bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Gompertz Model Approach to Microbial Inactivation Kinetics by High‐Pressure Processing (HPP): Model Selection and Experimental Validation
Authors: Serment‐Moreno Vinicio , Fuentes Claudio , Torres José Antonio , Welti‐Chanes Jorge 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA recently proposed Gompertz model (GMPZ) approach describing microbial inactivation kinetics by high‐pressure processing (HPP) incorporated the initial microbial load (N0) and lower microbial quantification limit (Nlim), and simplified the dynamic effects of come‐up time (CUT). The inactivation of Listeria innocua in milk by HPP treatments at 300, 400, 500, and 600 MPa and pressure holding times (thold) ≤10 min was determined experimentally to validate this model approach. Models based on exponential, logistic‐exponential, and inverse functions were evaluated to describe the effect of pressure on the lag time (λ) and maximum inactivation rate (μmax), whereas the asymptote difference (A) was fixed as A = log10(N0/Nlim). Model performance was statistically evaluated and further validated with additional data obtained at 450 and 550 MPa. All GMPZ models adequately fitted L. innocua data according to the coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.95) but those including a logistic‐exponential function for μmax(P) were superior (R2 ≥ 0.97). These GMPZ versions predicted that approximately 597 MPa is the theoretical pressure level (Pλ) at which microbial inactivation begins during CUT, mathematically defined as λ (P = Pλ) = tCUT, and matching the value observed on the microbial survival curve at 600 MPa. As pressure increased, predictions tended to slightly underestimate the HPP lethality in the tail section of the survival curve. This may be overseen in practice since the observed microbial counts were below the predicted log10 N values. Overall, the modeling approach is promising, justifying further validation work for other microorganisms and food systems.
Dietary Intake of Structured Lipids with Different Contents of Medium‐Chain Fatty Acids on Obesity Prevention in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Zhou Shengmin , Wang Yueqiang , Jiang Yuanrong , Zhang Zhongfei , Sun Xiangjun , Yu Liangli (Lucy) 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThree medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) with different contents of medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) (10% to 30%, w/w) were prepared and evaluated for their anti‐obesity potential in C57BL/6J mice. The group fed with a high fat diet of MLCT containing 30% (w/w) MCFA showed significantly decreased body weight and fat mass (P < 0.05) relative to the control mice fed an obesity‐inducing high fat rapeseed oil diet. In addition, serum parameters including triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in the treatment group fed with 30% (w/w) MCFA were close to those of mice fed with a low fat rapeseed oil diet, but significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of the obesity control group. Moreover, the intake of MLCT with high content of MCFA reduced the size of adipocytes. In addition, the visceral fat and liver weights, as well as the liver triacylglycerol for 3 treatment groups were lower than those of the obesity control group. These results demonstrate the great potential of MLCT with high content of MCFA in weight loss.
Internal cyclopexy for complicated traumatic cyclodialysis cleft
Authors: Wang Cong , Peng Xiao‐Yan , You Qi‐Sheng , Liu Yi , Pang Xiu‐Qin , Zheng Peng‐Fei , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess the surgical and functional outcome of internal direct cyclopexy as therapy of complicated traumatic cyclodialysis.MethodsThe single‐centre interventional case‐series study included eyes with traumatic cyclodialysis who had consecutively been treated. Internal cyclopexy was performed using double‐armed sutures introduced into the eye through the pars plana opposite to the cyclodialysis cleft and which were laid parallel to limbus. Additional procedures included cataract surgery, and pars plana vitrectomy. The cyclodialysis was documented upon ultrasound biomicroscopy and gonioscopy.ResultsThe study included 44 patients (44 eyes). The cyclodialysis extended over 4.8 ± 3.2 clock hours of scleral spur circumference (range 1–12 hr, median 4 hr), involving >180° of the scleral spur circumference in 16 eyes (37%) and 360° in 3 eyes (7%). Besides cyclodialysis, additional trauma‐related complications included hyphema, iridodialysis, lens dislocation, cataract, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, suprachoroidal haemorrhage and endophthalmitis. The surgery performed on average at 64 days after the trauma included a mean number of 4.6 ± 1.9 sutures (range: 2–9), with 1.2 sutures per 30° width of cyclodialysis. Mean follow‐up was 32 ± 8 weeks (range: 6–51 weeks). Closure of the cyclodialysis was achieved in all 44 eyes, and intraocular pressure (IOP) increased from 8.0 ± 3.4 mmHg (range: 3 21 mmHg) to 14.4 ± 4.0 mmHg (range: 11–21 mmHg). Mean visual acuity (VA) improved from 2.3 ± 1.1 logMAR (range: 0.22–4.0) to 1.2 ± 0.8 logMAR (range 0.3–4.0 logMAR).ConclusionIn conclusion, internal direct cyclopexy is a novel and relatively little invasive surgery technique for the repair of traumatic cyclodialysis.
