bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft selective sweeps in fungicide resistance evolution: recurrent mutations without fitness costs in grapevine downy mildew
Authors: Delmas Chloé E. L. , Dussert Yann , Delière Laurent , Couture Carole , Mazet Isabelle D. , Richart Cervera Sylvie , Delmotte François 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAdaptation produces hard or soft selective sweeps depending on the supply of adaptive genetic polymorphism. The evolution of pesticide resistance in parasites is a striking example of rapid adaptation that can shed light on selection processes. Plasmopara viticola, which causes grapevine downy mildew, forms large populations, in which resistance has rapidly evolved due to excessive fungicide use. We investigated the pathways by which fungicide resistance has evolved in this plant pathogen, to determine whether hard or soft selective sweeps were involved. An analysis of nucleotide polymorphism in 108 field isolates from the Bordeaux region revealed recurrent mutations of cytb and CesA3 conferring resistance to quinone outside inhibiting (QoI) and carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides, respectively. Higher levels of genetic differentiation were observed for nucleotide positions involved in resistance than for neutral microsatellites, consistent with local adaptation of the pathogen to fungicide treatments. No hitchhiking was found between selected sites and neighbouring polymorphisms in cytb and CesA3, confirming multiple origins of resistance alleles. We assessed resistance costs, by evaluating the fitness of the 108 isolates through measurements of multiple quantitative pathogenicity traits under controlled conditions. No significant differences were found between sensitive and resistant isolates, suggesting that fitness costs may be absent or negligible. Our results indicate that the rapid evolution of fungicide resistance in P. viticola has involved a soft sweep.
Utility of urinary tubular markers for monitoring chronic tubulointerstitial injury after ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Ichikawa Daisuke , Kamijo‐Ikemori Atsuko , Sugaya Takeshi , Ohata Keiichi , Hisamichi Mikako , Hoshino Seiko , Kimura Kenjiro , Shibagaki Yugo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to elucidate whether urinary tubular markers during the chronic phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) are associated with chronic tubulointerstitial damage.MethodsMale human L‐type fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP) chromosomal transgenic (Tg) mice underwent ischaemic reperfusion (I/R) injury via renal pedicle clamping for either 10 min or 20 min. Contralateral nephrectomy was performed at the time of tissue reperfusion. The kidneys were analyzed 20 days after the last I/R.ResultsSerum creatinine levels 20 days post‐I/R were significantly higher in the 20 min I/R than in the 10 min I/R and control groups and were similar between the 10 min I/R and control groups. The degree of tubulointerstitial damage 20 days post‐I/R was significantly more severe in the 20 min I/R than in the 10 min I/R and control groups, as well as in the 10 min I/R than in the control group. Urinary levels of human L‐FABP, albumin, and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) 20 days post‐I/R were significantly higher in the 20 min I/R than in the control group, whereas urinary L‐FABP was significantly higher in the 10 min I/R than in the control group. Conversely, urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels did not significantly differ between the three groups. Finally, the urinary levels of human L‐FABP, albumin, and KIM‐1 levels 20 days post‐I/R were significantly correlated with the degree of renal damage.ConclusionsUrinary levels of human L‐FABP, albumin and, KIM‐1 may be useful for monitoring AKI‐to‐CKD transition in clinical practice.
Phytochemicals for the Prevention of Photocarcinogenesis
Authors: Montes de Oca Mary K. , Pearlman Ross L. , McClees Sarah F. , Strickland Rebecca , Afaq Farrukh 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUltraviolet (UV) exposure has an array of damaging effects and is the main cause of skin cancer in humans. Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most common type of cancer. Incidence of NMSC has increased due to greater UV radiation, increased life expectancy and other changes in lifestyle; the annual cost of skin cancer treatment in the United States has increased concurrently to around eight billion dollars. Because of these trends, novel approaches to skin cancer prevention have become an important area of research to decrease skin cancer morbidity and defray the costs associated with treatment. Chemoprevention aims to prevent or delay the development of skin cancer through the use of phytochemicals. Use of phytochemicals as chemopreventive agents has gained attention due to their low toxicity and anticarcinogenic properties. Phytochemicals also exhibit antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative effects which support their use as chemopreventive agents, particularly for skin cancer. Preclinical and human studies have shown that phytochemicals decrease UV‐induced skin damage and photocarcinogenesis. In this review article, we discuss the selected phytochemicals that may prevent or delay UV‐induced carcinogenesis and highlight their potential use for skin protection.
