bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological and Electroanatomical Mapping of the Right Atrium in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Relation to Collagen Turnover
Authors: GOUDIS CHRISTOS A. , KALLERGIS ELEFTHERIOS M. , KANOUPAKIS EMMANUEL M. , MAVRAKIS HERCULES E. , MALLIARAKI NIKI E. , VARDAS PANOS E. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with abnormal atrial substrate. We investigated whether patients with persistent lone AF and patients with persistent AF and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) exhibit any differences in electrophysiological and electroanatomical properties of right atrium (RA) and collagen turnover. We also investigated the relationship between mean RA bipolar voltage and collagen turnover.MethodsTen patients with a history of persistent lone AF and eight patients with a history of persistent AF and NIDCM were studied. Sinus node recovery times (SNRTs) and effective refractory periods (ERPs) at 600 ms, 500 ms, and 400 ms from the high (HLRA) and low (LLRA) lateral RA, proximal coronary sinus (pCS), and right atrial appendage (RAA) were evaluated, and RA electroanatomic mapping was created. Serum N‐terminal propeptide of collagen type I (PINP), cross‐linked C‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTx), matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1) were measured as markers of collagen synthesis and degradation.ResultsNo differences were found in SNRTs, ERPs from the HLRA, LLRA at 600 ms, pCS and RAA, mean RA bipolar voltage, serum PINP, CTx, MMP‐1, and TIMP‐1 between the two groups. In persistent lone AF, serum levels of TIMP‐1 were related with mean HLRA and HPRA bipolar voltage.ConclusionsPersistent AF patients with or without NIDCM, demonstrate similar changes in electrophysiological and electroanatomical properties of the RA, as well as similar structural changes. Moreover, serum markers of collagen synthesis are correlated with bipolar voltage in specific regions of RA in persistent lone AF.
Tolerability of a Skin Care Regimen Formulated for Acne‐Prone Skin in Children
Authors: Hensley David , Meckfessel Matthew H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe epidemiology and demographic profile of acne vulgaris has evolved over the past several decades, with a noted earlier onset occurring in patients as young as 7 years of age. The combination of a foaming facial wash and a facial moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is an over‐the‐counter cleansing and moisturizing regimen for acne‐prone skin that has been shown to be safe and tolerable in subjects 12 years of age and older.ObjectivesTo assess the tolerability of this skin care regimen in children ages 7 to 11 years with acne‐prone skin.MethodsThis was an open‐label, single‐center study that investigated the safety and tolerability of these products in subjects 7 to 11 years of age (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01909713). Subjects used the foaming wash twice daily and the SPF 30 moisturizer once daily. Subjects were assessed for cutaneous tolerability, and satisfaction at baseline and weeks 1 and 3.ResultsThirty‐five subjects enrolled and completed the study. The cutaneous tolerability score of most subjects was none when assessed by the investigator and subject or legally authorized representative at weeks 1 and 3. The products were well tolerated and a positive impression for cosmetic acceptability was reported for both products by the study population on the questionnaire.ConclusionsThis study supports the use of a skin care regimen comprising a wash and a moisturizer in acne‐prone patients as young as 7 years old since these products were safe, well tolerated, and liked by subjects.
Is the onset of septoria tritici blotch epidemics related to the local pool of ascospores?
Authors: Morais D. , Sache I. , Suffert F. , Laval V. 
Published: May 2015

To elucidate the early epidemic stages of septoria tritici blotch, especially the relationship between the onset of epidemics, the local availability of primary inoculum, and the presence of wheat debris, the early disease dynamics and airborne concentration in Zymoseptoria tritici ascospores were concomitantly assessed at a small spatiotemporal scale and over two years, using spore traps coupled with a qPCR assay. One plot, with the crop debris left, provided a local source of primary inoculum, while the other plot, without debris, lacked any. According to the assay's limits of detection, daily spore trap samples were classified as not detectable or not quantifiable, detectable, and quantifiable. The proportions of samples assigned to the different classes and numbers of spores in samples classified as quantifiable were significantly different between years, time periods (from November to March) and spore trap location (field with or without debris). The effect of year on the airborne ascospore concentration was high: 22 daily peaks with more than 230 ascospores m−3 day−1 were identified in the autumn of 2012/13, but none in the autumn of 2011/12. The local presence of wheat debris had no obvious effect on the amount of airborne ascospores or on the earliness of the two epidemics, especially in the year with high inoculum pressure (2012/13). These results suggest that the amount of primary airborne inoculum available in a wheat crop is not a limiting factor for the onset of an epidemic.
