bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic variability of Plasmopara halstedii infecting sunflower in the Czech Republic
Authors: Drábková Trojanová Z. , Sedlářová M. , Pospíchalová R. , Lebeda A. 
Published: May 2017

Plasmopara halstedii was isolated from diseased sunflowers collected from eight locations in the Czech Republic from 2007 to 2014. Races of the pathogen were determined based on 84 isolates collected during the study. In total, eight races of P. halstedii were detected using a set of nine sunflower differential lines. Races 700, 704, 705, 710, 714 and 715 were proven by soil drench inoculation, and two additional races (730 and 770) proposed by the previously applied leaf disc inoculation method. Race 700 was the most dominant in the Czech P. halstedii populations, with race 710 being the second most frequent. Races 704 and 714 were found over three seasons, while other races were recorded only in one growing season (race 730 in 2010, and the new races 705 and 715 in 2014). A comprehensive study was further conducted for isolates collected in 2013–14 using an extended differential set consisting of 15 sunflower lines. According to the latter methodology which marks races with five‐digit virulence codes, races 70060, 70471, 70571, 71060, 71461 and 71571 were recorded. The growing complexity of P. halstedii pathogenicity exhibited by the ability to infect higher numbers of differential genotypes and resulting in determination of the new pathogen races (virulence profiles) 70571, 71461 and 71571 is alarming. Although the limited number of isolates studied cannot characterize the entire pathogen diversity in the Czech Republic, the trend towards more diverse virulence in P. halstedii populations is clearly demonstrated by the new records of races 704, 705, 714 and 715, all capable of overcoming the resistance gene Pl6.
Regionalization of the stretch reflex in the human vastus medialis
Authors: Gallina Alessio , Blouin Jean‐Sébastien , Ivanova Tanya D. , Garland S. Jayne 
Published: May 2017

Key points
Regionalization of the stretch reflex, i.e. the notion that the activation of 1a afferents from a muscle region influences only the activation of motor units in the same region, has been demonstrated previously in animals but not in humans.
Mechanical stretches applied to regions of vastus medialis as close as 10 mm apart resulted in recruitment of motor units localized topographically with respect to the location of the mechanical stretch.
Stretch reflexes are regionalized in the human vastus medialis.
The human spinal cord has the neuromuscular circuitry to preferentially activate motoneurones innervating muscle fibres located in different regions of the vastus medialis.
AbstractThe localization of motor unit territories provides an anatomical basis to suggest that the CNS may have more independence in motor unit recruitment and control strategies than what was previously thought. In this study, we investigated whether the human spinal cord has the neuromuscular circuitry to independently activate motor units located in different regions of the vastus medialis. Mechanical taps were applied to multiple locations in the vastus medialis (VM) in nine healthy individuals. Regional responses within the muscle were observed using a grid of 5 × 13 surface EMG electrodes. The EMG amplitude was quantified for each channel, and a cluster of channels showing the largest activation was identified. The spatial location of the EMG response was quantified as the position of the channels in the cluster. In a subset of three participants, intramuscular recordings were performed simultaneously with the surface EMG recordings. Mechanical taps resulted in localized, discrete responses for each participant. The spatial location of the elicited responses was dependent on the location of the tap (P < 0.001). Recordings with intramuscular electrodes confirmed the regional activation of the VM for different tap locations. Selective stimulation of 1a afferents localized in a region of the VM results in reflex recruitment of motor units in the same region. These findings suggest that the human spinal cord has the neuromuscular circuitry to modulate spatially the motoneuronal output to vastus medialis regions, which is a neuroanatomical prerequisite for regional activation.
