bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of burns and scalds in Mongolian children: a hospital‐based prospective study
Authors: Gerelmaa Gunsmaa , Tumen‐Ulzii Badarch , Nakahara Shinji , Ichikawa Masao 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the circumstances of burn injury occurrence among Mongolian children and the products involved.MethodsStudy participants were children aged 15 years and younger who were admitted to the Burn Unit of the National Trauma Orthopedic Research Center from August 2015 to July 2016. We collected data on participant demographics and the aetiology and clinical features of their burn injuries, and we analysed the data based on the NOMESCO Classification model.FindingsOf 906 children, 83% were aged 0–3 years, 66% were injured around the cooking area in the traditional tent‐like dwelling called a ger or a detached house where no specified kitchen exists, and 28% were injured in a kitchen. Burn injuries resulted mostly from exposure to overflowing hot liquids (93%). Electric pots and electric kettles were the products most frequently involved in causing burn injuries (41% and 14%, respectively). Of 601 major burn injuries, 52% were due to electric pots. Moreover, burn injuries inflicted by electric pots were most likely to be major burn injuries (83%). Children typically fell into electric pots, while electric kettles were often pulled down by children.ConclusionBurn injuries among Mongolian children mainly occurred in cooking area of a ger involving electric pots. The current practice of cooking on the floor should be reconsidered for child burn prevention.
In vitroantimicrobial activity of narasin against common clinical isolates associated with canine otitis externa
Authors: Chan Wei Yee , Hickey Elizabeth E. , Khazandi Manouchehr , Page Stephen W. , Trott Darren J. , Hill Peter B. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship are of ever‐increasing importance in veterinary medicine. Re‐purposing of old drugs that are not used in human medicine is one approach that addresses the emergence of multidrug resistance in canine skin and ear infections, and can reduce the use of critically important human antibiotic classes.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the antimicrobial activity of narasin, a polyether ionophore conventionally used as a rumen modifier and anticoccidial agent in production animals, against common clinical isolates of canine otitis externa (OE).Animals/IsolatesClinical isolates (n= 110) from canine OE were tested, including 17 meticillin‐susceptibleStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MSSP), 13 multidrug‐resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MDRSP), and 20 each of β‐haemolyticStreptococcusspp.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Proteus mirabilisandMalassezia pachydermatis.MethodsBacterial and yeast isolates were subcultured, suspended in broth and inoculated into 96‐well plates. Organisms were tested against concentrations of narasin ranging from 0.03 to 128 μg/mL. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined after overnight incubation.ResultsNarasinMICs for staphylococcal and streptococcal isolates ranged from 0.06 to 0.25 μg/mL;MIC50andMIC90values for both organisms were 0.125 μg/mL. NoMICs were achieved forPseudomonasorProteusisolates. There was a weak antifungal effect againstM. pachydermatisisolates (MIC32 to >128 μg/mL).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceNarasin was effective against Gram‐positive bacteria and had antifungal activity at higher concentrations againstM. pachydermatis. However, the lack of Gram‐negative activity would prevent its use as a sole antimicrobial agent in cases of canine OE.
Influence of human acute wound fluid on the antibacterial efficacy of different antiseptic polyurethane foam dressings: An in vitro analysis
Authors: Rembe Julian‐Dario , Fromm‐Dornieden Carolin , Böhm Julia , Stuermer Ewa K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTreating infected acute and/or chronic wounds still represents a major challenge in medical care. Various interactions of antiseptic dressings with wound environments regarding antimicrobial efficacy remain unclear. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the influence of human acute wound fluid (AWF) on the antimicrobial performance of different antiseptic foam dressings in vitro against typical bacterial wound pathogens. Eight antiseptic polyurethane foam dressings containing either a silver formulation or a polyhexamethylene‐biguanide (PHMB) were assessed regarding their antimicrobial potency against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a modified time‐kill assay based on ISO EN 20743. The antiseptic efficacy was evaluated standardly as well as under the influence of human AWF after 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours. The specific chemical formulation and concentration of the antiseptic substance (ionic or nanocrystalline silver, silver sulfadiazine, PHMB 0.1%/0.5%) embedded within the dressings seemed to play a key role. For certain dressings (two nanocrystalline and one ionic silver dressing), the antimicrobial efficacy was significantly reduced under the influence of AWF compared to unchallenged test series. Unchallenged the efficacy of PHMB was comparable to silver against P. aeruginosa and even significantly superior against S. aureus and E. coli. Challenged with AWF the reduction rates for silver adjusted or even exceeded (P. aeruginosa) those of PHMB. Within a challenging wound environment, especially some silver formulations demonstrated a reduced bacterial reduction. Regarding the presented in vitro results, the biomolecular interactions of antiseptic wound dressings with wound fluid should be part of more extensive investigations, considering varying factors such as bacterial species and wound (micro)environment to develop targeted therapeutic regimes for the individual.
