bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriocins of Non-aureus Staphylococci Isolated from Bovine Milk
Authors: Carson Domonique A. , Barkema Herman W. , Naushad Sohail , De Buck Jeroen 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Non-
aureus
staphylococci (NAS), the bacteria most commonly isolated from the bovine udder, potentially protect the udder against infection by major mastitis pathogens due to bacteriocin production. In this study, we determined the inhibitory capability of 441 bovine NAS isolates (comprising 26 species) against bovine
Staphylococcus aureus
. Furthermore, inhibiting isolates were tested against a human methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolate using a cross-streaking method. We determined the presence of bacteriocin clusters in NAS whole genomes using genome mining tools, BLAST, and comparison of genomes of closely related inhibiting and noninhibiting isolates and determined the genetic organization of any identified bacteriocin biosynthetic gene clusters. Forty isolates from 9 species (
S. capitis
,
S. chromogenes
,
S. epidermidis
,
S. pasteuri
,
S. saprophyticus
,
S. sciuri
,
S. simulans
,
S. warneri
, and
S. xylosus
) inhibited growth of
S. aureus in vitro
, 23 isolates of which, from
S. capitis
,
S. chromogenes
,
S. epidermidis
,
S. pasteuri
,
S. simulans
, and
S. xylosus
, also inhibited MRSA. One hundred five putative bacteriocin gene clusters encompassing 6 different classes (lanthipeptides, sactipeptides, lasso peptides, class IIa, class IIc, and class IId) in 95 whole genomes from 16 species were identified. A total of 25 novel bacteriocin precursors were described. In conclusion, NAS from bovine mammary glands are a source of potential bacteriocins, with >21% being possible producers, representing potential for future characterization and prospective clinical applications.

IMPORTANCE
Mastitis (particularly infections caused by
Staphylococcus aureus
) costs Canadian dairy producers $400 million/year and is the leading cause of antibiotic use on dairy farms. With increasing antibiotic resistance and regulations regarding use, there is impetus to explore bacteriocins (bacterially produced antimicrobial peptides) for treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. We examined the ability of 441 NAS bacteria from Canadian bovine milk samples to inhibit growth of
S. aureus
in the laboratory. Overall, 9% inhibited growth of
S. aureus
and 58% of those also inhibited MRSA. In NAS whole-genome sequences, we identified >21% of NAS as having bacteriocin genes. Our study represents a foundation to further explore NAS bacteriocins for clinical use.
Clinicians approaches to management of background treatment in patients with SLE in clinical remission: results of an international observational survey
Authors: Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , McCarthy Eoghan M , Sergeant Jamie C , Reynolds John , Skeoch Sarah , Parker Benjamin , Bruce Ian N 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe definition of remission in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear, especially how background treatment should be interpreted.ObjectiveTo determine preferences of clinicians in treatment of patients in clinical remission from SLE and to assess how previous severity, duration of remission and serology influence changes in treatment.MethodsWe undertook an internet-based survey of clinicians managing patients with SLE. Case scenarios were constructed to reflect different remission states, previous organ involvement, serological abnormalities, duration of remission and current treatment (hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), steroids and/or immunosuppressive (ISS) agents).Results130 clinicians from 30 countries were surveyed. The median (range) duration of practice and number of patients with SLE seen each month was 13 (2–42) years and 30 (2–200), respectively. Management decisions in all scenarios varied with greater caution in treatment reduction with shorter duration of remission, extent of serological abnormalities and previous disease severity. Even with mild disease, normal serology and a 5-year clinical remission, 113 (86.9%) clinicians continue to prescribe HCQ. Persistent abnormal serology in any scenario led to a reluctance to reduce or discontinue medications. Prescribing in remission, particularly of steroids and HCQ, varied significantly according to geographical location.ConclusionsClinicians preferences in withdrawing or reducing treatment in patients with SLE in clinical remission vary considerably. Serological abnormalities, previous disease severity and duration of remission all influence the decision to reduce treatment. It is unusual for clinicians to stop HCQ even after prolonged periods of clinical remission. Any definition(s) of remission needs to take into consideration such evidence on how maintenance treatments are managed.
Regional heterogeneity in the mechanisms of myogenic tone in hamster arterioles
Authors: Jackson William F. , Boerman Erika M. 
Published: July 2017

