bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and identification of oral anaerobes in intraoperative bronchial fluids of patients with pulmonary carcinoma
Authors: Hasegawa Ayako , Sato Takuichi , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Ishida Naoko , Tanda Naoko , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Kondo Takashi , Takahashi Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPostoperative pneumonia may occur when upper respiratory tract protective reflexes such as cough and/or swallowing reflexes are impaired; thus, silent aspiration of oral bacteria may be a causative factor in postoperative pneumonia. This study aimed to quantify and identify bacteria in intraoperative bronchial fluids and to evaluate the relationship between impairment of cough/swallowing reflexes and silent aspiration of oral bacteria in elderly patients. After obtaining informed consent, cough and swallowing reflexes were assessed using an ultrasonic nebulizer and a nasal catheter, respectively. Using a micro‐sampling probe, intraoperative bronchial fluids were collected from nine subjects with pulmonary carcinoma and cultured anaerobically on blood agar plates. After 7 days, CFUs were counted and isolated bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Four subjects (aged 71.0 ± 8.4 years) had impaired swallowing reflexes with normal cough reflexes, whereas five subjects (73.6 ± 6.5 years) had normal cough and swallowing reflexes. The bacterial counts (mean CFU ± SD) tended to be higher in intraoperative bronchial fluids of subjects with impaired swallowing reflexes ([5.1 ± 7.7] × 105) than in those of subjects with normal reflexes ([1.2 ± 1.9] × 105); however, this difference was not statistically significant. Predominant isolates from intraoperative bronchial fluids were Streptococcus (41.8%), Veillonella (11.4%), Gemella (8.9%), Porphyromonas (7.6%), Olsenella (6.3%) and Eikenella (6.3%). These findings indicate that intraoperative bronchial fluids contain bacteria, probably derived from the oral microbiota, and suggest that silent aspiration of oral bacteria occurs in elderly patients irrespective of impairment of swallowing reflex.
Intraguild predation may facilitate coexistence of native and non‐native fish
Authors: Henkanaththegedara Sujan M. , Stockwell Craig A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryAlthough largely ignored, coexistence of native species with non‐native species is the rule rather than the exception in the contemporary world. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that facilitate coexistence of native species with non‐native invasive species is critical in implementing effective management strategies to conserve native biodiversity.We conducted field mesocosm experiments to study reciprocal predation between an invasive fish species (Western mosquitofishGambusia affinis) and an endangered fish species (Mohave tui chubSiphateles bicolor mohavensis). Additional predation vulnerability modelling was conducted to assess the vulnerability of a given prey population to predation by a gape‐size limited predator population.Adult mosquitofish reduced Mohave tui chub recruitment through predation on tui chub larvae. Reciprocally, adult tui chubs limited the population growth of mosquitofish through predation on adult mosquitofish, providing evidence for intraguild predation (IGP). Mohave tui chub predation on adult mosquitofish was apparently gape‐size limited and larger female mosquitofish avoided tui chub predation.Vulnerability modelling provided additional information on gape‐size limited reciprocal predation between these two fish species and insights on the effects of such IGP on persistence of Mohave tui chub in the presence of invasive mosquitofish.Synthesis and applications. Our results collectively show size‐structured intraguild predation (IGP) between a native endangered fish and an invasive fish species, which may facilitate coexistence of these species. Invasive species often prey on native species, thus IGP may be a common but neglected phenomenon for invaded systems. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions among native and non‐native species in the whole‐ecosystem context may help conservation practitioners identify novel management strategies. This may be especially necessary when natural, uninvaded habitats for native species become increasingly scarce due to alterations resulting from multiple forms of human impact.
Production of trichodiene by Trichoderma harzianum alters the perception of this biocontrol strain by plants and antagonized fungi
Authors: Malmierca Mónica G. , McCormick Susan P. , Cardoza Rosa E. , Alexander Nancy J. , Monte Enrique , Gutiérrez Santiago 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTrichothecenes are phytotoxic sesquiterpenic mycotoxins that can act as virulence factors in plant diseases. Harzianum A (HA) is a non‐phytotoxic trichothecene produced by Trichoderma arundinaceum. The first step in HA biosynthesis is the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to trichodiene (TD), a volatile organic compound (VOC), catalysed by a sesquiterpene synthase encoded by the tri5 gene. Expression of tri5 in the biocontrol strain Trichoderma harzianum CECT 2413 resulted in production of TD in parallel with a reduction of ergosterol biosynthesis and an unexpected increase in the level of squalene. Transformants expressing tri5 displayed low chitinase activity and induced expression of Botrytis cinerea BOT genes, although their total antagonistic potential against phytopathogenic fungi was not reduced. VOCs released by the tri5‐transformant induced expression of tomato defence genes related to salicylic acid (SA), and TD itself strongly induced the expression of SA‐responsive genes and reduced the development of lateral roots. Together, these results suggest that TD acts as a signalling VOC in the interactions of Trichoderma with plants and other microorganisms by modulating the perception of this fungus to a given environment. Moreover, the TD ability to induce systemic defences indicates that complex trichothecene structures may not be necessary for inducing such responses.
