bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Concentrations of Dissolved Methane and Ethane and the 13C of Methane in Shale and Till
Authors: Hendry M. Jim , Barbour S. Lee , Schmeling Erin E. , Mundle Scott O. C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBaseline characterization of concentrations and isotopic values of dissolved natural gases is needed to identify contamination caused by the leakage of fugitive gases from oil and gas activities. Methods to collect and analyze baseline concentration‐depth profiles of dissolved CH4 and C2H6 and δ13C‐CH4 in shales and Quaternary clayey tills were assessed at two sites in the Williston Basin, Canada. Core and cuttings samples were stored in Isojars® in a low O2 headspace prior to analysis. Measurements and multiphase diffusion modeling show that the gas concentrations in core samples yield well‐defined and reproducible depth profiles after 31‐d equilibration. No measurable oxidative loss or production during core sample storage was observed. Concentrations from cuttings and mud gas logging (including IsoTubes®) were much lower than from cores, but correlated well. Simulations suggest the lower concentrations from cuttings can be attributed to drilling time, and therefore their use to define gas concentration profiles may have inherent limitations. Calculations based on mud gas logging show the method can provide estimates of core concentrations if operational parameters for the mud gas capture cylinder are quantified. The δ13C‐CH4 measured from mud gas, IsoTubes®, cuttings, and core samples are consistent, exhibiting slight variations that should not alter the implications of the results in identifying the sources of the gases. This study shows core and mud gas techniques and, to a lesser extent, cuttings, can generate high‐resolution depth profiles of dissolved hydrocarbon gas concentrations and their isotopes.
Parents’ concerns about future pregnancy after stillbirth: a qualitative study
Authors: Meaney Sarah , Everard Claire M. , Gallagher Stephen , O'Donoghue Keelin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectivesAs stillbirth has a devastating impact, it is imperative to understand the importance of clinical and emotional care after stillbirth and how it influences subsequent pregnancies. The aim of the study was to gain insight into the consideration and planning of a subsequent pregnancy by parents in the weeks following stillbirth.DesignA qualitative semi‐structured interview format was utilized. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed as the analytic strategy.Participants and settingThe recruitment strategy focused on couples whereby the parents of ten stillborn babies were contacted; however, five men declined to participate in the study. The final sample of 15 parents were all Irish: ten of whom were female and five of whom were male.ResultsFindings revealed two superordinate themes relating to a subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth: aspirations for future pregnancy and expectations of future care. Parents disclosed how the prospect of a subsequent pregnancy was daunting with fears about the potential loss of another child. Despite these fears, parents’ aspirations differed in the days following stillbirth; mothers wished to plan a future pregnancy while fathers were reluctant to consider any pregnancies. Parents were unsure of what to expect in terms of the level of care that would be provided to them in a subsequent pregnancy. Additional appointments at the maternity hospital were considered crucial to provide reassurance during a subsequent pregnancy.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the far‐reaching and contrasting effects of stillbirth on parents. These complex needs highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach.
Greater carotid intima media thickness at a younger age in HIV‐infected patients compared with reference values for an uninfected cohort
Authors: Krikke M , Arends JE , Van Lelyveld SFL , Hoepelman AIM , Visseren FLJ 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesIn contrast to the general population, no decline in cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been noted in HIV‐infected patients over the last 10 years. We compared the carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) of HIV‐infected patients to that of age‐ and gender‐matched reference values and determined the relationship between CVD risk factors and CIMT.MethodsA total of 292 HIV‐infected patients were enrolled in the study. Data collected included vascular screening data, data obtained using a questionnaire, data obtained from laboratory assessments and CIMT measurement. Using linear regression (adjusted for age/gender/known HIV), the association between HIV‐specific and classical cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT was evaluated.ResultsThe cohort comprised for 91% of male patients, aged 49.4 ± 10.5 years, with a known duration of HIV infection of 8.8 ± 6.7 years. The mean with standard deviation (mean ± SD) CIMT was 0.77 ± 0.19 mm, compared with 0.58 ± 0.05 mm in the controls. A steeper increase of CIMT per age was seen in the HIV‐infected patients. A significant relationship between CIMT and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) and ankle brachial index was found. Of the HIV‐specific variables, only a relationship between CIMT and length of cART use and between CIMT and (inversely) current cART use was seen.ConclusionsA greater CIMT was found in HIV‐infected patients compared with controls. In contrast to HIV‐specific variables, classical CVD risk factors were associated with a greater CIMT and should therefore be the focus of preventive measures.
Outcomes of everolimus treatment for renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex: A single institution experience in Japan
