bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do different probing depths exhibit striking differences in microbial profiles?
Authors: Pérez‐Chaparro Paula Juliana , McCulloch John Anthony , Mamizuka Elsa Masae , Moraes Aline da Costa Lima , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Feres Magda 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo perform a thorough characterization of the subgingival microbiota of shallow, moderate and deep sites in subjects with chronic periodontitis (ChP).Material and methodsSubgingival samples were collected from subjects with ChP (n = 3/category of probing depth: ≤3, 4–6 and ≥7 mm) and periodontal health (PH). Individual samples were submitted to 16S rDNA high‐ throughput sequencing and the analysis was made using mothur and R packages.ResultsNine subjects with ChP and seven with PH were included and 101 samples were evaluated. Thirteen phyla, 118 genera and 211 OTUs were detected. Taxa from Chloroflexi and Spirochaetes phyla were associated with initial stages of disease. Fretibacterium, Eubacterium[XI][G‐6], Desulfobulbus, Peptostreptococcaceae[XI][G‐1] and [G‐3], Bacteroidetes[G‐3], Bacteroidaceae[G‐1] genera and Filifactor alocis, Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Johnsonella spHOT166, Peptostreptococcaceae[XIII][G‐1]HOT113, Porphyromonas endodontalis and Treponema sp. HOT258, which are not conventionally associated with disease, increased with the deepening of the pockets and/or were elevated in ChP; while Streptococcus, Corynebacterium and Bergeyella genera were associated with PH (p < .05).ConclusionStriking differences were observed between the microbiota of shallow and moderate/deep sites, but not between moderate and deep sites in ChP subjects. Differences between shallow sites in PH and ChP were also observed. The characterized microbiota included known oral microorganisms and newly identified periodontal taxa, some of them not‐yet‐cultured.
Language and reading comprehension in middle childhood predicts emotional and behaviour difficulties in adolescence for those with permanent childhood hearing loss
Authors: Stevenson Jim , Pimperton Hannah , Kreppner Jana , Worsfold Sarah , Terlektsi Emmanouela , Mahon Merle , Kennedy Colin 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundPermanent childhood hearing loss (PCHL) is associated with an elevated level of emotional and behaviour difficulties (EBD). In children and adolescents with PCHL, EBD has been found to be linked to language ability in children with PCHL. The present study was designed to test whether childhood language and/or reading comprehension abilities of children with PCHL predict subsequent EBD in adolescence.MethodsLanguage comprehension (LC) and reading comprehension (RC) were measured at ages 6–10 years (Time 1) and 13–20 years (Time 2) in participants with PCHL who preferred to communicate using spoken language (n = 57) and a hearing comparison group (n = 38). EBD was measured at both time points by parent and by teacher ratings on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.ResultsWithin the PCHL group there were negative correlations between EBD scores and concurrent LC and RC scores at Time 1 and at Time 2. Cross‐lagged latent variable models fitted to the longitudinal data indicated that the associations between LC, RC and teacher‐rated EBD were more likely to arise from the impact of LC and RC on behaviour rather than the other way around.ConclusionsIn those with PCHL, poor language and reading comprehension in middle childhood increased the risk of emotional and behaviour difficulties at school in the teenage years. The results suggest that effective language and literacy interventions for children with hearing loss may also bring benefits to their mental health.
Patterns and Predictors of Frailty Transitions in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
Authors: Pollack Lauren R. , Litwack‐Harrison Stephanie , Cawthon Peggy M. , Ensrud Kristine , Lane Nancy E. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Dam Thuy‐Tien 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo describe the natural history of frailty transitions in a large cohort of community‐dwelling older men and identify predictors associated with progression to or improvement from states of greater frailty.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSix U.S. sites.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling men aged 65 and older (N = 5,086).MeasurementsFrailty was measured at baseline and an average of 4.6 years later. Frailty was defined as having three or more of the following components (low lean mass, weakness, self‐reported exhaustion, low activity level, and slow walking speed); prefrailty was defined as having one or two components. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were analyzed for progression and improvement in frailty status.ResultsOf the 5,086 men, 8% were frail, 46% were prefrail, and 46% were robust at baseline. Between baseline and follow‐up, 35% progressed in frailty status or died, 56% had no change in frailty status, and 15% of prefrail or frail participants improved, although only 0.5% improved across two levels, from frail to robust. In multivariable models, factors associated with improvement in frailty status included greater leg power, being married, and good or excellent self‐reported health, whereas presence of any instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) limitations, low albumin levels, high interleukin‐6 levels, and presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes mellitus were associated with lower likelihood of improvement in frailty status.ConclusionImprovement in frailty status was possible in this cohort of community‐dwelling older men, but improvement from frail to robust was rare. Several predictors were identified as possible targets for intervention, including prevention and management of comorbid medical conditions, prevention of IADL disability, physical exercise, and nutritional and social support.
Development of a direct contact astrocyte-human cerebral microvessel endothelial cells blood–brain barrier coculture model
Authors: Kulczar Chris , Lubin Kelsey E , Lefebvre Sylvia , Miller Donald W , Knipp Gregory T 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
In conventional in-vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) models, primary and immortalized brain microvessel endothelial cell (BMEC) lines are often cultured in a monolayer or indirect coculture or triculture configurations with astrocytes or pericytes, for screening permeation of therapeutic or potentially neurotoxic compounds. In each of these cases, the physiological relevancy associated with the direct contact between the BMECs, pericytes and astrocytes that form the BBB and resulting synergistic interactions are lost. We look to overcome this limitation with a direct contact coculture model.

