bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presepsin as a predictor of early onset neonatal sepsis in the umbilical cord blood of premature infants with premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Seliem Wael , Sultan Amira M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether presepsin level in umbilical cord blood can be used as a predictor of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in preterm labor with premature rupture of membranes (PROM), allowing rational use of antibiotics.MethodsAll preterm infants between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation born to pregnant women with PROM were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained from clamped umbilical cords after delivery of the neonate and prior to the delivery of the placenta for C‐reactive protein and presepsin measurement. A diagnosis or suspicion of EONS was based on clinical symptoms or laboratory results in the absence of positive blood culture.ResultsA total of 288 women were included in the study and delivered at 31 + 4 weeks (range, 25–36 + 5 weeks). Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was identified in 62 women (81.6%) with EONS and in 31 (14.6%) without (P = 0.004). The prevalence of EONS was 26.4% (76/288). Median umbilical cord presepsin was significantly higher in neonates with EONS than in those without: 2,231 pg/mL (range, 1,442–3,988 pg/mL) versus 275 pg/mL (range, 116–326 pg/mL; P < 0.000). On logistic regression analysis the only independent predictor of EONS was umbilical cord blood presepsin (OR, 12.6; 95% CI: 2.5–28.1, P = 0.000).ConclusionsUmbilical cord blood presepsin is a predictor for EONS in preterm infants with PROM and may help to reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Modelling and automated calibration of a general multi‐projective camera
Authors: Khoramshahi Ehsan , Honkavaara Eija 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRecently, multi‐projective cameras (MPCs), often based on frame‐mounted multiple cameras with a small baseline and arbitrary overlap, have found a remarkable place in geomatics and vision‐based applications. This paper outlines the geometric calibration of a general MPC by presenting a mathematical model that describes its unknown generic geometry. A modified bundle block adjustment is employed to calibrate an industrial‐level 360° non‐metric camera. The structure of any MPC can be retrieved as a calibration set of relative and interior orientation parameters (as well as the pose of the MPC shots) using a calibration room which has been accurately determined by close range photogrammetry. To demonstrate the efficiency and precision of the model, a Panono camera (an MPC with 36 individual cameras) was calibrated. After the adjustment, sub‐pixel image residuals and acceptable object‐space errors were observed.
Chili anthracnose: Colletotrichum taxonomy and pathogenicity
Authors: Mongkolporn O. , Taylor P. W. J. 
Published: March 2018

Chili anthracnose is caused by Colletotrichum species mostly associated with the acutatum, truncatum and gloeosporioides complexes. Since 2009 the Colletotrichum taxonomy has been extensively revised based on multigene phylogenetics, which has had a large impact on the number of species known to cause anthracnose disease of chili. This review discusses (i) the taxonomy of Colletotrichum spp. infecting chili, and (ii) the impact of Colletotrichum pathotypes on breeding for resistance to anthracnose. To date, 24 Colletotrichum species have been identified as pathogens of chili anthracnose, with the three main pathogens being C. scovillei, C. truncatum and C. siamense. Identification of several pathotypes within these three Colletotrichum species, particularly pathotypes that can overcome resistance in the related Capsicum species, Ca. chinense and Ca. baccatum, will be of major concern to plant breeders as they develop resistant chili genotypes from the transfer of resistance genes from these Capsicum species into Ca. annuum. Accurate identification of the Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose and improved understanding of the biology of the Colletotrichum species and their interaction with the host will enable the application of improved integrated disease management techniques.
Surgery without papilla incision: tunneling flap procedures in plastic periodontal and implant surgery
Authors: Zuhr Otto , Rebele Stephan F. , Cheung Stefani L. , Hürzeler Markus B. ,   the Research Group on Oral Soft Tissue Biology and Wound Healing
Published: March 2018

AbstractDiverse clinical advancements, together with some relevant technical innovations, have led to an increase in popularity of tunneling flap procedures in plastic periodontal and implant surgery in the recent past. This trend is further promoted by the fact that these techniques have lately been introduced to a considerably expanded range of indications. While originally described for the treatment of gingival recession‐type defects, tunneling flap procedures may now be applied successfully in a variety of clinical situations in which augmentation of the soft tissues is indicated in the esthetic zone. Potential clinical scenarios include surgical thickening of thin buccal gingiva or peri‐implant mucosa, alveolar ridge/socket preservation and implant second‐stage surgery, as well as soft‐tissue ridge augmentation or pontic site development. In this way, tunneling flap procedures developed from a technique, originally merely intended for surgical root coverage, into a capacious surgical conception in plastic periodontal and implant surgery. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview on tunneling flap procedures, to introduce the successive development of the approach along with underlying ideas on surgical wound healing and to present contemporary clinical scenarios in step‐by‐step photograph‐illustrated sequences, which aim to provide clinicians with guidance to help them integrate tunneling flap procedures into their daily clinical routine.
