bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein is associated with increased mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Agiasotelli Danai , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Hadziyannis Emilia , Goukos Dimitris , Daikos George L. , Dourakis Spyros P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsLipopolysaccharide‐binding‐protein (LBP) is an acute‐phase‐protein produced by hepatocytes. Changes in LBP are associated with the dynamics of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability in decompensated cirrhosis (DC). We assessed serum and ascitic‐fluid (AF) LBP and examined their association with mortality in patients with DC.MethodsEighty‐eight consecutive patients (73.9% males) underwent thorough diagnostic investigations for infection. LBP (ng/mL) was assessed in serum (N=88) and AF (n=49) by enzyme‐linked‐immunosorbent‐assay and expressed in natural logarithm (ln).ResultsSerum lnLBP was higher in 18 patients with overt infection compared to those without (P<.001). Serum and AF lnLBP 13.49 and 12.11 displayed a very good‐negative‐predictive value of 90% and 95.1% to rule out infection and spontaneous‐bacterial‐peritonitis (SBP), respectively. LBP was higher in serum than in AF (P<.001). Serum and AF LBP levels showed a positive correlation with surrogate markers of inflammation. Patients without overt infection were prospectively followed up. The 90‐day‐mortality rate was 48% and 24.4% in patients with high (≥13.49) and low (<13.49) lnLBP, respectively, (log rank P=0.045). In univariate Cox regression analysis, neutrophils, LBP, MELD score and CRP were predictive of mortality. However, only high LBP (HR 8.1 95%CI 2.0‐31.5, P=0.003) and MELD (HR 1.1 95%CI 1.0‐1.2, P=0.002) were predictive of mortality in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsSerum and AF LBP concentrations showed a high negative‐predictive‐value to exclude infection and SBP, respectively. High serum LBP was detected in patients without infection at presentation who died during the 90‐day‐follow‐up period. Elevated serum LBP is a marker of short‐term mortality in patients without overt bacterial infection.
The therapeutic landscape of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Perazzo Hugo , Dufour Jean‐François 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning, and may be associated with liver fibrosis leading to cirrhosis and its complications. A pharmacological approach is necessary to treat NASH because of failure to change dietary habits and lifestyle in most patients. Insulin resistance with an increased release of free fatty acids, oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory cytokines seem to be key features for disease progression. Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone and antioxidant agents, such as vitamin E, were the first pharmacological options to be evaluated for NASH. In recent years, several new molecules that target different pathways related to NASH pathogenesis, such as liver metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis, have been developed. Obeticholic acid (INT‐747) and elafibranor (GFT‐505) have provided promising results in phase IIb, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials and they are being evaluated in ongoing phase III studies. Most of the potential treatments for NASH are under investigation in phase II studies, with some at phase I. This diversity in possible treatments calls for a better understanding of NASH in order to enrich trial populations with patients more susceptible to progress and to respond. This manuscript aims to review the pharmacological NASH treatment landscape.
Regional differences in milk and complementary feeding patterns in infants participating in an international nutritional type 1 diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Nucci Anita M. , Virtanen Suvi M. , Sorkio Susa , Bärlund Sonja , Cuthbertson David , Uusitalo Ulla , Lawson Margaret L. , Salonen Marja , Berseth Carol L. , Ormisson Anne , Lehtonen Eveliina , Savilahti Erkki , Becker Dorothy J. , Dupré John , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Knip Mikael , Åkerblom Hans K. ,   The TRIGR Investigators
Published: October 2016

AbstractDifferences in breastfeeding, other milk feeding and complementary feeding patterns were evaluated in infants at increased genetic risk with and without maternal type 1 diabetes (T1D). The Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk is an international nutritional primary prevention double‐blinded randomized trial to test whether weaning to extensively hydrolyzed vs. intact cow's milk protein formula will decrease the development of T1D‐associated autoantibodies and T1D. Infant diet was prospectively assessed at two visits and seven telephone interviews between birth and 8 months. Countries were grouped into seven regions: Australia, Canada, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Central Europe I, Central Europe II and the United States. Newborn infants with a first‐degree relative with T1D and increased human leukocyte antigen‐conferred susceptibility to T1D were recruited. A lower proportion of infants born to mothers with than without T1D were breastfed until 6 months of age in all regions (range, 51% to 60% vs. 70% to 80%). Complementary feeding patterns differed more by region than by maternal T1D. In Northern Europe, a higher proportion of infants consumed vegetables and fruits daily compared with other regions. Consumption of meat was more frequent in all European regions, whereas cereal consumption was most frequent in Southern Europe, Canada and the United States. Maternal T1D status was associated with breastfeeding and other milk feeding patterns similarly across regions but was unrelated to the introduction of complementary foods. Infant feeding patterns differed significantly among regions and were largely inconsistent with current recommended guidelines.
