bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience with fosfomycin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Bielen Luka , Likic Robert 
Published: June 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fosfomycin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 42 ambulatory patients with cUTIs caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae at the Outpatient Internal Medicine Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb in the period from June 2012 to June 2014. ESBL production was confirmed by double disk synergy test according to Jarlier. In vitro susceptibility to fosfomycin of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii isolates was tested according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing methodology. Results: In 42 patients with cUTIs, 43 urinary pathogens susceptible to fosfomycin were isolated in the urine cultures, including 34 E. coli ESBL, seven K. pneumoniae ESBL and two C. freundii ESBL isolates. On average, patients had 2.2 complicating factors (CFs) and received 3.6 fosfomycin doses per treatment course. The overall microbiological cure was 50%, clinical cure was 71% and ESBL eradication rate was 74%. Patients with between zero and one CFs received significantly fewer fosfomycin doses than patients with two or more CFs ( p = 0.022). Three kidney transplant patients achieved microbiological cure following prolonged fosfomycin administration. No statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of individual CFs and treatment outcome. Conclusions: Fosfomycin may be a valid option for oral treatment of cUTIs caused by ESBL-producing pathogens. The optimal duration of fosfomycin treatment for cUTIs remains to be determined.
Urology general practitioner advice and guidance: A service evaluation of its effectiveness
Authors: Berry Brendan , Thiruchelvam Nikesh 
Published: June 2019

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Urology Advice and Guidance (A&G) referral pathway within the National Health Service (NHS). It seeks to identify whether the A&G system helps to prevent unnecessary referrals to secondary care services and endeavours to see whether there is any variability in consultant responses to A&G queries, and whether this affects how patients are subsequently managed. Patients and methods: This study uses patient data collected by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust over a six-month period between 2016 and 2017. The correspondence from 192 A&G referrals was analysed to extract 11 data points from each referral to help analyse the aims of the study. Results: The results showed that almost half of all A&G referrals could be avoided if general practitioners made better use of the urology guidelines made available to them. The results also demonstrated that A&G referrals were more appropriately managed when guidance was given by a consultant with subspecialty interests in line with the referral. Conclusion: The aims of this study were appropriately met, and the study outlines how improvements in the A&G service could offer both financial and clinical benefits to primary and secondary care services alike. Level of evidence: 3b
Is There Still a Place for Convex Hemiepiphysiodesis in Congenital Scoliosis in Young Children? A Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Rizkallah Maroun , Sebaaly Amer , Kharrat Khalil , Kreichati Gaby 
Published: June 2019

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term effect of convex growth arrest (CGA) on coronal deformity correction in congenital scoliosis. Methods: Twenty-two patients with congenital scoliosis operated by 1-staged double approach hemiephysiodesis by bone grafting of the convex side without instrumentation are included. Eighteen curves had an isolated hemivertebra while 4 curves had congenital bar. Subgroup analysis was performed according to age at surgery (3 years cutoff), type of malformation (hemivertebra vs congenital bar), and severity of curve (35° cutoff). Results: Patients’ mean age at surgery was 3 years (range 0.5-8 years), with a mean frontal Cobb angle of 40.59°. Mean follow-up is 10.7 years (range 5.5-25 years). Overall results showed mean frontal Cobb angle reduction of 35.47% (40.59° to 27.41°). Detailed analysis showed that 15 curves had a mean correction of 51.8%, 5 stabilized and 2 had a mean aggravation of 25.11%. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients operated ≤3 years of age had mean cobb angle correction of 43.1% versus 21.49% in patients operated >3 years ( P = .140). Mean correction of 44.5% was gained in curves with isolated hemivertebra compared with 1.3% in curves with congenital bar ( P = .004). A 58.17% mean correction was reached in curves ≤35° versus 23.68% in curves >35° ( P = .032). Conclusions: A limited convex hemiepiphysiodesis still has a place in congenital scoliosis care when it is performed in patients ≤3 years old, with curves ≤35°, and with isolated hemivertebra. It spares patients the risks of vertebral resection and instrumentation, while fusing the same number of levels.
