bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vimentin as an Integral Regulator of Cell Adhesion and Endothelial Sprouting
Authors: Dave Jui M. , Bayless Kayla J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAngiogenesis is a multistep process that requires intricate changes in cell shape to generate new blood vessels. IF are a large family of proteins that play an important structural and functional role in forming and regulating the cytoskeleton. Vimentin, a major type III intermediate filament protein is expressed in endothelial and other mesenchymal cells. The structure of vimentin is conserved in mammals and shows dynamic expression profiles in various cell types and different developmental stages. Although initial studies with vimentin‐deficient mice demonstrated a virtually normal phenotype, subsequent studies have revealed several defects in cell attachment, migration, signaling, neurite extension, and vascularization. Regulation of vimentin is highly complex and is driven by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and cleavage by intracellular proteases. This review discusses various novel functions which are now known to be mediated by vimentin, summarizing structure, regulation and roles of vimentin in cell adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, neurite extension, and cancer. We specifically highlight a pathway involving growth factor‐mediated calpain activation, vimentin cleavage, and MT1‐MMP membrane translocation that is required for endothelial cell invasion in 3D environments. This pathway may also regulate the analogous processes of neurite extension and tumor cell invasion.
Ethylene and jasmonic acid act as negative modulators during mutualistic symbiosis between Laccaria bicolor and Populus roots
Authors: Plett Jonathan M. , Khachane Amit , Ouassou Malika , Sundberg Björn , Kohler Annegret , Martin Francis 
Published: January 2014

Summary

The plant hormones ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid have interconnecting roles during the response of plant tissues to mutualistic and pathogenic symbionts.

We used morphological studies of transgenic‐ or hormone‐treated Populus roots as well as whole‐genome oligoarrays to examine how these hormones affect root colonization by the mutualistic ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor S238N.

We found that genes regulated by ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid were regulated in the late stages of the interaction between L. bicolor and poplar. Both ethylene and jasmonic acid treatments were found to impede fungal colonization of roots, and this effect was correlated to an increase in the expression of certain transcription factors (e.g. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR1) and a decrease in the expression of genes associated with microbial perception and cell wall modification. Further, we found that ethylene and jasmonic acid showed extensive transcriptional cross‐talk, cross‐talk that was opposed by salicylic acid signaling.

We conclude that ethylene and jasmonic acid pathways are induced late in the colonization of root tissues in order to limit fungal growth within roots. This induction is probably an adaptive response by the plant such that its growth and vigor are not compromised by the fungus.
Plant movements and climate warming: intraspecific variation in growth responses to nonlocal soils
Authors: De Frenne Pieter , Coomes David A. , De Schrijver An , Staelens Jeroen , Alexander Jake M. , Bernhardt‐Römermann Markus , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Chiarucci Alessandro , den Ouden Jan , Eckstein R. Lutz , Graae Bente J. , Gruwez Robert , Hédl Radim , Hermy Martin , Kolb Annette , Mårell Anders , Mullender Samantha M. , Olsen Siri L. , Orczewska Anna , Peterken George , Petřík Petr , Plue Jan , Simonson William D. , Tomescu Cezar V. , Vangansbeke Pieter , Verstraeten Gorik , Vesterdal Lars , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Most range shift predictions focus on the dispersal phase of the colonization process. Because moving populations experience increasingly dissimilar nonclimatic environmental conditions as they track climate warming, it is also critical to test how individuals originating from contrasting thermal environments can establish in nonlocal sites.

We assess the intraspecific variation in growth responses to nonlocal soils by planting a widespread grass of deciduous forests (Milium effusum) into an experimental common garden using combinations of seeds and soil sampled in 22 sites across its distributional range, and reflecting movement scenarios of up to 1600 km. Furthermore, to determine temperature and forest‐structural effects, the plants and soils were experimentally warmed and shaded.

We found significantly positive effects of the difference between the temperature of the sites of seed and soil collection on growth and seedling emergence rates. Migrant plants might thus encounter increasingly favourable soil conditions while tracking the isotherms towards currently ‘colder’ soils. These effects persisted under experimental warming. Rising temperatures and light availability generally enhanced plant performance.