Into the Andes: multiple independent colonizations drive montane diversity in the Neotropical clearwing butterflies Godyridina
Authors: Chazot Nicolas , Willmott Keith R. , Condamine Fabien L. , De‐Silva Donna Lisa , Freitas André V. L. , Lamas Gerardo , Morlon Hélène , Giraldo Carlos E. , Jiggins Chris D. , Joron Mathieu , Mallet James , Uribe Sandra , Elias Marianne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnderstanding why species richness peaks along the Andes is a fundamental question in the study of Neotropical biodiversity. Several biogeographic and diversification scenarios have been proposed in the literature, but there is confusion about the processes underlying each scenario, and assessing their relative contribution is not straightforward. Here, we propose to refine these scenarios into a framework which evaluates four evolutionary mechanisms: higher speciation rate in the Andes, lower extinction rates in the Andes, older colonization times and higher colonization rates of the Andes from adjacent areas. We apply this framework to a species‐rich subtribe of Neotropical butterflies whose diversity peaks in the Andes, the Godyridina (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini). We generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny of the Godyridina and fitted time‐dependent diversification models. Using trait‐dependent diversification models and ancestral state reconstruction methods we then compared different biogeographic scenarios. We found strong evidence that the rates of colonization into the Andes were higher than the other way round. Those colonizations and the subsequent local diversification at equal rates in the Andes and in non‐Andean regions mechanically increased the species richness of Andean regions compared to that of non‐Andean regions (‘species‐attractor’ hypothesis). We also found support for increasing speciation rates associated with Andean lineages. Our work highlights the importance of the Andean slopes in repeatedly attracting non‐Andean lineages, most likely as a result of the diversity of habitats and/or host plants. Applying this analytical framework to other clades will bring important insights into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the most species‐rich biodiversity hotspot on the planet.
ArnS, a kinase involved in starvation‐induced archaellum expression
Authors: Haurat M. Florencia , Figueiredo Ana Sofia , Hoffmann Lena , Li Lingling , Herr Katharina , J. Wilson Amanda , Beeby Morgan , Schaber Jörg , Albers Sonja‐Verena 
Published: October 2016

SummaryOrganisms have evolved motility organelles that allow them to move to favourable habitats. Cells integrate environmental stimuli into intracellular signals to motility machineries to direct this migration. Many motility organelles are complex surface appendages that have evolved a tight, hierarchical regulation of expression. In the crenearchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, biosynthesis of the archaellum is regulated by regulatory network proteins that control expression of archaellum components in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner. A major trigger for archaellum expression is nutrient starvation, but although some components are known, the regulatory cascade triggered by starvation is poorly understood. In this work, the starvation‐induced Ser/Thr protein kinase ArnS (Saci_1181) which is located proximally to the archaellum operon was identified. Deletion of arnS results in reduced motility, though the archaellum is properly assembled. Therefore, our experimental and modelling results indicate that ArnS plays an essential role in the precisely controlled expression of archaellum components during starvation‐induced motility in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Furthermore they combined in vivo experiments and mathematical models to describe for the first time in archaea the dynamics of key regulators of archaellum expression.