Range of Motion Testing of a Novel 3D-Printed Synthetic Spine Model
Authors: Bohl Michael A. , McBryan Sarah , Newcomb Anna G. U. S. , Lehrman Jennifer N. , Kelly Brian P. , Nakaji Peter , Chang Steve W. , Uribe Juan S. , Turner Jay D. , Kakarla U. Kumar 
Published: June 2019

Study Design: Biomechanical model study. Objective: The Barrow Biomimetic Spine (BBS) project is a resident-driven effort to manufacture a synthetic spine model with high biomechanical fidelity to human tissue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of the current generation of BBS models on biomechanical testing of range of motion (ROM) and axial compression and to compare the performance of these models to historical cadaveric data acquired using the same testing protocol. Methods: Six synthetic spine models comprising L3-5 segments were manufactured with variable soft-tissue densities and print orientations. Models underwent torque loading to a maximum of 7.5 N m. Torques were applied to the models in flexion-extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, and axial compression. Results were compared with historic cadaveric control data. Results: Each model demonstrated steadily decreasing ROM on flexion-extension testing with increasing density of the intervertebral discs and surrounding ligamentous structures. Vertically printed models demonstrated markedly less ROM than equivalent models printed horizontally at both L3-4 (5.0° vs 14.0°) and L4-5 (3.9° vs 15.2°). Models D and E demonstrated ROM values that bracketed the cadaveric controls at equivalent torque loads (7.5 N m). Conclusions: This study identified relevant variables that affect synthetic spine model ROM and compressibility, confirmed that the models perform predictably with changes in these print variables, and identified a set of model parameters that result in a synthetic model with overall ROM that approximates that of a cadaveric model. Future studies can be undertaken to refine model performance and determine intermodel variability.
Aleutite [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4)·(Cu0.5□0.5)Cl, a new complex salt-inclusion mineral with Cu2+substructure derived from a Kagome-net
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Agakhanov Atali A. , Polekhovsky Yury S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAleutite, ideally [Cu5O2](AsO4)(VO4)·(Cu0.5□0.5)Cl, was found in the Yadovitaya fumarole of the Second scoria cone of the Great Fissure Tolbachik eruption, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Aleutite occurs as individual crystals in the masses of polycrystalline anhydrite. Aleutite is monoclinic,C2/m,a= 18.090(2) Å,b= 6.2284(6) Å,c= 8.2465(9) Å, β = 90.597(2)°,V= 929.1(2) Å3andZ= 4 (from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data). The empirical formula calculated on the basis of (As + V+Mo + Fe3+) = 2 atoms per formula unit is Сu5.40Zn0.05Ca0.01As1.09V0.84Mo0.04Fe0.03K0.05Pb0.02Rb0.01Cs0.01O9.97Cl1.07. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an agreement indexR1= 0.066. Aleutite has a new structure type. Aleutite is unique amongst natural and synthetic copper vanadates and arsenates, as it has As5+and V5+cations ordered over two tetrahedral sites. The topology of${}_\infty ^1 [{\rm Cu_5O_2}]^{6 +} $oxocentred bands in aleutite is novel and has not been described before in minerals and synthetic materials. The structural architecture of the${}_\infty ^1 [{\rm Cu_5O_2}]^{6 +} $band in aleutite can be derived from a kagome network and represents a one-dimensional slice from it. In addition, aleutite is an interesting and complex example of a natural salt-inclusion phase.
