bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel multi‐strain probiotic and synbiotic supplement for prevention of Clostridium difficile infection in a murine model
Authors: Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Ambalam Padma , Karagin Peren H. , Nilsson Ingrid , Wadström Torkel , Ljungh Åsa 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe protective effect of a multi‐strain probiotic and synbiotic formulation was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice infected with Clostridium difficile (CD) NAP1/027. Antibiotic‐treated mice were divided into the following four groups: Group 1, fed with a synbiotic formulation consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum F44, L. paracasei F8, Bifidobacterium breve 46, B. lactis 8:8, galacto‐oligosaccharides, isomalto‐oligosaccharides, and resistant starch; Group 2, fed with the same four probiotic strains as Group 1; Group 3, fed with the same prebiotic supplements as Group 1 for 7 days before CD infection; and Group 4 (control group) antibiotic treated and infected with NAP1/027 strain. Feces and cecal contents were collected for microbial cell viability, quantitative PCR (qPCR), toxin analyses and histopathology. Synbiotics‐ and probiotics‐fed mice showed a significant increase in total bifidobacteria (P < 0.05). The total lactobacilli count was increased in Group 1. Tests for cecal toxins were negative in Group 2 mice, whereas one sample each from Group 1 and 3 was positive. qPCR of cecal contents showed significant reduction in NAP1/027 DNA copies in Groups 1 and 2 and significantly higher numbers of B. breve 46, L. plantarum F44, and L. paracasei F8 in Groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05); these changes were much less pronounced in Groups 3 and 4. Our findings indicate that the newly developed synbiotic or multi‐strain probiotic formulation confers protection against NAP1/027 infection in C57BL/6 mice. This holds promise for performing human studies.
Using manipulation of density‐dependent fecundity to recover an endangered species: the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus as an example
Authors: Ferrer Miguel , Newton Ian , Muriel Roberto , Báguena Gerardo , Bustamante Javier , Martini Matilde , Morandini Virginia 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Endangered species subjected to reintroduction programmes often occur as small and isolated populations with local high density and depressed fecundity. Variation in territory quality may lead to this low fecundity owing to increasing occupation of suboptimal territories as population density grows, known as the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis (HHH). In this context, food supplementation in poor territories may be used to produce extra young which could be allocated to reintroduction programmes.

We analyse the density‐dependent fecundity pattern and the underlying mechanism in a small population of bearded vultures Gypaetus barbatus in Aragón (northeast Spain). We then use population simulations to examine the viability of a hypothetical reintroduction programme using extra young produced by supplementary feeding on poor‐quality territories and the effect on the donor population. We also compare the economic cost of such a reintroduction programme in relation to the cost of a traditional captive breeding programme.

The wild population showed clear negative, density‐dependent fecundity regulation driven by the HHH mechanism. Simulations showed that extractions for translocations had no relevant long‐term effects on the donor population viability, but a marked population reduction during the extraction period. However, the implementation of supplementary feeding to produce extra young for translocation lessened significantly this expected initial population reduction.

Analyses showed that the annual budget of a captive breeding programme for this species could be seven times more expensive than the translocation of extra young produced by food supplementation.

Synthesis and applications. Reintroduction programmes based on translocation of wild‐reared individuals, after a supplementary feeding programme oriented to poor‐quality territories, provide a source of young at least seven times cheaper than those from captive breeding programmes. The use of this approach would decrease initial effects on donor population avoiding public criticism. Increasing the number of young released during the first years of the reintroduction decreases total financial cost and increases the final population size in the new area.