Blood donation barriers and facilitators of Sub‐Saharan African migrants and minorities in Western high‐income countries: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Klinkenberg E. F. , Huis In't Veld E. M. J. , de Wit P. D. , van Dongen A. , Daams J. G. , de Kort W. L. A. M. , Fransen M. P. 
Published: March 2018

SUMMARYObjectivesThe present study aimed to gain more insight into, and summarise, blood donation determinants among migrants or minorities of Sub‐Saharan heritage by systematically reviewing the current literature.BackgroundSub‐Saharan Africans are under‐represented in the blood donor population in Western high‐income countries. This causes a lack of specific blood types for transfusions and prevention of alloimmunisation among Sub‐Saharan African patients.Methods/materialsMedline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and BIOSIS were searched for relevant empirical studies that focused on barriers and facilitators of blood donation among Sub‐Saharan Africans in Western countries until 22 June 2017. Of the 679 articles screened by title and abstract, 152 were subsequently screened by full text. Paired reviewers independently assessed the studies based on predefined eligibility and quality criteria.ResultsOf the 31 included studies, 24 used quantitative and 7 used qualitative research methods. Target cohorts varied from Black African Americans and refugees from Sub‐Sahara Africa to specific Sub‐Saharan migrant groups such as Comorians or Ethiopians. Main recurring barriers for Sub‐Saharan Africans were haemoglobin deferral, fear of needles and pain, social exclusion, lack of awareness, negative attitudes and accessibility problems. Important recurring facilitators for Sub‐Saharan Africans were altruism, free health checks and specific recruitment and awareness‐raising campaigns.ConclusionThe findings of this review can be used as a starting point to develop recruitment and retention strategies for Sub‐Saharan African persons. Further research is needed to gain more insight in the role of these determinants in specific contexts as socioeconomic features, personal histories and host country regulations may differ per country.
Molecular and serological infection marker screening in blood donors indicates high endemicity of hepatitis E virus in Poland
Authors: Grabarczyk Piotr , Sulkowska Ewa , Gdowska Jolanta , Kopacz Aneta , Liszewski Grzegorz , Kubicka‐Russel Dorota , Baylis Sally A. , Corman Victor M. , Noceń Ewa , Piotrowski Dariusz , Antoniewicz‐Papis Jolanta , Łętowska Magdalena 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDUntil now, markers of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have not been studied in blood donors throughout Poland, and no acute case of HEV infection has been closely documented or confirmed by HEV RNA detection. The prevalence of HEV infection markers, including HEV RNA in Polish blood donors and virus genotypes was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn total, 12,664 individual donations from 22 Polish blood transfusion centers were tested for HEV RNA by transcription‐mediated amplification. In addition, 3079 first‐time donors sampled throughout Poland also were screened for antibodies to HEV. HEV RNA and immunoglobulin M‐positive donations were confirmed using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTSTen donors were identified as RNA initial reactive (one of 1266 donors), and six (one of 2109) were identified as repeat reactive and confirmed by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction or seroconversion. Sequence analysis identified HEV Genotype 3c in one donor and Genotype 3i in two others. On average, 43.5% of donors were immunoglobulin G‐positive. Immunoglobulin G seroprevalence ranged from 22.7% to 60.8% in group ages 18 to 27 years and 48 to 57 years, respectively and differed between administrative regions from 28.9% in Podlasie to 61.3% in Wielkopolska. Thirty‐nine of the donors were immunoglobulin M‐positive, and seven donors were IgM positive only (0.2%). Of 37 immunoglobulin M‐reactive samples tested by Western blot, 24 (64.9%) were confirmed.CONCLUSIONSThe current results indicate a high level of HEV endemicity throughout Poland compared with other countries. There is an urgent need to consider the protection of recipients of blood components against transfusion‐transmitted HEV infection.
Multiple ocular developmental defects in four closely related alpacas
Authors: Knickelbein Kelly E. , Maggs David J. , Reilly Christopher M. , Good Kathryn L. , Gionfriddo Juliet R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical, gross pathologic, and histopathologic findings for a visually impaired 5.8‐year‐old female alpaca with multiple ocular abnormalities, as well as the clinical findings for three closely related alpacas.Animals studiedFour alpacas.ProceduresOphthalmic examination was performed on a 16‐month‐old female alpaca following observation of visual impairment while hospitalized for an unrelated illness. Following acute systemic decline and death 4.5 years later, the alpaca's brain, optic nerves, and eyes were examined grossly and histologically. Ophthalmic examination of three closely related alpacas was subsequently performed.ResultsThe 16‐month‐old female alpaca (Alpaca 1) had ophthalmoscopic findings suggestive of a coloboma or hypoplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid, and suspected optic nerve hypoplasia OU. Histopathology performed 4.5 years later revealed moderate to severe choroidal, RPE, and retinal hypoplasia with multifocal retinal detachments OU. However, the optic nerves were normal in size and histologic appearance when compared to an age‐matched control. Clinical evaluation of the 2‐year‐old son of Alpaca 1 revealed iris colobomata OU and choroidal dysplasia/hypoplasia OD in addition to nonpathologic variations in melanin density including heterochromia iridis and a subalbinotic fundus OU. Clinical evaluation of the 13‐year‐old mother of Alpaca 1 revealed heterochromia iridis, cataracts, and a subalbinotic fundus OU. A 2‐year‐old half‐brother of Alpaca 1 had an RPE and choroidal coloboma OS.ConclusionThe developmental ocular abnormalities diagnosed in these closely related alpacas are likely hereditary.