The best counsellors are the dead: counsel and Shakespeare's Hamlet
Authors: Paul Joanne 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article demonstrates how Shakespeare used Hamlet to explore Renaissance ideas regarding political counsel, especially those epitomized in the maxim ‘optimi consiliarii mortui’ – the best counsellors are the dead. Examining Hamlet as a historical source, attention is drawn to the influence of Plutarch and Montaigne on the construction of conciliar characters, particularly Polonius, who is figured as the personification of late sixteenth‐century debates over the nature of the counsellor. Polonius' humanist tendencies are shown to be ineffective and naive, and his Machiavellian plotting pernicious and destructive. In the end, as Hamlet declares, Polonius is a better counsellor when dead. Instead, a new conciliar model is propounded in Hamlet, in which the best counsellor is nothing more than the voice of the dead, lacking in both rhetorical ornamentation and scheming self‐interest.
Wages, Productivity and Labour's Declining Income Share in Post‐Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Burger Philippe 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Marikana incident in 2012, as well as the protracted strikes by platinum miners, metal and postal workers in 2014 suggest that not all is well in the South African labour market. Even though those in employment are better off than the unemployed poor, macroeconomic data indicate that labour's share in gross value added has declined significantly during the first two decades following the first democratic election in 1994. A falling share of labour in income also means, by definition, that average labour productivity growth outstrips real wages growth. Data for South Africa suggest that productivity has indeed increased faster than wages in South Africa. This article argues that financialisation and more aggressive returns‐oriented investment strategies applied by for instance large investment institutions translated into higher required rates of return on capital, which in turn caused an increased implementation of capital‐augmenting labour‐saving technology that reduces labour's share in income.
Treatment of platelets with riboflavin and ultraviolet light mediates complement activation and suppresses monocyte interleukin‐12 production in whole blood
Authors: Loh Y. S. , Dean M. M. , Johnson L. , Marks D. C. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesPathogen inactivation (PI) and storage may alter the immunomodulatory capacity of platelets (PLTs). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PI (Riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment) and storage on the capacity of PLTs to induce cytokine responses in recipient inflammatory cells.Materials and MethodsA pool and split design was used to prepare untreated and PI‐treated buffy coat‐derived platelet concentrates (PCs). Samples were taken on days 2 and 7 postcollection and incubated with ABO/RhD‐matched fresh whole blood for 6 h with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The intracellular production of IP‐10, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, TNF‐α and MIP‐1β in monocytes and neutrophils was assessed using flow cytometry. Complement proteins in PLT supernatants were measured using a cytometric bead array.ResultsPLTs and PLT supernatant (both untreated and PI‐treated) resulted in modulation of intracellular MIP‐1β and IL‐12 production in monocytes. Compared to untreated PLTs, PI‐treated PLTs resulted in significantly lower LPS‐induced monocyte IL‐12 production (day 7). The concentration of C3a and C5a (and their desArg forms) was significantly increased in PLT supernatants following PI.ConclusionPI results in decreased LPS‐induced monocyte IL‐12 production and increased complement activation. The association between platelet‐induced complement activation and IL‐12 production warrants further investigation.
Quality control on mononuclear cells collected for extracorporeal photochemotherapy: comparison between two UV‐A irradiation devices
Authors: Cervio M. , Scudeller L. , Viarengo G. , Del Fante C. , Perotti C. 
Published: May 2015

Recently, MacoPharma released a new UV‐A cell irradiator device (Macogenic G2) for extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), smaller and lighter than the Macogenic G1 but with no integrated cooling system. We compared the two devices at different working temperatures (G1 at standard irradiation temperature – 21°C – and G2 set by purpose at 34°C) in patients affected with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease and chronic lung allograft dysfunction treated by ECP. We demonstrate that both G1 and G2 devices are efficient in inducing the inhibition of lymphocytic proliferation and mononuclear cells apoptosis after 48 h even when G2 is set at higher‐than‐standard temperature.
Impaired CO2 sensitivity of astrocytes in a mouse model of Rett syndrome
Authors: Turovsky Egor , Karagiannis Anastassios , Abdala Ana Paula , Gourine Alexander V. 