The meningococcal autotransporter AutA is implicated in autoaggregation and biofilm formation
Authors: Arenas Jesús , Cano Sara , Nijland Reindert , van Dongen Vérène , Rutten Lucy , van der Ende Arie , Tommassen Jan 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAutotransporters (ATs) are proteins secreted by Gram‐negative bacteria that often play a role in virulence. Eight different ATs have been identified in Neisseria meningitidis, but only six of them have been characterized. AutA is one of the remaining ATs. Its expression remains controversial. Here, we show that the autA gene is present in many neisserial species, but its expression is often disrupted by various genetic features; however, it is expressed in certain strains of N. meningitidis. By sequencing the autA gene in large panels of disease isolates and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that AutA expression is prone to phase variation at AAGC nucleotide repeats located within the DNA encoding the signal sequence. AutA is not secreted into the extracellular medium, but remains associated with the bacterial cell surface. We further demonstrate that AutA expression induces autoaggregation in a process that, dependent on the particular strain, may require extracellular DNA (eDNA). This property influences the organization of bacterial communities like lattices and biofilms. In vitro assays evidenced that AutA is a self‐associating AT that binds DNA. We suggest that AutA‐mediated autoaggregation might be particularly important for colonization and persistence of the pathogen in the nasopharynx of the host.
The Use of Tooth Crown Measurements in the Assessment of Ancestry
Authors: Pilloud Marin A. , Hefner Joseph T. , Hanihara Tsunehiko , Hayashi Atsuko 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAs the hardest tissue in the body, teeth have the potential to offer a wealth of biological information to the forensic anthropologist, which can include the assessment of ancestry. Using a large data set of dental measurements, the efficacy of mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions to discriminate between broad, geographically based groups is explored. A general pattern is identified: African populations have the largest teeth, Asians possess teeth of intermediate size, and Europeans have the smallest teeth. In a discriminant function analysis using crown measurements of all teeth (mandibular and maxillary and excluding the third molar), individuals were correctly classified in 71.3% of cases. When the sex of the individual is known, classification is improved up to 88.1% in females and 71.9% of males (cross‐validated). Based on these results, we argue that dental metrics can be regularly employed as part of the development of the biological profile.
Child Sexual Abuse in Turkey: An Analysis of 1002 Cases
Authors: Aydin Berna , Akbas Seher , Turla Ahmet , Dundar Cihad , Yuce Murat , Karabekiroglu Koray 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the characteristics of abuse suffered by children, the dimensions of the psychiatric effects associated with abuse, and the factors affecting these. One thousand two cases aged under 18, exposed to sexual abuse, and referred over a 7‐year period were assessed. Girls represented 80.8% of cases, and the numbers rose with age. The aggressors were all male, and 88.2% were known to their victim. Approximately half the children were exposed to sexual abuse involving penetration. Psychological pathology was identified in 62.1%. Female gender, the presence of penetration, physical violence, and incest significantly increased the development of psychological pathology. Levels of awareness in people close to and trusted by the child must be raised to minimize the adverse effects of trauma in the long term, preventive measures must be taken, and medical and social support units from which victims can receive assistance need to be established.
Sensitivity of TATP to a TASER Electrical Output
Authors: Gerber Michael , Walsh Graham , Hopmeier Mike 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA series of experiments were performed to evaluate and document the effect of a TASER (“stun gun”) on triacetone triperoxide (TATP), an easily manufactured explosive used often in IEDs and suicide bombing vests. TATP samples were synthesized and subjected to several tests of their sensitivity. These samples were run through a BAM Friction test with a result of <0.5 N, Impact Test with a result of 5.8 ± 0.4 cm, and Electrostatic Discharge test with a result of 0.073 ± 0.018 J. In addition, TATP was shocked with a TASER in a variety of configurations. The TATP reacted in 17/17 tests when the TASER arced through the TATP and 0/4 times when the TATP was configured in such a way that the TATP was not subjected to the electrical arc. Based on the experimental data, TATP will readily explode in a variety of configurations by a TASER or similar device. Testing should be expanded, as the data presented here are limited to a single formulation of TATP. Just one of a large array of TASER‐like devices by a single manufacturer were tested; other devices, scenarios and formulations of TATP and other likely threat materials should be assessed.
