bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Top‐down effects of a lytic bacteriophage and protozoa on bacteria in aqueous and biofilm phases
Authors: Zhang Ji , Örmälä‐Odegrip Anni‐Maria , Mappes Johanna , Laakso Jouni 
Published: November 2014

AbstractLytic bacteriophages and protozoan predators are the major causes of bacterial mortality in natural microbial communities, which also makes them potential candidates for biological control of bacterial pathogens. However, little is known about the relative impact of bacteriophages and protozoa on the dynamics of bacterial biomass in aqueous and biofilm phases. Here, we studied the temporal and spatial dynamics of bacterial biomass in a microcosm experiment where opportunistic pathogenic bacteria Serratia marcescens was exposed to particle‐feeding ciliates, surface‐feeding amoebas, and lytic bacteriophages for 8 weeks, ca. 1300 generations. We found that ciliates were the most efficient enemy type in reducing bacterial biomass in the open water, but least efficient in reducing the biofilm biomass. Biofilm was rather resistant against bacterivores, but amoebae had a significant long‐term negative effect on bacterial biomass both in the open‐water phase and biofilm. Bacteriophages had only a minor long‐term effect on bacterial biomass in open‐water and biofilm phases. However, separate short‐term experiments with the ancestral bacteriophages and bacteria revealed that bacteriophages crash the bacterial biomass dramatically in the open‐water phase within the first 24 h. Thereafter, the bacteria evolve phage‐resistance that largely prevents top‐down effects. The combination of all three enemy types was most effective in reducing biofilm biomass, whereas in the open‐water phase the ciliates dominated the trophic effects. Our results highlight the importance of enemy feeding mode on determining the spatial distribution and abundance of bacterial biomass. Moreover, the enemy type can be crucially important predictor of whether the rapid defense evolution can significantly affect top‐down regulation of bacteria.
Impact of global warming at the range margins: phenotypic plasticity and behavioral thermoregulation will buffer an endemic amphibian
Authors: Ruiz‐Aravena Manuel , Gonzalez‐Mendez Avia , Estay Sergio A. , Gaitán‐Espitia Juan D. , Barria‐Oyarzo Ismael , Bartheld José L. , Bacigalupe Leonardo D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWhen dispersal is not an option to evade warming temperatures, compensation through behavior, plasticity, or evolutionary adaptation is essential to prevent extinction. In this work, we evaluated whether there is physiological plasticity in the thermal performance curve (TPC) of maximum jumping speed in individuals acclimated to current and projected temperatures and whether there is an opportunity for behavioral thermoregulation in the desert landscape where inhabits the northernmost population of the endemic frogPleurodema thaul. Our results indicate that individuals acclimated to 20°C and 25°C increased the breath of theirTPCs by shifting their upper limits with respect to when they were acclimated at 10°C. In addition, even when dispersal is not possible for this population, the landscape is heterogeneous enough to offer opportunities for behavioral thermoregulation. In particular, under current climatic conditions, behavioral thermoregulation is not compulsory as available operative temperatures are encompassed within the populationTPClimits. However, for severe projected temperatures under climate change, behavioral thermoregulation will be required in the sunny patches. In overall, our results suggest that this population ofPleurodema thaulwill be able to endure the worst projected scenario of climate warming as it has not only the physiological capacities but also the environmental opportunities to regulate its body temperature behaviorally.
Unusual Crystal Packing in a Family of [Fe{2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine}2]2+ Compounds and the Effect on the Occurrence of Spin Crossover and Its Cooperative Character
Authors: Barrios Leoní A. , Peyrecave‐Lleixà Eugènia , Craig Gavin A. , Roubeau Olivier , Teat Simon J. , Aromí Guillem 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe crucial relationship between the spin‐crossover (SCO) phenomenon and the crystal lattice can be investigated by tuning the intermolecular interactions of a complex with little change to the electronic environment of the metal. With this aim, the synthesis of the new ligand 2,6‐bis[5‐(naphth‐2‐yl)‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]pyridine (H2L) and four different forms (1–4) of the corresponding [Fe(H2L)2]2+ complex cation are presented. H2L exhibits an increased number of aromatic rings with respect to previous analogues to augment the density of π···π contacts within the system. The four compounds group into three different structural arrangements that coincide with two different SCO behaviour types and a locked high‐spin state. The intermolecular interactions that embody the various crystallographic organisations have been analysed through Hirshfeld plots, and the SCO properties of 1–4 are also discussed in light of the local structural analysis around the FeII centres.
