bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Legionella pneumophila Culture Isolation from Microenvironments by Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator (mip) Gene‐Specific Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Nintasen Rungrat , Utrarachkij Fuangfa , Siripanichgon Kanokrat , Bhumiratana Adisak , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Suthienkul Orasa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe combination of a Legionella pneumophila culture isolation technique and macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) gene‐specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is pivotal for effective routine use in an environmental water system laboratory. Detection of Legionella organisms in 169 environmental samples was performed by using modified buffered charcoal yeast extract (MBCYE) agar for conventional culture. Nested PCR specific for L. pneumophila was performed using boiled genomic DNA extracts from filtered and Chelex 100‐treated water samples, or by using silica‐gel membrane spin column‐eluted DNA from concentrated pond, canal and river samples. Overall, the nested PCR was twelvefold more sensitive than the culture method. The target amplicons (471 basepairs) of all 4 biochemically characterized L. pneumophila isolates were sequenced. They had homology at the DNA and protein levels to 3′ proximity of the mip‐coding gene of L. pneumophila deposited in genome databases. EcoRI‐ or KpnI‐digested PCR fragments with expected sizes were also confirmed in all 52 PCR‐positive samples that were isolated from cooling towers and condenser drains. Viable but nonculturable L. pneumophila might have been present in 48 PCR‐positive samples. This study demonstrates that detection of the genetically stable mip gene by nested PCR with a modified process of water sample preparation can be rapidly and effectively used to enhance isolation of the L. pneumophila taxon from microenvironments.
Mathematical Modeling of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Nosocomial Transmission in Japan: The Dynamics of Incident Cases and Prevalent Cases
Authors: Fukutome Ayako , Watashi Koichi , Kawakami Norito , Ishikawa Hirofumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAn outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) occurred in Hong Kong in late February 2003, resulting in 8,096 cumulative cases with 774 deaths. The outbreak was amplified by nosocomial transmission in many hospitals. Using mathematical modeling, we simulated the number of new incident and prevalent cases of SARS after one infected person was admitted to a hospital (index case). The simulation was tested stochastically using the SEIR model based on previously reported Gamma distributions. We estimated the duration time until 10 beds in negative pressure rooms in Chiyoda‐ku, one of the 23 wards in Tokyo, were fully occupied with SARS‐infected patients. We determined the impact of an increasing number of days on the number of prevalent cases until the index case was isolated. The prevalent cases increase exponentially along with the increase of the non‐isolation period of the index case, and all the beds were fully occupied if the index case was not isolated until more than 6 days. However even 2 days non‐isolation period of the index case could fill up all the beds when 16% of secondary infections are transmitted outside the hospital. There is a possibility that an epidemic will occur with the isolation of the index case even at early days if the infection is transmitted outside the hospital. The simulation results revealed that it was important to recognize and isolate SARS patients as early as possible and also to prevent the transmission spreading outside the hospital to control an epidemic.
Interleukin‐17 as an Effector Molecule of Innate and Acquired Immunity against Infections
Authors: Matsuzaki Goro , Umemura Masayuki 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInterleukin (IL)‐17 is a proinflammatory cytokine which induces differentiation and migration of neutrophils through induction of cytokines and chemokines including granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor and CXCL8/IL‐8. IL‐17‐producing CD4+ T cells (Th17) have pivotal role in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. IL‐17 is also involved in protective immunity against various infections. IL‐17 has important role in induction of neutrophil‐mediated protective immune response against extracellular bacterial or fungal pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. Importance of IL‐17 in protection against intracellular pathogens including Mycobacterium has also been reported. Interestingly, not only CD4+ T cells but atypical CD4–CD8– T cells expressing T cell receptor (TCR) γδ produce IL‐17, and IL‐17 producing cells participate in both innate and acquired immune response to infections. Furthermore, neutrophil induction may not be the only mechanism of IL‐17‐mediated protective immunity. IL‐17 seems to participate in host defense through regulation of cell‐mediated immunity or induction of antimicrobial peptides such as β‐defensins. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the role of IL‐17 in immune response against infections, and discuss possible application of IL‐17 in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Basic science behind trabecular meshwork surgeries
Authors: OVERBY D 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTrans‐trabecular meshwork surgeries attempt to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by shunting across the trabecular meshwork (TM) that is believed to generate the bulk of aqueous humour outflow resistance. Despite elevated TM resistance in glaucoma, newer trans‐TM surgeries appear to be less successful at lowering IOP compared to traditional filtration surgeries (Mosaed et al. Trans. Am. Ophthalmol. Soc., 2009). To understand the mechanism and possible limitations of trans‐TM surgeries, we review the anatomy and basic science of outflow resistance generation within the TM and post‐TM aqueous vessels. These studies provide estimates of IOP expected from trans‐TM shunts and reveal obstacles that may limit the efficacy of trans‐TM surgeries.
