bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The High Prevalence and Diversity of Chlamydiales DNA within Ixodes ricinus Ticks Suggest a Role for Ticks as Reservoirs and Vectors of Chlamydia-Related Bacteria
Authors: Pilloux Ludovic , Aeby Sébastien , Gaümann Rahel , Burri Caroline , Beuret Christian , Greub Gilbert 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

The
Chlamydiales
order is composed of nine families of strictly intracellular bacteria. Among them,
Chlamydia trachomatis
,
C. pneumoniae
, and
C. psittaci
are established human pathogens, whereas
Waddlia chondrophila
and
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae
have emerged as new pathogens in humans. However, despite their medical importance, their biodiversity and ecology remain to be studied. Even if arthropods and, particularly, ticks are well known to be vectors of numerous infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria, virtually nothing is known about ticks and chlamydia. This study investigated the prevalence of
Chlamydiae
in ticks. Specifically, 62,889
Ixodes ricinus
ticks, consolidated into 8,534 pools, were sampled in 172 collection sites throughout Switzerland and were investigated using pan-
Chlamydiales
quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the presence of
Chlamydiales
DNA. Among the pools, 543 (6.4%) gave positive results and the estimated prevalence in individual ticks was 0.89%. Among those pools with positive results, we obtained 16S rRNA sequences for 359 samples, allowing classification of
Chlamydiales
DNA at the family level. A high level of biodiversity was observed, since six of the nine families belonging to the
Chlamydiales
order were detected. Those most common were
Parachlamydiaceae
(33.1%) and
Rhabdochlamydiaceae
(29.2%). “Unclassified
Chlamydiales
” (31.8%) were also often detected. Thanks to the huge amount of
Chlamydiales
DNA recovered from ticks, this report opens up new perspectives on further work focusing on whole-genome sequencing to increase our knowledge about
Chlamydiales
biodiversity. This report of an epidemiological study also demonstrates the presence of
Chlamydia
-related bacteria within
Ixodes ricinus
ticks and suggests a role for ticks in the transmission of and as a reservoir for these emerging pathogenic
Chlamydia
-related bacteria.
Effect of Whole-Grain Barley on the Human Fecal Microbiota and Metabolome
Authors: De Angelis Maria , Montemurno Eustacchio , Vannini Lucia , Cosola Carmela , Cavallo Noemi , Gozzi Giorgia , Maranzano Valentina , Di Cagno Raffaella , Gobbetti Marco , Gesualdo Loreto 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT

