bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Streptococcus mutans SpaP binds to RadD of Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. polymorphum
Authors: Guo Lihong , Shokeen Bhumika , He Xuesong , Shi Wenyuan , Lux Renate 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAdhesin‐mediated bacterial interspecies interactions are important elements in oral biofilm formation. They often occur on a species‐specific level, which could determine health or disease association of a biofilm community. Among the key players involved in these processes are the ubiquitous fusobacteria that have been recognized for their ability to interact with numerous different binding partners. Fusobacterial interactions with Streptococcus mutans, an important oral cariogenic pathogen, have previously been described but most studies focused on binding to non‐mutans streptococci and specific cognate adhesin pairs remain to be identified. Here, we demonstrated differential binding of oral fusobacteria to S. mutans. Screening of existing mutant derivatives indicated SpaP as the major S. mutans adhesin specific for binding to Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp. polymorphum but none of the other oral fusobacteria tested. We inactivated RadD, a known adhesin of F. nucleatum ssp. nucleatum for interaction with a number of gram‐positive species, in F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum and used a Lactococcus lactis heterologous SpaP expression system to demonstrate SpaP interaction with RadD of F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum. This is a novel function for SpaP, which has mainly been characterized as an adhesin for binding to host proteins including salivary glycoproteins. In conclusion, we describe an additional role for SpaP as adhesin in interspecies adherence with RadD‐SpaP as the interacting adhesin pair for binding between S. mutans and F. nucleatum ssp. polymorphum. Furthermore, S. mutans attachment to oral fusobacteria appears to involve species‐ and subspecies‐dependent adhesin interactions.
Social framework of pediatric heart recipients who have survived more than 15 post‐transplant years: A single‐center experience
Authors: Copeland Hannah , Razzouk Anees , Beckham Allison , Chinnock Richard , Hasaniya Nahidh , Bailey Leonard 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTo evaluate social development of pediatric heart transplant (tx) recipients who have lived 15 or more years after transplantation. Among 498 pediatric patients, age less than 18 years, who underwent heart transplantation, at a single institution, 337 were performed between 1985 and 1998. We identified all who survived more than 15 years and engaged them in a survey regarding employment, education, marital, and social status. One hundred and eighty‐three recipients (54.3%; 183/337) have survived greater than 15 years; of these, 150 (81.9%) subjects are alive with age ranging from 15.04 from 28 years (median, 23.6 years). Forty‐two patients (23%) are independent, 127 (69%) were living at home, and 14 (8%) have been lost to follow‐up. Ninety‐nine survivors (66%) responded to the survey study. Currently, five recipients are married. Seventy‐four completed high school, 21 are enrolled in high school, and four did not complete high school. Of the 47 recipients who started college, 27 are currently enrolled, 11 graduated, and nine did not finish college. Ninety‐four patients have health insurance, 40 are employed, and 31 receive financial assistance for a disability. The majority of recipients of pediatric heart transplantation are able to reach reasonable academic milestones, achieve social well‐being, and professional independence.
Vegetation structure, species life span, and exotic status elucidate plant succession in a limestone quarry reclamation
Authors: Boscutti Francesco , Vianello Angelo , Bozzato Fabio , Casolo Valentino 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAn understanding of the processes involved in plant succession is pivotal in achieving an effective site restoration. In a former limestone quarry (northeastern Italy), we explored the effects of a technical reclamation on the plant community using changes in cover of vegetation layers and two sensitive plant traits (i.e. exotic status and life span), with a chronosequence approach. Four reclaimed areas of different ages (from 8 to 35 years old) and natural vegetation in the surroundings were investigated with seven permanent plots each, for a total of 35. Changes in vegetation layers and species richness of both exotic status and life span were analyzed by generalized linear (mixed) models. Relations with plant community assembly were also considered, using a multivariate approach. Both vegetation layers and plant traits were affected by the age of reclaimed areas, evidencing the main changes in plant succession. Annual and exotic species decreased toward the mature stages of reclamation and target vegetation, whereas overall plant diversity (species richness) was stable. Our findings show that both vegetation layer changes and plant traits can be used to assess the degree to which reclamation efforts produce results that approach the restoration of a natural vegetation reference. Implementation of management practices aimed at favoring native perennial species (e.g. appropriate seed mixtures, mowing, tree, and shrub planting) could limit weed‐control efforts, representing a reasonable trade‐off between biodiversity promotion and invasive plant control.