Our results suggest that abiotic and biotic soil characteristics can shape climate change‐driven plant movements by affecting growth of nonlocal migrants, a mechanism which should be integrated into predictions of future range shifts.
Safety of Cantharidin: A Retrospective Review of Cantharidin Treatment in 405 Children with Molluscum Contagiosum
Authors: Moye Virginia A. , Cathcart Shelley , Morrell Dean S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCantharidin is a widely used treatment for molluscum contagiosum (MC) that is often favored because of its speed of application and lack of pain at the time of application. Previous studies have supported its safety and reported high parental and dermatologist satisfaction with its use. Nonetheless, a lack of safety data has contributed to ambiguous U.S. Food and Drug Administration status that has made it increasingly difficult to obtain. All children treated with cantharidin for MC at a tertiary care center between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2011, who had at least one follow‐up visit or telephone call were included in the current study. Information related to treatment with cantharidin and adverse effects was abstracted from medical records. Of 512 children identified, 405 had at least one follow‐up visit or telephone call after treatment and were included in this study. Cantharidin was applied to 9,688 lesions over 1,056 visits. Fifty‐seven percent of children experienced blistering, an expected effect of therapy. Eleven percent of patients experienced adverse events. The most common adverse events were pain (7%) and significant blistering (2.5%). Other side effects were rare (<1%) and included pruritus, possible mild infection, significant irritation, id reactions, and bleeding. Eighty‐six percent of parents reported satisfaction with cantharidin or opted to use it again. Cantharidin is a safe treatment modality for MC and should be considered when symptomatic infection necessitates treatment. The cantharidin application protocol used in this study may serve as a model protocol with a known side‐effect profile.
A 7‐Week‐Old Nepali Girl with a Perianal Ulcer: Brief Report
Authors: Durkin John , Martinez‐Diaz Gabriel J. , Gehris Robin P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) can rarely present with skin findings. Cutaneous CMV is most often found in patients who are immunocompromised because of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, lymphoma, or other conditions. We present a rare case of an immunocompetent 7‐week‐old girl with a perianal ulcer attributed to CMV.
Effect of once‐daily indacaterol in a predominantly Chinese population with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A 26‐week Asia‐Pacific study
Authors: Yao Wanzhen , Wang Changzheng , Zhong Nanshan , Han Xiaowen , Wu Changgui , Yan Xixin , Chen Ping , Yang Wei , Henley Michelle , Kramer Benjamin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThis study, in a predominantly Chinese population, investigated the efficacy and safety of a once‐daily (o.d.) inhaled ultra‐long‐acting β2‐agonist indacaterol for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThis is a 26‐week, double‐blind study on randomized patients who received indacaterol 150 μg or 300 μg or placebo o.d. The primary variable was trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, average of 23 h 10 min and 23 h 45 min post‐dose values) at Week 12. Health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), dyspnoea (transition dyspnoea index, TDI) and safety were evaluated over 26 weeks.ResultsOf the 563 patients randomized, 561 (89.8% Chinese) received treatment and 482 completed. At Week 12, trough FEV1 improved significantly for indacaterol 150 and 300 μg versus placebo (1.32, 1.29 vs 1.17; P < 0.001 for both comparisons), with differences exceeding the pre‐specified minimal clinically important difference of 0.12 L. At Week 26, TDI score was superior to placebo for indacaterol 150 and 300 μg (0.82, 1.15; P < 0.01), as was the percentage of patients with a clinically relevant improvement (≥1 point) (74.1%, 78.6% vs 55.5%; P < 0.05). Both doses provided ≥4‐point improvements from baseline in SGRQ score at Week 26 that were numerically greater than placebo (unadjusted means: −9.6, −8.8 vs −7.0), with a similar pattern in percentage of patients with clinically relevant improvements in SGRQ score (65.0%, 61.5% vs 60.6%). Incidences of adverse events were comparable across treatment groups.ConclusionsIndacaterol delivered effective bronchodilation with significant improvements in breathlessness and health status in this predominantly Chinese population.
