bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Network analysis of intra‐hospital transfers and hospital onset clostridium difficile infection
Authors: McHaney‐Lindstrom Megan , Hebert Courtney , Miller Harvey , Moffatt‐Bruce Susan , Root Elisabeth 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo explore how social network analysis (SNA) can be used to analyse intra‐hospital patient networks of individuals with a hospital acquired infection (HAI) for further analysis in a geographical information systems (GIS) environment.MethodsA case and control study design was used to select 2008 patients. We retrieved locational data for the patients, which was then translated into a network with the SNA software and then GIS software. Overall metrics were calculated for the SNA based on three datasets and further analysed with a GIS.ResultsThe SNA analysis compared cases to control indicating significant differences in the overall structure of the networks. A GIS visual representation of these metrics was developed, showing spatial variation across the example hospital floor.DiscussionThis study confirmed the importance that intra‐hospital patient networks play in the transmission of HAIs, highlighting opportunities for interventions utilising these data. Due to spatial variation differences, further research is necessary to confirm this is not a localised phenomenon, but instead a common situation occurring within many hospitals.ConclusionUtilising SNA and GIS analysis in conjunction with one another provided a data‐rich environment in which the risk inherent in intra‐hospital transfer networks was quantified, visualised and interpreted for potential interventions.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Korea
Authors: Park Sungha , Shin Jinho 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHypertension is present in almost one‐quarter of women and one‐third of men in Korea. Although mortality rates from stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) appear to be decreasing, stroke is a more common cause of cardiovascular death than MI. This may be due to better control of hypertension, but national control rates have remained stable for more than a decade (at about 45%). Korean Society of Hypertension guidelines have recommended the use of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) since 2007, but a recent survey suggests that physicians have concerns about the accuracy of HBPM devices. Nevertheless, use of HBPM is indispensable to monitoring and achieving blood pressure (BP) control. Current diagnostic and treatment thresholds and recommendations are based on Asian consensus document guidance. Use of dual combination antihypertensive therapy is slightly more common than use of monotherapy in Korea, while triple combination therapy is used less often. Angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers are the most popular choices for antihypertensive therapy and are the most widely used combination. HBPM plays an important role in evaluating and monitoring BP, particularly in Asians. Individualized cardiovascular risk assessment and better BP control are required to prevent cardiovascular diseases, but there is a need for local evidence relating to optimal BP thresholds and targets.
Clinical and tomographic comparison of dental implants placed by guided virtual surgery versus conventional technique: A split‐mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Magrin Gabriel L. , Rafael Stela N. F. , Passoni Bernardo B. , Magini Ricardo S. , Benfatti Cesar A. M. , Gruber Reinhard , Peruzzo Daiane C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimOur objective was to compare guided virtual surgery to conventional surgery in terms of angular deviation of single dental implants placed in the posterior mandible.Materials and MethodsPatients with bilateral homologous single teeth missing in the posterior mandible were eligible for this split‐mouth randomized clinical trial. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed for virtual planning of implant position and manufacturing of the stereolithographic guides. One week after the surgery, a second CBCT scan was superimposed to the initial planning. Primary endpoint was the angular deviation between virtual and clinical implant position. Secondary endpoints were linear deviations and patient‐reported outcomes collected with a questionnaire.ResultsData from 12 patients were available for analysis. Angular deviation was significantly lower using stereolithographic guides as compared to conventional guides (2.2 ± 1.1° vs. 3.5 ± 1.6°, p = .042). Linear deviations were similar for both techniques in the coronal (2.34 ± 1.01 vs. 1.93 ± 0.95 mm) and apical (2.53 ± 1.11 vs. 2.19 ± 1.00 mm) dimensions (p ˃ .05). The selection of the surgical technique had no significant impact on the patient‐reported outcomes.ConclusionOur data suggest that the angular discrepancy between the virtual and the clinical implant position is slightly lower when using stereolithographic guides as compared to conventional guides.
A molecular assessment of species diversity in Tympanopleura and Ageneiosus catfishes (Auchenipteridae: Siluriformes)
Authors: Hashimoto Shizuka , Py‐Daniel Lúcia H. Rapp , Batista Jacqueline S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn order to test the congruence of genetic data to the morphologically defined Neotropical catfish genera Tympanopleura and Ageneiosus and explore species diversity, we generated 17 DNA barcodes from five of six species of Tympanopleura and 12 of 13 species of Ageneiosus. To discriminate limits between species, an automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD), a generalised mixed yule‐coalescent model (GYMC) and fixed distance thresholds Kimura two‐parameter (K2P; 3%) were used to discriminate putative species limits from the DNA barcodes. The ABGD, GMYC and K2P methods agreed by each generating 13 clusters: six in Tympanopleura (five nominal plus one undescribed species) and seven in Ageneiosus. These clusters corresponded broadly to the described species, except in the case of the Ageneiosus ucayalensis group (A. akamai, A. dentatus, A. intrusus, A. ucayalensis, A. uranophthalmus and A. vittatus). Haplotype sharing and low divergences may have prevented molecular methods from distinguishing these species. We hypothesise that this is the result of a recent radiation of a sympatric species group distributed throughout the Amazon Basin. One putative new species of Tympanopleura was also supported by the molecular data. These results taken together highlight the utility of molecular methods such as DNA barcoding in understanding patterns of diversification across large geographic areas and in recognising overlooked diversity.
