bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment continues to exert a bactericidal effect on the umbilical cord and peripheral venous blood of newborn infants
Authors: Hershkovich–Shporen C , Bardenstein R , Blickstein I , Shinwell E S , Flidel‐Rimon O 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimIt is unclear whether maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment (IAT) continues to exert a bactericidal effect on common pathogens in neonates. We studied the in vitro bactericidal effect of IAT on the cord and peripheral venous blood of newborn infants.MethodsUmbilical cord and peripheral venous blood from newborn infants born at Kaplan Medical Center, Israel, from April to October 2014 were studied for serum bactericidal titres against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. We studied 60 samples of umbilical cord blood and 18 samples of peripheral venous blood from 60 newborn infants whose mothers received IAT. The controls were 10 samples of cord blood from mothers without IAT.ResultsCord blood exerted a bactericidal effect against 98% of GBS isolates but only 8% of E.coli isolates. Peripheral blood exerted a bactericidal effect against GBS in 94% of cases, but not against E. coli. No bactericidal effect was seen in the blood from the controls.ConclusionWe found a continued bactericidal effect of umbilical cord blood and neonatal peripheral blood from newborn infants of IAT‐treated mothers, mainly against GBS, but rarely against E. Coli. These findings may assist clinicians treating at‐risk infants exposed to IAT.
10 Might Community be the Key to Unlocking the Social Potential of Bioarchaeology?
Authors: Meyer William J. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTFrom the perspective of social archaeology, it seems bioarchaeology has been slow to recognize its social‐interpretive potential. However, I think that “community” might be the key to unlocking this potential. As an interested outsider, I try here to explain the motivations and priorities of social‐interpretive archaeologies, and to place the papers in this volume within the broader network of anthropological and archaeological theory. I also comment on the issues of boundaries and boundedness, scale, metaphor, and memory, all of which, one might argue, are social topics that have remained just beyond the reach of “traditional” bioarchaeology.
Anthropology Teaming Up With Agrometeorology: Getting University Science to Assist Farmers With Climate Resilience
Authors: Winarto Yunita T. , Stigter C. (Kees) J. 
Published: July 2017

In third world countries like Indonesia, higher education is expected to contribute to the development of applied sciences that tackle pressing problems. Adaptation to and mitigation of climate change are such fields. Applied sciences work better in problem solving when approached in an interdisciplinary way.Winarto and Stigter have decades of experience in applied agricultural sciences but from different main fields: anthropology and physics/(micro)meteorology/(micro)climatology. They provide a welcome complementarity in their dialogue‐based interactions with farmers on how climate change has necessitated livelihood/resilience changes for them. They developed and established climatological services for farmers, consisting of seven initial climate services for agriculture, bringing farmers closer to their ecosystems that are currently threatened by climate change.They established what they call “agrometeorological learning,” which is about changes of beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and goals of farmers due to new meteorological and climatologic knowledge they acquire, which considerably help increase farmers resiliencies.