Three cases of donor‐derived pulmonary tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients and review of 12 previously reported cases: opportunities for early diagnosis and prevention
Authors: Mortensen E. , Hellinger W. , Keller C. , Cowan L.S. , Shaw T. , Hwang S. , Pegues D. , Ahmedov S. , Salfinger M. , Bower W.A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionSolid organ transplant recipients have a higher frequency of tuberculosis (TB) than the general population, with mortality rates of approximately 30%. Although donor‐derived TB is reported to account for <5% of TB in solid organ transplants, the source of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is infrequently determined.MethodsWe report 3 new cases of pulmonary TB in lung transplant recipients attributed to donor infection, and review the 12 previously reported cases to assess whether cases could have been prevented and whether any cases that might occur in the future could be detected and investigated more quickly. Specifically, we evaluate whether opportunities existed to determine TB risk on the basis of routine donor history, to expedite diagnosis through routine mycobacterial smears and cultures of respiratory specimens early post transplant, and to utilize molecular tools to investigate infection sources epidemiologically.FindingsOn review, donor TB risk was present among 7 cases. Routine smears and cultures diagnosed 4 asymptomatic cases. Genotyping was used to support epidemiologic findings in 6 cases.ConclusionValidated screening protocols, including microbiological testing and newer technologies (e.g., interferon‐gamma release assays) to identify unrecognized M. tuberculosis infection in deceased donors, are warranted.
Herpes simplex hepatitis after liver transplantation: case report and literature review
Authors: Côté‐Daigneault J. , Carrier F.M. , Toledano K. , Wartelle‐Bladu C. , Willems B. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is an uncommon cause of liver failure, but may have a dramatic outcome. We herein present a case report of a liver graft infection by HSV‐1 associated with liver failure and encephalitis. A complete hospital chart review of the case and a literature search were undertaken. Literature review suggests that herpes simplex acute liver failure is rare and associated with a poor prognosis, even with early treatment. Novel diagnostic and preventive approaches need to be instituted.
Estimating window period blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus by nucleic acid amplification testing in Southern Pakistan
Authors: Moiz Bushra , Moatter Tariq , Shaikh Usman , Adil Salman , Ali Natasha , Mahar Farheen , Shamsuddin Naseem , Khurshid Mohammad 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundRecently, strategic planning was initiated by the National Blood Transfusion Services Pakistan to improve its blood bank facilities. Emphasis has been placed on appropriate screening of blood products. Located in the southern region, Aga Khan University Hospital is a 700‐bed tertiary care academic institute with comprehensive blood banking. Screening of blood donors has been based on verbal screening and serologic testing to date. Additionally, the need of implementing nucleic acid testing (NAT) was considered in 2011 because of an upsurge in hepatitis epidemiology. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of this additional donor screening program and to evaluate the impact of NAT on the yield and residual risk of transfusion‐transmissible viral infections.Study Design and MethodsA total of 42,830 blood donations collected between 2011 and 2012 were screened for routine serologic assays. Only serologically negative donors (n = 41,304) were tested for NAT. The frequency of viral infections was evaluated through serologic techniques and NAT yield for viral agents was estimated for computing window period donors. Residual risk per million donors was computed for viral infections in seronegative blood donors.ResultsSerologic work‐up showed 1571 abnormal screening results in 1526 blood donors with the following results: hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti‐HCV; n = 708), hepatitis B surface antigen (n = 555), human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (anti‐HIV; n = 29), malaria (n = 30), VDRL (n = 249), and coinfection (n = 45). Thirty‐five NAT‐reactive samples were identified: HIV‐1, one; HCV, 27; and hepatitis B virus (HBV), seven. Incident rates per 105 donors were highest for HCV (453.3) followed by HBV (171.5) and HIV (72.2). Calculated residual risk per million donors was highest at 1 in 10,900 for HBV, intermediate at 1 in 13,900 for HCV, and least at 1 in 62,600 for HIV.ConclusionIncidence rates and estimated residual risk indicate that the current risk of transfusion‐transmitted viral infections attributable to blood donation is relatively high in this country. The study recommends the parallel use of both serology and NAT screening of donated blood in countries that have high seroprevalence of these viral infections.
