bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate for Severe Childhood Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Experience in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Dvorakova Veronika , O'Regan Grainne M. , Irvine Alan D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAtopic dermatitis (AD) affects up to 20% of children. Although the majority of patients are adequately controlled using emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or phototherapy, children with moderate to severe AD may require systemic treatment for control. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate in children with severe AD attending a tertiary referral center.MethodsA retrospective chart review was undertaken of all children who received methotrexate for severe AD at our tertiary referral center from November 2010 to August 2015.ResultsForty‐seven children were started on methotrexate for AD during this period. The mean Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) at the 3‐ to 5‐month follow‐up improved from 4.25 to 2.8, with further improvement to 1.9 in the patients that continued therapy beyond 10 months. Changes in the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) mirrored changes in the IGA, with improvement in the mean CDLQI from 14.4 at the start of the treatment to 7.5 at the 3‐ to 5‐month follow‐up. Further improvement in the CDLQI to 6.6 in patients who continued methotrexate beyond 10 months confirmed continued improvement in disease control beyond medium‐term therapy. The treatment was well tolerated.ConclusionsMethotrexate appears to be an effective, safe treatment for severe pediatric AD. Its therapeutic effects continue beyond the medium‐term treatment period, as reflected by further improvement in IGA and CDLQI scores in patients who continued methotrexate therapy beyond 10 months.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children Treated with Finasteride—A Case Series
Authors: Mota Fernando , Machado Susana , Selores Manuela 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is rare in childhood, with only 2% of cases in patients younger than 11 years. It is a chronic, recurrent, debilitating condition for which no universally effective treatment has been developed. We present five cases of children with HS diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 11 years.MethodsPatients were treated with oral finasteride 1 to 5 mg/day. All had entered puberty at the time of treatment initiation. All had normal laboratory results before starting treatment. The maximum duration of treatment was 24 months.ResultsFour patients were female. Two were overweight. Three had been previously treated with oral antibiotics, and two of these with oral isotretinoin, with partial or no improvement. Overall improvement of the disease was observed in all patients, with a reduction of the frequency and intensity of the flares. No adverse effects were observed or reported during treatment.ConclusionTreatment of HS can be challenging. The options available include antimicrobials, immunosuppressants, hormonal therapies, lasers, and surgery. The authors report the largest series of children with HS treated with finasteride. The results support the use of finasteride as monotherapy for the treatment of this disease in children. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the role of this drug in the management of this disease.
Diffuse Hepatic Hemangiomas Successfully Treated Using Sirolimus and High‐Dose Propranolol
Authors: Warren Donald , Diaz Lucia , Levy Moise 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDiffuse hepatic hemangiomas are a challenging disease that can be life threatening. We present the case of an infant with diffuse hepatic hemangiomas who failed first‐line therapies but later responded to sirolimus and high‐dose propranolol.
Concurrent Chondrodysplasia Punctata Type 2 (Conradi–Hunermann–Happle Syndrome) and Ichthyosis Vulgaris in Teenaged Twin Girls
Authors: Jeong Haneol S. , Funari Tara , Gordon Katherine , Richard Gabriele , Agim Nnenna G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe present concurrent X‐linked chondrodysplasia punctata and ichthyosis vulgaris in adolescent fraternal twin girls, notable for initial presentation with dry skin in adolescence, characterized by dark‐brown scale typical of ichthyosis vulgaris and blaschkolinear, atrophic, scaly plaques. This constellation of findings prompted further genetic investigation. Using a multigene approach to examine 39 genes associated with congenital ichthyosis, next‐generation sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation at a mutational hotspot in the EBP gene c.439C>T (p.R147C) in conjunction with a single nonsense mutation in the FLG gene (p.R501X) in both sisters. These individuals highlight the clinical variability of Conradi–Hunermann–Happle syndrome, illustrate the possibility of co‐occurrence of rare and common forms of ichthyosis, and demonstrate the utility of multigene analysis.
