bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single Cells ofPseudomonas aeruginosaExhibit Electrotaxis and Durotaxis Behaviours
Authors: Preiss Lee , Neethirajan Suresh 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosais frequently associated with nosocomial infections, including polymicrobial wound infections and the complex biofilm communities that reside within the cystic fibrosis lung.P. aeruginosautilizes flagellum-mediated motility to approach, attach to, and spread across a surface using a combination of swimming, swarming and twitching (type IV pili extension and retraction) motility. We report an innovative approach to study the motility of singleP. aeruginosacells in microfluidic channels possessing different structural geometry, all with the flexibility of being able to manipulate stiffness gradients and electric fields to investigate changes in motility in response to specific stimuli.P. aeruginosacells exhibit restricted motility in reduced microchannel spaces, with preferential migration toward a stiffer region in a rigidness gradient of substrate medium and preferential migration toward a positive electrode in presence of a pulsed or successive electric field. This single-cue environmental study using microfluidic technology lays the groundwork for multi-cue experimentation to more faithfully mimic conditionsin vivo, demonstrating just some of the advantages of this technique. This study is designed to examine the interplay between surface rigidity, mechanical, and electrical cues to pave the way for improvements in the design of anti-fouling surfaces for biomedical applications and to identify new ways to inhibit bacterial biofilm growth through motility restriction.
Incidence of and risk factors for difficult ventilation via a supraglottic airway device in a population of 14 480 patients from South‐East Asia
Authors: Saito T. , Liu W. , Chew S. T. H. , Ti L. K. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryDifficult airway practice guidelines include the use of a supraglottic airway device as part of the armamentarium to provide and maintain ventilation and oxygenation. We retrospectively reviewed 14 480 patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent general anaesthesia. We identified 74 (0.5%) patients whose lungs were identified as having been difficult to ventilate via a supraglottic airway device, and 29 (0.2%) patients in whom device placement failed. Multivariate analysis identified four risk factors for difficult ventilation via a supraglottic airway device: male sex (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.86, p = 0.02); age > 45 years (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.01–2.86, p = 0.04); short thyromental distance (OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.31–8.17, p < 0.001); and limited neck movement (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.02–7.44, p = 0.04). Adverse respiratory events including oxygen desaturation, hypercapnoea, laryngospasm, and bronchospasm occurred in 17 patients (22%). The incidence of difficult ventilation via a supraglottic airway device was 0.5% in a large cohort of South‐East Asian patients.
Diet‐induced obesity alters anabolic signalling in mice at the onset of skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Brown L. A. , Lee D. E. , Patton J. F. , Perry R. A. , Brown J. L. , Baum J. I. , Smith‐Blair N. , Greene N. P. , Washington T. A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimObesity is classified as a metabolic disorder that is associated with delayed muscle regeneration following damage. For optimal skeletal muscle regeneration, inflammation along with extracellular matrix remodelling and muscle growth must be tightly regulated. Moreover, the regenerative process is dependent on the activation of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) for myoblast proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was to determine how obesity alters inflammatory and protein synthetic signalling and MRF expression at the onset of muscle regeneration in mice.MethodsForty‐eight male C57BL/6J mice (3 weeks old) were randomly assigned to either a high‐fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) or a lean diet (10% fat) for 12 weeks. At 15 weeks, bupivacaine was injected into the tibialis anterior (TA) of the injured group (n = 5–8/group) and PBS was injected into the control (n = 5–6). The TA was excised 3 or 28 days after injection.ResultsWe demonstrated impaired muscle regeneration in obese mice. The obese mice had reduced IL‐6, MyoD and IGF‐1 mRNA abundance compared to the lean mice (P < 0.05). Three days following muscle damage, TNF‐α mRNA and protein levels of P‐STAT3 and P‐Akt were 14‐fold, fourfold and fivefold greater in the lean mice respectively. However, there were no differences observed in the obese injured group compared to the uninjured group. Moreover, p70S6K1 was threefold greater in lean injured mice compared to uninjured but was reduced by 28% in the obese injured mice.ConclusionObese mice have impaired inflammatory and protein synthetic signalling that may negatively influence muscle regeneration.
Activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors and contractile activity in human sigmoid colon in vitro
Authors: Mastropaolo M. , Zizzo M. G. , Auteri M. , Caldara G. , Liotta R. , Mulè F. , Serio R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo analyse the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the contractility of human sigmoid colon, and to characterize the subtype(s) of receptor(s) involved and the related action mechanism.MethodsThe contractility of sigmoid colon circular muscle strips was recorded isometrically. RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to reveal the eventual existence of a local renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and the distribution of Ang II receptors.ResultsTranscripts encoding for the Ang II type 1 (AT1) and the Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor subtypes and for the angiotensin‐converting enzyme in the whole‐thickness muscular wall were observed. Ang II caused a concentration‐dependent contractile response, which is antagonized by losartan, AT1 receptor antagonist, but not by PD123319, AT2 receptor antagonist. The joint application of losartan and PD123319 did not produce any additive effect. The contractile response to Ang II was partially reduced by tetrodotoxin, Na+ voltage‐gated neural channel blocker, and to some extent by SR48968, tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist. However, hexamethonium, nicotinic receptor antagonist, atropine, cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist and SR140333, tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, were ineffective. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AT1 receptors were expressed on the smooth muscle layers and myenteric plexus.ConclusionAng II positively modulates the spontaneous contractile activity of human sigmoid colon via activation of post‐junctional and pre‐junctional AT1 receptors, the latter located on the enteric nerves that modulate the release of tachykinins. The presence of the components of RAS in the human colon suggests that Ang II can be also locally generated to control colonic motility.
Long‐term response to renal ischaemia in the human kidney after partial nephrectomy: results from a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Kallingal George J.S. , Weinberg Joel M. , Reis Isildinha M. , Nehra Avinash , Venkatachalam Manjeri A. , Parekh Dipen J. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the 1‐year renal functional changes in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy with intra‐operative renal biopsies.Patients and MethodsA total of 40 patients with a single renal mass deemed fit for a partial nephrectomy were recruited prospectively between January 2009 and October 2010. We performed renal biopsies of normal renal parenchyma and collected serum markers before, during and after surgically induced renal clamp ischaemia during the partial nephrectomy. We then followed patients clinically with interval serum creatinine and physical examination.ResultsPeri‐operative data from 40 patients showed a transient increase in creatinine levels which did not correlate with ischaemia time. Renal ultrastructural changes were generally mild and included mitochondrial swelling, which resolved at the post‐perfusion biopsy. A total of 37 patients had 1‐year follow‐up data. Creatinine at 1 year increased by 0.121 mg/dL, which represents a 12.99% decrease in renal function from baseline (preoperative creatinine 0.823 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate = 93.9 mL/min/1.73 m2). The only factors predicting creatinine change on multivariate analysis were patient age, race and ischaemia type, with cold ischaemia being associated with higher creatinine level. Importantly, the duration of ischaemia did not show any significant correlation with renal function change, either as a continuous variable (P = 0.452) or as a categorical variable (P = 0.792).ConclusionsOur data suggest that limited ischaemia is generally well tolerated in the setting of partial nephrectomy and does not directly correspond to long‐term renal functional decline. For surgeons performing partial nephrectomy, the kidney can be safely clamped to ensure optimum oncological outcomes.
