bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and frequency of the associated genes with virulence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from cow's milk presenting mastitis pathology
Authors: Jamali Hossein , Krylova Kateryna , Aïder Mohammed 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance, genotype, and virulence gene content of Escherichia coli isolated from bovine clinical mastitis in Tehran Province, Iran, were studied. Two hundred seven (207) milk samples from individual cows presenting mastitis symptoms collected from different dairy farms were used to determine the presence of specific genes of E. coli responsible for this pathology. Multiplex PCR was used to differentiate E. coli isolates into different phylogenetic groups/subgroups and to detect their virulence and involved resistance genes. All the isolated strains were tested for the susceptibility to 21 antimicrobial agents. The results showed that E. coli was detected in 42 (20.3%) samples and 69% of them belonged to the phylogenetic groups A and B1. The phylogenetic subgroup A1 (31%) and subgroup B1 (28.6%) demonstrated the highest prevalence of virulence genes (f17c‐A, and eae (n = 6), f17b‐A, and f17d‐A (n = 5), afaD‐8, afaE‐8, aucD, and bfpA (n = 4), clpG and VT (n = 2), and LT and ST genes (n = 1)). The highest antimicrobial resistance was observed for tetracycline (45.2%) followed by streptomycin (26.2%). The antimicrobial resistance genes tetB (31%), tetA (28.6%), and aadA (26.2%) were the most prevalent. Moreover, integron class 1 and 2 were found in 24 (57.1%) and 8 (19%) of the E. coli isolates.
Increased risk of mycotic infections associated with sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors: a prescription sequence symmetry analysis
Authors: Adimadhyam Sruthi , Schumock Glen T. , Calip Gregory S. , Smith Marsh Daphne E. , Layden Brian T. , Lee Todd A. 
Published: October 2018

AimsTo determine the risk of mycotic infections associated with the use of sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in a real‐world setting.MethodsWe conducted a prescription sequence symmetry analysis using data from Truven Health MarketScan (2009–2015). We selected continuously enrolled patients newly initiating both an SGLT2i and an antifungal between 1 April 2013 and 31 December 2015 within time periods of 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365 days of each other. Adjusted sequence ratios (ASR) were calculated for each time period as the ratio of patients initiating SGLT2i first over those initiating an antifungal first adjusted for time trends in prescribing. Analyses were stratified by sex and type of SGLT2i.ResultsThere were 23 276 patients who newly initiated both SGLT2i and an antifungal in our study period. These patients were further classified into those initiating the two drugs within 365 (n = 17 504), 180 (n = 11 873), 90 (n = 7697), 60 (n = 5856) or 30 (n = 3650) days of each other. Increased risks of mycotic infections were present across all time periods, with the strongest effect observed in the 90‐day interval [ASR 1.53 (confidence interval, CI 1.43–1.60)]. Findings differed by sex [90‐day ASR females: 1.65 (CI 1.56–1.74); males 1.25 (CI 1.14–1.36)] and by SGLT2i [90‐day ASR canagliflozin 1.57 (CI 1.49–1.66); non‐canagliflozin 1.42 (CI 1.31–1.55)].ConclusionInitiation of SGLT2i was associated with an increased risk for mycotic infections. Findings from this commercially insured population in the real world are consistent with evidence available from clinical trials.