Methods
We established and optimized a direct interaction coculture system where primary human astrocytes are cultured on the apical surface of a Transwell® filter support and then human cerebral microvessel endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) seeded directly on the astrocyte lawn.

Key findings
The studies suggest the direct coculture model may provide a more restrictive and physiologically relevant model through a significant reduction in paracellular transport of model compounds in comparison with monoculture and indirect coculture. In comparison with existing methods, the indirect coculture and monoculture models utilized may limit cell–cell signaling between human astrocytes and BMECs that are possible with direct configurations.

Conclusions
Paracellular permeability reductions with the direct coculture system may enhance therapeutic agent and potential neurotoxicant screening for BBB permeability better than the currently available monoculture and indirect coculture in-vitro models.
Characterization and pharmacokinetic study of itraconazole solid dispersions prepared by solvent-controlled precipitation and spray-dry methods
Authors: Sim Taehoon , Lim Chaemin , Lee Jun Won , Kim Dong Wuk , Kim Youngsam , Kim Minsoo , Choi Seungmok , Choi Han-Gon , Lee Eun Seong , Kim Kil-Soo , Kang Wonku , Oh Kyung Taek 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Solid dispersion formulations have attracted attention to improve solubility and bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs. In this study, the variation of solubility and bioavailability by different preparation methods were studied using itraconazole (ITZ) solid dispersions.

Methods
Itraconazole solid dispersions were prepared by a solvent-controlled precipitation method (SCPM) using HPMCAS-LF, HCl antisolvent or a spray-drying method (SDM) for comparison. Dissolution tests by pH transition and pharmacokinetic study using male Sprague Dawley rats were conducted.

