCR) and their paired (n = 40 pairs) brain metastases (BM) using the NanoString™ nCounter™ miRNA Expression Assays. Significance analysis of microarrays identified 58 and 11 differentially-expressed miRNAs between BCNR vs BCR and BCR vs BM respectively and pathway analysis revealed enrichment for genes involved in invasion and metastasis. Four miRNAs, miR-132-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-155-5p, were differentially-expressed within both cohorts (BCNR-BCR, BCR-BM) and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (p = 0.00137) and Kaplan-Meier survival method (p = 0.0029, brain metastasis-free survival; p = 0.0007, overall survival) demonstrated their potential use as prognostic markers. Ingenuity pathway enrichment linked them to the MET oncogene, and the cMET protein was overexpressed in the BCR (p < 0.0001) and BM (p = 0.0008) cases, compared to the BCNRs. The 4-miRNAs panel identified in this study could be potentially used to distinguish BC patients with an increased risk of developing BCBM and provide potential novel therapeutic targets, whereas cMET-targeting warrants further investigation in the treatment of BCBM.
Unusual features of the c-ring of F1FO ATP synthases
Authors: Vlasov A. V. , Kovalev K. V. , Marx S.-H. , Round E. S. , Gushchin I. Yu. , Polovinkin V. A. , Tsoy N. M. , Okhrimenko I. S. , Borshchevskiy V. I. , Büldt G. D. , Ryzhykau Yu. L. , Rogachev A. V. , Chupin V. V. , Kuklin A. I. , Dencher N. A. , Gordeliy V. I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMembrane integral ATP synthases produce adenosine triphosphate, the universal “energy currency” of most organisms. However, important details of proton driven energy conversion are still unknown. We present the first high-resolution structure (2.3 Å) of the in meso crystallized c-ring of 14 subunits from spinach chloroplasts. The structure reveals molecular mechanisms of intersubunit contacts in the c14-ring, and it shows additional electron densities inside the c-ring which form circles parallel to the membrane plane. Similar densities were found in all known high-resolution structures of c-rings of F1FO ATP synthases from archaea and bacteria to eukaryotes. The densities might originate from isoprenoid quinones (such as coenzyme Q in mitochondria and plastoquinone in chloroplasts) that is consistent with differential UV-Vis spectroscopy of the c-ring samples, unusually large distance between polar/apolar interfaces inside the c-ring and universality among different species. Although additional experiments are required to verify this hypothesis, coenzyme Q and its analogues known as electron carriers of bioenergetic chains may be universal cofactors of ATP synthases, stabilizing c-ring and prevent ion leakage through it.
Low diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for extrapulmonary tuberculosis: A multicenter surveillance
Authors: Allahyartorkaman Mohammadreza , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Hamzehloo Gholamreza , Amini Sirus , Zakiloo Mona , Nasiri Mohammad Javad 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDiagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has not been investigated in Iran. This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for both PTB and EPTB. A total of 2111 clinical samples (1218 pulmonary and 838 extra-pulmonary) were collected from 16 medical centers during the study period and were analyzed for detection of PTB and EPTB by both Xpert MTB/RIF assay and standard conventional methods (culture and direct smear microscopy). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for PTB were found to be 95.5%, 96.7%, 83.8%, and 99.1% respectively. For EPTB, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Xpert MTB/RIF assay counted for 76.5%, 95.9%, 62%, and 97.9% respectively. Xpert MTB/RIF assay found to be highly sensitive, specific and comparable to standard conventional methods for the diagnosis of PTB. However, the sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF for EPTB specimens were highly variable; thus, Xpert MTB/RIF cannot be recommended to replace standard conventional tests for diagnosis of EPTB.
Aesthetic appreciation of musical intervals enhances behavioural and neurophysiological indexes of attentional engagement and motor inhibition
Authors: Sarasso P. , Ronga I. , Pistis A. , Forte E. , Garbarini F. , Ricci R. , Neppi-Modona M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFrom Kant to current perspectives in neuroaesthetics, the experience of beauty has been described asdisinterested, i.e. focusing on the stimulus perceptual features while neglecting self-referred concerns. At a neurophysiological level, some indirect evidence suggests thatdisinterested aesthetic appreciationmight be associated with attentional enhancement and inhibition of motor behaviour. To test this hypothesis, we performed three auditory-evoked potential experiments, employing consonant and dissonant two-note musical intervals. Twenty-two volunteers judged the beauty of intervals (Aesthetic Judgement task) or responded to them as fast as possible (Detection task). In a third Go-NoGo task, a different group of twenty-two participants had to refrain from responding when hearing intervals. Individual aesthetic judgements positively correlated with response times in the Detection task, with slower motor responses for more appreciated intervals. Electrophysiological indexes of attentional engagement (N1/P2) and motor inhibition (N2/P3) were enhanced for more appreciated intervals. These findings represent the first experimental evidence confirming thedisinterested interest hypothesisand may have important applications in research areas studying the effects of stimulus features on learning and motor behaviour.