In this study, we compared the fecal microbiota and metabolomes of 26 healthy subjects before (HS) and after (HSB) 2 months of diet intervention based on the administration of durum wheat flour and whole-grain barley pasta containing the minimum recommended daily intake (3 g) of barley β-glucans. Metabolically active bacteria were analyzed through pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and community-level catabolic profiles. Pyrosequencing data showed that levels of
Clostridiaceae
(
Clostridium orbiscindens
and
Clostridium
sp.),
Roseburia hominis
, and
Ruminococcus
sp. increased, while levels of other
Firmicutes
and
Fusobacteria
decreased, from the HSB samples to the HS fecal samples. Community-level catabolic profiles were lower in HSB samples. Compared to the results for HS samples, cultivable lactobacilli increased in HSB fecal samples, while the numbers of
Enterobacteriaceae
, total coliforms, and
Bacteroides
,
Porphyromonas
,
Prevotella
,
Pseudomonas
,
Alcaligenes
, and
Aeromonas
bacteria decreased. Metabolome analyses were performed using an amino acid analyzer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry solid-phase microextraction. A marked increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), such as 2-methyl-propanoic, acetic, butyric, and propionic acids, was found in HSB samples with respect to the HS fecal samples. Durum wheat flour and whole-grain barley pasta containing 3% barley β-glucans appeared to be effective in modulating the composition and metabolic pathways of the intestinal microbiota, leading to an increased level of SCFA in the HSB samples.
Role of Substitutions in the Hemagglutinin in the Emergence of the 1968 Pandemic Influenza Virus
Authors: Van Poucke Sjouke , Doedt Jennifer , Baumann Jan , Qiu Yu , Matrosovich Tatyana , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Van Reeth Kristien , Matrosovich Mikhail 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACT
Hemagglutinin (HA) of H3N2/1968 pandemic influenza viruses differs from the putative avian precursor by seven amino acid substitutions. Substitutions Q226L and G228S are known to be essential for adaptation of avian HA to mammals. We found that introduction of avian-virus-like amino acids at five other HA positions (positions 62, 81, 92, 144, and 193) of A/Hong Kong/1/1968 virus decreased viral replication in human cells and transmission in pigs. Thus, substitutions at some of these positions facilitated emergence of the pandemic virus.
Characterization of the Drug Resistance Profiles of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239
Authors: Hassounah Said A. , Liu Yannan , Quashie Peter K. , Oliveira Maureen , Moisi Daniela , Brenner Bluma G. , Sandstrom Paul A. , Mesplède Thibault , Wainberg Mark A. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTWe previously showed that the simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 is susceptible to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) integrase (IN) strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and that the same IN drug resistance mutations result in similar phenotypes in both viruses. Now we wished to determine whether tissue culture drug selection studies with SIV would yield the same resistance mutations as in HIV. Tissue culture selection experiments were performed using rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with SIVmac239 viruses in the presence of increasing concentrations of dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir (EVG), and raltegravir (RAL). We now show that 22 weeks of selection pressure with DTG yielded a mutation at position R263K in SIV, similar to what has been observed in HIV, and that selections with EVG led to emergence of the E92Q substitution, which is a primary INSTI resistance mutation in HIV associated with EVG treatment failure. To study this at a biochemical level, purified recombinant SIVmac239 wild-type (WT) and E92Q, T97A, G118R, Y143R, Q148R, N155H, R263K, E92Q T97A, E92Q Y143R, R263K H51Y, and G140S Q148R recombinant substitution-containing IN enzymes were produced, and each of the characteristics strand transfer, 3′-processing activity, and INSTI inhibitory constants was assessed in cell-free assays. The results show that the G118R and G140S Q148R substitutions decreasedKm′ andVmax′/Km′ for strand transfer compared to those of the WT. RAL and EVG showed reduced activity against both viruses and against enzymes containing Q148R, E92Q Y143R, and G140S Q148R. Both viruses and enzymes containing Q148R and G140S Q148R showed moderate levels of resistance against DTG. This study further confirms that the same mutations associated with drug resistance in HIV display similar profiles in SIV.IMPORTANCEOur goal was to definitively establish whether HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) share similar resistance pathways under tissue culture drug selection pressure with integrase strand transfer inhibitors and to test the effect of HIV-1 integrase resistance-associated mutations on SIV integrase catalytic activity and resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Clinically relevant HIV integrase resistance-associated mutations were selected in SIV in our tissue culture experiments. Not only do we report on the characterization of SIV recombinant integrase enzyme catalytic activities, we also provide the first research anywhere on the effect of mutations within recombinant integrase SIV enzymes on drug resistance.
Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee: systematic review and meta-analysis of benefits and harms
Authors: Thorlund J B , Juhl C B , Roos E M , Lohmander LS 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo determine benefits and harms of arthroscopic knee surgery involving partial meniscectomy, debridement, or both for middle aged or older patients with knee pain and degenerative knee disease.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Main outcome measuresPain and physical function.Data sourcesSystematic searches for benefits and harms were carried out in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to August 2014. Only studies published in 2000 or later were included for harms.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesRandomised controlled trials assessing benefit of arthroscopic surgery involving partial meniscectomy, debridement, or both for patients with or without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis were included. For harms, cohort studies, register based studies, and case series were also allowed.ResultsThe search identified nine trials assessing the benefits of knee arthroscopic surgery in middle aged and older patients with knee pain and degenerative knee disease. The main analysis, combining the primary endpoints of the individual trials from three to 24 months postoperatively, showed a small difference in favour of interventions including arthroscopic surgery compared with control treatments for pain (effect size 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.26). This difference corresponds to a benefit of 2.4 (95% confidence interval 0.4 to 4.3) mm on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale. When analysed over time of follow-up, interventions including arthroscopy showed a small benefit of 3–5 mm for pain at three and six months but not later up to 24 months. No significant benefit on physical function was found (effect size 0.09, −0.05 to 0.24). Nine studies reporting on harms were identified. Harms included symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (4.13 (95% confidence interval 1.78 to 9.60) events per 1000 procedures), pulmonary embolism, infection, and death.ConclusionsThe small inconsequential benefit seen from interventions that include arthroscopy for the degenerative knee is limited in time and absent at one to two years after surgery. Knee arthroscopy is associated with harms. Taken together, these findings do not support the practise of arthroscopic surgery for middle aged or older patients with knee pain with or without signs of osteoarthritis.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42014009145.
The myth of restenosis after carotid angioplasty and stenting
Authors: Moon Karam , Albuquerque Felipe C , Levitt Michael R , Ahmed Azam S , Kalani M Yashar S , McDougall Cameron G 
Published: September 2015

