bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Positively Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwanese Adults: a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Po , Hung Hui‐Fang , Chen Meng‐Kan , Lai Ho‐Hsien , Hsu Wen‐Feng , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Yang Kuen‐Cheh 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome have been reported to be positively associated. However, only a few studies have focused on this issue, and H. pylori serum antigen was used to diagnose infection in most of them. We aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome factors and H. pylori infection, as diagnosed via a 13C‐urea breath test.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study consisted of 3578 subjects (18–64 years old) enrolled from one health management center between 2008 and 2013. H. pylori infection was defined as a positive urea breath test. The risk of metabolic syndrome from H. pylori infection was assessed using a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of the H. pylori was similar in both genders (20.6% in men and 19.7% in women). H. pylori ‐infected participants had significantly higher body mass index, fasting glucose, low‐density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, and lower high‐density lipoprotein (p < 0.05), than uninfected ones (p < 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in H. pylori ‐infected subjects than uninfected ones (men: 12.4% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001; women: 7.4% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, H. pylori infection prevalence increased with metabolic score (P for trend <0.001, both sexes). Moreover, the association between metabolic syndrome and UBT positivity was significant in females (OR 1.91, 95% CI:1.03–3.53), but only borderline significant in males (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 0.97–1.95).ConclusionH. pylori infection is positively associated with metabolic syndrome, especially in females. The causal relationship between H. pylori infection and metabolic syndrome warrants further investigation.
Preparation of Nanocrystalline Calcia‐Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia by High‐Energy Milling of Baddeleyite
Authors: Zhigachev Andrey O. , Umrikhin Alexey V. , Golovin Yuriy I. , Farber Boris Y. 
Published: January 2015

For the first time, zirconia nanocrystalline powders were derived using baddeleyite as raw material by ultrafine milling. Powders containing 19 vol% of monoclinic phase were produced by milling of baddeleyite with addition of 11 mol% of CaO. Crystallite size of tetragonal and cubic phases in resulting powders is 3–5 nm and about 15 nm in the case of monoclinic phase. Typical agglomerate's size found by scanning electron microscopy ranges from ~0.1 to 10 µm. Sintered ceramics with tetragonal zirconia content of 95 vol% and crystallite size of ~50 nm are produced from the powders.
Convergence in drought stress, but a divergence of climatic drivers across a latitudinal gradient in a temperate broadleaf forest
Authors: Martin‐Benito Dario , Pederson Neil 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimInformation about climate stressors on tree growth is needed in order to assess the impacts of global change on forest ecosystems. Broad‐scale patterns of climatic limitations on tree growth remain poorly described across eastern North American deciduous forests. We examined the response of broadleaf tree species to climate in relation to their taxonomy, functional traits and geographical location.LocationEastern North America (32–45° N; 70–88° W).MethodsWe used a network of 86 tree‐ring width chronologies from eight species that cover a wide range of ecological and climatic conditions. Species were analysed individually or combined according to taxa and wood anatomical functional traits. We identified climate stressors through correlations between growth and climate (from 1916 to 1996). We also explored patterns in the climate responses of these species with two clustering techniques.ResultsWe found strong correlations between water availability and growth for all species. With few exceptions, this drought stress was independent of taxonomy or wood anatomical functional group. Depending on latitude, however, different climatic drivers governed this common drought response. In the cool, northern part of our network, forest growth was most strongly limited by precipitation variability, whereas maximum temperature was a stronger limiting factor than precipitation in the wetter and warmer southern parts.Main conclusionsOur study highlights the sensitivity of broadleaf temperate forests to drought stress at annual to decadal scales, with few species‐specific differences. The roles of temperature and precipitation on drought‐sensitivity differ at opposing ends of our subcontinental‐scale network. The impact of future environmental changes on these forests will ultimately depend on the balance between temperature and precipitation changes across this latitudinal gradient.