Published: May 2015

Key points
Rett syndrome is a prototypical neurological disorder characterised by abnormal breathing pattern and reduced ventilatory CO2 sensitivity. Medullary astrocytes are a crucial component of central CO2/pH chemosensitivity.
This study tested the hypotheses that methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) deficient medullary astrocytes are (i) unable to produce/release appropriate amounts of lactate, and/or (ii) unable to sense changes in /[H+].
We found no differences in tonic or hypoxia‐induced release of lactate from the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata or cerebral cortex between MeCP2‐knockout and wild‐type mice.
Respiratory acidosis triggered robust [Ca2+]i responses in wild‐type astrocytes residing near the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata. CO2‐induced [Ca2+]i responses in astrocytes were dramatically reduced in conditions of MeCP2 deficiency.
These data suggest that (i) ‘metabolic’ function of astrocytes in releasing lactate into the extracellular space is not affected by MeCP2 deficiency, and (ii) MeCP2 deficiency impairs the ability of medullary astrocytes to sense changes in /[H+].
AbstractRett syndrome, a prototypical neurological disorder caused by loss of function of the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, is associated with a severely disordered breathing pattern and reduced ventilatory CO2 sensitivity. In a mouse model of Rett syndrome (MeCP2 knockout), re‐introduction of the MeCP2 gene selectively in astrocytes rescues normal respiratory phenotype. In the present study we determined whether the metabolic and/or signalling functions of astrocytes are affected by testing the hypotheses that in conditions of MeCP2 deficiency, medullary astrocytes are unable to produce/release appropriate amounts of lactate or detect changes in /[H+], or both. No differences in tonic or hypoxia‐induced release of lactate from the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata or cerebral cortex in brain slices of MeCP2‐knockout and wild‐type mice were found. In brainstem slices of wild‐type mice, respiratory acidosis triggered robust elevations in [Ca2+]i in astrocytes residing near the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata. The magnitude of CO2‐induced [Ca2+]i responses in medullary astrocytes was markedly reduced in conditions of MeCP2 deficiency, whereas [Ca2+]i responses to ATP were unaffected. These data suggest that (i) metabolic function of astrocytes in releasing lactate into the extracellular space is not affected by MeCP2 deficiency, and (ii) MeCP2 deficiency impairs the ability of medullary astrocytes to sense changes in /[H+]. Taken together with the evidence of severely blunted ventilatory sensitivity to CO2 in mice with conditional MeCP2 deletion in astroglia, these data support the hypothesis of an important role played by astrocytes in central respiratory CO2/pH chemosensitivity.
Acquisition, preprocessing, and reconstruction of ultralow dose volumetric CT scout for organ‐based CT scan planning
Authors: Yin Zhye , Yao Yangyang , Montillo Albert , Wu Mingye , Edic Peter M. , Kalra Mannudeep , De Man Bruno 
Published: May 2015

Purpose:Traditionally, 2D radiographic preparatory scan images (scout scans) are used to plan diagnostic CT scans. However, a 3D CT volume with a full 3D organ segmentation map could provide superior information for customized scan planning and other purposes. A practical challenge is to design the volumetric scout acquisition and processing steps to provide good image quality (at least good enough to enable 3D organ segmentation) while delivering a radiation dose similar to that of the conventional 2D scout.Methods:The authors explored various acquisition methods, scan parameters, postprocessing methods, and reconstruction methods through simulation and cadaver data studies to achieve an ultralow dose 3D scout while simultaneously reducing the noise and maintaining the edge strength around the target organ.Results:In a simulation study, the 3D scout with the proposed acquisition, preprocessing, and reconstruction strategy provided a similar level of organ segmentation capability as a traditional 240 mAs diagnostic scan, based on noise and normalized edge strength metrics. At the same time, the proposed approach delivers only 1.25% of the dose of a traditional scan. In a cadaver study, the authors’ pictorial‐structures based organ localization algorithm successfully located the major abdominal‐thoracic organs from the ultralow dose 3D scout obtained with the proposed strategy.Conclusions:The authors demonstrated that images with a similar degree of segmentation capability (interpretability) as conventional dose CT scans can be achieved with an ultralow dose 3D scout acquisition and suitable postprocessing. Furthermore, the authors applied these techniques to real cadaver CT scans with a CTDI dose level of less than 0.1 mGy and successfully generated a 3D organ localization map.
