bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stoichiometry of natural bacterial assemblages from lakes located across an elevational gradient
Authors: Stenzel Birgit , Rofner Carina , Pérez Maria Teresa , Sommaruga Ruben 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHeterotrophic bacteria are thought to be phosphorus-rich organisms with relatively homeostatic stoichiometry, but the elemental composition of natural bacterial communities has rarely been assessed. Here we tested whether bacterial stoichiometry changes with the trophic status of lakes by assessing the elemental composition of the bacterial-dominated (hereafter microbial) fraction together with that of the dissolved and seston fractions in 11 lakes situated along an elevational gradient. The stoichiometry of these three size-fractions was analyzed during the thermal stratification and mixing periods in composite water samples and in the water layer of the deep chlorophyll-a maximum. In addition, we analyzed the relative abundance of the most common bacterial groups in the lakes. Our results show that the microbial fraction was always enriched in phosphorus compared to the dissolved fraction, irrespectively of the lake trophic status. Further, they indicate that the elemental composition of bacteria in mountain lakes is at least seasonally very dynamic, resulting not only from changes in the nutrient ratios of the resource itself, but probably from changes in the composition of the dominant bacterial taxa too, though at the taxonomic level analyzed, we did not find evidence for this.
Shift of large-scale atmospheric systems over Europe during late MIS 3 and implications for Modern Human dispersal
Authors: Obreht Igor , Hambach Ulrich , Veres Daniel , Zeeden Christian , Bösken Janina , Stevens Thomas , Marković Slobodan B. , Klasen Nicole , Brill Dominik , Burow Christoph , Lehmkuhl Frank 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the past dynamics of large-scale atmospheric systems is crucial for our knowledge of the palaeoclimate conditions in Europe. Southeastern Europe currently lies at the border between Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental climate zones. Past changes in the relative influence of associated atmospheric systems must have been recorded in the region’s palaeoarchives. By comparing high-resolution grain-size, environmental magnetic and geochemical data from two loess-palaeosol sequences in the Lower Danube Basin with other Eurasian palaeorecords, we reconstructed past climatic patterns over Southeastern Europe and the related interaction of the prevailing large-scale circulation modes over Europe, especially during late Marine Isotope Stage 3 (40,000–27,000 years ago). We demonstrate that during this time interval, the intensification of the Siberian High had a crucial influence on European climate causing the more continental conditions over major parts of Europe, and a southwards shift of the Westerlies. Such a climatic and environmental change, combined with the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y-5 volcanic eruption, may have driven the Anatomically Modern Human dispersal towards Central and Western Europe, pointing to a corridor over the Eastern European Plain as an important pathway in their dispersal.
Identification of proteins that specifically recognize and bind protofibrillar aggregates of amyloid-β
Authors: Wahlberg Elisabet , Rahman M. Mahafuzur , Lindberg Hanna , Gunneriusson Elin , Schmuck Benjamin , Lendel Christofer , Sandgren Mats , Löfblom John , Ståhl Stefan , Härd Torleif 
Published: July 2017