Land Use in the 21st Century: Contributing to the Global Public Good
Authors: Hertel Thomas W. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis paper focuses on the evolution of global public goods related to the world's land resources over the course of the 21st century, their potential impacts on the world's poorest households, as well as prospects for policy interventions aimed at enhancing these outcomes. It begins with global scale projections to 2100 of land use and associated goods and services, including food, fuel, timber, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. This is followed by in‐depth discussion of each of these services and the challenges of providing these public goods in sufficient quantities to advance societal welfare—especially that of the world's poorest households. The paper concludes with a discussion of policies aimed at promoting the provision of land‐based public goods and how they could be altered to be more pro‐poor. Within this context, the paper argues that access to geospatial analysis tools and information on climate, land use and tenure, poverty and environmental indicators will become increasingly valuable to both public and private decision makers.
Contesting ‘Traditional’ Masculinity and Men's Sexuality in Kwadukuza, South Africa
Authors: Ratele Kopano 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this paper I examine the question of how masculinities and men's sexualties challenge, seek to become, and are resisted from becoming, part of tradition, as well as how such a confrontation is contigent on space. I employ the case of a famous ‘traditional’ gay wedding that took place in the relatively small township of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu, South Africa, and mediated responses to the wedding, to consider how we might better understand this question. In pointing out men's genders and sexualities and their traditions as discursive practices connected to specific places and temporalities I hope to raise the possibility of finding spaces for transforming gender relations and liberating masculinities.
Affective Inequality and Heteronormative Discomfort
Authors: Rodó‐De‐Zárate Maria 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFocusing on empirical research carried out with young lesbians in two small cities, Manresa (Catalonia) and Ponta Grossa (Brazil), I explore their feelings of comfort and discomfort in public space from an intersectional perspective that takes into account their different positions. Besides the differences regarding the contexts, they permanently negotiate whether they show affection in public space or not, engaging with different practices to avoid discrimination such as ‘passing’ as heterosexuals. I argue that the deprivation of engaging in affective relations in public space is an instance of affective inequality, and that the relation between the private and the public space in small cities is a fundamental factor in the constitution of this inequality. By providing a distinction between systematic and circumstantial discomforts, I show how an emotional and geographical approach can provide new insights on how we address inequalities.
Outcome of femoral fractures care as a measure of trauma care between level I and level II trauma systems in Israel
Authors: Khoury A , Weil Y , Liebergall M , Mosheiff R 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundOur hypothesis in this study was that the outcome of patients with femur fractures would be favorable in a level I trauma center (LITC).MethodsA prospective multicenter cohort study. 5 LITC and 6 regional (level II) trauma centers (RTCs) were enrolled to participate in the study. A total of 238 patients suffering from a femoral fracture were recruited to the study. 125 patients were treated in LITCs and 113 in RTCs. Data were extracted from the emergency medical services ambulances, emergency department records, patient hospitalization and discharge records, operating room records, and the national trauma registry (for LITCs). A study questionnaire was administered to all participating patients at discharge, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. The following parameters were studied: mechanism of injury, time from injury to the hospital, Injury Severity Score, classification of femoral fracture, additional injuries, medical history, time to surgery, implant type, skill level of the surgical team, type of anesthesia, length of stay and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative and intraoperative complications and mortality.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the modality of patient transfer between the 2 study groups—with the LITC receiving more patients transported by helicopters or medical intensive care. Time to surgery from admission was shorter in the LITC. Length of stay, ICU stay, and mortality were similar. In the LITCs, 47% of the procedures were performed by residents without the supervision of an attending surgeon, and in the RTCs 79% of the procedures were performed with an senior orthopaedic surgeon. Intraoperative and immediate complication rates were similar among the 2 groups.ConclusionsA femoral shaft fracture can be successfully treated in an LITC and RTC in the state of Israel. Both research and policy implementation works are required. Also, a more detailed outcome analysis and triage criteria for emergency are desired.Level of evidenceII.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS OF FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS: AN UPDATE
Authors: Chang Chia-Yu , Kuo Shanny Hsuan , Peng Yun-Wen , Lin Chia-Hung , Lee Yuen-Kwan , Chen Yu-Chun , Chang Hui-Wen 
Published: December 2016

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important disease frequently seen in veterinary practice affecting cats worldwide. The objectives of this review were to provide the updated progress of FIP diagnostics and therapeutics. The diagnosis of FIP is based on age, origin, clinical signs and physical examination of the patient. However, a definitive diagnosis of FIP ante-mortem remains challenging. This review will cover several diagnostic tests with emphasis on PCR-based diagnoses for the disease. Furthermore, there is still no effective treatment for FIP although several approaches have been used to treat cats with FIP. This review will also discuss the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive drugs, and immunostimulant drugs for FIP treatments.