Evolution of sun‐protection measures for children
Authors: Lebbé C. , Robert C. , Ricard S. , Sassolas B. , Grange F. , Saiag P. , Lhomel C. , Mortier L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe prevention of melanoma can be significantly improved by targeting information directly towards the subpopulation of children and, as a means to achieve it, towards young parents.ObjectivesThe objective of this analysis was to determine the evolution over time of the sun‐protection measures adopted by parents for their young children.MethodsThe Edifice Melanoma survey was based on telephone interviews of a representative sample of 1502 subjects aged ≥18 years. This particular analysis focuses on 864 adults whose children are exposed to the sun for more than 10 days a year. We compared the characteristics and attitudes of two sub‐groups of parents with regard to sun protection of young children: current‐day behaviour of parents with children <15 years and behaviour in the past of parents whose children are now ≥15 years.ResultsPresent‐day parents are more likely than those of previous generations to systematically or often use hats (96% vs. 90%, P < 0.01), protective clothes (92% vs. 84%, P < 0.01), sunscreen (89% vs. 80%, P < 0.01) and sunglasses (63% vs. 44%, P < 0.01) for their children. Systematic application of sunscreen is also more frequent today than several years ago as reported by 81% of present‐day parents vs. 74% of those in the past (P < 0.05). Cream is reapplied every 2 h by 41% of present‐day parents, compared to 33%, in the past (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe attitude of parents towards sun protection for their children has improved over the past decade.
Long‐term course of oxaliplatin‐induced polyneuropathy: a prospective 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Briani Chiara , Argyriou Andreas A. , Izquierdo Cristina , Velasco Roser , Campagnolo Marta , Alberti Paola , Frigeni Barbara , Cacciavillani Mario , Bergamo Francesca , Cortinovis Diego , Cazzaniga Marina , Bruna Jordi , Cavaletti Guido , Kalofonos Haralabos P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis prospective study sought to identify the potential reversibility of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy (OXAIPN) by following‐up its long‐term course 2 years after discontinuation of oxaliplatin (OXA)‐based chemotherapy. Participants were 91 colorectal cancer patients treated with OXA‐based chemotherapy. Neurological assessment, clinical Total Neuropathy Score© (TNSc©) and nerve conduction studies were performed at baseline (T0), the end of chemotherapy (T1) and 2 years (T2) after discontinuation of chemotherapy. A total of 73 of 91 (80%) patients experienced OXAIPN at T1. At a median follow‐up of 25 months, persistence of chronic OXAIPN was present in 61 of 73 patients (84%) and complete resolution was present in 12 patients (17%). Longitudinal comparison of TNSc© values between T1 and T2 revealed that the overall severity of OXAIPN in those 61 patients significantly decreased over time. Median TNSc© values were nine (range: 2–15) at T1 vs. four (range: 2–12) at T2 (P < 0.001). Likewise, sensory nerve conduction measures at T2 significantly improved in all sensory nerves tested, compared with T1. Severity of OXAIPN at T2 was significantly associated (P < 0.001) with high severity of OXAIPN at T1. In conclusion, persistence of OXAIPN beyond 2 years after finishing chemotherapy is common. Clinical and neurophysiological improvement is observed, although recovery is often incomplete.