Background and purposeReported rates of in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting (CAS) vary, and restenosis risk factors are poorly understood. We evaluated restenosis rates and risk factors, and compared patients with ‘hostile-neck’ carotids (a history of ipsilateral neck surgery or irradiation) and atherosclerotic lesions.MethodsDemographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics of patients undergoing cervical CAS between 1995 and 2010 with at least 1 month of follow-up were reviewed. Patients with substantial (≥50%) radiographic restenosis were compared with those without significant restenosis to identify restenosis risk factors.ResultsThe analysis included 121 patients with 133 stented vessels; 91 (68.4%) lesions were symptomatic. Indications for stent placement included hostile-neck lesions, substantial surgical comorbidities, inclusion in a randomized carotid stenting trial, acute carotid occlusion, tandem stenosis, large pseudoaneurysm, high carotid bifurcation, and contralateral laryngeal nerve palsy. Procedures were technically successful in all but one lesion (99.2%). Perioperative stroke occurred in four cases (3.0%). Mean follow-up was 38 months (range 1–204 months), during which 23 vessels (17.3%) developed restenosis. Hostile-neck carotids (n=57) comprised 42.9% of all vessels treated and were responsible for 15 of 23 restenosis cases, resulting in a significantly higher restenosis rate than that of primary atherosclerotic lesions (26.3% vs 10.5%, p=0.017). By univariate analysis, the presence of calcified plaque was significantly associated with the incidence of in-stent restenosis (p=0.02).ConclusionsRestenosis rates after carotid angioplasty and stenting are low. Patients with a history of ipsilateral neck surgery or irradiation are at higher risk for substantial radiographic and symptomatic restenosis.
Fatigue as Presenting Symptom and a High Burden of Premature Ventricular Contractions Are Independently Associated With Increased Ventricular Wall Stress in Patients With Normal Left Ventricular Function
Authors: van Huls van Taxis Carine F.B. , Piers Sebastiaan R.D. , de Riva Silva Marta , Dekkers Olaf M. , Pijnappels Daniël A. , Schalij Martin J. , Wijnmaalen Adrianus P. , Zeppenfeld Katja 
Published: September 2015

Background—
High idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) burden has been associated with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. Patients may be symptomatic before left ventricular (LV) dysfunction develops. N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and circumferential end-systolic wall stress (cESS) on echocardiography are markers for increased ventricular wall stress. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between presenting symptoms, PVC burden, and increased ventricular wall stress in patients with frequent PVCs and preserved LV function.

