bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
rRNA regulation during growth and under stringent conditions in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kästle Benjamin , Geiger Tobias , Gratani Fabio Lino , Reisinger Rudolf , Goerke Christiane , Borisova Marina , Mayer Christoph , Wolz Christiane 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe control of rRNA synthesis and, thereby, translation is vital for adapting to changing environmental conditions. The decrease of rRNA is a common feature of the stringent response, which is elicited by the rapid synthesis of (p)ppGpp. Here we analysed the properties and regulation of one representative rRNA operon of Staphylococcus aureus under stringent conditions and during growth. The promoters, P1 and P2, are severely downregulated at low intracellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP) concentrations either imposed by stringent conditions or in a guanine auxotroph guaBA mutant. In a (p)ppGpp0 strain, the GTP level increased under stringent conditions, and rRNA transcription was upregulated. The correlation of the intracellular GTP levels and rRNA promoter activity could be linked to GTP nucleotides in the initiation region of both promoters at positions between +1 and +4. This indicates that not only transcriptional initiation, but also the first steps of elongation, requires high concentrations of free nucleotides. However, the severe downregulation of rRNA in post‐exponential growth phase is independent of (p)ppGpp, the composition of the initiation region and the intracellular nucleotide pool. In summary, rRNA transcription in S. aureus is only partially and presumably indirectly controlled by (p)ppGpp.
Ruminococcal cellulosome systems from rumen to human
Authors: Ben David Yonit , Dassa Bareket , Borovok Ilya , Lamed Raphael , Koropatkin Nicole M. , Martens Eric C. , White Bryan A. , Bernalier‐Donadille Annick , Duncan Sylvia H. , Flint Harry J. , Bayer Edward A. , Moraïs Sarah 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA cellulolytic fiber‐degrading bacterium, Ruminococcus champanellensis, was isolated from human faecal samples, and its genome was recently sequenced. Bioinformatic analysis of the R. champanellensis genome revealed numerous cohesin and dockerin modules, the basic elements of the cellulosome, and manual sequencing of partially sequenced genomic segments revealed two large tandem scaffoldin‐coding genes that form part of a gene cluster. Representative R. champanellensis dockerins were tested against putative cohesins, and the results revealed three different cohesin–dockerin binding profiles which implied two major types of cellulosome architectures: (i) an intricate cell‐bound system and (ii) a simplistic cell‐free system composed of a single cohesin‐containing scaffoldin. The cell‐bound system can adopt various enzymatic architectures, ranging from a single enzyme to a large enzymatic complex comprising up to 11 enzymes. The variety of cellulosomal components together with adaptor proteins may infer a very tight regulation of its components. The cellulosome system of the human gut bacterium R. champanellensis closely resembles that of the bovine rumen bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciens. The two species contain orthologous gene clusters comprising fundamental components of cellulosome architecture. Since R. champanellensis is the only human colonic bacterium known to degrade crystalline cellulose, it may thus represent a keystone species in the human gut.
Trabeculectomy versus canaloplasty (TVC study) in the treatment of patients with open‐angle glaucoma: a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Matlach Juliane , Dhillon Christine , Hain Johannes , Schlunck Günther , Grehn Franz , Klink Thomas 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare the outcomes of canaloplasty and trabeculectomy in open‐angle glaucoma.MethodsThis prospective, randomized clinical trial included 62 patients who randomly received trabeculectomy (n = 32) or canaloplasty (n = 30) and were followed up prospectively for 2 years. Primary endpoint was complete (without medication) and qualified success (with or without medication) defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≤18 mmHg (definition 1) or IOP ≤21 mmHg and ≥20% IOP reduction (definition 2), IOP ≥5 mmHg, no vision loss and no further glaucoma surgery. Secondary endpoints were the absolute IOP reduction, visual acuity, medication, complications and second surgeries.ResultsSurgical treatment significantly reduced IOP in both groups (p < 0.001). Complete success was achieved in 74.2% and 39.1% (definition 1, p = 0.01), and 67.7% and 39.1% (definition 2, p = 0.04) after 2 years in the trabeculectomy and canaloplasty group, respectively. Mean absolute IOP reduction was 10.8 ± 6.9 mmHg in the trabeculectomy and 9.3 ± 5.7 mmHg in the canaloplasty group after 2 years (p = 0.47). Mean IOP was 11.5 ± 3.4 mmHg in the trabeculectomy and 14.4 ± 4.2 mmHg in the canaloplasty group after 2 years. Following trabeculectomy, complications were more frequent including hypotony (37.5%), choroidal detachment (12.5%) and elevated IOP (25.0%).ConclusionsTrabeculectomy is associated with a stronger IOP reduction and less need for medication at the cost of a higher rate of complications. If target pressure is attainable by moderate IOP reduction, canaloplasty may be considered for its relative ease of postoperative care and lack of complications.
