bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteremia and urogenital infection with Actinomyces urogenitalis following prolonged urinary retention
Authors: Holmgaard Dennis Back , Marina Djordje , Hansen Frank , Christensen Jens Jørgen 
Published: October 2019

A case of bacteremia with the fastidious bacteria Actinomyces urogenitalis following lengthy urinary retention is reported in a sixty‐year‐old man. In 2013, the first case of bacteremia due to A. urogenitalis was presented, secondary to a tubo‐ovarian abscess following transvaginal oocyte retrieval. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first male bacteremic episode involving A. urogenitalis related to a urinary tract focus. The patient had no prior urogenital medical history. Extensive susceptibility testing was done on isolates from urinary and blood cultures. The organism exhibited fluoroquinolone resistance but was susceptible to most other antibiotics used in the treatment of urinary infections. Due to its unusual growth requirements infections with A. urogenitalis are most likely an underdiagnosed entity.
β‐LAPachone ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity via regulating autophagy and Nrf2 signalling pathways in mice
Authors: Nazari Soltan Ahmad Saeed , Sanajou Davoud , Kalantary‐Charvadeh Ashkan , Hosseini Vahid , Roshangar Leila , Khojastehfard Mehran , Haiaty Sanya , Mesgari‐Abbasi Mehran 
Published: October 2019

Abstractβ‐LAPachone (B‐LAP) is a naphthoquinone that possesses antioxidant properties. In the present investigation, the protective effect of B‐LAP against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity was examined in mice. Thirty‐five mice were divided into 5 groups: control group, B‐LAP (5 mg/kg) group, DOX (15 mg/kg) group, DOX+B‐LAP (2.5 mg/kg) group and DOX+B‐LAP (5 mg/kg) group. B‐LAP was administered orally for 14 days of experimental period. A single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on day 3. Cardiac function, histoarchitecture, indices of oxidative stress and circulating markers of cardiac injury were examined. B‐LAP (5 mg/kg) decreased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and ameliorated cardiac histopathological alterations. In addition to increasing cellular NAD+/NADH ratio, B‐LAP up‐regulated the cardiac levels of SIRT1, beclin‐1, p‐LKB1 and p‐AMPK, and reduced the cardiac levels of p‐mTOR, interleukin (IL)‐1β, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)‐α and caspase‐3. B‐LAP also elevated the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and simultaneously up‐regulated the protein levels of haem oxygenase (HO‐1) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) in the hearts of DOX mice. While B‐LAP reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in heart of DOX‐treated mice, it further promoted the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT).In accordance with increased cell survival, B‐LAP significantly improved the cardiac function of DOX mice. Collectively, these findings underline the protective potential of B‐LAP against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by regulating autophagy and AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway in mice.
Mood spectrum symptoms during a major depressive episode: Differences between 145 patients with bipolar disorder and 155 patients with major depressive disorder. Arguments for a dimensional approach
Authors: Cuomo Alessandro , Aguglia Andrea , Aguglia Eugenio , Bolognesi Simone , Goracci Arianna , Maina Giuseppe , Mineo Ludovico , Rucci Paola , Sillari Silvia , Fagiolini Andrea 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have challenged the traditional unipolar‐bipolar dichotomy in favor of a more dimensional approach.ObjectiveTo evaluate the differences in mood spectrum between patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) during a major depressive episode (MDE).MethodStudy participants were 145 patients with BD and 155 patients with MDD recruited at three University Medical Centers in Italy. All study subjects met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for MDE and completed the Mood Spectrum‐Self‐Report‐Last Month questionnaire.ResultsPatients with BD endorsed more items in the mood manic/hypomanic and energy depressive subdomains of the MOODS‐SR questionnaire. Significant differences were also found for specific depressive and manic items, which were more frequently endorsed by patients with BD. A large number of patients with BD, but also a considerable number of patients with MDD, endorsed manic items during a depressive episode.ConclusionsThere are differences between BD and MDD in terms of the number and type of mood spectrum items that are endorsed during a MDE, which may help to identify patients with BD when a retrospective assessment of a history of mania or hypomania is not possible or not reliable. A high number of patients with BD and a considerable number of patients with MDD endorsed several items in the manic section of the mood, energy, and cognition domains, this confirming the centrality of mixed features in patients with mood disorders and the need for a unitary, dimensional, descriptive and dynamic approach to MDD and BD, such as the recently proposed ACE (Activity, Cognition, Energy) model.
