bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced arterial vasodilatation in response to hypoxia impairs cerebral and peripheral oxygen delivery in hypertensive men
Authors: Fernandes Igor A. , Rocha Marcos P. , Campos Monique O. , Mattos João D. , Mansur Daniel E. , Rocha Helena N. M. , Terra Paulo A. C. , Garcia Vinícius P. , Rocha Natália G. , Secher Niels H. , Nóbrega Antonio C. L. 
Published: February 2018

Key points
Hypoxaemia evokes a repertoire of homeostatic adjustments that maintain oxygen supply to organs and tissues including the brain and skeletal muscles.
Because hypertensive patients have impaired endothelial‐dependent vasodilatation and an increased sympathetic response to arterial oxygen desaturation, we investigated whether hypertension impairs isocapnic hypoxia‐induced cerebral and skeletal muscle hyperaemia to an extent that limits oxygen supply.
In middle‐aged hypertensive men, vertebral and femoral artery blood flow do not increase in response to isocapnic hypoxia, limiting brain and peripheral hyperaemia and oxygen supply.
Increased chemoreflex‐induced sympathetic activation impairs skeletal muscle perfusion and oxygen supply, whereas an attenuation of local vasodilatory signalling in the posterior cerebrovasculature reduced brain hyperperfusion of hypertensive middle‐aged men in response to isocapnic hypoxia.
AbstractThe present study investigated whether hypertension impairs isocapnic hypoxia (IH)‐induced cerebral and skeletal muscle hyperaemia to an extent that limits oxygen supply. Oxygen saturation (oxymetry), mean arterial pressure (photoplethysmography) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneugraphy), as well as femoral artery (FA), internal carotid artery and vertebral artery (VA) blood flow (BF; Doppler ultrasound), were quantified in nine normotensive (NT) (aged 40 ± 11 years, systolic pressure 119 ± 7 mmHg and diastolic pressure 73 ± 6 mmHg) and nine hypertensive men (HT) (aged 44 ± 12 years, systolic pressure 152 ± 11 mmHg and diastolic pressure 90 ± 9 mmHg) during 5 min of normoxia (21% O2) and IH (10% O2). Total cerebral blood flow (tCBF), brain (CDO2) and leg (LDO2) oxygen delivery were estimated. IH provoked similar oxygen desaturation without changing mean arterial pressure. Internal carotid artery perfusion increased in both groups during IH. However, VA and FA BF only increased in NT. Thus, IH‐induced increase in tCBF was smaller in HT. CDO2 only increased in NT and LDO2 decreased in HT. Furthermore, IH evoked a greater increase in HT MSNA. Changes in MSNA were inversely related to FA BF, LDO2 and end‐tidal oxygen tension. In conclusion, hypertension disturbs regional and total cerebrovascular and peripheral responses to IH and consequently limits oxygen supply to the brain and skeletal muscle. Although increased chemoreflex‐induced sympathetic activation may explain impaired peripheral perfusion, attenuated vasodilatory signalling in the posterior cerebrovasculature appears to be responsible for the small increase in tCBF when HT were exposed to IH.
The Effects of Rigid Scapular Taping on the Subacromial Space in Athletes With and Without Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Leong Hio Teng , Fu Siu Ngor 
Published: February 2018

Context:Reduction of the subacromial space (SAS) during arm elevation may contribute to rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. The effects of scapular taping on the SAS in athletes with and without RC tendinopathy are unknown.Objective:To investigate the immediate effects of scapular taping on the SAS in athletes with and without RC tendinopathy.Design:Randomized controlled study with repeated measures.Setting:University laboratory.Participants:A total of 43 male volleyball players (17 asymptomatic and 26 with RC tendinopathy, mean age = 22.9 [3.5] y) participated in the study.Intervention:Three scapular taping protocols—no taping (control), taping with tension (therapeutic taping), and taping without tension (sham taping).Main Outcome Measures:Ultrasound measurements of the SAS with the arm at 0° and 60° of shoulder abduction, and the change in the SAS between 0° and 60° of shoulder abduction (SAS0°–60°) were calculated.Results:Athletes with RC tendinopathy demonstrated larger SAS with therapeutic taping at 60° of shoulder abduction (6.9 [1.9] mm vs 5.8 [1.7] mm, mean difference = 1.1 mm, 95% confidence interval, −1.80 to −0.39,P = .002) when compared with the no taping condition. The tendinopathy group also showed less reduction in the SAS with therapeutic taping during SAS0°–60°(2.0 [1.4] mm vs 2.8 [1.4] mm,P = .02) when compared with the no taping condition. When tape was applied to the scapula in asymptomatic athletes, our results showed a relatively small increase in the SAS with therapeutic taping during arm resting at 0° of abduction when compared with the no taping condition (8.7 [0.9] mm vs 8.3 [0.8] mm, mean difference = 0.4 mm, 95% confidence interval, −0.71 to −0.11,P = .01).Conclusions:Athletes with RC tendinopathy demonstrated less reduction of the SAS with rigid scapular taping during early arm abduction. Such observation was not evidenced in asymptomatic athletes.
