bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of GntR as regulator of the glucose metabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Daddaoua A. , Corral‐Lugo A. , Ramos J.‐L. , Krell Tino 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn contrast to Escherichia coli, glucose metabolism in pseudomonads occurs exclusively through the Entner‐Doudoroff (ED) pathway. This pathway, as well as the three routes to generate the initial ED pathway substrate, 6‐phosphogluconate, is regulated by the PtxS, HexR and GtrS/GltR systems. With GntR (PA2320) we report here the identification of an additional regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. GntR repressed its own expression as well as that of the GntP gluconate permease. In contrast to PtxS and GtrS/GltR, GntR did not modulate expression of the toxA gene encoding the exotoxin A virulence factor. GntR was found to bind to promoters PgntR and PgntP and the consensus sequence of its operator was defined as 5′‐AC‐N‐AAG‐N‐TAGCGCT‐3′. Both operator sites overlapped with the RNA polymerase binding site and we show that GntR employs an effector mediated de‐repression mechanism. The release of promoter bound GntR is induced by gluconate and 6‐phosphogluconate that bind with similar apparent affinities to the GntR/DNA complex. GntR and PtxS are paralogous and may have evolved from a common ancestor. The concerted action of four regulatory systems in the regulation of glucose metabolism in Pseudomonas can be considered as a model to understand complex regulatory circuits in bacteria.
Persistent diarrhea: a persistent infection with enteropathogens or a gut commensal dysbiosis?
Authors: Sarker Shafiqul A. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Brüssow Harald 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn children from developing countries 5–10% of acute diarrhea (AD) episodes develop into persistent diarrhea (PD) defined by > 14 days of diarrhea duration. PD represents a major health burden leading to growth faltering. It is also associated with half of all diarrhea mortality. A rational intervention is thus crucial, but depends on an understanding of the pathogenesis of PD, which is still lacking. Many surveys were conducted in Latin America and in South Asia; they differ, however, with respect to enteropathogens associated with PD. Enteroaggregative strains of Escherichia coli (EAEC) were identified by several studies, but they may reflect selection by the frequent antibiotic use during the preceding AD episode. Epidemiologists have in fact identified antibiotic misuse as a major risk factor for PD. Together with the effectiveness of empirical treatment based on nutritional interventions with lactose‐reduced and lactose‐free diets and particularly complex plant polysaccharides from green banana, one might suspect a role of commensal gut microbiota dysbiosis instead of a persistent infection with enteropathogens in many PD cases. An analysis of the commensal gut microbiota development in persistent diarrhea during nutritional interventions is likely to increase our understanding of PD pathogenesis.
Safety Evaluation of Green Tea Polyphenols Consumption in Middle‐aged Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Shen Chwan‐Li , Brackee Gordon , Song Xiao , Tomison Michael D. , Finckbone VelvetLee , Mitchell Kelly T. , Tang Lili , Chyu Ming‐Chien , Dunn Dale M. , Wang Jia‐Sheng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis work evaluates chronic safety in middle‐aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with different dosages of green tea polyphenols (GTP) in drinking water. The experiment used 6‐mo‐old sham (n = 39) and ovariectomized (OVX, n = 143) female rats. All sham (n = 39) and 39 of the OVX animals received no GTP treatment and their samples were collected for outcome measures at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo (n = 13 per group for each). The remaining OVX animals were randomized into 4 groups receiving 0.15%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (n = 26 for each) of GTP (wt/vol), respectively, in drinking water for 3 and 6 mo. No mortality or abnormal treatment‐related findings in clinical observations or ophthalmologic examinations were noted. No treatment‐related macroscopic or microscopic findings were noted for animals administered 1.5% GTP supplementation. Throughout the study, there was no difference in the body weight among all OVX groups. In all OVX groups, feed intake and water consumption significantly decreased with GTP dose throughout the study period. At 6 mo, GTP intake did not affect hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, except for phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen (increased), total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and urine pH (decreased). This study reveals that the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of GTP is 1.5% (wt/vol) in drinking water, the highest dose used in this study.
Starch Structure Influences Its Digestibility: A Review
Authors: Magallanes‐Cruz Perla A. , Flores‐Silva Pamela C. , Bello‐Perez Luis A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTwenty‐five years ago, it was found that a significant fraction of the starch present in foods is not digested in the small intestine and continues to the large intestine, where it is fermented by the microbiota; this fraction was named resistant starch (RS). It was also reported that there is a fraction of starch that is slowly digested, sustaining a release of glucose in the small intestine. Later, health benefits were found to be associated with the consumption of this fraction, called slowly digestible starch (SDS). The authors declare both fractions to be “nutraceutical starch.” An overview of the structure of both fractions (RS and SDS), as well as their nutraceutical characteristics, is presented with the objective of suggesting methods and processes that will increase both fractions in starchy foods and prevent diseases that are associated with the consumption of glycemic carbohydrates.
Acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer syndrome: Comparison with non‐hemorrhagic rectal ulcer lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Jung Joo Hyuk , Kim Jong Wook , Lee Hyun Woo , Park Min Yong , Paik Woo Hyun , Bae Won Ki , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Lee June Sung 
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer (AHRU) and to elucidate its predictive factors.METHODSThe medical records of patients with AHRU were retrospectively reviewed. Their baseline clinical characteristics were compared with those of patients with non‐AHRU lower gastrointestinal bleeding to identify predictive factors for AHRU.RESULTSAmong the 118 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy due to acute massive hematochezia from 2013 to 2015, 25 (21.2%) were diagnosed as having AHRU. Of them, 22 (88.0%) were successfully managed endoscopically and 3 (12.0%) underwent surgery. Six (24.0%) patients developed rebleeding within 1–9 days after the initial bleeding, which was controlled by a repeat endoscopy. Five (20.0%) died during follow‐up. A multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that a lower serum albumin level, worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and history of constipation were significant factors for predicting AHRU. Hypoalbuminemia (<30 g/L) had a sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 84.0%, 78.5%, 51.2% and 94.8% for predicting AHRU, respectively.CONCLUSIONSApproximately 20% of patients with massive hematochezia had AHRU. Most patients with AHRU can be managed endoscopically. Low serum albumin level, poor ECOG performance status and prior constipation could be used in distinguishing patients with and without AHRU, facilitating the selection of optimal bowel preparation method for massive hematochezia.
Adiponectin exerts a potent anti‐arthritic effect and insulin resistance in collagen‐induced arthritic rats
Authors: Wu Dongke , Hua Binghong , Fang Zishui , Liu Jiankun , Liu Ningning , Ma Yunqing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimPrevious research has shown that adiponectin (AD) induces severe insulin resistance (IR) and exhibits pro‐inflammatory effect, so it could serve as a useful risk biomarker in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study aims to evaluate the effect of AD on IR and anti‐arthritis in collagen‐induced arthritic (CIA) rats.MethodAfter immunization with bovine type II collagen (CII), Wistar rats were administered with AD (60 μg/kg/day) or saline into the ankle joint cavity of the left hind leg for 15 days. The severity of arthritis was clinically and histologically assessed. Arthritis score was recorded every other day for each paw. Paw volume was measured on alternate days to monitor the progression of the disease in the arthritic control group. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1, AD, insulin and fasting glucose were measured in sera. Histopathology of joint synovial tissues was also examined.ResultsTreatment with AD resulted in significantly delayed onset of arthritis as well as decreased clinical arthritis and histopathological severity scores. AD reduced both serum fasting glucose, TNF‐α, IL‐1 and IR. Histological analysis confirmed treatment with AD suppressed joint synovial inflammation and immunohistochemical expression of TNF‐α compared to the CIA group. Surprisingly, adiponectin levels measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum were significantly increased in CIA rats compared to the normal group.ConclusionsAdiponectin might display anti‐inflammatory effects. These results suggest that AD may be a potential immunosuppressant for the treatment of RA linked to metabolic disease.
Three cases of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis presenting with an annular eruption
Authors: Kelly Robert I , Wee Edmund , Tancharoen Chasari , Tam Mei M , Balta Showan , Williams Richard A 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe describe three patients who presented with a striking erythematous non‐blanching annular eruption and features of lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis (LTA), with a prominent lymphocytic vasculitis involving deep dermal vessels. Lymphocytic inflammation was also evident in the superficial vessels and one patient had small superficial ulcers over the ankle area resembling livedoid vasculopathy (LV). Multiple biopsies demonstrated a persistent absence of neutrophils in the infiltrate consistent with a lymphocytic process. In addition to highlighting the annular morphology as a novel presentation of LTA, these cases suggest a possible relationship between LV and LTA and support the notion that they are distinct from neutrophilic vasculitides such as cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.
Systematic literature review to identify methods for treating and preventing bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children
Authors: Nepal Smriti , Thomas Susan L , Franklin Richard C , Taylor Kylie A , Massey Peter D 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesBacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia frequently lead them to access primary health care. This systematic review aims to identify and analyse available studies describing the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children.MethodsElectronic databases including Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, Informit and Google Scholar were searched. Studies in English published between August 1994 and September 2016, with the subject of bacterial skin infections involving Indigenous children and conducted in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada were selected.ResultsInitially 1474 articles were identified. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles remained. Strategies for the treatment and prevention of bacterial skin infections included the management of active infections and lesions, improving environmental and personal hygiene, the installation of swimming pools and screening and treatment.ConclusionThere is a need for more, rigorous, large‐scale studies to develop evidence for appropriate, culturally acceptable methods to prevent and manage bacterial skin infections in Indigenous children in Australia. The problem is complex with multiple determinants. Until underlying socioeconomic conditions are addressed skin infections will continue to be a burden to communities.
