bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal activity of Rubus chingii extract combined with fluconazole against fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans
Authors: Han Bing , Chen Jia , Yu Yi‐qun , Cao Yong‐bing , Jiang Yuan‐ying 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Rubus chingii extract in combination with fluconazole (FLC) against FLC‐resistant Candida albicans 100 in vitro. A R. chingii extract and FLC‐resistant C. albicans fungus suspension were prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration and fractional inhibitory concentration index of R. chingii extract combined with FLC against C. albicans were determined, after which growth curves for C. albicans treated with R. chingii extract, FLC alone and a combination of these preparations were constructed. Additionally, the mechanisms of drug combination against C. albicans were explored by flow cytometry, gas chromatographic mass spectrometry and drug efflux pump function detection. R. chingii extract combined with FLC showed significant synergy. Flow cytometry suggested that C. albicans cells mainly arrest in G1 and S phases when they have been treated with the drug combination. The drug combination resulted in a marked decrease in the ergosterol content of the cell membrane. Additionally, efflux of Rhodamine 6G decreased with increasing concentrations of R. chingii extract. R. chingii extract combined with FLC has antifungal activity against FLC‐resistant C. albicans.
Bolstered physical defences under nutrient‐enriched conditions may facilitate a secondary foundational algal species in the South Pacific
Authors: Bittick Sarah Joy , Clausing Rachel Joy , Fong Caitlin Ryan , Fong Peggy 
Published: January 2016

Summary

Humans have a long history of changing species' ranges and habitat distributions, making studies of the ecological processes that may facilitate these changes of key importance, particularly in cases where a primary foundation species is replaced by another, less desirable species.

We investigated the impact of nutrients and herbivory on Turbinaria ornata, a secondary foundational macroalga that depends on and likely competes with coral, the primary foundational community. T. ornata is also rapidly expanding in range and habitat across the South Pacific. We conducted (i) a mesocosm experiment assessing relative nutrient limitation, (ii) a field experiment comparing importance of nutrients (+/−) and herbivory (+/−) to biomass accumulation, and (iii) an herbivory assay and toughness test comparing enriched and ambient thalli to assess changes to anti‐herbivory defences.

We found no evidence of growth being nutrient limited in T. ornata; rather than stimulating growth, nutrient addition deterred herbivores. However, when physical toughness was removed, enriched algae were preferred, with consumption rates 25‐fold those of unenriched algae. Additionally, enriched thalli were tougher than ambient thalli, suggesting physical defences were bolstered by nutrient enrichment.

Synthesis. We found a unique interaction where nutrients inhibit herbivory and facilitate Turbinaria ornata biomass accumulation. While concern is often placed on degradation of foundation species via anthropogenic change, instead here we show that anthropogenic change can facilitate secondary foundation species. This facilitation may allow a secondary foundation species to better compete with primary foundation species.
Local adaptation to different phytogeographic regions: habitat‐related variations in seed germination in response to temperature and salinity for two medicinalSalviaspecies fromJordan
Authors: Al‐Gharaibeh Mohammad M. , Hamasha Hassan R. , Lachmuth Susanne , Hensen Isabell 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSalvia spinosa L. andSalvia syriaca L. are perennial medicinal herbs that occur in theMediterranean,Irano‐Turanian andSaharo‐Arabian phytogeographic regions ofJordan. With respect to the seed germination requirements, prevailing environmental conditions in each phytogeographic region may promote local adaptation and consequently affect the distribution range of the species. Using seeds of both species collected from populations across the three regions, we tested responses to variations in temperature and salinity under laboratory conditions. Both species showed significant differences in cumulative germination percentages and germination rates (modifiedTimson Index) with temperature, while origin only significantly affectedS. spinosaseeds. Both species germinated best under the highest temperature regime (32/20°C). The low temperature regime (8/4°C) completely inhibited germination inS. syriaca, wheras it led to 80% to 95% germination inS. spinosa, with significant variation being recorded between the phytogeographic regions. For both species, salt solutions of 0, 25 and 50 mMNaCl yielded the highest germination percentages and rates, which sharply and significantly declined at higher concentrations (100 and 200 mMNaCl). Our results provide evidence of local adaptation of the study species to salinity and temperature in the respective maternal environments, particularly in theIrano‐Turanian andSaharo‐Arabian regions. Such differentiation should be accounted for in future conservation planning.
