bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a new strain of Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from diseased pacu fish (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in Brazil
Authors: Carriero M M , Mendes Maia A A , Moro Sousa R L , Henrique‐Silva F 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study provides a detailed description and characterization of a strain of Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from a diseased juvenile Piaractus mesopotamicus obtained from the fish farm of the National Center for Continental Fish Research and Conservation (CEPTA/ICMBio), in the state of São Paul, Brazil. Biochemical tests using the VITEK 2 automated bacterial identification system identified the isolate to genus level; however, further molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD genes showed that the strain belonged to the species A. dhakensis. As expected, the isolated A. dhakensis strain was resistant to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam, as resistance to ampicillin is a typical characteristic of the genus Aeromonas. Resistance to cefoxitin and meropenem was also observed, but the strain was susceptible to most of the tested antibiotics. The isolated strain of A. dhakensis caused acute haemorrhagic septicaemia in experimentally infected P. mesopotamicus, with a fifty per cent lethal dose of 1.14 × 105 CFU/fish. This is the first report of the occurrence of an A. dhakensis strain causing an infection in a fish species of South America, providing important epidemiologic data relating to this important pathogenic species.
Regulation of colorectal cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition by the renin angiotensin system
Authors: Nguyen Linh , Ager Eleanor I , Neo Jaclyn , Christophi Christopher 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and AimEpithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in tumor progression. We aimed to determine if the renin angiotensin system has a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell EMT.MethodsHuman CRC cell lines DLD‐1 and LIM2405 were used in wound scratch migration assays where they were treated with renin angiotensin system peptide ANG II alone or with blockers of ANG II type 1 or 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R). Levels of epithelial (E‐cadherin), mesenchymal (ZEB1, Vimentin) markers, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and MMP9 were determined by flow cytometry. Mice bearing CRC liver metastases and treated with blockers for AT1R or AT2R were examined for ZEB1 and iNOS by immunohistochemistry.ResultsANG II increased in‐vitro CRC cell migration in both cell lines, this was inhibited by AT1R (IRB) or AT2R blockade (PD123319). DLD‐1 cells treated with AT1R blocker resulted in increased E‐cadherin, reduced ZEB1, and Vimentin expression compared with ANG II‐treated cells. Treatment with AT2R blocker decreased E‐cadherin, no change in ZEB1 or Vimentin expression. AT1R blockade increased iNOS and decreased MMP9 expression in DLD‐1 and LIM2405 cells. AT2R blockade decreased iNOS and MMP9 expression in both cell lines. In vivo, ZEB1 staining was higher in ANG II‐treated animals compared with control and AT1R blockade treated animals, while activation of the AT2R led to an increase in iNOS compared with control and AT1R blockade.ConclusionsANG II‐induced migration of CRC cells via both AT1 and AT2 receptors; the AT1R‐mediated effects were associated with changes typical of EMT.
Recognition of subtle and universal facial expressions in a community‐based sample of adults classified with intellectual disability
Authors: Owen S. , Maratos F. A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundAcross the USA and UK, schemes now exist to aid the successful integration of adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities into general society. One factor that may prove important to the success of such schemes is social competence. Here, understanding the facial expressions of others is critical, as emotion recognition is a prerequisite to empathetic responding and an essential factor in social functioning. Yet research in this area is lacking, especially in community‐based samples.MethodWe investigated the performance of 13 adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID), relative to 13 age‐matched controls, on three tasks of emotion recognition (emotion categorisation; recognition of valence; and recognition of arousal), using a number of ‘basic’ (angry and happy) and more ‘subtle’ (compassionate and critical) emotional expressions, as well as the posers face in a default relaxed (i.e. ‘neutral’) state. Importantly, the sample was drawn from a community‐based initiative and was therefore representative of populations' government schemes target.ResultsAcross emotion recognition tasks, the ID adults, as compared with controls, were significantly impaired when labelling the emotions displayed by the poser as well as recognising the associated ‘feelings’ conveyed by these faces. This was especially true for the neutral, compassionate and angry facial expressions. For example, ID adults demonstrated deficits in categorising neutral and subtle emotional expressions, as well as assessing the valence of such facial expressions. In addition, ID adults also struggled to assess arousal levels; especially those associated with compassionate and angry faces.ConclusionGiven both basic and subtle emotions are conveyed in a range of daily situations, errors in interpreting such facial expressions and, relatedly, understanding what potential behaviours such expressions signify could contribute to the social difficulties ID adults face. This is important because current initiatives such as ‘personalisation’ do not appear to have schemes supporting training in this area, and understanding the facial expressions of others is, after all, one of our most important non‐verbal social communication tools.