AbstractProtofibrils of the 42 amino acids long amyloid-β peptide are transient pre-fibrillar intermediates in the process of peptide aggregation into amyloid plaques and are thought to play a critical role in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Hence, there is a need for research reagents and potential diagnostic reagents for detection and imaging of such aggregates. Here we describe an in vitro selection of Affibody molecules that bind to protofibrils of Aβ42cc, which is a stable engineered mimic of wild type Aβ42 protofibrils. Several binders were identified that bind Aβ42cc protofibrils with low nanomolar affinities, and which also recognize wild type Aβ42 protofibrils. Dimeric head-to-tail fusion proteins with subnanomolar binding affinities, and very slow dissociation off-rates, were also constructed. A mapping of the chemical properties of the side chains onto the Affibody scaffold surface reveals three distinct adjacent surface areas of positively charged surface, nonpolar surface and a polar surface, which presumably match a corresponding surface epitope on the protofibrils. The results demonstrate that the engineered Aβ42cc is a suitable antigen for directed evolution of affinity reagents with specificity for wild type Aβ42 protofibrils.
Far- and deep-ultraviolet surface plasmon resonance sensors working in aqueous solutions using aluminum thin films
Authors: Tanabe Ichiro , Tanaka Yoshito Y. , Watari Koji , Hanulia Taras , Goto Takeyoshi , Inami Wataru , Kawata Yoshimasa , Ozaki Yukihiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSurface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors detect refractive index changes on metal thin films and are frequently used in aqueous solutions as bio- and chemical-sensors. Recently, we proposed new SPR sensors using aluminum (Al) thin films that work in the far- and deep-ultraviolet (FUV-DUV, 120–300 nm) regions and investigated SPR properties by an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) based spectrometer. The FUV-DUV-SPR sensors are expected to have three advantages compared to visible-SPR sensors: higher sensitivity, material selectivity, and surface specificity. However, in this study, it was revealed that the Al thin film on a quartz prism cannot be used as the FUV-DUV-SPR sensor in water solutions. This is because its SPR wavelength shifts to the visible region owing to the presence of water. On the other hand, the SPR wavelength of the Al thin film on the sapphire prism remained in the DUV region even in water. In addition, the SPR wavelength shifted to longer wavelengths with increasing refractive index on the Al thin film. These results mean that the Al thin film on the sapphire prism can be used as the FUV-DUV-SPR sensor in solutions, which may lead to the development of novel and sophisticated SPR sensors.
Remora cranial vein morphology and its functional implications for attachment
Authors: Flammang Brooke E. , Kenaley Christopher P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRemora fishes adhere to, and maintain long-term, reversible attachment with, surfaces of varying roughness and compliance under wetted high-shear conditions using an adhesive disc that evolved from the dorsal fin spines typical of other fishes. Evolution of this complex hierarchical structure required extensive reorganization of the skull and fin spines, but the functional role of the soft tissues of the disc are poorly understood. Here I show that remora cranial veins are highly-modified in comparison to those of other vertebrates; they are transposed anteriorly and enlarged, and lie directly ventral to the disc on the dorsum of the cranium. Ancestrally, these veins lie inside the neurocranium, in the dura ventral to the brain, and return blood from the eyes, nares, and brain to the heart. Repositioning of these vessels to lie in contact with the ventral surface of the disc lamellae implies functional importance associated with the adhesive mechanism. The position of the anterior cardinal sinus suggests that it may aid in pressurization equilibrium during attachment by acting as a hydraulic differential.
Association Between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Long-term Outcome in Patients with Drug-eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Wang Rui , Chen Lei-lei , Wang De-zhao , Chen Bu-xing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and the long-term outcome in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation and so as to explore the significance of Hp eradication therapy in preventing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). 539 ACS patients with DES implantation from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012 were analyzed. All the patients were divided into two groups according to the result of 13C urea breath test. 253 patients with Hp infection were put into group A (Hp+), and 286 cases without Hp infection were put into group B (Hp−). Demographic data was collected and all patients went through biochemical indicators and other routine blood examinations. We explored the correlations of Hp infection with MACE and UGIB after 3 to 5 years of follow-up using survival analysis. Survival analysis showed that Hp infection was a predictor of MACE and UGI. Sub-group analysis showed that patients with Hp eradication therapy had no relationship with MACE but had a lower rate of UGIB than those without Hp eradication therapy.
Metal-Free Generation of Phosphorus-Centered Radicals for the Synthesis of Phosphorus-Based Heterocycles: A Personal Account
Authors: Quint Valentin , Noël-Duchesneau Ludovik , Lagadic Elodie , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques , Gaumont Annie- , Lakhdar Sami 
Published: July 2017