Intramuscular vaccination of Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) induces inflammatory reactions and local immunoglobulin M production at the vaccine administration site
Authors: Erkinharju Toni , Strandskog Guro , Vågnes Øyvind , Hordvik Ivar , Dalmo Roy A. , Seternes Tore 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAtlantic lumpfish were vaccinated by intramuscular (im) or intraperitoneal (ip) injection with a multivalent oil‐based vaccine, while control fish were injected with phosphate‐buffered saline. Four lumpfish per group were sampled for skin/muscle and head kidney tissue at 0, 2, 7, 21 and 42 days post‐immunization (dpi) for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Gene expressions of secretory IgM, membrane‐bound IgM, IgD, TCRα, CD3ε and MHC class IIβ were studied in tissues by using qPCR. Im. vaccinated fish showed vaccine‐induced inflammation with formation of granulomas and increasing number of eosinophilic granulocyte‐like cells over time. On IHC sections, we observed diffuse intercellular staining of secretory IgM at the injection site at 2 dpi, while IgM + cells appeared in small numbers at 21 and 42 dpi. Skin/muscle samples from im. vaccinated fish demonstrated an increase in gene expression of IgM mRNA (secretory and membrane‐bound) at 21 and 42 dpi and small changes for other genes. Our results indicated that im. vaccination of lumpfish induced local IgM production at the vaccine injection site, with no apparent proliferation of IgM + cells. Eosinophilic granulocyte‐like cells appeared shortly after im. injection and increased in numbers as the inflammation progressed.
Recurrent genome duplication events likely contributed to both the ancient and recent rise of ferns
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsun , Qi Xinping , Chen Duoyuan , Qi Ji , Ma Hong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFerns, the second largest group of vascular plants, originated ~400 million years ago (Mya). They became dominant in the ancient Earth landscape before the angiosperms and are still important in current ecosystems. Many ferns have exceptionally high chromosome numbers, possibly resulting from whole‐genome duplications (WGDs). However, WGDs have not been investigated molecularly across fern diversity. Here we detected and dated fern WGDs using a phylogenomic approach and by calculating synonymous substitution rates (Ks). We also investigated a possible correlation between proposed WGDs and shifts in species diversification rates. We identified 19 WGDs: three ancient events along the fern phylogenetic backbone that are shared by 66%–97% of extant ferns, with additional lineage‐specific WGDs for eight orders, providing strong evidence for recurring genome duplications across fern evolutionary history. We also observed similar Ks peak values for more than half of these WGDs, with multiple WGDs occurring close to the Cretaceous (~145–66 Mya). Despite the repeated WGD events, the biodiversity of ferns declined during the Cretaceous, implying that other factors probably contributed to the floristic turnover from ferns to angiosperms. This study provides molecular evidence for recurring WGDs in ferns and offers important clues to the genomic evolutionary history of ferns.
The mechanism and function of active DNA demethylation in plants
Authors: Liu Ruie , Lang Zhaobo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDNA methylation is a conserved and important epigenetic mark in both mammals and plants. DNA methylation can be dynamically established, maintained, and removed through different pathways. In plants, active DNA demethylation is initiated by the RELEASE OF SILENCING 1 (ROS1) family of bifunctional DNA glycosylases/lyases. Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA demethylation is important in many processes in plants. In this review, we summarize recent studies on the enzymes and regulatory factors that have been identified in the DNA demethylation pathway. We also review the functions of active DNA demethylation in plant development as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. Finally, we highlight those aspects of DNA demethylation that require additional research.
A recurrent GARS mutation causes distal hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Lee Diana C. , Meyer‐Schuman Rebecca , Bacon Chelsea , Shy Michael E. , Antonellis Anthony , Scherer Steven S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe found a p.Gly327Arg mutation in GARS in two unrelated women, both of whom had a similar phenotype ‐ motor weakness that began in late childhood, distal weakness in the arms and legs, a motor greater than sensory neuropathy with slowing of motor and not sensory conduction velocities. A de novo mutation was proven in one patient and suspected in the other. The p.Gly327Arg GARS variant did not support yeast growth in a complementation assay, showing that this variant severely impairs protein function. Thus, the p.Gly327Arg GARS mutation causes a distal motor neuropathy.