Redundant SCARECROW genes pattern distinct cell layers in roots and leaves of maize
Authors: Hughes Thomas E. , Sedelnikova Olga V. , Wu Hao , Becraft Philip W. , Langdale Jane A. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
The highly efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway is facilitated by ‘Kranz’ leaf anatomy. In Kranz leaves, closely spaced veins are encircled by concentric layers of photosynthetic bundle sheath (inner) and mesophyll (outer) cells. Here, we demonstrate that, in the C4 monocot maize, Kranz patterning is regulated by redundant function of SCARECROW 1 (ZmSCR1) and a previously uncharacterized homeologue: ZmSCR1h. ZmSCR1 and ZmSCR1h transcripts accumulate in ground meristem cells of developing leaf primordia and in Zmscr1;Zmscr1h mutant leaves, most veins are separated by one rather than two mesophyll cells; many veins have sclerenchyma above and/or below instead of mesophyll cells; and supernumerary bundle sheath cells develop. The mutant defects are unified by compromised mesophyll cell development. In addition to Kranz defects, Zmscr1;Zmscr1h mutants fail to form an organized endodermal layer in the root. Collectively, these data indicate that ZmSCR1 and ZmSCR1h redundantly regulate cell-type patterning in both the leaves and roots of maize. Leaf and root pathways are distinguished, however, by the cell layer in which they operate – mesophyll at a two-cell distance from leaf veins versus endodermis immediately adjacent to root vasculature.
Sall4 regulates neuromesodermal progenitors and their descendants during body elongation in mouse embryos
Authors: Tahara Naoyuki , Kawakami Hiroko , Chen Katherine Q. , Anderson Aaron , Yamashita Peterson Malina , Gong Wuming , Shah Pruthvi , Hayashi Shinichi , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Nakagawa Yasushi , Garry Daniel J. , Kawakami Yasuhiko 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
Bi-potential neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) produce both neural and paraxial mesodermal progenitors in the trunk and tail during vertebrate body elongation. We show that Sall4, a pluripotency-related transcription factor gene, has multiple roles in regulating NMPs and their descendants in post-gastrulation mouse embryos. Sall4 deletion using TCre caused body/tail truncation, reminiscent of early depletion of NMPs, suggesting a role of Sall4 in NMP maintenance. This phenotype became significant at the time of the trunk-to-tail transition, suggesting that Sall4 maintenance of NMPs enables tail formation. Sall4 mutants exhibit expanded neural and reduced mesodermal tissues, indicating a role of Sall4 in NMP differentiation balance. Mechanistically, we show that Sall4 promotion of WNT/β-catenin signaling contributes to NMP maintenance and differentiation balance. RNA-Seq and SALL4 ChIP-Seq analyses support the notion that Sall4 regulates both mesodermal and neural development. Furthermore, in the mesodermal compartment, genes regulating presomitic mesoderm differentiation are downregulated in Sall4 mutants. In the neural compartment, we show that differentiation of NMPs towards post-mitotic neuron is accelerated in Sall4 mutants. Our results collectively provide evidence supporting the role of Sall4 in regulating NMPs and their descendants.
Pramipexole prevents ischemic cell death via mitochondrial pathways in ischemic stroke
Authors: Andrabi Syed Suhail , Ali Mubashshir , Tabassum Heena , Parveen Sabiha , Parvez Suhel 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
A dopamine D2 receptor agonist, pramipexole, has been found to elicit neuroprotection in patients with Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome. Recent evidence has shown that pramipexole mediates its neuroprotection through mitochondria. Considering this, we examined the possible mitochondrial role of pramipexole in promoting neuroprotection following an ischemic stroke of rat. Male Wistar rats underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and then received pramipexole (0.25 mg and 1 mg/kg body weight) at 1, 6, 12 and 18 h post-occlusion. A panel of neurological tests and 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were performed at 24 h after the surgery. Flow cytometry was used to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+, respectively. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was analyzed by oxygraph (oxygen electrode). Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of various proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2 and cytochrome c. Pramipexole promoted the neurological recovery as shown by the panel of neurobehavioral tests and TTC staining. Post-stroke treatment with pramipexole reduced levels of mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+ after ischemia. Pramipexole elevated the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Western blotting showed that pramipexole inhibited the transfer of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol, and hence inhibited the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Thus, our results have demonstrated that post-stroke administration of pramipexole induces the neurological recovery through mitochondrial pathways in ischemia/reperfusion injury.
