bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Lauer Jacqueline M. , Duggan Christopher P. , Ausman Lynne M. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Webb Patrick , Wang Jia‐Sheng , Xue Kathy S. , Agaba Edgar , Nshakira Nathan , Ghosh Shibani 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAflatoxins are toxic metabolites of Aspergillus moulds and are widespread in the food supply, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Both in utero and infant exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) have been linked to poor child growth and development. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, primarily lower birth weight, in a sample of 220 mother–infant pairs in Mukono district, Uganda. Maternal aflatoxin exposure was assessed by measuring the serum concentration of AFB1‐lysine (AFB‐Lys) adduct at 17.8 ± 3.5 (mean ± SD)‐week gestation using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Anthropometry and birth outcome characteristics were obtained within 48 hr of delivery. Associations between maternal aflatoxin exposure and birth outcomes were assessed using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounding factors. Median maternal AFB‐Lys level was 5.83 pg/mg albumin (range: 0.71–95.60 pg/mg albumin, interquartile range: 3.53–9.62 pg/mg albumin). In adjusted linear regression models, elevations in maternal AFB‐Lys levels were significantly associated with lower weight (adj‐β: 0.07; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.003; p = 0.040), lower weight‐for‐age z‐score (adj‐β: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.01; p = 0.037), smaller head circumference (adj‐β: −0.26; 95% CI: −0.49, −0.02; p = 0.035), and lower head circumference‐for‐age z‐score (adj‐β: −0.23; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.03; p = 0.023) in infants at birth. Overall, our data suggest an association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, particularly lower birth weight and smaller head circumference, but further research is warranted.
Going under down under? Lineage ages argue for extensive survival of the Oligocene marine transgression on Zealandia
Authors: Wallis Graham P. , Jorge Fátima 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTwenty‐five years ago, it was suggested that current‐day New Zealand, part of the largely sunken continent of Zealandia, could have been completely inundated during the Oligocene marine transgression (OMT) some 25–23 million years ago. Such an event would, of necessity, imply that all terrestrial, freshwater, and maybe coastal marine species must have dispersed there since. This idea has generated heated debate, on which geological, palaeontological and molecular data are being brought to bear. Here, we review the phylogeographic literature in the form of molecular estimates of divergence times between New Zealand lineages and their closest overseas sister groups. Using an event‐based approach, we show that these divergence times follow approximately a smooth exponential over the last 50 Ma or more. Approximately 74 of these 248 lineages appear to have survived the OMT in situ; some of these major lineages comprise multiple additional lineages as a result of autochthonous speciation prior to the OMT. Non‐volant terrestrial animals, freshwater animals and trees are particularly well represented in surviving lineages, whereas marine animals, herbs and shrubs tend to show more recent arrival times. There is no evidence for a deficit of pre‐Oligocene lineages, nor an excess of ones arriving just afterwards. The pattern is one of geometric increase in new lineages with more recent time, reflecting a balance between immigration and extinction. Consequently, this large body of molecular data provides no evidence for complete inundation of New Zealand during the Oligocene. In conjunction with new geological and palaeontological findings, these data suggest that it is time to put the idea to rest.