Mutants of Ca2+‐regulated Photoprotein Obelin for Site‐specific Conjugation
Authors: Krasitskaya Vasilisa V. , Burakova Ludmila P. , Komarova Anastasia A. , Bashmakova Eugenia E. , Frank Ludmila A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractColor variants of Ca2+‐regulated photoprotein obelin were shown to be an important tool for dual‐analyte binding assay. To provide site‐directed conjugation with biospecific molecules, several obelin color mutants carrying unique cysteine residues were obtained and characterized for their novel properties. A pair of obelins Y138F,A5C and W92F,H22E,D12C was found to be most suitable (in terms of high bioluminescent activity and stability) as reporters in simultaneous assay of two targets in a sample. Availability of SH‐groups, accessible for chemical modification, essentially simplifies the synthesis of biospecific conjugates, increases their yield and conserves obelins' bioluminescence activity. Conjugates with immunoglobulin and oligonucleotide were produced and successfully applied in single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping.
Serum‐mediated Haemonchus contortus larval aggregation differs by larval stage and is enhanced by complement
Authors: Garza J. J. , Greiner S. P. , Bowdridge S. A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to measure Haemonchus contortus larval aggregation by complement/antibody complexes, determine effect of breed resistance and infection status and determine the effect of larval maturation on larval aggregation in vitro. Larval binding assays were performed on H. contortus L3, exsheathed L3 and L4 incubated with serum from either parasite naïve or H. contortus primed St. Croix (resistant) and Suffolk (susceptible) lambs. No differences in L3 aggregation were observed between serum from either breed or infection status. Exsheathed L3 (60%) and L4 (42%) aggregation by primed Suffolk serum was significantly reduced compared with L3 (80%, P<.001). Removal of either complement or antibody effectively eliminated L3 aggregation (P<.001). Combination of antibody‐depleted and complement‐inactivated serum restored L3 aggregation to levels consistent with unprocessed serum, supporting a role for antibody and complement in aggregation (P<.001). Use of fluorescence‐labelled anti‐sheep IgG antibody allowed documentation of IgG bound to serum complexes within L3 masses and was present only in larvae incubated with normal serum, and complement‐ and antibody‐depleted serum combination. These data indicate that complement/antibody complexes inhibit larval motility through larval aggregation which may be critical in early larval clearance of H. contortus.
Morphological and histochemical investigation of the response of Olea europaea leaves to fungal attack by Spilocaea oleagina
Authors: Lanza B. , Ragnelli A. M. , Priore M. , Aimola P. 
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the response of Olea europaea (cv. Conservolea) leaves to attack by the fungal pathogen Spilocaea oleagina. Cryostat and semithin sections of healthy and S. oleagina‐infected olive leaves were analysed histochemically for polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and tested for programmed cell death (PCD) induction by means of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). At all stages of infection, the fungus remained localized between the external and internal layers of cuticle without crossing the pectocellulosic layer. No PCD phenomena could be detected in plant cells at any stage of the disease. However, extensive degeneration of palisade parenchyma cells was observed in advanced infections, with massive loss of cytoplasmic contents and disappearance of cell compartments. Polyphenol oxidases are enzymes that, in olive, oxidize o‐diphenols (principally oleuropein and rutin) to produce o‐diquinones and melanins, substances that are toxic to many pathogens. No significant increase in overall PPO activity was found in infected leaves; on the contrary, enzyme activity was gradually lost as infection progressed, most probably due to degradation of plastids within mesophyll cells, in which such enzymes are normally confined. Only a limited local PPO activation occurred in a few upper epidermal cells of the leaf, indicating a feeble induction of a plant response.
