bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential role of endogenous calcitonin gene‐related peptide in pain‐associated plasticity in the central amygdala
Authors: Shinohara Kei , Watabe Ayako M. , Nagase Masashi , Okutsu Yuya , Takahashi Yukari , Kurihara Hiroki , Kato Fusao 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe role of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is well established in nociceptive behaviors. CGRP is highly expressed in the projection pathway from the parabrachial nucleus to the laterocapsular region of the central amygdala (CeC), which plays a critical role in relaying nociceptive information. The CeC is a key structure in pain behavior because it integrates and modulates nociceptive information along with other sensory signals. Previous studies have demonstrated that blockade of the amygdalar CGRP‐signaling cascade attenuates nociceptive behaviors in pain models, while CGRP application facilitates amygdalar synaptic transmission and induces pain behaviors. Despite these lines of evidence, it remains unclear whether endogenous CGRP is involved in the development of nociceptive behaviors accompanied with amygdalar plasticity in a peripheral inflammation model in vivo. To directly address this, we utilized a previously generated CGRP knockout (KO) mouse to longitudinally study formalin‐induced plasticity and nociceptive behavior. We found that synaptic potentiation in the right PB‐CeC pathway that was observed in wild‐type mice was drastically attenuated in the CGRP KO mice 6 h post‐inflammation, when acute nociceptive behavior was no longer observed. Furthermore, the bilateral tactile allodynia 6 h post‐inflammation was significantly decreased in the CGRP KO mice. In contrast, the acute nociceptive behavior immediately after the formalin injection was reduced only at 20–25 min post‐injection in the CGRP KO mice. These results suggest that endogenous CGRP contributes to peripheral inflammation‐induced synaptic plasticity in the amygdala, and this plasticity may underlie the exaggerated nociception–emotion linkage in pain chronification.
Changes in structure and perfusion of grey matter tissues during recovery from Ischaemic subcortical stroke: a longitudinal MRI study
Authors: Yu Xinfeng , Yang Linglin , Song Ruirui , Jiaerken Yerfan , Yang Jun , Lou Min , Jiang Quan , Zhang Minming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStroke recovery with changes in volume and perfusion of grey matter (GM) tissues remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that GM atrophy co‐existed with GM plasticity presenting with increased volume and perfusion in specific regions in the period of post‐stroke recovery. Twelve well‐recovered stroke patients with pure subcortical lesions in the middle cerebral artery‐perfused zone were included. All of them underwent structural and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations at admission and a mean of 6 months after stroke onset. Differences in GM volume (GMV) on structural images and cerebral blood flow (CBF) derived from perfusion images between two examinations were compared using voxel‐based morphometry. The associations between changes in GMV and CBF with clinical scores were analysed. Decreased GMV was found in post‐central gyrus, pre‐central gyrus, precuneus, angular gyrus, insula, thalamus and cerebellum, and increased GMV was found in hippocampus, orbital gyrus and lingual gyrus (all corrected P < 0.05) at the follow‐up examination. Increased CBF was found in subcallosal cingulate gyrus, hippocampus and lingual gyrus (all corrected P < 0.05) at the follow‐up examination. Only decreased GMV in the anterior lobe of cerebellum was negatively associated with improvement of Barthel index (β = −0.683, P = 0.014). Our study provides the imaging evidence of GM atrophy co‐existing with GM plasticity involving in increased volume and perfusion in specific regions (including cognition, vision and emotion) in well‐recovered stroke patients, which advances our understanding of neurobiology of stroke recovery.
Splenic abscessation in the horse: A retrospective study of 12 cases
Authors: Coleman M. C. , Schmitz D. G. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThis paper summarises the clinical findings of 12 cases of splenic abscessation in horses presented to Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 2015. The objective of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostics, treatment and outcome of horses affected with splenic abscessation. Only horses in which a splenic abscess was confirmed by microbiological or cytological confirmation from a percutaneous, surgical, or necropsy sample were included in this study. No apparent breed or sex predilection was identified. The mean age of presentation was 9 years, with a range of 1–21 years of age. The most common presenting clinical signs were nonspecific signs including fever, anorexia and lethargy. A variety of bacterial organisms were identified and treatment with antimicrobial agents or surgical exploration was attempted in several of the cases. None of the cases survived to discharge from the hospital.
