bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objective Assessment of Ocular Surface Response to Contact Lens Wear in Presbyopic Contact Lens Wearers of Asian Descent
Authors: Guillon Michel , Dumbleton Kathy , Theodoratos Panagiotis , Patel Trisha , Karkkainen Tom , Moody Kurt 
Published: October 2016

Introduction:
Contact lens wearers of Asian descent may be predisposed to experience microtrauma of the ocular surface as a result a thinner post-lens tear film and higher eyelid tension, and these effects would be anticipated to be most marked in an older population. The objective of this study was to quantify the mechanical effects of the study contact lenses on the ocular surface in a population of presbyopic contact lens wearers of Asian descent.

Methods:
Twenty established presbyopic contact lens wearers (hydrogel n=5, none habitual wearers of etafilcon A lenses; silicone hydrogel n=15) of Asian descent were refitted with etafilcon A multifocal daily disposable contact lenses (1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST MULTIFOCAL) for a period of 1 month of daily lens wear. The habitual modalities of wear were 45% daily disposable and 55% planned replacement. Digital photographs of the upper lid margins, nasal and temporal conjunctiva, and superior cornea were taken after 6 hr of wear of the participants' habitual contact lenses, after 1 day without contact lens wear, and after 6 hr of wear of the study contact lenses at the end of the 1-month period. The photographs were masked according to study visit and the staining extent measured using proprietary software.

Results:
Lid margin staining was significantly lower with the study contact lenses (2.0±1.0 mm2) than with the participants' own contact lenses (3.2±3.0 mm2) after 6 hr of wear, representing a mean staining decrease of 38% (P=0.010). Lid margin staining after 6 hr of wear of the study contact lenses was not different from that measured after 1 day without contact lenses (P=0.507). Limbal staining was also significantly less with the study contact lenses than with the participants' own contact lenses after 6 hr of wear (P=0.009). There was minimal upper corneal staining, and the degree was similar with the study and habitual lenses.

Conclusions:
Etafilcon A material, worn under a daily disposable modality, was shown to reduce upper lid margin and limbal staining in presbyopic contact lens wearers of Asian descent compared with the wearers' own contact lenses. Because of the high preponderance of dry eye amongst presbyopes, material selection is of importance and consideration should be given to the lens–ocular surface interaction.
Ultra-High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Inner Ear at 11.7 Tesla
Authors: Thylur David S. , Jacobs Russell E. , Go John L. , Toga Arthur W. , Niparko John K. 
Published: October 2016

Objective:
To evaluate the ability of ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) at 11.7 T to visualize membranous structures of the human inner ear.

Specimens:
Three temporal bones were extracted from cadaveric human heads for use with small-bore UHF-MRI.

Intervention:
Ex vivo cadaveric temporal bone specimens were imaged using an 11.7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner via T1- and T2-weighted-imaging with and without contrast.

Main Outcome Measure:
Qualitative visualization of membranous components of the inner ear compared with reports of UHF-MRI at lower field strengths.

Results:
The membranous anatomy of the inner ear was superbly visualized at 11.7 T. In the cochlea, Reissner's membrane, the scala media, and the basilar membrane were clearly shown on the scan. In the vestibular labyrinth, the wedge-shaped crista ampullaris and the maculae of both the saccule and utricle were visible. Details of the endolymphatic sac and duct were also demonstrated.

Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this report presents the first images of the ex vivo human inner ear using 11.7 T UHF-MRI, offering near-histologic resolution. Increased field strength may be particularly useful when imaging the delicate membranous anatomy of the inner ear. Further research on the use of UHF-MRI in clinical and research settings could illuminate structural changes associated with inner ear disorders.
Reduction of the Harmonic Series Influences Musical Enjoyment With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Nemer John S. , Kohlberg Gavriel D. , Mancuso Dean M. , Griffin Brianna M. , Certo Michael V. , Chen Stephanie Y. , Chun Michael B. , Spitzer Jaclyn B. , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: October 2016

Objective:
Cochlear implantation is associated with poor music perception and enjoyment. Reducing music complexity has been shown to enhance music enjoyment in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. In this study, we assess the impact of harmonic series reduction on music enjoyment.