The end of emergency medicine as we know it
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Bein Kendall J 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSeveral health, social and professional factors are forcing Emergency Physicians to rethink their role in the health system. Despite these challenges, there are a number of ways that we can evolve, including an increasing role for academic and subspecialty emergency medicine, which will ensure our specialty, remains vital and viable in the 21st century and beyond.
Relationship Between Diastolic Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis and Vascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients: Diagnostic Potential of the Cardio‐Ankle Vascular Index
Authors: Unagami Kohei , Nitta Kosaku , Tago Kiichiro , Matsushita Kazumichi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDiastolic dysfunction (DD) commonly causes heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF). Here, we examine associations between DD severity and atherosclerosis/vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. Echocardiography was performed on 101 patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy. Twelve patients (EF < 50% or chronic atrial fibrillation) were excluded; DD of the remaining 89 patients was classified into four grades. We then investigated the relationship between their DD grades and the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI), ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABI), toe‐brachial pressure index (TBI), and aortic calcification area index (ACAI). Seventy‐seven patients (86.5%) with EF ≥ 50% had DD. Associations with advanced age and comorbid diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease were observed. The CAVI, TBI, and ACAI, but not ABI, increased proportionally with DD grades. Thus, many hemodialysis patients developed DD, with systolic function maintained. Strong associations between DD grades and progression of both atherosclerosis and vascular calcification could be inferred.
Safety and Tolerability of Nafamostat Mesilate and Heparin as Anticoagulants in Leukocytapheresis for Ulcerative Colitis: Post Hoc Analysis of a Large‐Scale, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Sawada Koji , Ohdo Maiko , Ino Tomoko , Nakamura Takashi , Numata Toyoko , Shibata Hiroshi , Sakou Jun‐ichi , Kusada Masahiro , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNafamostat mesilate is the first anticoagulant of choice for leukocytapheresis (LCAP) with a Cellsorba E column for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). However, because of complications, mainly due to allergy to nafamostat mesilate, heparin may be used as a substitute. To evaluate the safety and tolerability of nafamostat mesilate and heparin as anticoagulants in LCAP for UC, we conducted post hoc analysis of data from a large‐scale, prospective, observational study of LCAP, which was conducted at 116 medical facilities in Japan between May 2010 and December 2012. Of 832 patients included in this analysis, nafamostat mesilate and heparin were used in 676 (81.3%) and 113 (13.6%), respectively. There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions (8.6% vs. 7.1%) and intrafilter pressure increases (12.7% vs. 16.8%) between the nafamostat mesilate and heparin groups. Adverse reactions of hemorrhage or blood pressure decreases associated with heparin use were not observed. There were no significant differences in rates of clinical remission (69.1% vs. 68.1%) and mucosal healing (62.9% vs. 63.6%) between the nafamostat mesilate and heparin groups. Thus, the safety and tolerability were comparable in the nafamostat mesilate and heparin groups, indicating that both nafamostat mesilate and heparin can be well tolerated as anticoagulants in LCAP for UC.
Enhancement of Curcumin Solubility by Phase Change from Crystalline to Amorphous in Cur‐TPGS Nanosuspension
Authors: Shin Gye Hwa , Li Jinglei , Cho Jin Hun , Kim Jun Tae , Park Hyun Jin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNanosuspensions (NSs) were fabricated to enhance water solubility, dissolution rate, and oral adsorption of water insoluble curcumin using sonoprecipitation method. As a good stabilizer, d‐α‐Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was used to improve the stability of curcumin‐TPGS NSs (Cur‐TPGS NSs). Ultrasonic homogenization (UH) could effectively enhance the solubility of curcumin and to produce homogeneous NSs with small particle sizes. Water solubility of curcumin was significantly improved from 0.6 μg/mL in pure water to 260 μg/mL in the mixture of curcumin and TPGS (1:10) with UH treatment. The mean particle size of Cur‐TPGS NSs was decreased significantly after UH and maintained between 208 and 246 nm. Lyophilized powder of Cur‐TPGS NSs was dissolved about 91.08% whereas the pristine curcumin powder was dissolved only 6.5% at pH 7.4. This study showed a great potential of Cur‐TPGS NSs as a good nano‐formulation of curcumin with enhanced solubility and improved oral adsorption.