Congenital occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in a Warmblood mare
Authors: Brünisholz H. P. , Wildhaber N. , Hoey S. , Ruetten M. , Boos A. , Kümmerle J. M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA 3‐year‐old Warmblood mare was presented with spinal ataxia of 3 months’ duration. Clinically, reduced mobility of the neck and a prominent atlas were identified. Neurological evaluation revealed hypermetria, circumduction and reduced proprioception, predominantly in the hindlimbs. Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) was diagnosed based on radiography and computed tomography, and confirmed on post‐mortem magnetic resonance imaging and pathological examination. Both the atlas and axis were hypoplastic and dysplastic, and a fusion of the atlanto‐occipital joint was found. A dynamic compression of the spinal cord was present at the first and second cervical vertebrae. Histologically, the spinal cord was degenerated due to compression. Furthermore, there were muscular malformations including a fibrotic obliquus capitis cranialis muscle, aplasia of parts of the rectus capitis muscles and presence of additional abnormal muscle. Such muscular abnormalities associated with OAAM have not been reported yet and this is the first report of a case of OAAM in a Warmblood horse.
Indoor and outdoor winter activity of Culicoides biting midges, vectors of bluetongue virus, in Italy
Authors: MAGLIANO A. , SCARAMOZZINO P. , RAVAGNAN S. , MONTARSI F. , DA ROLD G. , CINCINELLI G. , MONI A. , SILVESTRI P. , CARVELLI A. , DE LIBERATO C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIndoor and outdoor winter activity of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in central Italy was investigated in order to evaluate whether indoor activity might account for the overwintering of bluetongue virus, as has been hypothesized by some authors. Weekly Culicoides collections were performed at three farms over three consecutive winter seasons. At each farm, two black‐light traps were operated simultaneously, indoors and outdoors. Culicoides were identified using both morphological and molecular means. The Culicoides obsoletus group accounted for 98.2% of sampled specimens. Within this group, C. obsoletus s.s. accounted for 56.8% and Culicoides scoticus for 43.2% of samples. Nulliparous, parous and engorged females were caught throughout the entire winter, both indoors and outdoors. At times, indoor catch sizes outnumbered outdoor collections. A significant inverse correlation was found between minimum temperature and the proportion of indoor Culicoides of the total midge catch, thus indicating that lower outdoor temperatures drive Culicoides midges indoors. High rates of engorged females were recorded indoors, possibly as the result of the propensity of C. obsoletus females to feed indoors. Higher proportions of parous females were found in indoor than in outdoor catches, indicating higher survival rates indoors and, consequently, higher vectorial capacities of midges sheltering indoors compared with those remaining outdoors.
Reference conditions for restoration of heterogeneous Mediterranean wetland are best defined by multiple, hydrologically diverse sites
Authors: Vélez‐Martín Alberto , Davy Anthony J. , Luque Carlos J. , Castellanos Eloy M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn a Mediterranean climate, the vegetation of embanked salt marshes can vary considerably in time and space to obscure the definition of reference condition for restoration purposes. The aim of our study was to find a basis for defining reference vegetation for the reinstatement of a wetland hydrological regime on abandoned agricultural land. We investigated five reference sites surrounding a 2,668 ha restoration site in the Doñana National Park (southwest Spain). Environmental conditions were monitored on a sampling grid for 7 years: surface elevation and hydroperiod were mapped (using Light Detection and Ranging [LIDAR] and satellite imagery, respectively) and rainfall, soil salinity, and soil pH were recorded. The reference sites collectively encompassed the range of elevation and environmental conditions at the restoration site, although none individually was representative. The vegetation at the reference sites was sampled annually at fixed grid points. Hierarchical cluster analyses identified assemblages of perennial and annual species that were differently distributed among the reference sites. BIO‐ENV analysis showed that the distribution of perennial assemblages was determined by elevation, annual hydroperiod, and salinity. More labile annual assemblages were loosely associated with particular perennial ones. Species composition fluctuated over 7 years, in concert with rainfall and hydroperiod, but showed no directional change. Understanding the hydrochemical drivers of spatiotemporal variation in vegetation across multiple sites has established a rationale for defining reference conditions for large, heterogeneous wetland restoration sites.