Hyperosmotic Agents and Antibiotics Affect Dissolved Oxygen and pH Concentration Gradients in Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms
Authors: Kiamco Mia Mae , Atci Erhan , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Call Douglas R. , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Biofilms on wound surfaces are treated topically with hyperosmotic agents, such as medical-grade honey and cadexomer iodine; in some cases, these treatments are combined with antibiotics. Tissue repair requires oxygen, and a low pH is conducive to oxygen release from red blood cells and epithelialization. We investigated the variation of dissolved oxygen concentration and pH with biofilm depth and the variation in oxygen consumption rates when biofilms are challenged with medical-grade honey or cadexomer iodine combined with vancomycin or ciprofloxacin. Dissolved oxygen and pH depth profiles in
Staphylococcus aureus
biofilms were measured using microelectrodes. The presence of cadexomer iodine with vancomycin or ciprofloxacin on the surface of the biofilm permitted a measurable concentration of oxygen at greater biofilm depths (101.6 ± 27.3 μm,
P
= 0.02; and 155.5 ± 27.9 μm,
P
= 0.016, respectively) than in untreated controls (30.1 μm). Decreases in pH of ∼0.6 and ∼0.4 units were observed in biofilms challenged with medical-grade honey alone and combined with ciprofloxacin, respectively (
P
< 0.001 and 0.01, respectively); the number of bacteria recovered from biofilms was significantly reduced (1.26 log) by treatment with cadexomer iodine and ciprofloxacin (
P
= 0.002) compared to the untreated control. Combining cadexomer iodine and ciprofloxacin improved dissolved oxygen concentration and penetration depth into the biofilm, while medical-grade honey was associated with a lower pH; not all treatments established a bactericidal effect in the time frame used in the experiments.

IMPORTANCE
Reports about using hyperosmotic agents and antibiotics against wound biofilms focus mostly on killing bacteria, but the results of these treatments should additionally be considered in the context of how they affect physiologically important parameters, such as oxygen concentration and pH. We confirmed that the combination of a hyperosmotic agent and an antibiotic results in greater dissolved oxygen and reduced pH within an
S. aureus
biofilm.
Extraintestinal Pathogenic and Antimicrobial-Resistant Escherichia coli, Including Sequence Type 131 (ST131), from Retail Chicken Breasts in the United States in 2013
Authors: Johnson James R. , Porter Stephen B. , Johnston Brian , Thuras Paul , Clock Sarah , Crupain Michael , Rangan Urvashi 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Chicken meat products are hypothesized to be vehicles for transmitting antimicrobial-resistant and extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) to consumers. To reassess this hypothesis in the current era of heightened concerns about antimicrobial use in food animals, we analyzed 175 chicken-source
E. coli
isolates from a 2013 Consumer Reports national survey. Isolates were screened by PCR for ExPEC-defining virulence genes. The 25 ExPEC isolates (12% of 175) and a 2:1 randomly selected set of 50 non-ExPEC isolates were assessed for their phylogenetic/clonal backgrounds and virulence genotypes for comparison with their resistance profiles and the claims on the retail packaging label (“organic,” “no antibiotics,” and “natural”). Compared with the findings for non-ExPEC isolates, the group of ExPEC isolates had a higher prevalence of phylogroup B2 isolates (44% versus 4%;
P
< 0.001) and a lower prevalence of phylogroup A isolates (4% versus 30%;
P
= 0.001), a higher prevalence of multiple individual virulence genes, higher virulence scores (median, 11 [range, 4 to 16] versus 8 [range, 1 to 14];
P
= 0.001), and higher resistance scores (median, 4 [range, 0 to 8] versus 3 [range, 0 to 10];
P
< 0.001). All five isolates of sequence type 131 (ST131) were ExPEC (
P
= 0.003), were as extensively resistant as the other isolates tested, and had higher virulence scores than the other isolates tested (median, 12 [range, 11 to 13] versus 8 [range, 1 to 16];
P
= 0.005). Organic labeling predicted lower resistance scores (median, 2 [range, 0 to 3] versus 4 [range, 0 to 10];
P
= 0.008) but no difference in ExPEC status or virulence scores. These findings document a persisting reservoir of extensively antimicrobial-resistant ExPEC isolates, including isolates from ST131, in retail chicken products in the United States, suggesting a potential public health threat.

