bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro postantifungal effect, adhesion traits and haemolysin production of Candida dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐fluorocytosine
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N. B. , Chandy Rachel , Khan Zia U. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe phenomenon of postantifungal effect (PAFE), which is the suppression of candidal growth following brief exposure to antifungal agents, is linked with candidal pathogenicity. Adhesion to buccal epithelial cells (BEC), germ tube (GT) formation and relative cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) are all adhesion traits of candidal pathogenicity. Ability to produce haemolysin by Candida species is also a determinant of its pathogenicity. There is no information on either the PAFE or its impact on adhesion traits and haemolysin production of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC). Hence, the focus of this investigation was to research the in vitro PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin production on 20 C. dubliniensis isolates following exposure to 5‐FC. Following obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 5‐FC, isolates of C. dubliniensis were exposed to sub‐lethal concentrations (×3 MIC) of 5‐FC for 1 h. After this brief exposure, the antimycotic was removed and PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin production was determined by formerly described in vitro methods. MIC (μg/ml) of C. dubliniensis isolates to 5‐FC ranged from 0.002 to 0.125. The mean PAFE (hours) elicited by 5‐FC on C. dubliniensis isolates was approximately 1 h. Exposure to 5‐FC suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis isolates to adhere BEC, GT formation, relative CSH and haemolysin activity by a mean percentage reduction in 50.98%, 29.51%, 36.79% and 12.75% (P < 0.001 for all) respectively. Therefore, brief exposure of C. dubliniensis isolates to 5‐FC appears to exert an antifungal effect by subduing its growth, adhesion traits as well as haemolysin production.
A planned admission protocol application in intensive care units
Authors: Terzi Banu , Kaya Nurten 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe process of admission to an ICU may have a negative impact on a patient's physiological parameters and comfort.AimTo determine the effect of providing a patient admission protocol on patients' comfort and physiological parameters prior to admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).DesignA randomized, controlled experimental study.MethodsThis study included 100 (50 control, 50 experimental) patients who experienced planned admissions to the ICU of a University Hospital. Standard forms were used to record patient information, evaluations and comfort. Data were collected from patients prior to, during and 24 h after admission to the ICU and 24 h after being transferred. The experimental group was admitted to the ICU using the patient admission protocol and the control group underwent routine admittance.FindingsThere was no significant difference between the groups regarding the individual characteristics, physiology and comfort prior to, during or 24 h after admission to the ICU (p > 0·05). However, 24 h after being transferred, the experimental group's comfort was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0·01).ConclusionsThe use of the patient admission protocol does not affect the physiological parameters of patients; however, it does raise the comfort level of patients.Relevance to clinical practiceThe patient admission protocol specific to the institution (in this context, a unit introductory booklet) should be developed in ICUs. We suggest that admission to the ICU should be carried out in accordance with this protocol.
Vagal afferent‐dependent cholecystokinin modulation of visceral pain requires central amygdala NMDA‐NR2B receptors in rats
Authors: Wang E. M. , Li W. T. , Yan X. J. , Chen X. , Liu Q. , Feng C. C. , Cao Z. J. , Fang J. Y. , Chen S. L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundCholecystokinin (CCK), a gut hormone that is released during feeding, exerts gastrointestinal effects in part through vagal pathway. It is reported to be a potential trigger for increased postprandial visceral sensitivity in healthy subjects and, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. NR2B‐containing N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central amygdala (CeA) participate in pain modulation. Systemically administered CCK activates the CeA‐innervating neurons. Here, we investigated whether CCK modulation of visceral sensitivity is mediated through CeA NMDA‐NR2B receptors and whether this modulation involves vagal pathway.MethodsWe first examined the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD) following i.p. injection of CCK octapeptide (CCK‐8) in a rat model. Next, the NR2B antagonist ifenprodil and the NR2A antagonist NVP‐AAM077 were microinjected into the CeA before systemic CCK injection. NR2B phosphorylation was detected by Western blot. To down‐regulate NR2B gene expression, NR2B‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was delivered into CeA neurons by electroporation. In addition, the effects of functional deafferentation by perivagal application of capsaicin and pretreatment with the CCK1 receptor antagonist devazepide were investigated.Key ResultsCCK‐8 increased VMR to CRD in a dose‐dependent manner. This effect was blunted by intra‐CeA administration of ifenprodil (but not NVP‐AAM077) and was accompanied by phosphorylation of NR2B subunits in the CeA. CCK failed to increase VMR to CRD in NR2B siRNA‐treated rats. Perivagal capsaicin application and pretreatment with devazepide prevented CCK‐induced pronociception and CeA NR2B phosphorylation.Conclusions & InferencesThe pronociception induced by systemic CCK, which is vagal afferent‐dependent, requires activation of CeA NMDA‐NR2B receptors.