Bacterial Enzymes Catalyzing the Synthesis of 1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene, a Key Precursor of Dihydroxynaphthalene Melanin, from Sorangium cellulosum
Authors: Sone Yusuke , Nakamura Shuto , Sasaki Makoto , Hasebe Fumihito , Kim Seung-Young , Funa Nobutaka 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene (1,8-DHN) is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of DHN melanin, which is specific to fungi. In this study, we characterized the enzymatic properties of the gene products of an operon consisting of
soceCHS1
,
bdsA
, and
bdsB
from the Gram-negative bacterium
Sorangium cellulosum
. Heterologous expression of
soceCHS1
,
bdsA
, and
bdsB
in
Streptomyces coelicolor
caused secretion of a dark-brown pigment into the broth. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the broth revealed that the recombinant strain produced 1,8-DHN, indicating that the operon encoded a novel enzymatic system for the synthesis of 1,8-DHN. Simultaneous incubation of the recombinant SoceCHS1, BdsA, and BdsB with malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) and NADPH resulted in the synthesis of 1,8-DHN. SoceCHS1, a type III polyketide synthase (PKS), catalyzed the synthesis of 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (T
4
HN)
in vitro
. T
4
HN was in turn converted to 1,8-DHN by successive steps of reduction and dehydration, which were catalyzed by BdsA and BdsB. BdsA, which is a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, catalyzed the reduction of T
4
HN and 1,3,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene (T
3
HN) to scytalone and vermelone, respectively. The stereoselectivity of T
4
HN reduction by BdsA occurred on the
si
-face to give (
R
)-scytalone with more than 99% optical purity. BdsB, a SnoaL2-like protein, catalyzed the dehydration of scytalone and vermelone to T
3
HN and 1,8-DHN, respectively. The fungal pathway for the synthesis of 1,8-DHN is composed of a type I PKS, naphthol reductases of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily, and scytalone dehydratase (SD). These findings demonstrated 1,8-DHN synthesis by novel enzymes of bacterial origin.

IMPORTANCE
Although the DHN biosynthetic pathway was thought to be specific to fungi, we discovered novel DHN synthesis enzymes of bacterial origin. The biosynthesis of bacterial DHN utilized a type III PKS for polyketide synthesis, an AKR superfamily for reduction, and a SnoaL2-like NTF2 superfamily for dehydration, whereas the biosynthesis of fungal DHN utilized a type I PKS, SDR superfamily enzyme, and SD-like NTF2 superfamily. Surprisingly, the enzyme systems comprising the pathway were significantly different from each other, suggesting independent, parallel evolution leading to the same biosynthesis. DHN melanin plays roles in host invasion and adaptation to stress in pathogenic fungi and is therefore important to study. However, it is unclear whether DHN biosynthesis occurs in bacteria. Importantly, we did find that bacterial DHN biosynthetic enzymes were conserved among pathogenic bacteria.