Impact of Wastewater Treatment on the Prevalence of Integrons and the Genetic Diversity of Integron Gene Cassettes
Authors: An Xin-Li , Chen Qing-Lin , Zhu Dong , Zhu Yong-Guan , Gillings Michael R. , Su Jian-Qiang 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe integron platform allows the acquisition, expression, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes within gene cassettes. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contain abundant resistance genes; however, knowledge about the impacts of wastewater treatment on integrons and their gene cassettes is limited. In this study, by using clone library analysis and high-throughput sequencing, we investigated the abundance of class 1, 2, and 3 integrons and their corresponding gene cassettes in three urban WWTPs. Our results showed that class 1 integrons were most abundant in WWTPs and that wastewater treatment significantly reduced the abundance of all integrons. The WWTP influents harbored the highest diversity of class 1 integron gene cassettes, whereas class 3 integron gene cassettes exhibited highest diversity in activated sludge. Most of the gene cassette arrays detected in class 1 integrons were novel. Aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, and trimethoprim resistance genes were highly prevalent in class 1 integron gene cassettes, while class 3 integrons mainly carried beta-lactam resistance gene cassettes. A core class 1 integron resistance gene cassette pool persisted during wastewater treatment, implying that these resistance genes could have high potential to spread into environments through WWTPs. These data provide new insights into the impact of wastewater treatment on integron pools and highlight the need for surveillance of resistance genes within both class 1 and 3 integrons.IMPORTANCEWastewater treatment plants represent a significant sink and transport medium for antibiotic resistance bacteria and genes spreading into environments. Integrons are important genetic elements involved in the evolution of antibiotic resistance. To better understand the impact of wastewater treatment on integrons and their gene cassette contexts, we conducted clone library construction and high-throughput sequencing to analyze gene cassette contexts for class 1 and class 3 integrons during the wastewater treatment process. This study comprehensively profiled the distribution of integrons and their gene cassettes (especially class 3 integrons) in influents, activated sludge, and effluents of conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants. We further demonstrated that while wastewater treatment significantly reduced the abundance of integrons and the diversity of associated gene cassettes, a large fraction of integrons persisted in wastewater effluents and were consequentially discharged into downstream natural environments.
Complete Genome Sequences of pLMA1 and pLMA7, Two Large Linear Plasmids of
Micrococcus
Strains Isolated from a High-Altitude Lake in Argentina
Authors: Dib Julian Rafael , Perez María Florencia , Schuldes Jörg , Poehlein Anja , Wagenknecht Martin , Farías María E. , Meinhardt Friedhelm , Daniel Rolf 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The two linear plasmids pLMA1 (109,112 bp) and pLMA7 (82,075 bp) from
Micrococcus
strains were isolated from a high-altitude lake in the Argentinean Puna, sequenced, and annotated. These extrachromosomal elements are probably conjugative and harbor genes potentially involved in coping with the harsh conditions in such extreme environments.
