bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Faecal microbiota from patients with cirrhosis has a low capacity to ferment non‐digestible carbohydrates into short‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Jin Mingliang , Kalainy Sylvia , Baskota Nami , Chiang Diana , Deehan Edward C. , McDougall Chelsea , Tandon Puneeta , Martínez Inés , Cervera Carlos , Walter Jens , Abraldes Juan G. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsCirrhosis is associated with dysbiosis, but its functional consequences are still largely unknown. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) account for physiological interactions between the gut microbiota and host. Our aim was to assess the impact of cirrhotic dysbiosis on the production of SCFAs.MethodsSeventeen patients with cirrhosis and 17 controls were selected. Microbiota composition in faecal samples was assessed by next‐generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. SCFAs were measured with GC‐MS in faecal samples and after in vitro batch fermentations using arabinoxylan, resistant starch, pectin, and lactulose as substrates.ResultsAmong the 17 cirrhotic patients (mean age 58, eight males), six, nine and two were, respectively, Child‐Pugh class A, B and C. Eleven patients were on oral antibiotics, 11 on lactulose and 13 on proton pump inhibitors. Cirrhotic patients showed marked differences in the composition and diversity of gut microbiome when compared to controls, that were more pronounced with increased severity. Stool samples from cirrhotic patients showed lower SCFAs content and reduced capacity to produce SCFAs in batch fermentations, with butyrate production being the most abnormal. These functional aberrancies were more pronounced with greater liver disease severity. Abundance of Ruminococcus faecis (in family Ruminococcaceae), Faecalicatena fissicatena and Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans (in family Lachnospiraceae) was positively correlated with the SCFAs production.ConclusionCirrhotic dysbiosis is associated with a decreased capacity to ferment non‐digestible carbohydrates into SCFAs, especially into butyrate. These functional abnormalities are more pronounced as disease progresses. These results might inform the design of gut‐targeted therapies for cirrhosis.
Impacts of cigarette smoking on liver fibrosis and its regression under therapy in male patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xiong Ming , Li Junying , Yang Shuling , Zeng Fansen , Ji Yali , Liu Jiang , Wu Qiaoping , He Qingjun , Tang Xiaoting , Jiang Ronglong , Zhou Fuyuan , Chen Yongpeng , Wen Weiqun , Chen Jinjun , Hou Jinlin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground & AimsThe role of cigarette smoking in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains poorly understood. We assessed the potential contributions of cigarette smoking to liver fibrosis and its regression after starting antiviral therapy in CHB patients.MethodsIn this cohort study, 2144 consecutive male CHB patients under no antiviral therapy were evaluated and 206 patients with significant liver fibrosis (≥F2) initiating antiviral therapy had longitudinal follow‐up. Liver fibrosis was measured by liver stiffness measurement using transient elastography. To adjust for imbalances between smoking history and never smoking groups, propensity score (PS) matching model with 1:1 ratios were performed. Cigarette smoking history and intensity (pack‐years) were collected and documented using a standardized questionnaire.ResultsBefore PS matching, 432/2144 patients had advanced fibrosis in prevalence cohort. Patients with smoking history (n = 1002) had a greater prevalence of advanced fibrosis than those without (n = 1142) (24.4% vs 16.5%, P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that smoking contributed to advanced fibrosis (OR, 1.458; 95% CI, 1.114‐1.908). In longitudinal cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated retarded fibrosis regression in patients with history of smoking ≥10 pack‐years (OR, 0.288; 95% CI, 0.1‐0.825). After PS matching, patients with smoking history had higher prevalence of advanced fibrosis (22.8% vs 18%, P = 0.024) than those non‐smokers. In post‐PS‐matching logistic regression, the effect of smoking on advanced fibrosis persisted (OR, 1.415; 95% CI, 1.047‐1.912; P = 0.024).ConclusionsCigarette smoking in male CHB patients aggravated liver fibrosis prior to and delayed fibrosis regression under antiviral therapy.
