bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli increase extracytoplasmic polysaccharide biosynthesis for serum resistance in response to bloodstream signals
Authors: Ma Jiale , An Chunxia , Jiang Fengwei , Yao Huochun , Logue Catherine , Nolan Lisa K. , Li Ganwu 
Published: May 2018

SummaryExtraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections. Characteristically, these organisms exhibit strong resistance to the bactericidal action of host serum. Although numerous serum resistance factors in ExPEC have been identified, their regulatory mechanisms during in vivo infection remain largely unknown. Here, RNA sequencing analyses together with quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR revealed that ExPEC genes involved in the biosynthesis of extracytoplasmic polysaccharides (ECPs) including K‐capsule, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), colanic acid, peptidoglycan and Yjb exopolysaccharides were significantly upregulated in response to serum under low oxygen conditions and during bloodstream infection. The oxygen sensor FNR directly activated the expression of K‐capsule and colanic acid and also indirectly modulated the expression of colanic acid, Yjb exopolysaccharides and peptidoglycan via the known Rcs regulatory system. The global regulator Fur directly or indirectly repressed the expression ofECP biosynthesis genes in iron replete media, whereas the low iron conditions in the bloodstream could relieve Fur repression. Using in vitro and animal models, FNR, Fur and the Rcs system were confirmed as contributing to ExPEC ECP production, serum resistance and virulence. Altogether, these findings indicated that the global regulators FNR andFur and the signaling transduction system Rcs coordinately regulated the expression of ECP biosynthesis genes leading to increased ExPEC serum resistance in response to low oxygen and low iron levels in the bloodstream.
High‐level, constitutive expression of the mgtC gene confers increased thermotolerance on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Gall Aaron R. , Hegarty Annie E. , Datsenko Kirill A. , Westerman Richard P. , SanMiguel Phillip , Csonka Laszlo N. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryWe found that mutations that increased the transcription of the mgtCBR (Mg2+ transport‐related) operon conferred increased thermotolerance on this organism. The 5′ leader of the mgtCBR mRNA contains two short open reading frames (ORFs), mgtM and mgtP, whose translation regulates the expression of the mgtCBR operon by a mechanism that is similar to attenuation in amino acid biosynthetic operons. We obtained two types of mutations that resulted in elevated transcription of the operon: defects in the mgtM ribosome‐binding site, impairing the translation of this ORF and deletions encompassing the stop codon of mgtM that extend the translation of this ORF across a downstream Rho termination site. These mgtM mutations give further insights into the mechanism of the transcriptional control of the mgtCBR operon that we discuss in this work. We show that the increased thermotolerance requires elevated expression of the mgtC gene, but functional mgtB and mgtR, which respectively encode an Mg2+ transporter and a regulatory protein, are dispensable for this response. MgtC has been shown to have complex functions, including a requirement for virulence, flagella‐independent motility and synthesis of cellulose and we now found that it has a role in the regulation of thermotolerance.
Potential value of soluble APPαand APPβin CSF as biomarkers of dementia disorders: Unresolved issues and perspectives
Authors: Araki Wataru , Araki Yumiko M , Mizusawa Hidehiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe significance of fluid biomarkers in the clinical evaluation of dementia disorders has been established. Among such biomarkers, tau (phosphorylated tau and total tau) and amyloid β‐protein 42 (Aβ42) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) stand out as relatively reliable biomarkers of Alzheimer‐type dementia and are now included in recently announced diagnostic guidelines. However, these biomarkers still have some limitations, including variability issues; thus, additional biomarkers would benefit earlier diagnosis of dementia disorders. TheCSFsoluble amyloid precursor proteins,sAPPα andsAPPβ—direct metabolites ofAPPproduced by α‐secretase– and β‐secretase–mediated cleavage—are potential biomarker candidates. However, there have been conflicting reports on their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. In this mini review, we consider recent biomarker studies onsAPPs with a special reference to their relevance to the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease. We also discuss unresolved issues, such as those relating to methodology, and provide perspectives for future research.
