bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroanatomic Correlates of Depolarization Abnormalities in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy
Authors: TANAWUTTIWAT TANYANAN , TE RIELE ANNELINE S.J.M. , PHILIPS BINU , JAMES CYNTHIA A. , MURRAY BRITTNEY , TICHNELL CRYSTAL , SAWANT ABHISHEK C. , CALKINS HUGH , TANDRI HARIKRISHNA 
Published: January 2016

EAM Correlates of Depolarization in ARVDBackgroundEpsilon waves and other depolarization abnormalities in the right precordial leads are thought to represent delayed activation of the right ventricular outflow tract in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). However, no study has directly correlated cardiac electrical activation with the surface ECG findings in ARVD/C.Methods and ResultsThirty ARVD/C patients (mean age 32.7 ± 11.2 years, 16 men) underwent endocardial and epicardial electroanatomical activation mapping in sinus rhythm. Twelve‐lead ECGs were classified into 5 patterns: (1) normal QRS (11 patients); (2) terminal activation delay (TAD) (3 patients); (3) incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) (5 patients); (4) epsilon wave (5 patients); (5) complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) (6 patients). Timing of local ventricular activation and extent of scar was then correlated with surface QRS. Earliest endocardial and epicardial RV activation occurred on the mid anteroseptal wall in all patients despite the CRBBB pattern on ECG. Total RV activation times increased from normal QRS to prolonged TAD, IRBBB, epsilon wave, and CRBBB, respectively (103.9 ± 5.6, 116.3 ± 6.5, 117.8 ± 2.7, 146.4 ± 16.3, and 154.3 ± 6.3, respectively, P < 0.05). The total epicardial scar area (cm2) was similar among the different ECG patterns. Median endocardial scar burden was significantly higher in patients with epsilon waves even compared with patients with CRBBB (34.3 vs. 11.3 cm2, P < 0.01). Timing of epsilon wave corresponded to activation of the subtricuspid region in all patients.ConclusionWe found that epsilon waves are often associated with severe conduction delay and extensive endocardial scarring in addition to epicardial disease. The timing of epsilon waves on surface ECG correlated with electrical activation of the sub‐tricuspid region.
Progranulin deficiency leads to severe inflammation, lung injury and cell death in a mouse model of endotoxic shock
Authors: Yu Yuan , Xu Xiaoying , Liu Lu , Mao Sheng , Feng Tingting , Lu Yi , Cheng Yizhe , Wang Hongyan , Zhao Weiming , Tang Wei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractProgranulin (PGRN) is a crucial secreted growth factor involved in various kinds of physiologic and disease processes and often has a protective role in inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of PGRN on endotoxic shock in a mouse model of PGRN deficiency. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection to induce endotoxic shock in mice, PGRN levels were induced in wild‐type (WT) mice at 6 and 24 hrs. Survival rate analysis, haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated uridine triphosphate nick‐end labelling assay were used to reveal the susceptibility, lung injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, production of inflammatory mediators and lung cell death in mice after LPS injection. PGRN‐deficient (Grn−/−) mice were highly susceptible to LPS‐induced endotoxic shock, with decreased survival, severe lung injury, increased production of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptotic death in the lung. Additionally, recombinant PGRN (rPGRN) administration before LPS stimulation ameliorated the survival of and abnormalities in both WT and Grn−/− mice. Altogether, these findings indicate that PGRN may be a novel biologic agent with therapeutic potential for endotoxic shock probably by inhibiting LPS‐induced systemic and local inflammation in mice for treating endotoxic shock.