Arginase activity of Leishmania isolated from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Badirzadeh A. , Taheri T. , Abedi‐Astaneh F. , Taslimi Y. , Abdossamadi Z. , Montakhab‐Yeganeh H. , Aghashahi M. , Niyyati M. , Rafati S. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important vector‐borne parasitic diseases, highly endemic in Iran, and its prevalence is increasing all over the country. Arginase (ARG) activity in isolated Leishmania parasites from CL patients is yet to be explored. This study aimed to compare the ARG activity of isolated Leishmania promastigotes from CL patients with a standard strain of Leishmania major and its influences on the disease pathogenesis. We recruited 16 confirmed CL patients from Qom Province, in central Iran; after detection of Leishmania species using PCR‐RFLP, we assessed the levels of ARG in the isolated promastigotes and determined the parasites’ growth rate. Only L. major was identified from CL patients. The level of ARG activity in the isolated Leishmania promastigotes from CL patients was significantly higher than that obtained from the standard strain of L. major. No significant correlations between ARG activity and lesion size, number or duration were observed; in contrast, a significant negative correlation was seen between ARG level and Leishmania’ growth rate. The obtained results suggest that increased ARG expression and activity in the isolated Leishmania promastigotes might contribute to the higher parasite infectivity and play a major role in the pathogenicity of the CL.
Dynamic loop gain increases upon adopting the supine body position during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Joosten Simon A. , Landry Shane A. , Sands Scott A. , Terrill Philip I. , Mann Dwayne , Andara Christopher , Skuza Elizabeth , Turton Anthony , Berger Philip , Hamilton Garun S. , Edwards Bradley A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is typically worse in the supine versus lateral sleeping position. One potential factor driving this observation is a decrease in lung volume in the supine position which is expected by theory to increase a key OSA pathogenic factor: dynamic ventilatory control instability (i.e. loop gain). We aimed to quantify dynamic loop gain in OSA patients in the lateral and supine positions, and to explore the relationship between change in dynamic loop gain and change in lung volume with position.MethodsData from 20 patients enrolled in previous studies on the effect of body position on OSA pathogenesis were retrospectively analysed. Dynamic loop gain was calculated from routinely collected polysomnographic signals using a previously validated mathematical model. Lung volumes were measured in the awake state with a nitrogen washout technique.ResultsDynamic loop gain was significantly higher in the supine than in the lateral position (0.77 ± 0.15 vs 0.68 ± 0.14, P = 0.012). Supine functional residual capacity (FRC) was significantly lower than lateral FRC (81.0 ± 15.4% vs 87.3 ± 18.4% of the seated FRC, P = 0.021). The reduced FRC we observed on moving to the supine position was predicted by theory to increase loop gain by 10.2 (0.6, 17.1)%, a value similar to the observed increase of 8.4 (−1.5, 31.0)%.ConclusionDynamic loop gain increased by a small but statistically significant amount when moving from the lateral to supine position and this may, in part, contribute to the worsening of OSA in the supine sleeping position.
Imaging characteristics and treatment of a penetrating brain injury caused by an oropharyngeal foreign body in a dog
Authors: McKenzie Jennifer , Cooper Murphy Megan , Broome Cameron , Tayari Hamaseh , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA 4‐year‐old Border collie was presented with one episode of collapse, altered mentation, and a suspected pharyngeal stick injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography showed a linear foreign body penetrating the right oropharynx, through the foramen ovale and the brain parenchyma. The foreign body was surgically removed and medical treatment initiated. Complete resolution of clinical signs was noted at recheck 8 weeks later. Repeat MRI showed chronic secondary changes in the brain parenchyma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the advanced imaging findings and successful treatment of a penetrating oropharyngeal intracranial foreign body in a dog.