Intranational Price Convergence and Price Stickiness: Evidence from Denmark
Authors: Michael Bergman U. , Hansen Niels Lynggård , Heeb⊘ll Christian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe show that estimates of the half‐life of deviations from the law of one price are biased when their precision is not taken into account when aggregating data for different types of goods. Using a comprehensive dataset with monthly price data for 124 homogeneous products across regions in Denmark over the period 1997–2010, we find a large positive aggregation bias. On average, we find that the half‐life is 8.4 months when taking the bias into account, compared with 28.7 months when applying the standard method. The heterogeneity in the estimated half‐life can be explained by price stickiness, distance between regions, and whether the good is traded or non‐traded.
Aggressive Behaviors and Suicide Ideation in Inpatient Adolescents: The Moderating Roles of Internalizing Symptoms and Stress
Authors: Buitron Victor , Hartley Chelsey M. , Pettit Jeremy W. , Hatkevich Claire , Sharp Carla 
Published: August 2017

The present study examined a conceptual model in which the association between aggressive behaviors and suicide ideation is moderated by internalizing symptoms and ongoing stress. Participants were 304 psychiatric inpatient adolescents (65.8% girls) ranging in age from 12 to 17 years (Mean age = 14.69). The association between aggressive behaviors and suicide ideation was significantly moderated by internalizing symptoms and ongoing stress; the association was positive in adolescents low in internalizing symptoms or high in ongoing stress, but negative in adolescents high in internalizing symptoms or low in ongoing stress. The three‐way interaction between aggressive behaviors, internalizing symptoms, and ongoing stress was not statistically significant. The current findings indicate that in adolescents who display high levels of aggressive behaviors, the presence of high ongoing stress provides a more useful indicator of levels of suicide ideation than the presence of high internalizing symptoms. Implications for case identification and prevention are discussed.
Preoperative management of colorectal cancer–induced iron deficiency anemia in clinical practice: data from a large observational cohort
Authors: Laso‐Morales MaríaJesús , Jericó Carlos , Gómez‐Ramírez Susana , Castellví Jordi , Viso Lorenzo , Roig‐Martínez Inmaculada , Pontes Caridad , Muñoz Manuel 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDPreoperative anemia prevalence among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is high and may adversely influence postoperative outcome. This study assesses the efficacy of a preoperative anemia managing protocol in CRC.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a retrospective analysis of consecutive CRC resections at two Spanish centers (January 2012 to December 2013). Preoperative anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of less than 13 g/dL and treated with intravenous iron (IVI) or standard care (oral iron or no iron). Red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) requirements was the primary outcome variable. Postoperative infection rate and length of hospital stay (LOS) were secondary outcome variables. Patients were managed with a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dL). Infection was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory, microbiologic, and/or radiologic evidence.RESULTSOverall, 322 of 571 patients (56%) presented with anemia: 232 received IVI and 90 standard care. There were differences in RBCT rate between no anemia and anemia (2% vs. 16%; p < 0.01), but not in postoperative infections (19% vs. 22%; p = NS) or LOS. Compared to those on standard care, anemic patients on IVI presented with lower Hb (10.8 g/dL vs. 12.0 g/dL; p < 0.001) at baseline, but similar Hb on day of surgery and Postoperative Day 30. There were no between‐group differences in RBCT rates (16% vs. 17%; p = NS), but infection rates were lower among IVI‐treated patients (18% vs. 29%; p < 0.05). No relevant IVI‐related side effects were recorded.CONCLUSIONCompared to standard care, IVI was more effective in treating preoperative anemia in CRC patients and appeared to reduce infection rate, although it did not reduce postoperative RBCT.
