bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of HCV RNA level at week 4 of direct antiviral treatments for hepatitis C
Authors: Johnson K. , Green P. K. , Ioannou G. N. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryWe aimed to determine whether the HCV viral load after four weeks of treatment (W4VL) with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) predicts sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real‐world clinical setting. We identified 21 095 patients who initiated DAA‐based antiviral treatment in the national Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from 01/01/2014 to 06/30/2015. Week 4 viral load was categorized as undetectable, detectable below quantification (DBQ), detectable above quantification (DAQ) with viral load ≤42 IU/mL and DAQ with viral load >42 IU/mL. Week 4 viral load was undetectable in 36.1%, detectable below quantification in 45.6%, DAQ ≤42 in 9.3%, DAQ >42 in 9.1%. Detectable above quantification was much more common and undetectable week 4 viral load much less common when tested with the Abbott RealTime HCV assay vs the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Version 2 assay. Compared to patients with undetectable week 4 viral load (SVR=93.5%), those with detectable below quantification (SVR=91.8%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.79, P‐value=.001), DAQ ≤42 (SVR=90.0%, AOR 0.63, P‐value<.001) and DAQ >42 (SVR=86.2%, AOR 0.52, P‐value<.001) had progressively lower likelihood of achieving SVR after adjusting for baseline characteristics and treatment duration. Among genotype 1‐infected patients who were potentially eligible for 8‐week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir monotherapy, we did not find evidence that treatment for 12 weeks instead of 8 weeks was associated with higher SVR, even among those with detectable above quantification. In summary, DBQ and DAQ W4VL are very common in real‐world practice, contrary to what was reported in clinical trials, and strongly predict reduced SVR across genotypes and clinically relevant patient subgroups. Whether and how week 4 viral load results should influence treatment decisions requires further study.
Muscle microcirculation alterations and relation to dipping status in newly diagnosed untreated patients with arterial hypertension—A pilot study
Authors: Tzanis Georgios , Dimopoulos Stavros , Manetos Chris , Koroboki Eleni , Manios Efstathios , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Zakopoulos Nikolaos , Nanas Serafim 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe importance of abnormalities observed in the microcirculation of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) is being increasingly recognized. The authors aimed to evaluate skeletal muscle microcirculation in untreated, newly diagnosed hypertensive patients with NIRS, a noninvasive method that evaluates microcirculation.MethodsWe evaluated 34 subjects, 17 patients with AH (13 males, 49±13 years, BMI: 26±2 kg/m2) and 17 healthy controls (12 males, 49±15 years, BMI: 25±3 kg/m2). The thenar muscle StO2 (%) was measured by NIRS before, during and after 3‐minutes vascular occlusion to calculate OCR (%/min), EF (%/min), and RHT (minute). The dipping status of hypertensive patients was assessed.ResultsThe RHT differed between AH patients and healthy subjects (2.6±0.3 vs 2.1±0.3 minutes, P<.001). Dippers had higher EF than nondippers (939±280 vs 710±164%/min, P=.05).ConclusionsThe study suggests an impaired muscle microcirculation in newly diagnosed, untreated AH patients.
Identification of major loci and genomic regions controlling acid and volatile content in tomato fruit: implications for flavor improvement
Authors: Bauchet Guillaume , Grenier Stéphane , Samson Nicolas , Segura Vincent , Kende Aniko , Beekwilder Jules , Cankar Katarina , Gallois Jean‐Luc , Gricourt Justine , Bonnet Julien , Baxter Charles , Grivet Laurent , Causse Mathilde 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Plant metabolites are important to world food security due to their roles in crop yield and nutritional quality.

Here we report the metabolic profile of 300 tomato accessions (Solanum lycopersicum and related wild species) by quantifying 60 primary and secondary metabolites, including volatile organic compounds, over a period of 2 yr. Metabolite content and genetic inheritance of metabolites varied broadly, both within and between different genetic groups.