This short review describes our recent efforts to generate phosphorus-based radicals under metal-free conditions and their use as key intermediates for the synthesis of phosphorus-based heterocycles. In this regard, the synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides and 6-phosphorylated phenanthridines will be reported. While the synthesis of the former lies in the use of photoredox catalysis, the latter have been obtained through the use of an electron donor–acceptor complex from the combination of diphenyliodonium ion with triethylamine. Mechanistic aspects of both reaction types are discussed based on detailed mechanistic studies including electron paramagnetic resonance, UV–vis spectroscopic, NMR and steady-state photolysis experiments.1	Introduction2	Photoredox Catalysis for the Generation of Phosphinoyl Radicals3	Generation of Phosphinoyl Radicals through the Formation of EDA Complexes4	Conclusions
Imaging of Pediatric Paranasal Sinus and Orbital Infections
Authors: Udayasankar Unni , Winegar Blair 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUpper respiratory tract infections are the most frequent outpatient disease processes treated by the pediatricians. Although upper respiratory tract infections are typically self-limited viral illnesses, a subset of children will develop acute bacterial sinusitis, which is differentiated from the former viral nasopharyngitis by prolonged illness, worsening course, or severe onset of symptoms. Although diagnostic imaging is not indicated in the differentiation of a viral upper respiratory tract infection from acute bacterial sinusitis, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in the detection and classification of potentially serious complications of acute bacterial sinusitis resulting from intraorbital or intracranial spread of infection. Orbital infections are the most frequently associated complications of paranasal sinus inflammatory disease given the proximity of the paranasal sinuses and orbits. Imaging is essential in differentiating preseptal cellulitis from orbital cellulitis and guiding appropriate therapy. Cross-sectional imaging is also important in the characterization of noninvasive fungal sinusitis, forms of chronic sinusitis in the setting of an intact immune system, and invasive fungal sinusitis, an acute fulminant sinusitis induced by angioinvasive fungi in immunocompromised children requiring emergent surgical management.
Prophylactic Wound Vacuum Therapy after Cesarean Section to Prevent Wound Complications in the Obese Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial (the ProVac Study)
Authors: Ruhstaller Kelly , Downes Katheryne , Chandrasekaran Suchitra , Srinivas Sindhu , Durnwald Celeste 
Published: July 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to perform a randomized controlled feasibility trial investigating negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system versus a standard postcesarean wound care (WC) on the development of a postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) and/or a wound dehiscence in obese women.
Study Design This is a randomized controlled feasibility trial of obese women undergoing an unscheduled cesarean delivery. Women with an initial body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 who were ≥ 4 cm dilated were included. Women were assigned to either a NPWT or standard WC. The primary outcome was a composite of wound morbidity at 4 weeks postpartum including SSI and/or wound opening (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02128997). Continuous variables were analyzed with t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and categorical variables with Fisher's exact test.
Results Of 136 women randomized, 67 received NPWT and 69 received standard WC. The 4-week follow-up rate was 88%. Maternal clinical and surgical characteristics were similar between the groups. The prevalence of the composite wound morbidity outcome was not different between those with NPWT and standard WC (4.9 vs. 6.9%; p = 0.71).
Conclusion Routine clinical use of a NPWT system after cesarean delivery did not result in a significant reduction of wound morbidity over standard WC.
Red Cell Distribution Width as a Predictor of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Sagheb Setareh , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Movahedian Amirhossein , Mosayebi Ziba , Mohseni Sayyed 
Published: July 2017

Objective Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a critical condition with high mortality and morbidity rates in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admitted neonates due to severe hypoxemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate red cell distribution width (RDW) as a biomarker of hypoxemia and determine the optimal cutoff point of RDW for identifying neonates with PPHN.
Study Design All PPHN diagnosed, NICU admitted term infants with hypoxemia after birth from May 2014 to September 2016 were enrolled as case control and healthy term infants with nonhemolytic jaundice who were admitted for phototherapy on the second or third day of birth were the control group. Blood samples were collected. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association between PPHN and RDW.
Results Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff point of RDW for identifying neonates with PPHN. RDW was higher in the PPHN group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of PPHN were mother's underlying disease (p = 0.01) and RDW (p < 0.001). The optimal RDW cut point for prediction of PPHN by the ROC curve analysis was 17.9 (sensitivity = 85.71%). RDW's area under the curve was 0.9197 (p < 0.001).
Conclusion RDW may be a simple, valuable, accessible marker for predicting PPHN before performing echocardiography in hypoxemic NICU admitted neonates.
Effects of Highly-pure-enriched-cellulose Diet on Digestibility, Lipid Metabolism and Redox Status in Obese Offspring of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Bensalah Meryem , Bouanane Samira , Benyagoub Ouahiba , Merzouk Hafida , Fatima Zohra 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe long-term nutritional efficacy of a highly-pure-enriched-cellulose (HPEC) diet and its effects on lipid metabolism and oxidant/antioxidant status were investigated in obese offspring of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes in pregnant rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 5 of gestation. Control pregnant rats were injected with citrate buffer. At weaning offspring of diabetic and control rats were fed HPEC or control diet, they were housed individually in metabolic cage for 2 months to investigate the nutritional efficacy of the diets. Consumption of HPEC diet decrease weight gain and energy intake, increase fecal weight and reduce lipid and protein digestibility; however, these diet had no effect on protein utilization, and nitrogen balance remained positive which confirms that HPEC diet had no significant long-term nutritional risks. Indeed for obese offspring from diabetic rats, these diet associated with high satiety promote weight loss, and provide reasonable glycemic control, these diet also lower blood lipids concentration and correct the imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant system. HPEC diet had a protective effect against long-term metabolic abnormalities associated with macrosomia.
Der Konsum von elektronischen Dampferzeugnissen unter Jugendlichen – Konsummuster in einer repräsentativen Stichprobe aus Frankfurt/Main
Authors: Werse Bernd , Müller Daniela , Stöver Heino , Dichtl Anna , Graf Niels 
Published: July 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Seit einigen Jahren wird über Verbreitung und Risiken elektronischer Dampferzeugnisse (eDe) unter Jugendlichen diskutiert, insbesondere hinsichtlich der Frage, ob eDe eine „Einstiegsdroge“ in den Tabakkonsum darstellen. Diesen Fragestellungen wird anhand einer Repräsentativstichprobe nachgegangen.
Methoden Es werden Daten aus einer lokalen repräsentativen Schülerbefragung aus Frankfurt a.M. verwendet, in der 2014 und 2015 jeweils detailliert nach eDe-Konsum gefragt wurde. Die Daten wurden mit üblichen statistischen Verfahren analysiert.
Ergebnisse Mehr als die Hälfte der 15- bis 18-Jährigen hat eDe ausprobiert, E-Shishas häufiger als E-Zigaretten. 2% „dampfen“ täglich. Aktuell eDe Konsumierende rauchen deutlich häufiger als andere Jugendliche. Befragte, die vor der ersten Raucherfahrung eDe probiert haben, entwickeln signifikant seltener einen häufigen Zigarettenkonsum.
Schlussfolgerung Die Resultate deuten nicht darauf hin, dass eDe als „Einstiegsdroge“ zu betrachten sind.
The Utility of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Determining the Flexibility of Sagittal Imbalance
Authors: Sharma Akshay , Pourtaheri Sina , Savage Jason , Kalfas Iain , Mroz Thomas E , Benzel Edward C , Steinmetz Michael P 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Scoliosis X-rays are the gold standard for assessing preoperative lumbar lordosis; however, particularly for flexible lumbar deformities, it is difficult to predict from these images the extent of correction required, as standing radiographs cannot predict the thoracolumbar alignment after intraoperative positioning.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the utility of preoperative MRI in surgical planning for patients with flexible sagittal imbalance.