More training and awareness are needed to improve the recognition of undernutrition in hospitalised children
Authors: Huysentruyt Koen , Goyens Philippe , Alliet Philippe , Bontems Patrick , Van Hautem Hilde , Philippet Pierre , Vandenplas Yvan , De Schepper Jean 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimReports suggest that 10% of hospitalised children in Europe are undernourished. We investigated whether nutritional screening tools (NST) were used in Belgian secondary‐level hospitals, examined strategies for detecting undernutrition and identified barriers preventing the systematic management of undernutrition.MethodsA nationwide questionnaire‐based survey of paediatric departments in Belgian secondary‐level hospitals was carried out from September 2013 to February 2014. Respondents were dived into French‐speaking (Walloon + Brussels) and Dutch‐speaking (Flemish) departments.ResultsWe received replies from 71 of the 97 (73.2%) departments. Half of the departments – 39.5% Flemish speaking and 71.4% Walloon speaking – carried out nutritional screening. Undernutrition was identified by measuring weight and length or height (92.7% of cases), clinical appraisal (74.7%), mid‐upper arm circumference and/or skin fold thickness (19.7%). There was no protocol for undernutrition in many Flemish (60.5%)‐ and Walloon (28.6%)‐speaking departments. Reasons given for not screening were as follows: lack of training (46.9%), ignorance of NST (42.2%) and lack of time (29.7%).ConclusionHalf of the paediatric departments in Belgian secondary‐level hospitals did not carry out nutritional screening, and differences in current practices and attitudes may be due to cultural and/or educational differences.
Variable risk of atopic disease due to indoor fungal exposure in NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Sharpe R. A. , Thornton C. R. , Tyrrell J. , Nikolaou V. , Osborne N. J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundExposure to damp indoor environments is associated with increased risk of eczema, allergy and asthma. The role of dampness‐related exposures and risk of allergic diseases are yet to be fully explored in the US population.ObjectiveWe assess whether exposure to fungi, house dust mites and endotoxin increases the risk of eczema, allergy and asthma in children and adults participating in NHANES 2005–2006.MethodsA total of 8412 participants (2849 were children aged between 6 and 17 years) were recruited in the 2005–2006 survey. We used multiple logistic regression to investigate whether mildew/musty odour and increased concentrations of Alternaria alternata allergen, Aspergillus fumigatus antigens, house dust mite and endotoxin antigens increase the risk of eczema, allergy and asthma. We stratified models by total IgE < 170 and ≥ 170 KU/L to assess allergic and non‐allergic asthma outcomes. Exposure to multiple biological agents and risk of reporting eczema, allergy and asthma were also investigated.ResultsReporting of a mildew/musty odour was associated with increased risk of childhood asthma (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.17–2.19), and adult eczema, allergy and asthma (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.39–2.63, OR 1.59 95% CI 1.26–2.02 and OR 1.61 95% CI 1.00–2.57, respectively). Risk of asthma was associated with total IgE ≥ 170 KU/L in children (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.01–3.25) and total IgE < 170 KU/L in adults (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.07–3.42). Children and adults exposed to more than eight biological agents present in the home were at reduced risk of eczema (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.04–0.77) and asthma (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25–0.97), respectively.ConclusionExposure to a mildew/musty odour, as a proxy for exposure to fungus, was implicated in an increased risk of atopic diseases. Sensitisation may play a different role in children and adults, and exposure to multiple allergens may reduce the risk of atopic disease.