Using genotype information gained from 10 000 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we performed a metabolite genome‐wide association mapping (GWAS) study. We identified 79 associations influencing 13 primary and 19 secondary metabolites with large effects at high resolution. Four genome regions were detected, highlighting clusters of associations controlling the variation of several metabolites. Local linkage disequilibrium analysis and allele mining identified possible candidate genes which may modulate the content of metabolites that are of significant importance for human diet and fruit consumption.

We precisely characterized two associations involved in fruit acidity and phenylpropanoid volatile production. Taken together, this study reveals complex and distinct metabolite regulation in tomato subspecies and demonstrates that GWAS is a powerful tool for gene‐metabolite annotation and identification, pathways elucidation, and further crop improvement.
Root apical meristem diversity in extant lycophytes and implications for root origins
Authors: Fujinami Rieko , Yamada Toshihiro , Nakajima Atsuko , Takagi Shoko , Idogawa Ai , Kawakami Eri , Tsutsumi Maiko , Imaichi Ryoko 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Root apical meristem (RAM) organization in lycophytes could be a key to understanding the early evolution of roots, but this topic has been insufficiently explored. We examined the RAM organization of lycophytes in terms of cell division activities and anatomies, and compared RAMs among vascular plants.

RAMs of 13 species of lycophytes were semi‐thin‐sectioned and observed under a light microscope. Furthermore, the frequency of cell division in the RAM of species was analyzed using thymidine analogs.

RAMs of lycophytes exhibited four organization types: type I (Lycopodium and Diphasiastrum), II (Huperzia and Lycopodiella), III (Isoetes) and RAM with apical cell (Selaginella). The type I RAM found in Lycopodium had a region with a very low cell division frequency, reminiscent of the quiescent center (QC) in angiosperm roots. This is the first clear indication that a QC‐like region is present in nonseed plants.

At least four types of RAM are present in extant lycophytes, suggesting that RAM organization is more diverse than expected. Our results support the paleobotanical hypothesis that roots evolved several times in lycophytes, as well as in euphyllophytes.
Adaptive root foraging strategies along a boreal–temperate forest gradient
Authors: Ostonen Ivika , Truu Marika , Helmisaari Heljä‐Sisko , Lukac Martin , Borken Werner , Vanguelova Elena , Godbold Douglas L. , Lõhmus Krista , Zang Ulrich , Tedersoo Leho , Preem Jens‐Konrad , Rosenvald Katrin , Aosaar Jürgen , Armolaitis Kęstutis , Frey Jane , Kabral Naima , Kukumägi Mai , Leppälammi‐Kujansuu Jaana , Lindroos Antti‐Jussi , Merilä Päivi , Napa Ülle , Nöjd Pekka , Parts Kaarin , Uri Veiko , Varik Mats , Truu Jaak 
Published: June 2017

Summary

The tree root–mycorhizosphere plays a key role in resource uptake, but also in the adaptation of forests to changing environments.

The adaptive foraging mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) and fine roots of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula were evaluated along a gradient from temperate to subarctic boreal forest (38 sites between latitudes 48°N and 69°N) in Europe. Variables describing tree resource uptake structures and processes (absorptive fine root biomass and morphology, nitrogen (N) concentration in absorptive roots, extramatrical mycelium (EMM) biomass, community structure of root‐associated EcM fungi, soil and rhizosphere bacteria) were used to analyse relationships between root system functional traits and climate, soil and stand characteristics.

Absorptive fine root biomass per stand basal area increased significantly from temperate to boreal forests, coinciding with longer and thinner root tips with higher tissue density, smaller EMM biomass per root length and a shift in soil microbial community structure. The soil carbon (C) : N ratio was found to explain most of the variability in absorptive fine root and EMM biomass, root tissue density, N concentration and rhizosphere bacterial community structure.