Local controversies of flood risk reduction measures in Germany. An explorative overview and recent insights
Authors: Otto A. , Hornberg A. , Thieken A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn light of the flood event in June 2013, local disputes of flood risk reduction measures became a public concern in Germany, as it was argued that these controversies delayed the implementation of flood defence schemes and thus aggravated the flood impacts. However, actual knowledge about such disputes is generally quite limited. Therefore, this paper uses different empirical approaches to present first an explorative overview of such ongoing controversies with a focus on the measures under dispute and their geographical distribution. Second, current insights in the disputes are delineated, and the following four central conflict lines are expounded: (1) the desire for safety, (2) arguments of nature and landscape protection, (3) questions regarding economic development, and (4) participation issues. The results are discussed comprehensively, and conclusions are drawn regarding further research as well as planning practice in the field of risk reduction measures.
Seasonal and Growth‐Dependent Dynamics of Bacterial Community in Radish Sprouts
Authors: Asakura Hiroshi , Tachibana Masato , Taguchi Masumi , Hiroi Toyoko , Kurazono Hisao , Makino Sou‐Ichi , Kasuga Fumiko , Igimi Shizunobu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBacterial counts of 170 radish sprout (Raphanus sativus) retailed in Japan between June 2012 and February 2013 was examined. Aerobic plate counts and coliform counts exhibited seasonal variations. No Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp. were detected from them. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing analysis of 16 representative samples from one farm (farm D) revealed a predominance of Pseudomonas spp. throughout seasons, and summer samples exhibited an increase in Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia spp. and decreases in Oxalobacteraceae (primarily Duganella and Janthinobacterium spp.) and Flavobacteriaceae (Flavobacterium spp.) compared with winter samples. Quantitative‐PCR analysis of 40 samples from the farm D confirmed the seasonal dynamics of E. coli and Flavobacterium spp. Radish seeds increased proportion of Pseudomonas spp. after sprouting, compared with pre‐sprouted seeds, suggesting that increased proportion of Pseudomonas spp. in retailed samples might be sourced from their seeds. Our data thus provides that atmospheric control at postsprouting stage might be hygienic practical point to secure microbial safety.Practical ApplicationsFresh sprouts are common vehicles of foodborne pathogens that have been responsible for much numbers of outbreaks worldwide. Through the use of indicator bacterial counts in combination with metagenomic approaches, we confirmed the seasonal and growth‐dependent variation of bacterial community structure in retailed radish sprouts. Information and relief provided to manufacturers/consumers could help to secure microbial safety associated with fresh sprouts.
Antimicrobial Activity of Roselle Hibiscus Sabdariffa Calyx Extracts on Culture Media and Carrots Against Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella Strains Isolated from Raw Carrots
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Alcántara Eduardo J. , Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos A. , Román‐Gutiérrez Alma D. , Rangel‐Vargas Esmeralda , González‐Olivares Luis G. , Castro‐Rosas Javier 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPresence of antibiotic‐resistant Salmonella strains on raw carrots was evaluated, as was the antibacterial activity of roselle calyx extracts against any identified resistant Salmonella strains. One hundred samples of carrots were collected from markets in Pachuca, Mexico. Salmonella was isolated from the carrot samples by culture procedure. Susceptibilities to sixteen antibiotics were determined for the isolated Salmonella strains by standard test. Antibacterial activity versus the isolated strains was measured for roselle extracts produced with water, methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. Finally, the antibacterial effect of roselle extracts, sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid and colloidal silver against Salmonella strains isolated from carrots was evaluated on contaminated carrots. Thirteen Salmonella strains were isolated from 11% of the carrot samples. All strains exhibited resistance to at least two of the tested antibiotics. Roselle extracts caused a greater reduction in concentration of Salmonella than the sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid and colloidal silver on contaminated carrots.Practical ApplicationsRoselle Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity on culture media and on carrots against multidrug‐resistant Salmonella strains. The information presented shows that water extract of roselle calyx may be a potentially useful addition to disinfection procedures of raw carrots in field, carrot processor plants, restaurants and home.