Restoration of peatland by spontaneous revegetation after road construction
Authors: Johansen Marte Dalen , Aker Pernille , Klanderud Kari , Olsen Siri Lie , Skrindo Astrid Brekke 
Published: July 2017

AbstractQuestionsSpontaneous revegetation from indigenous soil was used as a restoration method for peatlands degraded during road construction in northern Norway. We examined how plant community properties responded to the restoration, and which environmental factors affected the restoration success.LocationRestored peatlands along roadsides at E10, mainland connection to the Lofoten islands, northern Norway.MethodsThe restored area originally consisted of poor to intermediate Sphagnum‐dominated natural peatlands. Restoration consisted of stripping and stockpiling the topmost (30 cm) peat. The peat was stored for 1–2 yr before redistribution, with no further hydrological management. We conducted first time analyses of plant community properties 8 and 9 yr after restoration. We recorded vegetation and environmental variables in 108 plots distributed between 18 transects running from the road edge over the restored area to the undisturbed peatland. Undisturbed peatland was used as target for successful restoration. We used CCA and ANOVA to test the effect of restoration on species composition and richness.ResultsThe ordination showed that species composition still differed significantly between restored and undisturbed plots, indicating incomplete restoration after 8 and 9 yr. Soil moisture, pH, slope and microtopography were the most important environmental factors for species composition. Polytrichum mosses had a high percentage cover in restored (30%) compared to undisturbed control plots (1%). Linear regression showed that peatland species decreased in abundance with increasing depth of Polytrichum cushions.ConclusionThe low soil moisture level in the restored areas is most likely limiting the establishment of Sphagnum mosses, considered as key species of the typical peatland environment. Thus, the restoration method studied here must be improved to increase the soil moisture by raising the water table or reducing drainage. This should be done through reducing storage time of the peat before redistribution, and minimizing slopes and heterogeneity of the microtopography of the restored area.
Contribution of medications and risk factors to QTc interval lengthening in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Alburikan Khalid A. , Aldemerdash Ahmed , Savitz Samuel T. , Tisdale James E. , Whitsel Eric A. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Thudium Emily M. , Sueta Carla A. , Kucharska‐Newton Anna M. , Stearns Sally C. , Rodgers Jo E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesProlongation of the corrected QT (QTc) interval is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The association between QTc interval–prolonging medications (QTPMs) and risk factors with magnitude of QTc interval lengthening is unknown. We examined the contribution of risk factors alone and in combination with QTPMs to QTc interval lengthening.MethodThe Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study assessed 15 792 participants with a resting, standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram and ≥1 measure of QTc interval over 4 examinations at 3‐year intervals (1987‐1998). From 54 638 person‐visits, we excluded participants with QRS ≥ 120 milliseconds (n = 2333 person‐visits). We corrected the QT interval using the Bazett and Framingham formulas. We examined QTc lengthening using linear regression for 36 602 person‐visit observations for 14 160 cohort members controlling for age ≥ 65 years, female sex, left ventricular hypertrophy, QTc > 500 milliseconds at the prior visit, and CredibleMeds categorized QTPMs (Known, Possible, or Conditional risk). We corrected standard errors for repeat observations per person.ResultsEighty percent of person‐visits had at least one risk factor for QTc lengthening. Use of QTPMs increased over the 4 visits from 8% to 17%. Among persons not using QTPMs, history of prolonged QTc interval and female sex were associated with the greatest QTc lengthening, 39 and 12 milliseconds, respectively. In the absence of risk factors, Known QTPMs and ≥2 QTPMs were associated with modest but greater QTc lengthening than Possible or Conditional QTPMs. In the presence of risk factors, ≥2 QTPM further increased QTc lengthening. In combination with risk factors, the association of all QTPM categories with QTc lengthening was greater than QTPMs alone.ConclusionRisk factors, particularly female sex and history of prolonged QTc interval, have stronger associations with QTc interval lengthening than any QTPM category alone. All QTPM categories augmented QTc interval lengthening associated with risk factors.
Hearing and Seeing Tone Through Color: An Efficacy Study of Web‐Based, Multimodal Chinese Tone Perception Training
Authors: Godfroid Aline , Lin Chin‐Hsi , Ryu Catherine 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMultimodal approaches have been shown to be effective for many learning tasks. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of five multimodal methods for second language (L2) Mandarin tone perception training: three single‐cue methods (number, pitch contour, color) and two dual‐cue methods (color and number, color and pitch contour). A total of 303 true novice learners of L2 Mandarin (native speakers of English) completed a 3‐week online training program. Results from pretests as well as immediate and delayed posttests indicated that multimodal training aided L2 learners’ tone perception, with a small, practical advantage for pitch contours and numbers over color coding. Dual‐cue methods did not yield better learning than single‐cue training. Thus, the additive benefits of multimodal input (i.e., auditory and visual) did not extend to instruction featuring doubled visual input (i.e., visual and visual). We argue for embedding color in visuals in a way that helps make abstract information concrete.