Developmental plasticity of GABAergic neurotransmission to brainstem motoneurons
Authors: Wollman Lila Buls , Levine Richard B. , Fregosi Ralph F. 
Published: January 2018

Key points
Critical homeostatic behaviours such as suckling, swallowing and breathing depend on the precise control of tongue muscle activity.
Perinatal nicotine exposure has multiple effects on baseline inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission to hypoglossal motoneurons (XIIMNs), consistent with homeostatic compensations directed at maintaining normal motoneuron output.
Developmental nicotine exposure (DNE) alters how GABAergic neurotransmission is modulated by acute activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which may provide insight into mechanisms by which nicotine exposure alters motor function under conditions that result in increased release of GABA, such as hypoxia, or endogenous acetylcholine, as occurs in the transition from NREM to REM sleep, or in response to exogenous nicotine.
AbstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) signalling regulates neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis. Here we test the hypothesis that developmental nicotine exposure (DNE) disrupts the development of GABAergic synaptic transmission to hypoglossal motoneurons (XIIMNs). GABAergic spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs/mIPSCs) were recorded from XIIMNs in brainstem slices from control and DNE rat pups of either sex, 1–5 days old, at baseline and following acute stimulation of nAChRs with nicotine. At baseline, sIPSCs were less frequent and smaller in DNE cells (consistent with decreased action potential‐mediated GABA release), and mIPSCs were more frequent (consistent with increased vesicular GABA release from presynaptic terminals). Acute nicotine challenge increased sIPSC frequency in both groups, though the increase was greater in DNE cells. Acute nicotine challenge did not change the frequency of mIPSCs in either group, though mIPSC amplitude increased significantly in DNE cells, but not control cells. Stimulation of postsynaptic GABAA receptors with muscimol caused a significantly greater chloride current in DNE cells than in control cells. The increased quantal release of GABA, coupled with the rise in the strength of postsynaptic inhibition may be homeostatic adjustments to the decreased action‐potential‐mediated input from GABAergic interneurons. However, this will exaggerate synaptic inhibition under conditions where the release of GABA (e.g. hypoxia) or ACh (sleep‐wake transitions) is increased. These findings reveal a mechanism that may explain why DNE is associated with deficits in the ability to respond appropriately to chemosensory stimuli or to changes in neuromodulation secondary to changes in central nervous system state.
Origin of heterogeneous spiking patterns from continuously distributed ion channel densities: a computational study in spinal dorsal horn neurons
Authors: Balachandar Arjun , Prescott Steven A. 
Published: January 2018

Key points
Distinct spiking patterns may arise from qualitative differences in ion channel expression (i.e. when different neurons express distinct ion channels) and/or when quantitative differences in expression levels qualitatively alter the spike generation process.
We hypothesized that spiking patterns in neurons of the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of spinal cord reflect both mechanisms.
We reproduced SDH neuron spiking patterns by varying densities of KV1‐ and A‐type potassium conductances. Plotting the spiking patterns that emerge from different density combinations revealed spiking‐pattern regions separated by boundaries (bifurcations).