Draft Genome Sequence of Micromonospora sp. Strain WMMA1996, a Marine Sponge-Associated Bacterium
Authors: Braun Doug R. , Chevrette Marc G. , Acharya Deepa D. , Currie Cameron R. , Rajski Scott R. , Bugni Tim S. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Micromonospora
sp. strain WMMA1996 was isolated in 2013 off the coast of the Florida Keys, United States, from a marine sponge as part of bacterial coculture-based drug discovery initiatives. Analysis of the ∼6.44-Mb genome reveals this microbe’s potential role in the discovery of new drugs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingobacterium sp. Strain HMA12, Which Encodes Endo-β-
N
-Acetylglucosaminidases and Can Specifically Hydrolyze Fucose-Containing Oligosaccharides
Authors: Huang Yibo , Higuchi Yujiro , Mori Kazuki , Yamashita Ryoko , Okino Nozomu , Tashiro Kosuke , Takegawa Kaoru 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The genome sequence of the soil bacterium
Sphingobacterium
sp. strain HMA12, the culture supernatant of which exhibited endo-β-
N
-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) activity, was examined for ENGase-encoding genes. Here, we report the characterization of new genes of ENGases, obtained by whole-genome shotgun sequencing, that are capable of specifically hydrolyzing fucose-containing oligosaccharides.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Actinobacillus succinogenes
GXAS137, a Highly Efficient Producer of Succinic Acid
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Shen Naikun , Qin Yan , Zhu Jing , Li Yi , Wu Jiafa , Jiang Ming-Guo 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The bacterium
Actinobacillus succinogenes
GXAS137, an efficient producer of succinic acid, was isolated from bovine rumen in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China. Here, we present the 2.3-Mb genome assembly of this strain, which consists of 2,314,479 bp (G+C content of 44.89%) with a circular chromosome, 2,235 DNA coding sequences, 57 tRNAs, and 15 rRNAs.
Identification and Characterization of Clostridium difficile Sequence Type 37 Genotype by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization
–
Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Ruxin , Xiao Di , Yang Jing , Sun Suju , Kaplan Samuel , Li Zhirong , Niu Yanan , Qiang Cuixin , Zhai Yu , Wang Xiaoming , Zhao Xingzhen , Zhao Baoxin , Welker Martin , Pincus David H. , Jin Dazhi , Kamboj Mini , Zheng Guanghui , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Jianzhong , Tang Yi-Wei , Zhao Jianhong 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
multilocus sequence type 37 (ST37), which mainly corresponds to ribotype 017, has been a dominant genotype circulating in China. In this study, we report the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to analyze and characterize 204
C. difficile
clinical isolates, including 49 ST37 and 155 non-ST37 isolates collected in China and other countries. The distributions of two major protein peaks (
m/z
3,242 and 3,286) were significantly different between ST37 and non-ST37 prototype strains and clinical isolates. This difference was reproducible when analysis was performed on different colonies in different runs. This finding was repeated and confirmed by both bioMérieux Vitek MS and Bruker Microflex LT systems on isolates recovered from a variety of geographic regions worldwide. The combination of the two peaks was present in 47 of 49 ST37 isolates, resulting in a sensitivity of 95.9%. In contrast, the peak combination was absent in 153 of 155 non-ST37 isolates, resulting in a specificity of 98.7%. Our results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and reliable tool to identify
C. difficile
genotype ST37. Work is in progress to characterize the two molecules having peaks at
m/z
3,242 and 3,286, which appear to be specific to
C. difficile
genotype ST37.