A case of incomplete Miller Fisher syndrome associated with multiple cranial neuritis and sphincter disturbance
Authors: Hosokawa Kyoko , Suzuki Hidefumi , Ono Michio , Kojima Yasuhiro , Kanda Masutaro , Shibasaki Hiroshi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA 60‐year‐old man, following diarrhea for 2 weeks, acutely developed double vision, unsteady gait, and difficulty in urination, followed by severe dysphagia and bilateral peripheral facial palsy. In view of the preserved anal sphincter and bulbocavernosus reflexes, the sphincter disturbance was ascribed to a brainstem lesion. Serum antibodies against gangliosides including GQ1b were negative. With the clinical diagnosis of incomplete Miller Fisher syndrome combined with multiple cranial neuritis and a possible brainstem lesion, the patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, and most symptoms have improved.
Fulminant Guillain–Barré syndrome with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Report of an autopsied case
Authors: Takemoto Mami , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Hishikawa Nozomi , Sato Kota , Tsunoda Keiichiro , Shang Jingwei , Deguchi Kentaro , Tanaka Takehiro , Nishimura Hirotake , Furutani Masumi , Abe Koji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report a case of a 77‐year‐old Japanese man with a fever of up to 39.0°C, which subsided after 5 days. The patient showed fulminant Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), severe autonomic dysfunction with a labile blood pressure, an unstable heart rate from onset to death, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Although Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was ameliorated by Day 14 (from admission in the hospital) with a normalized electrocardiogram, his blood pressure became markedly more variable and he died on Day 26. In the present report, we describe an autopsied case of GBS with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
Exploratory evaluation of a commercially available Japanese medical record database as an external control for comparative clinical trials in new drug development: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fukamachi Saeko , Hashiguchi Masayuki , Takahashi Kunihiko , Mochizuki Mayumi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractClinical trials with internal control groups may not always be feasible, especially for rare diseases. We performed an exploratory evaluation of the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. (MDV) medical record database as an external control in clinical trials for drug development. Survival curves for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in the MDV database were compared with those for ALS patients in phase 3 trials of riluzole inside (1997) and outside (1996) Japan. Considering the time difference between MDV data collection (2008–2016) and riluzole trials (1996–1997), survival curves for ALS patients in the riluzole‐prescribed group in the MDV database and the placebo group in a celecoxib phase 3 trial (2006) in which 71% of patients received riluzole as first‐line treatment were also compared. The MDV database survival curves for the riluzole‐not prescribed and riluzole‐prescribed groups differed markedly from those for placebo groups and riluzole groups in two riluzole phase 3 trials. The survival curve for the placebo group in a celecoxib phase 3 trial was similar to that for the riluzole‐prescribed group in the MDV database until around 300 days after the start of observation. Our results were consistent with reports that patients diagnosed with ALS more recently survived longer and had slower disease progression than those diagnosed earlier. External comparative controls should consist of patient data collected in the same time period as when clinical trials were performed if the natural history of a disease is changing.
Lymphocytic esophagitis: an update on histologic diagnosis, endoscopic findings, and natural history
Authors: Patil Deepa T. , Hammer Suntrea , Langer Rupert , Yantiss Rhonda K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLymphocytic esophagitis is a histologic pattern of injury characterized by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (>20/high‐power field) with rare, or absent granulocytes. Lymphocytes tend to be more numerous in the peripapillary epithelium, and are often associated with evidence of mucosal injury, edema, and scattered dyskeratotic cells. More than a decade following its original description, lymphocytic esophagitis remains an enigmatic entity with variable clinical presentations, associated disorders, etiologies, treatment, and natural history. Most of the confusion regarding the clinical significance of this disorder stems from its diagnostic criteria: lymphocytic esophagitis is currently defined based entirely on histologic criteria, despite the common occurrence of lymphocytosis in a variety of unrelated inflammatory conditions of the esophagus. The goal of this review is to summarize the literature regarding lymphocytic esophagitis and focus on key clinicopathologic features that distinguish it from other esophageal disorders that can show increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes.