We suggest a concept of absorptive fine root foraging strategies involving both qualitative and quantitative changes in the root–mycorrhiza–bacteria continuum along climate and soil C : N gradients.
Minimal configuration of body surface potential mapping for discrimination of left versus right dominant frequencies during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rodrigo M. , Climent A.M. , Liberos A. , Fernández‐Aviles F. , Atienza F. , Guillem M.S. , Berenfeld O. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundAblation of drivers maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated as an effective therapy. Drivers in the form of rapidly activated atrial regions can be noninvasively localized to either left or right atria (LA, RA) with body surface potential mapping (BSPM) systems. This study quantifies the accuracy of dominant frequency (DF) measurements from reduced‐leads BSPM systems and assesses the minimal configuration required for ablation guidance.MethodsNine uniformly distributed lead sets of eight to 66 electrodes were evaluated. BSPM signals were registered simultaneously with intracardiac electrocardiograms (EGMs) in 16 AF patients. DF activity was analyzed on the surface potentials for the nine leads configurations, and the noninvasive measures were compared with the EGM recordings.ResultsSurface DF measurements presented similar values than panoramic invasive EGM recordings, showing the highest DF regions in corresponding locations. The noninvasive DFs measures had a high correlation with the invasive discrete recordings; they presented a deviation of <0.5 Hz for the highest DF and a correlation coefficient of >0.8 for leads configurations with 12 or more electrodes.ConclusionsReduced‐leads BSPM systems enable noninvasive discrimination between LA versus RA DFs with similar results as higher‐resolution 66‐leads system. Our findings demonstrate the possible incorporation of simplified BSPM systems into clinical planning procedures for AF ablation.
Factors affecting dance exercise performance in students at a special needs school
Authors: Ito Yukiko , Hiramoto Izumi , Kodama Hideya 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, dance exercise has been introduced as a compulsory element of health and physical education, but there is a considerable discrepancy in the levels of performance among students with intellectual disability (ID) at special needs schools. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting the performance of dance exercise in students with ID.MethodsA 4 month dance exercise program was implemented for junior high school students at a special needs school, and the performance of 32 students at 22 sessions was assessed quantitatively according to calorie use during exercise and performance proficiency score. The measures were compared according to gender, age, body mass index, diagnosis, and development quotient (DQ) score.ResultsPerformance in many students improved with repetition and reached the highest attainment level at around the third month. Male gender and older age had a significant positive impact on calorie use, whereas diagnosis of Down syndrome and higher DQ score had a significant positive impact on proficiency score. Four students with poor performance were all female students with autism.ConclusionThis study provides some possible explanations for differences in the levels of dance performance among students with ID.
Genetic screening of FecB, FecXGand FecXI mutations and their linkage with litter size in Barki and Rahmani sheep breeds
Authors: El‐Seedy AS , Hashem NM , El‐Azrak KM , Nour El‐Din ANM , Ramadan TA , Taha TA , Salem MH 
Published: June 2017