Low hepatitis E virus RNA prevalence in a large‐scale survey of United States source plasma donors
Authors: Roth Nathan J. , Schäfer Wolfram , Alexander Rick , Elliott Kevin , Elliott‐Browne Wlenyeno , Knowles Jonathan , Wenzel Jürgen J. , Simon Toby L. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small, nonenveloped, single‐stranded, RNA virus of emerging concern in industrialized countries. HEV transmission through transfusion of blood components has been reported, but not via plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) manufactured with virus inactivation and/or removal steps. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HEV among US source plasma donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSamples were collected from US source plasma donors at centers across the United States and were initially screened for HEV RNA in 96‐sample minipools using the Roche cobas HEV test on the cobas 8800 system. Assuming a sensitivity of 18.6 IU/mL, the minipool screening strategy allowed for reliable detection of individual donations with HEV RNA titers of more than 2 × 103 IU/mL. Reactive minipools were resolved to individual donations, which were further analyzed to quantify viral RNA concentration, determine HEV genotype, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM HEV antibody status.RESULTSA total of 128,020 samples were collected from 96 CSL Plasma centers in the United States, representing 27 states. The prevalence of HEV RNA–positive samples was 0.002% with three unique HEV‐positive donors identified, all HEV Subgenotype 3a. Virus titers of HEV‐positive samples were relatively low (103‐104 IU HEV RNA/mL). One positive donation was HEV IgG seropositive.CONCLUSIONRoutine screening of US source plasma donations for HEV would not substantially improve the safety of most PDMPs. The low prevalence and potential viral load of HEV, together with effective virus reduction steps in manufacturing processes, results in a low residual risk and acceptable safety margins for PDMPs derived from US plasma donors.
Effects of Echinocandins in Combination with Nikkomycin Z against Invasive Candida albicans Bloodstream Isolates and the
fks
Mutants
Authors: Cheung Yuk-Yam , Hui Mamie 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the
in vitro
and
in vivo
effects of nikkomycin Z combined with an echinocandin (anidulafungin or micafungin) against two
Candida albicans
isolates and their lab-derived echinocandin-resistant
fks
mutants with FKS1 S645Y and FKS1 S645P. Synergistic effects were observed in all tested strains (fractional inhibitory concentration index, <0.5). Enhanced survival was observed in an immunocompromised murine model (log-rank test,
P
< 0.02). Our study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of nikkomycin Z-echinocandin combinations in managing echinocandin resistance.
Activation of Bvg-Repressed Genes in Bordetella pertussis by RisA Requires Cross Talk from Noncooperonic Histidine Kinase RisK
Authors: Chen Qing , Ng Victoria , Warfel Jason M. , Merkel Tod J. , Stibitz Scott 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

The two-component response regulator RisA, encoded by open reading frame BP3554 in the
Bordetella pertussis
Tohama I genomic sequence, is a known activator of
vrg
genes, a set of genes whose expression is increased under the same environmental conditions (known as modulation) that result in repression of the
bvgAS
virulence regulon. Here we demonstrate that RisA is phosphorylated
in vivo
and that RisA phosphorylation is required for activation of
vrg
genes. An adjacent histidine kinase gene,
risS
, is truncated by frameshift mutation in
B. pertussis
but not in
Bordetella bronchiseptica
or
Bordetella parapertussis
. Neither deletion of
risS
′ or
bvgAS
nor phenotypic modulation with MgSO
4
affected levels of phosphorylated RisA (RisA∼P) in
B. pertussis
. However, RisA phosphorylation did require the histidine kinase encoded by BP3223, here named RisK (cognate histidine kinase of RisA). RisK was also required for expression of the
vrg
genes. This requirement could be obviated by the introduction of the phosphorylation-mimicking RisA
D60E
mutant, indicating that an active conformation of RisA, but not phosphorylation
per se
, is crucial for
vrg
activation. Interestingly, expression of
vrg
genes is still modulated by MgSO
4
in cells harboring the RisA
D60E
mutation, suggesting that the activated RisA senses additional signals to control
vrg
expression in response to environmental stimuli.

IMPORTANCE
In
B. pertussis
, the BvgAS two-component system activates the expression of virulence genes by binding of BvgA∼P to their promoters. Expression of the reciprocally regulated
vrg
genes requires RisA and is also repressed by the Bvg-activated BvgR. RisA is an OmpR-like response regulator, but RisA phosphorylation was not expected because the gene for its presumed, cooperonic, histidine kinase is inactivated by mutation. In this study, we demonstrate phosphorylation of RisA
in vivo
by a noncooperonic histidine kinase. We also show that RisA phosphorylation is necessary but not sufficient for
vrg
activation but, importantly, is not affected by BvgAS status. Instead, we propose that
vrg
expression is controlled by BvgAS through its regulation of BvgR, a cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) phosphodiesterase.
