bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from various substrates on the fermentation quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in Tibet
Authors: Wang Siran , Li Junfeng , Dong Zhihao , Chen Lei , Yuan Xianjun , Shao Tao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from five naturally fermented silages of different ensilage materials on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized, and their effects on the silage quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) were studied. These LAB isolates were evaluated using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The eight isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD‐1) were subsequently added to common vetch for ensiling 60 days. All the isolated strains (LW4, M1, WG27, O30, I2, LCG3, LCG9, CG35) could grow normally at 5–20°C, pH 3.5–6.0 and NaCl (3.0%, 6.5%), and they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus by sequencing 16S rDNA. All the LAB inoculants improved the silage quality of common vetch, indicated by significantly (p < .05) higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid to acetic acid (LA/AA), and significantly (p < .05) lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) contents. Strain LCG3 performed best among all LAB inoculants, indicated by the highest (p < .05) LA content and ratio of LA/AA, and the lowest (p < .05) pH and NH3–N content. Strain LCG3 is recommended as starter culture for common vetch silage.
Preservative efficacy of selected antimicrobials of natural origin in a cosmetic emulsion
Authors: Kočevar Glavač N. , Lunder M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of 13 antimicrobial substances (11 substances of natural origin and two conventional preservatives as controls) at two concentrations in an o/w cosmetic emulsion.MethodsCosmetic formulations were analysed for total aerobic bacterial count and total combined yeast count according to the European Pharmacopoeia 8.0. Challenge tests were performed according to the ISO 11930 standard.ResultsThe total aerobic bacterial count, the total combined yeast count and the total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were below the acceptable limit for all cosmetic formulations. Challenge test criterion A was fulfilled by all antimicrobials of natural origin, except levulinic acid in the challenge test with Candida albicans, Lactobacillus ferment in the challenge test with C. albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and grapefruit seed extract in the challenge test with C. albicans. Phenoxyethanol and the combination of methylparaben and propylparaben were inefficient at the minimum studied concentrations.ConclusionThe results offer important comparative data on the level of preservative efficacy within the group of antimicrobials of natural origin and in reference to some typical, widely used conventional preservatives. Further research must be encouraged regarding cosmetic over‐preservation.
3D‐printed model for hands‐on training in dental traumatology
Authors: Reymus M. , Fotiadou C. , Hickel R. , Diegritz C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the feasibility of creating a realistic model for hands‐on training in dental traumatology using 3D printing technology, and then to investigate the added value of working with the website dentaltraumaguide.org.MethodologyWith the use of special software applications, a model was designed based on the CBCT of the maxilla of a real patient that imitated several traumatic dental injuries. The model was reproduced using a stereolithographic printer to use the specimens in a hands‐on training course on dental traumatology for undergraduate students in their final year in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology in Munich, Germany. During the course, half of the participants had access to dentaltraumaguide.org, whereas the others did not. The students were then assessed according to their theoretical knowledge and practical performance in simulated treatment. These data were analysed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, unpaired t‐test and Mann–Whitney U test. Subsequently, the participants were asked to evaluate the model.ResultsThe workflow for manufacturing a model of dental traumatology for training purposes was practical and relatively inexpensive. In the evaluation process, the model was considered to be highly realistic and useful during an instructive hands‐on training course. There were significant differences between the two groups in favour of using the dentaltraumaguide.org website.Conclusions3D printing technology offers new possibilities for training specific dental treatments that are currently difficult to imitate. The online platform dentaltraumaguide.org assisted students in correctly managing traumatic dental injuries.