Provenance and tectonic implications of Orán Group foreland basin sediments, Río Iruya canyon, NW Argentina (23° S)
Authors: Amidon William H. , Luna Lisa V. , Fisher G. Burch , Burbank Douglas W. , Kylander‐Clark Andrew R. C. , Alonso Ricardo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractForeland basins are important recorders of tectonic and climatic processes in evolving mountain ranges. The Río Iruya canyon of NW Argentina (23° S) exposes ca. 7500 m of Orán Group foreland basin sediments, spanning over 8 Myr of near continuous deposition in the Central Andes. This study presents a record of sedimentary provenance for the Iruya Section in the context of a revised stratigraphic chronology. We use U‐Pb zircon ages from six interbedded ash layers and new magnetostratigraphy to constrain depositional ages in the section between 1.94 and 6.49 Ma, giving an average sedimentation rate of 0.93 ± 0.02 (2σ) km Myr−1. We then pair U‐Pb detrital zircon dating with quartz trace‐element analysis to track changes in sedimentary provenance from ca. 7.6 to 1.8 Ma. Results suggest that from ca. 7.6 to ca. 6.3 Ma, the Iruya watershed did not tap the Salta Group or Neogene volcanics that are currently exposed in the eastern Cordillera and Puna margin. One explanation is that a long‐lived topographic barrier separated the eastern Puna from the foreland for much of the mid‐late Miocene, and that the arrival of Jurassic‐Neogene zircons records regional tectonic reactivation at ca. 6.3 Ma. A second major provenance shift at ca. 4 Ma is marked by changes in the zircon and quartz populations, which appear to be derived from a restricted source region in Proterozoic‐Ordovician meta‐sediments. Considered in conjunction with the onset of coarse conglomerate deposition, we attribute this shift to accelerated uplift of the Santa Victoria range, which currently defines the catchment's western limit. A third shift at ca. 2.3 Ma records an apparent disconnection of the Iruya with the eastern Puna, perhaps due to defeat of the proto Rio‐Iruya by the rising Santa Victoria range. This study is one of the first applications of quartz trace‐element provenance analysis, which we show to be an effective complement to U‐Pb detrital zircon dating when appropriate statistical methods are applied.
Characterization of the molecular genetic pathology in patients with 11β‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Mooij Christiaan F. , Parajes Silvia , Rose Ian T. , Taylor Angela E. , Bayraktaroglu Taner , Wass John A.H. , Connell John M.C. , Ray David W. , Arlt Wiebke , Krone Nils 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveSteroid 11β‐hydroxylase (CYP11B1) deficiency (11OHD) is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Nonclassic or mild 11OHD appears to be a rare condition. Our study assessed the residual CYP11B1 function of detected mutations, adding to the spectrum of mild 11OHD, and illustrates the variability of the clinical presentation of 11OHD.Patients and methodsFive patients presented with mild to moderate 11OHD. Two women presented with mild hirsutism and in one case with secondary amenorrhoea. Two men presented with precocious pseudopuberty, gynaecomastia and elevated blood pressure. One 46,XX female patient was diagnosed with virilization of the external genitalia 2 years after birth. Direct DNA sequencing was carried out to perform CYP11B1 mutation analysis. The CYP11B1 mutations were functionally characterized using an in vitro expression system.ResultsCYP11B1‐inactivating mutations were detected in all patients. Two novel missense mutations (p.P42L and p.A297V) and the previously characterized p.R143W mutation had residual CYP11B1 activities between 10% and 27%. A novel p.L382R and the previously uncharacterized p.G444D mutation both caused complete loss of CYP11B1 enzymatic activity.ConclusionMutations causing partial impairment of 11β‐hydroxylase activity (residual activity of 10% or above) are associated with a less severe clinical presentation of 11OHD, which can be classified as a nonclassic form. Our data demonstrate that patients with nonclassic 11OHD can present with androgen excess, precocious pseudopuberty and increased blood pressure. Timely diagnosis of nonclassic 11OHD and consequently initiation of personalized treatment is essential to prevent co‐morbidities caused by androgen excess and hypertension.