Folate intake and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tio Martin , Andrici Juliana , Cox Michael R , Eslick Guy D 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThere is conflicting evidence on the association between folate intake and the risk of upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. In order to further elucidate this relationship, we performed a systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis of folate intake and the risk of esophageal, gastric, and pancreatic cancer.MethodsFour electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect) were searched to July 26, 2013, with no language restrictions for observational studies that measured folate intake and the risk of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, or pancreatic cancer. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model.ResultsThe meta‐analysis of dietary folate and esophageal cancer risk comprising of nine retrospective studies showed a decreased risk of esophageal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.51–0.69). The meta‐analysis of dietary folate and gastric cancer risk comprising of 16 studies showed no association (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.78–1.14). The meta‐analysis of dietary folate and pancreatic cancer risk comprising of eight studies showed a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.89).ConclusionDietary folate intake is associated with a decreased risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancer, but not gastric cancer. Interpretation of these relationships is complicated by significant heterogeneity between studies when pooled, and by small numbers of studies available to analyze when stratification is performed to reduce heterogeneity.
Natural history of postvascular‐phase iso‐enhanced lesions on the sonogram in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Kondo Takayuki , Maruyama Hitoshi , Sekimoto Tadashi , Shimada Taro , Takahashi Masanori , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Kanai Fumihiko , Yokosuka Osamu , Yamaguchi Tadashi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThis study examined the natural history of postvascular‐phase iso‐enhanced lesions (PIELs) on contrast‐enhanced sonograms to determine the potential risk and predictive factors for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic liver diseases.MethodsThis prospective study included 87 PIELs on contrast‐enhanced sonograms (postvascular‐phase: 10 min post‐injection of perflubutane microbubbles) in 72 patients with chronic liver diseases (45 males and 27 females; age 65.0 ± 10.8y; PIEL diameter 12.5 ± 4.2 mm). The PIELs were followed up by ultrasound/contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging at 3 to 6 months intervals.ResultsTwenty patients developed HCCs during the study period (median, 22.0 months). The cumulative risk of HCC occurrence was 7.9% at 1 year and 36.0% at 3 years. The presence of coexistent HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 4.975; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.729–14.316; P = 0.003) and alpha‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL (HR, 4.104; 95% CI, 1.621–10.392; P = 0.003) were significant factors for the risk of HCC occurrence. Fourteen of these lesions were diagnosed as HCCs that developed from iso‐enhanced lesions. Cumulative HCC occurrence rates from PIEL > 14 mm was 23.5% at 1 year and 46.3% at 3 years. Cox regression analysis showed that PIEL > 14 mm (HR, 6.780; 95% CI, 2.060–22.32; P = 0.002) and alpha‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL (HR, 4.892; 95% CI, 1.559–15.350; P = 0.007) were statistically significant factors for HCC occurrence.ConclusionsPatients with coexistent HCC, alpha‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL, or PIEL > 14 mm should be carefully monitored because of the high potential for HCC occurrence.