Effect of Environmental Conditions on Biofilm Formation and Related Characteristics of Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Kim Bo‐Ram , Bae Young‐Min , Lee Sun‐Young 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the biofilm formation and gene expression of Staphylococcus aureus depending on growth phase under various environments. Compared to control conditions, biofilm formation of S. aureus D8, D29 and C52 strains was significantly different in the presence of dextrose, NaCl or both dextrose and NaCl. The expression of icaA, icaD, agrD, sigB and sar genes was observed in all S. aureus. However, there was no obvious correlation of gene expression with either the growth phases of S. aureus or the additional compounds of the medium. When biofilm of S. aureus was produced in TSB alone or TSB supplemented with dextrose, NaCl or ethanol on stainless steel coupons, the survival of D8, D29 and C52 strains of S. aureus was higher than that of S. aureus ATCC 12600. These results provide new insights into the biofilm‐forming ability, gene expression and survival of S. aureus grown under various environmental conditions.Practical ApplicationsBiofilm‐forming ability of S. aureus was strongly dependent on environmental factors. And resistance of S. aureus biofilms on the surface of stainless steel was different depending on bacteria origin and environmental conditions. This study contributes to our understanding of the mechanism of biofilm formation in S. aureus under various environmental conditions.
COGNITIVE EVALUATION AS A FOOD SAFETY TOOL – A FOOD HANDLER CASE STUDY
Authors: Latorres Juliana Machado , Rancatti Aline , Lasta Daiane , Queiroz Maria isabel , Mitterer‐Daltoé Marina leite 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis research aimed to evaluate the perception of professionals and future professionals in the food industry on concepts related to food safety. Therefore, we conducted a course to evaluate knowledge and perception of issues related to food safety by the cognitive word association technique, with total workload of 24 hours. The target audience was made up of two distinct groups, one consisting of 52 cooks responsible for handling of school meals at public schools and another formed by 73 students from public agricultural technical school. For data collection, self‐administered surveys were applied, before and after the capacitation course. The results revealed word association technique as an important tool to evaluate the perception of issues related to food safety and reinforced the importance of constant participation and improvement of the professionals in the food industry.Practical ApplicationsFood safety focuses on ensuring that food will not cause harm to health when prepared or consumed. It is associated with a set of rules and techniques needed to ensure food safety in all stages of the food chain, in this context, it is important that the knowledge on issues related to food safety is the first step in its pursuit.
Elevated serum miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 are noninvasive biomarkers for the presence and progression of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yang Ting , Song Jiaxi , Bu Xiaomin , Wang Cheng , Wu Jia , Cai Jialu , Wan Shujun , Fan Chunli , Zhang Chunni , Wang Junjun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe levels of miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 have been reported to be up‐regulated in the tissues of experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) rat models. However, the clinical diagnostic and prognostic values of the serum signatures of these 3 miRNAs in TBI remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression levels of these 3 microRNAs (miRNAs) in the sera of TBI patients and to evaluate their relationships with the severity and clinical outcome of TBI. The serum levels of these miRNAs were assessed in TBI patients (n = 76) and healthy controls (n = 38) by quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR. The severities and clinical outcomes of the TBI patients were evaluated with the Glasgow coma scale and the Glasgow outcome scale. The serum miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 levels were significantly increased in the TBI patients compared with the controls at all examined time points, and these levels were significantly higher in the patients with severe TBI than in those with moderate or mild TBI (p < 0.05). The serum miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 levels were significantly higher in the patients with a poor outcome than in those with a good outcome (p < 0.05). The AUCs of miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 for distinguishing the TBI patients from the healthy controls were 1.000 (p < 0.001), 0.727 (p < 0.001) and 0.801 (p < 0.001), respectively. Interestingly, the AUCs of miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 for distinguishing the mild TBI patients from the healthy controls were 1.000 (p < 0.001), 0.742 (p < 0.001) and 0.819 (p < 0.001), respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 are potentially valuable indicators of the diagnosis, severity, and prognosis of TBI.
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Our study showed that the serum levels of miR‐93, miR‐191, and miR‐499 are all increased in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Their serum levels are associated with TBI severity and outcome, which suggest that these miRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of TBI. We think these findings should provide a new strategy for the diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment of TBI.