Longitudinal Associations Between Sedentary Behavior of Adolescent Girls, Their Mothers, and Best Friends
Authors: Raudsepp Lennart , Riso Eva-Maria 
Published: May 2017

Purpose:The objective of this study was to examine the prospective relationship and changes in sedentary behavior between adolescent girls, their mothers and best friends over time.Method:The results are based on 122 girls aged 11–12 years at baseline measurement, their mothers and best friends who completed ecological momentary assessment diary for the assessment of sedentary behavior. All measurements were taken at 3 time points separated by one year. We used structural equation modeling to examine associations among sedentary behavior of adolescent girls, their mothers and best friends.Results:A linear growth model for adolescent girls’ and their best friends’ sedentary behavior fit the data well, revealing an overall significant increase in sedentary behavior across time. Initial levels of mothers’ and best friends’ sedentary behavior were positively related with sedentary behavior of adolescent girls. The changes of adolescent girls’ and best friends’ sedentary behavior across 3 years were positively related. Cross-lagged panel analysis demonstrated significant reciprocal effects between adolescent girls’ and best friends’ sedentary behavior. Mothers’ sedentary behavior at baseline predicted daughters’ sedentary behavior at 1-year follow-up and vice versa.Conclusion:From early to midadolescence, changes in adolescent girls’ sedentary behavior were associated with changes in best friends’ sedentary behavior. These findings suggest reciprocal associations between sedentary behavior of adolescent girls and their best friends.
The Etest Performed Directly on Blood Culture Bottles Is a Reliable Tool for Detection of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Isolates
Authors: Escribano Pilar , Marcos-Zambrano Laura Judith , Gómez Ana , Sánchez Carlos , Martínez-Jiménez M. Carmen , Bouza Emilio , Guinea Jesús 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

We assessed the ability of the Etest performed directly on positive blood cultures (ET
DIR
) to detect fluconazole susceptibility in 6 fluconazole-resistant and 12 fluconazole-susceptible
Candida albicans
isolates, according to CLSI M27-A3 and EUCAST EDef 7.2 procedures. Categorical agreement between ET
DIR
and broth microdilution was 100% when the trays were incubated at 25°C and trailing effect was ruled out. ET
DIR
is a reliable procedure when screening for the presence of fluconazole resistance in
C. albicans
.
New Aspects of the Interplay between Penicillin Binding Proteins,
murM
, and the Two-Component System CiaRH of Penicillin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19A Isolates from Hungary
Authors: Schweizer Inga , Blättner Sebastian , Maurer Patrick , Peters Katharina , Vollmer Daniela , Vollmer Waldemar , Hakenbeck Regine , Denapaite Dalia 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The
Streptococcus pneumoniae
clone Hungary
19A
-6 expresses unusually high levels of β-lactam resistance, which is in part due to mutations in the MurM gene, encoding a transferase involved in the synthesis of branched peptidoglycan. Moreover, it contains the allele
ciaH232
, encoding the histidine kinase CiaH (M. Müller, P. Marx, R. Hakenbeck, and R. Brückner, Microbiology 157:3104–3112, 2011,
https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.053157-0
). High-level penicillin resistance primarily requires the presence of low-affinity (mosaic) penicillin binding protein (PBP) genes, as, for example, in strain Hu17, a closely related member of the Hungary
19A
-6 lineage. Interestingly, strain Hu15 is β-lactam sensitive due to the absence of mosaic PBPs. This unique situation prompted us to investigate the development of cefotaxime resistance in transformation experiments with genes known to play a role in this phenotype,
pbp2x
,
pbp1a
,
murM
, and
ciaH
, and penicillin-sensitive recipient strains R6 and Hu15. Characterization of phenotypes, peptidoglycan composition, and CiaR-mediated gene expression revealed several novel aspects of penicillin resistance. The
murM
gene of strain Hu17 (
murM
Hu17
), which is highly similar to
murM
of
Streptococcus mitis
, induced morphological changes which were partly reversed by
ciaH232. murM
Hu17
conferred cefotaxime resistance only in the presence of the
pbp2x o
f strain Hu17 (
pbp2x
Hu17
). The
ciaH232
allele contributed to a remarkable increase in cefotaxime resistance in combination with
pbp2x
Hu17
and
pbp1a
of strain Hu17 (
pbp1a
Hu17
), accompanied by higher levels of expression of CiaR-regulated genes, documenting that
ciaH232
responds to PBP1a
Hu17
-mediated changes in cell wall synthesis. Most importantly, the proportion of branched peptides relative to the proportion of linear muropeptides increased in cells containing mosaic PBPs, suggesting an altered enzymatic activity of these proteins.