Myogenic tone is an important feature of arterioles and resistance arteries, but the mechanisms responsible for this hallmark characteristic remain unclear. We used pharmacological inhibitors to compare the roles played by phospholipase C (PLC; 10 μM U73122), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs; 100 μM 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane), protein kinase C (10 μM bisindolylmaleimide I), angiotensin II type 1 receptors (1 μM losartan), Rho kinase (10 nM−30 μM Y27632 or 300 nM H1152), stretch-activated ion channels (10 nM−1 μM Gd3+or 5 μM spider venom toxin GsMTx-4) and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channels (0.3–100 μM diltiazem) in myogenic tone of cannulated, pressurized (80 cmH2O), second-order hamster cremaster or cheek pouch arterioles. Effective inhibition of either PLC or IP3Rs dilated cremaster arterioles, inhibited Ca2+waves, and reduced global Ca2+levels. In contrast, cheek pouch arterioles did not display Ca2+waves and inhibition of PLC or IP3Rs had no effect on myogenic tone or intracellular Ca2+levels. Inhibition of Rho kinase dilated both cheek pouch and cremaster arterioles with equal efficacy and potency but also reduced intracellular Ca2+signals in both arterioles. Similarly, inhibition of mechanosensitive ion channels with Gd2+or GsMTx-4 produced comparable dilation in both arterioles. Inhibition of L-type Ca2+channels with diltiazem was more effective in dilating cremaster (86 ± 5% dilation, n = 4) than cheek pouch arterioles (54 ± 4% dilation, n = 6, P < 0.05). Thus, there are substantial differences in the mechanisms underlying myogenic tone in hamster cremaster and cheek pouch arterioles. Regional heterogeneity in myogenic mechanisms could provide new targets for drug development to improve regional blood flow in a tissue-specific manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Regional heterogeneity in the mechanisms of pressure-induced myogenic tone implies that resistance vessels may be able to alter myogenic signaling pathways to adapt to their environment. A better understanding of the spectrum of myogenic mechanisms could provide new targets to treat diseases that affect resistance artery and arteriolar function.
Analysis of decreases in systemic arterial pressure and heart rate in response to the hydrogen sulfide donor sodium sulfide
Authors: Swan Kevin W. , Song Bryant M. , Chen Allen L. , Chen Travis J. , Chan Ryan A. , Guidry Bradley T. , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Kerut Edmund K. , Giles Thomas D. , Kadowitz Philip J. 
Published: July 2017

The actions of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the heart and vasculature have been extensively reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of H2S are unclear in the anesthetized rat. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of H2S on the electrocardiogram and examine the relationship between H2S-induced changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and respiratory function. Intravenous administration of the H2S donor Na2S in the anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rat decreased MAP and HR and produced changes in respiratory function. The administration of Na2S significantly increased the RR interval at some doses but had no effect on PR or corrected QT( n)-B intervals. In experiments where respiration was maintained with a mechanical ventilator, we observed that Na2S-induced decreases in MAP and HR were independent of respiration. In experiments where respiration was maintained by mechanical ventilation and HR was maintained by cardiac pacing, Na2S-induced changes in MAP were not significantly altered, whereas changes in HR were abolished. Coadministration of glybenclamide significantly increased MAP and HR responses at some doses, but methylene blue, diltiazem, and ivabradine had no significant effect compared with control. The decreases in MAP and HR in response to Na2S could be dissociated and were independent of changes in respiratory function, ATP-sensitive K+channels, methylene blue-sensitive mechanism involving L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+channels, or hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Cardiovascular responses observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats were more robust than those in Sprague-Dawley rats.NEW & NOTEWORTHY H2S is a gasotransmitter capable of producing a decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. The hypotensive and bradycardic effects of H2S can be dissociated, as shown with cardiac pacing experiments. Responses were not blocked by diltiazem, ivabradine, methylene blue, or glybenclamide.
Cancer Cell–Autonomous Parainflammation Mimics Immune Cell Infiltration
Authors: Lasry Audrey , Aran Dvir , Butte Atul J. , Ben-Neriah Yinon 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Parainflammation is a unique variant of inflammation, characterized by epithelial-autonomous activation of inflammatory response. Parainflammation has been shown to strongly promote mouse gut tumorigenesis upon p53 loss. In a recent study, we explored the prevalence of parainflammation in human cancer and determined its relationship to certain molecular and clinical parameters affecting treatment and prognosis. Parainflammation can be identified from a 40-gene signature and is found in both carcinoma cell lines and a variety of primary tumors, independently of tumor microenvironment. Here, we discuss the implications of our findings in analyses of tumor microenvironment, suggesting that as tumor cell gene expression may often mimic immune and inflammatory infiltration, caution should be applied when interpreting tumor expression data. We also address the connection between parainflammation and prevalence of p53 mutations in specific types of tumors, and cancer prevention by regular usage of NSAIDs. We suggest that parainflammation may serve as a novel biomarker for screening patients who may particularly benefit from NSAID treatment. Cancer Res; 77(14); 3740–4. ©2017 AACR.
Application of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) within a Curriculum Development Project
Authors: Foster Carol , Lent James R. 
Published: July 2017