Endoscopic polypectomy in the clinic: a pilot cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Rudmik L. , Smith K.A. , Kilty S. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of thispiloteconomic evaluation was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of the endoscopic polypectomy in the clinic (EPIC) procedure compared to formal endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for the treatment of select chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with nasal polyposis.DesignCost‐effectiveness analysis using aMarkov decision tree model with a 30‐year time horizon. The two comparative treatment groups were as follows: (i)EPICand (ii)ESS. Costs and effects were discounted at a rate of 3.5%. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed.SettingEconomic perspective of theCanadian government third‐party payer.ParticipantsCRSpatients with nasal polyposis who have predominantly isolated symptoms of nasal obstruction with or without olfactory loss.Main outcome measuresIncremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY).ResultsOver a time period of 30 years, the reference case demonstrated that theESSstrategy cost a total of $21 345 and produced 13.17QALYs while theEPICstrategy cost a total of $5591 and produced 12.93QALYs. TheESSversusEPICincremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $65 641/QALY. The probability thatEPICis cost‐effective compared toESSat a maximum willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $30 000 and $50 000/QALYis 66% and 60%, respectively.ConclusionsOutcomes from this study have demonstrated that theEPICprocedure may be a cost‐effective treatment strategy for ‘select’ patients with nasal polyposis. Data from this study were obtained from a small pilot trial, and we feel the results warrant a future randomised controlled trial to strengthen the outcomes.
Utility of Isovolumic Contraction Peak Velocity for Evaluation of Adult Patient Status after Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Sawa Takuma , Tanaka Hidekazu , Motoji Yoshiki , Hiraishi Mana , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Ryo Keiko , Matsumoto Kensuke , Otake Hiromasa , Shinke Toshiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundTranscatheter closure is a well‐established treatment for patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), but long‐term outcome prognostic factors for adults have not been fully identified yet.MethodsForty‐nine consecutive patients (age 57 ± 17 years, 59% female), who underwent transcatheter closure of ASD, were the subjects of this study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and midterm after the procedure (6 ± 1 months). Isovolumic contraction peak velocity (IVV) was measured at the lateral site of the tricuspid annulus using spectral tissue Doppler imaging, and ΔIVV was determined as the absolute change at midterm follow‐up. Long‐term unfavorable outcome events, tracked for 19 ± 9 months, were prespecified as primary end points comprising newly developed atrial fibrillation, cerebral infarction, and heart failure.ResultsSymptomatic improvement, defined as an improvement in New York Heart Association functional class by one grade or more at midterm after the procedure, was observed in 24 patients (49%), and the remaining 25 (51%) were classified as not symptomatically improved. ΔIVV was significantly larger for patients with symptomatic improvement than for those without (from 11.5 ± 4.3 cm/s to 14.2 ± 3.7 cm/s vs. from 11.8 ± 4.1 cm/s to 12.5 ± 2.9 cm/s; P = 0.045). An important finding of the multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards analysis was that only ΔIVV was independently associated with cardiovascular events (HR: 0.701; 95% CI 0.537–0.916; P = 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that more patients with enhanced ΔIVV presented with favorable long‐term outcome than those with diminished ΔIVV (log‐rank P = 0.0001).ConclusionsIVV, which is a less volume‐sensitive parameter, can be useful for comprehensive evaluation of ASD patients referred for transcatheter closure.
A New Method for Direct Three‐Dimensional Measurement of Left Atrial Appendage Dimensions during Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Yosefy Chaim , Laish‐Farkash Avishag , Azhibekov Yulia , Khalameizer Vladimir , Brodkin Boris , Katz Amos 
Published: June 2015

AimsCurrently, two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) at a cut‐plane angulation of 135° is the recommended method to size maximal left atrial appendage (LAA) orifice diameter before introducing a percutaneous LAA closure device. We compared real time three‐dimensional TEE (RT3DTEE) and 2DTEE for measuring LAA dimensions versus computed tomography (CT) as gold standard.Methods and ResultsWe prospectively studied 30 consecutive patients who underwent a routine TEE examination, using QLAB 10.0 Application on EPIQ7 iE33 3D echo machine between December 2012 and December 2013. All patients underwent 64‐slice CT before pulmonary vein isolation or for workup of pulmonary embolism. LAA measurements were compared between 135 2DTEE and RT3DTEE. Results were compared with CT measurements. Using RT3DTEE, larger LAA diameters were measured versus 2DTEE (23.5 ± 3.9 vs. 24.5 ± 4.7 mm). In seven patients (23.3%), the measurements in 135° 2DTEE were smaller than the cut‐plane angulation with maximal orifice diameter. RT3DTEE measurements of LAA were not different from CT regarding number of lobes, area of orifice, and maximal diameter. LAA volume could not be measured directly using RT3DTEE. No difference was found between LAA depth using RT3DTEE (19.5 ± 2.3 mm) vs. CT (19.6 ± 2.3, P = NS) and 2DTEE (19.4 ± 2.2 mm) vs. CT (P = NS). However, RT3DTEE (24.5 ± 4.7 mm) vs. CT (24.6 ± 5, P = NS) was more accurate in measuring maximal LAA diameter compared to 2DTEE (23.5 ± 3.9 mm) vs. CT (P < 0.01).ConclusionRT3DTEE method is more accurate than 2DTEE for assessment of maximal LAA orifice diameter. Bedsides, RT3DTEE LAA measurements are not statistically different from CT. Thus, RT3DTEE may facilitate LAA closure procedure by choosing the appropriate device size.