Key findings
Itraconazole solid dispersion dissolution tests by pH transition exhibited better dissolution compared to naive ITZ, limited dissolution in acidic conditions and a burst release at neutral pH. The ITZ solid dispersions by SCPM indicated a smaller-sized particle dispersion, limited dissolution at acidic pH and a higher release at neutral pH compared to those by SDM, suggesting that the increased protonation of anionic polymers and HPMCAS-LF by acidic antisolvent could form a tighter hydrophobic aggregation with ITZ in solid dispersions. ITZ solid dispersion prepared by SCPM also showed improved ITZ absorption in male Sprague Dawley rats compared to SDM and naïve ITZ.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the SCPM method can be widely used for solid dispersion preparations due to improved dissolution and PK profile.
Liposomal α-galactosylceramide is taken up by gut-associated lymphoid tissue and stimulates local and systemic immune responses
Authors: Kaneko Kan , McDowell Arlene , Ishii Yasuyuki , Hook Sarah 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Objectives
α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a synthetic glycosphingolipid that exhibits potent immunostimulatory effects through activation of natural killer T (NKT) cells, can be used to treat conditions such as atopy, cancer, infection and autoimmunity. Administration of therapeutics through the oral route has advantages such as patient convenience, safety and reduced cost; however, there has been little research to investigate whether oral delivery of α-GalCer is possible. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether α-GalCer formulated in either DMSO/Tween 80 or in liposomes, could access lymphoid tissue and stimulate immune activation following oral administration.

Methods
Fluorescently labelled cationic liposomes incorporating α-GalCer were prepared, characterized and administered by oral gavage to fasted mice.

Key findings
Liposomes were detected inside the Peyer's patches (PPs), in the subepithelial dome just under the follicle-associated epithelium. CD11b+ cells and CD11c+ were shown to have taken up the formulation in a higher proportion compared to the total cell proportion in the PPs, suggesting that cells with these markers may be the prominent antigen-presenting cells involved in selective uptake. Finally, the liposomal formulation demonstrated a higher degree of immune stimulation compared to the DMSO/Tween 80 solubilized α-GalCer in the PPs, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen as shown by the increased expression of IL-4 mRNA expression and increased proportion of NKT cells at 6 h and 3 days after administration.

Conclusions
These results show that oral delivery of a liposomal α-GalCer can stimulate local and systemic immune responses to a different degree compared to the non-liposomal form.
Modeling the Proactive Driving Behavior of Connected Vehicles: A Cell‐Based Simulation Approach
Authors: Zhu Feng , Ukkusuri Satish V. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractConnected vehicles are able to proactively change speed to adapt to the prevailing traffic condition. Even in the mixed traffic environment, connected vehicles may function as leading vehicles, hence influencing the driving pattern of following nonconnected vehicles. This article proposes a cell‐based simulation approach to model the proactive driving behavior of connected vehicles. First, a state variable of connected vehicles is introduced to track the trajectory of connected vehicles. Then the exit flow of cells containing connected vehicles is adjusted to simulate the proactive driving behavior, such that the traffic light is green when the connected vehicle arrives at the signalized intersection. The second part of the article conducts numerical tests to examine the effect of the proactive driving behavior of connected vehicles. Extensive test results consistently show that the presence of connected vehicles contributes significantly to the smoothing of traffic flow and vehicular emission reductions in the network.
Hijacking of the nucleolar protein fibrillarin by TGB1 is required for cell‐to‐cell movement of Barley stripe mosaic virus
Authors: Li Zhenggang , Zhang Yongliang , Jiang Zhihao , Jin Xuejiao , Zhang Kun , Wang Xianbing , Han Chenggui , Yu Jialin , Li Dawei 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBarley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) Triple Gene Block1 (TGB1) is a multifunctional movement protein with RNA‐binding, ATPase and helicase activities which mainly localizes to the plasmodesmata (PD) in infected cells. Here, we show that TGB1 localizes to the nucleus and the nucleolus, as well as the cytoplasm, and that TGB1 nuclear‐cytoplasmic trafficking is required for BSMV cell‐to‐cell movement. Prediction analyses and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) experiments verified that TGB1 possesses a nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) (amino acids 95–104) and a nuclear localization signal (NLS) (amino acids 227–238). NoLS mutations reduced BSMV cell‐to‐cell movement significantly, whereas NLS mutations almost completely abolished movement. Furthermore, neither the NoLS nor NLS mutant viruses could infect Nicotiana benthamiana systemically, although the NoLS mutant virus was able to establish systemic infections of barley. Protein interaction experiments demonstrated that TGB1 interacts directly with the glycine–arginine‐rich (GAR) domain of the nucleolar protein fibrillarin (Fib2). Moreover, in BSMV‐infected cells, Fib2 accumulation increased by about 60%–70% and co‐localized with TGB1 in the plasmodesmata. In addition, BSMV cell‐to‐cell movement in fib2 knockdown transgenic plants was reduced to less than one‐third of that of non‐transgenic plants. Fib2 also co‐localized with both TGB1 and BSMV RNA, which are the main components of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) movement complex. Collectively, these results show that TGB1–Fib2 interactions play a direct role in cell‐to‐cell movement, and we propose that Fib2 is hijacked by BSMV TGB1 to form a BSMV RNP which functions in cell‐to‐cell movement.
Microbial epidemiology of candidaemia in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units at the Children's Medical Center, Tehran
Authors: Charsizadeh Arezu , Mirhendi Hossein , Nikmanesh Bahram , Eshaghi Hamid , Makimura Koichi 
Published: September 2017