Structural and functional insights into the modulation of the activity of a flax cytokinin oxidase by flax rust effector AvrL567‐A
Authors: Wan Li , Koeck Markus , Williams Simon J. , Ashton Anthony R. , Lawrence Gregory J. , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kojima Mikiko , Böttcher Christine , Ericsson Daniel J. , Hardham Adrienne R. , Jones David A. , Ellis Jeffrey G. , Kobe Bostjan , Dodds Peter N. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryDuring infection, plant pathogens secrete effector proteins to facilitate colonization. In comparison with our knowledge of bacterial effectors, the current understanding of how fungal effectors function is limited. In this study, we show that the effector AvrL567‐A from the flax rust fungus Melampsora lini interacts with a flax cytosolic cytokinin oxidase, LuCKX1.1, using both yeast two‐hybrid and in planta bimolecular fluorescence assays. Purified LuCKX1.1 protein shows catalytic activity against both N6‐(Δ2‐isopentenyl)‐adenine (2iP) and trans‐zeatin (tZ) substrates. Incubation of LuCKX1.1 with AvrL567‐A results in increased catalytic activity against both substrates. The crystal structure of LuCKX1.1 and docking studies with AvrL567‐A indicate that the AvrL567 binding site involves a flexible surface‐exposed region that surrounds the cytokinin substrate access site, which may explain its effect in modulating LuCKX1.1 activity. Expression of AvrL567‐A in transgenic flax plants gave rise to an epinastic leaf phenotype consistent with hormonal effects, although no difference in overall cytokinin levels was observed. We propose that, during infection, plant pathogens may differentially modify the levels of extracellular and intracellular cytokinins.
The first Japanese case of biopsy‐confirmed small‐fiber neuropathy related to celiac disease
Authors: Mitsutake Akihiko , Sato Tatsuya , Katsumata Junko , Seki Tomonari , Maekawa Risa , Hideyama Takuto , Kishida Yukiko , Masuda Teruaki , Ando Yukio , Shiio Yasushi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA 26‐year‐old lady presented with a rapidly progressive burning pain in both feet. She had been bothered by bloating after wheat‐containing foods since the age of 21. Her gastrointestinal symptoms alleviated after introducing gluten‐free diet. On admission, neurological examination was unremarkable without dysesthesia with normal nerve conduction studies. Skin biopsy specimen showed decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density, indicating small‐fiber neuropathy. Besides, clinical symptoms, duodenal biopsy, and positive HLA‐DQ2 and ‐DQ8 suggested celiac disease, which might be associated with small‐fiber neuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin was not efficacious. Celiac disease should be considered in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy.
Strengthening workplace well‐being: perceptions of intensive care nurses
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J , Sandham Margaret , Siegert Richard J , Koziol‐McLain Jane 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntensive care nursing is a professionally challenging role, elucidated in the body of research focusing on nurses' ill‐being, including burnout, stress, moral distress and compassion fatigue. Although scant, research is growing in relation to the elements contributing to critical care nurses' workplace well‐being. Little is currently known about how intensive care nurse well‐being is strengthened in the workplace, particularly from the intensive care nurse perspective.Aims and objectivesIdentify intensive care nurses' perspectives of strategies that strengthen their workplace well‐being.DesignAn inductive descriptive qualitative approach was used to explore intensive care nurses' perspectives of strengthening work well‐being.MethodNew Zealand intensive care nurses were asked to report strategies strengthening their workplace well‐being in two free‐text response items within a larger online survey of well‐being.FindingsSixty‐five intensive care nurses identified 69 unique strengtheners of workplace well‐being. Strengtheners included nurses drawing from personal resources, such as mindfulness and yoga. Both relational and organizational systems' strengtheners were also evident, including peer supervision, formal debriefing and working as a team to support each other.ConclusionsStrengtheners of intensive care nurses' workplace well‐being extended across individual, relational and organizational resources. Actions such as simplifying their lives, giving and receiving team support and accessing employee assistance programmes were just a few of the intensive care nurses' identified strengtheners. These findings inform future strategic workplace well‐being programmes, creating opportunities for positive change.Relevance to clinical practiceIntensive care nurses have a highly developed understanding of workplace well‐being strengtheners. These strengtheners extend from the personal to inter‐professional to organizational. The extensive range of strengtheners the nurses have identified provides a rich source for the development of future workplace well‐being programmes for critical care.
