bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem sparing in the management of post‐transrectal prostate biopsy bacteraemia
Authors: Trad Mohamad‐Ali , Materne Mishael , Reynolds Gemma , Yao Jinna , Miyakis Spiros , Skyring Tim , Newton Peter 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundSepsis following transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy is a major complication. With the emergence of multidrug‐resistant organisms, empirical use of carbapenem antibiotics has been increasing. This study, conducted in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), Australia, quantifies how much we can spare carbapenem use.MethodsA retrospective audit of patients who underwent TRUS prostate biopsy and were admitted post‐operatively with proven bacteraemia between January 2007 and April 2016.ResultsOf 2719 TRUS procedures, 50 (1.84%) cases had bacteraemia. The most common isolate was Escherichia coli in 44 of 50 (88%) of which six of 50 (12%) were extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing. Sixteen different empirical antimicrobial regimens were used, to which 42 of 50 (84%) of isolates were susceptible. Eight (16%) isolates were resistant to the chosen empiric combination, with five switched over to appropriate treatment once antimicrobial sensitivity results became available. Empirical carbapenem was utilized in 12 of 50 (24%) patients with only two of the ESBL isolates covered. A further 10 of 50 patients received carbapenems during their admission. Carbapenems could have been avoided in 18 of 22 (82%). A total of 86% of organisms (n = 43) were susceptible to the combination of amoxicillin–clavulanate and gentamicin.ConclusionAlthough the rates of bacteraemia with ESBL‐producing organisms post‐TRUS biopsy are increasing, use of carbapenem‐free combination antimicrobials as empirical therapy appears to be safe and effective in our setting. Clinicians can utilize local resistance patterns to inform targeted and appropriate therapy for septic patients.
Inferior load generated by preloaded versus manually loaded haemorrhoid banding devices: the effect of ‘creep relaxation’
Authors: Moloney Jayson , Hiscock Richard , Nguyen M. Hung 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundThe efficacy of rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids relies on the load generated on haemorrhoidal tissue by bands as they return to their preformed shape after being deployed. ‘Preloaded’ haemorrhoid banding devices are widely available, but the effect of the resultant prolonged stretch on bands while stored in this manner has never been examined by comparing these to manually loaded devices, which are stretch immediately prior to being deployed. A difference could have clinical relevance, potentially resulting in a higher rate of clinical failure. The present study aimed to investigate any difference in load generated by preloaded versus manually loaded devices.MethodsA preloaded and a manually loaded device were selected for comparison. Each type was measured on a testing rig. The device type, load generated by each band and the time to expiry were recorded.ResultsA total of 137 haemorrhoid bands were tested: 66 preloaded and 71 manually loaded. There was a statistically significant overall reduction in load generated by preloaded versus manually loaded devices (284.0 versus 272.1 g, mean difference −11.9 g, 95% confidence interval −17.5 to −6.3 g, P = 0.0001). Adjusted for time, the load generated by preloaded bands fell 3.7 g (95% confidence interval 2.7–4.8, P < 0.001) for each month closer to the expiry date.ConclusionsThe load generated by haemorrhoid bands from preloaded devices is lower and deteriorates significantly towards their expiry date compared with bands from manually loaded devices. This is mostly likely due to their storage in a stretched state. This should be considered by clinicians when using haemorrhoid banding devices.
The mechanism of Psoralen and Isopsoralen hepatotoxicity as revealed by hepatic gene expression profiling in SD rats
Authors: Song Lei , Yu Bin , Yang Li , Wang Zhao‐xin , Zhang Yue , Yu Ying‐li , Zhou Kun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe main bioactive components of Fructus psoraleae, such as psoralen and isopsoralen, are known to be hepatotoxic. However, its underlying mechanism is to be elucidated.MethodsTo address this, SD rats were randomly divided into control group, 60 mg/kg psoralen group and 60 mg/kg isopsoralen group. Blood was collected to detect serum biochemical indices. RNA was extracted from liver samples, and then, cDNA gene expression profiles were analysed.ResultsPsoralen administration significantly up‐regulated serum AST (aspartate aminotransferase) while addition of isopsoralen increased serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST, TBA (total bile acid) and TG (total triglyceride) levels. A total of 172 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired between psoralen group and control group while 884 DEGs were screened between isopsoralen group and control group. Chemical Carcinogenesis and Metabolism of Xenobiotics by Cytochrome P450 were the two most significantly enriched pathways as revealed by DEGs. Liver was the most impacted organ, and endoplasmic reticulum was the most impacted organelle in subcellular level. Finally, some kinds of cancers and cytochrome p450 oxidoreductase deficiency were predicted. Taken together, psoralen and isopsoralen might cause hepatotoxicity mainly through cytochrome P450 metabolism of xenobiotics. Furthermore, Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, Gstm1 and Akr7a3 worked as key genes in hepatotoxicity. Moreover, endoplasmic reticulum was the main target subcellular structure in hepatotoxicity induced by psoralen and isopsoralen.