Authors: Hatano Takashi , Chikaraishi Kentaro , Inaba Hiroyuki , Endo Katsuhisa , Egawa Shin 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profiles of everolimus in Japanese patients with renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.MethodsPatients with a 4‐cm or larger angiomyolipoma meeting the diagnostic criteria of tuberous sclerosis complex were selected as participants of our investigation. In each case, we assessed tuberous sclerosis complex‐associated symptoms, the treatment effect and adverse events. The treatment effect was evaluated by measuring the tumor volume reduction rate using abdominal computed tomography or magneitc resonance imaging. Adverse events were investigated using CTCAE v4.0‐JCOG. The dose of everolimus was set at 10 mg once a day for adults. For childhood angiomyolipoma, everolimus administration was initiated at a dose of 5 mg once a day. Blood everolimus level was measured, and the dose was adjusted to maintain this within a range of 5–15 ng/mL.ResultsThe angiomyolipoma volume decreased in 46 of 47 cases, and the mean reduction rate for all cases was 60% in 12 months. The angiomyolipoma volume markedly decreased in the first 3 months, and the size leveled off after 6 months. The main adverse events related to everolimus treatment were stomatitis (91%) and irregular menstruation (65%). Grade 3 or severer adverse events were noted in three cases (6%). All patients developed some adverse events in the first 6 months. The incidence markedly decreased to 40–50% after 13 months.ConclusionThe tumor volume‐reducing effect of everolimus in a Japanese population was equivalent to or higher than that in Western populations. A wide variety of everolimus treatment‐related adverse events can be observed, but most cases are very mild. Special attention should be given to stomatitis, irregular menstruation and interstitial lung disease as adverse events.
Sexual identity development: relationship with lifetime suicidal ideation in sexual minority women
Authors: Dirkes Jessica , Hughes Tonda , Ramirez‐Valles Jesus , Johnson Tim , Bostwick Wendy 
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study draws on a life course perspective to evaluate in a sample of sexual minority women: (1) the relationship between age at reaching sexual identity milestones and risk of suicidal ideation, (2) developmental stages or stages of sexual identity development that represent greatest risk and (3) the relationship between age of reaching milestones and parental support.BackgroundResearch shows higher rates of suicidal ideation among sexual minority women than heterosexual women. Evidence suggests this is partly accounted for by risk factors including sexual identity development and parental support. However, it remains unclear whether there are stages of particularly high risk.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional study. Data come from a prospective study of sexual minority women that used convenience and respondent‐driven sampling methods.MethodsUsing logistic regression, we examined associations among age at sexual identity developmental milestones, parental support and suicidal ideation in a large (N = 820), ethnically diverse sample of sexual minority women.ResultsCompared with women who first wondered about their sexual identity in adulthood, those who first wondered in early, middle or late adolescence had greater odds of lifetime suicidal ideation. Younger age at subsequent milestones (first decided or first disclosed) was not associated with heightened risk of suicidal ideation. Parental support was independently associated with suicidal ideation.ConclusionsFindings suggest that where one is in the process of identifying as a sexual minority may be more important than age in understanding risk of suicidal ideation in this population. As individuals come to accept and integrate their sexual minority identity risks associated with younger age diminish.Relevance to Clinical PracticeNurses and other healthcare providers who work with youth should routinely ask about sexual orientation and suicidal ideation and be aware that youth in the earliest stages of coming out as sexual minority may be at particularly high risk of suicide.
A plausible link between the asteroid 21 Lutetia and CH carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Moyano‐Cambero Carles E. , Trigo‐Rodrίguez Josep M. , Llorca Jordi , Fornasier Sonia , Barucci Maria A. , Rimola Albert 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA crucial topic in planetology research is establishing links between primitive meteorites and their parent asteroids. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of a connection between asteroids similar to 21 Lutetia, encountered by the Rosetta mission in July 2010, and the CH3 carbonaceous chondrite Pecora Escarpment 91467 (PCA 91467). Several spectra of this meteorite were acquired in the ultraviolet to near‐infrared (0.3–2.2 μm) and in the midinfrared to thermal infrared (2.5–30.0 μm or 4000 to ~333 cm−1), and they are compared here to spectra from the asteroid 21 Lutetia. There are several similarities in absorption bands and overall spectral behavior between this CH3 meteorite and 21 Lutetia. Considering also that the bulk density of Lutetia is similar to that of CH chondrites, we suggest that this asteroid could be similar, or related to, the parent body of these meteorites, if not the parent body itself. However, the apparent surface diversity of Lutetia pointed out in previous studies indicates that it could simultaneously be related to other types of chondrites. Future discovery of additional unweathered CH chondrites could provide deeper insight in the possible connection between this family of metal‐rich carbonaceous chondrites and 21 Lutetia or other featureless, possibly hydrated high‐albedo asteroids.
An empirical test of ‘universal’ biomass scaling relationships in kelps: evidence of convergence with seed plants
Authors: Starko Samuel , Martone Patrick T. 
Published: August 2016