Cross-Reactive Epitopes in Borrelia burgdorferi p66
Authors: Arnaboldi Paul M. , Dattwyler Raymond J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTEpitope mapping of the p66 outer membrane protein ofBorrelia burgdorferirevealed that the protein contains numerous cross-reactive linear epitopes recognized by serum antibody in the majority of individuals tested, regardless of Lyme disease history, limiting the usefulness of this antigen in Lyme disease serodiagnostic assays.
Seroepidemiology of Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L2 and Generation of L2-Specific Human Chimeric Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Wang Joshua W. , Jagu Subhashini , Wu Wai-Hong , Viscidi Raphael P. , Macgregor-Das Anne , Fogel Jessica M. , Kwak Kihyuck , Daayana Sai , Kitchener Henry , Stern Peter L. , Gravitt Patti E. , Trimble Cornelia L. , Roden Richard B. S. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTPresently, the seroprevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) minor capsid antigen L2-reactive antibody is not well understood, and no serologic standard exists for L2-specific neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, we screened a total of 1,078 serum samples for HPV16 L2 reactivity, and these were obtained from four prior clinical studies: a population-based (n= 880) surveillance study with a high-risk HPV DNA prevalence of 10.8%, a cohort study of women (n= 160) with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and two phase II trials in women with high-grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) receiving imiquimod therapy combined with either photodynamic therapy (PDT) (n= 19) or vaccination with a fusion protein comprising HPV16 L2, E7, and E6 (TA-CIN) (n= 19). Sera were screened sequentially by HPV16 L2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and then Western blot. Seven of the 1,078 serum samples tested had L2-specific antibodies, but none were detectably neutralizing for HPV16. To develop a standard, we substituted human IgG1 sequences into conserved regions of two rodent monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for neutralizing epitopes at HPV16 L2 residues 17 to 36 and 58 to 64, creating JWW-1 and JWW-2, respectively. These chimeric MAbs retained neutralizing activity and together reacted with 33/34 clinically relevant HPV types tested. In conclusion, our inability to identify an HPV16 L2-specific neutralizing antibody response even in the sera of patients with active genital HPV disease suggests the subdominance of L2 protective epitopes and the value of the chimeric MAbs JWW-1 and JWW-2 as standards for immunoassays to measure L2-specific human antibodies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Norvancomycin-Producing Strain Amycolatopsis orientalis CPCC200066
Authors: Lei Xuan , Yuan Fang , Shi Yuanyuan , Li Xingxing , Wang Lifei , Hong Bin 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Amycolatopsis orientalis
CPCC200066 is an actinomycete that can produce the glycopeptide antibiotic norvancomycin, which has significant inhibitory activity against Gram-positive cocci and bacilli. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
A. orientalis
CPCC200066 and identified the genes involved in norvancomycin biosynthesis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cupriavidus basilensis 4G11, Isolated from the Oak Ridge Field Research Center Site
Authors: Ray Jayashree , Waters R. Jordan , Skerker Jeffrey M. , Kuehl Jennifer V. , Price Morgan N. , Huang Jiawen , Chakraborty Romy , Arkin Adam P. , Deutschbauer Adam 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Cupriavidus basilensis
4G11 was isolated from groundwater at the Oak Ridge Field Research Center (FRC) site. Here, we report the complete genome sequence and annotation of
Cupriavidus basilensis
4G11. The genome contains 8,421,483 bp, 7,661 predicted protein-coding genes, and a total GC content of 64.4%.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Alicycliphilus
sp. B1, an
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactone-Producing Bacterium, Isolated from Activated Sludge
Authors: Okutsu Noriya , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Ikeda Tsukasa 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Alicycliphilus
sp. B1, isolated from activated sludge in a wastewater treatment plant of an electronic component factory as an
N
-acylhomoserine lactone-producing strain. The draft genome is 7,465,959 bp in length, with 59 large contigs. About 7,391 protein-coding genes, 82 tRNAs, and 13 rRNAs are predicted from this assembly.
Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia andropogonis Type Strain ICMP2807, Isolated from Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Lopes-Santos Lucilene , Castro Daniel Bedo Assumpção , Ottoboni Laura Maria Mariscal , Park Duckchul , Weir Bevan Simon , Destéfano Suzete Aparecida Lanza 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Burkholderia andropogonis
ICMP2807, a phytopathogenic bacterium isolated from
Sorghum bicolor
plants in the United States.
Whole-Genome Sequence and Annotation of Octopine-Utilizing Pseudomonas kilonensis (Previously P. fluorescens) Strain 1855-344
Authors: Eng Wilhelm Wei Han , Gan Han Ming , Gan Huan You , Hudson André O. , Savka Michael A. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence and annotation of
Pseudomonas kilonensis
1855-344 (previously known as
P. fluorescens
1855-344). The genome contains an octopine oxidase gene cluster consistent with the ability to utilize octopine. A biosynthetic gene cluster was identified for mangotoxin and aryl-polyene using the antiSMASH server.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Sputum of Kazakh Patients
Authors: Kairov Ulykbek , Kozhamkulov Ulan , Molkenov Askhat , Rakhimova Saule , Askapuli Ayken , Zhabagin Maxat , Akhmetova Ainur , Yerezhepov Dauren , Abilova Zhannur , Abilmazhinova Aliya , Bismilda Venera , Chingisova Leila , Zhumadilov Zhaxybay , Akilzhanova Ainur 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTHere, we report the draft genome sequences of two clinical isolates ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB-476 and MTB-489) isolated from sputum of Kazakh patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Nonmarine Agarolytic Bacterium
Cellvibrio
sp. OA-2007
Authors: Syazni  , Yanagisawa Mitsunori , Kasuu Masahiro , Nakasaki Kiyohiko , Ariga Osamu 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Cellvibrio
sp. OA-2007 is a Gram-negative, aerobic, and agarolytic bacterium isolated from activated sludge. We present the draft genome sequence of strain OA-2007, composed of 97 contigs, totaling 4,595,379 bp in size, and containing 4,094 open reading frames, with a G+C content of 47.71%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methylobacterium radiotolerans,a DDE-Degrading and Plant Growth-Promoting Strain Isolated from
Cucurbita pepo
Authors: Eevers Nele , Van Hamme Jonathan D. , Bottos Eric M. , Weyens Nele , Vangronsveld Jaco 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We announce the draft genome of
Methylobacterium radiotolerans
, a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from
Cucurbita pepo
roots. This strain shows 2,2-bis(
p
-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE)-degrading potential and plant growth-promoting capacities. Analyses of its 6.8-Mb genome will improve our understanding of DDE-degradation pathways and aid in the deployment of phytoremediation technologies to remediate DDE-contaminated soils.
Rapid and EasyIn SilicoSerotyping of Escherichia coli Isolates by Use of Whole-Genome Sequencing Data
Authors: Joensen Katrine G. , Tetzschner Anna M. M. , Iguchi Atsushi , Aarestrup Frank M. , Scheutz Flemming 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTAccurate and rapid typing of pathogens is essential for effective surveillance and outbreak detection. Conventional serotyping ofEscherichia coliis a delicate, laborious, time-consuming, and expensive procedure. With whole-genome sequencing (WGS) becoming cheaper, it has vast potential in routine typing and surveillance. The aim of this study was to establish a valid and publicly available tool for WGS-basedin silicoserotyping ofE. coliapplicable for routine typing and surveillance. A FASTA database of specific O-antigen processing system genes for O typing and flagellin genes for H typing was created as a component of the publicly available Web tools hosted by the Center for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE) (www.genomicepidemiology.org). AllE. coliisolates available with WGS data and conventional serotype information were subjected to WGS-based serotyping employing this specific SerotypeFinder CGE tool. SerotypeFinder was evaluated on 682E. coligenomes, 108 of which were sequenced for this study, where both the whole genome and the serotype were available. In total, 601 and 509 isolates were included for O and H typing, respectively. The O-antigen geneswzx,wzy,wzm, andwztand the flagellin genesfliC,flkA,fllA,flmA, andflnAwere detected in 569 and 508 genome sequences, respectively. SerotypeFinder for WGS-based O and H typing predicted 560 of 569 O types and 504 of 508 H types, consistent with conventional serotyping. In combination with other available WGS typing tools,E. coliserotyping can be performed solely from WGS data, providing faster and cheaper typing than current routine procedures and making WGS typing a superior alternative to conventional typing strategies.