Effects of aging in the expression of NOD‐like receptors and inflammasome‐related genes in oral mucosa
Authors: Ebersole J.L. , Kirakodu S. , Novak M.J. , Exposto C.R. , Stromberg A.J. , Shen S. , Orraca L. , Gonzalez‐Martinez J. , Gonzalez O.A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe molecular changes underlying the higher risk of chronic inflammatory disorders during aging remain incompletely understood. Molecular variations in the innate immune response related to recognition and interaction with microbes at mucosal surfaces could be involved in aging‐related inflammation. We developed an ontology analysis of 20 nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptors (NLRs) and seven inflammasome‐related genes (IRGs) in healthy and inflamed/periodontitis oral mucosal tissues from young, adolescent, adult, and aged non‐human primates (Macaca mulatta) using the GeneChip® Rhesus Macaque Genome array. Validation of some of the significant changes was done by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The expression of NLRB/NAIP, NLRP12, and AIM2 increased with aging in healthy mucosa whereas NLRC2/NOD2 expression decreased. Although higher expression levels of some NLRs were generally observed with periodontitis in adult mucosal tissues (e.g. NLRB/NAIP, NLRP5, and NLRX1), various receptors (e.g. NLRC2/NOD2 and NLRP2) and the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC, exhibited a significant reduction in expression in aged periodontitis tissues. Accordingly, the expression of NLR‐activated innate immune genes, such as HBD3 and IFNB1, was impaired in aged but not adult periodontitis tissues. Both adult and aged tissues showed significant increase in interleukin‐1β expression. These findings suggest that the expression of a subset of NLRs appears to change with aging in healthy oral mucosa, and that aging‐related oral mucosal inflammation could involve an impaired regulation of the inflammatory and antimicrobial response associated with downregulation of specific NLRs and IRGs.
Closure of Oroantral Communication (OAC) with AlloDerm (Regenerative Tissue Matrix) – a case report
Authors: Bharadwaj G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOroantral communication (OAC) is a routine complication in oral surgery. This can lead to nasal regurgitation, sinus infection if not treated quickly. Multiple techniques are used in managing this condition.Author describes a technique of closing OAC with AlloDerm (regenerative tissue matrix, Biohorizons, USA). The wound healed uneventfully. This technique appears to be a simple and time‐saving technique and can be used by dentists with minimal surgical training.
