bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential behaviour of sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in tolerant and susceptible rice varieties before and during infection
Authors: Basu A. , Chowdhury S. , Ray Chaudhuri T. , Kundu S. 
Published: January 2016

This study characterized the early infection and establishment of the sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani on a tolerant rice variety, Swarnadhaan (IET 5656), and a susceptible variety, Swarna (MTU 7029). Assays using whole plants showed that disease severity was higher in Swarna than Swarnadhaan. In a detached leaf assay, Swarnadhaan showed a disease index that was 50% less than that with Swarna. Rhizoctonia solani exhibited different growth behaviour in the tolerant and susceptible varieties. The pathogen showed more hyphal growth in the susceptible host than in the tolerant variety. It also showed profuse branching, making intimate contact with the host surface to form more inter‐ and intracellular structures, and greater sclerotial development in the susceptible host compared to the tolerant one. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, it was observed for the first time that the pathogen could intercept host surface structures and use these for anchorage or penetration. Transformed R. solani, expressing green fluorescent protein, was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy to investigate pathogen behaviour, including the formation of infection cushions and subsequent colonization of the host tissues. This is the first ultrastructural report to characterize the differential behaviour of the sheath blight pathogen in the vicinity and within tolerant and susceptible rice plants.
Direct‐Acting Antiviral Agents for the Hepatitis C Virus‐Infected Chronic Kidney Disease Population: The Dawn of a New Era
Authors: Kusnir Juan , Roth David 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe introduction of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents with cure rates of >90% has changed the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in dramatic fashion. An extensive literature has documented the efficacy of these agents in the general population; however, patients with chronic kidney disease have been largely excluded from these trials. Recently published studies conducted in patients with chronic kidney disease are now demonstrating that the DAAs will also offer safe and effective therapy for the HCV‐infected patient with CKD as well. As effective treatment protocols are offered to larger numbers of HCV‐infected CKD patients, the decision regarding when is the most opportune time to treat, especially for the patient being considered for kidney transplantation will become of greater significance. Nephrologists will need to take a lead in these clinical decisions as obtaining a sustained viral response prior to transplant will effectively eliminate the patient as a candidate to receive a kidney from a hepatitis C virus‐positive donor and the benefit of the shorter waiting times accompanying this strategy.
From My Place: Teaching the Holocaust and Judaism at the University of Mississippi Fifty‐Three Years after James Meredith
Authors: Johnson Willa M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis essay explores classroom dynamics when students identify and connect their own painful experiences to structural racism or ethnocentrism exhibited in the Holocaust or parts of Jewish history. The intrusion of this proximal knowledge can be an obstacle to student learning. If engaged by professors, however, I argue that proximal knowledge can be a catalyst that promotes learning. Social scientific theory provides a useful lens for helping students to better grasp and contextualize both their old experiences and the new materials that are being taught in the course within the larger structural frames of race, religion, and ethnicity that they have selected, but may not fully appreciate. Reflective guided journaling is an essential part of the learning experience.
Forum: Crafting the Introductory Course in Religious Studies
Authors: McCutcheon Russell T. , Hollander Aaron T. , Durdin Andrew F. , Gardner Kelli A. , Miller Adam T. , Crews Emily D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis series of short essays considers the complex choices and decision‐making processes of instructors preparing to teach, and continuing to teach, introductory courses in religious studies. In a paper originally presented in theUniversity ofChicago's “TheCraft ofTeaching in theAcademicStudy ofReligion” series,RussellMcCutcheon explores a “baker's dozen” of such choices and the larger pedagogical problems with which they are entwined, ranging from classic questions of skill development and content coverage to philosophical concerns around students' identification with their topics of study and institutional concerns around governance and assessment. AaronHollander provides a brief introduction and four doctoral students at theUniversity ofChicagoDivinitySchool respond toMcCutcheon's essay, widening its scope, testing its applicability, and interrogating its undergirding suppositions from the perspective of early‐career educators in the field.