Genome Sequence of the Boron-Tolerant and -Requiring Bacterium Bacillus boroniphilus
Authors: Çöl Bekir , Özkeserli Zeynep , Kumar Dibyendu , Özdağ Hilal , Alakoç Yeşim D. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacillus boroniphilus
is a highly boron-tolerant bacterium that also requires this element for its growth. The complete genome sequence of
B. boroniphilus
was determined by a combination of shotgun sequencing and paired-end sequencing using 454 pyrosequencing technology. A total of 84,872,624 reads from shotgun sequencing and a total of 194,092,510 reads from paired-end sequencing were assembled using Newbler 2.3. The estimated size of the draft genome is 5.2 Mb.
Molecular Epidemiology of Enterococcal Bacteremia in Australia
Authors: Coombs Geoffrey W. , Pearson Julie C. , Daley Denise A. , Le Tam , Robinson Owen J. , Gottlieb Thomas , Howden Benjamin P. , Johnson Paul D. R. , Bennett Catherine M. , Stinear Timothy P. , Turnidge John D. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Enterococci are a major cause of health care-associated infections and account for approximately 10% of all bacteremias globally. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of enterococcal bacteremia isolates in Australia that are antimicrobial resistant, with particular emphasis on susceptibility to ampicillin and the glycopeptides, and to characterize the molecular epidemiology of the
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
isolates. From 1 January to 31 December 2011, 1,079 unique episodes of bacteremia were investigated, of which 95.8% were caused by either
E. faecalis
(61.0%) or
E. faecium
(34.8%). The majority of bacteremias were health care associated, and approximately one-third were polymicrobial. Ampicillin resistance was detected in 90.4% of
E. faecium
isolates but was not detected in
E. faecalis
isolates. Vancomycin nonsusceptibility was reported in 0.6% and 36.5% of
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
isolates, respectively. Unlike Europe and the United States, where vancomycin resistance in
E. faecium
is predominately due to the acquisition of the
vanA
operon, 98.4% of
E. faecium
isolates harboring
van
genes carried the
vanB
operon, and 16.1% of the
vanB E. faecium
isolates had vancomycin MICs at or below the susceptible breakpoint of the CLSI. Although molecular typing identified 126
E. faecalis
pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pulsotypes, >50% belonged to two pulsotypes that were isolated across Australia.
E. faecium
consisted of 73 pulsotypes from which 43 multilocus sequence types were identified. Almost 90% of the
E. faecium
isolates were identified as CC17 clones, of which approximately half were characterized as ST203, which was isolated Australia-wide. In conclusion, the Australian Enterococcal Sepsis Outcome Programme (AESOP) study has shown that although they are polyclonal, enterococcal bacteremias in Australia are frequently caused by ampicillin-resistant
vanB E. faecium
.
Multidrug and optimal heart failure therapy prescribing in older general practice populations: a clinical data linkage study
Authors: Rushton Claire A , Strömberg Anna , Jaarsma Tiny , Kadam Umesh T 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate multidrug therapy in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) population and whether it was associated with suboptimal drug prescribing in heart failure (HF).DesignA population-based cross-sectional clinical data linkage study.SettingThe clinical database populations were registered with three general practices in North Staffordshire that are part of a research network.Participants3155 patients aged 50 years and over were selected on the basis of a CVD-related prescription and a CVD consultation code applied to their electronic medical record in a 2-year time period. All available diagnostic data were linked to all drugs prescribed data during this time period. Two study groups were: (1) HF and (2) non-HF CVD (reference group).ExposureA standard drug formulary system was used to define four multidrug count categories based on the number of different British National Formulary drug chapters prescribed at the same time.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOptimal HF therapy was defined as the prescribing of ACE inhibitor (ACEi) or a combination of ACEi and β-blocker in the 2-year time window. An additional three specific CVD drug categories that are indicated in HF were also measured.ResultsThe HF group, compared with the reference group, had higher non-CVD multidrug therapy (26% with 7 or more counts compared with 14% in the non-HF CVD reference group). For the first-choice optimal drug treatment for HF with ACEi (64%) or ACEi and β-blocker combined therapy (23%), the multidrug-adjusted associations between the HF group and the reference group were OR 3.89; 95% CI 2.8 to 5.5 and 1.99; 1.4 to 2.9, respectively. These estimates were not influenced by adjustment for sociodemographic factors and multidrug counts.ConclusionsMultidrug therapy prescribing is much higher in the HF group than in a comparable CVD group but did not influence optimal drug prescribing.