NKG2D–DAP10 signaling recruits EVL to the cytotoxic synapse to generate F-actin and promote NK cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Wilton Katelynn M. , Overlee Brittany L. , Billadeau Daniel D. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
Natural killer (NK) cells eliminate abnormal cells through the release of cytolytic granule contents. In this process, NK cells must adhere to target cells through integrin-mediated adhesion, which is highly dependent on the generation of F-actin. Ena/VASP-like (EVL) is an actin regulatory protein previously shown to regulate integrin-mediated adhesion in other cell types, but its role in NK cell biology is not known. Herein, we show that EVL is recruited to the NK cell cytotoxic synapse and is required for NK cell cytotoxicity. Significantly, EVL is involved in the generation of F-actin at the cytotoxic synapse, antibody-stimulated spreading, and NK cell-target cell adhesion. EVL interacts with WASP (also known as WAS) and VASP and is required for localization of both proteins to the synapse. Recruitment of EVL to points of cellular activation occurs through the receptor NKG2D–DAP10 (also known as KLRK1 and HCST, respectively) via a binding site previously implicated in VAV1 and Grb2 recruitment. Taken together, this study implicates DAP10-mediated Grb2 and VAV1 signaling in the recruitment of an EVL-containing actin regulatory complex to the cytotoxic synapse where it can promote F-actin nucleation leading to NK cell-mediated killing.
Bracing in clubfoot: Do we know enough?
Authors: Alves C. 
Published: June 2019

Purpose The Ponseti method is widely used in clubfoot treatment. Long-term follow-up shows high patient satisfaction and excellent functional outcomes. Clubfoot tendency to relapse is a problem yet to solve. Given the importance of bracing in relapse prevention, we ought to discuss current knowledge and controversies about bracing. Methods We describe types of braces used, with its advantages and disadvantages, suggesting bracing schedules and duration. We identify bracing problems and pinpoint strategies to promote adherence to bracing. Results When treating a clubfoot by the Ponseti method, the corrected foot should be held in an abducted and dorsiflexed position, in a foot abduction brace (FAB), with two shoes connected by a bar. The brace is applied after the clubfoot has been completely corrected by manipulation, serial casting and possibly Achilles tenotomy. Bracing is recommended until four to five years of age and needs to be fitted to the individual patient, based on age, associated relapse rate and timing when correction was finished. Parental non-adherence to FAB use can affect 34% to 61% of children and results in five- to 17-fold higher odds of relapse. In patients who have recurrent adherence problems, a unilateral lower leg custom-made orthosis can be considered as a salvage option. Healthcare providers must communicate with patients regarding brace wearing, set proper expectations and ensure accurate use. Conclusion Bracing is essential for preventing clubfoot relapse. Daily duration and length of bracing required to prevent recurrence is still unknown. Prospective randomized clinical trials may bring important data that will influence clinicians’ and families’ choices regarding bracing. Level of Evidence V
Neural Models to Predict Temperature and Natural Ventilation in a High Tunnel
Authors: Zheng Muzi , Leib Brian , Wright Wesley , Ayers Paul 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. As a response to the rising demand for local food, high tunnels (HTs) can help small producers become more profitable through crop protection and extension of the growing season. Proper ventilation that responds to changes in outside weather conditions can remove excess heat and humidity inside HTs and lead to better solar energy utilization while maintaining a favorable growth environment. Rather than depending on complex mathematical models, this study investigated an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting the inside air temperature and ventilation rate of a HT. Energy balance calculations and measured values were compared to the ANN. Results showed that the average air temperature from an array of 15 thermistors inside the HT was predicted more accurately in terms of mean square error (MSE = 1.7°C2) and mean absolute error (MAE = 1.0°C) than a single inside temperature at the center of the HT (MSE = 17.7°C2, MAE = 3.3°C). Relative humidity and wind direction had the least significant impacts on the prediction of inside air temperature, and only four outside weather inputs were found to have significant impacts on the prediction of inside temperature: outside air temperature, door opening level, solar radiation, and wind speed. Moreover, the optimal ANN structure was determined as 29, 25, and 13 neurons in a single hidden layer and 30 neurons in two hidden layers for prediction of inside air temperature, ventilation rate based on measurement, door opening level, and ventilation rate based on modeling, respectively. Keywords: Air temperature control, Artificial neural network, High tunnel, Ventilation.