Validation of antibodies for the specific detection of human TRPA1
Authors: Virk H. S. , Rekas M. Z. , Biddle M. S. , Wright A. K. A. , Sousa J. , Weston C. A. , Chachi L. , Roach K. M. , Bradding P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe transient receptor potential cation channel family member ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a potential target for several diseases, but detection of human TRPA1 (hTRPA1) protein in cells and tissues is problematic as rigorous antibody validation is lacking. We expressed hTRPA1 in a TRPA1-negative cell line to evaluate 5 commercially available antibodies by western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The three most cited anti-TRPA1 antibodies lacked sensitivity and/or specificity, but two mouse monoclonal anti-TRPA1 antibodies detected hTRPA1 specifically in the above assays. This enabled the development of a flow cytometry assay, which demonstrated strong expression of TRPA1 in human lung myofibroblasts, human airway smooth muscle cells but not lung mast cells. The most cited anti-TRPA1 antibodies lack sensitivity and/or specificity for hTRPA1. We have identified two anti-TRPA1 antibodies which detect hTRPA1 specifically. Previously published data regarding human TRPA1 protein expression may need revisiting.
CytA, a reductase in the cytorhodin biosynthesis pathway, inactivates anthracycline drugs in Streptomyces
Authors: Gui Chun , Chen Jiang , Xie Qing , Mo Xuhua , Zhang Shanwen , Zhang Hua , Ma Junying , Li Qinglian , Gu Yu-Cheng , Ju Jianhua 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAntibiotic-producing microorganism can develop strategies to deal with self-toxicity. Cytorhodins X and Y, cosmomycins A and B, and iremycin, are produced as final products from a marine-derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 1666. These C-7 reduced metabolites show reduced antimicrobial and comparable cytotoxic activities relative to their C-7 glycosylated counterparts. However, the biosynthetic mechanisms and relevant enzymes that drive C-7 reduction in cytorhodin biosynthesis have not yet been characterized. Here we report the discovery and characterization of a reductase, CytA, that mediates C-7 reduction of this anthracycline scaffold; CytA endows the producer Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 1666 with a means of protecting itself from the effects of its anthracycline products. Additionally, we identified cosmomycins C and D as two intermediates involved in cytorhodin biosynthesis and we also broadened the substrate specificity of CytA to clinically used anthracycline drugs.
Young fishes persist despite coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Wismer Sharon , Tebbett Sterling B. , Streit Robert P. , Bellwood David R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUnprecedented global bleaching events have led to extensive loss of corals. This is expected to lead to extensive losses of obligate coral-dependent fishes. Here, we use a novel, spatially-matched census approach to examine the nature of fish-coral dependency across two mass coral bleaching events. Despite a >40% loss of coral cover, and the ecological extinction of functionally important habitat-providing Acropora corals, we show that populations of obligate coral-dependent fishes, including Pomacentrus moluccensis, persisted and – critically – recruitment was maintained. Fishes used a wide range of alternate reef habitats, including other coral genera and dead coral substrata. Labile habitat associations of ‘obligate’ coral-dependent fishes suggest that recruitment may be sustained on future reefs that lack Acropora, following devastating climatic disturbances. This persistence without Acropora corals offers grounds for cautious optimism; for coral-dwelling fishes, corals may be a preferred habitat, not an obligate requirement.
Integrated system for power flow control between electric vehicle, utility grid and residence
Authors: Stefano de Souza Pelegrino Lucas , Heldwein Marcelo Lobo , Waltrich Gierri 
Published: December 2019

This work proposes a device, external to an electric vehicle (EV), capable of adding vehicle‐to‐home and vehicle‐to‐grid functionality by using the available battery terminals in a combo connector. This configuration eliminates the need of onboard EV bidirectional inverters, reducing weight, cost and complexity while adding the possibility of integrating local renewable energy generation. In order to validate the concept of the system, design and simulations of the proposed system were carried out in a 2 kW prototype.
Schilddrüsen-OP: Allgemeinchirurgen und Kopf-Hals-Chirurgen im Vergleich
Authors: Minovi Amir 
Published: December 2019

Kohnen B et al. Surgery of benign thyroid disease by ENT/head and neck surgeons and general surgeons: 233 cases of vocal fold paralysis in 3509 patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018;275:2397–2402
In der Regel erfolgen Schilddrüsenoperationen durch Allgemeinchirurgen. In einer Untersuchung der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik des Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen wurden Sicherheit und Effizienz einer durch HNO- Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgen ausgeführten Schilddrüsenoperation analysiert, insbesondere im Hinblick auf das Auftreten von Stimmlippenlähmung (VFP).