An ANMS‐NASPGHAN consensus document on anorectal and colonic manometry in children
Authors: Rodriguez L. , Sood M. , Di Lorenzo C. , Saps M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundOver the last few years, the study of the colon and anorectal function has experienced great technical advances that have facilitated the performance of the tests and have allowed a more detailed characterization of reflexes and motor patterns. As a result, we have achieved a much better understanding of the pathophysiology of children with defecation problems. Anorectal and colonic manometry are now commonly used in all major pediatric referral centers as diagnostic tools and to guide the management of children with intractable constipation and fecal incontinence, particularly when a surgical intervention is being considered.PurposeThis review highlights some of the recent advances in pediatric colon and anorectal motility testing including indications and preparation for the studies, and how to perform and interpret the tests. This update has been endorsed by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
Dispersal: a central and independent trait in life history
Authors: Bonte Dries , Dahirel Maxime 
Published: October 2016

The study of tradeoffs among major life history components (age at maturity, lifespan and reproduction) allowed the development of a quantitative framework to understand how environmental variation shapes patterns of biodiversity among and within species.Because every environment is inherently spatially structured, and in most cases temporally variable, individuals need to move within and among habitats to maximize fitness. Dispersal is often assumed to be tightly integrated into life histories through genetic correlations with other vital traits. This assumption is particularly strong within the context of a fast‐slow continuum of life‐history variation. Such a framework is to date used to explain many aspects of population and community dynamics. Evidence for a consistent and context‐independent integration of dispersal in life histories is, however, weak. We therefore advocate the explicit integration of dispersal into life history theory as a principal axis of variation influencing fitness, that is free to evolve, independently of other life history traits.We synthesize theoretical and empirical evidence on the central role of dispersal and its evolutionary dynamics on the spatial distribution of ecological strategies and its impact on population spread, invasions and coexistence. By applying an optimality framework we show that the inclusion of dispersal as an independent dimension of life histories might substantially change our view on evolutionary trajectories in spatially structured environments.Because changes in the spatial configuration of habitats affect the costs of movement and dispersal, adaptations to reduce these costs will increase phenotypic divergence among and within populations. We outline how this phenotypic heterogeneity is anticipated to further impact population and community dynamics.
Iron Age Diet at Sisak, Croatia: Archaeobotanical Evidence of Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica [L.] P. Beauv.)
Authors: Reed Kelly , Drnić Ivan 
Published: October 2016

SummaryRecent excavations at Sisak, Croatia, unearthed an Early Iron Age pot filled with archaeobotanical remains within the floor of a structure dating to between the sixth and fourth centuries BC. Burnt in situ the archaeobotanical remains provide unique evidence for diet and agriculture in a region where archaeobotanical evidence is rare. The preliminary results from this analysis are outlined here, with a focus on the discovery of foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv.) and its contribution to the diet of the Early Iron Age population at Sisak.
In vitro characterization of biofilms formed by Kingella kingae
Authors: Kaplan J.B. , Sampathkumar V. , Bendaoud M. , Giannakakis A.K. , Lally E.T. , Balashova N.V. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe Gram‐negative bacterium Kingella kingae is part of the normal oropharyngeal mucosal flora of children <4 years old. K. kingae can enter the submucosa and cause infections of the skeletal system in children, including septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. The organism is also associated with infective endocarditis in children and adults. Although biofilm formation has been coupled with pharyngeal colonization, osteoarticular infections, and infective endocarditis, no studies have investigated biofilm formation in K. kingae. In this study we measured biofilm formation by 79 K. kingae clinical isolates using a 96‐well microtiter plate crystal violet binding assay. We found that 37 of 79 strains (47%) formed biofilms. All strains that formed biofilms produced corroding colonies on agar. Biofilm formation was inhibited by proteinase K and DNase I. DNase I also caused the detachment of pre‐formed K. kingae biofilm colonies. A mutant strain carrying a deletion of the pilus gene cluster pilA1pilA2fimB did not produce corroding colonies on agar, autoaggregate in broth, or form biofilms. Biofilm forming strains have higher levels of pilA1 expression. The extracellular components of biofilms contained 490 μg cm−2 of protein, 0.68 μg cm−2 of DNA, and 0.4 μg cm−2 of total carbohydrates. We concluded that biofilm formation is common among K. kingae clinical isolates, and that biofilm formation is dependent on the production of proteinaceous pili and extracellular DNA. Biofilm development may have relevance to the colonization, transmission, and pathogenesis of this bacterium. Extracellular DNA production by K. kingae may facilitate horizontal gene transfer within the oral microbial community.