Summary

Biomass allocation patterns have received substantial consideration, leading to the recognition of several ‘universal’ interspecific trends. Despite efforts to understand biomass partitioning among embryophytes, few studies have examined macroalgae that evolved independently, yet function ecologically in much the same ways as plants.

Kelps allocate photosynthate among three organs (the blade(s), stipe(s) and holdfast) that are superficially convergent with organs of land plants, providing a unique opportunity to test the limits of ‘universal’ trends. In this study, we used an allometric approach to quantify interspecific biomass partitioning patterns in kelps and assess whether embryophyte‐based predictions of biomass scaling can be applied to marine macrophytes that lack root‐to‐leaf hydraulic transport.

Photosynthetic area and dry mass were found to scale to approximately the ¾ power and kelp biomass allocation patterns were shown to match closely to empirical measures of allometric scaling among woody plants. Larger kelp species were found to have increased relative stipe and holdfast mass than smaller species, highlighting important consequences of size for marine macroalgae.

Our study provides insights into the evolution of size in the largest marine macrophytes and corroborates previous work suggesting that the morphology of divergent lineages of photoautotrophs may reflect similar selective pressures.
Epigenetic contribution to successful polyploidizations: variation in global cytosine methylation along an extensive ploidy series in Dianthus broteri (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Alonso Conchita , Balao Francisco , Bazaga Pilar , Pérez Ricardo 
Published: August 2016

Summary

Polyploidization is a significant evolutionary force in plants which involves major genomic and genetic changes, frequently regulated by epigenetic factors. We explored whether natural polyploidization in Dianthus broteri complex resulted in substantial changes in global DNA cytosine methylation associated to ploidy.

Global cytosine methylation was estimated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 12 monocytotypic populations with different ploidies (2×, 4×, 6×, 12×) broadly distributed within D. broteri distribution range. The effects of ploidy level and local variation on methylation were assessed by generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs).