Urethrocutaneous fistula following hypospadias repair: regional anesthesia and other factors
Authors: Zaidi Raza H. , Casanova Nina F. , Haydar Bishr , Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Wan Julian H. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundUrethrocutaneous fistula is a well‐known complication of hypospadias surgery. A recent prospective study by Kundra et al. (Pediatr Anesth 2012) has suggested that caudal anesthesia may increase the risk of fistula formation. We sought to evaluate this possible association and determine if any other novel factors may be associated with fistula formation.MethodsChildren who underwent primary hypospadias repair between January 1, 1994 and March 31, 2013 at our tertiary care center were included in this study. Reviewed surgical data included repair type, duration of procedure, use of local anesthetic infiltration, and subcutaneous epinephrine. Analgesic factors included use of caudal and/or penile block, opioid usage, postoperative pain scores, and nausea/vomiting. Postoperative surgical complications and estimates of family household median income by zip code were also reviewed.ResultsFistula occurrence was not associated with caudal or penile block, severity of postoperative pain, or surgeon experience. A more proximal location of the urethral meatus, longer operating time, and use of subcutaneous epinephrine were significantly more common in patients who developed fistula. As assessed by home address zip code, distance of more than 100 miles and median household income in the bottom 25th percentile of our study population were not associated with fistula, as compared to closer distance or higher income.ConclusionIn this series, we found no association between the use of caudal regional anesthesia and fistula formation. Location of the starting urethral meatus, prolonged surgical duration, and subcutaneous epinephrine use were associated with fistula formation. Our findings call into question the routine use of epinephrine in hypospadias repair.
A comparison of the postoperative pain experience in children with and without attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Rosander Sondra , Nause‐Osthoff Rebecca , Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Tait Alan R. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundChildren with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience pain differently compared to other children, yet the evidence is equivocal regarding whether pain is heightened or dampened. This prospective observational study, therefore, was designed to compare the postoperative pain experiences in children with and without ADHD.MethodsChildren aged 7–17 years with a diagnosis of ADHD (n = 119) who were scheduled for a surgical procedure requiring postoperative pain management and a matched cohort of children without ADHD were recruited (n = 122). Postoperative pain scores and analgesic use were recorded for 1 week, as was parents’ estimate of their child's return to normal activity.ResultsThere were no differences in highest pain scores between children with ADHD (3.3 ± 2.5, 0–10 numerical rating scale) and those without (2.8 ± 1.9). Postoperative opioid use was also similar on day 1 following surgery (0.12 ± 0.3 mg·kg−1 vs 0.08 mg·kg−1 ± 0.1 morphine equivalents, respectively). Children with ADHD, however, had a significantly longer return to normal activity (4.9 ± 3.8 vs 3.8 ± 3.0 days; P < 0.05).ConclusionsResults suggest that there were no differences in the postoperative pain experiences of children with and without ADHD. However, the observation that children with ADHD took longer to return to baseline activity will be important in educating parents regarding their child's postoperative experience.
Procedural sedation for MRI in children with ADHD
Authors: Kitt Eimear , Friderici Jennifer , Kleppel Reva , Canarie Michael 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundAttention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, affecting 5–8% of children. It has been observed that these children have poor sedation experiences; however, to date there is minimal research on procedural sedation in this population.AimTo examine whether children with ADHD required larger doses of propofol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sedation.MethodsThe hospital's administrative billing database was used to identify all billing codes for MRI brain scans (with and without contrast) in children aged between 5 and 12 years over the preceding 5.5 years. The hospital's electronic medical record database provided baseline demographics. The sedation record was reviewed for propofol dose, psychostimulant use, and prescribed dose. All children received a standard weight‐based dose of midazolam prior to receiving the necessary amount of propofol. Primary outcome was the dose of propofol administered (mg·kg−1) to achieve adequate sedation.ResultsA total of 258 procedures met the inclusion criteria. The sample was 52% male, 74% White, 7.8% Black, 7.8% Hispanic, 4.3% Asian, and 6.2% other. ADHD was documented for 49 procedures with a prevalence of 18.5%. Patients with ADHD were older, more likely to be male, Hispanic, or to report race as ‘Refused/Unknown’. Indications for MRI for patients with ADHD varied significantly, with ‘Behavioral’ and ‘Neurocutaneous’ being significantly overrepresented in the ADHD group. The average sedative dose for all patients was 2.8 mg·kg−1 (95% CI 2.62–2.94). Sedative dose was similar among children with and without ADHD diagnosis.ConclusionsOur study illustrates that children with ADHD do not have higher sedative requirements to achieve a successful brain MRI.