Novel user‐friendly night care spray to manage skin darkening
Authors: Prabhu Divyashree , Ravikumar Padmini 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundHyperpigmentation can be either diffused or localized. In treating diffused hyperpigmentation, larger surface area coverage is the requirement. Novel user‐friendly spray formulation loaded with depigmenting agents can cater the night time need in treating skin darkening. Kojic acid and arbutin, the selected actives for the study exhibit low permeability and high irritancy generating hurdles in topical delivery.AimThe aim of this study was to develop novel kojic acid and arbutin‐loaded spray formulation as a night care product.Methods“Thermosensitive gel spray” was fabricated by simple industry feasible cooling technique and evaluated for its ability to improve skin retention, penetration, improved anti‐tyrosinase activity, and suppressed dermal irritancy.ResultsComparative in‐vitro and ex‐vivo release profile showed the marked effect of poloxamer 407 and Methocel K100M in improving penetration and extending release over longer time period. Retention of actives in the skin layer was found to be eight times more in case of thermosensitive gel spray as compared to conventional gel formulation. The thermosensitive gel spray was free from any dermal irritancy and had higher tyrosinase inhibitory effect as against conventional gel. Furthermore, thermosensitive gel spray exhibited good stability and did not show any change in morphology and drug content during the 3‐month storage.ConclusionKojic acid and arbutin‐loaded thermosensitive gel spray can prove to be a promising strategy to treat hyperpigmentation.
A new approach in the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars: Tixel‐associated topical triamcinolone acetonide and 5‐fluorouracil delivery
Authors: Artzi Ofir , Koren Amir , Niv Roni , Mehrabi Joseph N. , Mashiah Jacob , Friedman Or 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPediatric hypertrophic burn scars are challenging to treat due to their widespread nature and pain associated with the treatment. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) injection with or without 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) is considered first‐line treatment for severe hypertrophic scars. The pain associated with the procedure, the uneven topography, and epidermal atrophy, all limit the application of this treatment modality.AimsWe sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of a novel thermomechanical system (Tixel, Novoxel) for transdermal delivery of a topical solution containing TAC and 5‐FU in the treatment of hypertrophic scars.Patients/MethodsA retrospective study of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars treated between 2015 and 2017 was performed. Epidemiologic, treatment data, effectiveness score, and safety were reviewed.ResultsFour children (one male and three females, ages 3‐10 years old) with hypertrophic burn scars treated with the Tixel device were evaluated. Mean scar VSS was reduced from 8.4 ± 0.8‐5.2 ± 0.5 (P‐value – .001) after eight treatments. The mean improvement of toughness, thickness, color, and general aesthetic impression was 3.1 ± 0.43 → 2.2 ± 0.31, 3.4 ± 0.5 → 1.9 ± 0.63, 2.7 ± 0.21 → 2.4 ± 0.25, and 3.23 ± 0.44 → 1.6 ± 0.64, respectively. Mean treatment pain VAS score was 1.74 ± 0.9. Patient's parents rated their satisfaction level as "moderate‐high." No topical or systemic complications were observed.ConclusionThermomechanical decomposition of the stratum corneum, in combination with topical application of TAC and 5‐FU, is a safe, relatively painless, and efficient modality for the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars.
The Insurance Is the Lemon: Failing to Index Contracts
Authors: HARTMAN‐GLASER BARNEY , HÉBERT BENJAMIN 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTWe model the widespread failure of contracts to share risk using available indices. A borrower and lender can share risk by conditioning repayments on an index. The lender has private information about the ability of this index to measure the true state that the borrower would like to hedge. The lender is risk‐averse and thus requires a premium to insure the borrower. The borrower, however, might be paying something for nothing if the index is a poor measure of the true state. We provide sufficient conditions for this effect to cause the borrower to choose a nonindexed contract instead.
Hyperglycemia‐induced ubiquitination and degradation of β‐catenin with the loss of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 in retinal endothelial cells
Authors: Eshaq Randa S. , Harris Norman R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveIncreased retinal vascular permeability is one of the earliest manifestations of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hyperglycemia‐induced platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 loss on retinal vascular permeability via the β‐catenin pathway.MethodsType I diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats using streptozotocin injections, with age‐matched non‐diabetic rats as controls. Rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells were grown under normal or high glucose conditions for 6 days. Small interfering Ribonucleic Acid was used to knock down platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 in rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells for loss‐of‐function studies. Retinas and rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells were subjected to Western blot, immunofluorescence labeling, and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses to assess protein levels and interactions. A biotinylated gelatin and fluorescein isothiocyanate‐avidin assay was used for retinal endothelial cell permeability studies.Resultsβ‐catenin, β‐catenin/platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 interaction, active Src homology 2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase were significantly decreased, while β‐catenin ubiquitination levels and endothelial permeability were significantly increased, in hyperglycemic retinal endothelial cells. Similar results were observed with platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 partial knockdown, where β‐catenin and active Src homology 2 domain‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase levels were decreased, while phospho‐β‐catenin and retinal endothelial cell permeability were increased.ConclusionPlatelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 loss may contribute to increased retinal endothelial cell permeability by attenuating β‐catenin levels under hyperglycemic conditions.