Design of Improved and Semi-Automated Red Raspberry Cane Bundling and Taping Machine Based on Field Evaluation
Authors: Khanal Kapil , Bhusal Santosh , Karkee Manoj , Scharf Patrick , Zhang Qin 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Canopy management activities such as bundling, tying, and pruning are labor-intensive operations in red raspberry production. These activities are responsible for about 50% of the total production cost, the majority of which is spent on bundling and tying canes. In a previous study, a cane bundling and tying mechanism was developed to bundle red raspberry primocanes and wrap adhesive tape around them in an experimental red raspberry plot, with an overall success rate of 83%. The prototype was fabricated primarily for functionality evaluation, which was limited by size and precision issues. Based on the findings from that study with the first prototype, an improved mechanism with novel components was designed and fabricated to increase the accuracy and efficiency of operation in the field. The bundling and taping process was automated using a machine vision system for cane detection and localization. The time required for the mechanism to complete the bundling and taping process was decreased from 3 min to 30 s. The improved system achieved an overall success rate of 90% when tested in a red raspberry plot. The durability of two types of adhesive tape (used in the taping mechanism) in holding the bundled canes together was also evaluated. Forty-five red raspberry plants were randomly selected and tied with type I tape (tensile strength of 316 N m-1) and type II tape (tensile strength of 27 N m-1). The bundles were evaluated six months after tying. The failure of the tape to keep the cane bundles intact was significantly lower with type I tape (higher adhesive and tensile strength; two failures out of 39 tapings) compared to type II tape (seven failures out of 39 tapings). For yield comparison, manual tying was performed with baling twine (~5 mm diameter) on another 45 randomly selected plants. The mean fruit yield between machine taped and manually tied raspberry plants showed no significant difference (two-sample t-test, df = 88, p = 0.67) at 5% significance. All these results showed good potential for the development of a high-speed automated red raspberry cane bundling and taping mechanism. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Automation, Cane bundling, Cane tying, Machine vision.
Effects of Straw Mulching and Tillage Measures on the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Maize Leaves
Authors: Liu Jilong , Liu Lu , Fu Qiang , Zhang Lingling , Li Jiawen , Yu Kai , Xu Qing 
Published: June 2019

Abstract. This study investigated the response mechanisms of maize leaf photosynthetic characteristics to straw mulching and tillage measures in the black soil region of northeast China. Five treatments were established based on tillage and the average straw mulch yield from prior years (6500 kg ha-1): conventional tillage with no straw mulching (CK), conventional tillage with 1.0-fold (6500 kg ha-1) mulching (CM1), no tillage with 0.5-fold (3250 kg ha-1) mulching (NM0.5), no tillage with 1.0-fold (6500 kg ha-1) mulching (NM1), and no tillage with 1.5-fold (9750 kg ha-1) mulching (NM1.5). The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and light response curves of maize leaves were determined and compared between the treatments with different straw mulching amounts and farming methods and between different growth stages. The photosynthetic capacity of maize leaves was greater under NM1.5 than under the other treatments except at the V6 growth stage, and the increase in yield was the most obvious effect. The photosynthetic capacity of maize leaves can be improved by increasing the quantity of straw mulch. The photosynthesis of maize was affected by nonstomatal factors at different growth stages, and straw mulching reduced the negative effects of nonstomatal factors on the photosynthesis of maize leaves. Based on a light response model of the photosynthetic rate, the maximum net photosynthetic rate, light saturation point, and apparent quantum efficiency increased as the straw mulch quantity increased, and the magnitude of the increase was greatest between the 1.0-fold and 0.5-fold straw mulching treatments. This finding indicated that straw mulching can increase the adaptability of maize to strong light and improve the efficiency of maize under weak light; moreover, the NM1.5 treatment led to the greatest improvement in the light response characteristics of maize leaves. Keywords: Photosynthetic characteristic, Photosynthetic light response curve, Straw mulching, Tillage measure.