Serum osteopontin levels are upregulated and predict disability after an ischaemic stroke
Authors: Carbone Federico , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Burger Fabienne , Roversi Gloria , Tamborino Carmine , Casetta Ilaria , Seraceni Silva , Trentini Alessandro , Padroni Marina , Dallegri Franco , Mach François , Fainardi Enrico , Montecucco Fabrizio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAfter an acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), several inflammatory biomarkers have been investigated, but their predictive role on functional recovery remains to be validated. Here, we investigated the prognostic relevance of biomarkers related to atherosclerotic plaque calcification, such as osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) in a cohort of patients with AIS (n = 90) during 90‐day follow‐up.Materials and methodsRadiological and clinical examinations as well as blood sampling were performed at admission and at days 1, 7 and 90 from the event. Validated scores [such as modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)] were used to assess poststroke outcome. Serum levels of OPN, OPG and RANKL were measured by colorimetric enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsWhen compared to the admission, OPN serum levels increased at day 7. Serum OPN levels at this time point were positively correlated with both ischaemic lesion volume and NIHSS at days 7 and 90. A cut‐off of 30·53 ng/mL was identified for serum OPN by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Adjusted logistic regression showed that serum OPN levels at day 7 predicted worse mRS at day 90 [OR 4·13 (95% CI 1·64–10·36); P = 0·002] and NIHSS [1·49 (95% CI 1·16–1·99); P = 0·007], independently of age, gender, hypertension and thrombolysis.ConclusionsSerum levels of OPN, but not OPG and RANKL, peaked at day 7 after AIS and predicted worse neurological scores. Therefore, OPN might have a pathophysiological and clinical relevance after AIS.
Genetic deletion of the prostaglandin E2 E prostanoid receptor subtype 3 improves anatomical and functional outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Leclerc Jenna L. , Lampert Andrew S. , Diller Matthew A. , Doré Sylvain 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a stroke subtype associated with high mortality and morbidity. Following ICH, excitotoxicity and inflammation significantly contribute to secondary brain injury and poor outcomes. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels rise locally with insult to the nervous system, and PGE2 is known to modulate these processes mainly through its E prostanoid (EP) receptors, EP1‐4. EP receptor subtype 3 (EP3) is the most abundant EP receptor in the brain and we have previously shown that signaling through the PGE2–EP3 axis exacerbates excitotoxicity and ischemic stroke outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of this pathway in modulating anatomical outcomes and functional recovery following ICH. Genetic deletion of EP3 resulted in 48.2 ± 7.3% less ICH‐induced brain injury (P < 0.005) and improved functional recovery (P < 0.05), as identified by neurological deficit scoring. To start investigating the mechanisms involved in neuroprotection with impaired PGE2–EP3 signaling, histological staining was performed to evaluate blood and ferric iron accumulation, neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, and peripheral neutrophil infiltration. After ICH, EP3 knockout mice demonstrated 49.5 ± 8.8% and 42.8 ± 13.1% less blood (P < 0.01) and ferric iron (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, EP3 knockout mice had significantly reduced astrogliosis, microglial activation, blood–brain barrier breakdown, and neutrophil infiltration. Collectively, these results suggest an injurious role for the PGE2–EP3 signaling axis in modulating brain injury, inflammation, and neurological functional recovery after ICH. Modulation of the PGE2–EP3 signaling axis may represent a putative therapeutic avenue for the treatment of ICH.
