bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NO/cGMP pathway in duodenal motor, mechano‐ and chemosensory responses to acid: A randomized, placebo‐controlled study with sildenafil in healthy volunteers
Authors: Lee K. J. , Vanheel H. , Vanuytsel T. , Vos R. , Tack J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundAltered duodenal sensorimotor responses to acid have been reported in a subset of patients with functional dyspepsia. To investigate whether NO is involved in these abnormalities, the effect of sildenafil (activates the NO pathway) on duodenal motor and sensory responses to acid in healthy humans was evaluated.MethodsA barostat‐manometry catheter including an infusion tube was positioned in the duodenum of 12 healthy volunteers. Duodenal motility and dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated during the whole study. A first series of stepwise isobaric distensions was performed while participants scored their perception of upper abdominal sensations at the end of every distension step. Next, the duodenum was infused with sildenafil 50 mg or saline, followed by duodenal acid infusion. During duodenal acidification, a second sequence of stepwise isobaric distensions with the assessment of sensations was repeated.Key resultsAcid infusion did not induce dyspeptic symptoms with both placebo and sildenafil pretreatment. Duodenal motility decreased after sildenafil infusion, whereas it was not affected by placebo. Acid‐induced increase in motility was, however, observed in both conditions, and no difference between the conditions was found. Duodenal acidification decreased thresholds for discomfort and increased perception scores during duodenal distensions in both groups, but again no difference was observed between placebo and sildenafil pretreatment.Conclusions and InferencesSildenafil does not affect duodenal motor, mechanosensory, and chemosensory responses to acid in healthy controls. Therefore, it is less likely that the NO pathway plays a role in the altered response to acid in functional dyspepsia patients.
The two‐component system VicRK regulates functions associated with Streptococcus mutans resistance to complement immunity
Authors: Alves Livia A. , Harth‐Chu Erika N. , Palma Thais H. , Stipp Rafael N. , Mariano Flávia S. , Höfling José F. , Abranches Jacqueline , Mattos‐Graner Renata O. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryStreptococcus mutans, a dental caries pathogen, can promote systemic infections upon reaching the bloodstream. The two‐component system (TCS) VicRKSm of S. mutans regulates the synthesis of and interaction with sucrose‐derived exopolysaccharides (EPS), processes associated with oral and systemic virulence. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which VicRKSm affects S. mutans susceptibility to blood‐mediated immunity. Compared with parent strain UA159, the vicKSm isogenic mutant (UAvic) showed reduced susceptibility to deposition of C3b of complement, low binding to serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and low frequency of C3b/IgG‐mediated opsonophagocytosis by polymorphonuclear cells in a sucrose‐independent way (P<.05). Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis comparing gene expression in UA159 and UAvic revealed that genes encoding putative peptidases of the complement (pepO and smu.399) were upregulated in UAvic in the presence of serum, although genes encoding murein hydrolases (SmaA and Smu.2146c) or metabolic/surface proteins involved in bacterial interactions with host components (enolase, GAPDH) were mostly affected in a serum‐independent way. Among vicKSm‐downstream genes (smaA, smu.2146c, lysM, atlA, pepO, smu.399), only pepO and smu.399 were associated with UAvic phenotypes; deletion of both genes in UA159 significantly enhanced levels of C3b deposition and opsonophagocytosis (P<.05). Moreover, consistent with the fibronectin‐binding function of PepO orthologues, UAvic showed increased binding to fibronectin. Reduced susceptibility to opsonophagocytosis was insufficient to enhance ex vivo persistence of UAvic in blood, which was associated with growth defects of this mutant under limited nutrient conditions. Our findings revealed that S. mutans employs mechanisms of complement evasion through peptidases, which are controlled by VicRKSm.
Burden of Infantile Hemangioma on Family: An International Observational Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Cazeau Christine , Blei Francine , Gonzáles Hermosa María del Rosario Fátima , Cavalli Riccardo , Boccara Olivia , Fölster‐Holst Regina , Berdeaux Gilles , Delarue Alain , Voisard Jean‐Jacques 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesInfantile hemangioma (IH) is the most frequent benign tumor of infancy resulting from vascular proliferation. Data regarding the burden on families of children with IHs are limited. This study aimed to characterize IHs and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the burden of IHs on parents of children requiring systemic treatment in the United States and Europe.MethodsThis noninterventional cross‐sectional study included infants with newly diagnosed IH requiring systemic treatment. A parent or family member completed two questionnaires (Family Member questionnaire; Hemangioma Family Burden [HFB] questionnaire).ResultsA total of 693 individuals were evaluable in five countries. IHs were observed in more girls than boys (66%–83% female) and the mean age at inclusion was 0.44 to 1.4 years. Approximately half of patients had superficial IHs, approximately 70% of cases affected the head, and approximately 80% of cases were moderate or severe. Most patients received propranolol treatment. Their child's IH affected more than 70% of parents in each country, but fewer than 10% were offered psychological support. Approximately half of all parents reported that their child's IH affected their professional life. The global HFB score was significantly (p < 0.001) greater with greater IH severity. More than 90% of parents in each country were satisfied with the care of their child's disease.ConclusionsThis international study using the validated HFB questionnaire provides further insight into the burden of IH and highlights potential areas for future focus in assisting families with affected children.