Donation frequency and its association with demographic characteristics – a 1‐year observational study
Authors: Ou Y. , Yau K. K. W. , Poon C. M. , Hui Y. V. , Lee S. S. , Lee C. K. 
Published: January 2016

SUMMARYObjectiveThe aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of frequent blood donors' characteristics and devise strategies to achieve an optimal blood inventory.BackgroundApart from donor recruitment and retention, an effective way to increase blood supply is to increase the donation frequency among donors. Understanding the characteristics of frequent donors will be helpful to impact their future donation pattern, which would in turn achieve a stable and adequate blood inventory to meet the changing demands of the society.Methods and materialsDemographic information of blood donors for each donation in Hong Kong (HK) was routinely collected and stored in the database of Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. Logistic regression models (by gender group) with interaction effects were constructed to analyse the differences in the likelihood of being frequent donors and the associations with their demographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 158 666 blood donors in 2010 gave 227 634 donations during the study. In general, male donors were more likely to be frequent donors. Logistic regression models further identified the characteristics of frequent donors in HK: older, blood type Rh D−ve and repeat donors, although their extent of impact was different for different gender group.ConclusionTo achieve an optimal blood inventory to meet the challenge of ageing in the society, donors who donate less often should be targeted to increase their donation frequency. More efforts in promotion should be made to recruit those non‐donors to join the blood donation pool and motivate ‘targeted’ existing donors in the population to participate blood donation more regularly.
Prevalence and correlates of diabetes mellitus in Uganda: a population‐based national survey
Authors: Bahendeka Silver , Wesonga Ronald , Mutungi Gerald , Muwonge James , Neema Stella , Guwatudde David 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe analysed fasting blood glucose (FBG) and other data collected as part of a population‐based nationwide non‐communicable disease risk factor survey, to estimate the prevalence of impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and diabetes mellitus and to identify associated factors in Uganda.MethodsThe nationwide cross‐sectional survey was conducted between April and July 2014. Participants were adults aged 18–69 years. A multistage stratified sample design was used to produce a national representative sample. Fasting capillary glucose was measured to estimate glycaemia. Data were managed with WHO e‐STEPs software and Epi Info. Stata® survey procedures were used to account for the sampling design, and sampling weights were used to account for differential probability of selection between strata.ResultsOf the 3689 participants, 1467 (39.8%) were males, and 2713 (73.5%) resided in the rural areas. The mean age was 35.1 years (standard deviation = 12.6) for males and 35.8 years (13.2) for females. The overall prevalence of IFG was 2.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–2.5%), whereas that of diabetes mellitus was 1.4% (95% CI 0.9–1.9%). The prevalence of IFG was 2.1% (95% CI 1.3–2.9%) among males and 1.9% (95% CI 1.3–2.6%) among females, whereas that of diabetes mellitus was 1.6% (95% CI 0.8–2.6%) and 1.1% (95% CI 0.6–1.7%), respectively. The prevalence of IFG was 2.6% (95% CI 1.4–3.8%) among urban and 1.9% (95% CI 1.3–2.4%) among rural residents, whereas that of diabetes mellitus was 2.7% (95% CI 1.4–4.1) and 1.0% (95% 0.5–1.6%), respectively. The majority of participants identified with hyperglycaemia (90.5% IFG and 48.9% diabetes) were not aware of their hyperglycaemic status. Factors associated with IFG were region of residence, body mass index and total cholesterol; factors associated with diabetes mellitus were age, sex, household floor finish and abdominal obesity.ConclusionThe prevalence of IFG and of diabetes mellitus is low in the Ugandan population, providing an opportunity for the prevention of diabetes. The majority of persons with hyperglycaemia were not aware of their hyperglycaemic status, which implies a likelihood of presenting late with complications.