Is kiwifruit allergy a matter in kiwifruit‐cultivating regions? A population‐based study
Authors: Haktanir Abul Mehtap , Dereci Selim , Hacisalihoglu Sadan , Orhan Fazil 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough kiwifruit is known as a common cause of food allergy, population‐based studies concerning the prevalence of kiwifruit allergy do not exist. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy in 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren in a region where kiwifruit is widely cultivated.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study recruited 20,800 of the randomly selected 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren from the Rize city in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey during 2013. Following a self‐administered questionnaire completed by the parents and the child, consenting children were invited for skin prick tests (SPTs) and oral food challenges (OFCs). Children with suspected IgE‐mediated kiwifruit were skin prick tested with kiwifruit (commercial allergen and prick‐to‐prick test with fresh kiwifruit) and a pre‐defined panel of allergens (banana, avocado, latex, sesame seed, birch, timothy, hazel, cat, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae). All children with a positive SPT to kiwifruit were invited for an open OFC. The prevalence of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy was established using open OFCs.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaire was 75.9% (15783/20800). The estimated prevalence of parental‐perceived IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy was 0.5% (72/15783) (95% CI, 0.39–0.61%). Of the 72 children, 52 (72.2%) were skin tested, and 17 (32.7%) were found to be positive to kiwifruit with both commercial extract and kiwifruit. The most frequently reported symptoms in kiwifruit SPT‐positive children were cutaneous (n = 10, 58.8%) followed by gastrointestinal (n = 6, 35.3%) and bronchial (n = 4, 23.5%). Oral symptoms were reported in six (35.3%) children. All children who were kiwifruit positive by SPT were found positive during the oral challenge. The confirmed prevalence of IgE‐mediated kiwifruit allergy by means of open OFC in 6–18‐year‐old urban schoolchildren living in Rize city was 0.10% (95% CI, 0.06–0.16).ConclusionPrevalence of parental‐perceived and clinically confirmed kiwifruit allergy is not consistent. In contrast to expectations, kiwifruit allergy prevalence was low in a city where it is cultivated and highly consumed.
The effect of ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on postoperative analgesia and neuroendocrine stress response in pediatric patients undergoing elective open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Abu Elyazed Mohamed M. , Mostafa Shaimaa F. , Abdullah Mohammad A. , Eid Gehan M. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBackgroundTransversus abdominis plane block (TAP) is a compartmental block of the anterior abdominal wall. Surgical trauma produces multisystem reactions. Anesthetic techniques can modify the neuroendocrine surgical stress response.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TAP block on the modification of the surgical neuroendocrine stress response as well as its analgesia effect in children undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.MethodSixty children aged 3–10 years undergoing elective unilateral open inguinal hernia repair were randomized into group I (general anesthesia) or group II (received TAP block after induction of general anesthesia). Serum cortisol, blood glucose, quality of analgesia, postoperative need for rescue analgesia, and complications and degree of satisfaction of the patients and their parents were assessed.ResultsSerum cortisol level was significantly lower in group II as compared to group I intraoperatively (17.73 ± 1.51 vs 21.80 ± 2.22 μg·dl−1) and 30 min postoperatively (15.03 ± 1.56 vs 18.30 ± 1.53 μg·dl−1). Blood glucose level was significantly lower in group II as compared to group I intraoperatively (107.57 ± 3.77 vs 115.40 ± 6.30 mg·dl−1) and 30 min postoperatively (104.13 ± 3.78 vs 110.73 ± 4.83 mg·dl−1). The quality of analgesia as indicated by CHEOPS and OPS scales was significantly better in group II. The consumption of postoperative rescue analgesia was significantly higher in group I as compared to group II (27.00 ± 9.97 vs 13.00 ± 9.43 mg·kg−1).ConclusionTAP block is effective as a part of multimodal analgesia for children undergoing open inguinal hernia repair with significant attenuation in the neuroendocrine stress response induced by surgery.