A microchondrule‐bearing micrometeorite and comparison with microchondrules in CM chondrites
Authors: Suttle M. D. , Genge M. J. , Salge T. , Lee M. R. , Folco L. , Góral T. , Russell S. S. , Lindgren P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report the discovery of a partially altered microchondrule within a fine‐grained micrometeorite. This object is circular, <10 μm in diameter, and has a cryptocrystalline texture, internal zonation, and a thin S‐bearing rim. These features imply a period of post‐accretion parent body aqueous alteration, in which the former glassy igneous texture was subject to hydration and phyllosilicate formation as well as leaching of fluid‐mobile elements. We compare this microchondrule to three microchondrules found in two CM chondrites: Elephant Moraine (EET) 96029 and Murchison. In all instances, their formation appears closely linked to the late stages of chondrule formation, chondrule recycling, and fine‐grained rim accretion. Likewise, they share cryptocrystalline textures and evidence of mild aqueous alteration and thus similar histories. We also investigate the host micrometeorite's petrology, which includes an unusually Cr‐rich mineralogy, containing both Mn‐chromite spinel and low‐Fe‐Cr‐rich (LICE) anhydrous silicates. Because these two refractory phases cannot form together in a single geochemical reservoir under equilibrium condensation, this micrometeorite's accretionary history requires a complex timeline with formation via nonequilibrium batch crystallization or accumulation of materials from large radial distances. In contrast, the bulk composition of this micrometeorite and its internal textures are consistent with a hydrated carbonaceous chondrite source. This micrometeorite is interpreted as a fragment of fine‐grained rim material that once surrounded a larger parent chondrule and was derived from a primitive carbonaceous parent body; either a CM chondrite or Jupiter family comet.
Influence of occupation history and habitat on Washington sea otter diet
Authors: Hale Jessica R. , Laidre Kristin L. , Tinker M. Tim , Jameson Ronald J. , Jeffries Steven J. , Larson Shawn E. , Bodkin James L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHabitat characteristics are primary determinants of nearshore marine communities. However, biological drivers like predation can also be important for community composition. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris ssp.) are a salient example of a keystone species exerting top‐down control on ecosystem community structure. The translocation and subsequent population growth and range expansion of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Washington State over the last five decades has created a spatio‐temporal gradient in sea otter occupation time and density, and acts as a natural experiment to quantify how sea otter population status and habitat type influence sea otter diet. We collected focal observations of sea otters foraging at sites across the gradient in varying habitat types between 2010 and 2017. We quantified sea otter diet composition and diversity, and long‐term rates of energy gain across the gradient. We found that sea otter diet diversity was positively correlated with cumulative sea otter density, while rate of energy gain was negatively correlated with cumulative density. Additionally, we found that habitat type explained 1.77 times more variance in sea otter diet composition than sea otter cumulative density. Long‐term diet studies can provide a broader picture of sea otter population status in Washington State.
TfmR, a novel TetR‐family transcriptional regulator, modulates the virulence of Xanthomonas citri in response to fatty acids
Authors: Teper Doron , Zhang Yanan , Wang Nian 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThe type III secretion system (T3SS) is required for Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) virulence by translocating effectors into host cytoplasm to promote disease development. The T3SS is controlled by the master transcriptional regulators HrpG and HrpX. While the function of HrpG and HrpX are well characterized, their upstream regulation remains elusive. By using transposon mutagenesis, we identified XAC3052, a TetR‐family transcriptional regulator, which regulates T3SS gene expression. Deletion of XAC3052 caused significant reduction in the expression of T3SS and effector genes in vitro and in planta; as well as reduction of virulence in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Overexpression of hrpG restored the virulence of ∆XAC3052, suggesting that the loss of virulence is caused by reduction of T3SS gene expression. XAC3052 directly binds to the promoter region and represses the transcription of fadE, mhpC and fadH genes. FadE, MhpC and FadH are not involved in T3SS regulation, but involved in fatty acid catabolism. ∆XAC3052 displays altered fatty acid composition and retarded growth in environments limited in fatty acids. Exogenously supplemented long‐chain fatty acids activate the fadE/mhpC promoter and suppress T3SS promoters in wild‐type Xac but not in ∆XAC3052. Moreover, the binding of XAC3052 to its target promoter was disrupted by long‐chain fatty acids in vitro. Herein, XAC3052 is designated as TfmR (T3SS and Fatty acid Mechanism Regulator). This study identifies a novel regulator of fatty acid metabolism and suggests that fatty acids play an important role in the metabolic control of virulence in Xcc.