When your patient's parent asks: “My child's alopecia areata is not getting better. Should he or she get tested for celiac disease?”
Authors: Kaplan Laura , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease has been suspected for more than 20 years. For a particular individual with alopecia areata, the risk of coexisting celiac disease and the potential benefit of a gluten‐free diet on hair loss or regrowth is known. Despite this limited information, patients often aske dermatologists whether they should undergo celiac disease testing or begin a gluten‐free diet. We reviewed all available studies of the relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease to provide guidance to practicing clinicians.
Behavioural response of Lucilia sericata to a decaying body infested by necrophagous insects
Authors: Martin Clément , Verheggen François 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNumerous insect species are necrophagous, with Dipterans and Coleopterans being the most abundant on a corpse. Whether the presence of necrophageous species on a corpse affects the attraction of adult blowflies to the corpse is sparsely studied. We test the hypothesis that Lucilia sericata can discriminate the odour of a noncolonized cadaver from the odour of a cadaver on which conspecific and/or heterospecific necrophagous insects are feeding. The volatile organic compounds are collected from decomposing rats under four modalities: (i) in the absence of insects; (ii) in the presence of L. sericata adults; (iii) in the presence of Dermestes frischii adults; (iv) and in the presence of both D. frischii adults and L. sericata adults. During a multiple‐choice bioassay, blowflies are exposed to the four odour samples, and are shown to prefer the odour of a corpse where conspecific larvae are present. We also expect blowflies to avoid cadavers on which predators where present, although L. sericata are not repulsed by the odour of a cadaver colonized by hide beetles. We then compare the average quantities of all 61 volatile molecules identified, finding that the presence of necrophagous insects impacts some of them. However, none of the volatile organic compounds previously reported in the literature as being attractive for L. sericata adults are impacted by the presence of necrophagous insects. The results of the present study suggest that blowfly larvae modify the volatilome of a corpse, enabling adults to discriminate a colonized from a noncolonized corpse.
Th1 immune response to Plasmodium falciparum recombinant thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP) antigen is enhanced by TLR3‐specific adjuvant, poly(I:C) in BALB/c mice
Authors: Mehrizi A. A. , Ameri Torzani M. , Zakeri S. , Jafary Zadeh A. , Babaeekhou L. 
Published: May 2018

SummarySporozoite‐based malaria vaccines have provided a gold standard for malaria vaccine development, and thrombospondin‐related adhesive protein (TRAP) serves as the main vaccine candidate antigen on sporozoites. As recombinant malaria vaccine candidate antigens are poorly immunogenic, additional appropriate immunostimulants, such as an efficient adjuvant, are highly essential to modulate Th1‐cell predominance and also to induce a protective and long‐lived immune response. In this study, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], the ligand of TLR3, was considered as the potential adjuvant for vaccines targeting stronger Th1‐based immune responses. For this purpose, BALB/c mice were immunized with rPfTRAP delivered in putative poly(I:C) adjuvant, and humoural and cellular immune responses were determined in different immunized mouse groups. Delivery of rPfTRAP with poly(I:C) induced high levels and titres of persisted and also high‐avidity anti‐rPfTRAP IgG antibodies comparable to complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)/incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) adjuvant after the second boost. In addition, rPfTRAP formulated with poly(I:C) elicited a higher ratio of IFN‐γ/IL‐5, IgG2a/IgG1, and IgG2b/IgG1 than with CFA/IFA, indicating that poly(I:C) supports the induction of a stronger Th1‐based immune response. This is a first time study which reveals the potential of rPfTRAP delivery in poly(I:C) to increase the level, avidity and durability of both anti‐PfTRAP cytophilic antibodies and Th1 cytokines.