SummaryInvasive candidiasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. However, limited data are available on the epidemiology of this infection in paediatric settings in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, microbial epidemiology, risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with candidaemia in intensive care units at the Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. All blood and other normally sterile specimen cultures positive for Candida species were included. Isolates were identified by morphological and molecular methods. Unidentified/doubtful yeast isolates were subjected to ITS sequencing. A total of 156 episodes of invasive candidiasis, with an overall incidence of 15.2 per 1000 ICU admissions, was recorded. Risk factors included presence of central venous lines (89.1%), mechanical ventilation (55.8%) and parenteral nutrition (51.3%). Candida albicans (57.1%) and Candida parapsilosis (24.4%) were the most commonly isolated species. Candida orthopsilosis, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida lusitaniae, Candida kefyr and Candida intermedia accounted for about 11% of the cases. The overall mortality rate was 42.5%. Non‐albicans Candida species accounted for nearly half of the cases of paediatric candidaemia. This is the first prospective study of candidaemia in paediatric settings in Iran and serves to inform necessary interventions for the prevention of candidaemia.
In vitro efficacy of disinfectants utilised for skin decolonisation and environmental decontamination during a hospital outbreak with Candida auris
Authors: Abdolrasouli Alireza , Armstrong‐James Darius , Ryan Lisa , Schelenz Silke 
Published: September 2017

SummaryCandida auris has caused nosocomial infections and transmissions within hospital settings. As little is known about the efficacy of skin and environmental decontamination products to kill C. auris, this study investigated the in vitro activity of chlorine, chlorhexidine, iodine povidone and vaporised hydrogen peroxide products against C. auris. H2O2 vapour showed 96.6%‐100% effective killing of C. auris. All isolates were inhibited by chlorhexidine gluconate concentrations at 0.125%‐1.5% and for iodinated povidone at 0.07%‐1.25%. Other species of Candida were also killed at 1000 ppm chlorine except C. parapsilosis which failed to be killed at 3 minutes contact time. We conclude that chlorhexidine gluconate, iodinated povidone, chlorine and H2O2 vapour demonstrate effective killing activity against C. auris at concentrations used in clinical practice.
Early post‐natal development of the mandibular permanent first molar in infants with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate
Authors: Hermann N. V. , Darvann T. A. , Kreiborg S. 
Published: September 2017