Methods and Results—

Eighty-three patients (41 men; 49±15 years) with idiopathic PVCs and normal LV function referred for PVC ablation were included. Type of symptoms (palpitations, fatigue, and [near-]syncope), PVC burden on 24-hour Holter, NT-proBNP levels, and cESS on echocardiography were assessed before and 3 months after ablation. Sustained successful ablation was defined as ≥80% PVC burden reduction during follow-up. Patients were symptomatic for 24 months (Q1–Q3, 16–60); 73% reported palpitations, 47% fatigue, and 30% (near-)syncope. Baseline PVC burden was 23±13%, median NT-proBNP 92 pg/mL (Q1–Q3 50–156), and cESS 143±35 kdyne/cm
2
. Fatigue was associated with higher baseline NT-proBNP and cESS (
P
<0.001,
P
=0.011, respectively). After sustained successful ablation, achieved in 81%, NT-proBNP and cESS decreased significantly (
P
<0.001 and
P
=0.036, respectively). Fatigue was independently associated with a significantly larger reduction in NT-proBNP. In patients with nonsuccessful ablation, NT-proBNP and cESS remained unchanged.

Conclusions—
In patients with frequent PVCs and preserved LV function, fatigue was associated with higher baseline NT-proBNP and cESS, and with a significantly larger reduction in NT-proBNP after sustained successful ablation. These findings support a link between fatigue and PVC-induced increased ventricular wall stress, despite preserved LV function.
The co-production of campus safety and security: a case study at the University of Georgia
Authors: Williams Brian N. , LePere-Schloop Megan , Silk P. Daniel , Hebdon Alexandra 
Published: September 2015

Campus safety and security is a salient issue and an area of increasing concern facing educational institutions in the United States. Yet little is known regarding ongoing efforts and resulting difficulties to co-produce campus safety and security. This article contributes to the literature on co-production by examining student and campus police officer perceptions of the professional–service user relationship in the context of campus safety and security. Findings suggest that demographic and contextual factors shape user and professional perceptions of their relationship in different ways, and that these perceptual differences affect efforts to co-deliver services. Points for practitioners This article describes the views of university police personnel and students regarding the co-production of safety and security on a research university campus in the United States. Data gleaned from the research illustrates that while police officers and students may have differing views of one another and their roles in co-production, they agree that public safety would be served by opportunities for police and students to meet one another and have personal interaction outside of formal, law enforcement-driven situations. This suggests the value of well-developed engagement strategies, as well as the potential benefit of harnessing ‘teachable moments’ during which police and the student population can learn about one another.
Evaluation of laboratory critical serum potassium values and their association with clinical symptoms in Chinese Han patients
Authors: Zhou Fangman , Zhao Bihui , Gu Dalei 
Published: September 2015

Objectives A retrospective, observational study to evaluate the association between critical potassium values and clinical symptoms, and to define critical potassium limits in hospital inpatients of Chinese Han ethnicity. Methods Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) of Chinese Han ethnicity admitted to the Beilun People’s Hospital of Ningbo, Zhejiang University, China, were sequentially enrolled. Inpatient data recorded on admission (or at first time during hospital stay for serum potassium values) between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were used to calculate the percentage of patients with relevant clinical symptoms, the percentage of critical patients (presence of neurological symptoms and deterioration of at least two physiological systems), and the hospital prevalence of clinical symptoms. Correlations between critical serum potassium values and clinical symptoms were determined. Results Out of 3 665 included patients, 1 514 patients with a critical serum potassium value (as determined in the present study) were mainly treated in the intensive care unit or the haematology department (low serum potassium, ≤2.9 mmol/l), and Renal and Hepatitis departments (high serum potassium, ≥6.0 mmol/l). High critical serum potassium values (≥6.0 mmol/l) were significantly correlated with clinical symptoms (such as neurological symptoms, loss of appetite, oliguria and hypotension). Low critical serum potassium values (≤2.9 mmol/l) were significantly correlated with clinical symptoms (such as neurological symptoms, loss of appetite and dyspnoea). Conclusions Based on the present findings, the lower and upper critical potassium limits were defined as 2.9 mmol/l and 6.0 mmol/l, respectively.
Interictal photosensitivity associates with altered brain structure in patients with episodic migraine
Authors: Chong Catherine D , Starling Amaal J , Schwedt Todd J 
Published: September 2015