Study Design:
Prospective analysis of music enjoyment in normal-hearing (NH) individuals and CI recipients.

Setting:
Single tertiary academic medical center.

Patients:
NH adults (N = 20) and CI users (N = 8) rated the Happy Birthday song on three validated enjoyment modalities—musicality, pleasantness, and naturalness.

Intervention:
Subjective rating of music excerpts.

Main Outcome Measures:
Participants listened to seven different instruments play the melody, each with five levels of harmonic reduction (Full, F3+F2+F1+F0, F2+F1+F0, F1+F0, F0). NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation. Linear mixed effect models (LME) and likelihood ratio tests were used to assess the impact of harmonic reduction on enjoyment.

Results:
NH listeners without simulation rated segments with the first four harmonics (F3+F2+F1+F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.004). NH listeners with simulation rated the first harmonic alone (F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.003). Their ratings demonstrated a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and both pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.030, SE = 0.004, p <0.001, LME) and naturalness (slope estimate = 0.012, SE = 0.003, p = 0.003, LME). CI recipients also found the first harmonic alone (F0) to be most pleasant (p = 0.003), with a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.029, SE = 0.008, p <0.001, LME).

Conclusion:
Harmonic series reduction increases music enjoyment in CI and NH individuals with or without CI simulation. Therefore, minimization of the harmonics may be a useful strategy for enhancing musical enjoyment among both NH and CI listeners.
Protective Role of Postbiotic Mediators Secreted by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Versus Lipopolysaccharide-induced Damage in Human Colonic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Cicenia Alessia , Santangelo Floriana , Gambardella Lucrezia , Pallotta Lucia , Iebba Valerio , Scirocco Annunziata , Marignani Massimo , Tellan Guglielmo , Carabotti Marilia , Corazziari Enrico Stefano , Schippa Serena , Severi Carola 
Published: October 2016

Background:
Some beneficial effects of probiotics may be due to secreted probiotic-derived factors, identified as “postbiotic” mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether supernatants harvested from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) cultures (ATCC53103 strain) protect colonic human smooth muscle cells (HSMCs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myogenic damage.

Materials and Methods:
LGG was grown in de Man, Rogosa, Share medium at 37°C and samples were collected in middle and late exponential, stationary, and overnight phases. Supernatants were recovered by centrifugation, filtered, and stored at −20°C. The primary HSMCs culture was exposed for 24 hours to purified LPS of a pathogen strain of Escherichia coli (O111:B4) (1 μg/mL) with and without supernatants. Postbiotic effects were evaluated on the basis of HSMCs morphofunctional alterations and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Data are expressed as mean±SE (P<0.05 significant).

Results:
LPS induced persistent, significant, 20.5%±0.7% cell shortening and 34.5%±2.2% decrease in acetylcholine-induced contraction of human HSMCs. These morphofunctional alterations were paralleled to a 365.65%±203.13% increase in IL-6 production. All these effects were dose-dependently reduced by LGG supernatants. Supernatants of the middle exponential phase already partially restored LPS-induced cell shortening by 57.34%±12.7% and IL-6 increase by 145.8%±4.3% but had no effect on LPS-induced inhibition of contraction. Maximal protective effects were obtained with supernatants of the late stationary phase with LPS-induced cell shortening restored by 84.1%±4.7%, inhibition of contraction by 85.5%±6.4%, and IL-6 basal production by 92.7%±1.2%.

