bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Common Low Back Pain: A New Approach to an Old Problem
Authors: Bosscher Hemmo A. , Heavner James E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLow back pain is very common, but the pathophysiology is poorly understood. We present a new hypothesis regarding the pathophysiology of common low back pain supported by our flexible endoscopic observations of the epidural cavity (epiduroscopy), anatomic dissection of embalmed and fresh cadavers, and careful review of preexisting information available on the anatomy of the epidural space and neuroforamen. A new approach to the treatment of common low back pain based on the hypothesis was developed and is presented in the case reports of five patients. Treatment focuses on a perichondrium derivative; the peridural membrane, which creates a suprapedicular compartment in the neuroforamen where we hypothesize inflammatory material accumulates. This produces common low back pain by causing inflammation and sensitization of the peridural membrane and periosteum that forms the boundaries of this compartment. Percutaneous Ablation and Curettage and Inferior Foraminotomy (PACIFsm) aims to destroy the peridural membrane, denervate sensitive structures, and remove inflammatory tissues from the suprapedicular canal. The proposed mechanism of action and safety of PACIFsm is discussed in the context of epidural and neuroforaminal anatomy. As shown by the five case reports, PACIFsm appears to be highly effective and safe, warranting further evaluation.
Heparin inhibits melanosome uptake and inflammatory response coupled with phagocytosis through blocking PI3k/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways in human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Makino‐Okamura Chieko , Niki Yoko , Takeuchi Seiji , Nishigori Chikako , Declercq Lieve , Yaroch Daniel B. , Saito Naoaki 
Published: June 2014

SummaryTo gain insight for the role of mast cell‐produced heparin in the regulation of epidermal homeostasis and skin pigmentation, we have investigated the effect of heparin on melanosome uptake and proinflammatory responses in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). We quantified phagocytic activity of NHEKs with uptake of melanosomes or fluorescent microspheres. Heparin exhibited the inhibitory effect on keratinocyte phagocytosis through blocking PI3k/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. In fact, the heparin‐treated NHEKs showed impaired activation of Akt and ERK during phagocytosis, whereas PI3k and MEK inhibitors significantly suppressed melanosome uptake by NHEKs. In addition, the inflammation marker cycloxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production were induced during phagocytosis, while these effects were downregulated in the presence of heparin. Our observations suggest that heparin may play an antiphagocytic and anti‐inflammation role in epidermis of human skin.
Thermal infrared imaging in psychophysiology: Potentialities and limits
Authors: Ioannou Stephanos , Gallese Vittorio , Merla Arcangelo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFunctional infrared thermal imaging (fITI) is considered an upcoming, promising methodology in the emotional arena. Driven by sympathetic nerves, observations of affective nature derive from muscular activity subcutaneous blood flow as well as perspiration patterns in specific body parts. A review of 23 experimental procedures that employed fITI for investigations of affective nature is provided, along with the adopted experimental protocol and the thermal changes that took place on selected regions of interest in human and nonhuman subjects. Discussion is provided regarding the selection of an appropriate baseline, the autonomic nature of the thermal print, the experimental setup, methodological issues, limitations, and considerations, as well as future directions.
Thrombosis in the Uremic Milieu—Emerging Role of “Thrombolome”
Authors: Shashar Moshe , Francis Jean , Chitalia Vipul 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by retention of a number of toxins, which unleash cellular damage. CKD environment with these toxins and a host of metabolic abnormalities (collectively termed as uremic milieu) is highly thrombogenic. CKD represents a strong and independent risk factor for both spontaneous venous and arterial (postvascular injury) thrombosis. Emerging evidence points to a previously unrecognized role of some of the prothrombotic uremic toxins. Here, we provide an overview of thrombosis in CKD and an update on indolic uremic toxins, which robustly increase tissue factor, a potent procoagulant, in several vascular cell types enhancing thrombosis. This panel of uremic toxins, which we term “thrombolome” (thrombosis and metabolome), represents a novel risk factor for thrombosis and can be further explored as biomarker for postvascular interventional thrombosis in patients with CKD.