Structure and Process in the Old Frenchjeu‐parti
Authors: MASON JOSEPH W. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTPrevious analytical studies of trouvère song have tended to focus on the structural aspects of the songs. This leaves little room for a consideration of text‐music relationships beyond the first stanza of a song. This article proposes that the analytical constructs of structure and process may be used to reach a wider range of analytical readings. The study focuses on the Old French corpus ofjeux‐partis, sung debates composed by the trouvères (poet‐singers) in northern France in the thirteenth century. When a poet‐singer composed the first stanza of ajeu‐parti, they negotiated the stylistic conventions of the genre. These conventions are the first structure – a structure of expectation – with which trouvères are in dialogue in the process of composition. The first part of the article establishes what the stylistic conventions of thejeu‐partiare. After the first stanza of ajeu‐partiwas composed, the two opposing trouvères negotiated the melodic and poetic structure that was established in the first stanza by exploiting the structures latent in thejeu‐partimelody, creating interlocking structures of music and text that change from one stanza to the next. The second part of the article analyses onejeu‐partiin detail to demonstrate how this was done.
A case of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency enzyme deficiency carrying a novel mutation
Authors: Khosa Shaweta , Girard David , Khosa Gurveer S. , Srivastava Soma S. , Mishra Shri K. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme deficiency is the most common genetic cause of elevated levels of homocysteine in the plasma (hyperhomocysteinemia). We describe a 22‐year‐old male, who presented to the clinic with history of MTHFR deficiency and homocystinuria. At baseline, the patient was nonverbal, wheelchair‐bound with seizures since young age. Physical examination showed increased spasticity and weakness in bilateral lower extremities. Elevated levels of homocysteine were seen in the serum. Genetic testing revealed a single homozygous pathogenic mutation in c.1699C>T p. R587x. not previously reported for homocystinuria. Our patient carries a unique single homozygous pathogenic mutation c.1699C>T p. R587x leading to homocystinuria that hasn't been described before. More research is required to identify the pathophysiology of this mutation and role in other diseases.
Functional regression models for South African economic indicators: a growth curve perspective
Authors: Mangisa Siphumlile , Das Sonali , Ray Surajit , Sharp Gary 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we compare three functional regression models from a growth curve perspective to predict the relationship between two economic variables, specifically we compare a functional concurrent model, a functional historical model and a functional autoregressive model (FAR). The dependent and the independent variables are cumulated over the annual time window for the growth curve analyses. These models are used to predict exports (real) for the South African economy in terms of electricity demand. The data analysed consist of 33 years of exports (inZARmillion) at annual quarterly frequency, and electricity demand (in GwH) at monthly totals. Exploratory analysis included phase‐plane plots for the two series. For the prediction exercise, the baseline concurrent model was evaluated against the other two models, and their performance compared using the root‐mean‐square error (RSME) measure, the relative performance in terms of the ratio of theRMSEs, and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov based hypothesis test to compare the distributions of theRMSEs of the models. Our results show that from the growth curve perspective, for the prediction of exports in terms of electricity for theSAeconomy, theFARmodel of lag(1) outperforms both the concurrent model and the historical model by far.