Conclusions:
LGG-derived products are able to protect human SMCs from LPS-induced myogenic damage. Novel insights have been provided for the possibility that LGG-derived products could reduce the risk of progression to postinfective motor disorders.
The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine is Frequent in Patients With Pancreatic Disorders
Authors: Stigliano Serena , Archibugi Livia , Zerboni Giulia , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Capurso Gabriele 
Published: October 2016

Background:
Herbal remedies and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are used by 30% of the patients with liver and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there are no data regarding CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders, including potential pancreatotoxicity.

Aim of the Study:
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders and screen for pancreatotoxicity.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional survey of consecutive outpatients seen at a Pancreas Center. Data were collected in a specific questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the prevalence and the patterns of CAM use. Characteristics associated with CAM use were analyzed by appropriate statistics.

Results:
Of 108 patients (52% male; mean age, 65±13 years), 47 (43.5%) used CAM. The use of CAM was more frequent among patients with previous acute pancreatitis (47%). Reported reasons for the use of CAM were to help standard therapies and for an overall better feeling. About 61% of the patients reported advantages with treatment. As compared with nonusers, CAM users were more often female (55% vs. 42%), with a higher school degree (43% vs. 36%), more frequently performing physical activity (51% vs. 41%), and reporting anxiety (45% vs. 31%). However, none of these differences were statistically significant. Three patients with previous acute pancreatitis reported the use of Serenoa repens that is potentially pancreatotoxic.

Discussion:
The rate of CAM use in patients with pancreatic disorders is similar to those reported for other digestive diseases. CAM use seems to be more frequent in women with a higher education level and a “healthier lifestyle.” Patients might not be aware of the potential pancreatotoxicity of CAM, which should be carefully considered by physicians.
The In Vitro Effectiveness of Lactobacillus fermentum Against Different Candida Species Compared With Broadly Used Azoles
Authors: Deidda Francesca , Amoruso Angela , Nicola Stefania , Graziano Teresa , Pane Marco , Allesina Serena , Raiteri Elisabetta , Del Piano Mario , Mogna Luca 
Published: October 2016

Goals:
To investigate the possible use of Lactobacillus strains in the prophylaxis and/or adjuvant therapy of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis and other vaginal infections sustained by Candida yeasts.

Background:
The incidence of Candida infections has substantially increased in recent years. Treatment of vaginal infections with lactobacilli has a long tradition, starting with Döderlein’s description of the vaginal microbiota.

Materials and Methods:
We assessed the activity of serially diluted fluconazole and miconazole (from 3 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL) against Candida strains. Serial dilutions of the azoles were prepared in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth in the presence of Candida strains. Broths were incubated under aerobic condition at 30°C, and the optical density was measured at 560 nm. Minimum inhibitory concentration was defined as the lowest concentration of the antibiotic that completely inhibited visible growth.

Results:
An evident resistance to the azoles used was recorded for all species of Candida, with the exception of Candida parapsilosis. For this species, a minimum inhibitory concentration ≤1 mg/mL was obtained, thus confirming the slight sensitivity to fluconazole and miconazole.
All Lactobacillus strains tested, namely LF5, LF09, LF10, and LF11, have the ability to significantly inhibit the growth of the five species of Candida of at least 4 logarithms. Furthermore, the best result obtained with miconazole on C. parapsilosis is still 2 logarithms lower.