A randomized placebo‐controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint‐ and caraway‐oil‐preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Rich G. , Shah A. , Koloski N. , Funk P. , Stracke B. , Köhler S. , Holtmann G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a very common condition affecting more than 10% of the population. While there is no cure, a few drugs have been found to be effective for the relief of symptoms, although most are only effective in a subgroup of patients. We assess and compare the efficacy of a fixed peppermint/caraway‐oil‐combination (Menthacarin) on symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients with FD symptoms consistent with epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS).MethodsIn a prospective, double‐blind, multicenter trial, 114 outpatients with chronic or recurrent FD were randomized and treated for 4 weeks with the proprietary peppermint‐ and caraway‐oil‐preparation Menthacarin or placebo (2×1 capsule/day). Improvement of abdominal pain and discomfort were used as co‐primary efficacy measures (scores measured with the validated Nepean Dyspepsia Index).Key ResultsAfter 2 and 4 weeks, active treatment was superior to placebo in alleviating symptoms consistent with PDS and EPS (P all <.001). After 4 weeks of treatment, pain and discomfort scores improved by 7.6±4.8 and 3.6±2.5 points (full analysis set; mean±SD) for Menthacarin and by 3.4±4.3 and 1.3±2.1 points for placebo, respectively. All secondary efficacy measures showed advantages for Menthacarin.Conclusions & InferencesMenthacarin is an effective therapy for the relief of pain and discomfort and improvement of disease‐specific QoL in patients with FD and significantly improves symptoms consistent with EPS and PDS.
Mucosal glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) responses are mediated by calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the mouse colon and both peptide responses are area‐specific
Authors: Tough I.R. , Moodaley R. , Cox H.M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundGlucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 is an incretin hormone and its mimetics are proven antidiabetic and antiobesity drugs. GLP‐1 exerts antimotility and mucosal proliferative activities but its epithelial ion transport effects are uncharacterized and these may contribute to the gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance, i.e., diarrhea experienced with some GLP‐1 mimetics. Our aim was to establish GLP‐1 agonist mechanisms and identify potential mucosal mediator(s) in the colonic tissue from C57BL/6J mice.MethodsA tissue survey of GLP‐1 responses (using exendin 4, Ex4) and α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (αCGRP) was undertaken, dividing the mouse colon into eight adjacent mucosal‐submucosal preparations. Each preparation was voltage‐clamped and changes in short‐circuit current (Isc) measured. The involvement of submucosal neurons in GLP‐1 agonism was tested using Ex(9‐39) and tetrodotoxin (TTX), and CGRP receptors were blocked with BIBN4094.Key ResultsEx4 responses along the length of the colon were inhibited by the GLP‐1 antagonist, Ex(9‐39) or TTX, indicating neural mediation in all colonic regions. In the ascending colon, Ex4 increased Isc levels that were abolished by 10 nM BIBN4096, while in the descending colon it reduced Isc levels that were again BIBN4096‐sensitive, but at 1 μM. The latter αCGRP response was dependent on epithelial Cl− conductance and Na+/K+‐ATPase, and was partially (~25%) peptide YY‐mediated, but was not nitrergic, somatostatin sst2, or α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated.Conclusions and InferencesGLP‐1 modulates epithelial ion transport indirectly by activating CGRP‐containing submucosal enteric neurons in the mouse colon. This GLP‐1‐CGRP response was area‐specific and could potentially contribute to the diarrheal side effect of certain GLP‐1R therapeutics.