Patient satisfaction and non-UK educated nurses: a cross-sectional observational study of English National Health Service Hospitals
Authors: Germack Hayley D , Griffiths Peter , Sloane Douglas M , Rafferty Anne Marie , Ball Jane E , Aiken Linda H 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo examine whether patient satisfaction with nursing care in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England is associated with the proportion of non-UK educated nurses providing care.DesignCross-sectional analysis using data from the 2010 NHS Adult Inpatient Survey merged with data from nurse and hospital administrator surveys. Logistic regression models with corrections for clustering were used to determine whether the proportions of non-UK educated nurses were significantly related to patient satisfaction before and after taking account of other hospital, nursing and patient characteristics.Setting31 English NHS trusts.Participants12 506 patients 16 years of age and older with at least one overnight stay that completed a satisfaction survey; 2962 bedside care nurses who completed a nurse survey; and 31 NHS trusts.Main outcome measurePatient satisfaction.ResultsThe percentage of non-UK educated nurses providing bedside hospital care, which ranged from 1% to 52% of nurses, was significantly associated with patient satisfaction. After controlling for potential confounding factors, each 10-point increase in the percentage of non-UK educated nurses diminished the odds of patients reporting good or excellent care by 12% (OR=0.88), and decreased the odds of patients agreeing that they always had confidence and trust in nurses by 13% (OR=0.87). Other indicators of patient satisfaction also revealed lower satisfaction in hospitals with higher percentages of non-UK educated nurses.ConclusionsUse of non-UK educated nurses in English NHS hospitals is associated with lower patient satisfaction. Importing nurses from abroad to substitute for domestically educated nurses may negatively impact quality of care.
Supporting the use of theory in cross-country health services research: a participatory qualitative approach using Normalisation Process Theory as an example
Authors: O'Donnell Catherine A , Mair Frances S , Dowrick Christopher , Brún Mary O’Reilly-de , Brún Tomas de , Burns Nicola , Lionis Christos , Saridaki Aristoula , Papadakaki Maria , Muijsenbergh Maria van den , Weel-Baumgarten Evelyn van , Gravenhorst Katja , Cooper Lucy , Princz Christine , Teunissen Erik , Mareeuw Francine van den Driessen , Vlahadi Maria , Spiegel Wolfgang , MacFarlane Anne 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo describe and reflect on the process of designing and delivering a training programme supporting the use of theory, in this case Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), in a multisite cross-country health services research study.DesignParticipatory research approach using qualitative methods.SettingSix European primary care settings involving research teams from Austria, England, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands and Scotland.ParticipantsRESTORE research team consisting of 8 project applicants, all senior primary care academics, and 10 researchers. Professional backgrounds included general practitioners/family doctors, social/cultural anthropologists, sociologists and health services/primary care researchers.Primary outcome measuresViews of all research team members (n=18) were assessed using qualitative evaluation methods, analysed qualitatively by the trainers after each session.ResultsMost of the team had no experience of using NPT and many had not applied theory to prospective, qualitative research projects. Early training proved didactic and overloaded participants with information. Drawing on RESTORE’s methodological approach of Participatory Learning and Action, workshops using role play, experiential interactive exercises and light-hearted examples not directly related to the study subject matter were developed. Evaluation showed the study team quickly grew in knowledge and confidence in applying theory to fieldwork.Recommendations applicable to other studies include: accepting that theory application is not a linear process, that time is needed to address researcher concerns with the process, and that experiential, interactive learning is a key device in building conceptual and practical knowledge. An unanticipated benefit was the smooth transition to cross-country qualitative coding of study data.ConclusionA structured programme of training enhanced and supported the prospective application of a theory, NPT, to our work but raised challenges. These were not unique to NPT but could arise with the application of any theory, especially in large multisite, international projects. The lessons learnt are applicable to other theoretically informed studies.