Serum cholinesterase activity is elevated in female diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients compared to matched controls
Authors: Hod Keren , Sperber Ami D , Maharshak Nitsan , Ron Yishay , Shapira Izthak , David Zeltser , Rogowski Ori , Berliner Shlomo , Shenhar‐Tsarfaty Shani , Dekel Roy 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundMicro‐inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The parasympathetic nervous system, via acetylcholine (ACh), and its hydrolytic enzymes, plays a role in regulating inflammation. Increased serum cholinesterase activity, named cholinergic Status (CS), is associated with decreased inflammatory inhibition (ie, pro‐inflammation). We assessed the association between IBS diarrhea‐predominant (IBS‐D) symptoms, CS, and inflammatory biomarkers.MethodsWomen with IBS‐D were prospectively recruited. Serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE), CS, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels were analyzed and fecal calprotectin (FC) in a subgroup of patients. The control group included women attending routine health checkups (matched by age and BMI).Key ResultsNinety‐four women with IBS‐D were compared to matched controls (1:1). Serum CS, AChE, and the AChE/butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) ratios were significantly increased in the IBS‐D group compared to matched controls (P = 0.018, P = 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively). Using a multiple logistic regression model, IBS‐D was almost twice as likely in women with high CS compared to women with low CS (adjusted OR=1.84 (95% CI: 1.01‐3.33), P = 0.045). Furthermore, IBS‐D patients with higher hs‐CRP levels demonstrated lower CS and BChE activity and elevated AChE and AChE/BChE ratios compared to patients with lower hs‐CRP levels (P = 0.026, P = 0.036, P = 0.002; and P = 0.0007, respectively). CS was not correlated with the IBS symptoms score.Conclusions and InferencesThis is the first study to explore the potential role of serum CS in IBS‐D. The findings emphasize the possible role of the autonomic nervous system and its anti‐inflammatory properties in IBS.
Novel therapies and preventative strategies for primary and recurrent Clostridium difficile infections
Authors: Dieterle Michael G. , Rao Krishna , Young Vincent B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractClostridium difficile is the leading infectious cause of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and colitis. C. difficile infection (CDI) places a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with nearly half a million infections yearly and an approximate 20% recurrence risk after successful initial therapy. The high incidence has driven new research on improved prevention such as the emerging use of probiotics, intestinal microbiome manipulation during antibiotic therapies, vaccinations, and newer antibiotics that reduce the disruption of the intestinal microbiome. While the treatment of acute C. difficile is effective in most patients, it can be further optimized by adjuvant therapies that improve the initial treatment success and decrease the risk of subsequent recurrence. Finally, the high risk of recurrence has led to multiple emerging therapies that target toxin activity, recovery of the intestinal microbial community, and elimination of latent C. difficile in the intestine. In summary, CDIs illustrate the complex interaction among host physiology, microbial community, and pathogen that requires specific therapies to address each of the factors leading to primary infection and recurrence.
Global folate status in women of reproductive age: a systematic review with emphasis on methodological issues
Authors: Rogers Lisa M. , Cordero Amy M. , Pfeiffer Christine M. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Tsang Becky L. , De‐Regil Luz María , Rosenthal Jorge , Razzaghi Hilda , Wong Eugene C. , Weakland Aliki P. , Bailey Lynn B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInadequate folate status in women of reproductive age (WRA) can lead to adverse health consequences of public health significance, such as megaloblastic anemia (folate deficiency) and an increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)‐affected pregnancies (folate insufficiency). Our review aims to evaluate current data on folate status of WRA. We queried eight databases and the World Health Organization Micronutrients Database, identifying 45 relevant surveys conducted between 2000 and 2014 in 39 countries. Several types of folate assays were used in the analysis of blood folate, and many surveys used folate cutoffs not matched to the assay. To allow better comparisons across surveys, we attempted to account for these differences. The prevalence of folate deficiency was >20% in many countries with lower income economies but was typically <5% in countries with higher income economies. Only 11 surveys reported the prevalence of folate insufficiency, which was >40% in most countries. Overall, folate status data for WRA globally are limited and must be carefully interpreted due to methodological issues. Future surveys would benefit from using the microbiologic assay to assess folate status, along with assay‐matched cutoffs to improve monitoring and evaluation of folic acid interventions, thus informing global efforts to prevent NTDs.
