bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merging chemical ecology with bacterial genome mining for secondary metabolite discovery
Authors: Vizcaino Maria I , Guo Xun , Crawford Jason M 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe integration of chemical ecology and bacterial genome mining can enhance the discovery of structurally diverse natural products in functional contexts. By examining bacterial secondary metabolism in the framework of its ecological niche, insights into the upregulation of orphan biosynthetic pathways and the enhancement of the enzyme substrate supply can be obtained, leading to the discovery of new secondary metabolic pathways that would otherwise be silent or undetected under typical laboratory cultivation conditions. Access to these new natural products (i.e., the chemotypes) facilitates experimental genotype-to-phenotype linkages. Here, we describe certain functional natural products produced by Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria with experimentally linked biosynthetic gene clusters as illustrative examples of the synergy between chemical ecology and bacterial genome mining in connecting genotypes to phenotypes through chemotype characterization. These Gammaproteobacteria share a mutualistic relationship with nematodes and a pathogenic relationship with insects and, in select cases, humans. The natural products encoded by these bacteria distinguish their interactions with their animal hosts and other microorganisms in their multipartite symbiotic lifestyles. Though both genera have similar lifestyles, their genetic, chemical, and physiological attributes are distinct. Both undergo phenotypic variation and produce a profuse number of bioactive secondary metabolites. We provide further detail in the context of regulation, production, processing, and function for these genetically encoded small molecules with respect to their roles in mutualism and pathogenicity. These collective insights more widely promote the discovery of atypical orphan biosynthetic pathways encoding novel small molecules in symbiotic systems, which could open up new avenues for investigating and exploiting microbial chemical signaling in host–bacteria interactions.
Predictive Genetic Testing in Children: Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Cancer Predisposing Syndrome
Authors: Bruwer Zandrè , Algar Ursula , Vorster Alvera , Fieggen Karen , Davidson Alan , Goldberg Paul , Wainwright Helen , Ramesar Rajkumar 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBiallelic germline mutations in mismatch repair genes predispose to constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMR‐D). The condition is characterized by a broad spectrum of early‐onset tumors, including hematological, brain and bowel and is frequently associated with features of Neurofibromatosis type 1. Few definitive screening recommendations have been suggested and no published reports have described predictive testing. We report on the first case of predictive testing for CMMR‐D following the identification of two non‐consanguineous parents, with the same heterozygous mutation inMLH1: c.1528C > T. The genetic counseling offered to the family, for their two at‐risk daughters, is discussed with a focus on the ethical considerations of testing children for known cancer‐causing variants. The challenges that are encountered when reporting on heterozygosity in a child younger than 18 years (disclosure of carrier status and risk for Lynch syndrome), when discovered during testing for homozygosity, are addressed. In addition, the identification of CMMR‐D in a three year old, and the recommended clinical surveillance that was proposed for this individual is discussed. Despite predictive testing and presymptomatic screening, the sudden death of the child with CMMR‐D syndrome occurred 6 months after her last surveillance MRI. This report further highlights the difficulty of developing guidelines, as a result of the rarity of cases and diversity of presentation.
Risk factors and complications in hip reconstruction for nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Beck Nicholas A. , Baldwin Keith D. , Sankar Wudbhav N. , Flynn John M. , Spiegel David A. 
Published: October 2013

Background Hip dysplasia is prevalent in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy, and may contribute to a decreased quality of life (Lonstein in J Pediatr Orthop 6:521–526, 1 ). Reconstructive procedures such as a femoral varus derotation osteotomy with or without a pelvic osteotomy are commonly employed with the goal of achieving and maintaining well reduced hips. Purposes The goals of this study are both to characterize the complications of reconstructive procedures and to identify risk factors that may contribute to these complications. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among 61 nonambulatory children (93 hips) with cerebral palsy who underwent a femoral varus derotation osteotomy, with or without an open reduction and/or pelvic osteotomy, from 1992 through 2008 at our institution. The average patient age was 8.1 years (2.6–14.7) and the mean follow-up time was 5.9 years (2.1–15.9). Results The cumulative complication rate per patient including failures to cure was 47.6 %. Spica casting was found to be a risk factor for all complications ( P = 0.023); whereas patients younger than 6 years old ( P = 0.013) and children with a tracheostomy ( P = 0.004) were found to be risk factors for resubluxation following surgery. Conclusions Although reported complication rates of hip reconstructive procedures performed upon children with cerebral palsy have varied considerably, those with more severe disease have experienced more complications. We report our tertiary referral center's complication rate and our institutional experiences with risk factors for complications and failures to cure. Level of evidence IV, Retrospective case series.