Evaluation of cone beam computed tomography and periapical radiography in the diagnosis of root resorption
Authors: Lima TF , Gamba TO , Zaia AA , Soares AJ 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical radiography in diagnosing root resorption and verify the influence of filling material in detecting these lesions.MethodsDigital periapical radiographs and CBCT images of patients with root resorption and a history of dental trauma from a radiology clinic were reviewed retrospectively. The sample comprised 40 teeth with root resorption and 20 normal teeth as controls. Images were analysed by two radiologists and two endodontists. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were determined. The kappa coefficient assessed interobserver agreement and the t test determined significant differences between the imaging methods.ResultsThe accuracy of CBCT in diagnosing external (P = 0.0144) and internal (P = 0.0038) inflammatory resorption was significantly higher than for periapical radiography. For replacement resorption, no statistical difference was noted (P > 0.05). In endodontically treated teeth, CBCT was statistically superior in diagnosing root resorption (P = 0.0138).ConclusionsCBCT was superior to digital periapical radiography in diagnosing external and internal inflammatory root resorption after dental trauma and can be considered in the differential diagnosis of resorptive lesions in teeth with endodontic treatment.
A transposable element insertion in APOB causes cholesterol deficiency in Holstein cattle
Authors: Menzi F. , Besuchet‐Schmutz N. , Fragnière M. , Hofstetter S. , Jagannathan V. , Mock T. , Raemy A. , Studer E. , Mehinagic K. , Regenscheit N. , Meylan M. , Schmitz‐Hsu F. , Drögemüller C. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCholesterol deficiency, a new autosomal recessive inherited genetic defect in Holstein cattle, has been recently reported to have an influence on the rearing success of calves. The affected animals show unresponsive diarrhea accompanied by hypocholesterolemia and usually die within the first weeks or months of life. Here, we show that whole genome sequencing combined with the knowledge about the pedigree and inbreeding status of a livestock population facilitates the identification of the causative mutation. We resequenced the entire genomes of an affected calf and a healthy partially inbred male carrying one copy of the critical 2.24‐Mb chromosome 11 segment in its ancestral state and one copy of the same segment with the cholesterol deficiency mutation. We detected a single structural variant, homozygous in the affected case and heterozygous in the non‐affected carrier male. The genetic makeup of this key animal provides extremely strong support for the causality of this mutation. The mutation represents a 1.3kb insertion of a transposable LTR element (ERV2‐1) in the coding sequence of the APOB gene, which leads to truncated transcripts and aberrant splicing. This finding was further supported by RNA sequencing of the liver transcriptome of an affected calf. The encoded apolipoprotein B is an essential apolipoprotein on chylomicrons and low‐density lipoproteins, and therefore, the mutation represents a loss of function mutation similar to autosomal recessive inherited familial hypobetalipoproteinemia‐1 (FHBL1) in humans. Our findings provide a direct gene test to improve selection against this deleterious mutation in Holstein cattle.
Trends in sun‐protection behaviour in Australian adults 2007–2012
Authors: Koch Severine , Pettigrew Simone , Minto Carolyn , Slevin Terry , Strickland Mark , Lin Chad , Jalleh Geoffrey 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlmost all skin cancers are the result of overexposure to UV radiation and could be prevented by adhering to a number of simple behavioural guidelines to minimise exposure to the sun. The present study examined trends in sun‐protection behaviour among adults living in Western Australia, a region with high levels of UV radiation.MethodsDuring five summers from 2008 to 2012, 2076 Western Australian adults participated in annual, cross‐sectional telephone surveys that assessed how often they engaged in a range of sun‐protection behaviour (seeking shade, staying inside and wearing a hat, protective clothing, sunscreen or sunglasses).ResultsApart from an increase in sunscreen use and a consistently high use of sunglasses, most sun‐protection behaviour remained stable at moderate levels during the 5‐year period. Seeking shade, staying inside and wearing a hat were all practised at levels ranging between ‘sometimes’ and ‘usually’ on sunny days in summer during peak UV hours, with little to no variability across the survey years. Wearing protective clothing was the least frequent behaviour across all survey years and was significantly lower in the most recent survey year relative to baseline.ConclusionsFurther efforts are required to encourage greater enactment of sun‐protection behaviour, especially on the use of protective clothing and seeking shade during periods of high UV radiation.