Structured AbstractObjectivesStudies have shown that the mandibular permanent first molar (M1inf) in young children with isolated cleft palate is characterized by delay in maturation and has reduced crown width. Consequently, it is of interest to investigate the early maturation and width of the follicle and crown of M1inf in children with combined cleft lip and palate.DesignRetrospective, longitudinal study. Cephalometric X‐rays of 47 consecutive Danish children with UCCLP (37 males; 10 females) and 44 with unilateral incomplete cleft lip (UICL) (29 males; 15 females) examined at 2 and 22 months of age. UICL served as control group. Maturation (according to Haavikko), width of follicle (FW) and crown (CW) of M1inf were assessed.ResultsThe maturation of the first mandibular molar was delayed in both genders at 2 and 22 months of age. FW and CW were smaller in children with UCCLP at both 2 and 22 months of age. There was a positive correlation between maturation and FW.ConclusionsMaturation of the first mandibular molar is delayed in both genders, and FW and CW were reduced in UCCLP compared to controls. Maturation was correlated with FW.
Implications of the population effect in the selection of soybean progeny
Authors: de Cássia Pereira Francielly , Bruzi Adriano Teodoro , de Matos José Wilacildo , Rezende Breno Alvarenga , Prado Luis Claudio , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe goal of this study was to verify the influence of the population effect in the estimates of genetic and phenotypic components and to identify the best soybean progeny or lines in a commercial soybean breeding programme. We evaluated 292 populations for grain yield and absolute maturity during three agricultural years. To quantify the efficiency of the inclusion of the population's effect in the model, we estimated genetic gain with the selection, the Spearman's correlation, the coincidence index, the realized gain and correlated response of selected genotypes with and without the effect of the population. It was found that the variance components, heritability and coefficient of experimental variation were better estimated when the effect of the population was included, providing greater gain with selection for grain yield and absolute maturity. Coincidence and ranking among the selected progeny with and without the effect of the population are of greater magnitude in more advanced inbreeding generations and at higher percentage of selected progeny. The use of the population effect has greater importance in earlier generations of inbreeding.
Short‐cut diagnostic tool in cystinosis: Bone marrow aspiration
Authors: Sürmeli Döven Serra , Delibaş Ali , Kayacan Uğur Raşit , Ünal Selma 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundCystinosis is a rare metabolic genetic disorder caused by a mutation in cystinosin lysosomal cystine transporter (CTNS). The diagnosis of nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is made by observing corneal cystine crystals and/or measuring the cystine content of leukocytes. CTNS mutation analysis confirms the diagnosis of cystinosis, but leukocyte cystine measurement and CTNS analysis have not been widely available, and cystine crystals in the cornea may not be apparent in the first months of life. Cystine crystal deposition can be seen in the bone marrow earlier than corneal deposition, in patients with NC.MethodsTen patients with cystinosis diagnosis were enrolled in the study. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively to collect demographic and clinical data such as age at diagnosis, disease presentation, parental consanguinity, family history, corneal cystine deposition, leukocyte cystine level, bone marrow cystine deposition, presence of renal failure, follow‐up time and prognosis.ResultsCystine crystals were seen in all of the patients’ fresh bone marrow aspiration samples. Eight patients had corneal cystine deposition. Leukocyte cystine measurement could have been performed in four patients who had come from another center. Complications such as pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) were observed in two patients.ConclusionsBone marrow aspiration might be an easy and short‐cut diagnostic tool for NC especially when it is not possible to measure fibroblast cystine content. Additionally some rare complications such as pulmonary hypertension and IIH can be encountered during the course of NC.
Spot blotch disease of wheat: the current status of research on genetics and breeding
Authors: Gupta P. K. , Chand R. , Vasistha N. K. , Pandey S. P. , Kumar U. , Mishra V. K. , Joshi A. K. 
Published: September 2017

The spot blotch disease of wheat is caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, which is an anamorph (teleomorph Cochliobolus sativus). The disease mainly occurs in warm, humid wheat‐growing regions, and the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) of South Asia is a hotspot. Significant progress has been made in recent years in characterizing the host–pathogen interaction. The study of the pathogen's life cycle and diversity have been an active area of research. A number of resistance sources have also been identified, characterized and used for breeding. Although immunity has not been observed in any genotype, cultivars displaying a relatively high level of resistance have been developed and made available to farmers. Further progress will require regular use of marker‐assisted breeding, genomic selection, gene editing and transgenic interventions. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about genetic and breeding efforts on the wheat–B. sorokiniana pathosystem and discusses ways in which emerging tools can be used for future research to understand the mechanism involved in infection and for developing cultivars exhibiting a high level of resistance.