Dianthus broteri exhibited a higher methylation percent (˜33%) than expected by its monoploid genome size and a large variation among study populations (range: 29.3–35.3%). Global methylation tended to increase with ploidy but did not significantly differ across levels due to increased variation within the highest‐order polyploidy categories. Methylation varied more among hexaploid and dodecaploid populations, despite such cytotypes showing more restricted geographic location and increased genetic relatedness than diploids and tetraploids.

In this study, we demonstrate the usefulness of an HPLC method in providing precise and genome reference‐free global measure of DNA cytosine methylation, suitable to advance current knowledge of the roles of this epigenetic mechanism in polyploidization processes.
Nucleases from Prevotella intermedia can degrade neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Doke M. , Fukamachi H. , Morisaki H. , Arimoto T. , Kataoka H. , Kuwata H. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by periodontal bacteria in subgingival plaque. These bacteria are able to colonize the periodontal region by evading the host immune response. Neutrophils, the host's first line of defense against infection, use various strategies to kill invading pathogens, including neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These are extracellular net‐like fibers comprising DNA and antimicrobial components such as histones, LL‐37, defensins, myeloperoxidase, and neutrophil elastase from neutrophils that disarm and kill bacteria extracellularly. Bacterial nuclease degrades the NETs to escape NET killing. It has now been shown that extracellular nucleases enable bacteria to evade this host antimicrobial mechanism, leading to increased pathogenicity. Here, we compared the DNA degradation activity of major Gram‐negative periodontopathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. We found that Pr. intermedia showed the highest DNA degradation activity. A genome search of Pr. intermedia revealed the presence of two genes, nucA and nucD, putatively encoding secreted nucleases, although their enzymatic and biological activities are unknown. We cloned nucA‐ and nucD‐encoding nucleases from Pr. intermedia ATCC 25611 and characterized their gene products. Recombinant NucA and NucD digested DNA and RNA, which required both Mg2+ and Ca2+ for optimal activity. In addition, NucA and NucD were able to degrade the DNA matrix comprising NETs.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Law Enforcement Officers on Rabies and Animal Control Issues in Kansas
Authors: Straily A. , Trevino‐Garrison I. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryRabies is a deadly zoonoses endemic in the United States, including Kansas. Animal control programmes that emphasize vaccination of dogs and cats, removal of stray animals and enforcement of licensure programmes have historically been essential in reducing the risk of rabies exposures to humans (Beran, 1991). Kansas does not mandate the use of animal control officers [ACOs] and in areas where there is no designated animal control officer, law enforcement officers [LEOs] are required to fill that role. Little is known about LEOs' knowledge of rabies, their current practices in responding to animal‐related calls or if they receive any specialized training to perform the duties of an ACO. A web‐based, voluntary and anonymous survey was sent to law enforcement officers in Kansas in January 2014. The survey included questions about animal control practices and a self‐assessment of rabies knowledge. The response rate was 16.2%. All respondents indicated LEOs will respond to animal‐related calls, even if there was an ACO available in their department or jurisdiction. A majority of respondents indicated they had not received training on safe animal handling (62.9%, 61/97) or zoonoses prevention (85.6%, 83/97), even though a strong majority considered such training important (89.7% and 79.4%, respectively). Most respondents (>80%) were able to correctly identify animals capable of transmitting rabies but were less aware of how rabies was transmitted or the severity of rabies in humans. Our results demonstrate that Kansas LEOs perform animal control duties, many without the proper training, even though most consider such training to be important to be able to perform their duties safely. Training on safe animal handling and zoonoses prevention should be provided to all LEOs in Kansas to enable them to safely execute their duties and provide timely and accurate information to citizens regarding rabies prevention.
Efficacy of β-Lactam-plus-Macrolide Combination Therapy in a Mouse Model of Lethal Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Yoshioka Daisuke , Kajiwara Chiaki , Ishii Yoshikazu , Umeki Kenji , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Kadota Jun-ichi , Tateda Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Community-acquired pneumonia is a common disease with considerable morbidity and mortality, for which
Streptococcus pneumoniae
is accepted as a leading cause. Although β-lactam-plus-macrolide combination therapy for this disease is recommended in several guidelines, the clinical efficacy of this strategy against pneumococcal pneumonia remains controversial. In this study, we examined the effects of β-lactam-plus-macrolide combination therapy on lethal mouse pneumococcal pneumonia and explored the mechanisms of action
in vitro
and
in vivo
. We investigated survival, lung bacterial burden, and cellular host responses in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids obtained from mice infected with pneumonia and treated with ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or both in combination. Although
in vitro
synergy was not observed, significant survival benefits were demonstrated with combination treatment. Lung neutrophil influx was significantly lower in the ceftriaxone-plus-azithromycin-treated group than in the ceftriaxone-treated group, whereas no differences in the lung bacterial burden were observed on day 3 between the ceftriaxone-plus-azithromycin-treated group and the ceftriaxone-treated group. Notably, the analysis of cell surface markers in the ceftriaxone-plus-azithromycin combination group exhibited upregulation of presumed immune checkpoint ligand CD86 and major histocompatibility complex class II in neutrophils and CD11b-positive CD11c-positive (CD11b
+
CD11c
+
) macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as downregulation of immune checkpoint receptors cytotoxic-T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 and programmed death 1 in T helper and T regulatory cells. Our data demonstrate that the survival benefits of ceftriaxone-plus-azithromycin therapy occur through modulation of immune checkpoints in mouse pneumococcal pneumonia. In addition, immune checkpoint molecules may be a novel target class for future macrolide research.
Intra- and Interlaboratory Agreement in Assessing the
In Vitro
Activity of Micafungin against Common and Rare Candida Species with the EUCAST, CLSI, and Etest Methods
Authors: Meletiadis J. , Geertsen E. , Curfs-Breuker I. , Meis J. F. , Mouton J. W. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