Can a back pain screening tool help classify patients with acute pain into risk levels for chronic pain?
Authors: Mehling W.E. , Avins A.L , Acree M.C , Carey T.S , Hecht F.M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe 9‐item STarT‐Back screening tool was developed in primary care patients with low back pain (LBP) to identify those at greatest risk for chronic pain and requiring targeted treatment. We conducted a secondary data analysis study to examine the performance of comparable questionnaire items in a sample of primary care patients with well‐defined acute LBP.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, 605 primary care patients with LBP of less than 30 days answered a questionnaire with 6 items identical and 3 items analogous to the 9‐item STarT‐Back. Participants were followed up at 6 months and 2 years. STarT‐Back rules were applied to classify participant's risk of chronic LBP, and the performance of the screening items in predicting outcomes was assessed using likelihood ratios.ResultsThe proportion of patients with chronic pain at follow‐up was considerably lower (6 months: 22%; 2 years: 25%) than in the STarT‐Back validation cohort (40%) of patients with pain of any duration. The probability of developing chronic pain given a high‐risk designation by items similar to the STarT‐Back increased the pre‐test probability to 31% and 35%. Likelihood ratios were close to 1.ConclusionsA risk classification schema using the recommended cut‐off scores with items similar to the STarT‐Back in a primary care population with strictly defined acute LBP had limited ability to identify persons who progressed to chronic pain. The results suggest caution when applying the STarT‐Back in patients with acute LBP and a need to consider a modification of its cut‐offs.
Efficacy and safety of oral ketamine for the relief of intractable chronic pain: A retrospective 5‐year study of 51 patients
Authors: Marchetti F. , Coutaux A. , Bellanger A. , Magneux C. , Bourgeois P. , Mion G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis work summarizes the efficiency, failures and adverse effects of oral administration of ketamine at home for intractable pain.MethodsThis 5‐year retrospective study involved testing ketamine by intravenous in‐hospital administration, then a conversion to an oral route, or oral treatment directly administered at home. The daily intravenous dose was increased by steps of 0.5 mg/kg to attain an effective daily dose of 1.5–3.0 mg/kg. Pain was evaluated on a numeric scale from 0 to 10, and evidence of adverse effects was collected every day. The effective daily dose was delivered orally (three to four intakes). If effective, ketamine was continued for 3 months. Short infusions or direct oral treatment began with a 0.5‐mg/kg dose, then the daily ketamine dose was increased in 15‐ to 20‐mg increments.ResultsAmong 55 cases (51 patients, neuropathic pain 60%), the mean effective oral dose was 2 mg/kg. Ketamine was effective in 24 patients (44%, mean pain reduction 67 ± 17%), partially effective in 20% (mean pain reduction 30 ± 11%), with a mean opioid sparing of 63 ± 32%, and failure in 22%. Half of the patients experienced adverse effects, but only eight had to stop treatment. For patients with opioid therapy, failure of ketamine was less frequent (7% vs. 36%; p < 0.02), with fewer adverse effects (33% vs. 68%; p < 0.01).ConclusionsPain was reduced or abolished in two‐thirds of patients under ketamine therapy; ketamine was effective for patients taking opioids and resulted in few adverse effects.