Safety profile of uncrossmatched, cold‐stored, low‐titer, group O+ whole blood in civilian trauma patients
Authors: Seheult Jansen N. , Bahr Marshall , Anto Vincent , Alarcon Louis H. , Corcos Alain , Sperry Jason L. , Triulzi Darrell J. , Yazer Mark H. 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUNDThe use of cold‐stored low‐titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) for civilian trauma patients is gaining popularity. However, hemolysis might occur among non–group O recipients. This study evaluated the serologic safety of transfusing up to 4 units of LTOWB.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHypotensive male and at least 50‐year‐old female trauma patients who received leukoreduced, uncrossmatched, group O+, low‐titer (<50 anti‐A and anti‐B), platelet‐replete whole blood during initial resuscitation were included in this prospective, observational study. Biochemical markers of hemolysis were measured on the day of LTOWB receipt (Day 0) and over the next 2 days. Blood product administration in the first 24 hours of admission and reported transfusion‐associated adverse events were also reviewed.RESULTSThere were 102 non–group O and 70 group O recipients of 1 to 4 LTOWB units analyzed. The non–group O recipients received a median volume of 600 mL (range, 300‐4100 mL) of ABO‐incompatible plasma, including the contribution from the LTOWB units. There were no significant differences in median haptoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, creatinine, or potassium levels at any time point between the non–group O and group O recipients. There were also no differences in these markers between the subset of 23 non–group O and 14 group O recipients who received 3 or 4 LTOWB units. No transfusion‐associated adverse events were reported.CONCLUSIONSAdministration of up to 4 units of LTOWB in civilian trauma resuscitation was not associated with clinical or biochemical evidence of hemolysis. Six units per trauma patient are now permitted at these institutions.
Optimized adipose tissue engineering strategy based on a neo‐mechanical processing method
Authors: He Yunfan , Lin Maohui , Wang Xuecen , Guan Jingyan , Dong Ziqing , Lu Feng , Xing Malcolm , Feng Chuanbo , Li Xiaojian 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTDecellularized adipose tissue (DAT) represents a promising scaffold for adipose tissue engineering. However, the unique and prolonged lipid removal process required for adipose tissue can damage extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents. Moreover, inadequate vascularization limits the recellularization of DAT in vivo. We proposed a neo‐mechanical protocol for rapidly breaking adipocytes and removing lipid content from adipose tissue. The lipid‐depleted adipose tissue was then subjected to a fast and mild decellularization to fabricate high‐quality DAT (M‐DAT). Adipose liquid extract (ALE) derived from this mechanical process was collected and incorporated into M‐DAT to further optimize in vivo recellularization. Ordinary DAT was fabricated and served as a control. This developed strategy was evaluated based on decellularization efficiency, ECM quality, and recellularization efficiency. Angiogenic factor components and angiogenic potential of ALE were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. M‐DAT achieved the same decellularization efficiency, but exhibited better retention of ECM components and recellularization, compared with those with ordinary DAT. Protein quantification revealed considerable levels of angiogenic factors (basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) in ALE. ALE promoted tube formation in vitro and induced intense angiogenesis in M‐DAT in vivo; furthermore, higher expression of the adipogenic factor PPARγ and greater numbers of adipocytes were evident following ALE treatment, compared with those in the M‐DAT group. Mechanical processing of adipose tissue led to the production of high‐quality M‐DAT and angiogenic factor‐enriched ALE. The combination of ALE and M‐DAT could be a promising strategy for engineered adipose tissue construction.
Distress during airway sampling in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Chau Jun Ting , Peebles Karen , Belessis Yvonne , Jaffe Adam , Doumit Michael 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundOropharyngeal suction and oropharyngeal swab are two methods of obtaining airway samples with similar diagnostic accuracy in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The primary aim was comparing distress between suctioning and swabbing. A secondary aim was establishing the reliability of the Groningen Distress Rating Scale (GDRS).MethodsRandomised oropharyngeal suction or swab occurred over two visits. Two physiotherapists and the child’s parent rated distress using the GDRS. Heart rate (HR) was also measured.Results24 children with CF, mean age of 3 years, participated. Both physiotherapist and parent rating showed significantly higher distress levels during suction than swab. Inter-rater reliability for the GDRS was very good between physiotherapists, and good between physiotherapist and parents.ConclusionThe study found that oropharyngeal swab is less distressing in obtaining samples than oropharyngeal suction and that the GDRS was reliable and valid.
