bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The contribution of mast cells to postoperative ileus in experimental and clinical studies
Authors: Peters E. G. , De Jonge W. J. , Smeets B. J. J. , Luyer M. D. P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe persistent phase of postoperative ileus (POI) is mediated by inflammatory activation of the resident myeloid immune cell population in the gut wall, likely elicited by neurogenic activation. Mast cells are thought to play a critical role in this inflammatory response and involvement of mast cells in POI has been investigated and described thoroughly in experimental studies. Intestinal manipulation (IM) leads to degranulation of mast cells, resulting in an increase in mast cell proteases in peritoneal fluid and gut tissue. The inflammatory infiltrate formed in the intestinal wall thereby impairs gastrointestinal motility. In the clinical study by Berdun et al., the experimentally known association between mast cell degranulation and delayed motility is shown in a clinical setting. These findings are important and open up therapeutic opportunities to reduce or prevent POI. In this mini‐review, the role of mast cells in POI is discussed. Furthermore, an update is given on the involvement of the inflammatory response in POI and potential therapeutic strategies.
Hypertension in children after renal transplantation
Authors: Bulum Burcu , Özçakar Z. Birsin , Kavaz Aslı , Tutar Ercan , Ekim Mesiha , Yalçınkaya Fatoş 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundHypertension (HT) is a common and serious complication following renal transplantation in children, and an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of HT in children after renal transplantation.MethodsTwenty‐four children who were followed up at least 6 months after renal transplantation were enrolled in the study. From the clinical records, demographic and laboratory data, casual blood pressure (BP) measurement, ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), medication, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at echocardiogram were documented.ResultsMean age at time of transplantation was 12.6 ± 3.0 years and mean follow‐up period was 19.6 ± 15.8 months. HT was detected in 21 children (87.5%) after renal transplantation. Twelve patients (50%) had HT both before and after transplantation and nine (38%) had HT only after transplantation. HT developed in 67% within the first week and in 95% within the first month. All hypertensive children had night‐time HT and no child had isolated daytime HT. The efficacy of HT control was 42%. Median LVMI in patients with HT after renal transplantation was 42.3 g/m2.7.ConclusionsSevere HT, an important complication, was frequently seen in the early period after renal transplantation. Predominance of nocturnal HT and the lack of isolated daytime HT after transplantation underline the importance of ABPM. ABPM should be performed regularly in the first year after transplantation, not only for diagnosis but also for evaluation of HT control.
Prognostic factors of drug‐resistant epilepsy in childhood: An Italian study
Authors: Russo Angelo , Posar Annio , Conti Sara , Parmeggiani Antonia 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy is drug resistant in 30–40% of cases. We studied, retrospectively, the prognostic factors of drug resistance (DR) during a 15 year period, in an Italian sample of patients with childhood epilepsy.MethodsA total of 117 patients were divided into two groups: one with DR, and the other without DR. The two groups were compared at the following time points: epilepsy onset (T0), and at 2, 5, 8 and 10 years after seizure onset (T2, T5, T8 and T10, respectively) using Fisher's exact test and randomization test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to identify the most reliable predictive model of DR.ResultsPositive neurological examination at onset, symptomatic/probable symptomatic etiology, lack of response to the first drug, seizure clustering during follow up, intelligence quotient ≤ 70, altered neuropsychological examination at onset, and presence of cerebral lesions were predominant in cases of DR. The most reliable combinations of predictors of DR included partial or no response to the first drug, presence of seizure clustering during follow up, altered neurological examination at onset, and long latency between epilepsy onset and first drug at T2; partial or absent response to the first drug and positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at T5; positive MRI and absence of generalized seizures at T8; and positive MRI at T10. DR also sometimes appeared after discontinuation of an effective therapy.ConclusionsPredictive factors of DR can be recognized in a large number of patients with epilepsy at disease onset, although the current possibility of predicting epilepsy outcome remains limited. In the long term, evidence of cerebral lesions appears to become the most significant prognostic factor.
Perceived influence, decision‐making and access to information in family services as factors of parental empowerment: a cross‐sectional study of parents with young children
Authors: Vuorenmaa Maaret , Halme Nina , Perälä Marja‐Leena , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundParental empowerment is known to increase parents' resources and to reduce stress, and therefore to improve family well‐being. Professionals working in family services (child health clinics, school health care, day care, preschool and primary school) encounter families in various everyday settings and can significantly support parental empowerment.AimThis study aimed (i) to identify associations between parental empowerment and demographic and family service characteristics (i.e. parents' participation and perceived influence, decision‐making and access to information) and (ii) to identify predictors of maternal and paternal empowerment.MethodStudy design was cross‐sectional. Participants were mothers (n = 571) and fathers (n = 384) of children aged 0–9 who were selected by stratified random sampling in 2009. Associations were analysed by t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsSufficient perceived influence and joint decision‐making by family and professionals on family service appointments emerged as significant variables of increased parental empowerment. Access to adequate information about municipal services was also associated with high empowerment. These family service characteristics were associated with parents' sense that they were able to manage in everyday life and had influence on specific service situations and family services in general. Mothers with a child aged under 3 or a child in home care or primary school, and fathers with a lower education feel less empowered in family services than other parents.ConclusionKnowledge about the factors associated with parental empowerment can contribute to further reinforce parental empowerment, help identify parents who need special attention and contribute to the development of family services.