Characterizing the Role of Animal Exposures in Cryptosporidiosis and Shiga Toxin‐producing Escherichia coli Infections: South Dakota, 2012
Authors: Daly R. F. , Hill N. T. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCryptosporidium spp. and Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli strains (STEC) are important causes of human illness. Incidence rates of these illnesses are high in South Dakota compared to the USA as a whole. Direct animal contact has been identified as a possible route of exposure for these illnesses. Ruminant animals may carry STEC subclinically, while young ruminants are common sources of zoonotic strains of Cryptosporidium. South Dakota patients with either STEC or cryptosporidiosis during 2012 were interviewed regarding seven categories of animal exposure: (i) petting zoo/fair attendance, (ii) animal event/rodeo attendance, (iii) feed/pet store visits, (iv) farm visits, (v) employment or residence at a farm, (vi) residence with pets and (vii) visiting other households with pets. Of the 50 STEC cases, 78.0% reported animal exposure prior to illness onset, with 23.3% having lived or worked on a farm. Farm visitors in particular had high degrees of animal contact and infrequently practiced personal protective measures. Of the 115 cryptosporidiosis cases, 87.8% reported animal exposures, with 45.6% having lived or worked on a farm and 29.0% having visited a farm prior to illness. Cases with farm exposures reported a high degree of direct animal contact and inconsistent use of personal protective measures. Cryptosporidiosis patients were significantly more likely than STEC patients to have lived or worked on a farm prior to their illness and were older on average. Patients with these illnesses had high rates of animal contact prior to illness. Animal contact on farms emerged as an important exposure route. Educational messages about personal protective measures should be directed at these individuals.
Single CA3 pyramidal cells trigger sharp waves in vitro by exciting interneurones
Authors: Bazelot Michaël , Teleńczuk Maria T. , Miles Richard 
Published: January 2016

Key points
The CA3 hippocampal region generates sharp waves (SPW), a population activity associated with neuronal representations. The synaptic mechanisms responsible for the generation of these events still require clarification.
Using slices maintained in an interface chamber, we found that the firing of single CA3 pyramidal cells triggers SPW like events at short latencies, similar to those for the induction of firing in interneurons.
Multi‐electrode records from the CA3 stratum pyramidale showed that pyramidal cells triggered events consisting of putative interneuron spikes followed by field IPSPs. SPW fields consisted of a repetition of these events at intervals of 4–8 ms. Although many properties of induced and spontaneous SPWs were similar, the triggered events tended to be initiated close to the stimulated cell.
These data show that the initiation of SPWs in vitro is mediated via pyramidal cell synapses that excite interneurons. They do not indicate why interneuron firing is repeated during a SPW.
AbstractSharp waves (SPWs) are a hippocampal population activity that has been linked to neuronal representations. We show that SPWs in the CA3 region of rat hippocampal slices can be triggered by the firing of single pyramidal cells. Single action potentials in almost one‐third of pyramidal cells initiated SPWs at latencies of 2–5 ms with probabilities of 0.07–0.76. Initiating pyramidal cells evoked field IPSPs (fIPSPs) at similar latencies when SPWs were not initiated. Similar spatial profiles for fIPSPs and middle components of SPWs suggested that SPW fields reflect repeated fIPSPs. Multiple extracellular records showed that the initiated SPWs tended to start near the stimulated pyramidal cell, whereas spontaneous SPWs could emerge at multiple sites. Single pyramidal cells could initiate two to six field IPSPs with distinct amplitude distributions, typically preceeded by a short‐duration extracellular action potential. Comparison of these initiated fields with spontaneously occurring inhibitory field motifs allowed us to identify firing in different interneurones during the spread of SPWs. Propagation away from an initiating pyramidal cell was typically associated with the recruitment of interneurones and field IPSPs that were not activated by the stimulated pyramidal cell. SPW fields initiated by single cells were less variable than spontaneous events, suggesting that more stereotyped neuronal ensembles were activated, although neither the spatial profiles of fields, nor the identities of interneurone firing were identical for initiated events. The effects of single pyramidal cell on network events are thus mediated by different sequences of interneurone firing.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Colistin Methanesulfonate and Colistin in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Renal Failure Requiring Intermittent Hemodialysis