Responses to K deficiency and waterlogging interact via respiratory and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Cui Jing , Abadie Cyril , Carroll Adam , Lamade Emmanuelle , Tcherkez Guillaume 
Published: September 2018

AbstractK deficiency and waterlogging are common stresses that can occur simultaneously and impact on crop development and yield. They are both known to affect catabolism, with rather opposite effects: inhibition of glycolysis and higher glycolytic fermentative flux, respectively. But surprisingly, the effect of their combination on plant metabolism has never been examined precisely. Here, we applied a combined treatment (K availability and waterlogging) to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants under controlled greenhouse conditions and performed elemental quantitation, metabolomics, and isotope analyses at different sampling times. Whereas separate K deficiency and waterlogging caused well‐known effects such as polyamines production and sugar accumulation, respectively, waterlogging altered K‐induced respiration enhancement (via the C5‐branched acid pathway) and polyamine production, and K deficiency tended to suppress waterlogging‐induced accumulation of Krebs cycle intermediates in leaves. Furthermore, the natural 15N/14N isotope composition (δ15N) in leaf compounds shows that there was a change in nitrate circulation, with less nitrate influx to leaves under low K availablity combined with waterlogging and more isotopic dilution of lamina nitrates under high K. Our results show that K deficiency and waterlogging effects are not simply additive, reshape respiration as well as nitrogen metabolism and partitioning, and are associated with metabolomic and isotopic biomarkers of potential interest for crop monitoring.
p53‐Dependent and p53‐Independent Responses of Cells Challenged by Photosensitization
Authors: Abrantes Aline B. de P. , Dias Gustavo C. , Souza‐Pinto Nadja C. , Baptista Mauricio S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe p53 protein exerts fundamental roles in cell responses to a variety of stress stimuli. It has clear roles in controlling cell cycle, triggering apoptosis, activating autophagy and modulating DNA damage response. Little is known about the role of p53 in autophagy‐associated cell death, which can be induced by photoactivation of photosensitizers within cells. The photosensitizer 1,9‐dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB) within nanomolar concentration regimes has specific intracellular targets (mitochondria and lysosomes), photoinducing a typical scenario of cell death with autophagy. Importantly, in consequence of its subcellular localization, photoactive DMMB induces selective damage to mitochondrial DNA, saving nuclear DNA. By challenging cells having different p53 protein levels, we investigated whether p53 modulates DMMB/light‐induced phototoxicity and cell cycle dynamics. Cells lacking p53 activity were slightly more resistant to photoactivated DMMB, which was correlated with a smaller sub‐G1 population, indicative of a lower level of apoptosis. DMMB photosensitization seems to induce mostly autophagy‐associated cell death and S‐phase cell cycle arrest with replication stress. Remarkably, these responses were independent on the p53 status, indicating that p53 is not involved in either process. Despite describing some p53‐related responses in cells challenged by photosensitization, our results also provide novel information on the consequences of DMMB phototoxicity.
NanoDCFH‐DA: A Silica‐based Nanostructured Fluorogenic Probe for the Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Bresolí‐Obach Roger , Busto‐Moner Luis , Muller Claudia , Reina Manuel , Nonell Santi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobe for the detection of reactive oxygen species in biological systems has been designed, synthesized and characterized, circumventing some of the limitations of the molecular probe diacetyl 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH‐DA). It has been synthetized the nanoparticulate form of DCFH‐DA by covalently attaching the widely used fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA to a mesoporous silica nanoparticle through a linker. The reactivity of nanoDCFH‐DA has been tested toward several reactive oxygen species. In addition, it has been proved to slow down DCFH‐DA reaction with molecular oxygen and it hampers from interactions with proteins. As a final piece of evidence, in vitro studies showed that the nanoprobe is internalized by HeLa cancer cells, thus being capable of detecting intracellularly generated reactive oxygen species. To sum up, it can be stated that nanoDCFH‐DA overcomes two major problems of free DCFH‐DA, namely oxidation of the probe by air and interaction with proteins in biological systems. This “nano” approach has thus proven useful to extend the utility of an existing and valuable fluorescent probe to complex biological systems.