Myocardial perfusion defects in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Maruyama Shigeo , Koda Masahiko , Murawaki Yoshikazu 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and myocardial injury has yet to be elucidated. We sought to investigate myocardial conditions in patients with chronic HBV infection.MethodsIn 47 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who had no overt heart disease, we performed electrocardiography, echocardiography, serum tests for myocardial injury, and thallium‐201 myocardial scintigraphy. Myocardial perfusion defects were confirmed by the severity score (SS), which was calculated as the sum of thallium‐201 perfusion defect scores. The SS was followed before and after interferon (IFN) therapy in 10 patients.ResultsAbnormal ECGs were found in 9% of patients with chronic hepatitis B. SS values in the hepatitis group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001). Abnormal SS values were found in 47% of the chronic hepatitis B patients. Independent factors related to higher pretreatment SS were serum HBV DNA titer and IgG level. After interferon (IFN) therapy, the SS values of responders were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.02); SS values of nonresponders were not significantly different before and after IFN therapy. SS values altered following IFN therapy, along with serum IgG concentrations.ConclusionsMyocardial perfusion defects were found in 47% of the patients with chronic hepatitis B and improved along with HBV reduction with IFN administration. SS improvement was closely correlated with decreases in serum IgG levels.
Neurovascular protection by post‐ischemic intravenous injections of the lipoxin A4 receptor agonist, BML‐111, in a rat model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Hawkins Kimberly E. , DeMars Kelly M. , Singh Jonathan , Yang Changjun , Cho Henry S. , Frankowski Jan C. , Doré Sylvain , Candelario‐Jalil Eduardo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractResolution of inflammation is an emerging new strategy to reduce damage following ischemic stroke. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is an anti‐inflammatory, pro‐resolution lipid mediator with high affinity binding to ALX, the lipoxin A4 receptor. Since LXA4 is rapidly inactivated, potent analogs have been created, including the ALX agonist BML‐111. We hypothesized that post‐ischemic intravenous administration of BML‐111 would provide protection to the neurovascular unit and reduce neuroinflammation in a rat stroke model. Animals were subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and BML‐111 was injected 100 min and 24 h after stroke onset and animals euthanized at 48 h. Post‐ischemic treatment with BML‐111 significantly reduced infarct size, decreased vasogenic edema, protected against blood–brain barrier disruption, and reduced hemorrhagic transformation. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and matrix metalloproteinase‐3 were significantly reduced following BML‐111 treatment. Administration of BML‐111 dramatically decreased microglial activation, as seen with CD68, and neutrophil infiltration and recruitment, as assessed by levels of myeloperoxidase and intracellular adhesion molecule‐1. The tight junction protein zona occludens‐1 was protected from degradation following treatment with BML‐111. These results indicate that post‐ischemic activation of ALX has pro‐resolution effects that limit the inflammatory damage in the cerebral cortex and helps maintain blood–brain barrier integrity after ischemic stroke.
imageLipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a potent anti‐inflammatory, pro‐resolution mediator. Post‐ischemic injections of BML‐111, a LXA4 receptor agonist, significantly reduced infarct size, matrix metalloproteinases, microglial activation, and neutrophil infiltration, while providing protection to the blood–brain barrier at 48 h following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. This suggests that activation and enhancement of the LXA4 resolution pathway may be a new target for therapeutics aimed at reducing neuroinflammation following ischemic stroke.
Landscape genetics and wing morphometrics show a lack of structuring across island and coastal populations of the drone fly in theMediterranean
Authors: Francuski L. , Djurakic M. , Ståhls G. , Milankov V. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTheMediterranean basin is a region of species richness, rarity and endemism, and is thus an area of significant conservation importance. Conservation of insect biodiversity benefits pollination services in the fragmentedMediterranean landscape. However, the question of the distribution patterns of an important long‐distance pollen disperser, the hoverflyEristalis tenax(Diptera,Syrphidae), remains open. Therefore, we explored the spatial distribution of genetic and phenotypic diversity of this species across theCentral‐EasternMediterranean. Connectivity between continental and island populations ofE. tenaxwas studied by integrating molecular (allozyme loci and mitochondrialDNAsequences of the cytochromecoxidase subunit I gene) and phenotypic data (wing geometric morphometrics). Allozyme (FSTvalues,STRUCTUREanalysis, analysis of molecular variance) and phenotypic data (wing shape) and landscape genetics (Alleles in Space analysis) suggest thatE. tenaxpopulations within theMediterranean are largely connected, and that there is an absence of large‐scale geographic structuring. Intraspecific variability was only 1.54% among samples, and theMediterranean populations showed an almost complete lack ofCOI mtDNAhaplotype diversity. Thus, our results suggest thatE. tenaxpopulations are well mixed, and that a considerable amount of gene flow takes place, even among populations that are a great distance apart. AsE. tenax's ecological amplitude is wide, and the species is therefore widespread in both natural and man‐made landscapes, it probably maintains a high level of population similarity by its large population sizes (as revealed by theθparameter) and constant intermixing among populations. From an applied point of view, large‐scale species intermixing enables pollen spread across distant island plant populations, especially those threatened by extinction.