The emergence of resistant strains among common and rare
Candida
species necessitates continuous monitoring of the
in vitro
susceptibilities of those isolates. We therefore assessed the
in vitro
activities of micafungin against 1,099 molecularly identified isolates belonging to 5 common and 20 rare
Candida
species by the EUCAST, CLSI, and Etest methods, assessing both the intralaboratory agreement and the interlaboratory agreement for two centers. The median micafungin EUCAST MICs were as follows, from the lowest to the highest: for
Candida albicans
, 0.004 mg/liter; for
C. glabrata
, 0.016 mg/liter; for
C. tropicalis
, 0.031 mg/liter; for
C. krusei
, 0.125 mg/liter; for
C. parapsilosis
, 2 mg/liter. Among rare
Candida
species, high MICs were found for
C. guilliermondii
,
C. lipolytica
,
C. orthopsilosis
,
C. metapsilosis
, and
C. fermentati.
No resistant isolates were found by the CLSI method, whereas resistance rates of 1 to 2% were found by the EUCAST method. Overall, the EUCAST method resulted in MICs 1 to 2 dilutions higher than those found by the CLSI and Etest methods. The intra- and interlaboratory agreement between methods was >92%, except for the interlaboratory agreement between the EUCAST and CLSI methods (81%), where 17 to 31% of the differences were >2 2-fold dilutions for
C. albicans
,
C. glabrata
,
C. tropicalis
, and other rare
Candida
species and <6% for
C. parapsilosis
and
C. krusei
. For the other interlaboratory comparisons, the EUCAST method resulted in higher MICs than the Etest method for all species, but <7% of these differences were >2 2-fold dilutions. Overall, the CLSI method resulted in lower MICs than the Etest method, with 11% of all isolates demonstrating >2 2-fold-dilution differences (6 to 20% for
C. albicans
,
C. tropicalis
, and rare
Candida
species; <5% for
C. glabrata
,
C. krusei
, and
C. parapsilosis
) and smaller differences found after 24 h. Despite these differences, categorical agreement was excellent (>97%), with only 1 to 2% very major errors between the EUCAST method and the other two methods.