High‐pressure non‐invasive ventilation during exercise in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: A randomized, controlled, cross‐over trial
Authors: Gloeckl Rainer , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Stegemann Antje , Oversohl Julian , Schneeberger Tessa , Schoenheit‐Kenn Ursula , Hitzl Wolfgang , Dreher Michael , Koczulla A. Rembert , Kenn Klaus 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivePatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF) characteristically have exercise intolerance and limitations in performing conventional training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) as a supportive tool during exercise in CHRF.MethodsTwo cycle endurance tests (CET) at 60% of the peak work rate were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to cycle in two conditions: (i) high‐pressure NIV (mean inspiratory positive airway pressure: 27 ± 3 cm H2O) along with oxygen supplementation or (ii) control: oxygen‐use only. Transcutaneously measured partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2), oxygen saturation and heart rate were continuously recorded. Muscle oxygen availability of intercostal and vastus lateralis muscle was measured during exercise by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).ResultsA total of 20 patients with CHRF (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1): 19 ± 4% predicted, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 55 ± 9 mm Hg, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 51 ± 7 mm Hg) were recruited in a randomized cross‐over trial. On NIV, COPD patients increased cycle endurance time by 39% compared to oxygen‐use only (663 ± 360 vs 477 ± 249 s, P = 0.013). On NIV, TcPCO2 was significantly lower at rest (44.9 ± 6.2 vs 50.7 ± 6.6 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and at isotime (50.0 ± 5.5 vs 56.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Oxygen availability in the intercostal muscles remained relatively constant with NIV compared to oxygen‐use only. Although patients cycled longer using NIV, a lower increase in exertional dyspnoea at the end of CET (median increase in Borg‐dyspnoea: 2 vs 4, P = 0.003) was reported.ConclusionNIV with high pressures as add‐on to oxygen supplementation increases cycle endurance time, mitigates exertional dyspnoea and limits exercise‐induced hypercapnia in COPD patients with CHRF.
Evaluation of Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Polio Eradication Activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Authors: Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J. , Thompson Kimberly M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOnly Pakistan and Afghanistan reported any polio cases caused by serotype 1 wild polioviruses (WPV1s) in 2017. With the dwindling cases in both countries and pressure to finish eradication with the least possible resources, a danger exists of inappropriate prioritization of efforts between the two countries and insufficient investment in the two countries to finish the job. We used an existing differential‐equation‐based poliovirus transmission and oral poliovirus (OPV) evolution model to simulate a proactive strategy to stop transmission, and different hypothetical reactive strategies that adapt the quality of supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) in response to observed polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. To account for the delay in perception and adaptation, we related the coverage of the SIAs in high‐risk, undervaccinated subpopulations to the perceived (i.e., smoothed) polio incidence. Continuation of the current frequency and quality of SIAs remains insufficient to eradicate WPV1 in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Proactive strategies that significantly improve and sustain SIA quality lead to WPV1 eradication and the prevention of circulating vaccine‐derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks. Reactive vaccination efforts that adapt moderately quickly and independently to changes in polio incidence in each country may succeed in WPV1 interruption after several cycles of outbreaks, or may interrupt WPV1 transmission in one country but subsequently import WPV1 from the other country or enable the emergence of cVDPV outbreaks. Reactive vaccination efforts that adapt independently and either more rapidly or more slowly to changes in polio incidence in each country may similarly fail to interrupt WPV1 transmission and result in oscillations of the incidence. Reactive strategies that divert resources to the country of highest priority may lead to alternating large outbreaks. Achieving WPV1 eradication and subsequent successful OPV cessation in Pakistan and Afghanistan requires proactive and sustained efforts to improve vaccination intensity in under‐vaccinated subpopulations while maintaining high population immunity elsewhere.