Mycorrhizal types differ in ecophysiology and alter plant nutrition and soil processes
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Bahram Mohammad 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTMycorrhizal fungi benefit plants by improved mineral nutrition and protection against stress, yet information about fundamental differences among mycorrhizal types in fungi and trees and their relative importance in biogeochemical processes is only beginning to accumulate. We critically review and synthesize the ecophysiological differences in ectomycorrhizal, ericoid mycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses and the effect of these mycorrhizal types on soil processes from local to global scales. We demonstrate that guilds of mycorrhizal fungi display substantial differences in genome‐encoded capacity for mineral nutrition, particularly acquisition of nitrogen and phosphorus from organic material. Mycorrhizal associations alter the trade‐off between allocation to roots or mycelium, ecophysiological traits such as root exudation, weathering, enzyme production, plant protection, and community assembly as well as response to climate change. Mycorrhizal types exhibit differential effects on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling that affect global elemental fluxes and may mediate biome shifts in response to global change. We also note that most studies performed to date have not been properly replicated and collectively suffer from strong geographical sampling bias towards temperate biomes. We advocate that combining carefully replicated field experiments and controlled laboratory experiments with isotope labelling and ‐omics techniques offers great promise towards understanding differences in ecophysiology and ecosystem services among mycorrhizal types.
The puborectal continence reflex functions independently of the pudendal nerve
Authors: Jonker J. E. , van Meegdenburg M. M. , Trzpis M. , Broens P. M. A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThe ability of patients with poor pudendal nerve function to voluntarily contract their external anal sphincter is limited. However, it is not known whether the condition of the pudendal nerve influences voluntary puborectal muscle contraction. Recently, we described the puborectal continence reflex that maintains faecal continence by involuntary contractions of the puborectal muscle. We aim to investigate whether both voluntary and involuntary contractions of the puborectal muscle are influenced by the condition of the pudendal nerve.MethodWe retrospectively analysed 129 adult patients who underwent anorectal function tests at the Anorectal Physiology Laboratory. Anal electrosensitivity was used as a measurement of the pudendal nerve function. Voluntary and involuntary contractions of the puborectal muscle were defined as maximum puborectal muscle contractility and maximum pressure at the level of the puborectal muscle during the balloon retention test.ResultsVoluntary contraction of the puborectal muscle was significantly decreased in patients with pudendal nerve damage (P = 0.002). Involuntary contractions, however, were not associated with the condition of the pudendal nerve (P = 0.63). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the condition of the pudendal nerve and patients’ sex significantly predicted voluntary contraction but not involuntary contraction.ConclusionVoluntary contractions of the puborectal muscle are significantly decreased in patients with pudendal nerve damage, while involuntary contractions of the puborectal muscle are comparable to those of patients without nerve damage. We conclude that the puborectal continence reflex, which controls involuntary contractions of the puborectal muscle, is not regulated by the pudendal nerve.
Evidential Strength of Intonational Cues and Rational Adaptation to (Un‐)Reliable Intonation
Authors: Roettger Timo B. , Franke Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntonation plays an integral role in comprehending spoken language. Listeners can rapidly integrate intonational information to predictively map a given pitch accent onto the speaker's likely referential intentions. We use mouse tracking to investigate two questions: (a) how listeners draw predictive inferences based on information from intonation? and (b) how listeners adapt their online interpretation of intonational cues when these are reliable or unreliable? We formulate a novel Bayesian model of rational predictive cue integration and explore predictions derived under a concrete linking hypothesis relating a quantitative notion of evidential strength of a cue to the moment in time, relative to the unfolding speech signal, at which mouse trajectories turn towards the eventually selected option. In order to capture rational belief updates after concrete observations of a speaker's behavior, we formulate and explore an extension of this model that includes the listener's hierarchical beliefs about the speaker's likely production behavior. Our results are compatible with the assumption that listeners rapidly and rationally integrate all available intonational information, that they expect reliable intonational information initially, and that they adapt these initial expectations gradually during exposition to unreliable input. All materials, data, and scripts can be retrieved here:https://osf.io/dnbuk/
Speech Planning at Turn Transitions in Dialog Is Associated With Increased Processing Load
Authors: Barthel Mathias , Sauppe Sebastian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSpeech planning is a sophisticated process. In dialog, it regularly starts in overlap with an incoming turn by a conversation partner. We show that planning spoken responses in overlap with incoming turns is associated with higher processing load than planning in silence. In a dialogic experiment, participants took turns with a confederate describing lists of objects. The confederate’s utterances (to which participants responded) were pre‐recorded and varied in whether they ended in a verb or an object noun and whether this ending was predictable or not. We found that response planning in overlap with sentence‐final verbs evokes larger task‐evoked pupillary responses, while end predictability had no effect. This finding indicates that planning in overlap leads to higher processing load for next speakers in dialog and that next speakers do not proactively modulate the time course of their response planning based on their predictions of turn endings. The turn‐taking system exerts pressure on the language processing system by pushing speakers to plan in overlap despite the ensuing increase in processing load.