Mechano- and thermosensitivity of injured muscle afferents 20 to 80 days after nerve injury
Authors: Tode Jan , Kirillova-Woytke Irina , Rausch Vanessa H. , Baron Ralf , Jänig Wilfrid 
Published: February 2018

Chronic injury of limb nerves leading to neuropathic pain affects deep somatic nerves. Here the functional properties of injured afferent fibers in the lateral gastrocnemius-soleus nerve were investigated 20 and 80 days after suturing the central stump of this muscle nerve to the distal stump of the sural nerve in anesthetized rats. Neurophysiological recordings were made from afferent axons identified in either the sciatic nerve (87 A-, 63 C-fibers) or the dorsal root L4/L5 (52 A-, 26 C-fibers) by electrical stimulation of the injured nerve. About 70% of the functionally identified A-fibers had regenerated into skin by 80 days after nerve suture; the remaining A-fibers could be activated only from the injured nerve. In contrast, 93% of the functionally identified C-fibers could only be activated from the injured sural nerve after 80 days. Nearly half of the injured A- (45%) and C-fibers (44%) exhibited ongoing and/or mechanically or thermally evoked activity. Because ~50% of the A- and C-fibers are somatomotor or sympathetic postganglionic axons, respectively, probably all injured muscle afferent A- and C-fibers developed ectopic activity. Ongoing activity was present in 17% of the A- and 46% of the C-fibers. Mechanosensitivity was present in most injured A- (99%) and C-fibers (85%), whereas thermosensitivity was more common in C-fibers (cold 46%, heat 47%) than in A-fibers (cold 18%, heat 12%). Practically all thermosensitive A-fibers and C-fibers were also mechanosensitive. Thus, unlike cutaneous axons, almost all A- and C-fibers afferents in injured muscle nerves demonstrate ectopic activity, even chronically after nerve injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY After chronic injury of a muscle nerve, allowing the nerve fibers to regenerate to the target tissue, 1) most afferent A-fibers are mechanosensitive and regenerate to the target tissue; 2) ectopic ongoing activity, cold sensitivity, and heat sensitivity significantly decrease with time after injury in A-afferents; 3) most afferent C-fibers do not regenerate to the target tissue; and 4) injured C-afferents maintain the patterns of ectopic discharge properties they already show soon after nerve injury.
Elevated Faecal Calprotectin Levels are a Reliable Non-Invasive Screening Tool for Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease in Patients Undergoing Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Yousuf Hamid , Aleem Umair , Egan Roisin , Maheshwari Pardeep , Mohamad Jafaar , McNamara Deidre 
Published: February 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Approximately 10% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients have this disease affecting the small bowel (SB) beyond the reach of Ileo-colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is the recommended investigation for SB disease. An accurate and inexpensive biomarker would help identify at-risk patients. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> To examine the efficacy of faecal calprotectin (FC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictors of SBCE findings in suspected and known CD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A prospective observational study. Consecutive patients referred for SBCE gave FC and CRP samples. The diagnostic accuracy for SB CD based on SBCE result was calculated for both FC and CRP. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 100 invitees, FC and SBCE results were available in 64 cases. Correlation between FC &#x3e;50 µg/g and SBCE result was poor К = 0.163; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values for ileitis were 60, 61, 32 and 83% respectively. PPV and specificity improved at FC &#x3e;100 µg/g, 76 and 40%, correlation remained fair, К = 0.259. Receiver operating characteristic analysis had a sensitivity of 47% and specificity of 90% for FC &#x3e;194 µg/g. CRP alone or in combination was an inaccurate predictor of ileitis. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our study suggests that FC level &#x3e;194 µg/g may be a useful SBCE filter test, identifying patients at risk of SB CD.
Testing skin swabbing for DNA sampling in dendrobatid frogs
Authors: Ringler Eva 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Skin swabbing, a minimally invasive DNA sampling method recently proposed for adult amphibians, was tested on the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis. I compared DNA yield from skin swabs and toe clips by evaluating obtained DNA concentrations and purity of extracts, as well as amplification success using eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci. I also tested whether storing skin swabs for two months at −20°C affected the properties of the extract or microsatellite analysis. Results show that skin swabs of adult A. femoralis suffered from high contamination and yielded significantly lower DNA quality and quantity, resulting in insufficient genotyping success, than DNA obtained from toe clips. The relatively dry skin in dendrobatid frogs may have impeded the collection of sufficient viable cells, and the presence of skin alkaloids and microbiota in the frog mucus may lead to high contamination load of skin swabs.