Resonance frequency analysis of dental implants placed at the posterior maxilla varying the surface treatment only: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Novellino Marcelo M. , Sesma Newton , Zanardi Piero R. , Laganá Dalva C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundChemical modifications of the dental implant surface that improve the wettability result in a faster and better osseointegration.PurposeThe aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the implant stability quotient (ISQ) of implants with similar designs, treated with 2 surfaces, sandblasted acid‐etched (SAE) and hydrophilic SAE, within the initial 16 weeks of healing.Material and methodsA total of 64 implants (32 SAE—control group and 32 modified SAE—test group) with the same design, length, and diameter (conical and compressive, 4.3 × 10 mm) were inserted into the posterior maxillae of 21 patients partially edentulous. The ISQ values were collected at post‐surgery (T0), 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 3 weeks (T3), 5 weeks (T4), 8 weeks (T5), 12 weeks (T6), and 16 weeks (T7).ResultsNone of the implants failed. Test group presented ISQ values higher than the control group (ANOVA—P < .01) from T5 to T7. When comparing groups regarding the amount of time required to achieve ISQ ≥ 70 as a reference, there was a statistically significant difference (cox regression—P < .01), and a hazard ratio of 2.24 (CI 1.62‐3.11). At the 1‐year follow‐up, there was a drop out of 1 patient, and 2 implants were no longer evaluated. Survival rate for both groups was 100% at the 1‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that implants with hydrophilic surface (modified SAE) integrate faster than implants with SAE surface. The stability gain of the test group was 2.24 times faster than the control group after 5 weeks of evaluation at the posterior region of the edentulous maxillae.
Impaired hippocampal glucose metabolism during and after flurothyl‐induced seizures in mice: Reduced phosphorylation coincides with reduced activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase
Authors: McDonald Tanya S. , Borges Karin 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo determine changes in glucose metabolism and the enzymes involved in the hippocampus ictally and postictally in the acute mouse flurothyl seizure model.Methods[U‐13C]‐Glucose was injected (i.p.) prior to, or following a 5 min flurothyl‐induced seizure. Fifteen minutes later, mice were killed and the total metabolite levels and % 13C enrichment were analyzed in the hippocampal formation using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Activities of key metabolic and antioxidant enzymes and the phosphorylation status of pyruvate dehydrogenase were measured, along with lipid peroxidation.ResultsDuring seizures, total lactate levels increased 1.7‐fold; however, [M + 3] enrichment of both lactate and alanine were reduced by 30% and 43%, respectively, along with a 28% decrease in phosphofructokinase activity. Postictally the % 13C enrichments of all measured tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and the amino acids were reduced by 46–93%. At this time, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity was 56% of that measured in controls, and there was a 1.9‐fold increase in the phosphorylation of PDH at ser232. Phosphorylation of PDH is known to decrease its activity.SignificanceHere, we show that the increase of lactate levels during flurothyl seizures is from a source other than [U‐13C]‐glucose, such as glycogen. Surprisingly, although we saw a reduction in phosphofructokinase activity during the seizure, metabolism of [U‐13C]‐glucose into the TCA cycle seemed unaffected. Similar to our recent findings in the chronic phase of the pilocarpine model, postictally the metabolism of glucose by glycolysis and the TCA cycle was impaired along with reduced PDH activity. Although this decrease in activity may be a protective mechanism to reduce oxidative stress, which is observed in the flurothyl model, ATP is critical to the recovery of ion and neurotransmitter balance and return to normal brain function. Thus we identified promising novel strategies to enhance energy metabolism and recovery from seizures.