IMPORTANCE
We found that among
Escherichia coli
isolates from retail chicken meat products purchased across the United States in 2013 (many of these isolates being extensively antibiotic resistant), a minority had genetic profiles suggesting an ability to cause extraintestinal infections in humans, such as urinary tract infection, implying a risk of foodborne disease. Although isolates from products labeled “organic” were less extensively antibiotic resistant than other isolates, they did not appear to be less virulent. These findings suggest that retail chicken products in the United States, even if they are labeled “organic,” pose a potential health threat to consumers because they are contaminated with extensively antibiotic-resistant and, presumably, virulent
E. coli
isolates.
Effectiveness of an improvement programme to prevent interruptions during medication administration in a paediatric hospital: a preintervention–postintervention study
Authors: Dall'Oglio Immacolata , Fiori Martina , Di Ciommo Vincenzo , Tiozzo Emanuela , Mascolo Rachele , Bianchi Natalia , Ciofi Degli Atti Marta Luisa , Ferracci Antonella , Gawronski Orsola , Pomponi Manuel , Raponi Massimiliano 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of an improvement programme to reduce the number of interruptions during the medication administration process in a paediatric hospital.Design and methodsA prestudy–post study design was used to monitor nursing interruptions during medication cycles in a paediatric hospital. Interruptions were reported on an observation sheet (MADOS-P) adapted to the paediatric context.SettingA 600-bed tertiary paediatric research hospital in Italy.InterventionThe interventions included a yellow sash worn by nurses during medication cycles, a yellow-taped floor area indicating the ‘No interruption area’, visual notices in the medication areas, education sessions for healthcare providers and families, patient and parent information material.Results225 medication cycles were observed before the intervention (T0) and 261 after the intervention (T1). The median of interruptions occurring in each cycle decreased significantly from baseline to postintervention (8.0 vs 2.0, p=0.002), as the rate ratios (interruptions/patient post–pre ratio: 0.34; interruptions/medication post–pre ratio: 0.37; interruptions/hour of medication cycle post–pre ratio: 0.53, p<0.001). During preintervention, the main causes of interruptions were ‘other patients’ (19.9%), ‘other nurses’ (17.2%) and ‘conversation’ (15.7%); during postintervention, they were ‘other nurses’ (26.1%), ‘conversation’ (18.2%) and ‘other patients’ (17.4%).ConclusionsThis bundle of interventions proved to be an effective improvement programme to prevent interruptions during medication administration in a paediatric context.
Pharmacological guidelines for schizophrenia: a systematic review and comparison of recommendations for the first episode
Authors: Keating Dolores , McWilliams Stephen , Schneider Ian , Hynes Caroline , Cousins Gráinne , Strawbridge Judith , Clarke Mary 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesClinical practice guidelines (CPGs) support the translation of research evidence into clinical practice. Key health questions in CPGs ensure that recommendations will be applicable to the clinical context in which the guideline is used. The objectives of this study were to identify CPGs for the pharmacological treatment of first-episode schizophrenia; assess the quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument; and compare recommendations in relation to the key health questions that are relevant to the pharmacological treatment of first-episode schizophrenia.MethodsA multidisciplinary group identified key health questions that are relevant to the pharmacological treatment of first-episode schizophrenia. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, websites of professional organisations and international guideline repositories, were searched for CPGs that met the inclusion criteria. The AGREE II instrument was applied by three raters and data were extracted from the guidelines in relation to the key health questions.ResultsIn total, 3299 records were screened. 10 guidelines met the inclusion criteria. 3 guidelines scored well across all domains. Recommendations varied in specificity. Side effect concerns, rather than comparative efficacy benefits, were a key consideration in antipsychotic choice. Antipsychotic medication is recommended for maintenance of remission following a first episode of schizophrenia but there is a paucity of evidence to guide duration of treatment. Clozapine is universally regarded as the medication of choice for treatment resistance. There is less evidence to guide care for those who do not respond to clozapine.ConclusionsAn individual's experience of using antipsychotic medication for the initial treatment of first-episode schizophrenia may have implications for future engagement, adherence and outcome. While guidelines of good quality exist to assist in medicines optimisation, the evidence base required to answer key health questions relevant to the pharmacological treatment of first-episode schizophrenia is limited.