Conclusions:
The use of beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, could be regarded as a good alternative for the prevention and treatment of Candida infections.
Human Milk Processing
Authors: Peila Chiara , Emmerik Nikki E. , Giribaldi Marzia , Stahl Bernd , Ruitenberg Joost E. , van Elburg Ruurd M. , Moro Guido E. , Bertino Enrico , Coscia Alessandra , Cavallarin Laura 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTPasteurization, performed at 62.5°C for 30 minutes (holder pasteurization), is currently recommended in all international human milk banks guidelines, but it affects some human milk bioactive and nutritive components. The present systematic review is aimed at critically reviewing evidence on the suitability of human milk processing techniques other than holder pasteurization, both thermal and nonthermal, to ensure microbiological safety, and on the effects of these techniques on biologically active donor milk components. A systematic review of English and non‐English articles using Medline, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and CAB Abstracts, with no restriction in publication date was performed. Search terms included: human, breast, donor, or banked milk, breastmilk, breast fed, breastfed, breastfeed*; HTST, Flash, High Pressure, UV, ultrasonic or nonthermal; process,* pasteuris,* pasteuriz*. Only primary research articles published in peer‐reviewed journals were included, providing or not a comparison with holder pasteurized human milk, provided that the pasteurization technique was clearly described, and not intended for domestic use. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies of relevant articles. Twenty‐six studies were identified as being relevant. Two examined both High Pressure Processing and High‐Temperature–Short‐Time pasteurization; 10 only examined High Pressure Processing; 10 only examined High‐Temperature–Short‐Time; 2 articles examined ultraviolet irradiation; 2 articles examined (thermo‐)ultrasonic processing. The results indicate that data about safety for microbiological control are still scarce for most of the novel technologies, and that consensus on processing conditions is necessary for nonthermal technologies, before any conclusions on the qualitative and nutritional advantages of these techniques can be drawn.
Successful treatment of recurrent Helicobacter fennelliae bacteraemia by selective digestive decontamination with kanamycin in a lung cancer patient receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Fujiya Yoshihiro , Nagamatsu Maki , Tomida Junko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Kei , Mawatari Momoko , Kutsuna Satoshi , Takeshita Nozomi , Hayakawa Kayoko , Kanagawa Shuzo , Mezaki Kazuhisa , Hashimoto Masao , Ishii Satoru , Ohmagari Norio 
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Helicobacter fennelliae is an enterohepatic Helicobacter species causing bacteraemia in immunocompromised hosts. Only a few cases of recurrent H. fennelliae bacteraemia have been reported in Japan and there are no guidelines regarding antimicrobial treatment for H. fennelliae infection.

Case presentation:

H. fennelliae bacteraemia was observed in a patient receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer. To prevent recurrence, the patient received antibiotic therapy with cefepime, amoxicillin and doxycycline for 6 weeks, which is similar to the therapy for Helicobacter
cinaedi bacteraemia. Bacteraemia recurred despite the long-term antibiotic therapy. We hypothesized that the H. fennelliae bacteraemia originated from endogenous infection in the intestinal tract due to the long-term damage of the enteric mucosa by platinum-based drugs and performed selective digestive decontamination (SDD) with kanamycin. Bacteraemia did not recur after SDD.

Conclusion:
Our observations indicate that clinicians should be aware of possible recurrent H. fennelliae bacteraemia, which could be effectively prevented by SDD with kanamycin.
Microbes follow Humboldt: temperature drives plant and soil microbial diversity patterns from the Amazon to the Andes
Authors: Nottingham Andrew T. , Fierer Noah , Turner Benjamin L. , Whitaker Jeanette , Ostle Nick J. , McNamara Niall P. , Bardgett Richard D. , Leff Jonathan W. , Salinas Norma , Silman Miles , Kruuk Loeske , Meir Patrick 
Published: October 2016