Reservoir quality prediction of deep-water Oligocene sandstones from the west Niger Delta by integrated petrological, petrophysical and basin modelling
Authors: Chudi O. K. , Lewis Helen , Stow D. A. V. , Buckman J. O. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Petroleum exploration and production in the region of the Niger Delta to date has mainly focused on the onshore, deltaic and offshore deep-water Miocene successions. Although Miocene turbidites have been the principal deep-water target, deeper-lying Oligocene sandstones are now being considered for exploration. This study targets an area beneath the Niger Basin slope at a present-day water depth of 800–1500 m. Within this study area, the Miocene to Recent sands above a burial depth of 3600 m show very good reservoir quality with porosities as high as 35% and permeabilities in the Darcy range. The aim of this study is to predict the reservoir quality and properties of the Oligocene sandstones below 3800 m using basin modelling to predict conditions where quartz cementation will take place and quartz cementation models to predict the amount of cementation and hence the potential porosity loss. Modelling results show that the Oligocene sandstones have been exposed to conditions favourable for quartz precipitation, but that less than 14% of the original porosity will have been occluded by quartz cement. These results are in agreement with elemental analysis from both petrophysical and petrological observation of thin sections. Although the deeper-lying Oligocene sandstones are likely to have reduced reservoir quality due to the presence of quartz overgrowth cementation, it appears likely that the volume of cement is relatively low and the Oligocene succession should be considered a viable play.
Conditional genetic deletion of Ano1 in interstitial cells of Cajal impairs Ca2+ transients and slow waves in adult mouse small intestine
Authors: Malysz John , Gibbons Simon J. , Saravanaperumal Siva A. , Du Peng , Eisenman Seth T. , Cao Chike , Oh Uhtaek , Saur Dieter , Klein Sabine , Ordog Tamas , Farrugia Gianrico 
Published: December 2016

Myenteric plexus interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY) in the small intestine are Kit+ electrical pacemakers that express the Ano1/TMEM16A Ca2+-activated Cl– channel, whose functions in the gastrointestinal tract remain incompletely understood. In this study, an inducible Cre-LoxP-based approach was used to advance the understanding of Ano1 in ICC-MY of adult mouse small intestine. KitCreERT2/+;Ano1Fl/Fl mice were treated with tamoxifen or vehicle, and small intestines (mucosa free) were examined. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated ~50% reduction in Ano1 mRNA in intestines of conditional knockouts (cKOs) compared with vehicle-treated controls. Whole mount immunohistochemistry showed a mosaic/patchy pattern loss of Ano1 protein in ICC networks. Ca2+ transients in ICC-MY network of cKOs displayed reduced duration compared with highly synchronized controls and showed synchronized and desynchronized profiles. When matched, the rank order for Ano1 expression in Ca2+ signal imaged fields of view was as follows: vehicle controls>>>cKO(synchronized)>cKO(desynchronized). Maintenance of Ca2+ transients’ synchronicity despite high loss of Ano1 indicates a large functional reserve of Ano1 in the ICC-MY network. Slow waves in cKOs displayed reduced duration and increased inter-slow-wave interval and occurred in regular- and irregular-amplitude oscillating patterns. The latter activity suggested ongoing interaction by independent interacting oscillators. Lack of slow waves and depolarization, previously reported for neonatal constitutive knockouts, were also seen. In summary, Ano1 in adults regulates gastrointestinal function by determining Ca2+ transients and electrical activity depending on the level of Ano1 expression. Partial Ano1 loss results in Ca2+ transients and slow waves displaying reduced duration, while complete and widespread absence of Ano1 in ICC-MY causes lack of slow wave and desynchronized Ca2+ transients. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Ca2+-activated Cl− channel, Ano1, in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is necessary for normal gastrointestinal motility. We knocked out Ano1 to varying degrees in ICC of adult mice. Partial knockout of Ano1 shortened the widths of electrical slow waves and Ca2+ transients in myenteric ICC but Ca2+ transient synchronicity was preserved. Near-complete knockout was necessary for transient desynchronization and loss of slow waves, indicating a large functional reserve of Ano1 in ICC. View this article's corresponding video summary at https://youtu.be/cyPtDP0KLY4 .
Hemodynamic response to muscle reflex is abnormal in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Roberto Silvana , Mulliri Gabriele , Milia Raffaele , Solinas Roberto , Pinna Virginia , Sainas Gianmarco , Piepoli Massimo F. , Crisafulli Antonio 
Published: December 2016

The aim of the present investigation was to assess the role of cardiac diastole on the hemodynamic response to metaboreflex activation. We wanted to determine whether patients with diastolic function impairment showed a different hemodynamic response compared with normal subjects during this reflex. Hemodynamics during activation of the metaboreflex obtained by postexercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) was assessed in 10 patients with diagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and in 12 age-matched healthy controls (CTL). Subjects also performed a control exercise-recovery test to compare data from the PEMI test. The main results were that patients with HFpEF achieved a similar mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) response as the CTL group during the PEMI test. However, the mechanism by which this response was achieved was markedly different between the two groups. Patients with HFpEF achieved the target MAP via an increase in systemic vascular resistance (+389.5 ± 402.9 vs. +80 ± 201.9 dynes·s−1·cm−5 for HFpEF and CTL groups respectively), whereas MAP response in the CTL group was the result of an increase in cardiac preload (−1.3 ± 5.2 vs. 6.1 ± 10 ml in end-diastolic volume for HFpEF and CTL groups, respectively), which led to a rise in stroke volume and cardiac output. Moreover, early filling peak velocities showed a higher response in the CTL group than in the HFpEF group. This study demonstrates that diastolic function is important for normal hemodynamic adjustment to the metaboreflex. Moreover, it provides evidence that HFpEF causes hemodynamic impairment similar to that observed in systolic heart failure. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides evidence that diastolic function is important for normal hemodynamic responses during the activation of the muscle metaboreflex in humans. Moreover, it demonstrates that diastolic impairment leads to hemodynamic consequences similar to those provoked by systolic heart failure. In both cases the target blood pressure is obtained mainly by means of exaggerated vasoconstriction than by a flow-mediated mechanism.
Abstract A02: Assessment of germline cancer predisposition genes in 392 unselected pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: McKay Skye , Humphris Jeremy , Johns Amber , Pinese Mark , Patch Ann-Marie , Nones Katia ,   Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Grimmond Sean , Biankin Andrew , Waddell Nicola 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of pathogenic germline mutations in known pancreatic cancer (PC) predisposition genes in an unselected PC cohort; identify clinico-pathological characteristics associated with gene carrier status; and analyse somatic genomic data for evidence of biallelic inactivation.
Methods: Whole-genome (n = 184) and exome (n = 208) sequencing was performed on matched tumor-normal DNA pairs from 392 predominantly sporadic cases of PC. Pathogenic mutations were assessed in 13 cancer predisposition genes associated with PC risk (APC, ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, PMS2, PRSS1, STK11, TP53.