Elevational filtering and the evolution of planthoppers (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha) in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Chatelain Paul , Le Cesne Maxime , Elias Marianne , Guilbert Eric , Soulier‐Perkins Adeline 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAlong elevational gradients, phylogenetic relatedness patterns constitute a considerable source of information and may shed light on ecological processes that structure communities. This study focuses on community phylogenetic structure of planthoppers, specifically the species‐rich and abundant Fulgoromorpha families (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha), Cixiidae and Derbidae + Achilidae, along an elevational gradient on Mount Wilhelm (Papua New Guinea). In order to assess the factors driving planthoppers community composition, we recorded abundance data for planthoppers species at each elevation and we generated a molecular phylogeny of the local species, using Bayesian inference. We analyzed 168 individuals representing 59 local morphospecies. Using a fully resolved and well‐supported phylogeny, we then investigated the phylogenetic structure of the communities by performing a Spatial Analysis of Community Diversity. We show that Cixiidae are phylogenetically clustered along the elevational gradient, whereas Derbidae + Achilidae harbor a random structure, suggesting that local adaptation to elevation shapes community structure of Cixiidae, but not that of Derbidae + Achilidae. Our findings highlight the importance of phylogenies in the study of tropical elevational gradients.
Sex‐mismatch influence on survival after heart transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ayesta Ana , Urrútia Gerard , Madrid Eva , Vernooij Robin W.M. , Vicent Lourdes , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroduction and objectivesHeart transplantation (HT) is the treatment for patients with end‐stage heart disease. Despite contradictory reports, survival seems to be worse when donor/recipient sex is mismatched. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to synthesize the evidence on the effect of donor/recipient sex mismatch after HT.MethodsWe searched PubMed and EMBASE until November 2017. Comparative cohort and registry studies were included. Published articles were systematically selected and, when possible, pooled in a meta‐analysis. The primary endpoint was one‐year mortality.ResultsAfter retrieving 556 articles, ten studies (76 175 patients) were included in the quantitative meta‐analysis. Significant differences were found in one‐year survival between sex‐matched and mismatched recipients (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25‐1.35, P < .001). In female recipients, we found that sex mismatch was not a risk factor for one‐year mortality (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.85‐1.00, P = .06). However, in male recipients, we found that it was a risk factor for one‐year mortality (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.31‐1.44, P < .001).ConclusionsSex mismatch increases one‐year mortality after HT in male recipients. Its influence in long‐term survival should be further explored with high‐quality studies.
The association of acute rejection vs recurrent glomerular disease with graft outcomes after kidney transplantation
Authors: Singh Tripti , Astor Brad C. , Zhong Weixiong , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Maursetter Laura , Panzer Sarah E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt has been shown that glomerulonephritis (GN) recurrence affects graft survival more than acute rejection. Thus, we assessed allograft survival after biopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of acute rejection or recurrent GN in current era of immunosuppression.MethodsAllograft survival following a biopsy diagnosis of acute rejection or recurrent GN was determined in adult kidney transplant recipients from 1994 to 2013. A total of 306 patients (35%) with IgA, 298 (35%) with FSGS, 177 (21%) with lupus nephritis, and 81 (9%) with membranous nephropathy were followed for a median of 6.3 years.ResultsAmong the 862 transplant recipients with primary GN, allograft loss was similar following a biopsy diagnosis of acute rejection or recurrent glomerular disease (11.5 vs 14.2/100 person‐years, P = .15). Differences in allograft survival emerged after 2.5 years following recurrent disease, with significantly higher graft failure in patients with FSGS, MN, or LN compared with IgA after recurrence of disease (16.7 vs 7.5/100 person‐years, P = .05). The advantage in allograft survival for IgA patients did not achieve significance after acute rejection (P = .10 for IgA vs FSGS, MN, and LN).ConclusionsAllograft survival was similar after disease recurrence or acute rejection after kidney transplant in patients with ESRD due to GN.