Evidenz und Expertise im vorparlamentarischen Gesetzgebungsprozess: Die Rolle von Verwaltung und externen Experten
Authors: Ledermann Simone 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDerEvidence‐Based Policy‐Ansatz hat international Reformen ausgelöst und Studien zum Verhältnis von Wissen und Politik angestossen, wobei ein klares Verständnis von “Evidenz” nach wie vor fehlt. In diesem Artikel wird eine Typologie politikrelevanter Wissensarten entwickelt, die zwischen systematischer Evidenz und personengebundener Expertise sowie zwischen den PolitikdimensionenPolicy,PoliticsundPolityunterscheidet. Auf dieser konzeptionellen Grundlage wird empirisch erfasst, welches Wissen die Verwaltung und externe Experten während der bisher kaum untersuchten Frühphase von Gesetzgebungsverfahren auf Bundesebene beitragen. Es zeigt sich, dass die federführenden Verwaltungsakteure kaum über Expertise verfügen, die für den Gesetzgebungsprozess relevant wäre, doch versuchen sie, ihre Wissenslücken je nach Dimension unterschiedlich zu kompensieren. Externe Experten leisten einen bescheidenen Wissensbeitrag, weshalb ihre Beteiligung primär als Mittel für die politische Kompromissfindung verstanden werden muss. Dies eröffnet aus demokratietheoretischer Sicht Diskussionsbedarf.
HLA‐G gene polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis disease and its severity in Brazilian patients
Authors: Catamo E. , Addobbati C. , Segat L. , Sotero Fragoso T. , Domingues Barbosa A. , Tavares Dantas A. , de Ataíde Mariz H. , F. da Rocha L. , Branco Pinto Duarte A. L. , Monasta L. , Sandrin‐Garcia P. , Crovella S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe analyzed the possible association between human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) genetic variants, supposed to regulate HLA‐G expression, and the susceptibility to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as its clinical manifestations. The 5′upstream regulatory region (5′URR) and 3′untranslated region (3′UTR) regions of the HLA‐G gene were screened in 127 RA patients and 128 controls: 10 5′URR and 3 3′UTR HLA‐G polymorphisms as well as two haplotypes were associated with risk for RA development, while a polymorphism in the 5′URR showed an association with the degree of disease activity. These findings, although the number of cases analyzed is limited and the P‐values are modest, indicate a possible association between HLA‐G gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to develop RA disease and its severity.
Still No Guidance: Reply to Steglich‐Petersen
Authors: Glüer Kathrin , Wikforss Åsa 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn a recent article in this journal, Asbjørn Steglich‐Petersen criticizes an argument we have called the “no‐guidance argument”. He claims that our argument fails because it (1) “presupposes a much too narrow understanding of what it takes for a norm to influence behaviour” and (2) “betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the point of the truth norm” (Steglich‐Petersen, 2013, p. 279). If these claims could be substantiated, the no‐guidance argument would lose all interest. But Steglich‐Petersen's attempt at substantiating them fails. The suggested sense in which the truth norm can guide behaviour turns out to be too wide to be recognizable as an intuitive notion of norm guidance. Moreover, it remains unclear how the truth norm could possibly provide an answer to the question whether it – rather than some other, possible norm for belief – is valid.
Identification of a NAC transcription factor, EPHEMERAL1, that controls petal senescence in Japanese morning glory
Authors: Shibuya Kenichi , Shimizu Keiichi , Niki Tomoko , Ichimura Kazuo 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIn flowering plants, floral longevity is species‐specific and is closely linked to reproductive strategy; petal senescence, a type of programmed cell death (PCD), is a highly regulated developmental process. However, little is known about regulatory pathways for cell death in petal senescence, which is developmentally controlled in an age‐dependent manner. Here, we show that a NAC transcription factor, designated EPHEMERAL1 (EPH1), positively regulates PCD during petal senescence in the ephemeral flowers of Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil). EPH1 expression is induced independently of ethylene signaling, and suppression of EPH1 resulted in Japanese morning glory flowers that are in bloom until the second day. The suppressed expression of EPH1 delays progression of PCD, possibly through suppression of the expression of PCD‐related genes, including genes for plant caspase and autophagy in the petals. Our data further suggest that EPH1 is involved in the regulation of ethylene‐accelerated petal senescence. In this study, we identified a key regulator of PCD in petal senescence, which will facilitate further elucidation of the regulatory network of petal senescence.