Exopolysaccharides and Antimicrobial Biosurfactants Produced by Paenibacillus macerans TKU029
Authors: Liang Tzu-Wen , Wu Chia-Chen , Cheng Wei-Ting , Chen Yu-Chi , Wang Chuan-Lu , Wang I-Li , Wang San-Lang 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 can produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs; 3.46 g/L) and a biosurfactant (1.78 g/L) in a medium with 2 % (w/v) squid pen powder as the sole carbon/nitrogen source. The biosurfactant can reduce the surface tension of water from 72.30 to 35.34 mN/m at a concentration of 2.76 g/L and reach an emulsification index of 56 % after a 24-h reaction with machine oil. This biosurfactant is stable at 121 °C for 20 min, over a pH range from 3 to 11, and in <5 % salt solutions. It also shows significant antimicrobial activity, which remains active after treatment at 121 °C and at pH values from 4 to 10, against Escherichia coli BCRC13086, Staphylococcus aureus BCRC10780, Fusarium oxysporum BCRC32121 and Aspergillus fumigatus BCRC30099. Furthermore, human skin shows from 37.3 to 44.3 % hydration after being treated with TKU029 EPSs for 180 min. These results imply that EPSs and the biosurfactant from this strain have potential in cosmetics, for removal of oil contamination, and as antimicrobial agents.
Maternal diabetes or hypertension and lifestyle factors may be associated with metabolic syndrome: A population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Hua , Hsiao Hui‐Pin , Chiu Yu‐Wen , Shih Nai‐Hua , Chuang Hung‐Yi , Huang Chia‐Tsuan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractEarly detection and interventions for metabolic syndrome (MetS) are the most cost‐effective methods for preventing many chronic diseases. There have been discordant findings in various countries due to different genetics and lifestyles. The goal of this study was to investigate the association of MetS with parental diseases, a Chinese‐style diet, and rural‐urban regional differences with a large‐scale epidemiological survey in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwanese Survey on Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia (TwSHHH), a cross‐sectional population‐based study with multistage stratified random sampling conducted by the Taiwan Bureau of Health Promotion in 2002. Public health nurses visited homes to conduct the survey, including blood drawing and an interview. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used for exploring the factors associated with MetS. A total of 6591 people completed data for analysis. Our results revealed that older age, male sex, and maternal diabetes or hypertension, were significantly associated with MetS. Eating poultry with skin and fat and eating a bean‐free diet may be associated with a higher risk of MetS. People who exercised regularly and the residents of the Taipei metropolitan area had a lower prevalence of MetS. As a result, people with maternal diabetes or hypertension should pay attention to their cardiovascular health and prevention of MetS. We suggest that eating skinless and low‐fat poultry, eating more beans, and exercising regularly, may decrease the risk of MetS. We should make an effort to advocate for health promotion, including lifestyle modification, especially among the high‐risk population and among residents in rural areas with limited medical resources.
A pediatric patients’ pain evaluation in the emergency unit
Authors: Lemström Anette 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Aims
Helsinki University Hospital for Children and Adolescents treats 0-to 16-year old pediatric and surgical patients. The patients arrive to the emergency unit by ambulance, referral or by decision of the triage nurse. The most common reason for visit is pain. VAS pain scale should be used, but pain is not evaluated properly. The aim of this study was to review literature on evaluation and treatment of pain in pediatric emergency unit.

Methods
A search from Cinahl and Finnish Medic-database covering last 10 years was performed using: pain, child, trauma, documentation, evaluation, emergency and assessment as keywords.