Laryngeal cytology: A cytological, histological, P16 and human papillomavirus study
Authors: Demirel Dilaver , Erkul Evren , Güngör Atila , Çekin Engin , Ramzy Ibrahim 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundInvasive diagnostic methods, such as punch biopsies, have a potential to produce undesirable side effects in the larynx, such as scarring and vocal dysfunction. This study is an attempt to assess the diagnostic potential of cytology to efficiently diagnose premalignant and malignant laryngeal lesions, while sparing patients the risk of complications of punch biopsies.MethodsLaryngeal smears, using endocervical‐type brushes, and punch biopsies were procured from each patient. Smears were prepared and the brush was cut and put in Surepath preservative solution for cytological analysis and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. A Real‐TM Quant kit that detects 14 HPV types was used for genotyping. Immunohistochemical staining for p16 was performed on cytological and histological specimens.ResultsCytological diagnosis was correct in 84.6%, 100% and 100% of cases with a histological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinomas, high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and benign lesions, respectively. However, cytological interpretation was correct only in 25% of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. HPV DNA test was positive in only one case, which was a laryngeal polyp. Testing for p16 was negative in all the cytological and histological material.ConclusionLaryngeal cytology is a useful diagnostic tool in establishing the diagnosis of high‐grade squamous epithelial cell abnormalities. Recognition of low‐grade lesions, however, is challenging. HPV genotyping and p16 staining do not seem to be helpful ancillary techniques in cytological material procured from the larynx.
Endoscopic prediction of advanced histology in colorectal lesions sized <10 mm using the Japan Narrow‐band imaging Expert Team classification
Authors: Murano Tatsuro , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Shinmura Kensuke , Ito Renma , Minamide Tatsunori , Sato Daiki , Yamamoto Yoichi , Takashima Kenji , Kadota Tomohiro , Yoda Yusuke , Hori Keisuke , Oono Yasuhiro , Yano Tomonori 
Published: October 2019

Background and AimEndoscopic diagnosis of advanced histology in colorectal lesions sized <10 mm is essential for appropriate selection of resection methods. The Japan Narrow‐band imaging Expert Team (JNET) classification has been recently validated for the evaluation of colorectal lesions. Our objective was to investigate the diagnostic value of the JNET classification for advanced histology in colorectal lesions sized <10 mm.MethodsWe enrolled 680 patients with 1472 colorectal lesions sized <10 mm diagnosed according to the JNET classification and who subsequently underwent endoscopic or surgical resection between January and December 2017. We retrospectively examined the relationship between the JNET findings and pathological histology. Multivariate analysis was carried out to assess the predictive power of the JNET findings and clinical characteristics of lesions.ResultsAdvanced histology was present in 29 (2.0%) lesions. Advanced histology was absent in 68 lesions diagnosed as JNET type 1, whereas 1389 lesions diagnosed as JNET type 2A included 19 lesions of advanced histology (1.4%) with high‐grade dysplasia alone. Eleven lesions diagnosed as JNET type 2B comprised eight lesions of advanced histology (72.7%) with four high‐grade dysplasia and four submucosal invasive cancer, and two lesions diagnosed as JNET type 3 were submucosal invasive cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that JNET type 2B + 3 was a stronger predictive factor for advanced histology than other clinical risk factors.ConclusionNarrow‐band imaging with magnification according to the JNET classification may be a useful modality for identification of advanced histology in colorectal lesions sized <10 mm.