ContentsCharacterization of fecundity genes offers the opportunity to improve production efficiency, and the consequent increase in litter size in livestock industry, through utilizing them in breeding programs. The main objective of this study was to detect the BMPR‐IB, BMP15 and GDF9 gene mutations and to investigate whether these mutations are associated with litter size in Egyptian sheep breeds. To achieve this goal, 73 adult ewes representing Barki (n = 33) and Rahmani (n = 40) breeds were used. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) screening approach was used to detect the presence of FecB, FecXG and FecXI mutations in the two selected breeds. Results of this study showed that the three different candidate gene mutations, namely FecB, FecXG and FecXI are not present among these selected populations of the Egyptian breeds. Further studies regarding other mutations and/or other genes, which may influence ovulation rate, should be carried out to determine the type and mode of inheritance of such genes in Egyptian sheep breeds.
Comparison of two skin imaging analysis instruments: The VISIA® from Canfield vs the ANTERA 3D®CS from Miravex
Authors: Linming F. , Wei H. , Anqi L. , Yuanyu C. , Heng X. , Sushmita P. , Yiming L. , Li L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe skin imaging analysis instruments are widely used to record and measure the surface and subsurface skin conditions. The main aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring wrinkle, skin texture, coloration/evenness, vascular features, and pore between two commercially available instruments.MethodsTwenty‐eight subjects were enrolled in the study. A 2*2 cm cardboard was used to make sure the two instruments analyze the same area. Pictures were taken and analyzed by the VISIA® from Canfield and the ANTERA 3D® CS from Miravex, in sequence.ResultsThe spot, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, red area, texture values measured with VISIA® were positively correlated with age, while the pore and wrinkle values showed no significance. The wrinkle, texture, melanin, hemoglobin, pore index, pore volume values measured with ANTERA 3D® had a significantly positive correlation with age. The spot, brown spot values from VISIA® were positively correlated with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Texture value measured with the two instruments revealed positive linear correlation. Strong correlation was found between the red area value from VISIA®and the hemoglobin value from ANTERA 3D®. Ultraviolet spot from VISIA® showed no linear correlation with the melanin value from ANTERA 3D®. Neither of the wrinkle and pore measured with the two instruments showed linear correlation.ConclusionsANTERA 3D® relies on multidirectional illumination obtained by LEDs of different wavelengths from different directions which make it advanced at the qualitative evaluation of various dermatologic conditions. Compared with VISIA®, ANTERA 3D® is more sensitive in the assessment of wrinkle and it may also be available to evaluate the aging‐related enlarged pore.
Ichthyosis fetalis in a cross‐bred lamb
Authors: Câmara Antonio Carlos Lopes , Borges Pedro Augusto Cordeiro , Paiva Silvano Alves , Pierezan Felipe , Soto‐Blanco Benito 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundIchthyosis is a dermatological disease characterized by varying degrees of generalized hyperkeratosis and alopecia. Two congenital forms of ichthyosis are recognized in animals: fetalis (IF) and congenita. The disease occurs rarely in cattle, swine, dogs, chickens and a goat; it has not been reported in sheep.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo provide clinical, laboratory and pathological assessments of a case of IF in a cross‐bred lamb.AnimalsA male cross‐bred lamb.ResultsPhysical examination revealed apathy, fever, ectropion and eclabium. Generalized thickening and scaling of the skin was noted; this was most severe on the face, ears, inner thighs, limbs and perineum. Deep fissures and wounds were present on the hind limbs and forelimbs. The lamb was monitored for 75 days. During this period, lesions progressed and occasionally obstructed the nostrils and increasingly made it difficult for the lamb to flex major limb joints. Postmortem findings included severe epidermal thickening, multiple subcutaneous abscesses, ectropion and corneal scars. Histological findings revealed diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, follicular keratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia and atrophy of the sebaceous glands. Serum vitamin A concentration was within the normal range for the species.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis case report describes a case of presumptive ichthyosis fetalis in a lamb. Greater awareness by practitioners is required for this disease to be included in the differential diagnosis of dermatopathies in this species.
One minute static stretch of plantar flexors transiently increases H reflex excitability and exerts no effect on corticospinal pathways
Authors: Budini Francesco , Gallasch Eugen , Christova Monica , Rafolt Dietmar , Rauscher Andreas Benedikt , Tilp Markus 
Published: June 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What mediates neural responses following static stretching, and how long do these influences last?