A luminescence‐based chronology for the Harletz loess sequence, Bulgaria
Authors: Lomax Johanna , Fuchs Markus , Antoine Pierre , Rousseau Denis‐Didier , Lagroix France , Hatté Christine , Taylor Samuel N. , Till Jessica L. , Debret Maxime , Moine Olivier , Jordanova Diana 
Published: October 2018

The Harletz loess‐palaeosol sequence is located in northwestern Bulgaria and represents an important link between well‐studied loess sequences in eastern Romania and further sites to the west of the Carpathians (e.g. Serbia and Hungary). The aim of this study was to establish a chronostratigraphy of the deposits, using various methods of luminescence dating, together with basic stratigraphical field observations as well as magnetic properties. Luminescence dating was carried out using the quartz fine grain fraction and a SAR protocol, and the feldspar coarse grain fraction, applying the MET‐pIRIR protocol. Due to underestimation of the quartz fine grain fraction in the lower parts of the sequence, the resulting chronology is mainly based on the feldspar ages, which are derived from the stimulation temperature at 150 °C. A comparison with nearby sequences from Serbia, Hungary and Romania, and interpretations obtained through the stratigraphical and sedimentological signature of the sequence, supports the established chronology. Our data suggest that the prominent palaeosol (soil complex) in the upper quarter of the sequence was formed during MIS 5. It would follow that large parts of the Last Glacial loess overlying this palaeosol were probably eroded, and that the thick loess accumulation underlying this soil complex can be allocated to the penultimate glacial (MIS 6). A prominent MIS 6 tephra, which has been reported from other sequences in the area, is also present at Harletz.
Instability of endogenous price dispersion equilibria: A simulation
Authors: Herrenbrueck Lucas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractModels of price posting by firms and search by consumers (such as Burdett and Judd 1983), often feature equilibria with endogenous price dispersion. However, such equilibria are strategically fragile. In order to investigate how robust they are in the absence of an external coordination mechanism, I simulate various protocols firms may use to update their prices. Despite firms being myopic, some protocols yield results close to the benchmark model. If firms rush to update before observing competitors’ actions, profits are higher on average but volatile and cyclical. With cost dispersion, prices become more stable as they are more closely tied to costs. All results are robust to moderate menu costs.
A Family Focused Intervention Influences Hippocampal‐Prefrontal Connectivity Through Gains in Self‐Regulation
Authors: Hanson Jamie L. , Gillmore Alysha D. , Yu Tianyi , Holmes Christopher J. , Hallowell Emily S. , Barton Allen W. , Beach Steven R.H. , Galván Adrianna , MacKillop James , Windle Michael , Chen Edith , Miller Gregory E. , Sweet Lawrence H. , Brody Gene H. 
Published: October 2018

The stressors associated with poverty increase the risks for externalizing psychopathology; however, specific patterns of neurobiology and higher self‐regulation may buffer against these effects. This study leveraged a randomized control trial, aimed at increasing self‐regulation at ~11 years of age. As adults, these same individuals completed functional MRI scanning (Mage = 24.88 years; intervention n = 44; control n = 49). Functional connectivity between the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex was examined in relation to the intervention, gains in self‐regulation, and present‐day externalizing symptoms. Increased connectivity between these brain areas was noted in the intervention group compared to controls. Furthermore, individual gains in self‐regulation, instilled by the intervention, statistically explained this brain difference. These results begin to connect neurobiological and psychosocial markers of risk and resiliency.
Can alternative epitope mapping approaches increase the impact of B‐cell epitopes in food allergy diagnostics?
Authors: Ehlers Anna M. , Blankestijn Mark A. , Knulst Andre C. , Klinge Marco , Otten Henny G. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn vitro allergy diagnostics are currently based on the detection of specific IgE binding on intact allergens or a mixture thereof. This approach has drawbacks as it may yield false‐negative and/or false‐positive results. Thus, we reviewed the impact of known B‐cell epitopes of food allergens to predict transience or persistence, tolerance or allergy and the severity of an allergic reaction and to examine new epitope mapping strategies meant to improve serum‐based allergy diagnostics. Recent epitope mapping approaches have been worthwhile in epitope identification and may increase the specificity of allergy diagnostics by using epitopes predominately recognized by allergic patients in some cases. However, these approaches did not lead to discrimination between clinically relevant and irrelevant epitopes so far, since the polyclonal serum IgE‐binding epitope spectrum seems to be too individual, independent of the disease status of the patients. New epitope mapping strategies are necessary to overcome these obstacles. The use of patient‐derived monoclonal antibodies instead of patient sera for functional characterization of clinically relevant and irrelevant epitope combinations, distinguished by their ability to induce degranulation, might be a promising approach to gain more insight into the allergic reaction and to improve serum‐based allergy diagnostics.