This map suggests that certain spiking pattern combinations occur when the distribution of potassium channel densities straddle boundaries, whereas other spiking patterns reflect distinct patterns of ion channel expression. The former mechanism may explain why certain spiking patterns co‐occur in genetically identified neuron types.
We also present algorithms to predict spiking pattern proportions from ion channel density distributions, and vice versa.

AbstractNeurons are often classified by spiking pattern. Yet, some neurons exhibit distinct patterns under subtly different test conditions, which suggests that they operate near an abrupt transition, or bifurcation. A set of such neurons may exhibit heterogeneous spiking patterns not because of qualitative differences in which ion channels they express, but rather because quantitative differences in expression levels cause neurons to operate on opposite sides of a bifurcation. Neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, for example, respond to somatic current injection with patterns that include tonic, single, gap, delayed and reluctant spiking. It is unclear whether these patterns reflect five cell populations (defined by distinct ion channel expression patterns), heterogeneity within a single population, or some combination thereof. We reproduced all five spiking patterns in a computational model by varying the densities of a low‐threshold (KV1‐type) potassium conductance and an inactivating (A‐type) potassium conductance and found that single, gap, delayed and reluctant spiking arise when the joint probability distribution of those channel densities spans two intersecting bifurcations that divide the parameter space into quadrants, each associated with a different spiking pattern. Tonic spiking likely arises from a separate distribution of potassium channel densities. These results argue in favour of two cell populations, one characterized by tonic spiking and the other by heterogeneous spiking patterns. We present algorithms to predict spiking pattern proportions based on ion channel density distributions and, conversely, to estimate ion channel density distributions based on spiking pattern proportions. The implications for classifying cells based on spiking pattern are discussed.
Geometric Algorithms for Robot Dynamics: A Tutorial Review
Authors: Park Frank C. , Kim Beobkyoon , Jang Cheongjae , Hong Jisoo 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
We provide a tutorial and review of the state-of-the-art in robot dynamics algorithms that rely on methods from differential geometry, particularly the theory of Lie groups. After reviewing the underlying Lie group structure of the rigid-body motions and the geometric formulation of the equations of motion for a single rigid body, we show how classical screw-theoretic concepts can be expressed in a reference frame-invariant way using Lie-theoretic concepts and derive recursive algorithms for the forward and inverse dynamics and their differentiation. These algorithms are extended to robots subject to closed-loop and other constraints, joints driven by variable stiffness actuators, and also to the modeling of contact between rigid bodies. We conclude with a demonstration of how the geometric formulations and algorithms can be effectively used for robot motion optimization.
Endopeptidase PepO Regulates the SpeB Cysteine Protease and Is Essential for the Virulence of Invasive M1T1 Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Brouwer Stephan , Cork Amanda J. , Ong Cheryl-Lynn Y. , Barnett Timothy C. , West Nicholas P. , McIver Kevin S. , Walker Mark J. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) causes a wide range of human infections. The pathogenesis of GAS infections is dependent on the temporal expression of numerous secreted and surface-associated virulence factors that interact with host proteins. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is one of the most extensively studied toxins produced by GAS, and the coordinate growth phase-dependent regulation of
speB
expression is linked to disease severity phenotypes. Here, we identified the endopeptidase PepO as a novel growth phase-dependent regulator of SpeB in the invasive GAS M1 serotype strain 5448. By using transcriptomics followed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and Western blot analyses, we demonstrate through targeted mutagenesis that PepO influences growth phase-dependent induction of
speB
gene expression. Compared to wild-type and complemented mutant strains, we demonstrate that the 5448Δ
pepO
mutant strain is more susceptible to killing by human neutrophils and is attenuated in virulence in a murine model of invasive GAS infection. Our results expand the complex regulatory network that is operating in GAS to control SpeB production and suggest that PepO is a virulence requirement during GAS M1T1 strain 5448 infections.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the continuing susceptibility of
S. pyogenes
to penicillin, this bacterial pathogen remains a leading infectious cause of global morbidity and mortality. A particular subclone of the M1 serotype (M1T1) has persisted globally for decades as the most frequently isolated serotype from patients with invasive and noninvasive diseases in Western countries. One of the key GAS pathogenicity factors is the potent broad-spectrum cysteine protease SpeB. Although there has been extensive research interest on the regulatory mechanisms that control
speB
gene expression, its genetic regulation is not fully understood. Here, we identify the endopeptidase PepO as a new regulator of
speB
gene expression in the globally disseminated M1T1 clone and as being essential for virulence.