Changing profiles of pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates over time: A nationwide single‐center experience from 1990 to 2011
Authors: Lamberink Herm J. , Boshuisen Kim , van Rijen Peter C. , Gosselaar Peter H. , Braun Kees P. J. ,   the Dutch Collaborative Epilepsy Surgery Program (DCESP)
Published: April 2015

SummaryObjectiveOver the past decades, the number of epilepsy surgeries in children has increased and indications for surgery have broadened. We studied the changes in patient characteristics between 1990 and 2011 in a nationwide cohort and related these to seizure outcome and postoperative medication status. Second, we tried to identify predictors for seizure outcome after pediatric epilepsy surgery.MethodsTo study changes over time, we divided this retrospective cohort of 234 children into two consecutive time periods of 11 years, and statistically compared the epochs in terms of patient characteristics, surgical variables, complications, seizure outcome, and postoperative medication status. To identify predictors of postoperative seizure freedom, we performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe number of surgeries per year increased from an average of 5 in the first, to 16 in the past epoch. Over time, significantly more surgeries were performed for malformations of cortical development, and more patients underwent magnetoencephalography (MEG) and invasive monitoring. Four percent of patients had a serious complication. Complete seizure freedom (Engel class IA) at 2 years after surgery was achieved in 74% of patients, which did not change significantly over time. The proportion of patients who were free from seizures and antiepileptic medication 2 years after surgery significantly increased from 13% to 32%. Factors predictive of seizure recurrence were preoperative intracranial monitoring, multilobar surgery, etiology, and longer duration of epilepsy before surgery.SignificanceAlthough more complex cases were operated over time and medication was withdrawn earlier after surgery, success rates at 2 years remained stable. In combination with low complication rates, this underscores the efficacy and safety of pediatric epilepsy surgery. It is important to consider epilepsy surgery early, as longer duration of epilepsy increased the risk of postoperative seizure recurrence.
Informed Decision Making and Abortion: Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Informed Consent, and the First Amendment
Authors: Ahmed Aziza 
Published: April 2015

Shifting laws and regulations increasingly displace the centrality of women’s needs in the provision of abortion services. Lawmakers and judges contribute to this environment in two ways: by protecting the right of “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” (CPCs) to give false and misleading information about abortion and by supporting legislation mandating that abortion providers give misleading and unnecessary information for the purposes of informed consent. Litigation on informed consent is further complicated through the mobilization of facts — such as the gestational age or sonogram of the fetus — delivered with the intent to dissuade women from accessing abortion. In other words, factual information utilized for ideological purpose.First Amendment litigation has done little to help prioritize women’s access to appropriate information about abortion that is calibrated to their needs.
Domestic Legal Preparedness and Response to Ebola
Authors: Hodge James G. , Penn Matthew S. , Ransom Montrece , Jordan Jane E. 
Published: April 2015

While the global threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in 2014 was concentrated in several West African countries, its effects have been felt in many developed countries including the United States. Initial, select patients with EVD, largely among American health care workers (HCWs) volunteering in affected regions, were subsequently transported back to the states for isolation and treatment in high-level medical facilities. This included Emory University Hospital, which sits adjacent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.The first domestic case of EVD occurred in late September in Dallas, Texas. Additional exposures of two HCWs generated an array of legal issues for state and local public health authorities, hospitals, and providers. Consideration of these issues led to extensive discussion among lawyers, public health practitioners, and other attendees at a late-breaking session on EVD and Legal Preparedness at the 2014 National Public Health Law conference. In this commentary, session presenters from CDC and Emory University share their expert perspectives on legal and policy issues underlying state and local powers to quarantine and isolate persons exposed to or infected with Ebola, as well as facets of hospital preparedness underlying the successful treatment of patients with EVD.
Multiple host shifts by the emerging honeybee parasite, Varroa jacobsoni
Authors: Roberts J. M. K. , Anderson D. L. , Tay W. T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHost shifts are a key mechanism of parasite evolution and responsible for the emergence of many economically important pathogens. Varroa destructor has been a major factor in global honeybee (Apis mellifera) declines since shifting hosts from the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) > 50 years ago. Until recently, only two haplotypes of V. destructor (Korea and Japan) had successfully host shifted to A. mellifera. In 2008, the sister species V. jacobsoni was found for the first time parasitizing A. mellifera in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This recent host shift presents a serious threat to world apiculture but also provides the opportunity to examine host shifting in this system. We used 12 microsatellites to compare genetic variation of V. jacobsoni on A. mellifera in PNG with mites on A. cerana in both PNG and surrounding regions. We identified two distinct lineages of V. jacobsoni reproducing on A. mellifera in PNG. Our analysis indicated independent host shift events have occurred through small numbers of mites shifting from local A. cerana populations. Additional lineages were found in the neighbouring Papua and Solomon Islands that had partially host shifted to A. mellifera, that is producing immature offspring on drone brood only. These mites were likely in transition to full colonization of A. mellifera. Significant population structure between mites on the different hosts suggested host shifted V. jacobsoni populations may not still reproduce on A. cerana, although limited gene flow may exist. Our studies provide further insight into parasite host shift evolution and help characterize this new Varroa mite threat to A. mellifera worldwide.