Available and future treatments for atypical parkinsonism. A systematic review
Authors: Moretti Davide Vito 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimsSuccess in treating patients with atypical parkinsonian syndromes, namely progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), cortico‐basal degeneration (CBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), and Lewy body dementia with (LBD), remains exceedingly low. The present work overviews the most influential research literature collected on MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for available treatment in atypical parkinsonisms without time restriction.DiscussionTransdermal rotigotine, autologous mesenchymal stem cells, tideglusib, and coenzyme Q10 along with donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, and the deep brain stimulation have shown some benefits in alleviating symptoms in APS. Moreover, many new clinical trials are ongoing testing microtubule stabilizer, antitau monoclonal antibody, tau acetylation inhibition, cell replacement, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, active immunization, inhibition of toxic α‐synuclein oligomers formation, and inhibition of microglia.ConclusionA detailed knowledge of the pathological mechanism underlying the disorders is needed, and disease‐modifying therapies are required to offer better therapeutic options to physician and caregivers of APS patients.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells stimulated with low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound: Better choice of transplantation treatment for spinal cord injury
Authors: Ning Guang‐Zhi , Song Wen‐Ye , Xu Hong , Zhu Ru‐Sen , Wu Qiu‐Li , Wu Yu , Zhu Shi‐Bo , Li Ji‐Qing , Wang Man , Qu Zhi‐Gang , Feng Shi‐Qing 
Published: October 2018

SummaryStem cell transplantation, especially treatment with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), has been considered a promising therapy for the locomotor and neurological recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. However, the clinical benefits of BMSCs transplantation remain limited because of the considerably low viability and inhibitory microenvironment. In our research, low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), which has been widely applied to clinical applications and fundamental research, was employed to improve the properties of BMSCs. The most suitable intensity of LIPUS stimulation was determined. Furthermore, the optimized BMSCs were transplanted into the epicenter of injured spinal cord in rats, which were randomized into four groups: (a) Sham group (n = 10), rats received laminectomy only and the spinal cord remained intact. (b) Injury group (n = 10), rats with contused spinal cord subjected to the microinjection of PBS solution. (c) BMSCs transplantation group (n = 10), rats with contused spinal cord were injected with BMSCs without any priming. (d) LIPUS‐BMSCs transplantation group (n = 10), BMSCs stimulated with LIPUS were injected at the injured epicenter after contusion. Rats were then subjected to behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and histological observation. It was found that BMSCs stimulated with LIPUS obtained higher cell viability, migration, and neurotrophic factors expression in vitro. The rate of apoptosis remained constant. After transplantation of BMSCs and LIPUS‐BMSCs postinjury, locomotor function was significantly improved in LIPUS‐BMSCs transplantation group with higher level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the epicenter, and the expression of neurotrophic receptor was also enhanced. Histological observation demonstrated reduced cavity formation in LIPUS‐BMSCs transplantation group when comparing with other groups. The results suggested LIPUS can improve BMSCs viability and neurotrophic factors expression in vitro, and transplantation of LIPUS‐BMSCs could promote better functional recovery, indicating possible clinical application for the treatment of SCI.
Log margin‐to‐thickness ratio improves disease‐specific survival prediction in oral cancer: A single cancer centre database
Authors: Huang Chien‐Yu , Lin Yaoh‐Shiang , Kang Bor‐Hwang , Chang Kuo‐Ping , Chi Chao‐Chuan , Lin Ming‐Yee , Su Hsing‐Hao , Chang Ting‐Shou , Lee Huai‐Pao , Lee Ching‐Chih 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveWe examined whether dynamic margin criteria margin‐to‐thickness (MTR) ratio has superior predictive value compared with the resection margin or tumour thickness alone in the survival outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).DesignThis is a retrospective cohort study.SettingOral squamous cell carcinoma patients treated in Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Cancer Center between January 2006 and December 2013.ParticipantsA cohort of 302 patients with OSCC who had undergone surgical management.Main Outcomes MeasuresLog MTR was calculated for each patient, and survival data were analysed using a multivariable Cox regression model. Discriminative analysis was performed using chi‐square, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Harrell's C tests.ResultsAfter assessing for discriminative ability, the linear trend of log MTR surpassed those of resection margin and tumour thickness in chi‐square, AIC and Harrell's C tests for the advanced pathologic T (pT) category. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model revealed that log MTR <33% was associated with less favourable 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) (P = 0.006) in the entire oral cancer study cohort. Other significant factors included perineural invasion (P = 0.021), pT category, (P = 0.005), pathologic N category (P < 0.001) and differentiation category (P = 0.022).ConclusionsLog MTR < 33% may be a predictor of less favourable outcome in the DSS of OSCC. Log MTR outperformed both resection margin and tumour thickness alone in terms of discriminative analysis. Our study could help in presurgical planning for high‐risk patients and in aiding the decision‐making process for adjuvant treatment.
BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer—Prevalence and clinical correlation in a South‐East Asian cohort
Authors: Goh Xueying , Lum Jeffery , Yang Samantha Peiling , Chionh Siok Bee , Koay Evelyn , Chiu Lily , Parameswaran Rajeev , Ngiam Kee Yuan , Loh Thomas Kwok Seng , Nga Min En , Lim Chwee Ming 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveBRAF mutation is the commonest mutation seen in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but its prevalence and clinical significance vary across countries. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and clinico‐pathological correlation of BRAF mutation in PTC patients at our centre.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study of 75 consecutive archival thyroid specimens, whereby BRAF mutation was detected using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and correlated with clinical and pathological features and outcomes.SettingTertiary university hospital in Singapore.ParticipantsA total of 75 consecutive histologically proven archival thyroid specimens from patients who underwent thyroidectomy for PTC were accrued for this study.Main outcome measuresMain outcome is to determine the prevalence of the BRAF mutation in our South‐East Asian population. Secondary aim is to correlate the mutational status with adverse pathological features like histological variants, multi‐focality, lymphovascular invasion and extra‐thyroidal extension, clinical features like demographics, TNM stage, recurrence and survival, as well as treatment details like type of surgery performed and radioiodine doses.ResultsBRAF mutation was detected in 56% (42/75) of PTC. All but one BRAF‐mutated PTC had the BRAFV600E mutation. BRAF‐mutated tumours were associated with an advanced T‐stage (P = 0.049) and were more likely to have a central neck dissection (P = 0.036). There was no significant correlation between BRAF mutation status and clinical outcomes.ConclusionThe prevalence of BRAF mutation is 56%. BRAF mutation‐positive tumours were associated with locally advanced disease, but not poorer survival.
Coevolution of Lexical Meaning and Pragmatic Use
Authors: Brochhagen Thomas , Franke Michael , van Rooij Robert 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAccording to standard linguistic theory, the meaning of an utterance is the product of conventional semantic meaning and general pragmatic rules on language use. We investigate how such a division of labor between semantics and pragmatics could evolve under general processes of selection and learning. We present a game‐theoretic model of the competition between types of language users, each endowed with certain lexical representations and a particular pragmatic disposition to act on them. Our model traces two evolutionary forces and their interaction: (i) pressure toward communicative efficiency and (ii) transmission perturbations during the acquisition of linguistic knowledge. We illustrate the model based on a case study on scalar implicatures, which suggests that the relationship between underspecified semantics and pragmatic inference is one of coevolution.
Eye’ll Help You Out! How the Gaze Cue Reduces the Cognitive Load Required for Reference Processing
Authors: Sekicki Mirjana , Staudte Maria 
Published: October 2018

AbstractReferential gaze has been shown to benefit language processing in situated communication in terms of shifting visual attention and leading to shorter reaction times on subsequent tasks. The present study simultaneously assessed both visual attention and, importantly, the immediate cognitive load induced at different stages of sentence processing. We aimed to examine the dynamics of combining visual and linguistic information in creating anticipation for a specific object and the effect this has on language processing. We report evidence from three visual‐world eye‐tracking experiments, showing that referential gaze leads to a shift in visual attention toward the cued object, which consequently lowers the effort required for processing the linguistic reference. Importantly, perceiving and following the gaze cue did not prove costly in terms of cognitive effort, unless the cued object did not fit the verb selectional preferences.
Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is an attractive alternative to cardiac multi‐detector computed tomography for aortic annular sizing: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Elkaryoni Ahmed , Nanda Navin C. , Baweja Paramdeep , Arisha Mohammed J. , Zamir Harris , Elgebaly Ahmed , Altibi Ahmed MA , Sharma Rishi 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundCardiac imaging is the cornerstone of the pretranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) assessment. Multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) is considered the conventional imaging modality. However, there is still no definitive gold standard. Targeted cohort of inoperable high‐risk patients with underlying comorbidities, particularly renal impairment, makes apparent the need for MDCT alternative. We aimed to demonstrate the correlation extent between MDCT and three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) aortic annular area measures and to answer the question: Is 3DTEE a good alternative to MDCT?MethodsA systematic literature search and meta‐analysis were conducted to evaluate the degree of correlation and agreement between 3DTEE and MDCT aortic annular sizing. A thorough assessment of EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was performed. All studies comparing 3DTEE and MDCT in relation to aortic annular sizing were included.ResultsThirteen studies were included (N = 1228 patients). A strong linear correlation was found between 3DTEE and MDCT measurements of aortic annulus area (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), mean perimeter (r = 0. 0.85, P < 0.001), and mean diameter (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). Bland–Altman plots revealed smaller mean 3DTEE values in comparison to MDCT for aortic annular area, the mean difference being −2.22 mm2 with 95% limits of agreement −12.79 to 8.36.ConclusionAortic annulus measurements obtained by 3DTEE demonstrated a high level of correlation with those evaluated by MDCT. This makes 3DTEE a feasible choice for aortic annulus assessment, with advantage of real time assessment, lack of contrast, and no radiation exposure.
The benefits of integrating dental and dental therapy and hygiene students in undergraduate curricula
Authors: Zahra Daniel , Belfield Louise , Bennett Jon , Zaric Svetislav , Mcilwaine Clare 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of integrating the teaching of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Hygiene (BScDTH) students in enquiry‐based learning (EBL) sessions, using performance on multiple related integrated dental science (IDS) multiple‐choice question assessments.MethodIDS assessments are sat twice in the first stages of both the BDS and BScDTH programmes. IDS scores from integrated and non‐integrated cohorts were collated and compared across test occasions (first or second assessment of the stage) and programmes (BDS and BScDTH).ResultsThe results revealed that IDS scores were, overall, significantly higher for students in integrated (M = 63.46, SD = 13.06) than non‐integrated EBL groups (M = 60.75, SD = 13.67; F(1,207) = 4.277, P = 0.040, = 0.020). Although this effect was not statistically significant when each programme was considered separately, the effect of integration on both programmes was nevertheless positive, with a more pronounced improvement for BScDTH (+7.88) than BDS (+0.63) students.ConclusionsIntegrating students from different programmes for the teaching of core dental knowledge in team environments improves student performance in subsequent dental science assessments—and more so for BScDTH than BDS students. The fact that both groups benefit from integration should go some way towards reassuring institutions that are considering integration but are cautious of threats to “established” programmes.
Divergent paths, same destiny: A Bourdieusian perspective on refugee families' negotiation of urban school transition in the US
Authors: Li Guofang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article documents five refugee families and their children's efforts to reestablish themselves in an urban school context in the US. A thematic analysis of the families’ negotiation with the urban school system, the language programmes and their home engagement practices suggests that they were subjected to symbolic violence brought upon by the precarious context of reception, the monolingual ideologies and the hegemonic practices of the urban schools and resettlement policies and agencies. Such symbolic violence systematically fractured their language learning, educational success, and upward social mobility. Therefore, despite their divergent paths of immigration and resettlement, the children shared similar stories of system blockage, inertia, and fragmentation. These shared trajectories suggest the need for multi‐layered changes to remove blockages in the education and immigration system, transform the dispositions and practices of the key players, including policy makers, school administrators and teachers, and raise critical consciousness among the refugees.