Cardiovascular risk reduction with periodontal treatment in patients on the waiting list for renal transplantation
Authors: Santos‐Paul Marcela A. , Neves Ricardo Simões , Gowdak Luis Henrique W. , de Paula Flávio J. , David‐Neto Elias , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Ramires José Antonio F. , De Lima Jose Jayme G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular mortality is increased in chronic kidney disease, a condition with a high prevalence of periodontal disease. Whether periodontitis treatment improves prognosis is unknown.MethodsThe effect of periodontal treatment on the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in 206 waitlist hemodialysis subjects was compared with that in 203 historical controls who did not undergo treatment. Patients were followed up for 24 months or until death or transplantation.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis was 74%. Coronary artery disease correlated with the severity of periodontal disease (P = .02). Survival free of cardiovascular events (94% vs 83%, log‐rank 0.009), coronary events (97% vs 89%, log‐rank = 0.009), and cardiovascular death (96% vs 87%, log‐rank = 0.037) was higher in the evaluated group. Death by any cause did not differ between groups. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment was associated with reduction in cardiovascular events (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.22‐0.87), coronary events (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.12‐0.83), and cardiovascular deaths (HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.19‐0.98).ConclusionPeriodontal treatment reduced the 24‐month incidence of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death, suggesting that periodontal treatment may improve cardiovascular outcomes. We suggest that periodontal screening and eventual treatment may be considered in patients with advanced renal disease.
Number of levels required to assess Breslow thickness in cutaneous invasive melanoma: An observational study
Authors: Bishop Jamie , Tallon Ben 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma is a globally significant and highly prevalent disease, with Breslow thickness widely recognized as the most important histologic indicator of prognosis. In the newest edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, changes have been made to the definition of stages based on Breslow thickness. It is therefore imperative we accurately measure the Breslow thickness in a standardized fashion.MethodsOur study aimed to identify the optimal number of levels required to measure Breslow thickness. We reviewed archived cases of previously diagnosed invasive melanomas and assessed whether there was a change of T stage with the greater number of levels examined.ResultsIn our series of 54 cases, 10 (18.5%) cases were upgraded as additional levels were examined, statistically significant at the threshold of three levels.ConclusionsOur data suggests the optimal number of levels to examine is 3, with no benefit seen in further levels up to 10.
Atypical shape bias and categorization in autism: Evidence from children and computational simulations
Authors: Tovar Ángel Eugenio , Rodríguez‐Granados Angélica , Arias‐Trejo Natalia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe shape bias, a preference for mapping new word labels onto the shape rather than the color or texture of referents, has been postulated as a word‐learning mechanism. Previous research has shown deficits in the shape bias in children with autism even though they acquire sizeable lexicons. While previous explanations have suggested the atypical use of color for label extension in individuals with autism, we hypothesize an atypical mapping of novel labels to novel objects, regardless of the physical properties of the objects. In Experiment 1, we demonstrate this phenomenon in some individuals with autism, but the novelty of objects only partially explains their lack of shape bias. In a second experiment, we present a computational model that provides a developmental account of the shape bias in typically developing children and in those with autism. This model is based on theories of neurological dysfunctions in autism, and it integrates theoretical and empirical findings in the literature of categorization, word learning, and the shape bias. The model replicates the pattern of results of our first experiment and shows how individuals with autism are more likely to categorize experimental objects together on the basis of their novelty. It also provides insights into possible mechanisms by which children with autism learn new words, and why their word referents may be idiosyncratic. Our model highlights a developmental approach to autism that emphasizes deficient representations of categories underlying an impaired shape bias.