Pascal's wager
Authors: Rota Michael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPascal's wager is an argument in support of religious belief (and religious practice) taking its name from the seventeenth century polymath Blaise Pascal. Unlike more traditional arguments for the existence of God, Pascal's wager is a pragmatic argument, concluding not that God exists but that one should wager for God; that is, one should live as if God exists. After an introduction to the elements of decision theory needed to understand the wager (section 2), I discuss the interpretation of Pascal's reasoning in the Infini rien fragment of the Pensees, in which he presents several versions of a wager‐style argument. Recent discussions of the role of the wager within Pascal's overall project of Christian apologetics are also examined (section 3). I then review contemporary formulations of, attacks on, and objections to Pascal's wager (section 4). Recent authors have pressed (or responded to, as the case may be) moral objections, epistemological objections, objections relating to infinite utilities, the many Gods objection, and objections to the expectation rule, among others. After an examination of this literature, I conclude with a brief discussion of noncanonical versions of the wager, including Jeff Jordan's Jamesian wager.
RNA silencing of PEX6 gene causes decrease in pigmentation, sporulation and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Tetorya M. , Rajam M. V. 
Published: April 2017

Peroxisomes are single membrane‐bound organelles that play a pivotal role in various developmental processes in all eukaryotic cells. This study targeted the PEX6 gene, which encodes for peroxisomal biogenesis factor 6, by RNA interference (RNAi) in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Fusarium oxysporum is a soilborne filamentous, hemibiotrophic fungus that invades tomato roots and colonizes the xylem vessels, thereby causing complete wilting of infected tomato plants. The expression of FoPEX6 in F. oxysporum was found to be higher during early stages of growth and development. The FoPEX6 gene was isolated and a hairpin RNAi construct was prepared and introduced into F. oxysporum 4471 through glass‐bead transformation. The fungal transformation status, i.e. integration, expression and presence of the intended small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), was confirmed by PCR, qPCR and stem‐loop PCR, respectively. The silenced fungal transformants exhibited reduced pigmentation and a significant reduction in sporulation as compared to the wild type. They also showed dramatic reduction in pathogenicity (virulence) on tomato, based on root infection and fruit invasion assays. These results suggest that PEX6 has a central role in pigmentation, sporulation and pathogenicity in F. oxysporum.
Real Solutions of the First Painlevé Equation with Large Initial Data
Authors: Long W.‐G. , Li Y.‐T. , Liu S.‐Y. , Zhao Y.‐Q. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe consider three special cases of the initial value problem of the first Painlevé (PI) equation. Our approach is based on the method of uniform asymptotics introduced by Bassom et al. A rigorous proof of a property of the PI solutions on the negative real axis, recently revealed by Bender and Komijani, is given by approximating the Stokes multipliers. Moreover, we build more precise relation between the large initial data of the PI solutions and their three different types of behavior as the independent variable tends to negative infinity. In addition, some limiting form connection formulas are obtained.
Use of Radiocontrast Agents in CKD and ESRD
Authors: Bahrainwala Jehan Z , Leonberg‐Yoo Amanda K , Rudnick Michael R 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContrast exposure in a population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires additional consideration given the risk of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) after exposure to iodinated contrast as well as systemic injury with exposure to gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCA). Strategies to avoid CIN, and manage patients after exposure, including extracorporeal removal of contrast media, may differ among an advanced CKD population as compared to a general population. There is strong evidence to support the use of isotonic volume expansion and the lowest dose of low‐osmolar or iso‐osmolar contrast media possible to decrease CIN. The current literature on other newer prophylactic strategies such as statins, remote ischemic preconditioning, discontinuation of renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade, and RenalGuard is limited thus these strategies cannot currently be recommended as routine prophylaxis for CIN. The use of extracorporeal removal of contrast agents as prophylaxis to reduce CIN has been the subject of multiple studies; however, data do not support a beneficial effect in reduction in CIN. Immediate removal of contrast by dialysis in a maintenance dialysis population is also not recommended, unless an individual's cardiopulmonary status is dependent on strict volume management. In patients with reduced renal function, GCBA exposure increases the risk of NSF. In patients with AKI, CKD stage 3 or greater (eGFR <30 ml/minute/1.73 m2), or patients on dialysis, we do not recommend the use of GBCA and alternative imaging modalities should be considered. If patients absolutely need magnetic resonance imaging with GBCA, we recommend the use of the lowest dose possible of the newer macrocylic, ionic agents (gadoterate meglumine) as well as immediate postprocedural HD in patients already on HD or peritoneal dialysis or with stage 5 CKD and with a functioning dialysis access already in place.