Revisiting acute normovolemic hemodilution and blood transfusion during pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sebastian Roby , Ratliff Todd , Winch Peter D. , Tumin Dmitry , Gomez Daniel , Tobias Joseph , Galantowicz Mark , Naguib Aymen N. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe majority of allogeneic transfusions occur in the perioperative setting, especially during cardiac surgery. In addition to the economic implications, there is emerging evidence that blood transfusion may increase both morbidity and mortality. Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) may limit the need for blood products.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to determine if the method of blood collection (syringe or bag) during the ANH process impacted the platelet count and function. The secondary objectives included the need for perioperative blood transfusions during the procedure and in the intensive care unit. In addition, we assessed these outcomes' associations with ANH parameters including the method of collection, time of storage, and volume removed.MethodsData were collected prospectively from 50 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass over a 6‐month period. Platelet count and function were measured for the ANH blood immediately after collection and again prior to transfusing to the patient at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Other data collected included ANH volume, length of storage, and the quantity of all blood products given throughout the perioperative period.ResultsNo change in platelet count or function was noted regardless of the length of time or collection method for the ANH blood. Twenty‐three patients received blood or blood products in the operating room or the intensive care unit, while 27 patients received no blood transfusion during their entire hospitalization. Higher ANH volume (ml·kg−1) and longer storage time were associated with a greater need for intraoperative transfusions.ConclusionAcute normovolemic hemodilution protects the platelets from the untoward effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and offers an important autologous blood product that improves hemostasis at the conclusion of surgery. Platelet count and function are preserved regardless of the method of collection or the length of storage. The volume of ANH removed appears to be an important determinant of blood product use and further understanding of the impact of this variable is a future direction of upcoming prospective research.
Overexpression of a tomato miR171 target gene SlGRAS24 impacts multiple agronomical traits via regulating gibberellin and auxin homeostasis
Authors: Huang Wei , Peng Shiyuan , Xian Zhiqiang , Lin Dongbo , Hu Guojian , Yang Lu , Ren Maozhi , Li Zhengguo 
Published: October 2016

SummaryIn Arabidopsis, the miR171‐GRAS module has been clarified as key player in meristem maintenance. However, the knowledge about its role in fruit crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains scarce. We previously identified tomato SlGRAS24 as a target gene of Sly‐miR171. To study the role of this probable transcription factor, we generated transgenic tomato plants underexpressing SlGRAS24, overexpressing SlGRAS24, overexpressing Sly‐miR171 and expressing β‐glucuronidase (GUS) under the SlGRAS24 promoter (proSlGRAS24‐GUS). Plants overexpressing SlGRAS24 (SlGRAS24‐OE) had pleiotropic phenotypes associated with multiple agronomical traits including plant height, flowering time, leaf architecture, lateral branch number, root length, fruit set and development. Many GA/auxin‐related genes were down‐regulated and altered responsiveness to exogenous IAA/NAA or GA3 application was observed in SlGRAS24‐OE seedlings. Moreover, compromised fruit set and development in SlGRAS24‐OE was also observed. These newly identified phenotypes for SlGRAS24 homologs in tomato were later proved to be caused by impaired pollen sacs and fewer viable pollen grains. At anthesis, the comparative transcriptome results showed altered expression of genes involved in pollen development and hormone signalling. Taken together, our data demonstrate that SlGRAS24 participates in a series of developmental processes through modulating gibberellin and auxin signalling, which sheds new light on the involvement of hormone crosstalk in tomato development.