Sivelestat sodium hydrate treatment for refractory Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ebata Ryota , Yasukawa Kumi , Nagai Kazue , Saito Yuko , Higashi Kouji , Homma Jun , Takada Nobuyuki , Takechi Fumie , Saito Naoki , Kobayashi Hironobu , Okunushi Kentaro , Hamada Hiromichi , Kohno Yoichi , Hanaoka Hideki , Shimojo Naoki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is still no definite treatment for refractory Kawasaki disease (KD). In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new protocol consisting of sivelestat sodium hydrate (SSH) combined with additional i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) for KD resistant to initial IVIG therapy.MethodsThis study is a prospective non‐randomized, open‐label and single‐arm study undertaken in a population of refractory KD patients at Chiba University Hospital from December 2006 to March 2016. The subjects had KD resistant to initial IVIG (2 g/kg) and received SSH (0.2 mg/kg/h for 5 days) combined with additional IVIG (2 g/kg) as a second‐line therapy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the treatment during the study period.ResultsForty‐six KD patients were enrolled in this study and no serious adverse event was noted. Of these, 45 patients were evaluated for the incidence of coronary artery lesions, which occurred in one patient (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.5–15.2). Twenty‐eight (62.2%) responded promptly and were afebrile after the therapy. The median total duration of fever was 8 days (range, 6–28 days).ConclusionsAdditional IVIG combined with SSH as a second‐line therapy for KD refractory to initial IVIG therapy was safe and well tolerated and could be a promising option for severe KD. Further investigations are expected to clarify the safety and timing of SSH treatment for KD.
Association of maternal risk factors with the recent rise of neural tube defects in Canada
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Evans Jane , MacFarlane Amanda J. , Ananth Cande V. , Little Julian , Kramer Michael S. , Joseph K. S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to assess the recent trend in NTD prevalence at birth in the post‐folic acid food fortification era and to identify the maternal risk factors associated with that trend.MethodsWe carried out a population‐based study of all livebirths and stillbirths (including late pregnancy terminations) delivered in hospitals in Canada (excluding Quebec) from 2004 to 2015 (n = 3 439 330). We examined NTD birth prevalence by year, multiple pregnancy, maternal age, parity, pregestational diabetes, chronic illness, and problematic substance use. Poisson regression was used to quantify the association between spina bifida and cranial defects and maternal characteristics and other risk factors.ResultsWe identified 1517 non‐chromosomal NTDs, yielding a birth prevalence of 4.4 per 10 000 total births. NTD prevalence rose from 3.6 in 2004 to 4.6 per 10 000 in 2015 (Ptrend = 0.03). Among NTD subtypes, only spina bifida showed a temporal increase (Ptrend = 0.03). Birth prevalence of spina bifida was higher among younger mothers, those with type 2 diabetes (rate ratio (RR) 3.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.21, 6.35), chronic illness (RR 3.16, 95% CI 1.97, 5.07), and problematic substance use (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.31, 2.71). Adjusting for risk factors attenuated the significant temporal trend in spina bifida (unadjusted average annual prevalence ratio (aAAPR) 1.016, 95% CI 1.001, 1.032; adjusted AAPR 1.014, 95% CI 0.998, 1.029).ConclusionsIncreases in the frequency of maternal risk factors such as pregestational diabetes mellitus, substance use, and chronic illness may be partly responsible for the recent rise in NTDs, particularly spina bifida.