Perceiving gaze from head and eye rotations: An integrative challenge for children and adults
Authors: Mihalache Diana , Feng Huanghao , Askari Farzaneh , Sokol‐Hessner Peter , Moody Eric J. , Mahoor Mohammad H. , Sweeny Timothy D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGaze is an emergent visual feature. A person's gaze direction is perceived not just based on the rotation of their eyes, but also their head. At least among adults, this integrative process appears to be flexible such that one feature can be weighted more heavily than the other depending on the circumstances. Yet it is unclear how this weighting might vary across individuals or across development. When children engage emergent gaze, do they prioritize cues from the head and eyes similarly to adults? Is the perception of gaze among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emergent, or is it reliant on a single feature? Sixty adults (M = 29.86 years‐of‐age), thirty‐seven typically developing children and adolescents (M = 9.3 years‐of‐age; range = 7–15), and eighteen children with ASD (M = 9.72 years‐of‐age; range = 7–15) viewed faces with leftward, rightward, or direct head rotations in conjunction with leftward or rightward pupil rotations, and then indicated whether the face was looking leftward or rightward. All individuals, across development and ASD status, used head rotation to infer gaze direction, albeit with some individual differences. However, the use of pupil rotation was heavily dependent on age. Finally, children with ASD used pupil rotation significantly less than typically developing (TD) children when inferring gaze direction, even after accounting for age. Our approach provides a novel framework for understanding individual and group differences in gaze as it is actually perceived—as an emergent feature. Furthermore, this study begins to address an important gap in ASD literature, taking the first look at emergent gaze perception in this population.
High prevalence of Wolbachia infection does not explain unidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility of Altica flea beetles
Authors: Wei Jing , Segraves Kari A. , Xiao Bing‐Han , Li Wen‐Zhu , Yang Xing‐Ke , Xue Huai‐Jun 
Published: July 2019

1. Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria found in a wide range of arthropods that can impact reproductive isolation of their hosts. Previous studies showed unidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and high infection rates by Wolbachia in the closely related leaf beetles Altica fragariae and Altica viridicyanea; however, whether this reproductive isolation was induced by Wolbachia remains unclear.2. This study estimated the prevalence of Wolbachia in Altica beetles, assessed genetic diversity of Wolbachia strains infecting these beetles, and tested whether Wolbachia‐induced CI explains reproductive isolation of A. fragariae and A. viridicyanea.3. The results show that all of the 11 tested Altica species were infected by Wolbachia, and the infection rate was as high as 97.0% (n = 235). Multi‐strain infections were common, being found in 10 of the 11 species tested and accounting for 23.0% of all screened specimens. In total, 35 Wolbachia strains were identified based on 208 wsp sequences obtained. Although a majority of A. fragariae and A. viridicyanea individuals from the Beijing population were infected with only one strain each, multi‐strain infections did occur in both species. Antibiotic curing experiments did not change hatching success in either inter‐ or intraspecific crosses of A. fragariae and A. viridicyanea, indicating that these Wolbachia strains do not induce CI. These results were further corroborated by the lack of the Wolbachia cifB gene, which is responsible for causing CI.4. These findings suggest that high prevalence of Wolbachia infection is unlikely to contribute to reproductive isolation and speciation in this system.
Use of visual and olfactory cues of flowers of two brassicaceous species by insect pollinators
Authors: Barragán‐Fonseca Katherine Y. , van Loon Joop J.A. , Dicke Marcel , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani 
Published: July 2019

1. Pollinating insects exploit visual and olfactory cues associated with flower traits indicative of flower location and reward quality. Pollination can induce changes in these flower‐associated cues, thereby influencing the behaviour of flower visitors.2. This study investigated the main cues exploited by the syrphid flyEpisyrphus balteatusand the butterflyPieris brassicaewhen visiting flowers ofBrassica nigraandRaphanus sativusplants. Whether pollen is used as a cue and whether pollination‐induced changes affect flower volatile emission and the behavioural responses of the two pollinator species were also studied.3. Pollinator preference was investigated by offering visual and olfactory cues individually as well as simultaneously in two‐choice bioassays. Plant treatments included emasculation, hand‐pollination and untreated control plants. The composition of flower volatiles from pollinated and unpollinated control plants was analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.4. Both pollinators exhibited a strong bias for visual cues over olfactory cues. Neither pollinator used pollen as a cue. However,E. balteatusdiscriminated between newly opened and long‐open flowers at short distance only when pollen was available. Flower visits by pollinators were influenced by pollination‐induced changes inB. nigrabut notR. sativusflowers.Pieris brassicaeonly responded to pollination‐induced changes when visual and olfactory cues were offered simultaneously. The blend of volatiles emitted byB. nigra, but notR. sativusinflorescences was affected by pollination.5. Collectively, the findings of this study show that different pollinators exploit different visual and olfactory traits when searching for flowers of two brassicaceous plant species.