Results
Multiple pain scales are used in pediatric emergency units. A scale possibly useful for us is the CEM, College of Emergency Medicine tool. Non-medical procedural pain treatment: physical methods (e.g. cold, warm, massage), emotional support and cognitive-behavioral methods (e.g. relaxation, mental imagery and information) was found to be as useful in children. The aim of cognitive-behavioral methods is to decrease fear, stress and pain and improve self-determination. Non-medical treatment was found to be cost efficient and decrease the need of analgesics. It was also found that a child in pain should be raised in triage. Educated staff usually means that children get pain medication quicker.

Conclusions
Research on the effects of systematic use of a pain scales on pain treatment, pain and fear in pediatric patients would be interesting
Histamine in the locus coeruleus attenuates neuropathic hypersensitivity
Authors: Jin Cong-Yu , Wei Hong , Karlstedt Kaj , Pertovaara Antti 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Aims
Among brain structures receiving efferent projections from the histaminergic tuberomammillary nucleus is the pontine locus coeruleus (LC), a structure involved in descending noradrenergic control of pain. Here we studied whether histamine in the LC is involved in descending regulation of neuropathic hypersensitivity.

Methods
Peripheral neuropathy was induced by unilateral spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in the rat with a chronic intracerebral and intrathecal catheter for drug administrations. Mechanical hypersensitivity in the injured limb was assessed by monofilaments. Heat nociception was assessed by determining radiant heat-induced paw flick.

Results
Histamine in the LC (ipsilateral to nerve injury) produced a dose-related (1–10 μg) mechanical antihypersensitivity effect (maximum effect at 15 min and duration of effect 30 min), without influence on heat nociception. Pretreatment of LC with zolantidine (H2 receptor antagonist), but not with pyrilamine (H1 receptor antagonist), reversed the antihypersensitivity effect of histamine. Zolantidine or pyrilamine alone in LC failed to influence pain behavior. The antihypersensitivity effect induced by histamine in LC was reduced also by spinal administration of atipamezole (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist).

Conclusions
The results indicate that histamine acting on H2 receptors in the LC attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in peripheral neuropathy. The histamine-induced descending antihypersensitivity effect is at least partly mediated by noradrenergic pathways acting on the spinal α2-adrenoceptor.
Non-geostrophic instabilities of an equilibrium baroclinic state
Authors: Pieri Alexandre B. , Godeferd F. S. , Cambon C. , Salhi A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe consider non-geostrophic homogeneous baroclinic turbulence without solid boundaries, and we focus on its energetics and dynamics. The homogeneous turbulent flow is therefore submitted to both uniform vertical shear$S$and stable vertical stratification, parametrized by the Brunt–Väisälä frequency$N$, and placed in a rotating frame with Coriolis frequency$f$. Direct numerical simulations show that the threshold of baroclinic instability growth depends mostly on two dimensionless numbers, the gradient Richardson number$\mathit{Ri}= {N}^{2} / {S}^{2} $and the Rossby number$\mathit{Ro}= S/ f$, whereas linear theory predicts a threshold that depends only on$\mathit{Ri}$. At high Rossby numbers the nonlinear limit is found to be$\mathit{Ri}= 0. 2$, while in the limit of low$\mathit{Ro}$the linear stability bound$\mathit{Ri}= 1$is recovered. We also express the stability results in terms of background potential vorticity, which is an important quantity in baroclinic flows. We show that the linear symmetric instability occurs from the presence of negative background potential vorticity. The possibility of simultaneous existence of symmetric and baroclinic instabilities is also investigated. The dominance of symmetric instability over baroclinic instability for$\mathit{Ri}\ll 1$is confirmed by our direct numerical simulations, and we provide an improved understanding of the dynamics of the flow by exploring the details of energy transfers for moderate Richardson numbers.