Modelling broad‐scale wolverine occupancy in a remote boreal region using multi‐year aerial survey data
Authors: Ray Justina C. , Poley Lucy G. , Magoun Audrey J. , Chetkiewicz Cheryl‐Lesley B. , Meg Southee F. , Neil Dawson F. , Chenier Chris 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimWe used data from aerial surveys of wolverine tracks collected in seven winters over a 10‐year period (2003–2012) within a 574,287 km2 study area to evaluate the broad‐scale pattern of wolverine occurrence across a remote northern boreal forest region, identifying areas of high and low occupancy.LocationNorthern Ontario, Canada.TaxonWolverine (Gulo gulo Linnaeus, 1758).MethodsWe collected wolverine tracks and observations in 100‐km2 hexagonal survey units, making a total of 6,664 visits to 3,039 units, visiting each 1–9 times. We used hierarchical Bayesian occupancy modelling to model wolverine occurrence, and included covariates with the potential to affect detection and/or occupancy probability of wolverines.Resultswe detected wolverines on 946 visits, 14.2% of total visits. Probability of detecting a wolverine varied among years and between the two ecozones in the study area. Wolverine occupancy was negatively related to two important covariates, the geographical coordinate Easting and thawing degree‐days. A site occupancy probability map indicated that wolverine occupancy probabilities were highest, and standard error lowest, in the western and northern portions of the study area.Main conclusionsThe occupancy framework enabled us to use observation data from tracks of this elusive, wide‐ranging carnivore over a vast, remote area while explicitly considering detectability and spatial autocorrelation, yielding a map of probable wolverine distribution in northern Ontario that would not be possible using other methods of detection across a large region. With resource development pressures increasing in this globally significant region in the face of a changing climate, it is important to monitor changes in distribution of species like wolverines that have low population growth rates, large spatial requirements and sensitivity to human disturbance. This study demonstrates a relatively cost‐effective and non‐invasive alternative to monitoring based on wolverine harvest records, which have not been available since 2009 in Ontario due to changes in the provincial regulatory regime for this threatened species.
MiR‐149 sensitizes esophageal cancer cell lines to cisplatin by targeting DNA polymerase β
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Man , Zhang Wenwen , Li Min , Zang Wenqiao , Dong Ziming , Zhao Guoqiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHuman DNA polymerase β (polβ) is a small, monomeric protein essential for short‐patch base excision repair (BER). polβ plays an important role in the regulation of chemotherapy sensitivity in tumour cells. In this study, we determined that the expression levels of polβ mRNA and miR‐149 in tumour tissues were significantly higher than in adjacent non‐tumour tissues. We also found that the expression level of miR‐149 in EC tumour tissues was inverse to that of polβ expression. Bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay predicted that miR‐149 negatively regulates polβ expression by directly binding to its 3′UTR. CCK‐8 assay indicated that miR‐149 could enhance the anti‐proliferative effects of cisplatin in EC1 and EC9706 cell lines. Flow cytometry, caspase 3/7 activity, and immunofluorescence microscopy results indicated that miR‐149 could enhance the apoptotic effects of cisplatin in EC1 and EC9706 cell lines. We also showed that the expression of polβ lacking the 3′UTR sequence could override the proliferative and apoptotic functions of miR‐149, suggesting that miR‐149 negatively regulates polβ expression by binding to its 3′UTR. Surface plasmon resonance results also showed that miR‐149 could bind with wild‐type polβ. In addition, we identified a new variant of polβ (C1134G). In conclusion, this study confirms that miR‐149 may enhance the sensitivity of EC cell lines to cisplatin by targeting polβ, and that miR‐149 may be unable to regulate the C1134G variant of polβ. Based on these findings, potential drugs could be developed with a focus on enhanced sensitivity of EC patients to chemotherapy.
Which acne treatment has the best influence on health‐related quality of life? Literature review by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes
Authors: Chernyshov P.V. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Manolache L. , Svensson A. , Marron S.E. , Evers A.W.M. , Bettoli V. , Jemec G.B. , Szepietowski J.C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAccording to results of a recent literature search performed by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces (TF) on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes (QoL and PO) and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS), most of the publications where health‐related (HR) QoL of acne patients was studied were clinical trials. Members of the EADV TF on QoL and PO decided to detect which acne treatment has the best influence on HRQoL of acne patients. A new literature search was organized to find publications on acne treatment where the HRQoL of patients was assessed as an outcome measure. From 186 papers with HRQoL assessment, 37 papers were included for further analysis. Our results revealed that oral isotretinoin had the best influence on HRQoL of acne patients. Several other treatment methods also showed good effects on the HRQoL of acne patients. Oral isotretinoin and norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol, topical clindamycin phosphate/benzoyl peroxide and adapalene/benzoyl peroxide showed significantly better effect on HRQoL than placebo. There is limited number of the high‐quality studies on acne treatment where HRQoL was assessed. Dermatology‐specific and acne‐specific instruments showed much better sensitivity to successful therapeutic intervention than generic HRQoL instruments. The most frequently used HRQoL instrument was the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire.