Optimising secondary prevention in the acute period following a TIA of ischaemic origin
Authors: Heron Neil 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundTransient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are highly prevalent conditions, with at least 46 000 people per year in the UK having a TIA for the first time. TIAs are a warning that the patient is at risk of further vascular events and the 90-day risk of vascular events following a TIA, excluding events within the first week after diagnosis when the risk is highest, can be as high as 18%. Immediate assessment of patients with TIA, either at accident and emergency, general practice and/or TIA clinics, is therefore required to address secondary prevention and prevent further vascular events.DiscussionThis article addresses the need for optimising secondary prevention in the acute period following a TIA of ischaemic origin to reduce the risk of further vascular events as per recent Cochrane review advice and presents a novel project, Stroke Prevention Rehabilitation Intervention Trial of Exercise (SPRITE), to do this.SummaryOne novel way to tackle vascular risk factors and promote secondary prevention in patients with TIA could be to adapt a cardiac rehabilitation programme for these patients. SPRITE, a feasibility and pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02712385) funded by the National Institute for Health Research, is attempting to adapt a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme, ‘The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual’, for use in the acute period following a TIA. The use of cardiac rehabilitation programmes post-TIA requires further research, particularly within the primary care setting.
Distance learning for updating health professionals in palliative care: a systematic review
Authors: Taroco Anderson Luiz Carvalho , Valente Tania Cristina de Oliveira , Carbogim Camila Soares 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo review literature regarding online educational initiatives in palliative care which are targeted to update health professionals and prepare distance courses suitable for a Brazilian context.Methods7 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SCIELO, CINAHL, Science Direct and Scopus) were reviewed for published papers between January 2004 and August 2014 using the PRISMA methodology. Included studies focused on health professionals and had at least part of the course in a distance learning approach.ResultsThe UK, the USA, Canada and Australia stood out within the palliative care research papers. Among the 590 articles chosen, only 14 papers were included in this review due to the inclusion criteria. 9 used a mixed approach and 5 used online methods. The length of the courses, however, varied extensively and several methods were found to have been employed for teaching purposes, including videos, audio, images, poetry and simulation cases.ConclusionsAlthough the literature is abundant in this area, there is limited research exploring the construction process of courses and how they can be applied to countries with limited resources. It is important to highlight, however, that the mixed teaching strategy, which allows for theoretical and practical activities at a low cost, is imperative for countries with limited resources in healthcare. Thus, this review can support new initiatives around the world, particularly in the low-income and middle-income countries.
UK practice in the prevention of central venous catheter-associated thrombosis in adults on home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Macdougall L , Hanley J , Mountford C , Thompson N P 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundMaintaining central access is imperative for the delivery of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in those with intestinal failure. Methods to reduce central venous catheter infection are well recognised; however, the prevention of line thrombosis is less well studied.MethodsThis paper reviews the current evidence and reports a survey of current practice within the UK. Using an electronic survey, respondents were asked to detail their use of anticoagulation in different patient groups and the type of anticoagulation used.Results41 replies were received from 31 centres. Only one responder used low-dose warfarin routinely; 80% however anticoagulated those with a previous line thrombosis and 65% anticoagulated those that had any deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus. The most commonly used anticoagulant was dose-adjusted warfarin aiming for an international normalised ratio of 2–3.ConclusionsThe evidence from the current literature in both HPN and the wider field is that there is no clear evidence that anticoagulation is either beneficial or harmful in the prevention of line thrombosis. This survey suggested that practice is varied across the UK likely reflecting the lack of evidence within the current literature.