SummaryMore than 200 years ago, von Humboldt reported decreases in tropical plant species richness with increasing elevation and decreasing temperature. Surprisingly, co-ordinated patterns in plant, bacterial and fungal diversity on tropical mountains are yet to be observed, despite the central role of soil microorganisms in terrestrial biogeochemistry. We studied an Andean transect traversing 3.5 km in elevation to test whether the species diversity and composition of tropical forest plants, soil bacteria and fungi can follow similar biogeographical patterns with shared environmental drivers. We found co-ordinated changes with elevation in all three groups: species richness declined as elevation increased, and the compositional-dissimilarity of communities increased with increased separation in elevation, although changes in plant diversity were larger than in bacteria and fungi. Temperature was the dominant driver of these diversity gradients, with weak influences of edaphic properties, including soil pH. The gradients in microbial diversity were strongly correlated with the activities of enzymes involved in organic matter cycling, and were accompanied by a transition in microbial traits towards slower-growing, oligotrophic taxa at higher elevations. We provide the first evidence of co-ordinated temperature-driven patterns in the diversity and distribution of three major biotic groups in tropical ecosystems: soil bacteria, fungi and plants. These findings suggest that, across landscape scales of relatively constant soil pH, inter-related patterns of plant and microbial communities with shared environmental drivers can occur, with large implications for tropical forest communities under future climate change.
Identification of genetic variants affecting vitamin D receptor binding and associations with autoimmune disease
Authors: Gallone Giuseppe , Haerty Wilfried , Disanto Giulio , Ramagopalan Sreeram , Ponting Chris P. , Berlanga-Taylor Antonio J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLarge numbers of statistically significant associations between sentinel SNPs and case-control status have been replicated by genome-wide association studies. Nevertheless, few underlying molecular mechanisms of complex disease are currently known. We investigated whether variation in binding of a transcription factor, the vitamin D receptor (VDR) whose activating ligand vitamin D has been proposed as a modifiable factor in multiple disorders, could explain any of these associations. VDR modifies gene expression by binding DNA as a heterodimer with the Retinoid X receptor (RXR).We identified 43,332 genetic variants significantly associated with altered VDR binding affinity (VDR-BVs) using a high-resolution (ChIP-exo) genome-wide analysis of 27 HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines. VDR-BVs are enriched in consensus RXR::VDR binding motifs, yet most fell outside of these motifs, implying that genetic variation often affects binding affinity only indirectly. Finally, we compared 341 VDR-BVs replicating by position in multiple individuals against background sets of variants lying within VDR-binding regions that had been matched in allele frequency and were independent with respect to linkage disequilibrium. In this stringent test, these replicated VDR-BVs were significantly (q< 0.1) and substantially (> 2-fold) enriched in genomic intervals associated with autoimmune and other diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The approach’s validity is underscored by RXR::VDR motif sequence being predictive of binding strength and being evolutionarily constrained.Our findings are consistent with altered RXR::VDR binding contributing to immunity-related diseases. Replicated VDR-BVs associated with these disorders could represent causal disease risk alleles whose effect may be modifiable by vitamin D levels.
Contrasting patterns of genome-level diversity across distinct co-occurring bacterial populations
Authors: Garcia Sarahi L , Stevens Sarah L R , Crary Benjamin , Martinez-Garcia Manuel , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Woyke Tanja , Tringe Susannah G , Andersson Siv G E , Bertilsson Stefan , Malmstrom Rex R. , McMahon Katherine D 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo understand the forces driving differentiation and diversification in wild bacterial populations, we must be able to delineate and track ecologically relevant units through space and time. Mapping metagenomic sequences to reference genomes derived from the same environment can reveal genetic heterogeneity within populations, and in some cases, be used to identify boundaries between genetically similar, but ecologically distinct, populations. Here we examine population-level heterogeneity within abundant and ubiquitous freshwater bacterial groups such as the acI Actinobacteria and LD12 Alphaproteobacteria (the freshwater sister clade to the marine SAR11) using 33 single cell genomes and a 5-year metagenomic time series. The single cell genomes grouped into 15 monophyletic clusters (termed “tribes”) that share at least 97.9% 16S rRNA identity. Distinct populations were identified within most tribes based on the patterns of metagenomic read recruitments to single-cell genomes representing these tribes. Genetically distinct populations within tribes of the acI actinobacterial lineage living in the same lake had different seasonal abundance patterns, suggesting these populations were also ecologically distinct. In contrast, sympatric LD12 populations were less genetically differentiated. This suggests that within one lake, some freshwater lineages harbor genetically discrete (but still closely related) and ecologically distinct populations, while other lineages are composed of less differentiated populations with overlapping niches. Our results point at an interplay of evolutionary and ecological forces acting on these communities that can be observed in real time.