Results: A total of 377 unique high confidence germline variants were observed in the 13 PC predisposition genes. 22 were classified as pathogenic and identified in 23/392 (5.9%) PC patients. The mutations occurred in BRCA2 (n=9), ATM (n=4), BRCA1 (n=3), PALB2 (n=3), CDKN2A (n=2) and one each in PMS2 and STK11. Truncating BRCA2 and PALB2 mutations were detected in 2 cases classified as familial PC. There was no significant difference in average age at diagnosis (67.9 vs 66.6, P = 0.5468), post-resection survival (20.3 vs 20.5 months, P = 0.9788), family history of malignancy (55.6% vs 40.5%, P = 0.2249) or personal history of malignancy (31.8% vs 15.0%, P = 0.0642) between those with and those without a pathogenic germline PC risk mutation. Patients harboring BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 mutations were associated with an increased family history of breast or ovarian cancer (27.3% vs 6.3%, P = 0.0348). The second-hit mechanism could be assessed in tumors with &gt;30% cellularity (n=16), of which 75% (7 BRCA2, 4 ATM, 1 BRCA1) showed evidence of biallelic inactivation.
Conclusion: 5.9% of PC patients with predominantly sporadic disease have a pathogenic germline mutation in cancer predisposition genes associated with PC risk. However, carrier status did not significantly affect age at diagnosis, survival, personal or family history of malignancy in this cohort. Second hit mechanisms were identified in 12 (52.2%) cases, supporting a potential role in pancreatic tumorgenesis. An expanded analysis of the germline data is required to further understand the genetic basis of both sporadic and familial PC.
Citation Format: Skye McKay, Jeremy Humphris, Amber Johns, Mark Pinese, Ann-Marie Patch, Katia Nones, Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative (APGI), Sean Grimmond, Andrew Biankin, Nicola Waddell.{Authors}. Assessment of germline cancer predisposition genes in 392 unselected pancreatic cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2016 May 12-15; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(24 Suppl):Abstract nr A02.
Abstract B45: Ductal pancreatic cancer modeling and drug screening using human pluripotent stem cell and patient-derived tumor organoids
Authors: Huang Ling , Holtzinger Audrey , Jagan Ishaan , Nostro Cristina , Wang Rennian , Muthuswamy Lakshmi , Arrowsmith Cheryl , Cleary Sean , Schaeffer David , Roehrl Michael , Ming-Sound Tsao , Gallinger Steven , Keller Gordon , Muthuswamy Senthil 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
There are few in vitro models of exocrine pancreas development and primary human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We establish three-dimensional culture conditions to induce the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into exocrine progenitor organoids that form ductal and acinar structures in culture and in vivo. Expression of mutant KRAS or TP53 in progenitor organoids induces mutation-specific phenotypes in culture and in vivo. Expression of TP53R175H induced cytosolic SOX9 localization. In patient tumors bearing TP53 mutations, SOX9 was cytoplasmic and associated with mortality. Culture conditions are also defined for clonal generation of tumor organoids from freshly resected PDAC. Tumor organoids maintain the differentiation status, histoarchitecture, phenotypic heterogeneity of the primary tumor, and retain patient-specific physiologic changes including hypoxia, oxygen consumption, epigenetic marks, and differential sensitivity to EZH2 inhibition. Thus, pancreatic progenitor organoids and tumor organoids can be used to model PDAC and for drug screening to identify precision therapy strategies.
Citation Format: Ling Huang, Audrey Holtzinger, Ishaan Jagan, Cristina Nostro, Rennian Wang, Lakshmi Muthuswamy, Cheryl Arrowsmith, Sean Cleary, David Schaeffer, Michael Roehrl, Tsao Ming-Sound, Steven Gallinger, Gordon Keller, Senthil Muthuswamy.{Authors}. Ductal pancreatic cancer modeling and drug screening using human pluripotent stem cell and patient-derived tumor organoids. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2016 May 12-15; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(24 Suppl):Abstract nr B45.