First Dutch Consensus of Pain Quality Indicators for Pain Treatment Facilities
Authors: de Meij Nelleke , van Grotel Marloes , Patijn Jacob , van der Weijden Trudy , van Kleef Maarten 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is a general consensus about the need to define and improve the quality of pain treatment facilities. Although guidelines and recommendations to improve the quality of pain practice management have been launched, provision of appropriate pain treatment is inconsistent and the quality of facilities varies widely. The aim of the study was to develop an expert‐agreed list of quality indicators applicable to pain treatment facilities. The list was also intended to be used as the basis for a set of criteria for registered status of pain treatment facilities.MethodsThe University Pain Center Maastricht at the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management of the Maastricht University Medical Center conducted a 3‐round Delphi study in collaboration with the Board of the Pain Section of the Dutch Society of Anesthesiologists (NVA).ResultsTwenty‐five quality indicators were selected as relevant to 2 types of pain treatment facilities, pain clinics and pain centers. The final expert‐agreed list consisted of 22 quality indicators covering 7 quality domains: supervision, availability of care, staffing level and patient load, quality policy, multidisciplinarity, regionalization, and research and education.ConclusionsThis set of quality indicators may facilitate organizational evaluation and improve insight into service quality from the perspectives of patients, pain specialists, and other healthcare professionals. Recommendations for improvements to the current set of quality indicators are made. In 2014 the process of registering pain treatment facilities in the Netherlands started; facilities can register as a pain clinic or pain center.
QTL mapping of adult‐plant resistance to stripe rust in a ‘Lumai 21 × Jingshuang 16’ wheat population
Authors: Ren Yan , Liu Li S. , He Zhong H. , Wu Ling , Bai Bin , Xia Xian C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is a devastating fungal disease in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Chinese wheat cultivars ‘Lumai 21’ and ‘Jingshuang 16’ show moderate levels of adult‐plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust in the field, and they showed a mean maximum disease severity (MDS) ranging from 24 to 56.7% and 26 to 59%, respectively, across different environments. The aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to stripe rust in an F3 population of 199 lines derived from ‘Lumai 21’ × ‘Jingshuang 16’. The F3 lines were evaluated for MDS in Qingshui, Gansu province, and Chengdu, Sichuan province, in the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 cropping seasons. Five QTL for APR were detected on chromosomes 2B (2 QTL), 2DS, 4DL and 5DS based on mean MDS in each environment and averaged values from all three environments. These QTL were designated QYr.caas‐2BS.2, QYr.caas‐2BL.2, QYr.caas‐2DS.2, QYr.caas‐4DL.2 and QYr.caas‐5DS, respectively. QYr.caas‐2DS.2 and QYr.caas‐5DS were detected in all three environments, explaining 2.3–18.2% and 5.1–18.0% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. In addition, QYr.caas‐2BS.2 and QYr.caas‐2BL.2 colocated with QTL for powdery mildew resistance reported in a previous study. These APR genes and their linked molecular markers are potentially useful for improving stripe rust and powdery mildew resistances in wheat breeding.
Allelic variation and differential expression of VRN‐A1 in durum wheat genotypes varying in the vernalization response
Authors: Basualdo Jessica , Díaz Marina Lucía , Cuppari Selva , Cardone Susana , Soresi Daniela , Camargo Gladys Pérez , Carrera Alicia 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to study the effect of vernalization on flowering time in thirty accessions of Triticum turgidum spp. durum. To this end, screening of allelic variation at VRN‐1 loci was carried out using PCR‐based markers and DNA sequencing, and gene expression analysis was performed in two and four developmental stages, with and without cold treatment. In non‐vernalized plants, average days to flowering ranged from 34 to 99 days and only one accession was observed to remain at the vegetative stage. Three accessions were found to accelerate flowering after cold treatment. At VRN‐A1 locus, three alleles previously characterized, Vrn‐A1b, Vrn‐A1c and vrn‐A1, were detected. No polymorphisms at VRN‐B1 locus were observed. The differences in vernalization response among the genotypes studied could be explained by allelic variation and VRN‐A1 transcript levels. Variability in flowering time and sensitivity to vernalization in a collection of durum wheat, both potentially useful to the development of new varieties, were observed. This information is key to directing breeding cultivars for adaptation.