Deformation of leaky-dielectric fluid globules under strong electric fields: boundary layers and jets at large Reynolds numbers
Authors: Schnitzer Ory , Frankel Itzchak , Yariv Ehud 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn Taylor’s analysis of electrohydrodynamic drop deformation by a uniform electric field (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 291, 1966, pp. 159–166) inertia is neglected at the outset, resulting in fluid velocities that scale as the square of the applied-field magnitude. For large (i.e. millimetric) drops, with increasing field strength the Reynolds number predicted by this scaling may actually become large, suggesting the need for a complementary large-Reynolds-number investigation. Balancing viscous stresses and electrical shear forces in this limit reveals a different velocity scaling, with the $4/ 3$-power of the applied-field magnitude. For simplicity, we focus upon the flow about a spherical gas bubble. It is essentially confined to two boundary layers propagating from the poles to the equator, where they collide to form a radial jet. The transition occurs over a small deflection region about the equator where the flow is effectively inviscid. The deviation of the bubble shape from the original sphericity is quantified by the capillary number given by the ratio of a characteristic Maxwell stress to Laplace’s pressure. At leading order the bubble deforms owing to: (i) the surface distribution of the Maxwell stress, associated with the familiar electric-field profile; (ii) the hydrodynamic boundary-layer pressure, engendered here by centrifugal forces; and (iii) the intense pressure distribution acting over the narrow equatorial deflection zone, appearing on the bubble scale as a concentrated load. Remarkably, the unique flow topology and associated scalings allow the obtaining of a closed-form expression for the deformation through the mere application of integral mass and momentum balances. On the bubble scale, the concentrated pressure load is manifested in the appearance of a non-smooth equatorial dimple.
Children and young adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) have healthier food choices particularly with respect to dietary fat sources compared with non-FH children
Authors: Molven Ingunn , Retterstøl Kjetil , Andersen Lene F. , Veierød Marit B. , Narverud Ingunn , Ose Leiv , Svilaas Arne , Wandel Margareta , Holven Kirsten B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFamilial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) leads to elevated plasma levels of LDL-cholesterol and increased risk of premature atherosclerosis. Dietary treatment is recommended to all patients with FH in combination with lipid-lowering drug therapy. Little is known about how children with FH and their parents respond to dietary advice. The aim of the present study was to characterise the dietary habits in children with FH. A total of 112 children and young adults with FH and a non-FH group of children (n 36) were included. The children with FH had previously received dietary counselling. The FH subjects were grouped as: 12–14 years (FH (12–14)) and 18–28 years (FH (18–28)). Dietary data were collected by SmartDiet, a short self-instructing questionnaire on diet and lifestyle where the total score forms the basis for an overall assessment of the diet. Clinical and biochemical data were retrieved from medical records. The SmartDiet scores were significantly improved in the FH (12–14) subjects compared with the non-FH subjects (SmartDiet score of 31 v. 28, respectively). More FH (12–14) subjects compared with non-FH children consumed low-fat milk (64 v. 18 %, respectively), low-fat cheese (29 v. 3%, respectively), used margarine with highly unsaturated fat (74 v. 14 %, respectively). In all, 68 % of the FH (12–14) subjects and 55 % of the non-FH children had fish for dinner twice or more per week. The FH (18–28) subjects showed the same pattern in dietary choices as the FH (12–14) children. In contrast to the choices of low-fat dietary items, 50 % of the FH (12–14) subjects consumed sweet spreads or sweet drinks twice or more per week compared with only 21 % in the non-FH group. In conclusion, ordinary out-patient dietary counselling of children with FH seems to have a long-lasting effect, as the diet of children and young adults with FH consisted of more products that are favourable with regard to the fatty acid composition of the diet.