Ecological host fitting of Trypanosoma cruzi TcI in Bolivia: mosaic population structure, hybridization and a role for humans in Andean parasite dispersal
Authors: Messenger Louisa A. , Garcia Lineth , Vanhove Mathieu , Huaranca Carlos , Bustamante Marinely , Torrico Marycruz , Torrico Faustino , Miles Michael A. , Llewellyn Martin S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAn improved understanding of how a parasite species exploits its genetic repertoire to colonize novel hosts and environmental niches is crucial to establish the epidemiological risk associated with emergent pathogenic genotypes. Trypanosoma cruzi, a genetically heterogeneous, multi‐host zoonosis, provides an ideal system to examine the sylvatic diversification of parasitic protozoa. In Bolivia, T. cruzi I, the oldest and most widespread genetic lineage, is pervasive across a range of ecological clines. High‐resolution nuclear (26 loci) and mitochondrial (10 loci) genotyping of 199 contemporaneous sylvatic TcI clones was undertaken to provide insights into the biogeographical basis of T. cruzi evolution. Three distinct sylvatic parasite transmission cycles were identified: one highland population among terrestrial rodent and triatomine species, composed of genetically homogenous strains (Ar = 2.95; PA/L = 0.61; DAS = 0.151), and two highly diverse, parasite assemblages circulating among predominantly arboreal mammals and vectors in the lowlands (Ar = 3.40 and 3.93; PA/L = 1.12 and 0.60; DAS = 0.425 and 0.311, respectively). Very limited gene flow between neighbouring terrestrial highland and arboreal lowland areas (distance ~220 km; FST = 0.42 and 0.35) but strong connectivity between ecologically similar but geographically disparate terrestrial highland ecotopes (distance >465 km; FST = 0.016–0.084) strongly supports ecological host fitting as the predominant mechanism of parasite diversification. Dissimilar heterozygosity estimates (excess in highlands, deficit in lowlands) and mitochondrial introgression among lowland strains may indicate fundamental differences in mating strategies between populations. Finally, accelerated parasite dissemination between densely populated, highland areas, compared to uninhabited lowland foci, likely reflects passive, long‐range anthroponotic dispersal. The impact of humans on the risk of epizootic Chagas disease transmission in Bolivia is discussed.
Reticulate evolution and sea‐level fluctuations together drove species diversification of slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) inSouth‐EastAsia
Authors: Guo Yan‐Yan , Luo Yi‐Bo , Liu Zhong‐Jian , Wang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSouth‐East Asia covers four of the world's biodiversity hotspots, showing high species diversity and endemism. Owing to the successive expansion and contraction of distribution and the fragmentation by geographical barriers, the tropical flora greatly diversified in this region during the Tertiary, but the evolutionary tempo and mode of species diversity remain poorly investigated.Paphiopedilum, the largest genus of slipper orchids comprising nearly 100 species, is mainly distributed in South‐East Asia, providing an ideal system for exploring how plant species diversity was shaped in this region. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history of this genus with eight cpDNAregions and four low‐copy nuclear genes. Discordance between gene trees and network analysis indicates that reticulate evolution occurred in the genus. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests that vicariance and long‐distance dispersal together led to its current distribution. Diversification rate variation was detected and strongly correlated with the species diversity in subg.Paphiopedilum(~80 species). The shift of speciation rate in subg.Paphiopedilumwas coincident with sea‐level fluctuations in the late Cenozoic, which could have provided ecological opportunities for speciation and created bridges or barriers for gene flow. Moreover, some other factors (e.g. sympatric distribution, incomplete reproductive barriers and clonal propagation) might also be advantageous for the formation and reproduction of hybrid species. In conclusion, our study suggests that the interplay of reticulate evolution and sea‐level fluctuations has promoted the diversification of the genusPaphiopedilumand sheds light into the evolution of Orchidaceae and the historical processes of plant species diversification in South‐East Asia.