Photophobia and Seasonal Variation of Migraine in a Subarctic Population
Authors: Bekkelund Svein I. , Müller Kai I. , Wilhelmsen Aleksander , Alstadhaug Karl B. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between photophobia and seasonal variation of migraine.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, migraineurs consecutively recruited were referred to a specialist center located above the Arctic Circle at 68‐71 degrees North during a 2.5‐year period. Data were obtained through a structured interview.ResultsIn total, 302 migraineurs with a mean (±SD) age of 35.5 (±12.6) years were included. Patients who reported seasonal variation of migraine (n = 90; 29.8%) also reported more often interictal photophobia than the others (61/90, 67.8% vs 92/212, 43.4%, P < .0001). Patients reported sunlight or other bright light to trigger migraine attacks in 74.4% with seasonal migraine (SM) compared with 40.6% in patients with non‐seasonal migraine (NSM) (P < .0001), but there were similar frequencies of attacks reported to be triggered by sleep, menstruation, and other precipitating factors. After adjusting for migraine with aura, migraine disability, chronic migraine, interictal photophobia, and insomnia, sunlight or other bright light, photophobia was still associated with SM (OR; 3.47, CI [95%]; 1.83‐6.59, P < .0001).ConclusionsMigraineurs in a subarctic area reporting seasonal variation of attack frequency also report increased interictal photophobia independent of other clinical factors. Chronobiological mechanisms and/or increased activity in the visual system may be responsible for this phenomenon.
Knockdown of mediator subunit Med19 suppresses bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration by downregulating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Yuan Hejia , Yu Shengqiang , Cui Yuanshan , Men Changping , Yang Diandong , Gao Zhenli , Zhu Zhe , Wu Jitao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMediator complex subunit 19 (Med19), a RNA polymerase II‐embedded coactivator, is reported to be involved in bladder cancer (BCa) progression, but its functional contribution to this process is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effects of Med19 on malignant behaviours of BCa, as well as to elucidate the possible mechanisms. Med19 expression in 15 BCa tissues was significantly higher than adjacent paired normal tissues using real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining of 167 paraffin‐embedded BCa tissues was performed, and the results showed that high Med19 protein level was positively correlated with clinical stages and histopathological grade. Med19 was knocked down in BCa cells using short‐hairpin RNA. Functional assays showed that knocking‐down of Med19 can suppress cell proliferation and migration in T24, UM‐UC3 cells and 5637 in vitro, and inhibited BCa tumour growth in vivo. TOP/FOPflash reporter assay revealed that Med19 knockdown decreased the activity of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and the target genes of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were down‐regulated, including Wnt2, β‐catenin, Cyclin‐D1 and MMP‐9. However, protein levels of Gsk3β and E‐cadherin were elevated. Our data suggest that Med19 expression correlates with aggressive characteristics of BCa and Med19 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and migration of BCa cells through down‐regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, thereby highlighting Med19 as a potential therapeutic target for BCa treatment.