METHODS
We identified 138 patients with sagittal imbalance. Radiographic parameters including pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis were obtained from images preoperatively.

RESULTS
The mean difference was 2.9° between the lumbar lordosis measured on supine MRI as compared to the intraoperative X-rays, as opposed to 5.53° between standing X-rays and intraoperative X-ray. In patients with flexible deformities (n = 24), the lumbar lordosis on MRI measured a discrepancy of 3.08°, as compared to a discrepancy of 11.46° when measured with standing X-ray.

CONCLUSION
MRI adequately determined which sagittal deformities were flexible. Furthermore, with flexible sagittal deformities, lumbar lordosis measured on MRI more accurately predicted the intraoperative lumbar lordosis than that measured on standing X-ray. The ability to preoperatively predict intraoperative lumbar lordosis with positioning helps with surgical planning and patient counseling regarding expectations and risks of surgery.
Development of a Predictive Score for Discharge Disposition After Lumbar Fusion Using the Quality Outcomes Database
Authors: Guan Jian , Knightly John J , Bisson Erica F 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Lumbar fusion remains the treatment of choice for many degenerative pathologies. Healthcare costs related to the procedure are a concern, and postdischarge needs often contribute to greater expenditure. The Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) is a prospective, multicenter clinical registry designed to analyze outcomes after neurosurgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE
To create a simple scoring system to predict discharge needs after lumbar fusion.

METHODS
Institutional QOD data from 2 high-volume neurosurgical centers were collected retrospectively. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors for our model. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to set cutoff scores for patients likely to discharge home without ongoing services and those likely to require additional services/alternative placement after discharge.

RESULTS
Two hundred seventeen patients were included. Five variables—osteoporosis, predominant preoperative symptom, need for assistive ambulation device, American Society of Anesthesiologist grade, and age—were included in our final scoring system. Patients with higher scores are less likely to need additional services. In patients with high scores (8-10), our scale correctly predicted discharge needs in 88.7% of cases. In patients with low scores (0-5), our scale predicted discharge needs (additional home services/alternative placement) in 75% of cases. For our final instrument, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.809 (95% confidence interval 0.720-0.897).

CONCLUSION
We present a simple scoring system to assist in predicting postdischarge needs for patients undergoing lumbar fusion for degenerative disease. Further validation studies are needed to assess the generalizability of our scale.
Primary Neuroleptospirosis
Authors: Chiappe-Gonzalez Alfredo , Ticona-Huaroto César , Hoerster Valerie , Coral-Gonzales Carlos , Sihuincha-Maldonado Moisés 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Leptospirosis is a highly prevalent, globally distributed zoonosis with an incidence 10 times higher in tropical regions, where the proportion of new cases correlates with rainy seasons. Secondary effects to the central nervous system in the immune phase of the illness typically manifest as aseptic meningitis. However, neurologic sequelae can be diverse and, although rare, other central and peripheral neurologic presentations have been described including the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neuroleptospirosis as a primary disease manifestation is even more unusual. Below, we present the case of a 27-year-old woman with a Guillain-Barré–like syndrome as a primary manifestation of neuroleptospirosis as confirmed by positive IgM serology test result in paired samples and microscopic agglutination test reactive for Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae in the convalescent phase. The patient had a favorable clinical outcome after treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids, ventilator support, and physical therapy.