A Gene Homologous to rRNA Methylase Genes Confers Erythromycin and Clindamycin Resistance in Bifidobacterium breve
Authors: Martínez Noelia , Luque Roberto , Milani Christian , Ventura Marco , Bañuelos Oscar , Margolles Abelardo 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBifidobacteria are mutualistic intestinal bacteria, and their presence in the human gut has been associated with health-promoting activities. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes in this genus is controversial, since, although bifidobacteria are nonpathogenic microorganisms, they could serve as reservoirs of resistance determinants for intestinal pathogens. However, until now, few antibiotic resistance determinants have been functionally characterized in this genus. In this work, we show thatBifidobacterium breveCECT7263 displays atypical resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin. In order to delimit the genomic region responsible for the observed resistance phenotype, a library of genomic DNA was constructed and a fragment of 5.8 kb containing a gene homologous to rRNA methylase genes was able to confer erythromycin resistance inEscherichia coli. This genomic region seems to be very uncommon, and homologs of the gene have been detected in only one strain ofBifidobacterium longumand two other strains ofB. breve. In this context, analysis of shotgun metagenomics data sets revealed that the gene is also uncommon in the microbiomes of adults and infants. The structural gene and its upstream region were cloned into aB. breve-sensitive strain, which became resistant after acquiring the genetic material.In vitroconjugation experiments did not allow us to detect gene transfer to other recipients. Nevertheless, prediction of genes potentially acquired through horizontal gene transfer events revealed that the gene is located in a putative genomic island.IMPORTANCEBifidobacterium breveis a very common human intestinal bacterium. Often described as a pioneer microorganism in the establishment of early-life intestinal microbiota, its presence has been associated with several beneficial effects for the host, including immune stimulation and protection against infections. Therefore, some strains of this species are considered probiotics. In relation to this, because probiotic bacteria are used for human and animal consumption, one of the safety concerns over these bacteria is the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, since the human gut is a densely populated habitat that could favor the transfer of genetic material to potential pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis responsible for the erythromycin and clindamycin resistance phenotype ofB. breveCECT7263. We were able to identify and characterize a novel gene homologous to rRNA methylase genes which confers erythromycin and clindamycin resistance. This gene seems to be very uncommon in other bifidobacteria and in the gut microbiomes of both adults and infants. Even though conjugation experiments showed the absence of transferability underin vitroconditions, it has been predicted to be located in a putative genomic island recently acquired by specific bifidobacterial strains.
Euphyllophyte Paleoviruses Illuminate Hidden Diversity and Macroevolutionary Mode of Caulimoviridae
Authors: Gong Zhen , Han Guan-Zhu 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Endogenous viral elements (paleoviruses) provide “molecular fossils” for studying the deep history and macroevolution of viruses. Endogenous plant pararetroviruses (EPRVs) are widespread in angiosperms, but little is known about EPRVs in earlier-branching plants. Here we use a large-scale phylogenomic approach to investigate the diversity and macroevolution of plant pararetroviruses (formally known as
Caulimoviridae
). We uncover an unprecedented and unappreciated diversity of EPRVs within the genomes of gymnosperms and ferns. The known angiosperm viruses constitute only a minor part of the
Caulimoviridae
diversity. By characterizing the distribution of EPRVs, we show that no major euphyllophyte lineages escape the activity of
Caulimoviridae
, raising the possibility that many exogenous
Caulimoviridae
remain to be discovered in euphyllophytes. We find that the copy numbers of EPRVs are generally high, suggesting that EPRVs might define a unique group of repetitive elements and represent important components of euphyllophyte genomes. Evolutionary analyses suggest an ancient origin of
Caulimoviridae
and at least three independent origins of
Caulimoviridae
in angiosperms. Our findings reveal the remarkable diversity of
Caulimoviridae
and have important implications for understanding the origin and macroevolution of plant pararetroviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Few viruses have been documented in plants outside angiosperms. Viruses can occasionally integrate into host genomes, forming endogenous viral elements (EVEs). Endogenous plant pararetroviruses (EPRVs) are widespread in angiosperms. In this study, we performed comprehensive comparative and phylogenetic analyses of EPRVs and found that EPRVs are present in the genomes of gymnosperms and ferns. We identified numerous EPRVs in gymnosperm and fern genomes, revealing an unprecedented depth in the diversity of plant pararetroviruses. Plant pararetroviruses mainly underwent cross-species transmission, and angiosperm pararetroviruses arose at least three times. Our study provides novel insights into the diversity and macroevolution of plant pararetroviruses.
Appendicular muscle mass and fasting triglycerides predict serum liver aminotransferases in young female collegiate athletes
Authors: Minato Satomi , Kitaoka Kaori , Takeuchi Mika , Tsuboi Ayaka , Kurata Miki , Tanaka Shigehiro , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveWe test the hypothesis that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) may be associated inversely with serum triglycerides (TG) and positively with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in young athletes because athletes have larger amounts of muscle mass.Research design and methodsPearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between serum AST and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body composition identified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, markers of insulin resistance, serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, adiponectin and leptin in 174 female collegiate athletes (18–22 years). Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify independent determinants of the aminotransferases.ResultsAST and ALT showed positive correlation with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and height-adjusted ASM. In addition, ALT as well as AST showed inverse, not positive, association with fasting TG. Further, both AST and ALT showed positive associations with HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI, a major apolipoprotein of HDL particles. Multivariate analysis revealed that height-adjusted ASM and TG (inverse) were independent determinants for AST and ALT. Further, fat mass index (inverse) and resting heart rate (inverse) predicted AST and apolipoprotein AI predicted ALT.ConclusionsIn young female collegiate athletes, both serum AST and ALT showed inverse association with fasting TG and positive association with apoAI, both of which may be mediated through positive association between the aminotransferases and ASM. The association between ALT and TG is opposite in direction in young athletes (inverse) and in the general population (positive).