Long‐term efficacy of add‐on stiripentol treatment in children, adolescents, and young adults with refractory epilepsies: A single center prospective observational study
Authors: Rosati Anna , Boncristiano Alessandra , Doccini Viola , Pugi Alessandra , Pisano Tiziana , Lenge Matteo , De Masi Salvatore , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of stiripentol (STP) as an adjunctive treatment in different forms of refractory epilepsies.MethodsThe medical records of all individuals consecutively treated with STP as add‐on therapy for refractory epilepsies, irrespective of their being focal, generalized, or both, and followed at Meyer Children's Hospital between January 2007 and May 2018, were reviewed. The drug scheme administration consisted of a starting dose of STP of 10‐15 mg/kg/d with increments every week, up to a maximum of 50 mg/kg/d, based on both age and weight. Etiology of epilepsy was codified as structural, genetic, infectious, immune, metabolic, and unknown. Responders were defined as patients who achieved a seizure frequency reduction of ≥50%. Retention rate was defined as the probability of continuing STP without additional therapy. Tolerability was assessed by reporting adverse events.ResultsA total of 132 individuals aged from 5 months to 43 years received add‐on STP, including 30 patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). The median follow‐up was 14.8 months (range = 4 months‐18 years, interquartile range = 25.72). Twenty‐nine individuals (22%) received more than two antiepileptic drugs. Benzodiazepines, mainly clobazam, were the most commonly used add‐on drugs. Sixty‐six patients (50%) were responders, and 13 of them (9.8%) were seizure‐free. Responder rate was higher in the genetic etiology group (57%), especially in DS (18/30; 60%), and in patients with refractory focal onset epilepsy without bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures (5/15; 33%). The median relapse‐free survival was 27 months in the 66 responders. The median time to STP failure was 24.6 months in all 132 individuals.SignificanceThis study confirms the long‐term efficacy of add‐on STP treatment in patients with different types of refractory epilepsies, including focal onset epilepsy without bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures. Further confirmations based on prospectively designed studies are required to confirm STP efficacy in focal epilepsy.
Genomic assessment of local adaptation in dwarf birch to inform assisted gene flow
Authors: Borrell James S. , Zohren Jasmin , Nichols Richard A. , Buggs Richard J. A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhen populations of a rare species are small, isolated and declining under climate change, some populations may become locally maladapted. Detecting this maladaptation may allow effective rapid conservation interventions, even if based on incomplete knowledge. Population maladaptation may be estimated by finding genome–environment associations (GEA) between allele frequencies and environmental variables across a local species range, and identifying populations whose allele frequencies do not fit with these trends. We can then design assisted gene flow strategies for maladapted populations, to adjust their allele frequencies, entailing lower levels of intervention than with undirected conservation action. Here, we investigate this strategy in Scottish populations of the montane plant dwarf birch (Betula nana). In genome‐wide restriction site‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, we found 267 significant associations between SNP loci and environmental variables. We ranked populations by maladaptation estimated using allele frequency deviation from the general trends at these loci; this gave a different prioritization for conservation action than the Shapely Index, which seeks to preserve rare neutral variation. Populations estimated to be maladapted in their allele frequencies at loci associated with annual mean temperature were found to have reduced catkin production. Using an environmental niche modelling (ENM) approach, we found annual mean temperature (35%), and mean diurnal range (15%), to be important predictors of the dwarf birch distribution. Intriguingly, there was a significant correlation between the number of loci associated with each environmental variable in the GEA and the importance of that variable in the ENM. Together, these results suggest that the same environmental variables determine both adaptive genetic variation and species range in Scottish dwarf birch. We suggest an assisted gene flow strategy that aims to maximize the local adaptation of dwarf birch populations under climate change by matching allele frequencies to current and future environments.