Assignment of Weight-Based Antibody Units for Four Additional Serotypes to a Human Antipneumococcal Standard Reference Serum, 007sp
Authors: Goldblatt D. , McKeen A. , Burbidge P. , McElhiney S. , McLaughlin L. , Johnson A. , Rauh M. , Giardina P. C. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The pneumococcal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reference standard serum, lot 89SF, had been in use since 1990 and was replaced with a new reference standard serum, 007sp, in 2013. This serum was generated under an FDA-approved clinical protocol where 278 adult volunteers were immunized with the 23-valent unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax II and a unit of blood was obtained twice within 120 days following immunization. Pooled serum was prepared from the plasma, filled at 6 ml per vial, and lyophilized. Five independent laboratories participated in bridging the serotype-specific IgG assignments of 89SF to 007sp to establish equivalent reference values for 13 pneumococcal capsular serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F) using the WHO reference ELISA. A subsequent follow-up study established equivalent reference values for an additional seven serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, 33F). In this study, three laboratories assigned weight-based IgG concentrations in micrograms per milliliter of serum to 007sp for four additional serotypes: 2, 9N, 17F, and 20A. This study completes the assignment of serotypes for 89SF to 007sp. In addition, the IgG antibody assignments for a 12-member WHO quality control (QC) serum panel were extended to cover the four additional serotypes. Agreement was excellent, with a concordance correlation coefficient (

r
c

) of >0.996 when values from each laboratory were compared to the assigned values for the 12 WHO QC sera. The 007sp preparation has replaced 89SF as the pneumococcal reference standard. Sufficient quantities of 007sp are projected to be available for the next 25 years.
Finished Whole-Genome Sequences of Clostridium butyricum Toxin Subtype E4 and Clostridium baratii Toxin Subtype F7 Strains
Authors: Halpin Jessica L. , Hill Karen , Johnson Shannon L. , Bruce David Carlton , Shirey T. Brian , Dykes Janet K. , Lúquez Carolina 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Clostridium butyricum
and
Clostridium baratii
species have been known to produce botulinum toxin types E and F, respectively, which can cause botulism, a rare but serious neuroparalytic disease. Here, we present finished genome sequences for two of these clinically relevant strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Isolated from the First Reported Case in Greece in 2015
Authors: Agianniotaki Eirini I. , Mathijs Elisabeth , Vandenbussche Frank , Tasioudi Konstantia E. , Haegeman Andy , Iliadou Peristera , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Van Borm Steven , Chondrokouki Eleni D. , De Clercq Kris 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) causes an economically important disease in cattle. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the first LSDV isolate identified in mainland Europe. LSDV isolate Evros/GR/15 was isolated from the first cases reported on 18 August 2015 in the Evros region, Greece.
Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia stabilis FERMP-21014
Authors: Konishi Kenji , Kumagai Toshitaka , Sakasegawa Shin-ichi , Tamura Tomohiro 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Cholesterol esterase (EC 3.1.1.13) was identified in a bacterium,
Burkholderia stabilis
strain FERMP-21014. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
B. stabilis
FERMP-21014, which has been used in the commercial production of cholesterol esterase. The genome sequence information may be useful for improving production levels of cholesterol esterase.
Multiple Genome Sequences of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains
Authors: Kafka Thomas A. , Geissler Andreas J. , Vogel Rudi F. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the genome sequences of four
Lactobacillus plantarum
strains which vary in surface hydrophobicity. Bioinformatic analysis, using additional genomes of
Lactobacillus plantarum
strains, revealed a possible correlation between the cell wall teichoic acid-type and cell surface hydrophobicity and provide the basis for consecutive analyses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain LEMMJ01, Isolated from Antarctic Ornithogenic Soil
Authors: Schultz Júnia , de Souza Yuri Alves Pinheiro , Mansur Maria Cristina Pinheiro Pereira Reis , Vermelho Alane Beatriz , da Mota Fábio Faria , Rosado Alexandre Soares 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the 3,637,012-bp draft genome sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. strain LEMMJ01, isolated from ornithogenic soil from King George Island, Antarctica. The total number of genes presented in the draft genome sequence was 3,553, and the total number of coding sequences was 3,497. In addition, genes related to the production of terpene and carotenoids were revealed.