A Cross‐Cultural Examination of the Disjuncture Between Aspirations and Expectations/Perceived Outcomes: Strain and Academic Deviance in the United States and Japan
Authors: Tedor Miyuki Fukushima , Sharp Susan F. , Kobayashi Emiko 
Published: May 2015

Using comparable self‐reported survey data collected among college students in the United States (n = 502) and Japan (n = 441), this study examines a paradox of higher academic deviance among otherwise more conforming Japanese youth while revisiting the debate concerning the disjuncture between aspirations and expectations/perceived outcomes in Agnew's general strain theory (GST). Confirming the paradox, our results indicate that Japanese students are significantly more deviant academically than American students. However, contrary to the expectation of GST, but in support of past empirical studies, the higher academic deviance among the Japanese, as compared to Americans, is explained by their lower aspirations, irrespective of the levels of expectations/perceived outcomes
Progressive retinal atrophy in the Polski Owczarek Nizinny dog: a clinical and genetic study
Authors: Svensson Marika , Olsén Lena , Winkler Paige A. , Petersen‐Jones Simon M. , Bergström Tomas , Garncarz Yacek , Narfström Kristina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe ophthalmic, functional, structural, and genetical characteristics of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the polski owczarek nizinny (PON) breed of dog.Animals studied clinicallyClient‐owned PON dogs (n = 82) from Sweden.ProceduresRoutine examination for presumed inherited eye disease was performed in all dogs. Bilateral full‐field electroretinography (ERG) was performed in 11 affected and 4 control dogs. Eyes from one affected dog were studied with light microscopy. DNA samples from 34 Swedish and 30 PON dogs collected by Michigan State University (MSU) were tested for the mutations causing the rcd4 and prcd forms of PRA.ResultsSixteen of the eighty‐two Swedish dogs were diagnosed with PRA. Slight vascular attenuation, first seen at 4.5 years of age, preceded changes in tapetal reflectivity. The initial ERG changes in affected dogs showed markedly diminished rod responses, while cone responses were barely affected. Eventually, cone responses were also reduced. Retinal morphology showed approximately a 50% reduction of photoreceptor nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. Fourteen of fifteen PRA‐affected Swedish dogs and eighteen of twenty of the MSU PRA‐affected dogs tested genetically were positive for the rcd4 mutation. All tested dogs were negative for the mutation causing prcd‐PRA.ConclusionsPRA of PON dogs is a late‐onset degenerative disease with slow progression. There is early loss of rod function, while the cone system deteriorates later. The rcd4 mutation in the C2ORF71 gene was associated with the majority of the PRA cases tested. The possibility of additional forms of PRA in the breed cannot be excluded.
Cerebral oxygenation in highlanders with and without high‐altitude pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Furian M. , Latshang T. D. , Aeschbacher S. S. , Ulrich S. , Sooronbaev T. , Mirrakhimov E. M. , Aldashev A. , Bloch K. E. 
Published: May 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Cerebral hypoxia impairs cognitive function and exercise performance and may result in brain damage. Residents at high altitude, in particular those with high‐altitude pulmonary hypertension, are prone to hypoxaemia due to the exposure to reduced barometric pressure and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Whether highlanders have a reduced cerebral oxygenation has not been studied.

What is the main finding and its importance?
We found that despite a reduced arterial oxygen saturation, healthy highlanders and even those with pulmonary hypertension have a similar cerebral oxygenation to healthy lowlanders, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms protect long‐term residents at high altitude from cerebral hypoxia.