ω-3 and major depression: a review
Authors: Mello Aline H. , Gassenferth Aline , Souza Luana R. , Fortunato Jucélia J. , Rezin Gislaine T. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe World Health Organization estimates that major depression affects about 350 million people all over the world and reports this disorder as the major contributor to the global burden of diseases. Despite the well-defined symptomatology, major depression is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology is not clearly established. Although several treatments are available, most depressed patients do not achieve the complete remission of symptoms. Factors linked to the persistence of the disorder have been investigated, particularly those related to the way of life. Moreover, it has been suggested that nutritional aspects may influence its development. Among them, a diet rich in ω-3 has been associated with a reduced risk of major depression, although its deficiency is associated with depressive disorders.MethodsThis review provides a general view about evidences of the use of ω-3 in major depression cases.ResultsSeveral studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of ω-3 in the prevention and treatment of major depression. However, not all the results have shown significant statistical benefits.ConclusionsMore studies are necessary to clarify detailed mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of ω-3 and may explain the source of contradictions in results published until the moment.
Neurosyphilis in the mixed urban–rural community of the Netherlands
Authors: Daey Ouwens Ingrid M. , Koedijk Femke D.H. , Fiolet Aernoud T.L. , van Veen Maaike G. , van den Wijngaard Kees C. , Verhoeven Willem M.A. , Egger Jos I.M. , van der Sande Marianne A.B. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveNeurosyphilis is caused by dissemination into the central nervous system of Treponema pallidum. Although the incidence of syphilis in the Netherlands has declined since the mid-1980s, syphilis has re-emerged, mainly in the urban centres. It is not known whether this also holds true for neurosyphilis.MethodsThe epidemiology of neurosyphilis in Dutch general hospitals in the period 1999–2010 was studied in a retrospective cohort study. Data from the Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics were used to analyse the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis in this period.ResultsAn incidence of neurosyphilis of 0.47 per 100 000 adults was calculated, corresponding with about 60 new cases per year. This incidence was higher in the western (urbanised) part of the Netherlands, as compared with the more rural areas (0.6 and 0.4, respectively). The number of patients diagnosed with syphilis in STI clinics increased from 150 to 700 cases in 2004 and decreased to 500 new cases in 2010. The sex ratio was in favour of men, yielding a percentage of 90% of the syphilis cases and of 75% of the neurosyphilitic cases. The incidence of neurosyphilis was highest in men aged 35–65 years, and in women aged 75 years and above. The most frequently reported clinical manifestation of neurosyphilis was tabes dorsalis. In this study, 15% of the patients were HIV seropositive.ConclusionThe incidence of neurosyphilis in a mixed urban–rural community such as the Netherlands is comparable to that in other European countries. Most patients are young, urban and men, and given the frequent atypical manifestations of the disease reintroduction of screening for neurosyphilis has to be considered.
Open or Enclosed: Settlement Patterns and Hillfort Construction in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, 1800bc–ad1000
Authors: Cook Murray 
Published: October 2013

This article presents a synthetic précis of enclosed and unenclosed settlement in Aberdeenshire over an extended period of study encompassing the later prehistoric and early medieval periods (1800bc–ad1000) where the perceived boundary between prehistory and history is of limited significance. The results will then be placed in a wider Scottish context, with a brief discussion of the changing nature of enclosure within the study area.A recent upsurge in research, development, and survey work has, in particular, drawn renewed attention to a discrete cluster of around 20 hillforts in the Strathdon area, which lie well beyond Cunliffe's Hillfort Dominated Zones. In general, the settlement record is predominantly unenclosed but, in the first half of the 1st millenniumbcthe Strathdon area appears to reflect wider UK trends: there are relatively few hillforts and they appear to be aimed at communal gatherings. Their direct use in conflict appears to have been rare and their ‘defences’ perhaps marked a neutral zone rather than fortification. A putative increase in the volume of agricultural surplus may have led to increased social competition and eventually conflict. After c. 500bca variety of local factors influence hillfort design and there is an increase in their number and variability, before the emergence of a single dominant form from Northern Fife to Inverness, and then an abandonment of enclosure until the early medieval period. The current evidence indicates that hillforts were abandoned before the Roman incursions, perhaps by several hundred years and, while they may have been re-occupied, there is as yet no evidence for refortification. In contrast during the early medieval period hillforts appear to have been more actively used in both settlement and conflict. They may relate to a period of expansion amongst local competing polities and the cessation of their construction in the 7th centuryadmay be connected with the emergence of larger regional power structures.