What is the main finding and its importance?
This study shows that 1 min of static stretching inhibits the tendon tap reflex and facilitates the H reflex without influencing motor‐evoked potentials. The results indicate that at least two different mechanisms mediate neural responses after static stretching.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the neural responses observed after static stretching are mediated by sensitivity of muscle spindles, spinal excitability or cortical excitability and how long these influences last. Nineteen volunteers (25.7 ± 5.6 years old) were tested for the tendon tap reflex (T‐reflex), H reflex and motor‐evoked potentials on ankle flexors and extensors immediately, 5 and 10 min after 1 min static stretching applied at individual maximal ankle dorsiflexion, as well as immediately, 5 and 10 min after a control period of the same duration. Comparison of measurements collected immediately after stretching or control conditions revealed that the T‐reflex was weaker after stretching than after control (−59.2% P = 0.000). The T‐reflex showed a slow recovery rate within the first 150 s after stretching, but 5 min after the inhibition had disappeared. The H reflex increased immediately after stretching (+18.3%, P = 0.036), showed a quick tendency to recover and returned to control values within 5 min from stretching. Motor‐evoked potentials were not affected by the procedure. These results suggest that 1 min of static stretching primarily decreases muscle spindle sensitivity and facilitates the H reflex, whereas effects on the motor cortex can be excluded.
Influence of IS
256
on Genome Variability and Formation of Small-Colony Variants in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kleinert Franziska , Kallies René , Hort Michael , Zweynert Annegret , Szekat Christiane , Nagel Michael , Bierbaum Gabriele 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
has acquired resistance to nearly all antibiotics used in clinical practice. Whereas some resistance mechanisms are conferred by uptake of resistance genes, others evolve by mutation. In this study, IS
256
has been shown to play a role, e.g., in
S. aureus
strains displaying intermediate resistance to vancomycin (VISA). To characterize the IS
256
insertion sites in the genomes of two closely related sequence type 247 (ST247) VISA strains, all insertions were mapped in both VISA and a susceptible control strain. The results showed that the three ST247 strains contained the highest number so far of IS
256
insertions for all sequenced
S. aureus
strains. Furthermore, in contrast to the case with the other IS elements in these genomes, the IS
256
insertion sites were not identical in the closely related strains, indicating a high transposition frequency of IS
256
. When IS
256
was introduced into a laboratory strain which was then cultured in the presence of antibiotics, it was possible to isolate small-colony variants (SCVs) that possessed IS
256
insertions in
guaA
and
hemY
that displayed increased resistance to vancomycin and aminoglycosides, respectively. For these clones, a very rapid reversion to the wild type that resembled the fast reversion of clinical SCVs was observed. The reversion was caused by excision of IS
256
in a small number of fast-growing clones that quickly outcompeted the SCVs in broth cultures. In conclusion, the presence of IS
256
confers a strong genomic plasticity that is useful for adaptation to antibiotic stress.
Susceptibility of Colistin-Resistant, Gram-Negative Bacteria to Antimicrobial Peptides and Ceragenins
Authors: Hashemi Marjan M. , Rovig John , Weber Scott , Hilton Brian , Forouzan Mehdi M. , Savage Paul B. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

The susceptibility of colistin-resistant clinical isolates of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
to ceragenins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) suggests that there is little to no cross-resistance between colistin and ceragenins/AMPs and that lipid A modifications are found in bacteria with modest changes in susceptibility to ceragenins and with high levels of resistance to colistin. These results suggest that there are differences in the resistance mechanisms to colistin and ceragenins/AMPs.
Targeted Metabolomics Analysis Identifies Intestinal Microbiota-Derived Urinary Biomarkers of Colonization Resistance in Antibiotic-Treated Mice
Authors: Obrenovich Mark E. , Tima MaryAnn , Polinkovsky Alex , Zhang Renliang , Emancipator Steven N. , Donskey Curtis J. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Antibiotics excreted into the intestinal tract may disrupt the microbiota that provide colonization resistance against enteric pathogens and alter normal metabolic functions of the microbiota. Many of the bacterial metabolites produced in the intestinal tract are absorbed systemically and excreted in urine. Here, we used a mouse model to test the hypothesis that alterations in levels of targeted bacterial metabolites in urine specimens could provide useful biomarkers indicating disrupted or intact colonization resistance. To assess
in vivo
colonization resistance, mice were challenged with
Clostridium difficile
spores orally 3, 6, and 11 days after the completion of 2 days of treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam, aztreonam, or saline. For concurrent groups of antibiotic-treated mice, urine samples were analyzed by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify the concentrations of 11 compounds targeted as potential biomarkers of colonization resistance. Aztreonam did not affect colonization resistance, whereas piperacillin-tazobactam disrupted colonization resistance 3 days after piperacillin-tazobactam treatment, with complete recovery by 11 days after treatment. Three of the 11 compounds exhibited a statistically significant and >10-fold increase (the tryptophan metabolite
N
-acetyltryptophan) or decrease (the plant polyphenyl derivatives cinnamoylglycine and enterodiol) in concentrations in urine 3 days after piperacillin-tazobactam treatment, followed by recovery to baseline that coincided with the restoration of
in vivo
colonization resistance. These urinary metabolites could provide useful and easily accessible biomarkers indicating intact or disrupted colonization resistance during and after antibiotic treatment.