High‐altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH), a chronic altitude‐related illness, causes hypoxaemia and impaired exercise performance. We evaluated the hypothesis that haemodynamic limitation and hypoxaemia in patients with HAPH are associated with impaired cerebral tissue oxygenation (CTO) compared with healthy highlanders (HH) and lowlanders (LL). We studied 36 highlanders with HAPH and 54 HH at an altitude of 3250 m, and 34 LL at 760 m. Mean(±SD) pulmonary artery pressures were 34(±3), 22(±5) and 16(±4) mmHg, respectively (P < 0.05, all comparisons). The CTO was monitored by near‐infrared spectroscopy along with pulse oximetry (peripheral arterial oxygen saturation, ) during quiet breathing of room air (RA) and oxygen for 20 min each, and during hyperventilation with RA and oxygen, respectively. In HAPH, HH and LL breathing RA, was 88(±4), 92(±2) and 95(±2)%, respectively (P < 0.001, all comparisons), and CTO was similar in the three groups, at 68(±3), 68(±4) and 69(±4)%, respectively (n.s., all comparisons). Breathing oxygen increased and CTO significantly more in HAPH than in HH and LL. Hyperventilation (RA) did not reduce CTO in HAPH but did in HH and LL; hyperventilation (oxygen) increased CTO in HAPH only. Highlanders with and without HAPH studied at 3250 m had a similar CTO to healthy lowlanders at 760 m even though highlanders were hypoxaemic. The physiological response to hyperoxia and hypocapnia assessed by cerebral near‐infrared spectroscopy suggests that healthy highlanders and even highlanders with HAPH effectively maintain an adequate CTO. This adaptation may be of particular relevance because adequate cerebral oxygenation is essential for vital brain functions.
Feline Calicivirus, Murine Norovirus, Porcine Sapovirus, and Tulane Virus Survival on Postharvest Lettuce
Authors: Esseili Malak A. , Saif Linda J. , Farkas Tibor , Wang Qiuhong 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with an increasing number of outbreaks associated with leafy greens. Because HuNoV cannot be routinely cultured, culturable feline calicivirus (FCV), murine norovirus (MNV), porcine sapovirus (SaV), and Tulane virus (TV) have been used as surrogates. These viruses are generated in different cell lines as infected cell lysates, which may differentially affect their stability. Our objective was to uniformly compare the survival of these viruses on postharvest lettuce while evaluating the effects of cell lysates on their survival. Viruses were semipurified from cell lysates by ultrafiltration or ultracentrifugation followed by resuspension in sterile water. Virus survival was examined before and after semipurification: in suspension at room temperature (RT) until day 28 and on lettuce leaves stored at RT for 3 days or at 4°C for 7 and 14 days. In suspension, both methods significantly enhanced the survival of all viruses. On lettuce, the survival of MNV in cell lysates was similar to that in water, under all storage conditions. In contrast, the survival of FCV, SaV, and TV was differentially enhanced, under different storage conditions, by removing cell lysates. Following semipurification, viruses showed similar persistence to each other on lettuce stored under all conditions, with the exception of ultracentrifugation-purified FCV, which showed a higher inactivation rate than MNV at 4°C for 14 days. In conclusion, the presence of cell lysates in viral suspensions underestimated the survivability of these surrogate viruses, while viral semipurification revealed similar survivabilities on postharvest lettuce leaves.
Mining for Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase and Polyketide Synthase Genes Revealed a High Level of Diversity in the Sphagnum Bog Metagenome
Authors: Müller Christina A. , Oberauner-Wappis Lisa , Peyman Armin , Amos Gregory C. A. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H. , Berg Gabriele 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Sphagnum
bog ecosystems are among the oldest vegetation forms harboring a specific microbial community and are known to produce an exceptionally wide variety of bioactive substances. Although the
Sphagnum
metagenome shows a rich secondary metabolism, the genes have not yet been explored. To analyze nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and polyketide synthases (PKSs), the diversity of NRPS and PKS genes in
Sphagnum
-associated metagenomes was investigated by
in silico
data mining and sequence-based screening (PCR amplification of 9,500 fosmid clones). The
in silico
Illumina-based metagenomic approach resulted in the identification of 279 NRPSs and 346 PKSs, as well as 40 PKS-NRPS hybrid gene sequences. The occurrence of NRPS sequences was strongly dominated by the members of the
Protebacteria
phylum, especially by species of the
Burkholderia
genus, while PKS sequences were mainly affiliated with
Actinobacteria
. Thirteen novel NRPS-related sequences were identified by PCR amplification screening, displaying amino acid identities of 48% to 91% to annotated sequences of members of the phyla
Proteobacteria
,
Actinobacteria
, and
Cyanobacteria
. Some of the identified metagenomic clones showed the closest similarity to peptide synthases from
Burkholderia
or
Lysobacter
, which are emerging bacterial sources of as-yet-undescribed bioactive metabolites. This report highlights the role of the extreme natural ecosystems as a promising source for detection of secondary compounds and enzymes, serving as a source for biotechnological applications.