The Uterine Immune Profile May Help Women With Repeated Unexplained Embryo Implantation Failure After In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Lédée Nathalie , Petitbarat Marie , Chevrier Lucie , Vitoux Dominique , Vezmar Katia , Rahmati Mona , Dubanchet Sylvie , Gahéry Hanne , Bensussan Armand , Chaouat Gerard 
Published: January 2016

Labeled problemEmbryo implantation remains the main limiting factor in assisted reproductive medicine (20% success rate).Methods of studyAn endometrial immune profiling was performed among 394 women with the previous history of repeated embryo implantation failures (RIF). The endometrial immune profile documented the ratio of IL‐15/Fn‐14 mRNA as a biomarker of uNK cell activation/maturation (together with the uNK cell count) and the IL‐18/TWEAK mRNA ratio as a biomarker of both angiogenesis and the Th1/Th2 balance. According to their profile, we recommended personalized care to counteract the documented dysregulation and assessed its effects by the live birth rate (LBR) for the next embryo transfer.ResultsEndometrial immune profiles appeared to be dysregulated in 81.7% of the RIF patients compared to control. Overactivation was diagnosed in 56.6% and low activation in 25%. The LBR among these dysregulated/treated patients at the first subsequent embryo transfer was 39.8%.ConclusionEndometrial immune profiling may improve our understanding of RIF and subsequent LBR if treated.
Representing the “European refugee crisis” in Germany and beyond: Deservingness and difference, life and death
Authors: HOLMES SETH M. , CASTAÑEDA HEIDE 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThe European refugee crisis has gained worldwide attention with daily media coverage both in and outside Germany. Representations of refugees in media and political discourse in relation to Germany participate in a Gramscian “war of position” over symbols, policies, and, ultimately, social and material resources, with potentially fatal consequences. These representations shift blame from historical, political‐economic structures to the displaced people themselves. They demarcate the “deserving” refugee from the “undeserving” migrant and play into fear of cultural, religious, and ethnic difference in the midst of increasing anxiety and precarity for many in Europe. Comparative perspectives suggest that anthropology can play an important role in analyzing these phenomena, highlighting sites of contestation, imagining alternatives, and working toward them. [refugee, media, immigration, crisis, Germany, Europe]
Immobilizing mobility: Border ethnography, illiberal democracy, and the politics of the “refugee crisis” in Hungary
Authors: KALLIUS ANNASTIINA , MONTERESCU DANIEL , RAJARAM PREM KUMAR 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTIn the summer of 2015, more than 350,000 migrants moved through Hungarian territory. Almost immediately there emerged in response a dialectic between, on the one hand, depoliticizing narratives of crisis that sought to immobilize the migrants and, on the other, concrete political mobilization that sought to facilitate their mobility. While state institutions and humanitarian volunteer groups framed mobility in terms that emphasized a vertical form of politics, a horizontal counterpolitics arose by the summer's end, one that challenged hegemonic territorial politics. The state's efforts to immobilize resulted only in more radical forms of mobility. Outlining an ethnography of mobility, immobilization, and cross‐border activism, we follow the dramatic yet momentary presence, and subsequent absence, of migrants in an evanescent rebel city marked by novel political solidarities. [mobility, immobility, transit zones, border politics, refugees, migrants, Hungary]
Audits show that specialist paediatric training programmes are sensitive to medical, staffing and economic changes
Authors: Lohi Olli , Helminen Merja , Korppi Matti 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimIn Finland, specialist paediatrics training is led by university hospitals, but half of it is carried out in regional central hospitals. We audited the training provided by four regional central hospitals in the tertiary care area covered by Tampere University Hospital, in 2003, 2008 and 2015.MethodsThe audits comprised hospital visits and discussions with the chief doctor of the paediatric clinic, the trainees and the specialists who trained them. A modified version of the European Union of Medical Specialists 1997 protocol was used, and the key areas that performed poorly in the audits were followed up.ResultsIn 2008 and 2015, most of the key follow‐up issues had improved, but two main areas in need of further development were identified in 2015. These were that educational objectives should be clarified, and their implementation systemically followed up, and that trainees should spend more time working in outpatient settings.ConclusionSince 2003, a marked improvement had taken place in the paediatric training provided by regional central hospitals, partly because of the increase in paediatric specialist resources. This study underlines the importance of repeat audits and the need for co‐opera‐tion between the university hospital and regional hospitals, including regular visits.