US Navy Women's Experience of an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Braun Lisa A. , Kennedy Holly Powell , Sadler Lois S. , Dixon Jane , Womack Julie , Wilson Candy 
Published: February 2016

IntroductionRecent policy revisions allow greater inclusion of military women in operational and/or deployable positions (ie, shipboard, overseas, and war zone duty assignments), but these positions can create unique health care challenges. Military members are often transient due to deployments and change of duty stations, impacting timely follow‐up care for treatable health conditions. There has been minimal research on challenges or strategies in preventive health screening and follow‐up for US military women.MethodsThe purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe US Navy women's experiences with abnormal cervical cancer screenings requiring colposcopic follow‐up care. Ship‐ and shored‐based women receiving care at a military colposcopy clinic completed interviews about their experience. Two forms of narrative analysis, Labov's sociolinguistic structural analysis and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, were employed to gain a more robust understanding of the women's experiences.ResultsThe sample was comprised of 26 women (16 ship‐based, 10 shore‐based). Five themes were identified: 1) It's like this bombshell (initial abnormal results notification); 2) I didn't understand (self‐discovery process); 3) Freaked (emotional toll); 4) It's kind of like this back and forth (scheduling and navigating care); and 5) It really opened my eyes (lessons learned).DiscussionThe women's stories highlighted some issues unique to military health care, such as operational demands and follow‐up care; other issues are likely common for most women learning about an abnormal cervical cancer screening result. Areas important for practice and future research include improving notification practices, providing information, understanding women's fear, and continuity of care. Research exploring educational initiatives and self‐management practices are critical within military populations.
Population genomics of the filarial nematode parasite Wuchereria bancrofti from mosquitoes
Authors: Small Scott T. , Reimer Lisa J. , Tisch Daniel J. , King Christopher L. , Christensen Bruce M. , Siba Peter M. , Kazura James W. , Serre David , Zimmerman Peter A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWuchereria bancrofti is a parasitic nematode and the primary cause of lymphatic filariasis – a disease specific to humans. W. bancrofti currently infects over 90 million people throughout the tropics and has been acknowledged by the world health organization as a vulnerable parasite. Current research has focused primarily on the clinical manifestations of disease and little is known about the evolutionary history of W. bancrofti. To improve upon knowledge of the evolutionary history of W. bancrofti, we whole genome sequenced 13 W. bancrofti larvae. We circumvent many of the difficulties of multiple infections by sampling larvae directly from mosquitoes that were experimentally inoculated with infected blood. To begin, we used whole genome data to reconstruct the historical population size. Our results support a history of fluctuating population sizes that can be correlated with human migration and fluctuating mosquito abundances. Next, we reconstructed the putative pedigree of W. bancrofti worms within an infection using the kinship coefficient. We deduced that there are full‐sib and half‐sib relationships residing within the same larval cohort. Through combined analysis of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes we concluded that this is likely a results of polyandrous mating, the first time reported for W. bancrofti. Lastly, we scanned the genomes for signatures of natural selection. Annotation of putative selected regions identified proteins that may have aided in a parasitic life style or may have evolved to protect against current drug treatments. We discuss our results in the greater context of understanding the biology of an animal with a unique life history and ecology.