Effects of a home-based participatory play intervention on infant and young child nutrition: a randomised evaluation among low-income households in El Alto, Bolivia
Authors: Martinez Sebastian , Johannsen Julia , Gertner Gaston , Franco Jorge , Perez Exposito Ana B , Bartolini Rosario M , Condori Irma , Ayllón Jhovanna Flores , Llanque Ramiro , Alvarado Nohora , Lunstedt Christian , Ferrufino Cecilia , Reinaga Teresa , Chumacero Mauricio , Foronda Carlos , Albarracin Santiago , Aguilar Ana Maria 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundStunting affects child survival and is a key indicator of child well-being. Therefore, reducing stunting is a global goal. Improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices is a recommended approach to reduce the risk of mortality and ameliorate nutritional status. Behavioural change interventions have the potential to improve IYCF practices.MethodsWe evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative behavioural change strategy on caregiver’s knowledge, IYCF practices and nutritional status of children from low-income households in El Alto, Bolivia. Home visits used culturally adapted participatory play strategies to promote recommended IYCF practices. A total of 2014 households with children younger than 12 months at baseline were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups.FindingsCaregiver knowledge and IYCF practices improved by 0.2 SD, as did food expenditures on recommended foods and dietary diversity. No significant effects were detected on anthropometric indicators or anaemia. Treatment compliance was 88% of households at enrolment and 66% at completion.InterpretationParticipatory play-based behavioural change strategies are a promising delivery model to improve recommended IYCF practices. After 30 months of intervention, we found sustained positive effects on caregiver’s knowledge and IYCF practices but no effect on nutritional status. Despite the lack of effect on linear growth and anaemia, our results highlight the relevance of implementing interventions that improve IYCF practices due to their importance for early development and prevention of obesity. Other contextual variables, apart from diet, that could be limiting children’s growth potential in this population need to be identified to design holistic approaches that improve child well-being and human capital.
Prevalence of tobacco use and perceptions of student health professionals about cessation training: results from Global Health Professions Students Survey
Authors: Sreeramareddy Chandrashekhar T , Ramakrishnareddy N , Rahman Mahbubur , Mir Imtiyaz Ali 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionHealth professionals play an important role in providing advice to their patients about tobacco prevention and cessation. Health professionals who use tobacco may be deterred from providing cessation advice and counselling to their patients. We aimed to provide prevalence estimates of tobacco use among student health professionals and describe their attitudes towards tobacco cessation training.MethodsCountry-wise aggregate data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey on ‘current cigarette smoking’(smoking cigarettes on 1 or more days during the past 30 days), and ‘currentuse of tobacco products other than cigarettes’(chewing tobacco, snuff, bidis, cigars or pipes, 1 or more days during the past 30 days) were analysed. For each WHO region, we estimated mean prevalence rates of tobacco use weighted by the population of the sampling frame and aggregate proportions for ‘health professionals’ role’and ‘cessation training’indicators using ‘metaprop’ command on Stata V.11.ResultsA total of 107 527 student health professionals participated in 236 surveys done in four health profession disciplines spanning 70 countries with response rates ranging from 40% to 100%. Overall, prevalence of smoking was highest in European countries (20% medical and 40% dental students) and the Americas (13% pharmacy to 23% dental students). Other tobacco use was higher in eastern Mediterranean (10%–23%) and European countries (7%–13%). In most WHO regions, ≥70% of the students agreed that health professionals are role models, and have a role in advising about smoking cessation to their patients and the public. Only ≤33% of all student health professionals in most WHO regions (except 80% dental students in the Eastern Mediterranean region) had received formal training on smoking cessation approaches and ≥80% of all students agreed that they should receive formal cessation training.ConclusionsTobacco control should take place together with medical educators to discourage tobacco use among student health professionals and implement an integrated smoking cessation training into health professions' curricula.