Authors: Jacobs M. , Grégoire N. , Mégarbane B. , Gobin P. , Balayn D. , Marchand S. , Mimoz O. , Couet W. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Colistin is increasingly used as a last option for the treatment of severe infections due to Gram-negative bacteria in critically ill patients requiring intermittent hemodialysis (HD) for acute renal failure. Our objective was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of colistin and its prodrug colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) in this population and to suggest dosing regimen recommendations. Eight intensive care unit (ICU) patients who were under intermittent HD and who were treated by CMS (Colimycine) were included. Blood samples were collected between two consecutive HD sessions. CMS and colistin concentrations were measured by a specific chromatographic assay and were analyzed using a PK population approach (Monolix software). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to predict the probability of target attainment (PTA). CMS nonrenal clearance was increased in ICU-HD patients. Compared with that of ICU patients included in the same clinical trial but with preserved renal function, colistin exposure was increased by 3-fold in ICU-HD patients. This is probably because a greater fraction of the CMS converted into colistin. To maintain colistin plasma concentrations high enough (>3 mg/liter) for high PTA values (area under the concentration-time curve for the free, unbound fraction of a drug [
f
AUC]/MIC of >10 and
f
AUC/MIC of >50 for systemic and lung infections, respectively), at least for MICs lower than 1.5 mg/liter (nonpulmonary infection) or 0.5 mg/liter (pulmonary infection), the dosing regimen of CMS should be 1.5 million international units (MIU) twice daily on non-HD days. HD should be conducted at the end of a dosing interval, and a supplemental dose of 1.5 MIU should be administered after the HD session (i.e., total of 4.5 MIU for HD days). This study has confirmed and complemented previously published data and suggests an
a priori
clear and easy to follow dosing strategy for CMS in ICU-HD patients.
Novel Polyanions Inhibiting Replication of Influenza Viruses
Authors: Ciejka Justyna , Milewska Aleksandra , Wytrwal Magdalena , Wojarski Jacek , Golda Anna , Ochman Marek , Nowakowska Maria , Szczubialka Krzysztof , Pyrc Krzysztof 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Novel sulfonated derivatives of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (NSPAHs) and N-sulfonated chitosan (NSCH) have been synthesized, and their activity against influenza A and B viruses has been studied and compared with that of a series of carrageenans, marine polysaccharides of well-documented anti-influenza activity. NSPAHs were found to be nontoxic and very soluble in water, in contrast to gel-forming and thus generally poorly soluble carrageenans.
In vitro
and
ex vivo
studies using susceptible cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells and fully differentiated human airway epithelial cultures) demonstrated the antiviral effectiveness of NSPAHs. The activity of NSPAHs was proportional to the molecular mass of the chain and the degree of substitution of amino groups with sulfonate groups. Mechanistic studies showed that the NSPAHs and carrageenans inhibit influenza A and B virus assembly in the cell.
Complete Sequences of Multidrug Resistance Plasmids Bearing
rmtD1
and
rmtD2
16S rRNA Methyltransferase Genes
Authors: Bueno Maria Fernanda C. , Francisco Gabriela R. , de Oliveira Garcia Doroti , Doi Yohei 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Complete nucleotide sequences were determined for two plasmids bearing
rmtD
group 16S rRNA methyltransferase genes. pKp64/11 was 78 kb in size, belonged to the IncL/M group, and harbored
bla
TEM-1b
,
sul1
,
qacE
Δ
1
,
dfrA22
, and
rmtD1
across two multidrug resistance regions (MRRs). pKp368/10 was 170 kb in size, belonged to the IncA/C group, and harbored
acrB
,
sul1
,
qacE
Δ
1
,
ant(3″)-Ia
,
aac(6′)-Ib
,
cat
,
rmtD2
, and
bla
CTX-M-8
across three MRRs. The
rmtD
-containing regions shared a conserved motif, suggesting a common origin for the two
rmtD
alleles.