Multicenter Study of Outcomes with Ceftazidime-Avibactam in Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections
Authors: King Madeline , Heil Emily , Kuriakose Safia , Bias Tiffany , Huang Vanthida , El-Beyrouty Claudine , McCoy Dorothy , Hiles Jon , Richards Lynette , Gardner Julianne , Harrington Nicole , Biason Kenneth , Gallagher Jason C. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Ceftazidime-avibactam is a novel cephalosporin–beta-lactamase inhibitor combination that is active against many carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE). We describe a retrospective chart review for 60 patients who received ceftazidime-avibactam for a CRE infection. In-hospital mortality was 32%, 53% of patients had microbiological cure, and 65% had clinical success. In this severely ill population with CRE infections, ceftazidime-avibactam was an appropriate option.
Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from U.S. Hospitals: Report from the PACTS Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, 2012 to 2015
Authors: Shortridge Dee , Castanheira Mariana , Pfaller Michael A. , Flamm Robert K. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam was compared to the activities of 7 antimicrobials against 3,851
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates collected from 32 U.S. hospitals in the Program to Assess Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Susceptibility from 2012 to 2015. Ceftolozane-tazobactam and comparator susceptibilities were determined using the CLSI broth microdilution method at a central monitoring laboratory. For ceftolozane-tazobactam, 97.0% of the isolates were susceptible. Susceptibilities of the other antibacterials tested were: amikacin, 96.9%; cefepime, 85.9%; ceftazidime, 85.1%; colistin, 99.2%; levofloxacin, 76.6%; meropenem, 81.8%; and piperacillin-tazobactam, 80.4%. Of the 699 (18.1%) meropenem-nonsusceptible
P. aeruginosa
isolates, 87.6% were susceptible to ceftolozane-tazobactam. Six hundred seven isolates (15.8%) were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), and 363 (9.4%) were classified as extensively drug resistant (XDR). Only 1 isolate was considered pandrug resistant, which was resistant to all tested agents, including colistin. Of the 607 MDR isolates, 84.9% were ceftolozane-tazobactam susceptible, and 76.9% of XDR isolates were ceftolozane-tazobactam susceptible.
In vitro
activity against drug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
indicates ceftolozane-tazobactam may be an important agent in treating serious bacterial infections.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Mincle Cooperatively Sense Corynebacterial Cell Wall Glycolipids
Authors: Schick Judith , Etschel Philipp , Bailo Rebeca , Ott Lisa , Bhatt Apoorva , Lepenies Bernd , Kirschning Carsten , Burkovski Andreas , Lang Roland 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTNontoxigenicCorynebacterium diphtheriaeandCorynebacterium ulceranscause invasive disease in humans and animals. Host sensing of corynebacteria is largely uncharacterized, albeit the recognition of lipoglycans by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) appears to be important for macrophage activation by corynebacteria. The members of the orderCorynebacterineae(e.g., mycobacteria, nocardia, and rhodococci) share a glycolipid-rich cell wall dominated by mycolic acids (termed corynomycolic acids in corynebacteria). The mycolic acid-containing cord factor of mycobacteria, trehalose dimycolate, activates the C-type lectin receptor (CLR) Mincle. Here, we show that glycolipid extracts from the cell walls of several pathogenic and nonpathogenicCorynebacteriumstrains directly bound to recombinant Minclein vitro. Macrophages deficient in Mincle or its adapter protein Fc receptor gamma chain (FcRγ) produced severely reduced amounts of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and of nitric oxide (NO) upon challenge with corynebacterial glycolipids. Consistently, cell wall extracts of a particularC. diphtheriaestrain (DSM43989) lacking mycolic acid esters neither bound Mincle nor activated macrophages. Furthermore, TLR2 but not TLR4 was critical for sensing of cell wall extracts and whole corynebacteria. The upregulation of Mincle expression upon encountering corynebacteria required TLR2. Thus, macrophage activation by the corynebacterial cell wall relies on TLR2-driven robust Mincle expression and the cooperative action of both receptors.