Serial combination of non‐invasive tools improves the diagnostic accuracy of severe liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD
Authors: Petta S. , Wong V. W.‐S. , Cammà C. , Hiriart J.‐B. , Wong G. L.‐H. , Vergniol J. , Chan A. W.‐H. , Di Marco V. , Merrouche W. , Chan H. L.‐Y. , Marra F. , Le‐Bail B. , Arena U. , Craxì A. , de Ledinghen V. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe accuracy of available non‐invasive tools for staging severe fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still limited.AimTo assess the diagnostic performance of paired or serial combination of non‐invasive tools in NAFLD patients.MethodsWe analysed data from 741 patients with a histological diagnosis of NAFLD. The GGT/PLT, APRI, AST/ALT, BARD, FIB‐4, and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) scores were calculated according to published algorithms. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was performed by FibroScan.ResultsLSM, NFS and FIB‐4 were the best non‐invasive tools for staging F3‐F4 fibrosis (AUC 0.863, 0.774, and 0.792, respectively), with LSM having the highest sensitivity (90%), and the highest NPV (94%), and NFS and FIB‐4 the highest specificity (97% and 93%, respectively), and the highest PPV (73% and 79%, respectively). The paired combination of LSM or NFS with FIB‐4 strongly reduced the likelihood of wrongly classified patients (ranging from 2.7% to 2.6%), at the price of a high uncertainty area (ranging from 54.1% to 58.2%), and of a low overall accuracy (ranging from 43% to 39.1%). The serial combination with the second test used in patients in the grey area of the first test and in those with high LSM values (>9.6 KPa) or low NFS or FIB‐4 values (<−1.455 and <1.30, respectively) overall increased the diagnostic performance generating an accuracy ranging from 69.8% to 70.1%, an uncertainty area ranging from 18.9% to 20.4% and a rate of wrong classification ranging from 9.2% to 11.3%.ConclusionThe serial combination of LSM with FIB‐4/NFS has a good diagnostic accuracy for the non‐invasive diagnosis of severe fibrosis in NAFLD.
Patterns of concomitant allergic reactions in patients suggest cross‐sensitization between octylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Suuronen Katri 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundRecent animal tests have indicated cross‐reactivity between methylisothiazolinone (MI), octylisothiazolinone (OIT), and benzisothiazolinone (BIT).ObjectivesTo retrospectively analyse concomitant reactions to different isothiazolinones in patients in an occupational dermatology clinic during the ongoing MI contact allergy epidemic.MethodsWe searched patch test files (January 2012 to February 2017) for patients with allergic reactions to OIT, BIT, and MI, and analysed their patch test results, occupations, exposure, and diagnoses.ResultsWe found 61 (9.4%) allergic reactions to MI, 19 (2.9%) reactions to OIT and 9 (1.4%) reactions to BIT in a total of 647 consecutively tested patients. Seventeen (89%) of the OIT‐positive patients had concomitant reactions to MI, whereas only 3 (33%) BIT‐positive patients had allergic reactions to MI. The MI reactions in OIT‐positive patients were almost exclusively extreme reactions (+++). Exposure to OIT was identified in 26% of the OIT‐positive patients, and 56% of the BIT‐positive patients had been exposed to BIT.ConclusionsAllergic reactions to OIT were strongly associated with extreme reactions to MI, which suggests cross‐sensitization. In contrast, BIT reactions were mostly independent.
Risk of early, intermediate, and late rejection following heart transplantation: Trends over the past 25 years and relation to changes in medical management. Tertiary center experience: The Sheba Heart Transplantation Registry
Authors: Katz Moshe , Freimark Dov , Raichlin Eugenia , Har‐Zahav Yedael , Arad Michael , Kassif Yigal , Peled Amir , Asher Elad , Elian Dan , Kogan Alexander , Shlomo Nir , Ofek Efrat , Lavee Jacob , Goldenberg Ilan , Peled Yael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo explore the trends in the risk for rejection following heart transplantation (HT) over the past 25 years, and their relation to changes in medical management.MethodsThe study population comprised 216 HT patients. Rejection periods were defined as follows: 0‐3 months (early), 3‐12 months (intermediate), and 12+ months (late). HT era was dichotomized as follows: 1991‐1999 (remote era) and 2000‐2016 (recent era). Medication combination was categorized as newer (TAC, MMF, and everolimus) vs older therapies (AZA, CSA).ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that patients who underwent HT during the recent era experienced a significant reduction in the risk for major rejection. These findings were consistent for early (OR = 0.44 [95% CI 0.22‐0.88]), intermediate (OR = 0.02 [95% CI 0.003‐0.11]), and late rejections (OR = 0.18 [95% CI 0.05‐0.52]). Using the year of HT as a continuous measure showed that each 1‐year increment was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk for early, intermediate, and late rejections (5%, 21%, 18%, respectively). In contrast, the risk reduction associated with newer types of immunosuppressive therapies was not statistically significant after adjustment for the treatment period.ConclusionsMajor rejection rates following HT have significantly declined over the past 2 decades even after adjustment for changes in immunosuppressive therapies, suggesting that other factors may also play a role in the improved outcomes of HT recipients.