Detailed characterisation of circulatory nitric oxide and free radical indices—is there evidence for abnormal cardiovascular homeostasis in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Willis GR , Udiawar M , Evans WD , Blundell HL , James PE , Rees DA 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo assess circulating biochemical indices of endothelial function and nitro‐oxidative stress in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).DesignCase–control study.PopulationSeventeen women with PCOS and eighteen age‐ and body mass index‐matched healthy volunteers.MethodsNitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were assessed by chemiluminescence. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy with spin trapping was used to assess oxidative stress ex vivo and in vitro. Antioxidant capacity was measured using oxygen radical absorbance.Main outcome measuresBiochemical indices of endothelial function, including NO metabolites, lipid‐derived radicals and antioxidant capacity.ResultsPlasma NO metabolites were similar in the two groups (nitrite: 257 ± 116 nmol/l [PCOS], 261 ± 135 nmol/l [controls] P = 0.93; nitrate: 27 ± 7 μmol/l [PCOS], 26 ± 6 μmol/l [controls] P = 0.89). Alkoxyl free radicals (lipid‐derived) were detected as the dominant species, but levels were not different between women with PCOS and controls whether measured directly ex vivo (median 7.2 [range 0.17–16.73]e6 arbitrary units [a.u.] and 7.2 [1.7–11.9]e6 a.u., respectively, P = 0.57) or when stimulated in vitro to test radical generation capacity (1.23 [0.3–5.62]e7 a.u. and 1.1 [0.48–15.7]e7 a.u. respectively, P = 0.71). In regression analysis, visceral fat area was independently associated with in vitro oxidative potential (β = 0.6, P = 0.002). Total plasma antioxidant capacity (94 ± 30% [PCOS], 79 ± 24% [controls], P = 0.09) and plasma hydroperoxides (7.5 ± 4 μmol/l [PCOS], 6.7 ± 5 μmol/l [controls], P = 0.21) were not different between groups. However, lipophilic antioxidant capacity was lower in women with PCOS compared with controls (92 ± 32 and 125 ± 48%, respectively, P = 0.02).ConclusionsYoung overweight women with PCOS display a reduced lipophilic antioxidant capacity compared with healthy volunteers, but no change in circulating free radicals or nitro‐oxidative stress.
Diversity of wing patterns and abdomen‐generated substrate sounds in 3 European scorpionfly species
Authors: Hartbauer Manfred , Gepp Johannes , Hinteregger Karin , Koblmüller Stephan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the genus Panorpa (Insecta: Mecoptera), also known as scorpionflies, premating behavior includes repeated sequences of slow wing movements (waving, fanning, flagging) which are accompanied by rapid abdomen vibrations that generate substantial substrate‐borne sound. It is still unknown whether wing patterns or vibratory signals contain information about species identity, sex and/or the quality of potential mating partners. Besides species‐specific pheromones, these multimodal signals may be of particular importance for the maintenance of reproductive isolation in sympatrically occurring scorpionfly species. Here, we analyzed phyologenetic relationships among, and the pattern of forewings as well as substrate‐borne sound in 3 different sympatric Central‐European scorpionfly species (P. communis, P. germanica, and P. alpina). Divergence time estimates, based on 879 bp of the mitochondrial COI gene, indicate longstanding separate evolutionary histories for the studied Panorpa species. Morphological analysis revealed that wing length as an indicator of body size increased in the following order: P. alpina < P. germanica < P. communis. Individuals can be assigned to the correct species and sex with high accuracy just by evaluation of the number of dark spots and the proportion of wing pigmentation. Despite high variability of interpulse period at an individual level, across species analysis revealed a positive correlation of average interpulse period as well as mean signal amplitude with forewing length. These results suggest wing patterns, but less likely vibratory signals, to contain information about species identity. Furthermore, receivers may be able to estimate the body size of a signaler solely on the basis of substrate‐borne sound.
Measuring and Comparing Immigration, Asylum and Naturalization Policies Across Countries: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Gest Justin , Boucher Anna , Challen Suzanna , Burgoon Brian , Thielemann Eiko , Beine Michel , McGovern Patrick , Crock Mary , Rapoport Hillel , Hiscox Michael 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAcademics and policy makers require a better understanding of the variation of policies that regulate global migration, asylum and immigrant naturalization. At present, however, there is no comprehensive cross‐national, time‐series database of such policies, rendering the analysis of policy trends across and within these areas difficult at best. Several new immigration databases and indices have been developed in recent years. However, there is no consensus on how best to conceptualize, measure and aggregate migration policy indicators to allow for meaningful comparisons through time and across space. This article discusses these methodological challenges and introduces practical solutions that involve historical, multi‐dimensional, disaggregated and transparent conceptualizing, measuring and compiling of cross‐national immigration policies. Such an approach informs the International Migration Policy and Law Analysis (IMPALA) database.