MALT1 Controls Attenuated Rabies Virus by Inducing Early Inflammation and T Cell Activation in the Brain
Authors: Kip E. , Staal J. , Verstrepen L. , Tima H. G. , Terryn S. , Romano M. , Lemeire K. , Suin V. , Hamouda A. , Kalai M. , Beyaert R. , Van Gucht S. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

MALT1 is involved in the activation of immune responses, as well as in the proliferation and survival of certain cancer cells. MALT1 acts as a scaffold protein for NF-κB signaling and a cysteine protease that cleaves substrates, further promoting the expression of immunoregulatory genes. Deregulated MALT1 activity has been associated with autoimmunity and cancer, implicating MALT1 as a new therapeutic target. Although MALT1 deficiency has been shown to protect against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, nothing is known about the impact of MALT1 on virus infection in the central nervous system. Here, we studied infection with an attenuated rabies virus, Evelyn-Rotnycki-Abelseth (ERA) virus, and observed increased susceptibility with ERA virus in MALT1
−/−
mice. Indeed, after intranasal infection with ERA virus, wild-type mice developed mild transient clinical signs with recovery at 35 days postinoculation (dpi). Interestingly, MALT1
−/−
mice developed severe disease requiring euthanasia at around 17 dpi. A decreased induction of inflammatory gene expression and cell infiltration and activation was observed in MALT1
−/−
mice at 10 dpi compared to MALT1
+/+
infected mice. At 17 dpi, however, the level of inflammatory cell activation was comparable to that observed in MALT1
+/+
mice. Moreover, MALT1
−/−
mice failed to produce virus-neutralizing antibodies. Similar results were obtained with specific inactivation of MALT1 in T cells. Finally, treatment of wild-type mice with mepazine, a MALT1 protease inhibitor, also led to mortality upon ERA virus infection. These data emphasize the importance of early inflammation and activation of T cells through MALT1 for controlling the virulence of an attenuated rabies virus in the brain.

IMPORTANCE
Rabies virus is a neurotropic virus which can infect any mammal. Annually, 59,000 people die from rabies. Effective therapy is lacking and hampered by gaps in the understanding of virus pathogenicity. MALT1 is an intracellular protein involved in innate and adaptive immunity and is an interesting therapeutic target because MALT1-deregulated activity has been associated with autoimmunity and cancers. The role of MALT1 in viral infection is, however, largely unknown. Here, we study the impact of MALT1 on virus infection in the brain, using the attenuated ERA rabies virus in different models of MALT1-deficient mice. We reveal the importance of MALT1-mediated inflammation and T cell activation to control ERA virus, providing new insights in the biology of MALT1 and rabies virus infection.
Wide variation in severe neonatal morbidity among very preterm infants in European regions
Authors: Edstedt Bonamy Anna Karin , Zeitlin Jennifer , Piedvache Aurélie , Maier Rolf F , van Heijst Arno , Varendi Heili , Manktelow Bradley N , Fenton Alan , Mazela Jan , Cuttini Marina , Norman Mikael , Petrou Stavros , Reempts Patrick Van , Barros Henrique , Draper Elizabeth S 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the variation in severe neonatal morbidity among very preterm (VPT) infants across European regions and whether morbidity rates are higher in regions with low compared with high mortality rates.DesignArea-based cohort study of all births before 32 weeks of gestational age.Setting16 regions in 11 European countries in 2011/2012.PatientsSurvivors to discharge from neonatal care (n=6422).Main outcome measuresSevere neonatal morbidity was defined as intraventricular haemorrhage grades III and IV, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis and retinopathy of prematurity grades ≥3. A secondary outcome included severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), data available in 14 regions. Common definitions for neonatal morbidities were established before data abstraction from medical records. Regional severe neonatal morbidity rates were correlated with regional in-hospital mortality rates for live births after adjustment on maternal and neonatal characteristics.Results10.6% of survivors had a severe neonatal morbidity without severe BPD (regional range 6.4%–23.5%) and 13.8% including severe BPD (regional range 10.0%–23.5%). Adjusted inhospital mortality was 13.7% (regional range 8.4%–18.8%). Differences between regions remained significant after consideration of maternal and neonatal characteristics (P<0.001) and severe neonatal morbidity rates were not correlated with mortality rates (P=0.50).ConclusionSevere neonatal morbidity rates for VPT survivors varied widely across European regions and were independent of mortality rates.