There is a need for accurate procedures for monitoring both process and productivity in educational systems. An accountability system was developed as part of a federal project to develop curriculum materials for individuals who have mental retardation (Project MORE). The accountability system was designed to monitor the development and completion of 46 products and to produce cost estimates. A 34-step process lattice was constructed to describe the procedures used in product development and then a PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart was designed to show the temporal relationships among the 34 steps. Data were collected on how long each step in the lattice required for completion. These data were then used to predict the product development that was feasible over the next three years. It was predicted that each product would require 490 days. These data were then used to make yearly projections. After one year's data were collected these projections were compared to actual productivity. While there was a fair amount of variability across these steps, and the project has undergone extensive changes in both personnel and physical location, the mean actual time required was within one month of the original estimates. The use of the PERT has proven useful for doing long-range planning, for supervising the activity of a federal project; and for training new staff members in a fairly complex set of procedures.
Effects of Infrasound on Involuntary Eye Movement during Fixation
Authors: Takigawa Hiroshi , Kawade Fukiko , Sakamoto Hiroshi 
Published: July 2017

This study was undertaken in order to clarify the effects of infrasound on vestibular functions by comparing observations of eye movement under exposure to infrasound and audible noise. Twenty-five healthy males were exposed to a wide octave-band noise, (approx. 125 Hz to 4kHz) or to 16 Hz or 5 Hz at 95 dB for 3 minutes. Their involuntary eye movement with the eyes visually fixed in the horizontal direction was measured before and during exposure with their eyes open and closed. The extent of eye movement before the exposure was significantly greater with eyes closed than with eyes open. This difference was intensified by 5-Hz exposure, but exposure to the noise of 16-Hz infrasound had no effect. The power percentage in the low frequency-band, determined by spectral analysis of the eye movement, was significantly greater with eyes closed than with eyes open before the exposure. This increase in the power percentage in the low frequency-band was reinforced by the 16- and 5-Hz exposures, while no effect was observed upon exposure to the noise. These results suggest that the potential of the vestibulo-ocular reflex was increased upon exposure to infrasound, regardless of whether or not the subjects perceived any sensation.
The use of self-management strategies by people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hammond A 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To investigate seven common arthritis self-management methods used by people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by studying their frequency of use and the patients' belief in their benefits. Also to look at how people obtained information about such methods. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Subjects and setting: Forty-one people with RA attending a rheumatology outpatient department at a large district general hospital. Results: Twenty-three recalled receiving some self-management advice from rheumatology team members, but most stated the commonest source of information was arthritis books and leaflets ( n = 29). Two-thirds used technical aids and rest on a daily basis, half used exercise and heat (half doing so daily). A quarter to a half used relaxation, joint protection and working splints (half doing so daily). Conclusion: People with RA reported using three or four self-management methods simultaneously to help control symptoms. In the main, believing a method to be beneficial was strongly related to its use. However, exercise and joint protection, whilst widely believed to be beneficial, were less used. People reported problems with knowing how to do these correctly, having insufficient time to practise sufficiently and difficulty in establishing habits.
Effect of a physiotherapist-led training programme on attitudes of nurses caring for patients after stroke
Authors: Forster Anne , Dowswell George , Young John , Bagley Pam , Sheard Jayne , Wright Philip 
Published: July 2017

Background: A multidisciplinary project team developed a five-month physiotherapist-led training programme designed to enhance nurses' rehabilitation skills. Aims: Investigation of the effects of the training programme on nurses' attitudes to patients with stroke. Method: An attitude questionnaire was completed by the participating nurses before and after the training programme. In a complementary qualitative evaluation the nurses' expectations and views of the training programme were explored. Results: Analysis of the attitude questionnaire indicated that the programme was successful in positively influencing the nurses' attitudes (median of the change in score 2, p = 0.005). The qualitative interviews reflected a similar outcome. Conclusions: Quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicates that the training programme had some effect in changing nurses' attitudes to treating patients after a stroke. Such a training programme could be a useful contribution to post-stroke care.
Primary Neoplasms of the Salivary Glands in Animals Compared to Similar Tumors in Man
Authors: Koestner A. , Buerger L. 
Published: July 2017

Thirty primary salivary tumors of animals (22 in dogs, 4 in horses, 2 in cats, 1 in a baboon and 1 in a guinea pig) were classified according to their histologic and biological characteristics and compared with their counterparts in man. According to criteria used in this report, 3 were classified as mucoepidermoid tumors (1 benign and 2 malignant), 1 as a squamous carcinoma, 5 as benign mixed tumors, 1 as a malignant mixed tumor, 12 as acinic cell tumors, 2 as ductular, 3 as trabecular, 2 as anaplastic adenocarcinomas and 1 as a malignant melanoma. The parotid gland was the site of the neoplasm in 16 cases, the mandibular gland in 5, the sublingual gland in 2 and minor salivary glands in the remaining 7. Except for the difference in proportional incidence of the various types of salivary neoplasms in animals as compared to man, they are similar in their morphological pattern and in their biological behavior.
Oesophagostomum columbianum: Experimental Infections in Lambs
Authors: Shelton G. C. , Griffiths H. J. 
Published: July 2017