Boronic Acid Transition State Inhibitors Active against KPC and Other Class A β-Lactamases: Structure-Activity Relationships as a Guide to Inhibitor Design
Authors: Rojas Laura J. , Taracila Magdalena A. , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Bethel Christopher R. , Caselli Emilia , Romagnoli Chiara , Winkler Marisa L. , Spellberg Brad , Prati Fabio , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Boronic acid transition state inhibitors (BATSIs) are competitive, reversible β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs). In this study, a series of BATSIs with selectively modified regions (R1, R2, and amide group) were strategically designed and tested against representative class A β-lactamases of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, KPC-2 and SHV-1. Firstly, the R1 group of compounds 1a to 1c and 2a to 2e mimicked the side chain of cephalothin, whereas for compounds 3a to 3c, 4a, and 4b, the thiophene ring was replaced by a phenyl, typical of benzylpenicillin. Secondly, variations in the R2 groups which included substituted aryl side chains (compounds 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 3b, and 3c) and triazole groups (compounds 2a to 2e) were chosen to mimic the thiazolidine and dihydrothiazine ring of penicillins and cephalosporins, respectively. Thirdly, the amide backbone of the BATSI, which corresponds to the amide at C-6 or C-7 of β-lactams, was also changed to the following bioisosteric groups: urea (compound 3b), thiourea (compound 3c), and sulfonamide (compounds 4a and 4b). Among the compounds that inhibited KPC-2 and SHV-1 β-lactamases, nine possessed 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) of ≤600 nM. The most active compounds contained the thiopheneacetyl group at R1 and for the chiral BATSIs, a carboxy- or hydroxy-substituted aryl group at R2. The most active sulfonamido derivative, compound 4b, lacked an R2 group. Compound 2b (S02030) was the most active, with acylation rates (
k
2
/
K
) of 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10
4
M
−1
s
−1
for KPC-2 and 4.7 ± 0.6 × 10
3
M
−1
s
−1
for SHV-1, and demonstrated antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli
DH10B carrying
bla
SHV
variants and
bla
KPC-2
or
bla
KPC-3
and against clinical strains of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
E. coli
producing different class A β-lactamase genes. At most, MICs decreased from 16 to 0.5 mg/liter.
Crystal Structures of KPC-2 and SHV-1 β-Lactamases in Complex with the Boronic Acid Transition State Analog S02030
Authors: Nguyen Nhu Q. , Krishnan Nikhil P. , Rojas Laura J. , Prati Fabio , Caselli Emilia , Romagnoli Chiara , Bonomo Robert A. , van den Akker Focco 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems has rendered certain strains of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
the most problematic pathogens infecting patients in the hospital and community. This broad-spectrum resistance to β-lactamases emerges in part via the expression of KPC-2 and SHV-1 β-lactamases and variants thereof. KPC-2 carbapenemase is particularly worrisome, as the genetic determinant encoding this β-lactamase is rapidly spread via plasmids. Moreover, KPC-2, a class A enzyme, is difficult to inhibit with mechanism-based inactivators (e.g., clavulanate). In order to develop new β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) to add to the limited available armamentarium that can inhibit KPC-2, we have structurally probed the boronic acid transition state analog S02030 for its inhibition of KPC-2 and SHV-1. S02030 contains a boronic acid, a thiophene, and a carboxyl triazole moiety. We present here the 1.54- and 1.87-Å resolution crystal structures of S02030 bound to SHV-1 and KPC-2 β-lactamases, respectively, as well as a comparative analysis of the S02030 binding modes, including a previously determined S02030 class C ADC-7 β-lactamase complex. S02030 is able to inhibit vastly different serine β-lactamases by interacting with the conserved features of these active sites, which includes (i) forming the bond with catalytic serine via the boron atom, (ii) positioning one of the boronic acid oxygens in the oxyanion hole, and (iii) utilizing its amide moiety to make conserved interactions across the width of the active site. In addition, S02030 is able to overcome more distantly located structural differences between the β-lactamases. This unique feature is achieved by repositioning the more polar carboxyl-triazole moiety, generated by click chemistry, to create polar interactions as well as reorient the more hydrophobic thiophene moiety. The former is aided by the unusual polar nature of the triazole ring, allowing it to potentially form a unique C—H…O 2.9-Å hydrogen bond with S130 in KPC-2.