Involvement of the H1 Histamine Receptor, p38 MAP Kinase, Myosin Light Chains Kinase, and Rho/ROCK in Histamine‐Induced Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Adderley Shaquria P. , Zhang Xun E. , Breslin Jerome W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe mechanisms by which histamine increases microvascular permeability remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that H1 receptor activation disrupts the endothelial barrier and investigated potential downstream signals.MethodsWe used confluent EC monolayers, assessing TER as an index of barrier function. HUVEC, HCMEC, and HDMEC were compared. Receptor expression was investigated using Western blotting, IF confocal microscopy and RT‐PCR. Receptor function and downstream signaling pathways were tested using pharmacologic antagonists and inhibitors, respectively.ResultsWe identified H1–H4 receptors on all three EC types. H1 antagonists did not affect basal TER but prevented the histamine‐induced decrease in TER. Blockade of H2 or H3 attenuated the histamine response only in HDMEC, while inhibition of H4 attenuated the response only in HUVEC. Combined inhibition of both PKC and PI3K caused exaggerated histamine‐induced barrier dysfunction in HDMEC, whereas inhibition of p38 MAP kinase attenuated the histamine response in all three EC types. Inhibition of RhoA, ROCK, or MLCK also prevented the histamine‐induced decrease in TER in HDMEC.ConclusionThe data suggest that multiple signaling pathways contribute to histamine‐induced endothelial barrier dysfunction via the H1 receptor.
Transcriptome analysis of cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A–regulated genes reveals the production of the novel natural compound fumipyrrole by Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Macheleidt Juliane , Scherlach Kirstin , Neuwirth Toni , Schmidt‐Heck Wolfgang , Straßburger Maria , Spraker Joseph , Baccile Joshua A. , Schroeder Frank C. , Keller Nancy P. , Hertweck Christian , Heinekamp Thorsten , Brakhage Axel A. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human pathogenic fungus causing life‐threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Adaptation to different habitats and also virulence of the fungus depends on signal perception and transduction by modules such as the cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Here, by transcriptome analysis, 632 differentially regulated genes of this important signaling cascade were identified, including 23 putative transcriptional regulators. The highest upregulated transcription factor gene was located in a previously unknown secondary metabolite gene cluster, which we named fmp, encoding an incomplete non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase, FmpE. Overexpression of the regulatory gene fmpR using the TetOn system led to the specific expression of the other six genes of the fmp cluster. Metabolic profiling of wild type and fmpR overexpressing strain by HPLC‐DAD and HPLC‐HRESI‐MS and structure elucidation by NMR led to identification of 5‐benzyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid, which we named fumipyrrole. Fumipyrrole was not described as natural product yet. Chemical synthesis of fumipyrrole confirmed its structure. Interestingly, deletion of fmpR or fmpE led to reduced growth and sporulation of the mutant strains. Although fmp cluster genes were transcribed in infected mouse lungs, deletion of fmpR resulted in wild‐type virulence in a murine infection model.
The Campylobacter jejuni CprRS two‐component regulatory system regulates aspects of the cell envelope
Authors: Svensson Sarah L. , Hyunh Steven , Parker Craig T. , Gaynor Erin C. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryCampylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of food‐borne gastroenteritis in humans. It lives commensally in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and tolerates variable conditions during transit/colonization of susceptible hosts. The C. jejuni CprRS two‐component system contains an essential response regulator (CprR), and deletion of the cprS sensor kinase enhances biofilms. We sought to identify CprRS‐regulated genes and better understand how the system affects survival. Expression from the cprR promoter was highest during logarithmic growth and dependent on CprS. CprRD52A did not support viability, indicating that CprR phosphorylation is essential despite the dispensability of CprS. We identified a GTAAAC consensus bound by the CprR C‐terminus; the Asp52 residue of full‐length CprR was required for binding, suggesting phosphorylation is required. Transcripts differing in expression in ΔcprS compared with wildtype (WT) contained a putative CprR binding site upstream of their promoter region and encoded htrA (periplasmic protease upstream of cprRS) and peb4 (SurA‐like chaperone). Consistent with direct regulation, the CprR consensus in the htrA promoter was bound by CprRCTD. Finally, ΔhtrA formed enhanced biofilms, and ΔcprS biofilms were suppressed by Mg2+. CprRS is the first C. jejuni regulatory system shown to control genes related to the cell envelope, the first line of interaction between pathogen and changing environments.