Effects of calcium and sodium on ATP‐induced vasopressin release from rat isolated neurohypophysial terminals
Authors: Custer E. E. , Knott T. K. , Ortiz‐Miranda S. , Lemos J. R. 
Published: May 2018

ATP receptors (P2X2, P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7) are found in neurohypophysial terminals (NHTs). These purinergic receptor subtypes are known to be cation selective. In the present study, we confirm that both sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) are permeable through these NHT purinergic receptors, although to varying degrees (91% vs 9%, respectively). Furthermore, extracellular calcium inhibits the ATP‐current magnitude. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the effects of extracellular Na+ vs Ca2+ on ATP‐induced vasopressin (AVP) release from populations of rat isolated NHTs. ATP (200 μmol L‐1) perfused exogenously for 2 minutes in Normal Locke's buffer caused an initial transient increase in AVP release followed by a sustained increase in AVP release that lasted for the duration of the ATP exposure. Replacing extracellular NaCl with N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine chloride had no apparent effect on the ATP‐induced transient increase in AVP release, although it abolished the sustained AVP release induced by ATP. Furthermore, removal of extracellular calcium resulted in no ATP‐induced transient increase in AVP release but had no effect on the delayed, sustained increase in AVP release. The ATP‐induced calcium‐dependent transient increase in AVP release was inhibited by >95% using 10 μmol L‐1 of the P2X purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS (pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2,4‐disulphonic acid), which is a dose sufficient to block P2X2 and P2X3 receptors but not P2X4 or P2X7 receptors. Interestingly, the ATP‐induced calcium‐independent, sodium‐dependent sustained increase in AVP release was not affected by 10 μmol L‐1 PPADS. The ATP‐induced calcium‐dependent transient increase in AVP release was not affected by the P2X7 receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue‐G (100 nmol L‐1). However, the ATP‐induced sodium‐dependent sustained AVP release was inhibited by 50%. Therefore, these results show that rat isolated NHTs exhibit a biphasic response to exogenous ATP that is differentially‐dependent on extracellular calcium and sodium. Furthermore, the initial transient release appears to be through P2X2 and/or P2X3 receptors and the sustained release is through a P2X7 receptor.
Using focused ethnography to explore and describe the process of nurses’ shift reports in a psychiatric intensive care unit
Authors: Salzmann‐Erikson Martin 
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore and describe the cultural routine of shift reports among nursing staff in a psychiatric intensive care unit and further to develop a taxonomic, thematic and theoretical understanding of the process.BackgroundLack of communication among healthcare staff is associated with risks for medical errors. Thus, handovers and shift reports are an essential and integral routine among nurses to pass on information about the patients’ health status. Previous studies within the field have highlighted the benefits of structured reporting tools. However, shift reports as a cultural activity within the nursing tradition have been given less attention, not the least in psychiatric care.MethodsFocused ethnography was used. The data comprised 20 observational sessions. The observations ranged over a time span of 5 months and were conducted in a psychiatric intensive care unit in Sweden.ResultsThe process of shift reports encompassed the following three phases: (a) getting settled, (b) giving the report and (c) engaging in the aftermath. The results demonstrate that the phases entail different cultural activities, which take place in different areas of the ward and that the level of formality varied.ConclusionsShift reports are not an isolated event with clear boundaries. The study enriches the understanding of shift reports as a “fuzzy process”. The individual phases were found to be tied to cultural connotations, such as activities, places and roles with certain meanings for staff members.Relevance to clinical practiceThe new insights are useful for nurses in overcoming an uncritical adoption of the biomedical tradition regarding pace and tone during shift reports. The reporting nurse has the potential to transform shift reports from a monologue with a foreclosed style to a more dialogical interaction with colleagues that focuses on the patients’ needs rather than the needs of staff.
Reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale in paediatric neuromuscular diseases: A system for classification of chewing disorders
Authors: Serel Arslan S. , Aydın G. , Alemdaroğlu İ. , Tunca Yılmaz Ö. , Karaduman A. A. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryChewing disorders can be seen in children with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), which may cause swallowing difficulties such as choking, retching and food stuck feeling in the throat. Due to these effects, it is important to determine chewing disorders early with appropriate assessment methods to plan appropriate therapies in NMDs. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability and validity of the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) in children with NMDs. Age, sex and diagnosis were recorded. Children were asked to chew a standardised biscuit while video‐recording. Two physical therapists scored each video according to the KCPS. The correlation between the KCPS scores of 2 therapists was analysed for interobserver reliability. One therapist rescored the recordings after an interval of 2 weeks for intra‐observer reliability. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI‐EAT‐10) was used for criterion‐based validity. Sixty‐eight children with a mean age of 8.34 ± 3.73 (min = 2.5, max = 14.5) years were included, of which 94.1% were male. Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale scores were found to be level 0 in 20 cases, level 1 in 35 cases, level 2 in 12 cases and level 3 in 1 case. A positive, very strong correlation was detected between 2 therapists (r = .93, P < .001) and between 2 examinations of 1 therapist (r = .83, P < .001). A good correlation between the KCPS and PEDI‐EAT‐10 was detected (r = .62, P < .001). Chewing function, especially food processing phase, deteriorated in children with NMDs. The KCPS could be used as a reliable and valid instrument in determining chewing performance level for children with NMDs.
Effect of the three Enterococcus faecalis strains on apoptosis in MC3T3 cells
Authors: Li Yang , Tong Zhongchun , Ling Junqi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveOsteoblast apoptosis is critical for the development and repairing of bone destruction in persistent apical periodontitis (PAP). Enterococcus faecalis is considered as a frequently isolated pathogen of PAP. This study aimed to explore the effect of E. faecalis on apoptosis in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells via an in vitro model.Materials and MethodsMC3T3 cells were incubated with live clinically isolated strains of E. faecalis at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1,000:1 for 2 hr. Flow cytometry analysis using annexin V‐FITC and PI staining, JC‐1 staining and TUNEL assay were conducted to detect the apoptosis in the infected cells. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to determine the expression of caspase‐3, Bcl‐2 and Bax.ResultsThe proliferation of the infected cells was inhibited. Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and enhanced DNA fragmentation of the infected cells were observed. The relative expression of Bax and cleavage caspase‐3 was upregulated, and the expression of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐2/Bax was downregulated in the infected cells.ConclusionTogether, the clinically isolated strains of E. faecalis can induce apoptosis in MC3T3 osteoblasts, which may be attributed to the regulation of interaction between members of the Bcl‐2 family.
High prevalence of anemia in 10‐month‐old breast‐fed Japanese infants
Authors: Kimura Masahiko , Kurozawa Youichi , Saito Yumi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kobayashi Ayame , Taketani Takeshi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundAnemia in infancy is still prevalent in developing countries. Commercial iron‐fortified complementary foods or iron drops are not available in Japan, and breast‐fed infants have a higher risk of anemia. We studied anemia screening in 10‐month‐old infants to determine whether breast‐feeding is a risk factor for anemia.MethodsAnemia screening was performed during regular health check for 10‐month‐old children at four local pediatric clinics in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Venous blood was obtained for complete blood count. The clinical characteristics of each child were obtained via questionnaire. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL. Children were categorized into anemia and no‐anemia groups, and univariate analysis was conducted on comparison of the clinical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for anemia was performed to adjust for several clinical variables.ResultsWe analyzed data in 325 children. On univariate analysis, anemia was associated with breast‐feeding, monthly bodyweight gain and gestational week. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, anemia was associated with feeding type and gestational week (OR of partial breast‐feeding and formula feeding, 0.446; 95%CI: 0.208–0.957; and 0.223; 95%CI: 0.075–0.660, respectively, compared with exclusive breast‐feeding, OR, 1.0; and gestational week, OR, 0.753; 95%CI: 0583–0.972).ConclusionBreast‐feeding is an important factor for anemia in 10‐month‐old Japanese infants. Breast‐fed infants after 6 months of age may need iron supplements or iron‐fortified complimentary foods.