Recurrent hemorrhage caused by type 3 von Willebrand disease in a domestic long‐haired cat
Authors: Bebar Kimberly N. , Sinnott Virginia , Brooks Marjory B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a case of spontaneous epistaxis in a cat with type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) and detail the successful management of hemorrhagic episodes on 2 occasions.Case summaryA 3.6 kg, 1‐year‐old, female mixed‐breed domestic long‐haired cat presented for spontaneous epistaxis. Hemostasis testing at presentation revealed normal prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, a slightly decreased platelet count of 168 × 109/L [168 × 103/μL] (reference interval 200–500 × 109/L [200–500 × 103/μL]) and prolonged buccal mucosal bleeding time of 168 seconds (reference interval <150 s). Specific activities of coagulation factors VIII, IX, XI, and XII were all within reference intervals. Plasma von Willebrand factor concentration, however, was markedly reduced at <0.1% of normal. These findings are compatible with a diagnosis of severe type 3 VWD. The initial occurrence of epistaxis resolved spontaneously soon after admission; however, the cat required a packed RBC transfusion for blood loss anemia. Desmopressin acetate was administered, but failed to arrest hemorrhage during a second episode of epistaxis 12 months later. The second episode was successfully controlled by transfusion of 6.7 mL/kg feline fresh frozen plasma.New and unique informationThis is the first description of severe type 3 VWD in a domestic cat and only the second report of VWD in this species. Unlike human beings and primates with type 3 VWD, the affected cat did not have a concomitant deficiency of coagulation factor VIII or consistent prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time. Clinicians should therefore include VWD in the list of differentials for cats with signs of abnormal hemorrhage and confirm the diagnosis with specific measurement of plasma von Willebrand factor concentration.
Defining Daptomycin Resistance Prevention Exposures in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis
Authors: Werth B. J. , Steed M. E. , Ireland C. E. , Tran T. T. , Nonejuie P. , Murray B. E. , Rose W. E. , Sakoulas G. , Pogliano J. , Arias C. A. , Rybak M. J. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Daptomycin is used off-label for enterococcal infections; however, dosing targets for resistance prevention remain undefined. Doses of 4 to 6 mg/kg of body weight/day approved for staphylococci are likely inadequate against enterococci due to reduced susceptibility. We modeled daptomycin regimens
in vitro
to determine the minimum exposure to prevent daptomycin resistance (Dap
r
) in enterococci. Daptomycin simulations of 4 to 12 mg/kg/day (maximum concentration of drug in serum [
C
max
] of 57.8, 93.9, 123.3, 141.1, and 183.7 mg/liter; half-life [
t
1/2
] of 8 h) were tested against one
Enterococcus faecium
strain (S447) and one
Enterococcus faecalis
strain (S613) in a simulated endocardial vegetation pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model over 14 days. Samples were plated on media containing 3× the MIC of daptomycin to detect Dap
r
. Mutations in genes encoding proteins associated with cell envelope homeostasis (
yycFG
and
liaFSR
) and phospholipid metabolism (cardiolipin synthase [
cls
] and cyclopropane fatty acid synthetase [
cfa
]) were investigated in Dap
r
derivatives. Dap
r
derivatives were assessed for changes in susceptibility, surface charge, membrane depolarization, cell wall thickness (CWT), and growth rate. Strains S447 and S613 developed Dap
r
after simulations of 4 to 8 mg/kg/day but not 10 to 12 mg/kg/day. MICs for Dap
r
strains ranged from 8 to 256 mg/liter. Some S613 derivatives developed mutations in
liaF
or
cls
. S447 derivatives lacked mutations in these genes. Dap
r
derivatives from both strains exhibited lowered growth rates, up to a 72% reduction in daptomycin-induced depolarization and up to 6-nm increases in CWT (
P
< 0.01). Peak/MIC and AUC
0–24
/MIC ratios (AUC
0–24
is the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h) associated with Dap
r
prevention were 72.1 and 780 for S447 and 144 and 1561 for S613, respectively. Daptomycin doses of 10 mg/kg/day may be required to prevent Dap
r
in serious enterococcal infections.