The signalling mucin Msb2 regulates surface sensing and host penetration via BMP1 MAP kinase signalling in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Leroch Michaela , Mueller Nathalie , Hinsenkamp Isabel , Hahn Matthias 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBotrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that infects a wide range of fruit, vegetable and flower crops. Penetration of the host cuticle occurs via infection structures that are formed in response to appropriate plant surface signals. The differentiation of these structures requires a highly conserved mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade including the MAP kinase BMP1. In yeast and several plant‐pathogenic fungi, the signalling mucin Msb2 has been shown to be involved in surface recognition and MAP kinase activation. In this study, a B. cinerea msb2 mutant was generated and characterized. The mutant showed normal growth, sporulation, sclerotia formation and stress resistance. In the absence of nutrients, abnormal germination with multiple germ tubes was observed. In the presence of sugars, normal germination occurred, but msb2 germlings were almost unable to form appressoria or infection cushions on hard surfaces. Nevertheless, the msb2 mutant showed only a moderate delay in lesion formation on different host plants, and formed expanding lesions similar to the wild‐type. Although the wild‐type showed increasing BMP1 phosphorylation during the first hours of germination on hard surfaces, the phosphorylation levels in the msb2 mutant were strongly reduced. Several genes encoding secreted proteins were found to be co‐regulated by BMP1 and Msb2 during germination. Taken together, B. cinerea Msb2 is likely to represent a hard surface sensor of germlings and hyphae that triggers infection structure formation via the activation of the BMP1 MAP kinase pathway.
MoTup1 is required for growth, conidiogenesis and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Chen Yue , Zhai Su , Sun Yi , Li Mengying , Dong Yanhan , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Haifeng , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Ping , Zhang Zhengguang 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe general transcriptional repressor Tup1 proteins play important regulatory roles in the growth and development of fungi. In this report, we characterized MoTup1, a protein homologous to Tup1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, from M. oryzae. Disruption of MoTUP1 resulted in severe mycelial growth reduction and a defect in conidiogenesis. We found that MoTup1 is required for the maintenance of cell wall integrity by regulating the expression of the genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis. Pathogenicity assays indicated that the ΔMotup1 mutants lost the ability to invade both rice and barley hosts. Moreover, observation of rice epidermis penetration showed that the hyphal tips of the mutants could still form appressorium‐like structures, but were unable to invade host cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that M. oryzae MoTup1 is an important regulatory factor in fungal growth, development and pathogenesis on hosts.
Pericardial Effusion Following Drain Removal after Percutaneous Epicardial Access for an Electrophysiology Procedure
Authors: KILLU AMMAR M. , WAN SIU‐HIN , MUNGER THOMAS M. , HODGE DAVID O. , MULPURU SIVA , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the frequency and predictors of pericardial effusion following epicardial sheath removal.BackgroundPericardial effusion can occur following cardiac surgical or interventional procedures including percutaneous epicardial access (EpiAcc), which is increasingly used as part of electrophysiology ablation procedures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the Mayo Clinic comprehensive electronic medical record was performed from all patients who underwent planned EpiAcc as part of an electrophysiology ablation procedure between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2013.ResultsOf 144 patients (mean age 51.3 ± 15.5 years, 68% male) who underwent planned EpiAcc as part of an electrophysiology ablation (95.8% pericardial access success rate), seven (4.9%) developed a postoperative pericardial effusion requiring repeat EpiAcc. Inferior access was utilized in 74 (51.4%) patients. Patients with pericardial effusion tended to be younger (41.1 years vs 51.8 years, P = 0.08) and were more likely to have undergone inferior approach access (85.7% vs 49.6%, P = 0.06) than those who did not develop postoperative pericardial effusion. Seventy‐one percent of patients with postoperative pericardial effusion versus 32.1% of patients without postoperative pericardial effusion had a preprocedure ejection fraction ≥55% (P = 0.03). There were no procedural‐related deaths, and no difference in mortality between groups.ConclusionsPostoperative pericardial effusion requiring repeat access/drainage was relatively infrequent, occurring in 4.9% of patients shortly after epicardial procedures. While the majority occur early and therefore require close observation, some patients may present in a delayed manner.