High-Quality Genome Sequence of the Highly Resistant Bacterium Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Isolated from a Neonatal Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Hosseinkhani Farideh , Emaneini Mohammad , van Leeuwen Willem 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Using Illumina HiSeq and PacBio technologies, we sequenced the genome of the multidrug-resistant bacterium
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
, originating from a bloodstream infection in a neonate. The sequence data can be used as an accurate reference sequence.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Actinomyces
succiniciruminis
Strain Am4
T
, Isolated from Cow Rumen Fluid
Authors: Palakawong Na Ayudthaya Susakul , Hornung Bastian , Ravikumar Varadarajan Adithi , Plugge Wendy , Plugge Caroline M. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Actinomyces succiniciruminis
strain Am4
T
, isolated from cow rumen fluid, can metabolize a range of substrates including complex carbohydrates to organic acids. Here, we report a 3.33-Mbp draft genome of
Actinomyces succiniciruminis
.
Geographic atrophy phenotype identification by cluster analysis
Authors: Monés Jordi , Biarnés Marc 
Published: July 2017

Background/aimsTo identify ocular phenotypes in patients with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (GA) using a data-driven cluster analysis.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective, natural history study of patients with GA who were followed for ≥6 months. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups within the population based on the presence of several phenotypic features: soft drusen, reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), primary foveal atrophy, increased fundus autofluorescence (FAF), greyish FAF appearance and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). A comparison of features between the subgroups was conducted, and a qualitative description of the new phenotypes was proposed. The atrophy growth rate between phenotypes was then compared.ResultsData were analysed from 77 eyes of 77 patients with GA. Cluster analysis identified three groups: phenotype 1 was characterised by high soft drusen load, foveal atrophy and slow growth; phenotype 3 showed high RPD load, extrafoveal and greyish FAF appearance and thin SFCT; the characteristics of phenotype 2 were midway between phenotypes 1 and 3. Phenotypes differed in all measured features (p≤0.013), with decreases in the presence of soft drusen, foveal atrophy and SFCT seen from phenotypes 1 to 3 and corresponding increases in high RPD load, high FAF and greyish FAF appearance. Atrophy growth rate differed between phenotypes 1, 2 and 3 (0.63, 1.91 and 1.73 mm2/year, respectively, p=0.0005).ConclusionCluster analysis identified three distinct phenotypes in GA. One of them showed a particularly slow growth pattern.
THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL FATIGUE ON KNEE FORCE SENSE IN UNINJURED ADULT MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Clark Nicholas , Rolleston Mark 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundIntact proprioception (joint position sense (JPS), kinaesthesia, force sense (FS)) is critical for optimal neuromuscular control of knee functional joint stability. Fatigue is known to impair knee JPS and kinaesthesia, but research regarding the effect of fatigue on knee FS is lacking.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of functional fatigue on knee extension FS in uninjured, adult, male football players. It was hypothesized that functional fatigue would result in significant impairment of FS.DesignSingle-session, pre-/post-intervention repeated measures.SettingUniversity sensorimotor control and biomechanics laboratory.ParticipantsUniversity team players (n=21; age (mean±SD) 21.0±1.2 years; height 178.7±7.2 cm; mass 76.8±11.5 kg; training×2/week; match×1/week) without history of knee intra-articular derangement or surgery.InterventionsFunctional fatigue was defined/induced using the previously published Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP). The FAST-FP incorporated acceleration-deceleration tasks typical of football training/match play.Main Outcome MeasuresDominant leg (preferred kicking leg) knee extension FS was measured in Newtons (N). Players were seated on an isokinetic dynamometer set to isometric mode, the knee flexed 45°. A knee extension target trial-reproduction trial sequence was repeated five times, the difference between trials designated the absolute error (AE), the average AE used for data analyses. Reliability and measurement error for this procedure has been previously established. Force sense measurements were performed before and immediately after the FAST-FP. The FS and FAST-FP procedures were adjacent in the same laboratory space with minimal transition time between tasks.ResultsForce sense AE significantly increased following fatigue (pre-fatigue=10.9±5.8 N; post-fatigue=23.0±9.2 N; difference=12.1±7.9 N; P=0.00; d=1.59).ConclusionsDominant leg knee extension FS was significantly impaired following functional fatigue. Fatigue-induced impairment of FS could result in sub-optimal neuromuscular control and altered knee functional joint stability that affects knee injury risk.