Neuronal glycogen synthesis contributes to physiological aging
Authors: Sinadinos Christopher , Valles‐Ortega Jordi , Boulan Laura , Solsona Estel , Tevy Maria F. , Marquez Mercedes , Duran Jordi , Lopez‐Iglesias Carmen , Calbó Joaquim , Blasco Ester , Pumarola Marti , Milán Marco , Guinovart Joan J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryGlycogen is a branched polymer of glucose and the carbohydrate energy store for animal cells. In the brain, it is essentially found in glial cells, although it is also present in minute amounts in neurons. In humans, loss‐of‐function mutations in laforin and malin, proteins involved in suppressing glycogen synthesis, induce the presence of high numbers of insoluble polyglucosan bodies in neuronal cells. Known as Lafora bodies (LBs), these deposits result in the aggressive neurodegeneration seen in Lafora's disease. Polysaccharide‐based aggregates, called corpora amylacea (CA), are also present in the neurons of aged human brains. Despite the similarity of CA to LBs, the mechanisms and functional consequences of CA formation are yet unknown. Here, we show that wild‐type laboratory mice also accumulate glycogen‐based aggregates in the brain as they age. These structures are immunopositive for an array of metabolic and stress‐response proteins, some of which were previously shown to aggregate in correlation with age in the human brain and are also present in LBs. Remarkably, these structures and their associated protein aggregates are not present in the aged mouse brain upon genetic ablation of glycogen synthase. Similar genetic intervention in Drosophila prevents the accumulation of glycogen clusters in the neuronal processes of aged flies. Most interestingly, targeted reduction of Drosophila glycogen synthase in neurons improves neurological function with age and extends lifespan. These results demonstrate that neuronal glycogen accumulation contributes to physiological aging and may therefore constitute a key factor regulating age‐related neurological decline in humans.
Depletion of Rictor, an essential protein component of mTORC2, decreases male lifespan
Authors: Lamming Dudley W. , Mihaylova Maria M. , Katajisto Pekka , Baar Emma L. , Yilmaz Omer H. , Hutchins Amanda , Gultekin Yetis , Gaither Rachel , Sabatini David M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryRapamycin, an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), robustly extends the lifespan of model organisms including mice. We recently found that chronic treatment with rapamycin not only inhibits mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), the canonical target of rapamycin, but also inhibits mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) in vivo. While genetic evidence strongly suggests that inhibition of mTORC1 is sufficient to promote longevity, the impact of mTORC2 inhibition on mammalian longevity has not been assessed. RICTOR is a protein component of mTORC2 that is essential for its activity. We examined three different mouse models of Rictor loss: mice heterozygous for Rictor, mice lacking hepatic Rictor, and mice in which Rictor was inducibly deleted throughout the body in adult animals. Surprisingly, we find that depletion of RICTOR significantly decreases male, but not female, lifespan. While the mechanism by which RICTOR loss impairs male survival remains obscure, we find that the effect of RICTOR depletion on lifespan is independent of the role of hepatic mTORC2 in promoting glucose tolerance. Our results suggest that inhibition of mTORC2 signaling is detrimental to males, which may explain in part why interventions that decrease mTOR signaling show greater efficacy in females.
Adherence to adrenal incidentaloma guidelines is influenced by radiology report recommendations
Authors: Wickramarachchi Binula N. , Meyer‐Rochow Goswin Y. , McAnulty Kim , Conaglen John V. , Elston Marianne S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionApproximately 5% of all abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans reveal an adrenal incidentaloma. Although most adrenal incidentalomas are benign non‐functioning adenomas, lesions may be hormonally active and/or malignant. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to recommended international guidelines and potential influencing factors when an adrenal incidentaloma is identified in routine clinical practice.MethodsA retrospective study was performed of all CT and MRI reports from December 2009 to December 2011 using a key phrase search to identify patients with an incidental adrenal lesion.ResultsA total of 125 patients with incidental adrenal lesions were identified, of which 74 patients were considered appropriate for further endocrine/radiological workup. Of the 74 patients, only 19 (26%) were initially referred to the endocrine service for investigation; 21/74 (28%) had complete biochemical workup and 24/74 (32%) had imaging follow‐up arranged. The reporting radiologist provided advice for follow‐up in 31/74 (42%), and action was more likely to be taken when this recommendation was given. Follow‐up of the patients who had not received investigation was attempted resulting in assessment of a further 23 patients. Of the 44 patients who have undergone full assessment, four patients were found to have clinically significant lesions (one each of: Cushing's syndrome, phaeochromocytoma, Conn's syndrome and plasmacytoma).ConclusionThis study suggests that the majority of adrenal incidentalomas may not be investigated according to current international guidelines. The recommendations by the reporting radiologist appear to influence whether a patient is referred for further investigation.