Relationships between gastric slow wave frequency, velocity, and extracellular amplitude studied by a joint experimental‐theoretical approach
Authors: Wang T. H.‐H. , Du P. , Angeli T. R. , Paskaranandavadivel N. , Erickson J. C. , Abell T. L. , Cheng L. K. , O'Grady G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundGastric slow wave dysrhythmias are accompanied by deviations in frequency, velocity, and extracellular amplitude, but the inherent association between these parameters in normal activity still requires clarification. This study quantified these associations using a joint experimental‐theoretical approach.MethodsGastric pacing was conducted in pigs with simultaneous high‐resolution slow wave mapping (32‐256 electrodes; 4‐7.6 mm spacing). Relationships between period, velocity, and amplitude were quantified and correlated for each wavefront. Human data from two existing mapping control cohorts were analyzed to extract and correlate these same parameters. A validated biophysically based ICC model was also applied in silico to quantify velocity‐period relationships during entrainment simulations and velocity‐amplitude relationships from membrane potential equations.Key ResultsPorcine pacing studies identified positive correlations for velocity‐period (0.13 mm s−1 per 1 s, r2=.63, P<.001) and amplitude‐velocity (74 μV per 1 mm s−1, r2=.21, P=.002). In humans, positive correlations were also quantified for velocity‐period (corpus: 0.11 mm s−1 per 1 s, r2=.16, P<.001; antrum: 0.23 mm s−1 per 1 s, r2=.55; P<.001), and amplitude‐velocity (94 μV per 1 mm s−1, r2=.56; P<.001). Entrainment simulations matched the experimental velocity‐period relationships and demonstrated dependence on the slow wave recovery phase. Simulated membrane potential relationships were close to these experimental results (100 μV per 1 mm s−1).Conclusions and InferencesThese data quantify the relationships between slow wave frequency, velocity, and extracellular amplitude. The results from both human and porcine studies were in keeping with biophysical models, demonstrating concordance with ICC biophysics. These relationships are important in the regulation of gastric motility and will help to guide interpretations of dysrhythmias.
Ideological influences on governance and regulation: The comparative case of supreme courts
Authors: Weinshall Keren , Sommer Udi , Ritov Ya'acov 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA key influence on governance and regulation is the ideology of individual decisionmakers. However, certain branches of government – such as courts – while wielding wide ranging regulatory powers, are expected to do so with no attitudinal influence. We posit a dynamic response model to investigate attitudinal behavior in different national courts. Our ideological scores are estimated based on probability models that formalize the assumption that judicial decisions consist of ideological, strategic, and jurisprudential components. The Dynamic Comparative Attitudinal Measure estimates the attitudinal decisionmaking on the institution as a whole. Additionally, we estimate Ideological Ideal Point Preference for individual justices. Empirical results with original data for political and religious rights rulings in the Supreme Courts of the United States, Canada, India, the Philippines, and Israel corroborate the measures' validity. Future studies can utilize Ideological Ideal Point Preference and the Dynamic Comparative Attitudinal Measure to cover additional courts, legal spheres, and time frames, and to estimate government deference.
Community Composition Determines Activity of Antibiotics against Multispecies Biofilms
Authors: Tavernier Sarah , Crabbé Aurélie , Hacioglu Mayram , Stuer Liesbeth , Henry Silke , Rigole Petra , Dhondt Inne , Coenye Tom 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

In young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients,
Staphylococcus aureus
is typically the most prevalent organism, while in adults,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is the major pathogen. More recently, it was observed that also
Streptococcus anginosus
plays an important role in exacerbations of respiratory symptoms. These species are often coisolated from CF lungs, yet little is known about whether antibiotic killing of one species is influenced by the presence of others. In the present study, we compared the activities of various antibiotics against
S. anginosus
,
S. aureus
, and
P. aeruginosa
when grown in monospecies biofilms with the activity observed in a multispecies biofilm. Our results show that differences in antibiotic activity against species grown in mono- and multispecies biofilms are species and antibiotic dependent. Fewer
S. anginosus
cells are killed by antibiotics that interfere with cell wall synthesis (amoxicillin plus sulbactam, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, and vancomycin) in the presence of
S. aureus
and
P. aeruginosa
, while for ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and tobramycin, no difference was observed. In addition, we observed that the cell-free supernatant of
S. aureus
, but not that of
P. aeruginosa
biofilms, also caused this decrease in killing. Overall,
S. aureus
was more affected by antibiotic treatment in a multispecies biofilm, while for
P. aeruginosa
, no differences were observed between growth in mono- or multispecies biofilms. The results of the present study suggest that it is important to take the community composition into account when evaluating the effect of antimicrobial treatments against certain species in mixed biofilms.