Imaging in Chronic Kidney Disease‐Metabolic Bone Disease
Authors: Alexander Anup J. , Jahangir David , Lazarus Martin , Sprague Stuart M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMusculoskeletal manifestations in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are the result of a series of complex alterations in mineral metabolism, which has been defined as chronic kidney disease ‐ mineral and bone‐related disorder (CKD‐MBD). Biochemical assessment and, at times, bone biopsy remains the mainstay of disease assessment, however, radiological imaging is an important adjunct in evaluating disease severity. This review aims to illustrate the radiological features of CKD‐MBD, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, adynamic bone disease, osteopenia, and extra‐skeletal calcifications.
Cheap Talk or Proper Signaling? Styles of Campaigning and Engagement in Constituency Service
Authors: Chiru Mihail 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesAlthough a salient component of parliamentary delegation and accountability chains, the connection between individual campaigning and parliamentary behavior has not been measured systematically by empirical research. This study assesses the importance of campaign strategies and activities for constituency service.MethodsWe draw on an original data set combining the responses of 234 members of Parliament (MPs) participating at the 2010 Hungarian Candidate Study with their subsequent parliamentary questions. We content analyzed the questions and ran negative binomial regressions to evaluate if and how campaign activities influenced the MPs to introduce locally‐oriented questions.ResultsOur analyses show that a form of campaign socialization, the time devoted to meet local activists during campaigns, is a key predictor for the likelihood of introducing constituency questions, whereas campaign norms and messages matter less.ConclusionsUltimately, even though campaigns matter for constituency service, the MPs’ shadowing behavior, their socialization in local politics, and their partisan affiliation is likely to matter more.
Historical trends in iodine and selenium in soil and herbage at the Park Grass Experiment, Rothamsted Research, UK
Authors: Bowley H. E. , Mathers A. W. , Young S. D. , Macdonald A. J. , Ander E. L. , Watts M. J. , Zhao F. J. , McGrath S. P. , Crout N. M. J. , Bailey E. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLong‐term trends in iodine and selenium retention in soil, and uptake by herbage, were investigated in archived samples from the Park Grass Experiment, initiated in 1856 at Rothamsted, UK. Soil (0–23 cm) and herbage samples from plots receiving various mineral fertilizers and organic manures, with and without lime, were analysed for selenium (Se) and iodine (I) to assess the effect of soil amendments, annual rainfall, crop yield and changes in soil chemistry from 1876 to 2008. Comparing soil from limed and unlimed control (unfertilized) plots, TMAH‐extractable Se and I concentrations both diverged, with time, with greater retention in unlimed plots; differences in concentration amounted to 92 and 1660 μg/kg for Se and I, respectively, after 105 yr. These differences were broadly consistent with estimated additions from rainfall and dry deposition. Offtake of both elements in herbage was negligible compared to soil concentrations and annual inputs (<0.003% of total soil I and <0.006% of total soil Se). A positive correlation was observed between I and Se concentrations in herbage, suggesting some common factors controlling bioavailability. A growth‐dilution effect for I and Se was suggested by the positive correlation between growing season rainfall (GSR) and herbage yield together with soil‐to‐plant transfer factors decreasing with yield. Phosphate and sulphate fertilizers reduced I and Se herbage concentrations, both through ion competition and increased herbage yield. Results suggest that in intensive agriculture with soil pH control, the I requirement of grazing animals is not likely to be met by herbage alone.
Hepatitis E: the current state of play
Authors: Ankcorn M. J. , Tedder R. S. 