Loss of stability and hydrophobicity of presenilin 1 mutations causing Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Somavarapu Arun Kumar , Kepp Kasper P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNearly 200 mutations in the gene coding for presenilin 1 (PSEN1) cause early‐onset Alzheimer's disease, yet the molecular mechanism remains obscure. As a meta‐analysis, we compiled available clinical and biochemical data for PSEN1 variants and correlated these to chemical properties of the mutants. We found statistically significant relationships between relative Aβ42 levels and clinical age of onset. We then computed chemical properties of the mutants from a variety of computational chemistry tools. Relative Aβ42 levels correlated significantly (95% confidence or more from p‐values of linear regression) with loss of hydrophobicity for four different regression analyses (squared correlation coefficient of linear regression R2 of 0.41−0.53) and with increased polarity (R2 = 0.47, 0.59) and loss of protein stability (R2 = 0.39, 0.63) for two independent data sets. Age of onset of patients carrying PSEN1 variants correlated with increased polarity (R2 = 0.49, 0.40) and loss of stability (R2 = 0.75, 0.44) of the protein for both data sets. These relations suggest that mutants impair the membrane‐associated structural integrity of presenilin by reducing hydrophobic membrane association and overall protein stability. This explains why the many mutations that spread out across the protein and far from the catalytic aspartates can cause disease. The identified molecular determinants of clinical age of symptom onset may be relevant to future presenilin‐modulating therapies specifically directed towards increasing the structural integrity and packing of the protein.
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Close to 200 mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) cause Alzheimer's disease, but the biochemical relating these to disease remains debated. The chemical properties of PSEN1 variants were computed and correlated against clinical age of symptom onset. Loss of stability and hydrophobicity and gain of polarity relate to disease onset, suggesting that mutants impair the membrane structure of PSEN1 and that therapies should increase PSEN1 structural integrity.
A Systematic Review of Self‐Management Interventions for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Conley Samantha , Redeker Nancy 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPurposeTo conduct a systematic review of self‐management interventions for adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to (a) describe self‐management skills in the interventions and (b) describe the effects of the interventions on the health‐related outcomes measured.DesignSystematic review of self‐management interventions for adults with IBD using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.MethodsThe search was conducted using Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Proquest databases. Search terms were inflammatory bowel disease OR Crohn* disease OR ulcerative colitis AND self‐management. We also used additional limits (adults ≥18 years of age and published in English). The self‐management skills were organized according to Lorig and Holman's five self‐management skills.FindingsSix reports met the inclusion criteria. One intervention contained all five of the self‐management skills. Most interventions contained two skills. Four studies demonstrated positive effects of self‐management on disease activity. Two interventions revealed positive effects on disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and one intervention revealed positive effects on generic HRQOL. One study showed positive effects of symptoms.ConclusionsThe interventions reviewed varied in the approaches, theoretical perspectives, self‐management skills, and outcomes measured. Additional research is needed to understand which are the active components of self‐management.Clinical RelevanceSupport for self‐management skills is an important component of nursing care for people with IBD.
The relationship between EMT, CD44high/EGFRlow phenotype, and treatment response in head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Johansson Ann‐Charlotte , La Fleur Linnea , Melissaridou Styliani , Roberg Karin 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors are often therapy resistant and may originate from cancer stem cells or tumor cells with an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. The aim of this study was to characterize HNSCC cell lines with regard to EMT profile and to investigate the influence of EMT on the response to treatment.MethodsmRNA expression of the EMT‐associated genes CDH1 (E‐cadherin), CDH2 (N‐cadherin), FOXC2, TWIST1, VIM (vimentin), and FN1 (fibronectin) was determined using quantitative real‐time PCR. Cell morphology and migration were investigated by phase‐contrast microscopy and Boyden chamber assay, respectively. The cell surface expression of CD44 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was examined by flow cytometry. The response to radiotherapy, cetuximab, and dasatinib was assessed by crystal violet staining.ResultsA total of 25 cell lines investigated differed greatly with regard to EMT phenotype. Cell lines with an EMT expression profile showed a mesenchymal morphology and a high migratory capacity. In addition, they exhibited a high cell surface expression of CD44 and a low expression of EGFR, a pattern previously associated with stemness. When the EMT inducer transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was added to non‐EMT cells, changes in treatment responses were observed. Moreover, the expression of TWIST1 was found to correlate with radioresistance.ConclusionsThe data presented in this report suggest that EMT is associated with a CD44high/EGFRlow phenotype and possibly negative impact on radiotherapy response in HNSCC cell lines.