Gas swallow during meals in patients with excessive belching
Authors: Caballero N. , Serra J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundSwallowed gas is an important source of abdominal gas, and aerophagia is often believed as a putative cause of gas‐related abdominal symptoms. However, altered gas‐swallow during meals has not been demonstrated. Our aim was to characterize the number of gas swallows during meals in patients complaining of excessive belching and gaseousness and a control group without abdominal symptoms during a 24‐h period.MethodsA 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring was performed in 10 patients with excessive belching, and 11 patients without digestive symptoms or reflux in the pH‐impedance study. During the study, patients followed their daily routine and customary meals, without any specific limitation. In each patient the number and content of swallows and belches were analyzed.Key ResultsTotal meal periods were similar in controls (75±26 min) and patients (79±21 min; P=.339), but the number of gaseous swallows was greater in patients (114±13 swallows) than controls (71±8 swallows; P=.007), due to a greater frequency of gaseous swallows during meals (15±2 swallows/10 min vs 10±1 swallows/10 min, respectively; P=.008). During the 24‐h study period, 66±13 belches were recorded in patients, but only 13±3 belches in controls (P<.001), mainly gastric belches (80±4% and 92±2% of belches, patients, and controls, respectively) which showed a good correlation with the number of gaseous swallows performed during meals (r=.756; P=.011).Conclusion and InferencesGas is frequently swallowed during meals. Patients complaining of excessive belching have a different swallow pattern during meals, with an increased ingestion of gas that correlates with increased gastric belching events.
Tight junction strand formation by claudin‐10 isoforms and claudin‐10a/‐10b chimeras
Authors: Milatz Susanne , Piontek Jörg , Hempel Caroline , Meoli Luca , Grohe Christoph , Fromm Anja , Lee In‐Fah M. , El‐Athman Rukeia , Günzel Dorothee 
Published: June 2017

AbstractClaudins are integral components of tight junctions (TJs) in epithelia and endothelia. When expressed in cell lines devoid of TJs, claudins are able to form TJ‐like strands at contacts between adjacent cells. According to a current model of TJ strand formation, claudin protomers assemble in an antiparallel double row within the plasma membrane of each cell (cis‐interaction) while binding to corresponding double rows from the neighboring cells (trans‐interaction). Cis‐interaction was proposed to involve two interfaces of the protomers’ first extracellular segment (extracellular loop (ECL)1). In the current study, three naturally occurring claudin‐10 isoforms and two claudin‐10 chimeras were used to investigate strand formation. All constructs were able to interact in cis (Förster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)), to integrate into TJs of MDCK‐C7 cells (confocal laser scanning microscopy), and to form TJ‐like strands in HEK293 cells (freeze‐fracture electron microscopy). Strand formation occurred despite the fact that isoform claudin‐10a_i1 lacks both structural ECL1 elements reported to be crucial for cis‐interaction. Furthermore, results from FRET experiments on claudin‐10 chimeras indicated that identity of the first transmembrane region rather than ECL1 is decisive for claudin‐10 cis‐interaction. Therefore, in addition to the interaction interfaces suggested in the current model for TJ strand assembly, alternative interfaces must exist.
Understanding body modification: A process‐based framework
Authors: Lane David C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis manuscript evaluates existing literature on body modification. Prior research has focused on the modification itself, either the motivation for attaining it or the meanings behind it from the perspective of the wearer. Considering these prior findings, scholars have neglected to examine how body modifications are the outcome of a complex social process. This manuscript rectifies these weaknesses by addressing the field of body modification through the framework of cultural production. This shifts the focus from the outcome of a social process, the modification, to an analysis of the processes by which modifications are produced. By examining these processes, a more coherent theoretical understanding can be developed.
Job Satisfaction in Public and Private Schools: Competition is Key
Authors: Dahler‐Larsen Peter , Foged Søren Kjær 
Published: June 2017

AbstractShould the public sector become more like the private sector? This is a key question in debates about public management. However, the public/private distinction includes many elements. Two of these are ownership and competition. These aspects are not always sorted out empirically. Another challenge is that dissimilar functional areas are studied which makes it difficult to isolate effects of privatization as such. We respond to these challenges by carrying out an empirical analysis of job satisfaction among teachers who teach Danish to immigrants. The teachers work in comparable schools, carry out the same task, and are subject to the same performance management system, but some of the schools are public, some are private, and some have been subject to competitive tendering. We demonstrate that competition has a greater impact than ownership upon job satisfaction. We also show that one of the key mechanisms which translate competition into reduced job satisfaction relates to changing relations between managers and employees. Advocates and opponents of privatization alike should pay more attention to specific aspects and mechanisms related to privatization, in particular the element of competition.