Herding Cats and Taming Tax Havens: The US Strategy of ‘Not In My Backyard’
Authors: Palan Ronen , Wigan Duncan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRecent G8 and G20 statements, combined with a number of OECD campaigns have given an impression that the world has entered a phase of re‐invigorated multilateral efforts to combat tax abuse. We argue that this impression is not entirely mistaken, but the centre of gravity in the battle against tax abuse generally, and tax havens specifically, is shifting decidedly towards unilateral approaches. The US is, in particular, in flexing its muscles attempting to ensure that the various mechanisms used to evade taxation and perpetrated through tax havens have little impact on its ‘back yard’. We call this the ‘Not In My Back Yard’ (NIMBY) principle of regulation, which underpins the new Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The NIMBY principle, we argue, is likely to be adopted by other large political entities.
Is chronic rhinosinusitis related to allergic rhinitis in adults and children? Applying epidemiological guidelines for causation
Authors: Georgalas C. , Vlastos I. , Picavet V. , van Drunen C. , Garas G. , Prokopakis E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe relationship between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis has been assessed in a number of observational and experimental studies. In this review, we attempt their synthesis and evaluation using the modified Bradford Hill guidelines for causation. Although there is no proof of causation, especially in the pediatric literature, an evaluation of underlying allergies is recommended at least as an initial measure of symptoms relief.
The effect of a multicomponent multidisciplinary bundle of interventions on sleep and delirium in medical and surgical intensive care patients
Authors: Patel J. , Baldwin J. , Bunting P. , Laha S. 
Published: May 2014

SummarySleep deprivation is common among intensive care patients and may be associated with delirium. We investigated whether the implementation of a bundle of non‐pharmacological interventions, consisting of environmental noise and light reduction designed to reduce disturbing patients during the night, was associated with improved sleep and a reduced incidence of delirium. The study was divided into two parts, before and after changing our practice. One hundred and sixty‐seven and 171 patients were screened for delirium pre‐ and post‐intervention, respectively. Compliance with the interventions was > 90%. The bundle of interventions led to an increased mean (SD) sleep efficiency index (60.8 (3.5) before vs 75.9 (2.2) after, p = 0.031); reduced mean sound (68.8 (4.2) dB before vs 61.8 (9.1) dB after, p = 0.002) and light levels (594 (88.2) lux before vs 301 (53.5) lux after, p = 0.003); and reduced number of awakenings caused by care activities overnight (11.0 (1.1) before vs 9.0 (1.2) after, p = 0.003). In addition, the introduction of the care bundle led to a reduced incidence of delirium (55/167 (33%) before vs 24/171 (14%) after, p < 0.001), and less time spent in delirium (3.4 (1.4) days before vs 1.2 (0.9) days after, p = 0.021). Increases in sleep efficiency index were associated with a lower odds ratio of developing delirium (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97). The introduction of an environmental noise and light reduction programme as a bundle of non‐pharmacological interventions in the intensive care unit was effective in reducing sleep deprivation and delirium, and we propose a similar programme should be implemented more widely.
Oocyte and sperm donors' opinions on the acceptable number of offspring
Authors: Sydsjö Gunilla , Lampic Claudia , Bladh Marie , Svanberg Agneta Skoog 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate opinions on the acceptable number of donation offspring in a national cohort of oocyte and sperm donors.DesignA prospective follow‐up study on a national cohort of gamete donors.SettingSweden.MethodsStudy‐specific questionnaire.Main outcome measuresOpinion on the acceptable number of offspring from one donor.ResultsAbout half of both oocyte and sperm donors expressed an opinion that the number of offspring from one donor should be limited to between one and 10, and many donors reported having no firm opinion. When controlling for age, educational level, marital status and biological children, oocyte donors were four times more likely than sperm donors to support an upper limit of five offspring. For many sperm and oocyte donors the number of offspring resulting from their donations was unknown (43.2% oocyte, 47.1% sperm).ConclusionOocyte donors have more restrictive opinions compared with sperm donors on the acceptable number of offspring from one donor. Donors perform a very humanitarian and societal act when donating their gametes. In the ambition to have safe and trustworthy clinics we need to have well known regulations to be able to recruit donors in the future.