Care of hepatitis C virus infection in France: modifications in three consecutive surveys between 1995 and 2010
Authors: Geri Guillaume , Maynard Marianne , Rosenthal Eric , Fontaine Hélène , Lacombe Karine , Slama Laurence , Goujard Cécile , Loustaud‐Ratti Véronique , Bergmann Jean‐François , Morlat Philippe , Vittecoq Daniel , Alric Laurent , Cacoub Patrice 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsTo determine the characteristics of hepatitis C (HCV)‐infected patients in 2010 and compare this survey with those reported in 1995 and 2001.Patients and methodsObservational multicentre study conducted in 2010 in French internal medicine, infectious diseases and hepatology departments.ResultsA total of 1621 HCV infected patients (mean age 50.1 ± 10.7 years; sex ratio M/F 1.8; genotype 1: 55.7%) were included. Of these, 910 (56.1%) were HIV–HCV co‐infected, 463 (40.4%) were asymptomatic and 184 (16.1%) had cirrhosis at inclusion in this study. Positive viraemia was found in 1,025 patients (65.5%) at inclusion in this study. A complete pretreatment evaluation including investigation for HCV RNA, genotype determination and liver fibrosis was performed in 96.5, 80.5 and 68.7% of the 1,621 patients respectively. Previous and ongoing HCV treatments were noted in 49.6% and 20.1% of patients respectively. A sustained virological response (SVR) was observed in 271/801 (38.3%) patients, i.e. 44.1% and 30.7% in co‐infected and mono‐infected patients respectively. Cirrhosis was more frequent in the 2010 than in the 2001 and 1995 surveys (16.1% vs. 10.4% and 7.4% respectively; P < 0.0001). A complete pretreatment evaluation was performed in 57.9% and 50.9% of patients in 2010 and 2001 (P < 0.0001). Liver fibrosis evaluation was more frequent in 2010 than in the 2001 and 1995 surveys (68.7% vs. 62.7% and 28.7%, respectively, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe care of HCV‐infected patients has changed significantly in ‘real life’ through an improvement of pretreatment evaluation before the antiviral introduction and the increased use of antivirals. New HCV therapy combinations including protease inhibitors are warranted to increase the SVR rate.
A comparative systems analysis of polysaccharide‐elicited responses in Neurospora crassa reveals carbon source‐specific cellular adaptations
Authors: Benz J. Philipp , Chau Bryant H. , Zheng Diana , Bauer Stefan , Glass N. Louise , Somerville Chris R. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryFilamentous fungi are powerful producers of hydrolytic enzymes for the deconstruction of plant cell wall polysaccharides. However, the central question of how these sugars are perceived in the context of the complex cell wall matrix remains largely elusive. To address this question in a systematic fashion we performed an extensive comparative systems analysis of how the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa responds to the three main cell wall polysaccharides: pectin, hemicellulose and cellulose. We found the pectic response to be largely independent of the cellulolytic one with some overlap to hemicellulose, and in its extent surprisingly high, suggesting advantages for the fungus beyond being a mere carbon source. Our approach furthermore allowed us to identify carbon source‐specific adaptations, such as the induction of the unfolded protein response on cellulose, and a commonly induced set of 29 genes likely involved in carbon scouting. Moreover, by hierarchical clustering we generated a coexpression matrix useful for the discovery of new components involved in polysaccharide utilization. This is exemplified by the identification of lat‐1, which we demonstrate to encode for the physiologically relevant arabinose transporter in Neurospora. The analyses presented here are an important step towards understanding fungal degradation processes of complex biomass.