Small‐size platelet microparticles trigger platelet and monocyte functionality and modulate thrombogenesis via P‐selectin
Authors: Montoro‐García Silvia , Shantsila Eduard , Hernández‐Romero Diana , Jover Eva , Valdés Mariano , Marín Francisco , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis study aimed to examine the mechanisms of cellular activation by small‐size platelet microparticles (sPMP) and to present the performance of high‐resolution flow cytometry for the analysis of subcellular entities from different origins. Plasma counts of sPMP were analysed in coronary artery disease patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 40). The effect of sPMP and platelet debris (PD) in pathophysiologically relevant doses on platelet and monocyte activation parameters and thrombogenesis was investigated via flow cytometry and thromboelastometry. New generation flow cytometry identifies differences in size, levels and surface molecules of sPMP derived in the absence of stimulus, thrombin activation and platelet disruption. Addition of sPMP resulted in platelet degranulation and P‐selectin redistribution to the membrane (P = 0·019) in a dose and time‐dependent manner. Blood clotting time decreased after addition of sPMP (P = 0·005), but was not affected by PD. Blocking P‐selectin (CD62P) in sPMP markedly reverted the effect on thrombus kinetics (P = 0·035). Exposure to sPMP stimulated monocyte expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (P < 0·03) and decreased monocyte interleukin‐6 receptor density (P < 0·01). These results implicate sPMP as a direct source of downstream platelet and monocyte activation. In pathological coronary artery disease conditions, higher levels of sPMP favour a prothrombotic state, partly through P‐selectin expression.
The treatment of penile carcinoma in situ (CIS) within a UK supra‐regional network
Authors: Lucky Marc , Murthy Kusuma V.R. , Rogers Beverley , Jones Stephen , Lau Maurice W. , Sangar Vijay K. , Parr Nigel J. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo review outcomes of the treatment of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the penis at a large supra‐regional penile cancer network, where centralisation has permitted greater experience with treatment outcomes, and suggest treatment strategies.Patients and MethodsThe network penile cancer database, which details presentation, treatment and complications was analysed from 2003 to 2010, identifying patients with CIS, with a minimum follow‐up of 2 years, looking at treatments administered and outcomes.ResultsIn all, 57 patients with mean (range) age of 61 (34–91) years were identified. In all, 18 were treated by circumcision only, 20 by circumcision and local excision (LE) and 19 by circumcision and 5‐flurouracil (5‐FU). The mean (range) follow‐up was 3.5 (2–8) years. Of those treated by circumcision none subsequently developed CIS on the glans. For those who underwent circumcision + LE, five of 20 (25%) developed recurrence requiring further treatment. Of those treated by circumcision + 5‐FU, 14/19 (73.7%) completely responded. Of the five incomplete responders, two had focal invasive malignancy at repeat biopsy. One incomplete responder underwent glansectomy and four grafting. No complete responders relapsed. Complications of 5‐FU included significant inflammatory response in seven (36.8%), with two requiring hospital admission and one neo‐phimosis (5.3%).ConclusionThis study suggests that patients undergoing circumcision for isolated CIS and complete responders to 5‐FU may require only short‐term follow‐up, as recurrence is unlikely, whereas longer follow up is required for all other patients. However, numbers in this study are small and larger studies are needed to support this. An incomplete response to 5‐FU dictates immediate re‐biopsy, as it carries a significant chance of previously undetected invasive disease.