Persistent Loss of Hepatitis B Virus Markers in Serum without Cellular Immunity by Combination of Peginterferon and Entecavir Therapy in Humanized Mice
Authors: Uchida Takuro , Imamura Michio , Hayes C. Nelson , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Kan Hiromi , Tsuge Masataka , Abe-Chayama Hiromi , Zhang Yizhou , Makokha Grace Naswa , Aikata Hiroshi , Miki Daiki , Ochi Hidenori , Ishida Yuji , Tateno Chise , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Nucleot(s)ide analogues and peginterferon (PEG-IFN) treatment are the only approved therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, complete eradication of the virus, as indicated by persistent loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is rare among treated patients. This is due to long-term persistence of the HBV genome in infected hepatocytes in the form of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). In this study, we investigated whether administration of a large dose of a nucleoside analogue in combination with PEG-IFN can achieve long-term loss of HBsAg in human hepatocyte chimeric mice. Mice were treated with a high dose of entecavir and/or PEG-IFN for 6 weeks. High-dose combination therapy with both drugs resulted in persistently negative HBV DNA in serum. Although small amounts of HBV DNA and cccDNA (0.1 and 0.01 copy/cell, respectively) remained in the mouse livers, some of the mice remained persistently negative for serum HBV DNA at 13 weeks after cessation of the therapy. Serum HBsAg and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) continued to decrease and eventually became negative at 12 weeks after cessation of the therapy. Analysis of the HBV genome in treated mice showed accumulation of G-to-A hypermutation and CpG III island methylation. Persistent loss of serum HBV DNA and loss of HBV markers by high-dose entecavir and PEG-IFN combination treatment in chimeric mice suggests that control of HBV can be achieved even in the absence of a cellular immune response.
MDR1 and BCRP Transporter-Mediated Drug-Drug Interaction between Rilpivirine and Abacavir and Effect on Intestinal Absorption
Authors: Reznicek Josef , Ceckova Martina , Ptackova Zuzana , Martinec Ondrej , Tupova Lenka , Cerveny Lukas , Staud Frantisek 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Rilpivirine (TMC278) is a highly potent nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) representing an effective component of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in the treatment of HIV-positive patients. Many antiretroviral drugs commonly used in cART are substrates of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and/or solute carrier (SLC) drug transporters and, therefore, are prone to pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The aim of our study was to evaluate rilpivirine interactions with abacavir and lamivudine on selected ABC and SLC transporters
in vitro
and assess its importance for pharmacokinetics
in vivo
. Using accumulation assays in MDCK cells overexpressing selected ABC or SLC drug transporters, we revealed rilpivirine as a potent inhibitor of MDR1 and BCRP, but not MRP2, OCT1, OCT2, or MATE1. Subsequent transport experiments across monolayers of MDCKII-MDR1, MDCKII-BCRP, and Caco-2 cells demonstrated that rilpivirine inhibits MDR1- and BCRP-mediated efflux of abacavir and increases its transmembrane transport.
In vivo
experiments in male Wistar rats confirmed inhibition of MDR1/BCRP in the small intestine, leading to a significant increase in oral bioavailability of abacavir. In conclusion, rilpivirine inhibits MDR1 and BCRP transporters and may affect pharmacokinetic behavior of concomitantly administered substrates of these transporters, such as abacavir.