Première observation de Thrips tabaci et de Frankliniella occidentalis sur les cultures sous serre en Algérie
Authors: Laamari M. , Houamel S. 
Published: June 2015

L’étude menée dans la région de Biskra (Sud algérien) durant la campagne agricole 2010/2011 a permis de mentionner pour la première fois la présence de Thrips tabaci et de Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) sur les cultures sous serre en Algérie. La tomate est relativement plus infestée par rapport au piment et au poivron. Les populations de T. tabaci sont plus importantes sur les trois cultures comparativement à celles de F. occidentalis.
Postglacial recolonization in a cold climate specialist in western Europe: patterns of genetic diversity in the adder (Vipera berus) support the central–marginal hypothesis
Authors: Ursenbacher Sylvain , Guillon Michaël , Cubizolle Hervé , Dupoué Andréaz , Blouin‐Demers Gabriel , Lourdais Olivier 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the impact of postglacial recolonization on genetic diversity is essential in explaining current patterns of genetic variation. The central–marginal hypothesis (CMH) predicts a reduction in genetic diversity from the core of the distribution to peripheral populations, as well as reduced connectivity between peripheral populations. While the CMH has received considerable empirical support, its broad applicability is still debated and alternative hypotheses predict different spatial patterns of genetic diversity. Using microsatellite markers, we analysed the genetic diversity of the adder (Vipera berus) in western Europe to reconstruct postglacial recolonization. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) analyses suggested a postglacial recolonization from two routes: a western route from the Atlantic Coast up to Belgium and a central route from the Massif Central to the Alps. This cold‐adapted species likely used two isolated glacial refugia in southern France, in permafrost‐free areas during the last glacial maximum. Adder populations further from putative glacial refugia had lower genetic diversity and reduced connectivity; therefore, our results support the predictions of the CMH. Our study also illustrates the utility of highly variable nuclear markers, such as microsatellites, and ABC to test competing recolonization hypotheses.
Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: new understanding in a new era
Authors: Herregods T. V. K. , Bredenoord A. J. , Smout A. J. P. M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased in the last decades and it is now one of the most common chronic diseases. Throughout time our insight in the pathophysiology of GERD has been characterized by remarkable back and forth swings, often prompted by new investigational techniques. Even today, the pathophysiology of GERD is not fully understood but it is now recognized to be a multifactorial disease. Among the factors that have been shown to be involved in the provocation or increase of reflux, are sliding hiatus hernia, low lower esophageal sphincter pressure, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, the acid pocket, obesity, increased distensibility of the esophagogastric junction, prolonged esophageal clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. Moreover, multiple mechanisms influence the perception of GERD symptoms, such as the acidity of the refluxate, its proximal extent, the presence of gas in the refluxate, duodenogastroesophageal reflux, longitudinal muscle contraction, mucosal integrity, and peripheral and central sensitization. Understanding the pathophysiology of GERD is important for future targets for therapy as proton pump inhibitor‐refractory GERD symptoms remain a common problem.PurposeIn this review we provide an overview of the mechanisms leading to reflux and the factors influencing perception, in the light of historical developments. It is clear that further research remains necessary despite the recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of GERD.