Association between longitudinal clinical outcomes in patients with hip fracture and their pre‐fracture place of residence
Authors: Balzer‐Geldsetzer Monika , Buecking Benjamin , Ruchholtz Steffen , Kis Bernhard , Dodel Richard , Hessmann Philipp 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundClinical outcomes of patients with proximal femoral fracture within 1 year after hospitalization are presented. In particular, associations between the patients' clinical status and their pre‐fracture residence were evaluated (community‐dwelling vs nursing home).MethodsPatients aged ≥60 years with proximal femoral fractures were included in a prospective, single‐centre observational study and followed for 12 months. Patients' clinical status at baseline was compared to their health status at follow‐up 12 months later. Several standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate the patients' functional and cognitive capacity (e.g. Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Barthel Index, and Mini‐Mental State Examination), mobility (timed up‐and‐go test, Tinetti Test, and Harris Hip Score), quality of life (EuroQol‐5 Dimensions index and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale), and psychological status (Geriatric Depression Scale).ResultsThis study included 402 patients (mean age: 81.3 ± 8.2 years, 72% women). Patients stayed in hospital for 13.7 ± 6.1 days on average. The comparison of patients' clinical status at baseline and at 12‐month follow‐up revealed that the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Charlson Comorbidity Index remained unchanged (P = 0.527 and P = 0.705), the level of depression (Geriatric Depression Scale) significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and quality of life (EuroQol‐5 Dimensions index) diminished (P < 0.001). Although patients' mobility increased after 12 months (P < 0.001 for timed up‐and‐go test and Harris Hip Score), their functional capacity was significantly reduced (P < 0.001 for Barthel Index and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale). Nursing home residents showed a significantly higher impairment at baseline than community‐dwelling individuals and less improvement in functional and cognitive tests at 12‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsClinical outcomes after hip fracture are significantly associated with patients' pre‐fracture residence status. Place of residence as well as functional and cognitive status on admission may lead to differences in functional recovery and affect therapeutic and rehabilitative decision‐making.
A review of fish identification methods applied on small fish
Authors: Sandford Marade , Castillo Gonzalo , Hung Tien‐Chieh 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMost of the research on marking of aquatic organisms has been done using large organisms since they tend to have better retention rates, their swimming behaviour is less affected by the size of the tag, they have less trauma due to injectable tags or from the injector itself and they are easier to handle and able to withstand the stress of tagging and recapture. The development of small tags has grown from a necessity to study smaller fish species, earlier life stages of fish and to study other small aquatic organisms. As an endangered species, delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) are being intensively studied in the upper San Francisco Estuary (CA, USA). A crucial part of many of these studies is tracking delta smelt, which requires a distinctive mark on each individual or group of fish. Unfortunately, many of the experimental fish suffer inadvertent mortality, as delta smelt are very sensitive to environmental and handling stress. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the different tagging and marking studies on small fish and aquatic organisms and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method for applications on sensitive species such as delta smelt. This review suggests the most effective methods for tracking delta smelt are visible implant alphanumeric (VIA) tagging and adipose fin clips for subadult to adult fish and calcein marks for young life stages. Among these methods, only VIA tagging currently provides individual organism identification.
Transmission of bacteria in bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Low burden of cough aerosols
Authors: Stockwell Rebecca E. , Chin Melanie , Johnson Graham R. , Wood Michelle E. , Sherrard Laura J. , Ballard Emma , O'Rourke Peter , Ramsay Kay A. , Kidd Timothy J. , Jabbour Nassib , Thomson Rachel M. , Knibbs Luke D. , Morawska Lidia , Bell Scott C. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveAerosol transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been suggested as a possible mode of respiratory infection spread in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF); however, whether this occurs in other suppurative lung diseases is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to determine if (i) patients with bronchiectasis (unrelated to CF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can aerosolize P. aeruginosa during coughing and (ii) if genetically indistinguishable (shared) P. aeruginosa strains are present in these disease cohorts.MethodsPeople with bronchiectasis or COPD and P. aeruginosa respiratory infection were recruited for two studies. Aerosol study: Participants (n = 20) underwent cough testing using validated cough rigs to determine the survival of P. aeruginosa aerosols in the air over distance and duration. Genotyping study: P. aeruginosa sputum isolates (n = 95) were genotyped using the iPLEX20SNP platform, with a subset subjected to the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC‐PCR) assay to ascertain their genetic relatedness.Results
Aerosol study: Overall, 7 of 20 (35%) participants released P. aeruginosa cough aerosols during at least one of the cough aerosol tests. These cough aerosols remained viable for 4 m from the source and for 15 min after coughing. The mean total aerosol count of P. aeruginosa at 2 m was two colony‐forming units. Typing study: No shared P. aeruginosa strains were identified.ConclusionLow viable count of P. aeruginosa cough aerosols and a lack of shared P. aeruginosa strains observed suggest that aerosol transmission of P. aeruginosa is an unlikely mode of respiratory infection spread in patients with bronchiectasis and COPD.