Staphylococcus aureus lactate‐ and malate‐quinone oxidoreductases contribute to nitric oxide resistance and virulence
Authors: Spahich Nicole A. , Vitko Nicholas P. , Thurlow Lance R. , Temple Brenda , Richardson Anthony R. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus is a Gram‐positive pathogen that resists many facets of innate immunity including nitric oxide (NO·). Staphylococcus aureus NO‐resistance stems from its ability to evoke a metabolic state that circumvents the negative effects of reactive nitrogen species. The combination of l‐lactate and peptides promotes S. aureus growth at moderate NO‐levels, however, neither nutrient alone suffices. Here, we investigate the staphylococcal malate‐quinone and l‐lactate‐quinone oxidoreductases (Mqo and Lqo), both of which are critical during NO‐stress for the combined utilization of peptides and l‐lactate. We address the specific contributions of Lqo‐mediated l‐lactate utilization and Mqo‐dependent amino acid consumption during NO‐stress. We show that Lqo conversion of l‐lactate to pyruvate is required for the formation of ATP, an essential energy source for peptide utilization. Thus, both Lqo and Mqo are essential for growth under these conditions making them attractive candidates for targeted therapeutics. Accordingly, we exploited a modelled Mqo/Lqo structure to define the catalytic and substrate‐binding residues.We also compare the S. aureus Mqo/Lqo enzymes to their close relatives throughout the staphylococci and explore the substrate specificities of each enzyme. This study provides the initial characterization of the mechanism of action and the immunometabolic roles for a newly defined staphylococcal enzyme family.
Antifungal therapies in murine infections by Candida kefyr
Authors: Sanchis Marta , Martin‐Vicente Adela , Capilla Javier , Guarro Josep 
Published: February 2016

SummaryCandida kefyr is an emerging pathogen able to cause disseminated infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although guidelines for the treatment of invasive candidiasis have been published, no specific recommendations against C. kefyr are available. We determine the in vitro killing activity of amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FLC) and caspofungin (CFG) as well as their efficacy in a murine model of systemic infection by two C. kefyr strains. Time‐kill curves of AMB, FLC and CFG were determined in final volumes of 10 ml containing the assayed drugs ranged from 0.03 to 32 μg ml−1 at different time points and efficacy of the drugs was evaluated in a systemic model of candidiasis, conducted in immunosuppressed mice, through survival, (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan levels in serum and fungal load in kidneys. AMB and CFG showed fungicidal and FLC fungistatic activity against both isolates. The three drugs were able to reduce fungal burden in kidneys and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan concentration in serum of infected mice, with CFG showing the highest efficacy, followed by FLC. In conclusion, CFG showed efficacy over AMB and FLC against the systemic candidiasis by C. kefyr. The established epidemiological cut‐off for anidulafungin seems the best indicator of outcome for echinocandins.
The impact of occlusal plane cant along with gingival display on smile attractiveness
Authors: Kaya B. , Uyar R. 
Published: February 2016

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of occlusal plane cant in conjunction with maxillary gingival display on perception of smile attractiveness by orthodontists, dentists, and laypersons.Setting and sample populationFaculty of Dentistry at Baskent University. A total of 204 raters for smile attractiveness.Materials and methodsA frontal intra‐oral photograph of aligned teeth was modified using image processing software. Six different occlusal lines representing 0° to 5° cants were obtained by tilting the photographs. Each occlusal cant was adjusted in five manners resulting in five different gingival display amounts. Attractiveness of the 30 different smiles was evaluated by 204 raters divided into three groups (n = 68 in each group).ResultsBoth occlusal cant (p < 0.001) and gingival display amount (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant influence on smile attractiveness. Smile attractiveness scores with reference to amount of gingival display showed a significant difference between rater groups (p < 0.001). Orthodontists preferred 1‐mm coverage of upper central incisors by the upper lip, whereas dentists and laypersons preferred 2 mm. Significant (p < 0.001) interaction was observed between occlusal cant and gingival display amount, which influenced smile attractiveness.ConclusionIncrease in both occlusal plane cant and gingival display negatively influences smile attractiveness. The influence of occlusal plane cant becomes less when gingival display increases, whereas the influence of gingival display decreases when occlusal cant increases. Dentists are more generous than orthodontists, while laypersons are the most generous regarding smile attractiveness scores.