Long-Term Dissemination of CTX-M-5-Producing Hypermutable Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Sequence Type 328 Strains in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan
Authors: Kozyreva Varvara K. , Ilina Elena N. , Malakhova Maja V. , Carattoli Alessandra , Azizov Ilya S. , Tapalski Dmitry V. , Kozlov Roman S. , Edelstein Mikhail V. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present evidence of long-term circulation of cefotaxime-resistant clonally relatedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium strains over a broad geographic area. The genetic relatedness of 88 isolates collected from multiple outbreaks and sporadic cases of nosocomial salmonellosis in various parts of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan from 1996 to 2009 was established by multilocus tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The isolates belong to sequence type 328 (ST328) and produce CTX-M-5 β-lactamase, whose gene is carried by highly related non-self-conjugative but mobilizable plasmids. Resistance to nalidixic acid and low-level resistance to ciprofloxacin is present in 37 (42%) of the isolates and in all cases is determined by various single point mutations in thegyrAgene quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR). Isolates of the described clonal group exhibit a hypermutable phenotype that probably facilitates independent acquisition of quinolone resistance mutations.
Epidemiology and Predictors of Multidrug-Resistant Community-Acquired and Health Care-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Gross Alan E. , Van Schooneveld Trevor C. , Olsen Keith M. , Rupp Mark E. , Bui Thu Hong , Forsung Elsie , Kalil Andre C. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

There are limited U.S. data describing the risk factors for multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) isolation in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP). However, concern for the presence of these pathogens drives the prescribing of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics for CAP and HCAP. A retrospective study of all adults hospitalized with community-onset pneumonia (CAP and HCAP) at a large U.S. medical center from January 2010 to December 2011 was conducted. The objective was to ascertain the rate of pneumonia caused by MDROs and to evaluate whether HCAP is a risk factor for MDRO pneumonia. Univariate and propensity score-adjusted multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 521 patients (50.5% CAP and 49.5% HCAP) were included. The most common etiologies of pneumonia were primary viral and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. MDROs were isolated in 20 (3.8%) patients overall, and MDROs occurred in 5.9% and 1.9% of HCAP and CAP patients, respectively. The presence of an MDRO was not associated with HCAP classification (odds ratio [OR] = 1.95; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.66 to 5.80;
P
= 0.23) or with most of its individual components (hemodialysis, home infusion, home wound care, and ≥48-h hospitalization in the last 90 days). Independent predictors of MDRO included the following:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
colonization/infection in the previous year (OR = 7.43; 95% CI, 2.24 to 24.61;
P
< 0.001), antimicrobial use in the previous 90 days (OR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.45;
P
= 0.027), admission from a nursing home (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 1.55 to 11.31;
P
= 0.005), and duration of hospitalization in the previous 90 or 180 days (
P
= 0.013 and
P
= 0.002, respectively). MDROs were uncommon in HCAP and CAP. HCAP did not predict MDRO isolation. Local etiology of community onset pneumonia and specific MDRO risk factors should be integrated into therapeutic decisions to prevent empirical overprescribing of antibiotics for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and
P. aeruginosa
.
Comparative Efficacies of Cloxacillin-Daptomycin and the Standard Cloxacillin-Rifampin Therapies against an Experimental Foreign-Body Infection by Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: El Haj Cristina , Murillo Oscar , Ribera Alba , Vivas Mireia , Garcia-Somoza Dolors , Tubau Fe , Cabo Javier , Ariza Javier 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

We compared the efficacies of daptomycin (doses equivalent to 8 to 10 mg/kg of body weight/day in humans) and cloxacillin alone with those of cloxacillin-rifampin and cloxacillin-daptomycin combinations, using a tissue cage methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) infection model. Monotherapies were less effective than combinations (
P
< 0.05), and daptomycin resistance emerged. Cloxacillin-daptomycin proved as effective as cloxacillin-rifampin and prevented the appearance of resistance; this combination may be an alternative anti-MSSA therapy, which may offer greater benefits in the early treatment of prosthetic joint infections (PJI).
Micafungin at Physiological Serum Concentrations Shows Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis Biofilms
Authors: Guembe M. , Guinea J. , Marcos-Zambrano L. J. , Fernández-Cruz A. , Peláez T. , Muñoz P. , Bouza E. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

We assessed the
in vitro
activity of micafungin against preformed
Candida
biofilms by measuring the concentration of drug causing the most fungal damage and inhibition of regrowth. We studied 37 biofilm-producing
Candida
spp. strains from blood cultures. We showed that micafungin was active against planktonic and sessile forms of
Candida albicans
strains and moderately active against
Candida parapsilosis
sessile cells. Concentrations of micafungin above 2 μg/ml were sufficiently high to inactivate regrowth of
Candida
sessile cells.