Cumulative Effect of an Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rapid Diagnostic Testing Bundle on Early Streamlining of Antimicrobial Therapy in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Bookstaver P. B. , Nimmich E. B. , Smith T. J. , Justo J. A. , Kohn J. , Hammer K. L. , Troficanto C. , Albrecht H. A. , Al-Hasan M. N. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) enhances antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions in optimization of antimicrobial therapy. This quasi-experimental cohort study evaluated the combined impact of an ASP/RDT bundle on the appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT) and time to de-escalation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (BSAA) in Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSI). The ASP/RDT bundle consisted of system-wide GNBSI treatment guidelines, prospective stewardship monitoring, and sequential introduction of two RDTs, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and the FilmArray blood culture identification (BCID) panel. The preintervention period was January 2010 through December 2013, and the postintervention period followed from January 2014 through June 2015. The postintervention period was conducted in two phases; phase 1 followed the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS, and phase 2 followed the introduction of the FilmArray BCID panel. The interventions resulted in significantly improved appropriateness of EAT (95% versus 91%;
P
= 0.02). Significant reductions in median time to de-escalation from combination antimicrobial therapy (2.8 versus 1.5 days), antipseudomonal beta-lactams (4.0 versus 2.5 days), and carbapenems (4.0 versus 2.5 days) were observed in the postintervention compared to the preintervention period (
P
< 0.001 for all). The reduction in median time to de-escalation from combination therapy (1.0 versus 2.0 days;
P
= 0.03) and antipseudomonal beta-lactams (2.2 versus 2.7 days;
P
= 0.04) was further augmented during phase 2 compared to phase 1 of the postintervention period. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program and RDT intervention bundle in a multihospital health care system is associated with improved appropriateness of EAT for GNBSI and decreased utilization of BSAA through early de-escalation.
The Transcription Factor NFAT1 Participates in the Induction of CD4+T Cell Functional Exhaustion during Plasmodium yoelii Infection
Authors: Ames Rachel Y. , Ting Li-Min , Gendlina Inessa , Kim Kami , Macian Fernando 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTRepeated stimulation of T cells that occurs in the context of chronic infection results in progressively reduced responsiveness of T cells to pathogen-derived antigens. This phenotype, known as T cell exhaustion, occurs during chronic infections caused by a variety of pathogens, from persistent viruses to parasites. Unlike the memory cells that typically form after successful pathogen clearance following an acute infection, exhausted T cells secrete lower levels of effector cytokines, proliferate less in response to cognate antigen, and upregulate cell surface inhibitory molecules such as PD-1 and LAG-3. The molecular events that lead to the induction of this phenotype have, however, not been fully characterized. In T cells, members of the NFAT family of transcription factors not only are responsible for the expression of many activation-induced genes but also are crucial for the induction of transcriptional programs that inhibit T cell activation and maintain tolerance. Here we show that NFAT1-deficient CD4+T cells maintain higher proliferative capacity and expression of effector cytokines followingPlasmodium yoeliiinfection and are therefore more resistant toP. yoelii-induced exhaustion than their wild-type counterparts. Consequently, gene expression microarray analysis of CD4+T cells followingP. yoelii-induced exhaustion shows upregulation of effector T cell-associated genes in the absence of NFAT1 compared with wild-type exhausted T cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of NFAT1-deficient CD4+T cells into mice infected withP. yoeliiresults in increased production of antibodies to cognate antigen. Our results support the idea that NFAT1 is necessary to fully suppress effector responses duringPlasmodium-induced CD4+T cell exhaustion.