Side effects and efficacy of renal sparing immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation—A single center matched cohort study
Authors: Leiskau Christoph , Rajanayagam Jeremy , Pfister Eva‐Doreen , Goldschmidt Imeke , Junge Norman , Karch André , Lerch Christian , Richter Nicolas , Lehner Frank , Schrem Harald , Baumann Ulrich 
Published: May 2018

AbstractImmunosuppressive combination therapy with MMF can reduce CNI associated nephrotoxicity. We investigated effectiveness and safety of de novo MMF‐tacrolimus based immunosuppression after pLTx. Patients after pLTx receiving immunosuppression with MMF/tacrolimus (MMF/TAC) were compared to retrospectively selected age‐ and diagnosis‐matched patients with tacrolimus monotherapy (TAC) and cyclosporine/prednisolone therapy (CSA) (19 patients each, n = 57). Effectiveness, renal function and side effects were analyzed for 1 year after pLTx. Tacrolimus reduction in combination therapy (0.7 μg/L over the year) was lower than aspired (2 μg/L).Acute BPAR occurred equally in MMF/TAC and TAC groups (31.6% each), being slightly higher in CSA group (42.1%; OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.42‐5.44; P = .5).GFR deteriorated comparably in all 3 groups (P < .01 each) without significant differences between the groups. Septicemia was detected significantly more often in MMF/TAC (73.6%) than in TAC (31.6%) (OR 4.17; 1.07‐16.27; P = .04). EBV reactivation occurred more often in CSA patients (84.2%) than in MMF/TAC (47.4%; OR 5.16; 0.98‐27.19; P = .05) and TAC patients (52.6%; OR 8.16; 1.48‐44.89; P = .02) the same was true for other viral infections (47.4% (CSA) vs 15.8% (TAC); OR 4.21; 0.95‐18.55; P = .05). Our study does not provide additional evidence for a benefit of initial use of MMF/TAC over TAC regarding renal function, but raises concerns regarding a potentially increased risk of serious infections under MMF/TAC compared to TAC monotherapy at equivalent renal outcome; our study is, however, limited by the minor CNI reduction in combination therapy.
Diversity of Avr‐vnt1 and AvrSmira1 effector genes in Polish and Norwegian populations of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Stefańczyk E. , Brylińska M. , Brurberg M. B. , Naerstad R. , Elameen A. , Sobkowiak S. , Śliwka J. 
Published: May 2018

The oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the cause of late blight, is one of the most important potato pathogens. During infection, it secretes effector proteins that manipulate host cell function, thus contributing to pathogenicity. This study examines sequence differentiation of two P. infestans effectors from 91 isolates collected in Poland and Norway and five reference isolates. A gene encoding the Avr‐vnt1 effector, recognized by the potato Rpi‐phu1 resistance gene product, is conserved. In contrast, the second effector, AvrSmira1 recognized by Rpi‐Smira1, is highly diverse. Both effectors contain positively selected amino acids. A majority of the polymorphisms and all selected sites are located in the effector C‐terminal region, which is responsible for their function inside host cells. Hence it is concluded that they are associated with a response to diversified target protein or recognition avoidance. Diversification of the AvrSmira1 effector sequences, which existed prior to the large‐scale cultivation of plants containing the Rpi‐Smira1 gene, may reduce the predicted durability of resistance provided by this gene. Although no isolates virulent to plants with the Rpi‐phu1 gene were found, the corresponding Avr‐vnt1 effector has undergone selection, providing evidence for an ongoing ‘arms race’ between the host and pathogen. Both genes remain valuable components for resistance gene pyramiding.