Postovipositional development of the sand snake Psammophis sibilans (Serpentes:Lamprophiidae) in comparison with other snake species
Authors: Khannoon Eraqi R. , Zahradnicek Oldrich 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCharacterizing and comparing developmental progress across different species helps to interpret how different or similar body forms evolved. We present an embryonic table for the oviparous African Sand Snake Psammophis sibilans from the Lamprophidae family, describing its postovipositional in ovo development. Psammophis is a good model of a genus that is widely distributed in Africa and Asia and includes 22 species. We describe ten embryonic stages based on the development of externally visible morphological characteristics such as; pharyngeal arches, facial processes, eyes, scales, body pigmentation and body colour pattern development. This study discusses the development of this snake and compares it with that of the closely related brown house snake Lamprophis fulliginosus (Lamprophidae) and the medically important venomous cobras Naja haje haje and Naja kaouthia from the sister lineage Elapidae. The distantly related basal snake Python sebae, which displays different morphology and behaviour, was chosen for deeper insight into the evolution of body structures within the snake clade. We found interspecific differences in the relative stage of development of embryonic structures at the time of oviposition and during postovipositional embryonic development. One of the outcomes of this study is that embryonic structures such as the pharyngeal processes, eye pigmentation and scales are interspecifically conservative in regard to timing of morphodifferentiation, while body pigmentation, colour and colour pattern are interspecifically plastic in their temporospatial development.
Modeling the Cost‐Effectiveness of Doula Care Associated with Reductions in Preterm Birth and Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Kozhimannil Katy B. , Hardeman Rachel R. , Alarid‐Escudero Fernando , Vogelsang Carrie A. , Blauer‐Peterson Cori , Howell Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundOne in nine US infants is born before 37 weeks' gestation, incurring medical costs 10 times higher than full‐term infants. One in three infants is born by cesarean; cesarean births cost twice as much as vaginal births. We compared rates of preterm and cesarean birth among Medicaid recipients with prenatal access to doula care (nonmedical maternal support) with similar women regionally. We used data on this association to mathematically model the potential cost‐effectiveness of Medicaid coverage of doula services.MethodsData came from two sources: all Medicaid‐funded, singleton births at hospitals in the West North Central and East North Central US (n = 65,147) in the 2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, and all Medicaid‐funded singleton births (n = 1,935) supported by a community‐based doula organization in the Upper Midwest from 2010 to 2014. We analyzed routinely collected, de‐identified administrative data. Multivariable regression analysis was used to estimate associations between doula care and outcomes. A probabilistic decision‐analytic model was used for cost‐effectiveness estimates.ResultsWomen who received doula support had lower preterm and cesarean birth rates than Medicaid beneficiaries regionally (4.7 vs 6.3%, and 20.4 vs 34.2%). After adjustment for covariates, women with doula care had 22 percent lower odds of preterm birth (AOR 0.77 [95% CI 0.61–0.96]). Cost‐effectiveness analyses indicate potential savings associated with doula support reimbursed at an average of $986 (ranging from $929 to $1,047 across states).ConclusionsBased on associations between doula care and preterm and cesarean birth, coverage reimbursement for doula services would likely be cost saving or cost‐effective for state Medicaid programs.