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Lim Fat Daren , Moran Cathal J. , Mullett Hannan 
Published: February 2018

Background: Basic science studies suggest that platelet-rich therapies have a positive effect on tendon repair. However, the clinical evidence is conflicted on whether this translates to increased tendon healing and improved functional outcomes. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature to ascertain whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) improved patient outcomes in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Meta-analysis. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. RCTs comparing PRP or PRF to a control in rotator cuff repair were included. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Jadad score. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio for dichotomous variables and the mean difference for continuous variables. A P value <.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: Eighteen RCTs with 1147 patients were included in this review. PRP resulted in significantly decreased rates of incomplete tendon healing for all tears combined (17.2% vs 30.5%, respectively; P < .05), incomplete tendon healing in small-medium tears (22.4% vs 38.3%, respectively; P < .05), and incomplete tendon healing in medium-large tears (12.3% vs 30.5%, respectively; P < .05) compared to the control. There was a significant result in favor of PRP for the Constant score (85.6 vs 83.1, respectively; P < .05) and the visual analog scale score for pain at 30 days postoperatively (2.9 vs 4.3, respectively; P < .05) and at final follow-up (1.2 vs 1.4, respectively; P < .05) compared to the control. PRF did not result in a significantly decreased rate of incomplete tendon healing for all tears combined (23.0% vs 24.6%, respectively; P = .74) or an improved Constant score (80.8 vs 79.8, respectively; P = .27) compared to the control. PRF resulted in a significantly longer operation time (99.1 vs 83.3 minutes, respectively; P< .05) compared to the control. Conclusion: The current evidence indicates that the use of PRP in rotator cuff repair results in improved healing rates, pain levels, and functional outcomes. In contrast, PRF has been shown to have no benefit in improving tendon healing rates or functional outcomes.
Successfully treated necrotizing fasciitis using extracorporeal life support combined with hemoadsorption device and continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Eid Maroua , Fouquet Olivier , Darreau Cédric , Pierrot Marc , Kouatchet Achille , Mercat Alain , Baufreton Christophe 
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis represents a life-threatening infectious condition that causes spreading necrotisis of superficial fascia and subcutaneous cellular tissues. We describe the case of a patient diagnosed with septic and toxic shocks leading to multiple organ failure successfully treated with a combination of extracorporeal life support, continuous renal replacement therapy, and a hemoadsorption device. Methods: A 41-year-old patient presented with necrotizing fasciitis and multi-organ failure. Initial extracorporeal life support therapy was implanted, compensating for systolic failure. Due to acute renal failure that persisted in time, continuous renal replacement therapy was added. Despite these treatments and as a last attempt to control the septic condition, a CytoSorb® hemoadsorption device was installed in parallel to the extracorporeal life support circuit and two sessions were run. Results: During the days following CytoSorb® treatment, hemodynamic stabilization was observed, as well as normalization of lactic acidosis and blood parameters. Conclusion: This case describes the successful use of CytoSorb® with continuous renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal life support in a combined way to overcome a critical phase of septic shock in a young adult patient. This combination of treatments turned out to be efficient for this patient in the context of necrotizing fasciitis.
Differences Between Sleep Logs and Actigraphy Combined With Electroencephalography in Adults With Sleep Disturbances
Authors: Chang En-Ting , Huang Chiung-Yu , Lai Hui-Ling 
Published: February 2018

Background: Actigraphy plus single-channel electroencephalography (EEG) has a high agreement with polysomnography and is considered a simple method for monitoring sleep at home. No studies, however, have evaluated its agreement with sleep logs. Purpose: A sleep log was compared to a single-channel EEG in adults with sleep disturbances. The determinants of the agreement between the two recording methods were explored. Method: This prospective comparison substudy included 71 participants aged 22–67 years sampled from a previous study of nonpharmacological therapy for sleep disturbances. The participants concurrently used a sleep log and a single-channel EEG machine for 6 days to measure their sleep at home. Total sleep time (TST) and sleep onset latency (SOL) were compared. Results: Correlations between measurements were .43 for TST ( p < .001) and .30 ( p < .01) for SOL. Bland–Altman analysis revealed that the mean bias between methods was 81.54 min (standard deviation [ SD] = 66.72 min) for TST and 5.58 min ( SD = 25.38 min) for SOL. SDs for both TST and SOL were higher for the sleep log than for EEG. A multivariate linear regression model demonstrated that age (standardized coefficient β = .42, p = .001) was a significant predictor of the mean difference in SOL measurements, accounting for 13.7% of the total variance in the mean difference. Conclusion: Sleep log and single-channel EEG sleep measures are distinct from one another, and age predicts the mean level of disagreement between the two measures in adults with sleep disturbances.