Effect of NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine on microvascular blood flow and glucose metabolism after an oral glucose load
Authors: Högstedt Alexandra , Iredahl Fredrik , Tesselaar Erik , Farnebo Simon 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the effects on local blood flow and metabolic changes observed in the skin after an endogenous systemic increase in insulin are mediated by the endothelial nitric oxide pathway, by administering the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine using microdialysis.MethodsMicrodialysis catheters, perfused with NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine and with a control solution, were inserted intracutaneously in 12 human subjects, who received an oral glucose load to induce a systemic hyperinsulinemia. During microdialysis, the local blood flow was measured by urea clearance and by laser speckle contrast imaging, and glucose metabolites were measured.ResultsAfter oral glucose intake, microvascular blood flow and glucose metabolism were both significantly suppressed in the NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine catheter compared to the control catheter (urea clearance: P < .006, glucose dialysate concentration: P < .035). No significant effect of NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine on microvascular blood flow was observed with laser speckle contrast imaging (P = .81).ConclusionLocal delivery of NG‐monomethyl l‐arginine to the skin by microdialysis reduces microvascular blood flow and glucose delivery in the skin after oral glucose intake, presumably by decreasing local insulin‐mediated vasodilation.
BldD, a master developmental repressor, activates antibiotic production in two Streptomyces species
Authors: Yan Hao , Lu Xiaorui , Sun Di , Zhuang Shuai , Chen Qiong , Chen Zhi , Li Jilun , Wen Ying 
Published: October 2019

SummaryBldD generally functions as a repressor controlling morphological development of Streptomyces. In this work, evidences that BldD also activates antibiotic production are provided. In Streptomyces roseosporus (which produces daptomycin widely used for treatment of human infections), deletion of bldD notably reduced daptomycin production, but enhanced sporulation. BldD stimulated daptomycin production by directly activating transcription of dpt structural genes and dptR3 (which encodes an indirect activator of daptomycin production), and repressed its own gene. BldD‐binding sites on promoter regions of dptE, dptR3, and bldD were all found to contain BldD box‐like sequences, facilitating prediction of new BldD targets. Two Streptomyces global regulatory genes, adpA and afsR, were confirmed to be directly activated by BldD. The protein AfsR was shown to act as an activator of daptomycin production, but a repressor of development. BldD directly represses nine key developmental genes. In Streptomyces avermitilis (which produces effective anthelmintic agents avermectins), BldD homolog (BldDsav) directly activates avermectin production through ave structural genes and cluster‐situated activator gene aveR. This is the first report that BldD activates antibiotic biosynthesis both directly and via a cascade mechanism. BldD homologs are widely distributed among Streptomyces, our findings suggest that BldD may activate antibiotic production in other Streptomyces species.
Temporal tissue‐specific regulation of transcriptomes during barley (Hordeum vulgare) seed germination
Authors: Liew Lim Chee , Narsai Reena , Wang Yan , Berkowitz Oliver , Whelan James , Lewsey Mathew G. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe distinct functions of individual cell types require cells to express specific sets of genes. The germinating seed is an excellent model to study genome regulation between cell types since the majority of the transcriptome is differentially expressed in a short period, beginning from a uniform, metabolically inactive state. In this study, we applied laser‐capture microdissection RNA‐sequencing to small numbers of cells from the plumule, radicle tip and scutellum of germinating barley seeds every 8 h, over a 48 h time course. Tissue‐specific gene expression was notably common; 25% (910) of differentially expressed transcripts in plumule, 34% (1876) in radicle tip and 41% (2562) in scutellum were exclusive to that organ. We also determined that tissue‐specific storage of transcripts occurs during seed development and maturation. Co‐expression of genes had strong spatiotemporal structure, with most co‐expression occurring within one organ and at a subset of specific time points during germination. Overlapping and distinct enrichment of functional categories were observed in the tissue‐specific profiles. We identified candidate transcription factors amongst these that may be regulators of spatiotemporal gene expression programs. Our findings contribute to the broader goal of generating an integrative model that describes the structure and function of individual cells within seeds during germination.