SERPINB2 and miR‐146a/b are coordinately regulated and act in the suppression of psoriasis‐associated inflammatory responses in keratinocytes
Authors: Vaher Helen , Kivihall Anet , Runnel Toomas , Raam Liisi , Prans Ele , Maslovskaja Julia , Abram Kristi , Kaldvee Bret , Mrowietz Ulrich , Weidinger Stephan , Kingo Külli , Rebane Ana 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with numerous involved factors. miR‐146a and miR‐146b (miR‐146a/b) are anti‐inflammatory miRNAs that are increased in psoriatic skin. SERPINB2 has been shown to be upregulated in the inflammation and infections. Here we aimed to study the relationship between miR‐146a/b and SERPINB2 and to delineate the role of SERPINB2 in association of plaque psoriasis. We report increased SERPINB2 expression in the skin of psoriasis patients, which was in a positive relationship with psoriasis severity and in a negative relationship with miR‐146a/b in psoriatic lesions. In cultured keratinocytes, both cellular and secreted SERPINB2 levels were strongly induced in response to IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. Interestingly, SERPINB2 mRNA was downregulated by IL‐17A and the combination of TNF‐α and IL‐17A at time points when miR‐146a was increased. The predicted binding site for miR‐146a/b in 3’ untranslated region of SERPINB2 revealed no activity in luciferase assay, while siRNA silencing of miR‐146a/b direct targets IRAK1 and CARD10 resulted in reduced expression of SERPINB2, suggesting that miR‐146a/b indirectly control SERPINB2 expression in the skin. The siRNA silencing of SERPINB2 increased the expression of IL‐8, CXCL5 and CCL5 and migration of neutrophils revealing its anti‐inflammatory role in keratinocytes. Our data together suggest that SERPINB2 and miR‐146a/b are part of disease‐related network of molecules that are coordinately regulated and act in controlling the inflammatory responses in psoriatic skin.
NLRP inflammasomes and induced skin inflammation, barrier recovery and extended skin hydration
Authors: Gruber J. V. , Stojkoska V. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveIn vitro assays were designed to examine the release of active Caspase‐1 (ACasp‐1) from NLRP inflammasome‐activated Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) employing a bioluminescent assay specific for measuring inflammasome‐induced ACasp‐1 expression.MethodsFour anticipated exogenous activators of the NLRP inflammasome including: UVB, ATP, Nigericin and Urban Dust were examined. Follow‐up studies examined the influence of extracellular application of three different natural blends of known anti‐inflammatories, one a polysaccharide blend and the other two antioxidant blends, one oil‐soluble the other water‐soluble, to examine ACasp‐1 inhibition. Clinical work using the same blend of polysaccharides employed at 3% in a moisturizing formulation was examined for skin barrier recovery, measured with TEWL over a 60‐h time frame after tape stripping on 10 individuals, and extended moisturization, measured using corneometer conductance after a single product application out through a 48‐h regression on 10 individuals.ResultsIn vitro results indicated that two exogenous activators, 60 mJ cm−2 UVB and 5 mM ATP, worked to upregulate expression of ACasp‐1 within a 20‐h timeframe. Additional studies were conducted to examine the influence of three extracellularly applied active ingredient blends. A blend of polysaccharides demonstrated potential to inhibit ACasp‐1 expression in both UVB‐ and ATP‐activated skin cells. Oil‐soluble and water‐soluble antioxidant blends inhibited ACasp‐1 expression in UVB‐activated keratinocytes but not ATP‐activated keratinocytes. Barrier disruption studies indicated that 3% of the polysaccharide blend accelerated barrier recovery in a 60‐h time frame as measured by TEWL. Skin hydration studies showed an ability for the polysaccharide blend to show significant improvements in skin hydration out to 48 h after a single application vs. a moisturizing placebo.ConclusionsThe role of the skin’s innate immune response, controlled by NLRP inflammasomes, is beginning to be linked to numerous skin conditions including inflammaging. In this work, it was found that: (i) an in vitro assay could activate NHEKs to express NLRP inflammasome‐induced ACasp‐1 expression, (ii) Ingredient blends inhibited UVB and ATP‐induced NLRP inflammasome‐induced ACasp‐1 expression, and (iii) skin barrier disruption improvements and extended skin hydration could be achieved with 3% of the polysaccharide blend.