Background Migraine attacks manifest with hypersensitivities to light, sound, touch and odor. Some people with migraine have photosensitivity between migraine attacks, suggesting persistent alterations in the integrity of brain regions that process light. Although functional neuroimaging studies have shown visual stimulus induced “hyperactivation” of visual cortex regions in migraineurs between attacks, whether photosensitivity is associated with alterations in brain structure is unknown. Methods Levels of photosensitivity were evaluated using the Photosensitivity Assessment Questionnaire in 48 interictal migraineurs and 48 healthy controls. Vertex-by-vertex measurements of cortical thickness were assessed in 28 people with episodic migraine who had interictal photosensitivity (mean age = 35.0 years, SD = 12.1) and 20 episodic migraine patients without symptoms of interictal photosensitivity (mean age = 36.0 years, SD = 11.4) using a general linear model design. Results Migraineurs have greater levels of interictal photosensitivity relative to healthy controls. Relative to migraineurs without interictal photosensitivity, migraineurs with interictal photosensitivity have thicker cortex in several brain areas including the right lingual, isthmus cingulate and pericalcarine regions, and the left precentral, postcentral and supramarginal regions. Conclusion Episodic migraineurs with interictal photosensitivity have greater cortical thickness in the right parietal-occipital and left fronto-parietal regions, suggesting that persistent light sensitivity is associated with underlying structural alterations.
Is Male Migraine Associated With Color Vision Deficiency? Findings Among Israeli Adolescents Between 2007 and 2013
Authors: Berger Assaf , Findler Michael , Korach Tzfanya , Yativ Oshrat Fono , Gronovich Yoav , Hassidim Ayal 
Published: September 2015

Objective: Accumulating clinical and experimental evidence has shown that migraine patients tend to suffer from color vision abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine whether color vision deficiency is associated with male migraine in a large population of adolescents. Methods: The study population included all Israeli male adolescents who underwent medical and cognitive examinations as part of their recruiting process between the years 2007 and 2013. Migraine prevalence among patients with color vision deficiency was compared to that of males without substantial color vision abnormalities. Results: The study population included 305 964 male adolescents at the age of 17 ± 0.6, of whom 7584 (2.5%) had color vision deficiency, as determined by the Farnsworth Panel D-15 color blindness test. Males with color vision deficiency had a 32% increased prevalence of migraine as compared with the control group (odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.48, P < .001), after adjusting for multiple variables. Conclusions: The authors found an association between color vision deficiency and migraine in male adolescents. The study results lay the basis for further research into male migraine, as well as the visual aspects of migraine.
Medicinal Cannabis
Authors: Carlini Beatriz H. , Garrett Sharon B. , Carter Gregory T. 
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Washington State allows marijuana use for medical (since 1998) and recreational (since 2012) purposes. The benefits of medicinal cannabis (MC) can be maximized if clinicians educate patients about dosing, routes of administration, side effects, and plant composition. However, little is known about clinicians’ knowledge and practices in Washington State. Methods: An anonymous online survey assessed providers’ MC knowledge, beliefs, clinical practices, and training needs. The survey was disseminated through health care providers’ professional organizations in Washington State. Descriptive analysis compared providers who had and had not authorized MC for patients. Survey results informed the approach and content of an online training on best clinical practices of MC. Results: Four hundred ninety-four health care providers responded to the survey. Approximately two-third were women, aged 30 to 60 years, and working in family or internal medicine. More than half of the respondents were legally allowed to write MC authorizations per Washington State law, and 27% of those had issued written MC authorizations. Overall, respondents reported low knowledge and comfort level related to recommending MC. Respondents rated MC knowledge as important and supported inclusion of MC training in medical/health provider curriculum. Most Washington State providers have not received education on scientific basis of MC or training on best clinical practices of MC. Clinicians who had issued MC authorizations were more likely to have received MC training than those who had not issued MC authorization. Discussion: The potential of MCs to benefit some patients is hindered by the lack of comfort of clinicians to recommend it. Training opportunities are badly needed to address these issues.