Published: April 2017

SUMMARYThe hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis globally. Genotypes 1 and 2 (G1 and G2) are obligate human pathogens transmitted faeco‐orally, leading to epidemics in developing countries. In contrast, genotypes 3 and 4 (G3 and G4) have a wider host range, including humans, but are primarily porcine viruses and are transmitted from animals to humans as a food‐borne zoonosis when meat from an infected animal is consumed. HEV is increasingly recognised as a problem in developed countries, including countries in Europe. G3 HEV is now the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the UK and cases continue to rise. The majority of these infections are acquired within the UK and thought to be from insufficiently cooked meat, predominantly processed pork meat. Previously thought to only cause self‐limiting disease, HEV infection can persist in immunosuppressed patients, which may lead to chronic hepatitis and the rapid development of cirrhosis. Of particular interest to the transfusion community has been the possibility of transfusion‐transmitted HEV, which has been reported from countries classically considered HEV‐endemic but also non‐endemic countries in Europe and Japan. This has prompted some countries to introduce screening for HEV in blood donations.
Model biological population by branching processes
Authors: Terzieva Antoanela 
Published: April 2017

Consider a population of two or more different types of cells that at the end of life create two new cells through cell division. We model the population dynamics using a multitype branching stochastic processes. Under consideration are processes of Bieneme-Galton-Watson and of Bellman-Harris for the Markovian case. В drawn Conclusions about the expected number of particles of each type after a random time are drawn. The proposed models could be applicable not only for populations of a unicellular organisms, but also for sets of objects which operate a certain period of time and then split into two new objects or change their type.
Transcutaneous Immunization with a Band-Aid Prevents Experimental Otitis Media in a Polymicrobial Model
Authors: Novotny Laura A. , Clements John D. , Goodman Steven D. , Bakaletz Lauren O. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Otitis media (OM) is a common pediatric disease, and nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHI) is the predominant pathogen in chronic OM, recurrent OM, and OM associated with treatment failure. OM is also a polymicrobial disease, wherein an upper respiratory tract viral infection predisposes to ascension of NTHI from the nasopharynx, the site of colonization, to the normally sterile middle ear, resulting in disease. Using a clinically relevant viral-bacterial coinfection model of NTHI-induced OM, we performed transcutaneous immunization (TCI) via a band-aid delivery system to administer each of three promising NTHI vaccine candidates derived from bacterial adhesive proteins and biofilm mediators: recombinant soluble PilA (rsPilA), chimV4, and integration host factor. Each immunogen was admixed with the adjuvant LT(R192G/L211A), a double mutant of
Escherichia coli
heat-labile enterotoxin, and assessed for relative ability to prevent the onset of experimental OM. For each cohort, the presence of circulating immunogen-specific antibody-secreting cells and serum antibody was confirmed prior to intranasal NTHI challenge. After bacterial challenge, blinded video otoscopy and tympanometry revealed a significant reduction in the proportion of animals with signs of OM compared to levels in animals receiving adjuvant only, with an overall vaccine efficacy of 64 to 77%. These data are the first to demonstrate the efficacy afforded by TCI with a band-aid vaccine delivery system in a clinically relevant polymicrobial model of OM. The simplicity of TCI with a band-aid and the significant efficacy observed here hold great promise for reducing the global burden of OM in the pediatric population.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay for Neurosyphilis Diagnosis
Authors: Marra Christina M. , Maxwell Clare L. , Dunaway Shelia B. , Sahi Sharon K. , Tantalo Lauren C. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Limited data suggest that the cerebrospinal fluid
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination assay (CSF-TPPA) is sensitive and a CSF
Treponema pallidum
hemagglutination assay (CSF-TPHA) titer of ≥1:640 is specific for neurosyphilis diagnosis. CSF-TPPA reactivity and titer were determined for a convenience sample of 191 CSF samples from individuals enrolled in a study of CSF abnormalities in syphilis (training data set). The sensitivity of a reactive test and the specificity for reactivity at serial higher CSF dilutions were determined. Subsequently, CSF-TPPA reactivity at a 1:640 dilution was determined for all available samples from study participants enrolled after the last training sample was collected (validation data set,
n
= 380). Neurosyphilis was defined as (i) a reactive CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (CSF-VDRL), (ii) detection of
T. pallidum
in CSF by reverse transcriptase PCR, or (iii) new vision loss or hearing loss. In the training data set, the diagnostic sensitivities of a reactive CSF fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (CSF-FTA-ABS) and a reactive CSF-TPPA did not differ significantly (67 to 98% versus 76 to 95%). The specificity of a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was significantly higher than that of lower dilutions and was not significantly different from that of CSF-VDRL. In the validation data set, the diagnostic specificity of a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was high and did not differ significantly from that of CSF-VDRL (93 to 94% versus 90 to 91%). Ten CSF samples with a nonreactive CSF-VDRL had a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640. If a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was used in addition to a reactive CSF-VDRL, the number of neurosyphilis diagnoses would have increased from 47 to 57 (21.3%). A CSF-TPPA titer cutoff of ≥1:640 may be useful in identifying patients with neurosyphilis when CSF-VDRL is nonreactive.