Blood flow in internal carotid and vertebral arteries during graded lower body negative pressure in humans
Authors: Ogoh Shigehiko , Sato Kohei , Okazaki Kazunobu , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Hirasawa Ai , Sadamoto Tomoko , Shibasaki Manabu 
Published: January 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Recently, the heterogeneity of the cerebral arterial circulation has been argued. Orthostatic tolerance may be associated with an orthostatic stress‐induced change in blood flow in vertebral arteries rather than in internal carotid arteries, because vertebral arteries supply blood to the medulla oblongata, which is the location of important cardiac, vasomotor and respiratory control centres.

What is the main finding and its importance?
The effect of graded orthostatic stress on vertebral artery blood flow is different from that on internal carotid artery blood flow. This response allows for the possibility that orthostatic tolerance may be associated with haemodynamic changes in posterior rather than anterior cerebral blood flow.

Recently, the heterogeneity of the cerebral arterial circulation has been argued, but the characteristics of vertebral artery (VA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) blood flow during graded orthostatic stress remain unknown. We hypothesized that the change in blood flow in VA is not similar to that in ICA blood flow during graded orthostatic stress. We measured blood flows in both ICA and VA during graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP; −20, −35 and −50 mmHg) by using two colour‐coded ultrasound systems. The effect of graded orthostatic stress on the VA blood flow was different from that on the ICA blood flow (LBNP × artery, P = 0.006). The change in ICA blood flow was associated with the level of LBNP (r = 0.287, P = 0.029), and a reduction in ICA blood flow from pre‐LBNP was observed during −50 mmHg LBNP (from 411 ± 35 to 311 ± 40 ml min−1, P = 0.044) without symptoms of presyncope. In contrast, VA blood flow was unchanged during graded LBNP compared with the baseline (P = 0.597) relative to the reduction in ICA blood flow and thus there was no relationship between VA blood flow and the level of LBNP (r = 0.167, P = 0.219). These findings suggest that the change in ICA blood flow is due to the level of LBNP during graded orthostatic stress, but the change in VA blood flow is different from that in ICA blood flow across the different levels of LBNP. These findings provide the possibility that posterior cerebral blood flow decreases only during severe orthostatic stress and is therefore more likely to be linked with orthostatic tolerance.
Experimental Research of Tire Elastomer-Surface Tribological Properties
Authors: Kupreyanov Andrei A. , Morozov Mikhail V. , Belousov Boris N. , Ksenevich Tatiana I. , Vantsevich Vladimir V. 
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a new experimental test rig and experimental findings on tire elastomer-surface friction characteristics that are necessary for modeling tire thermodynamic characteristics and then tire characteristics, including the μ-curve in the driving and braking modes of operation.
Unlike common approaches, the paper offers experimental procedures and test results on both steady and non-steady friction process by introducing (i) velocity factor, (ii) normal pressure distribution, and (iii) a temperature factor in the elastomer-surface contact. The group of (i), (ii), and (iii)-listed factors, taken together, represents the key elements by means of which tribological properties of the tire-road interaction, i.e., an elastomer-surface friction pair, impact the μ-curve.
Five Steps for Crafting a Doctoral Research Proposal in Engineering Design
Authors: Khosrojerdi Amirhossein , Rezapour Shabnam , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: January 2015

Doctoral students are required to prepare and defend a research proposal. In this paper, we present five steps for doctoral students to identify the questions that are worthy of investigation and thence to develop a research plan and proposal. Our method involves five steps, namely,
Step 1: Frame the problem
Step 2: Develop a research plan
Step 3: Verification and validation
Step 4: Proposal template
Step 5: Proposal outline
We illustrate the method using the sustainable design of plug-in-electric vehicle charging stations as an example.