Characteristics of hyperparathyroid states in the Canadian multicentre osteoporosis study (CaMos) and relationship to skeletal markers
Authors: Berger C. , Almohareb O. , Langsetmo L. , Hanley D.A. , Kovacs C.S. , Josse R.G. , Adachi J.D. , Prior J.C. , Towheed T. , Davison K.S. , Kaiser S.M. , Brown J.P. , Goltzman D. ,   the CaMos Research Group
Published: July 2014

SummaryContextPTH is an essential regulator of mineral metabolism; PTH hypersecretion may result in hyperparathyroidism including normocalcaemic, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.ObjectiveTo examine the characteristics of participants with hyperparathyroid states and the relationship to bone mineral density (BMD).Design and participantsA cross‐sectional study of 1872 community‐dwelling men and women aged 35+ years (mostly Caucasian) with available serum PTH from Year 10 Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study follow‐up (2005–07). PTH was determined using a second‐generation chemiluminescence immunoassay.Outcome measuresL1‐L4, femoral neck and total hip BMD.ResultsWe established a PTH reference range (2·7–10·2 pmol/l) based on healthy participants (i.e. normal serum calcium, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, kidney function and body mass index, who were nonusers of antiresorptives, glucocorticoids and diuretics and not diagnosed with diabetes or thyroid disease). Participants with PTH levels in the upper reference range (5·6–10·2 pmol/l), representing a prevalence of 10·7%, had lower femoral neck and total hip BMD, by 0·030 g/cm2 [95% confidence interval: 0·009; 0·051] and 0·025 g/cm2 (0·001; 0·049), respectively, than those with levels 2·7–5·6 pmol/l. Participants with normocalcaemic and secondary hyperparathyroidism also had lower total hip BMD than those with levels 2·7–5·6 pmol/l, and CaMos prevalences of normocalcaemic, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism were 3·3%, 1·4% and 5·2%, respectively.ConclusionWe found reduced BMD in participants with accepted hyperparathyroid states but also a notable proportion of other participants that might benefit from having lower PTH levels.
Children's agency in interprofessional collaborative meetings in child welfare work
Authors: Bolin Anette 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe concept of children's agency can be used to understand how children actively shape their lives. While in social work there is a growing body of research on how children experience meetings that involve collaborating professionals, little is known about the ways in which they exert an influence. The purpose of the study is, in a Swedish context, to investigate children's perceptions of their agentic capacity in regulating participation and exerting an influence on outcomes in interprofessional collaborative meetings. Interviews were carried out with 28 children in receipt of social services support. Findings revealed that children perceive professionals' talk as restricting opportunities for input. They also perceive that they have the capacity to exercise agency by (i) conforming to expectations by feigning boredom and seeming disengaged, but at the same time paying close attention; (ii) by using exit strategies; and (iii) by developing ‘in‐situ’ strategies to end meetings. Rather than, as previously suggested, being powerless in such circumstances, the children tell how they carefully assess situations, and, from a position of apparent subordination, talk of ways of acting that reveal their agentic capacity. These insights are of importance for practitioners who are encouraged to look beyond behaviours that first meet the eye.
Negative outcomes after liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease beyond the fifth post‐transplant year
Authors: Grąt Michał , Lewandowski Zbigniew , Grąt Karolina , Wronka Karolina Maria , Krasnodębski Maciej , Barski Krzysztof , Zborowska Hanna , Patkowski Waldemar , Zieniewicz Krzysztof , Krawczyk Marek 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough up to 50% of patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) resume alcohol consumption after liver transplantation (LT), numerous studies indicate that long‐term results are not compromised. This study focused on evaluating the impact of ALD on outcomes up to and beyond the fifth year after LT. Among the 432 primary LT recipients included in this study, 97 underwent transplantation for ALD. Alcohol relapse rate at 10 yr was 33.5%, with younger recipient age being the only independent predictor (p = 0.019). Survival of patients with ALD (77.0%) was similar to those without (79.0%) up to the fifth post‐transplant year (p = 0.655) but worse during the five subsequent years among the five‐yr survivors (70.6% vs. 92.9%; p = 0.002). ALD was an independent risk factor for poorer survival beyond the fifth post‐transplant year (p = 0.049), but not earlier (p = 0.717). Conversely, alcohol relapse increased the risk of death only during the first five post‐transplant years (p = 0.039). There were no significant differences regarding graft failure incidence between ALD and non‐ALD recipients up to the fifth post‐transplant year (7.3% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.255) and beyond (12.9% vs. 5.0%; p = 0.126). In conclusion, pre‐transplant diagnosis of ALD yields negative effects on post‐transplant outcomes beyond the fifth post‐transplant year, not attributable to recidivism.