The effects of different types of exposure upon the host-parasite relationship of O. columbianum in young lambs is considered. Most histotropic larvae leave the mucosa of the small intestine between the 5th and 9th days following initial infections but are retained longer if there has been prior infection. The main lesion of the disease is associated with vast accumulations of eosinophils around histotropic 4th stage larvae, or in tunnels left by the larvae as they move through the various tissues of the intestine. Necrotic masses of eosinophils eventually become encapsulated to form the characteristic nodules. Nodular lesions are much more pronounced in the small intestines if there has been prior exposure. Host response in the large intestine is similar regardless of prior infection. Likewise, histotropic larvae enter and remain for weeks or months in the wall of the large intestine regardless of prior exposure.
Epithelial Changes in Porcine Exudative Epidermitis
Authors: Obel Anna-Lisa 
Published: July 2017

The cutaneous lesions in 25 spontaneous cases of porcine exudative epidermitis (EE) were studied. During the first 4 days mild acanthosis, increase of cytoplasmic RNA, enlarged nucleoli, and intercellular oedema in the stratum spinosum with formation of vesicles occur. A PAS-positive, diastase-resistant material accumulates in the stratum intermedium. The keratohyaline granules disappear and parakeratotic horn containing abundant protein-bound SH-groups and lipids is produced. Beyond 4 days duration acanthosis and the formation of parakeratotic horn with microabscesses are increased. During healing keratohyaline granules reappear and the formation of normal horn cells is resumed. Acid phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase are increased in the parakeratotic horn. Lactic acid dehydrogenase is increased in the transitional zone and alkaline phosphatase in the stratum basale. The observations indicate inhibition in the stratum intermedium of the differentiation of epithelial cells to horny cells. The disease is believed to be of viral origin.
Double-Bundle Versus Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Study With 10-Year Results
Authors: Järvelä Sally , Kiekara Tommi , Suomalainen Piia , Järvelä Timo 
Published: July 2017

Background: A long-term follow-up comparing double-bundle and single-bundle techniques for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has not been reported before. Hypothesis: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction may have fewer graft ruptures, lower rates of osteoarthritis (OA), and better stability than single-bundle reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized for double-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (DB group; n = 30), single-bundle ACL reconstruction with bioabsorbable screw fixation (SBB group; n = 30), and single-bundle ACL reconstruction with metallic screw fixation (SBM group; n = 30). Evaluation methods consisted of a clinical examination, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm knee scores, and a radiographic examination of both the operated and contralateral knees. Results: Eighty-one patients (90%) were available at the 10-year follow-up. Eleven patients (1 in the DB group, 7 in the SBB group, and 3 in the SBM group) had a graft failure during the follow-up and went on to undergo revision ACL surgery ( P = .043). In the remaining 70 patients at 10 years, no significant group differences were found in the pivot-shift test findings, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, or knee scores. The most OA findings were found in the medial compartment of the knee, with 38% of the patients in the operated knee and 28% of the patients in the contralateral nonoperated knee. However, no significant group difference was found. The most severe OA changes were in the patients who had the longest delay from the primary injury to ACL reconstruction ( P = .047) and in the patients who underwent partial meniscal resection at the time of ACL reconstruction ( P = .024). Conclusion: Double-bundle ACL reconstruction resulted in significantly fewer graft failures than single-bundle ACL reconstruction during the follow-up. Knee stability and OA rates were similar at 10 years. The most severe OA changes were found in the patients who had the longest delay from the primary injury to ACL reconstruction and in the patients who underwent partial meniscal resection at the time of ACL reconstruction.
Blepharoptosis Treatment Options during Upper Eyelid Cosmetic Blepharoplasty
Authors: Rose John G. , Lemke Bradley N. , Dresner Steven C. , Lucarelli Mark J. 
Published: July 2017

Introduction: To describe surgical techniques of blepharoptosis treatment during upper eyelid cosmetic blepharoplasty. Materials and Methods: All patients underwent a preoperative evaluation, including eyelid position measurements, visual field testing, and, where appropriate, phenylephrine testing. Standard upper eyelid blepharoplasty skin/orbicularis excision was performed, exposing the orbital septum. External levator repair was then performed through an 8-mm incision in the orbital septum. In other patients, internal ptosis repair was performed transconjunctivally following upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Results: Ptosis repair methodologies of internal versus external approaches are compared and contrasted. Discussion: Combining ptosis repair with cosmetic blepharoplasty is a safe, effective treatment for patients who demonstrate both dermatochalasis and ptosis.