Follicular helper T‐cells: expanding roles in T‐cell lymphoma and targets for treatment
Authors: Ahearne Matthew J. , Allchin Rebecca L. , Fox Christopher P. , Wagner Simon D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryFollicular helper T‐cells (Tfh cells) are a subset of CD4+ T‐cells that are essential for normal production of high affinity antibodies. Tfh cells characteristically produce IL21 and IL4 and show high expression of surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, PDCD1 (PD‐1) and the chemokine CXCL13. In this review we will focus on the emerging links between Tfh cells and subtypes of T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) and ~20% of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) have surface marker features of Tfh cells and share a spectrum of genetic abnormalities. The recurrent genetic abnormalities associated with AITL include mutations in epigenetic modifiers such as TET2 and DNMT3A and the motility and adhesion gene, RHOA, is mutated in up to 70% of cases. ~20% of PTCL‐NOS demonstrate RHOA mutations and have other characteristics suggesting an origin in Tfh cells. The recognition that specific genetic and surface markers are associated with malignant Tfh cells suggests that the next few years will bring major changes in diagnostic and treatment possibilities. For example, antibodies against IL21, PDCD1 and ICOS are already in clinical trials for autoimmune disease or other malignancies and antibodies against CXCL13 are in pre‐clinical development.
Dengue virus-infected human dendritic cells reveal hierarchies of naturally expressed novel NS3 CD8 T cell epitopes
Authors: Piazza P , Campbell D , Marques E , Hildebrand W H , Buchli R , Mailliard R , Rinaldo C R 
Published: May 2014

SummaryDetailed knowledge of dengue virus (DENV) cell-mediated immunity is limited. In this study we characterize CD8+T lymphocytes recognizing three novel and two known non-structural protein 3 peptide epitopes in DENV-infected dendritic cells. Three epitopes displayed high conservation (75–100%), compared to the others (0–50%). A hierarchy ranking based on magnitude and polyfunctionality of the antigen-specific response showed that dominant epitopes were both highly conserved and cross-reactive against multiple DENV serotypes. These results are relevant to DENV pathogenesis and vaccine design.
Patch testing with a textile dye mix – a multicentre study
Authors: Ryberg Kristina , Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Bircher Andreas , Diepgen Thomas , Foti Caterina , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Gonçalo Margarida , Goossens An , Johansen Jeanne D. , Le Coz Christophe , Maibach Howard I. , Bruze Magnus 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundDisperse dyes are well‐known contact sensitizers. However, they are not included in the majority of commercially available baseline patch test series.ObjectivesTo investigate the outcome of patch testing with a textile dye mix (TDM) consisting of eight disperse dyes at dermatology clinics in various countries.Patients/materials/methodsTwo thousand nine hundred and seven consecutive dermatitis patients at 12 dermatology clinics representing nine countries were tested with a TDM at 6.6%, consisting of Disperse Blue 35, Disperse Yellow 3, Disperse Orange 1 and 3, and Disperse Red 1 and 17, all at 1.0%, and Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124, each at 0.3%, provisionally included in the baseline series. Eighty‐seven per cent of the patients allergic to the TDM were also tested with the eight separate dyes.ResultsContact allergy to TDM was found in 108 patients (3.7%). The frequency of contact allergy varied from 2.1% to 6.9% in different centres. Simultaneous reactivity to p‐phenylenediamine was found in 57 of the TDM‐positive patients (53%). The most frequent dye allergen among the TDM‐positive patients was Disperse Orange 3. The contact allergy could have explained or contributed to the dermatitis in approximately one‐third of the patients for whom clinical relevance of the TDM contact allergy was recorded.ConclusionsThe TDM should be considered for inclusion in the European baseline series.
Regional Strain Determination and Myocardial Infarction Detection by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography with Varied Temporal Resolution
Authors: Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Panosian Jill , Zhang Zhijun , Song Xubo , Sahn David J. , Ashraf Muhammad 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThree‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a promising method for strain determination; however, there are temporal resolution concerns. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3DE on longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) determination and infarction detection under variable frame rates (FR) and “heart rates” (stroke rates [SR]) conditions.MethodsLatex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 mL. The hearts were pumped at 2 normal limits of human heart rate. Full‐volume data were acquired before and after a simulated myocardial infarction (MI) at the 2 most commonly used FRs. LS and CS values were evaluated against sonomicrometry.ResultsLongitudinal strain and CS derived from high FR acquisitions showed statistically superior correlations with sonomicrometry data (LS: R2 = 0.85, CS: R2 = 0.84) than strain values from low FR (LS: R2 = 0.78, CS: R2 = 0.76) (all P < 0.01). After MI induction, LS and CS at different FRs were significantly decreased while maintaining excellent correlations with sonomicrometry data (all P < 0.001). There is no statistical difference of strain values between different SR acquisitions.ConclusionThree‐dimensional wall‐motion tracking has the ability to accurately determine regional myocardial deformation and detect MI. Different heart rates within a physiologically relevant range have no effect on 3D strain accuracy. Strain values calculated from higher frame rate acquisitions were found to have a slightly better accuracy.