Socioeconomic variations in female fertility impairment: a study in a cohort of Portuguese mothers
Authors: Correia Sofia , Rodrigues Teresa , Barros Henrique 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association of socioeconomic conditions with female fertility impairment among women who delivered a live birth.DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingPopulation-based birth cohort (Generation XXI) assembled in 2005/2006 from five public maternity units in Porto Metropolitan Region, Northern Portugal.Participants7472 women aged 18 or more with spontaneous conception and no male diagnosis of infertility were recruited and interviewed immediately after birth with structured questionnaires.Exposures of interestMaternal education, occupation and income were recorded as proxy indicators of social conditions.OutcomeImpaired female fertility, defined as women who had unsuccessfully tried to conceive for over a year.Data analysisMultivariate logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the association between each socioeconomic indicator and impaired female fertility, stratified by previous pregnancy experience and adjusted for age, pregnancy planning and behavioural characteristics.ResultsAmong primigravidae, 7.7% (95% CI 6.8% to 8.6%) presented impaired fertility and the prevalence was 9.6% (95% CI 8.7% to 10.6%) in multigravidae. In crude analysis, we found women with impaired fertility to be older, less educated, more likely to have planned the current pregnancy and to be overweight/obese; they had similar levels of income or occupation. In multivariate models, a significant independent association between educational level and female fertility impairment remained among primigravidae (OR (95% CI) vs ≤6 schooling years: 7–9: 0.85 (0.54 to 1.34); 10–12: 0.34 (0.21 to 0.54); >12: 0.24 (0.14 to 0.40), ptrend<0.001) but not in multigravidae.ConclusionsThis study shows that education might be important in understanding female fertility impairment, particularly among first-time pregnant women. It also points out that the association is not totally explained by other sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics that have been previously found to be important to disclose this relation.
Fusobacterium in Colonic Flora and Molecular Features of Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Suzuki Hiromu , Maruyama Reo , Chung Woonbok , Garriga Judith , Jelinek Jaroslav , Yamano Hiro-o , Sugai Tamotsu , An Byonggu , Shureiqi Imad , Toyota Minoru , Kondo Yutaka , Estécio Marcos R.H. , Issa Jean-Pierre J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Fusobacterium species are part of the gut microbiome in humans. Recent studies have identified overrepresentation of Fusobacterium in colorectal cancer tissues, but it is not yet clear whether this is pathogenic or simply an epiphenomenon. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between Fusobacterium status and molecular features in colorectal cancers through quantitative real-time PCR in 149 colorectal cancer tissues, 89 adjacent normal appearing mucosae and 72 colonic mucosae from cancer-free individuals. Results were correlated with CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) status, microsatellite instability (MSI), and mutations in BRAF, KRAS, TP53, CHD7, and CHD8. Whole-exome capture sequencing data were also available in 11 cases. Fusobacterium was detectable in 111 of 149 (74%) colorectal cancer tissues and heavily enriched in 9% (14/149) of the cases. As expected, Fusobacterium was also detected in normal appearing mucosae from both cancer and cancer-free individuals, but the amount of bacteria was much lower compared with colorectal cancer tissues (a mean of 250-fold lower for Pan-fusobacterium). We found the Fusobacterium-high colorectal cancer group (FB-high) to be associated with CIMP positivity (P = 0.001), TP53 wild-type (P = 0.015), hMLH1 methylation positivity (P = 0.0028), MSI (P = 0.018), and CHD7/8 mutation positivity (P = 0.002). Among the 11 cases where whole-exome sequencing data were available, two that were FB-high cases also had the highest number of somatic mutations (a mean of 736 per case in FB-high vs. 225 per case in all others). Taken together, our findings show that Fusobacterium enrichment is associated with specific molecular subsets of colorectal cancers, offering support for a pathogenic role in colorectal cancer for this gut microbiome component. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1311–8. ©2014 AACR.