Under slow flow conditions, daily rates of canopy photosynthesis of marine macrophytes were insensitive to model choice and flow‐rate
Authors: Nishihara Gregory N. , Yamada Chizuru , Kimura Ryutaro , Terada Ryuta 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWater motion drives the flux of suspended and dissolved material (e.g., nutrients, gametes, and dissolved oxygen) to and from macrophyte canopies, and is one of the most important mechanisms that can regulate the growth, survival, and persistence of marine macrophytes populations. At small spatial scales (e.g., lamina or leaves and individuals), increasing flow‐rates have been demonstrated to enhance physiological processes, especially photosynthesis rates, and we expected a similar response at the canopy scale. We conducted seven experiments over 25 days using a pair of open‐air flow‐chambers under natural light, temperature, and seawater conditions. In the four marine macrophyte (Sargassum piluliferum, S. siliquastrum, S. thunbergii, and Zostera marina) canopies examined, an increase in flow‐rate did not enhance photosynthesis rates. The odds that daily gross photosynthesis rates increase with a decrease in flow‐rates was 1.77 to 1. We also examined if two non‐linear equations and one linear equation, often used to describe the relationship between photosynthesis to photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), biased estimates of the daily rates of photosynthesis and respiration. It was revealed that the functional form of the equation strongly influenced photosynthesis and respiration rate estimates at short time scales (i.e., minutes), however, daily rates were insensitive to the type of equation used to model the relationship between photosynthesis and PPFD. We suggest that the predominance of photosynthesis rates occurring in under‐saturating PPFD conditions (> 40 % of daylight hours) may be one of the reasons for this insensitivity.
Undervaluation of Real Estate Properties in Disadvantaged Areas in the City of Johannesburg
Authors: Mohale Mahlape , Geyer Hermanus Stephanus , Geyer Hermanus Stephanus 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSince the end of apartheid, the growth of the real estate market in the historically disadvantaged residential areas of South African cities has been quite remarkable. Transactions in this property market, which can take on several forms of exchange of ownership or occupation, in many respects defy de Soto's definition of dead capital. Yet, despite this booming market, large parts of these residential areas are still regarded by local government as having no capital value. Although the titling of properties cannot be regarded as the only or even the main immediate solution to alleviating poverty within these communities, it certainly presents a real and immediate potential opportunity to many of them. This paper attempts to determine the potential size of this market. It starts with perspectives on land values, the property market and the titling of informal properties and examines different methods used in the evaluation of properties both in the formal and informal residential sectors. Drawing on empirical literature and research findings, the paper makes an attempt at establishing the form and value of what is regarded as the degree of undervaluation of real estate capital by the local authority.
Private Sector Participation in the Provision of Quality Drinking Water in Urban Areas of Ghana: What Do Households Want and Can Afford?
Authors: Vondolia Godwin K. , Asenso‐Boadi Francis Mensah 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study conducts a survey among households in three cities in Ghana on how water delivery should be managed. The contingent valuation method was used to estimate the willingness to pay for improved water delivery under private sector participation. Results indicate that most households will remain connected to their current water supplies if private sector is engaged to improve water delivery at higher monthly water bills. Given that the mean household monthly water bill of GH¢10.82, the results indicate that there is demand for water quality improvement, and private sector engagement is likely to provide these services. However, this policy measure marginalises the poor in terms of access to water. Therefore, private sector participation in water delivery may require a complementary programme to promote access to water.