Automated diabetic retinopathy detection using optical coherence tomography angiography: a pilot study
Authors: Sandhu Harpal Singh , Eladawi Nabila , Elmogy Mohammed , Keynton Robert , Helmy Omar , Schaal Shlomit , El-Baz Ayman 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundOptical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is increasingly being used to evaluate diabetic retinopathy, but the interpretation of OCTA remains largely subjective. The purpose of this study was to design a computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system to diagnose non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in an automated fashion using OCTA images.MethodsThis was a two-centre, cross-sectional study. Adults with type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) were eligible for inclusion. OCTA scans of the macula were taken, and the five vascular maps generated per eye were analysed by a novel CAD system. For the purpose of classification/diagnosis, three different local features—blood vessel density, blood vessel calibre and the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ)—were segmented from these images and used to train a new, automated classifier.ResultsOne hundred and six patients with DMII were included in the study, 23 with no DR and 83 with mild NPDR. When using features of the superficial retinal map alone, the system demonstrated an accuracy of 80.0% and area under the curve (AUC) of 76.2%. Using the features of the deep retinal map alone, accuracy was 91.4% and AUC 89.2%. When data from both maps were combined, the presented CAD system demonstrated overall accuracy of 94.3%, sensitivity of 97.9%, specificity of 87.0%, area under curve (AUC) of 92.4% and dice similarity coefficient of 95.8%.ConclusionAutomated diagnosis of NPDR using OCTA images is feasible and accurate. Combining this system with OCT data is a plausible next step that would likely improve its robustness.
Visual pathway function and structure in Wolfram syndrome: patient age, variation and progression
Authors: Hoekel James , Narayanan Anagha , Rutlin Jerrel , Lugar Heather , Al-Lozi Amal , Hershey Tamara , Tychsen Lawrence 
Published: January 2018

Background/aimsTo report alterations in visual acuity and visual pathway structure over an interval of 1–3 years in a cohort of children, adolescents and young adults who have Wolfram syndrome (WFS) and to describe the range of disease severity evident in patients with WFS whose ages differed by as much as 20 years at first examination.MethodsAnnual, prospective ophthalmological examinations were performed in conjunction with retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) analysis. Diffusion tensor MRI-derived fractional anisotropy was used to assess the microstructural integrity of the optic radiations (OR FA).ResultsMean age of the 23 patients with WFS in the study was 13.8 years (range 5–25 years). Mean log minimum angle resolution visual acuity was 0.66 (20/91). RNFL thickness was subnormal in even the youngest patients with WFS. Average RNFL thickness in patients with WFS was 57±8 µ or ~40% thinner than that measured in normal (94±10 µ) children and adolescents (P<0.01). Lower OR FA correlated with worse visual acuity (P=0.006). Subsequent examinations showed declines (P<0.05) in visual acuity, RNFL thickness and OR FA at follow-up intervals of 12–36 months. However, a wide range of disease severity was evident across ages: some of the youngest patients at their first examination had deficits more severe than the oldest patients.ConclusionThe genetic mutation of WFS causes damage to both pregeniculate and postgeniculate regions of the visual pathway. The damage is progressive. The decline in visual pathway structure is accompanied by declines of visual function. Disease severity differs widely in individual patients and cannot be predicted from their age.