PD‐1 inhibitor‐associated lichenoid inflammation with incidental suprabasilar acantholysis or vesiculation—Report of 4 cases
Authors: Chou Shaun , Zhao Cathy , Hwang Shelley Ji Eun , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundImmune checkpoint agents targeting programmed cell death‐1 protein (PD1) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 (CTLA‐4) receptors are increasingly utilized in treatment of advanced malignancies. However, these immunotherapies are commonly associated with idiosyncratic cutaneous adverse reactions. Thus, recognition and awareness of these reactions are necessary.MethodsWe reviewed the skin biopsies of all patients on anti‐PD1 therapy with or without ipilimumab who developed lichenoid inflammation and included those with microscopic suprabasal or intraepidermal clefts.ResultsFour patients presented with interface dermatitis with microscopic intraepidermal clefts. In 2 patients, the clefts were well developed and had some acantholytic cells while the other 2 appeared to be spongiosis or inflammation related. Immunofluorescence was negative in 1 patient. None of them had clinical findings in keeping with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PP) and the symptoms improved with either topical corticosteroid or withdrawal of immunotherapy.ConclusionsLichenoid drug reaction occurring in patients receiving anti‐PD1 therapy may be associated with microscopic suprabasal or intraepidermal clefting. The clinical course was similar to lichenoid drug reactions without clefting even though some lesions may resemble PP microscopically.
Early colposcopic reassurance and discharge to routine recall does not increase subsequent high‐grade referral or treatment rates
Authors: Macdonald M. , Lyon R. , Smith J. , Tidy J. , Palmer J. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit identified that between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015 the number of women referred with high‐grade dyskaryosis and the number of women undergoing treatment increased by 21% and 19%, respectively. There was concern that referral and treatment rates were increasing because we were now seeing women, previously discharged to routine recall with prior low‐grade cytology hrHPV positive, re‐enter the system for their second round of screening. The aim of this study was to assess the reasons for our significant increase in referral and treatment rates.MethodsA retrospective cohort study performed between 1st April 2012 and 30th June 2015 at the Jessop Wing Colposcopy Unit, Sheffield, UK.ResultsDuring the study period, 1765 women underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), of whom 1517 were referred with high‐grade dyskaryosis. Fifty‐six (4%) women undergoing treatment; and four untreated high‐grade referrals were seen in the previous 3‐5 years with low‐grade cytology hrHPV positive and discharged to routine recall. There were no cases of invasive disease in the previously discharged groups. There was, however, a significantly higher likelihood of a negative LLETZ (P=.0066) in those women previously discharged to routine recall, and lower rates of CIN2 or worse identified.ConclusionPrior discharge to routine recall does not have any major influence on treatment rates or high‐grade referrals. The finding of no invasive disease; lower rates of CIN2 or worse; and a significantly higher likelihood of a negative LLETZ in those women previously discharged to routine recall is reassuring and further reinforces the safety of HPV triage pathways.
Adolescent alcohol and cannabis use in Iceland 1995–2015
Authors: Arnarsson Arsaell , Kristofersson Gisli Kort , Bjarnason Thoroddur 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionOver the past two decades, alcohol consumption of Icelandic adolescents has decreased dramatically. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of this reduction and compare it with the trend in cannabis use over a 20 year period and to identify possible explanations.MethodsWe used data from the Icelandic participants to the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs study (collected via paper‐and‐pencil questionnaires in classrooms). The sample included all students in the 10th grade (54–89% response rate).ResultsThe percentage of participants who had never used alcohol during their lifetime rose from 20.8% in 1995 to 65.5% in 2015. Similarly, there was a decline in the proportion of students who had consumed alcohol 40 times or more, from 13.7% to 2.8%. During the same period, the number of students who had never used cannabis rose from 90.2% to 92.0%. In contrast, we found a small, but statistically significant, increase in the prevalence of those who had used cannabis 40 times or more, from 0.7% in 1995 to 2.3% in 2015. Parental monitoring increased markedly between 1995 and 2015, but availability of alcohol decreased. Perceived access to cannabis and youth attitudes towards substance use remained unchanged.
DiscussionAlthough Iceland has enjoyed success in lowering alcohol use among adolescents over the past decades, and somewhat fewer claim to have ever tried cannabis, there has been a threefold increase among heavy users of cannabis. Increased parental monitoring and decreased availability of alcohol explain some of the changes seen.