Suppression of Ovarian Cancer Cell Tumorigenicity and Evasion of Cisplatin Resistance Using a Truncated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in a Rat Model
Authors: Chan John K. , Pham Huyen , You Xue Juan , Cloven Noelle G. , Burger Robert A. , Rose G. Scott , Van Nostrand Kristi , Korc Murray , DiSaia Philip J. , Fan Hung 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with a poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. The dominant-negative EGFR (EGFR-DNR) is a truncated receptor that lacks the tyrosine kinase domain and is devoid of signaling capability. This study tested the effects of a EGFR-DNR approach in ovarian cancer cells. NuTu-19, a rat ovarian cancer cell line was rendered resistant to cisplatin. Both NuTu-19 and resistant cells were infected with a retroviral vector containing the EGFR-DNR. NuTu-19 and NuTu-DNR (NuTu-19 cells expressing the EGFR-DNR) were injected into Fisher 344 immunocompetent rats. Western blot analyses were used to assess signal transduction pathways. All rats injected with NuTu-DNR cells remained healthy following tumor injection. In contrast, 100% of the rats injected with the NuTu-19 and NuTu-Sham (NuTu-19 cells expressing an empty vector) died of disease progression at the end of 15 weeks (P = 0.00009). On Western blot analysis, both NuTu-19 and NuTu-Sham cells showed a strong activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) after exposure to EGF. Cisplatin-resistant cell lines showed an enhanced EGF stimulatory effect via the MAPK pathway compared with parental cells. The EGFR-DNR significantly reduced the ability of EGF to induce cell signaling through the MAPK pathway. Lastly, the EGFR-DNR can partially reverse cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant cells. The EGFR-DNR approach suggests that EGFR confers a growth advantage to NuTu-19 cells in vivo. Thus, EGFR blockade may ultimately prove to be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancers.
Mouse p10, an Alternative Spliced Form of p15INK4b, Inhibits Cell Cycle Progression and Malignant Transformation
Authors: Pérez de Castro Ignacio , Benet Marta , Jiménez María , Alzabin Saba , Malumbres Marcos , Pellicer Angel 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The INK4 family of proteins negatively regulates cell cycle progression at the G1-S transition by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases. Two of these cell cycle inhibitors, p16INK4A and p15INK4B, have tumor suppressor activities and are inactivated in human cancer. Interestingly, both INK4 genes express alternative splicing variants. In addition to p16INK4A, the INK4A locus encodes a splice variant, termed p12—specifically expressed in human pancreas—and ARF, a protein encoded by an alternative reading frame that acts as a tumor suppressor through the p53 pathway. Similarly, the human INK4B locus encodes the p15INK4B tumor suppressor and one alternatively spliced form, termed as p10. We show here that p10, which arises from the use of an alternative splice donor site within intron 1, is conserved in the mouse genome and is widely expressed in mouse tissues. Similarly to mouse p15INK4B, p10 expression is also induced by oncogenic insults and transforming growth factor-β treatment and acts as a cell cycle inhibitor. Importantly, we show that mouse p10 is able to induce cell cycle arrest in a p53-dependent manner. We also show that mouse p10 is able to inhibit foci formation and anchorage-independent growth in wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and that these antitransforming properties of mouse p10 are also p53-dependent. These results indicate that the INK4B locus, similarly to INK4A-ARF, harbors two different splicing variants that can be involved in the regulation of both the p53 and retinoblastoma pathways, the two major molecular pathways in tumor suppression.