Association of Metal Homeostasis and (p)ppGpp Regulation in the Pathophysiology of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Colomer-Winter C. , Gaca A. O. , Lemos J. A. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

In
Enterococcus faecalis
, the regulatory nucleotides pppGpp and ppGpp, collectively, (p)ppGpp, are required for growth in blood, survival within macrophages, and virulence. However, a clear understanding of how (p)ppGpp promotes virulence in
E. faecalis
and other bacterial pathogens is still lacking. In the host, the essential transition metals iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are not readily available to invading pathogens because of a host-driven process called nutritional immunity. Considering its central role in adaptation to nutritional stresses, we hypothesized that (p)ppGpp mediates
E. faecalis
virulence through regulation of metal homeostasis. Indeed, supplementation of serum with either Fe or Mn restored growth and survival of the Δ
rel
Δ
relQ
[(p)ppGpp
0
] strain to wild-type levels. Using a chemically defined medium, we found that (p)ppGpp accumulates in response to either Fe depletion or Mn depletion and that the (p)ppGpp
0
strain has a strong growth requirement for Mn that is alleviated by Fe supplementation. Although inactivation of the nutrient-sensing regulator
codY
restored some phenotypes of the (p)ppGpp
0
strain, transcriptional analysis showed that the (p)ppGpp/CodY network does not promote transcription of known metal transporters. Interestingly, physiologic and enzymatic investigations suggest that the (p)ppGpp
0
strain requires higher levels of Mn in order to cope with high levels of endogenously produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because (p)ppGpp mediates antibiotic persistence and virulence in several bacteria, our findings have broad implications and provide new leads for the development of novel therapeutic and preventive strategies against
E. faecalis
and beyond.
Quorum Sensing Gene Regulation by LuxR/HapR Master Regulators in Vibrios
Authors: Ball Alyssa S. , Chaparian Ryan R. , van Kessel Julia C. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The coordination of group behaviors in bacteria is accomplished via the cell-cell signaling process called quorum sensing. Vibrios have historically been models for studying bacterial communication due to the diverse and remarkable behaviors controlled by quorum sensing in these bacteria, including bioluminescence, type III and type VI secretion, biofilm formation, and motility. Here, we discuss the
Vibrio
LuxR/HapR family of proteins, the master global transcription factors that direct downstream gene expression in response to changes in cell density. These proteins are structurally similar to TetR transcription factors but exhibit distinct biochemical and genetic features from TetR that determine their regulatory influence on the quorum sensing gene network. We review here the gene groups regulated by LuxR/HapR and quorum sensing and explore the targets that are common and unique among
Vibrio
species.
Approach to investigation and treatment of persistent symptoms following sport-related concussion: a systematic review
Authors: Makdissi Michael , Schneider Kathryn J , Feddermann-Demont Nina , Guskiewicz Kevin M , Hinds Sidney , Leddy John J , McCrea Michael , Turner Michael , Johnston Karen M 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding assessment and treatment modalities in patients with persistent symptoms following sport-related concussion (SRC).Data sourcesWe searched Medline, Embase, SPORTSDiscus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane library and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global electronic databases.Study eligibility criteriaStudies were included if they were original research, reported on SRC as the primary source of injury, included patients with persistent postconcussive symptoms (>10 days) and investigated the role of assessment or treatment modalities.ResultsOf 3225 articles identified in the preliminary search, 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. 11 articles were concerned with assessment and 14 articles with treatment of persistent symptoms following SRC. There were three randomised control trials and one quasi-experimental study. The remainder consisting of cross-sectional studies, historical cohorts and case series.Summary‘Persistent symptoms’ following SRC can be defined as clinical recovery that falls outside expected time frames (ie, >10–14 days in adults and >4 weeks in children). It does not reflect a single pathophysiological entity, but describes a constellation of non-specific post-traumatic symptoms that may be linked to coexisting and/or confounding pathologies. A detailed multimodal clinical assessment is required to identify specific primary and secondary processes, and treatment should target specific pathologies identified. There is preliminary evidence supporting the use of symptom-limited aerobic exercise, targeted physical therapy and a collaborative approach that includes cognitive behavioural therapy. Management of patients with persistent symptoms is challenging and should occur in a multidisciplinary collaborative setting, with healthcare providers with experience in SRC.