In Vitro
Efficacy of Brincidofovir against Variola Virus
Authors: Olson Victoria A. , Smith Scott K. , Foster Scott , Li Yu , Lanier E. Randall , Gates Irina , Trost Lawrence C. , Damon Inger K. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Brincidofovir (CMX001), a lipid conjugate of the acyclic nucleotide phosphonate cidofovir, is under development for smallpox treatment using “the Animal Rule,” established by the FDA in 2002. Brincidofovir reduces mortality caused by orthopoxvirus infection in animal models. Compared to cidofovir, brincidofovir has increased potency, is administered orally, and shows no evidence of nephrotoxicity. Here we report that the brincidofovir half-maximal effective concentration (EC
50
) against five variola virus strains
in vitro
averaged 0.11 μM and that brincidofovir was therefore nearly 100-fold more potent than cidofovir.
Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Peptide Immobilization for Preventing Perioperative Cornea Implant-Associated Bacterial Infection
Authors: Tan Xiao Wei , Goh Tze Wei , Saraswathi P. , Nyein Chan Lwin , Setiawan Melina , Riau Andri , Lakshminarayanan R. , Liu Shouping , Tan Donald , Beuerman Roger W. , Mehta Jodhbir S. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Titanium (Ti) is a promising candidate biomaterial for an artificial corneal skirt. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) immobilization may improve the bactericidal effect of the Ti substrate. In this study, we tested the bactericidal efficacy of a functionalized Ti surface in a rabbit keratitis model. A corneal stromal pocket was created by a femtosecond laser. The Ti films were then inserted into the pocket, and
Staphylococcus aureus
or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
was inoculated into the pocket above the implant films. The corneas with Ti-AMP implants were compared with the corneas implanted with unprotected Ti by slit lamp observation and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Inflammatory responses were evaluated by bacterium counting, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunostaining. There was a lower incidence and a lesser extent of infection on rabbit corneas with Ti-AMP implants than on those with unprotected Ti implants. The bactericidal effect of AMP against
S. aureus
was comparable to that of postoperative prophylactic antibiotic treatment; hence, SESB2V AMP bound to the Ti implant provided functional activity
in vivo
, but its efficacy was greater against
S. aureus
than against
P. aeruginosa
. This work suggests that SESB2V AMP can be successfully functionalized in a rabbit keratitis model to prevent perioperative corneal infection.
Bactericidal Activity, Absence of Serum Effect, and Time-Kill Kinetics of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Keepers Tiffany R. , Gomez Marcela , Celeri Chris , Nichols Wright W. , Krause Kevin M. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Avibactam, a non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor with activity against extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), KPC, AmpC, and some OXA enzymes, extends the antibacterial activity of ceftazidime against most ceftazidime-resistant organisms producing these enzymes. In this study, the bactericidal activity of ceftazidime-avibactam against 18
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates and 15
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates, including wild-type isolates and ESBL, KPC, and/or AmpC producers, was evaluated. Ceftazidime-avibactam MICs (0.016 to 32 μg/ml) were lower than those for ceftazidime alone (0.06 to ≥256 μg/ml) against all isolates except for 2
P. aeruginosa
isolates (1
bla
VIM
-positive isolate and 1
bla
OXA-23
-positive isolate). The minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC ratios of ceftazidime-avibactam were ≤4 for all isolates, indicating bactericidal activity. Human serum and human serum albumin had a minimal effect on ceftazidime-avibactam MICs. Ceftazidime-avibactam time-kill kinetics were evaluated at low MIC multiples and showed time-dependent reductions in the number of CFU/ml from 0 to 6 h for all strains tested. A ≥3-log
10
decrease in the number of CFU/ml was observed at 6 h for all
Enterobacteriaceae
, and a 2-log
10
reduction in the number of CFU/ml was observed at 6 h for 3 of the 6
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Regrowth was noted at 24 h for some of the isolates tested in time-kill assays. These data demonstrate the potent bactericidal activity of ceftazidime-avibactam and support the continued clinical development of ceftazidime-avibactam as a new treatment option for infections caused by
Enterobacteriaceae
and
P. aeruginosa
, including isolates resistant to ceftazidime by mechanisms dependent on avibactam-sensitive β-lactamases.