Incongruence between multi‐locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and whole‐genome‐based phylogenies: Pseudomonas syringae pathovar pisi as a cautionary tale
Authors: Baltrus David A. , Dougherty Kevin , Beckstrom‐Sternberg Stephen M. , Beckstrom‐Sternberg James S. , Foster Jeffrey T. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPrevious phylogenies, built using a subset of genomic loci, split Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi into two well‐supported clades and implied convergence in host range for these lineages. The analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data within the context of this phylogenetic relationship implied further convergence at the level of virulence gene loss and acquisition. We generate draft genome assemblies for two additional P. syringae strains, isolated from diseased pea plants, and demonstrate incongruence between phylogenies created from a subset of the data compared with the whole genomes. Our whole‐genome analysis demonstrates that strains classified as pv. pisi actually form a coherent monophyletic clade, so that apparent convergence is actually the product of shared ancestry. We use this example to urge caution when making evolutionary inferences across closely related strains of P. syringae.
Late‐onset Pompe disease after 4 years of enzyme replacement therapy: An autopsy case
Authors: Furusawa Yoshihiko , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Shimada Yohta , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Shibuya Makoto , Shimizu Jun , Ohashi Toya , Saito Yuko , Nishino Ichizo , Oya Yasushi , Murata Miho 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe report an autopsy case of advanced late‐onset Pompe disease (juvenile type). At 15 years‐of‐age, the patient experienced proximal weakness and subsequently required non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation. Enzyme replacement therapy was initiated at 37 years‐of‐age, which improved pinch power and alleviated respiratory distress. At age 41 years, repetitive pneumothorax led to respiratory failure and death. Autopsy excluding the brain showed few vacuoles and periodic acid–Schiff‐positive fibers in the left rectus femoris, compared with the contralateral muscle biopsy carried out at 21 years‐of‐age. Vacuolar changes were also less evident than previous autopsy cases without enzyme replacement therapy. The findings suggest that enzyme replacement therapy might have suppressed myovacuolopathy in our patient with advanced late‐onset Pompe disease. Apart from vacuolopathy, the autopsied muscle showed marked myofiber atrophy and fibrosis, suggesting that disuse atrophy could have contributed to the muscle weakness.
Causes and outcomes of asymptomatic gross haematuria in children
Authors: Lee Joo Hoon , Choi Hae‐won , Lee Yoon Jung , Park Young Seo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimAlthough asymptomatic gross haematuria (GHU) is relatively common in children, its causes and clinical outcomes are not clearly defined.MethodsChildren with asymptomatic GHU were examined and work‐up was performed. Patients with recurrent GHU with proteinuria, or significant proteinuria, were considered for renal biopsy.ResultsThe male : female ratio of all patients was 190:75, and the median age at onset of GHU was 6.4 years. Patients were grouped according to abnormalities on initial evaluation as follows: idiopathic (50%), proteinuria (21%), hypercalciuria (14%), sonographic abnormality (7%), hypocomplementaemia (4%), familial (3%), and bleeding tendency (2%). Of patients with idiopathic GHU, 38% had a single episode, and of these, 34% had persistent microscopic haematuria, which resolved on follow‐up. Late onset proteinuria was accompanied in 11% of patients with recurrent GHU. Nutcracker syndrome was diagnosed in one patient with recurrent idiopathic GHU. Of patients with recurrent GHU, 89% had no proteinuria on follow‐up, and GHU and microscopic haematuria resolved in 97% and 89%, respectively.ConclusionsOur work‐up protocol was useful for diagnosis and follow‐up planning. Asymptomatic GHU in children was most commonly the idiopathic form. Overall, long‐term prognosis appears to be benign; however, careful follow‐up is essential.