Dual Roles of Capsular Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Photocatalytic Inactivation of Escherichia coli: Comparison of E. coli BW25113 and Isogenic Mutants
Authors: Huang Guocheng , Xia Dehua , An Taicheng , Ng Tsz Wai , Yip Ho Yin , Li Guiying , Zhao Huijun , Wong Po Keung 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The dual roles of capsular extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria were demonstrated in a TiO
2
-UVA system, by comparing wild-type
Escherichia coli
strain BW25113 and isogenic mutants with upregulated and downregulated production of capsular EPS. In a partition system in which direct contact between bacterial cells and TiO
2
particles was inhibited, an increase in the amount of EPS was associated with increased bacterial resistance to photocatalytic inactivation. In contrast, when bacterial cells were in direct contact with TiO
2
particles, an increase in the amount of capsular EPS decreased cell viability during photocatalytic treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that although capsular EPS can protect bacterial cells by consuming photogenerated reactive species, it also facilitates photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria by promoting the adhesion of TiO
2
particles to the cell surface. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses further confirmed that high capsular EPS density led to more TiO
2
particles attaching to cells and forming bacterium-TiO
2
aggregates. Calculations of interaction energy, represented by extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) potential, suggested that the presence of capsular EPS enhances the attachment of TiO
2
particles to bacterial cells via acid-base interactions. Consideration of these mechanisms is critical for understanding bacterium-nanoparticle interactions and the photocatalytic inactivation of bacteria.
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis and Genome-Wide Virulence Gene Identification of Riemerella anatipestifer Strain Yb2
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Ding Chan , Wang Shaohui , Han Xiangan , Yu Shengqing 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Riemerella anatipestifer
is a well-described pathogen of waterfowl and other avian species that can cause septicemic and exudative diseases. In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of
R. anatipestifer
strain Yb2 and analyzed it against the published genomic sequences of
R. anatipestifer
strains DSM15868, RA-GD, RA-CH-1, and RA-CH-2. The Yb2 genome contains one circular chromosome of 2,184,066 bp with a 35.73% GC content and no plasmid. The genome has 2,021 open reading frames that occupy 90.88% of the genome. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that genome organization is highly conserved among
R. anatipestifer
strains, except for four inversions of a sequence segment in Yb2. A phylogenetic analysis found that the closest neighbor of Yb2 is RA-GD. Furthermore, we constructed a library of 3,175 mutants by random transposon mutagenesis, and 100 mutants exhibiting more than 100-fold-attenuated virulence were obtained by animal screening experiments. Southern blot analysis and genetic characterization of the mutants led to the identification of 49 virulence genes. Of these, 25 encode cytoplasmic proteins, 6 encode cytoplasmic membrane proteins, 4 encode outer membrane proteins, and the subcellular localization of the remaining 14 gene products is unknown. The functional classification of orthologous-group clusters revealed that 16 genes are associated with metabolism, 6 are associated with cellular processing and signaling, and 4 are associated with information storage and processing. The functions of the other 23 genes are poorly characterized or unknown. This genome-wide study identified genes important to the virulence of
R. anatipestifer
.
Microbial Source Tracking in Adjacent Karst Springs
Authors: Ohad Shoshanit , Vaizel-Ohayon Dalit , Rom Meir , Guttman Joseph , Berger Diego , Kravitz Valeria , Pilo Shlomo , Huberman Zohar , Kashi Yechezkel , Rorman Efrat 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Modern man-made environments, including urban, agricultural, and industrial environments, have complex ecological interactions among themselves and with the natural surroundings. Microbial source tracking (MST) offers advanced tools to resolve the host source of fecal contamination beyond indicator monitoring. This study was intended to assess karst spring susceptibilities to different fecal sources using MST quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting human, bovine, and swine markers. It involved a dual-time monitoring frame: (i) monthly throughout the calendar year and (ii) daily during a rainfall event. Data integration was taken from both monthly and daily MST profile monitoring and improved identification of spring susceptibility to host fecal contamination; three springs located in close geographic proximity revealed different MST profiles. The Giach spring showed moderate fluctuations of MST marker quantities amid wet and dry samplings, while the Zuf spring had the highest rise of the GenBac3 marker during the wet event, which was mirrored in other markers as well. The revelation of human fecal contamination during the dry season not connected to incidents of raining leachates suggests a continuous and direct exposure to septic systems. Pigpens were identified in the watersheds of Zuf, Shefa, and Giach springs and on the border of the Gaaton spring watershed. Their impact was correlated with partial detection of the Pig-2-Bac marker in Gaaton spring, which was lower than detection levels in all three of the other springs. Ruminant and swine markers were detected intermittently, and their contamination potential during the wet samplings was exposed. These results emphasized the importance of sampling design to utilize the MST approach to delineate subtleties of fecal contamination in the environment.