Hydrothermal Preparation and Characterization of TiO2/BiVO4 Composite Catalyst and its Photolysis of Water to Produce Hydrogen
Authors: Jian Zicong , Huang Shaobin , Cao Yaya , Zhang Yongqing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn the present work, bismuth vanadate composited photocatalysts were synthesized and characterized. X‐ray diffractometry and Raman results showed that the particles were well crystallized, and formed by the complex of monoclinic BiVO4 and TiO2. On electron microscopy, the photocatalyst exhibited high crystallization, agglutination and irregular shape, and was surrounded by numerous TiO2 particles. The study of surface areas showed that the specific surface area of 30‐BiVO4/TiO2 composited was 112 m2·g−1, which was nearly 10 times that of pure BiVO4. The ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra indicated the composited photocatalyst were activated in visible light. The activity of photocatalytic water splitting was studied. The results showed that monomer BiVO4 photocatalyst was not able to produce hydrogen under any light source. BiVO4/TiO2 composited photocatalysts, however, were capable of generating hydrogen. Under UV light irradiation for 120 min, 1 g catalyst dispersed in 50 mL deionized water produced almost 1 mL hydrogen, such that the productivity of hydrogen was higher than that of P25‐TiO2. Photocatalytic decomposition of water under visible light also confirmed that the BiVO4/TiO2 composited photocatalyst had the ability of water splitting.
Vitamin D Status in Pregnancy and Determinants in a Southern European Cohort Study
Authors: Rodriguez Agueda , Santa Marina Loreto , Jimenez Ana María , Esplugues Ana , Ballester Ferran , Espada Mercedes , Sunyer Jordi , Morales Eva 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundPopulation‐based data on vitamin D status in pregnancy in southern European countries are scarce. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in pregnancy in Spain.MethodsPlasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration was measured at the first trimester of gestation in 2,036 pregnant women from several geographical areas of Spain (latitude 39–42°N). Uni‐ and multivariable regression models were conducted to identify predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration and vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL).ResultsThirty‐one per cent and 18% of women were vitamin D insufficient and deficient, respectively. Season at blood collection, latitude, age, social class, tobacco smoking, physical activity and use of vitamin D supplements were identified as independent determinants of 25(OH)D3 concentration. Lower risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was associated with summer season at blood collection (RRfor insufficiency = 0.34, confidence intervals (CI) 0.25, 0.48; andRRfor deficiency = 0.07, 95%CI0.04, 0.12), southern latitude (RRfor insufficiency = 0.71, 95%CI0.50, 1.02;RRfor deficiency = 0.60, 95%CI0.38, 0.94); use of vitamin D supplements (RRfor insufficiency = 0.50, 95%CI0.35, 0.71;RRfor deficiency = 0.24, 95%CI0.14, 0.41); and strong physical activity (RRfor insufficiency = 0.80, 95%CI0.58, 1.09; andRRfor deficiency = 0.67, 95%CI0.46, 1.03). Higher risk of vitamin D deficiency was related to lower social class (RR = 1.94, 95%CI1.19, 3.16) and smoking (RR = 1.76, 95%CI1.23, 2.54).ConclusionsVitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent in pregnancy. Recommendations and policies to detect and prevent hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy should be developed taking into account the associated factors.