Application of minimal important differences in degenerative knee disease outcomes: a systematic review and case study to informBMJRapid Recommendations
Authors: Devji Tahira , Guyatt Gordon H , Lytvyn Lyubov , Brignardello-Petersen Romina , Foroutan Farid , Sadeghirad Behnam , Buchbinder Rachelle , Poolman Rudolf W , Harris Ian A , Carrasco-Labra Alonso , Siemieniuk Reed A C , Vandvik Per O 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo identify the most credible anchor-based minimal important differences (MIDs) for patient important outcomes in patients with degenerative knee disease, and to informBMJRapid Recommendations for arthroscopic surgery versus conservative managementDesignSystematic review.Outcome measuresEstimates of anchor-based MIDs, and their credibility, for knee symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO.Eligibility criteriaWe included original studies documenting the development of anchor-based MIDs for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) reported in randomised controlled trials included in the linked systematic review and meta-analysis and judged by the parallelBMJRapid Recommendations panel as critically important for informing their recommendation: measures of pain, function and HRQoL.Results13 studies reported 95 empirically estimated anchor-based MIDs for 8 PRO instruments and/or their subdomains that measure knee pain, function or HRQoL. All studies used a transition rating (global rating of change) as the anchor to ascertain the MID. Among PROs with more than 1 estimated MID, we found wide variation in MID values. Many studies suffered from serious methodological limitations. We identified the following most credible MIDs: Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; pain: 12, function: 13), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS; pain: 12, activities of daily living: 8) and EuroQol five dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D; 0.15).ConclusionsWe were able to distinguish between more and less credible MID estimates and provide best estimates for key instruments that informed evidence presentation in the associated systematic review and judgements made by the Rapid Recommendation panel.Trial registration numberCRD42016047912.
Alcohol identification and intervention in English emergency departments
Authors: Patton Robert , Green Ghiselle 
Published: May 2017

AimsIn the ED, alcohol identification and brief advice is an effective method of reducing consumption and related harms. Our objective was to conduct a national survey of English EDs to determine current practice regarding alcohol identification and provision of brief advice and to compare changes in activity to a previous National Survey conducted in 2011.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of all consultant-led EDs in England.ResultsOf 180 departments, 147 (81.6%) responded. All departments may question adult patients about their alcohol consumption, with many (63.6%) asking all patients aged over 18 years as part routine care and using a formal screening tool (61.4%). The majority of departments asked young people (aged 11–17 years) about their consumption (83.8%), but only 11.6% did so as a part of routine practice. Compared with the 2011 survey, there have been significant increases in routine screening among adults (15.9%, CI 4.16% to 27.18%; p=0.006), general practitioners being informed about patients’alcohol-related presentations (10.2%, CI 0.64% to 19.58%; p=0.028) and access to an alcohol health worker or a clinical nurse specialist (13.4%, CI 3.64% to 22.91%, p=0.005). Modest (non-significant) changes were also found in access to training on brief advice (9.7%) and the use of formal screening questions on adult patients (9.7%).ConclusionAlcohol screening together with referral or intervention is becoming part of routine practice in England. Compared with our previous national survey, increases in alcohol screening and intervention activity are demonstrated, with improvements in routine questioning (among adults), the number of general practitioners being informed about alcohol-related attendances, provision of training, access to specialist services and the use of formal screening tools.
The influence of LED lighting on task accuracy: time of day, gender and myopia effects
Authors: Rao Feng , Chan A. H. S. , Zhu Xi-Fang 
Published: May 2017

In this research, task errors were obtained during performance of a marker location task in which the markers were shown on a computer screen under nine LED lighting conditions; three illuminances (100, 300 and 500 lx) and three color temperatures (3000, 4500 and 6500 K). A total of 47 students participated voluntarily in these tasks. The results showed that task errors in the morning were small and nearly constant across the nine lighting conditions. However in the afternoon, the task errors were significantly larger and varied across lighting conditions. The largest errors for the afternoon session occurred when the color temperature was 4500 K and illuminance 500 lx. There were significant differences between task errors in the morning and afternoon sessions. No significant difference between females and males was found. Task errors for high myopia students were significantly larger than for the low myopia students under the same lighting conditions. In summary, the influence of LED lighting on task accuracy during office hours was not gender dependent, but was time of day and myopia dependent.