The Significance of Napier Grass Stunt Phytoplasma and Its Transmission to Cereals and Sugarcane
Authors: Asudi George O. , van den Berg Johnnie , Midega Charles A. O. , A. Pickett John , Khan Zeyaur R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractProduction of Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum, the most important forage crop in Africa, is severely constrained by Napier grass stunt (NGS) disease. Wild grasses have been identified as alternative hosts for NGS, but there is no record regarding the ability of this phytoplasma to infect cultivated food crops. To assess this threat, six crop species were placed around phytoplasma‐infected Napier grass with the vector Maiestas banda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in transmission cages for a period of 30 days. The crop plants were observed for 3 months after removal from the cages for disease development. Polymerase chain reaction based on the conserved 16S gene, primed by P1/P6‐NapF/NapR nested primer sets, was used to diagnose phytoplasma in test plants, before and after transmission experiments. Pennisetum purpureum showed the highest infection level (81.3%), followed by Saccharum officinarum (56.3%), Eleusine coracana (50%), Sorghum bicolor (43.8%), Oryza sativa (31.3%) and Zea mays (18.8%). All the test plants remained symptomless except sugarcane that exhibited mild to moderate symptoms comprising yellow leaves and bright white or yellow midribs. Napier grass, however, was stunted with small yellow leaves. The study showed that food crops could be infected, suggesting their possible role as sources of inoculum for NGS and their contribution in the spread of the disease in regions where these crops are cultivated. This implies an additional disease cycle could occur for NGS disease, highlighting the challenges to development and implementation of management strategies for the disease.
Evaluation of Clove Essential Oil as a Mycobiocide Against Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium solani, Tuber Rot Causing Fungi in Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.)
Authors: Sameza Modeste Lambert , Nguemnang Mabou Lile Christere , Tchameni Séverin Nguemezi , Boat Bedine Marie Ampère , Tchoumbougnang François , Jazet Dongmo Pierre Michel , Boyom Fekam Fabrice 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTo exploit natural products for plant disease control, the essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perr. (clove) was investigated for its antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium solani, the postharvested yam tuber rot pathogens. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus. The chemical composition of the oil was determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Antifungal activities of the oil were tested in vitro against mycelia growth and spores germination. In situ tests were conducted on healthy yam tubers, and necrosis symptoms were assessed. Results showed that eugenol (79.4%), eugenylacetate (9.2%) and isocaryophyllene (7.0%) were the major components. The oil exerted antifungal activities with total inhibition (TI) of the mycelia growth of R. stolonifer and F. solani was recorded at 200 and 300 ppm, respectively, while TI of spores germination was recorded at 31.25 and 250 ppm, respectively. For the standard fungicide (Ridomil®), TI value of mycelia growth was 1600 ppm for the both pathogens, while TI of spores germination were 200 ppm and 1600 ppm, respectively, for Rhizopus and Fusarium. In situ tests showed complete inhibition of yam tuber rot when the essential oil was applied at 2000 ppm for preventive tests. This oil also reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) necrosis development on yam tuber for curative test at the same concentration. Total inhibition of the necrosis by Ridomil (3000 ppm) was observed only for Rhizopus on preventive test. There were positive correlations between the oil concentration and the reduction of necrosis cause by R. stolonifer and F. solani. These findings showed that clove essential oil may serve as environmental friendly bio‐fungicide for the management of postharvest yam tuber rot.