Entrepreneurship of Women in the Rural Space in Israel: Catalysts and Obstacles to Enterprise Development
Authors: Sofer Michael , Saada M.A. Tzipi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article examines 100 women and their enterprises in moshav‐type co‐operative rural settlements in the rural‐urban fringe of Tel‐Aviv metropolitan area, Israel, and analyses the catalysts and obstacles to development and expansion of such enterprises. Most of the businesses are small, in the personal and service sector, and based on experience in past employment. The majority are located in homes or unused farming structures and constitute the major source of household income. Major catalysts of development include the search for alternatives to waning farming income, self‐fulfilment, and professional development; main obstacles are shortage of capital and lack of self‐confidence in the ability to manage a business. The location is advantageous for fulfilling family obligations and saving costs, but problematic because of distance from central markets and intense local competition. The businesses play a crucial role in the survival strategy of rural households and help improve the quality of life and wellbeing in the region.
Evolution of human cytomegalovirus‐seronegative donor/‐seropositive recipient high‐risk combination frequency in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations at Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion during 1995–2014
Authors: Nemeckova S. , Sroller V. , Stastna‐Markova M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes lifelong latent infection that can result in severe life‐threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). An HCMV‐seropositive transplant recipient who receives a graft from a seronegative donor (R+/D−) is at high risk of recurrent HCMV reactivation.MethodsTo assess the incidence of R+/D− combination, we retrospectively evaluated HCMV‐seronegative donors for 746 allogeneic HSCT treatments carried out at our center during 1995–2014. In our cohort, 20% HCMV‐seronegative HSCT recipients, 21% HCMV‐seronegative related graft donors, and 52% HCMV‐seronegative unrelated graft donors were included.ResultsAnalyses of the HCMV serostatus of hematopoietic stem cell donors during 2 consecutive calendar periods (1995–2005 and 2006–2014) showed a significant increase in the proportion of seronegative donors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.947). In addition, the number of HSCT treatments using an unrelated donor increased (OR = 2.376). Finally, the use of grafts from countries with a very low HCMV prevalence increased.ConclusionThis increase in HCMV seronegativity in unrelated donors and the increased proportion of unrelated donors were responsible for the increased occurrence of the high‐risk combination R+/D− (OR = 1.680). If the reduction in the rate of HCMV‐seropositive graft donors continues, an increased frequency of HCMV reactivation events in our transplant recipients can be expected, because of the increasing occurrence of the high‐risk R+/D− combination.
Mitochondrial ORF79 levels determine pollen abortion in cytoplasmic male sterile rice
Authors: Kazama Tomohiko , Itabashi Etsuko , Fujii Shinya , Nakamura Takahiro , Toriyama Kinya 
Published: February 2016

SummaryCytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is an important agricultural trait characterized by lack of functional pollen, and caused by ectopic and defective mitochondrial gene expression. The pollen function in CMS plants is restored by the presence of nuclear‐encoded restorer of fertility (Rf) genes. Previously, we cloned Rf2, which restores the fertility of Lead Rice (LD)‐type CMS rice. However, neither the function of Rf2 nor the identity of the mitochondrial gene causing CMS has been determined in LD–CMS rice. Here, we show that the mitochondrial gene orf79 acts as a CMS‐associated gene in LD–CMS rice, similar to its role in BT–CMS rice originating from Chinsurah Boro II, and Rf2 weakly restores fertility in BT–CMS rice. We also show that RF2 promotes degradation of atp6–orf79 RNA in a different manner from that of RF1, which is the Rf gene product in BT–CMS rice. The amount of ORF79 protein in LD–CMS rice was one‐twentieth of the amount in BT–CMS rice. The difference in ORF79 protein levels probably accounts for the mild and severe pollen defects in LD–CMS and BT–CMS rice, respectively. In the presence of Rf2, accumulation of ORF79 was reduced to almost zero and 25% in LD–CMS and BT–CMS rice, respectively, which probably accounts for the complete and weak fertility restoration abilities of Rf2 in LD–CMS and BT–CMS rice, respectively. These observations indicate that the amount of ORF79 influences the pollen fertility in two strains of rice in which CMS is induced by orf79.