BodyWise: Evaluating a Pilot Body Image Group for Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Mountford Victoria A. , Brown Amy , Bamford Bryony , Saeidi Saeideh , Morgan John F. , Lacey Hubert 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBody image disturbance can be enduring and distressing to individuals with eating disorders and effective treatments remain limited. This pilot study evaluated a group‐based treatment—BodyWise—developed for use in full and partial hospitalization with patients with anorexia nervosa at low weight. A partial crossover waitlist design was used. BodyWise (N = 50) versus treatment as usual (N = 40) were compared on standardized measures of body image disturbance. Results demonstrated significant improvement in the group compared to treatment as usual for the primary outcome measure (Eating Disorder Examination—Questionnaire Shape Concern subscale) and other manifestations of body image disturbance including body checking and body image quality of life. BodyWise appeared acceptable to participants, and was easy to deliver within the pragmatics of a busy eating disorder service. There is potential for its wider dissemination as a precursor to more active body image interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Atypical Femoral Fracture in Osteoporosis Pseudoglioma Syndrome Associated with Two Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations in LRP5
Authors: Alonso Nerea , Soares Dinesh C , V McCloskey Eugene , Summers Gregory D , Ralston Stuart H , Gregson Celia L 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Osteoporosis pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG) is a rare autosomal recessive condition of congenital blindness and severe childhood osteoporosis with skeletal fragility, caused by loss-of-function mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. We report the first case of atypical (subtrochanteric) femoral fracture (AFF) in OPPG, occurring in a 38-year-old man within the context of relatively low bone turnover and trabecular osteoporosis on bone histology. We identify two novel LRP5 mutations: R752W is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), as demonstrated by the heterozygous carriage identified in his 57-year-old mother; however, the combination of this R752W mutation with another novel W79R mutation, causes a severe case of compound heterozygous OPPG. We undertake 3D homology modeling of the four extracellular YWTD β-propeller/EGF-like domains (E1–E4) of LRP5, and show that both novel mutations destabilize the β-propeller domains that are critical for protein and ligand binding to regulate Wnt signaling and osteoblast function. Although AFFs have been reported in other rare bone diseases, this is the first in a genetic condition of primary osteoblast dysfunction. The relatively low bone turnover observed, and knowledge of LRP5 function, implicates impaired bone remodeling in the pathogenesis of AFF. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic Treponemal Antibody Test Comparing the Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay
Authors: Lee Jong‐Han , Lim Chae Seung , Lee Min‐Geol , Kim Hyon‐Suk 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundIn addition to conventional tests, several methods for detection of treponema‐specific antibodies in clinical settings have been recently introduced. We aim to comparatively evaluate a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) for Treponema pallidum specific antibody (SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0) and the T. pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay.MethodsIn all, 132 serum samples from 78 syphilis patients and 54 syphilis‐negative controls were analyzed. SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0 test (Standard Diagnostic, Inc., Yongin, Korea) was evaluated and compared to Serodia TPPA assay (Fujirebio, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). All discrepant results between the two assays were repeatedly tested and evaluated by the fluorescent treponemal antibody‐absorption (FTA‐ABS) assay. Test reproducibility and 95% limit of detection of SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0 were determined across three different lots for seven consecutive days in triplicate. Interference due to autoantibodies and pregnancy was also tested.ResultsPercent agreement between SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0 and TPPA assays was 99.2%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100%, respectively. In TPPA assay, test‐to‐test, day‐to‐day, and lot‐to‐lot variations were not identified until 1:320 titer (eightfold dilutions). There was no interference due to the presence of antinuclear antibodies or samples or pregnancy.ConclusionsPercent agreement of SD Syphilis 3.0 and TPPA was very good. Sensitivity and specificity were appropriate for T. pallidum antibody detection. Thus, a rapid ICT could be suitable for syphilis antibody detection.
Assessment of a Test for the Screening and Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Authors: Porcelli Brunetta , Ferretti Fabio , Vindigni Carla , Terzuoli Lucia 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundCeliac disease (CD) is an immune‐mediated intolerance to dietary gluten, affecting genetically predisposed individuals. ELISA‐based serological tests help to decide if further duodenal biopsy is necessary, for this the diagnostic kits have to be accurate, specific, and sensible. In this study, we investigate the performance of an ELISA that uses the purified cross‐linked complex of tissue transglutaminase and gliadin, referred as the “neoepitope” (AESKULISA® tTG New Generation), as antigen.MethodsWe evaluated 41 newly diagnosed celiac patients, 18 celiac patients on gluten‐free diet, and 169 controls, comprising healthy subjects, patients affected by other autoimmune diseases, and patients affected by several non‐autoimmune diseases.Results and ConclusionThe assay has an excellent performance. Due to its high level of diagnostic accuracy, this assay constitutes a new approach for the screening of celiac patients not only for the diagnosis of CD, but also for monitoring patients on gluten‐free diet and their compliance. Moreover, cases of neoepitope‐positive subjects who were tested negative with “classical” serological markers could have a predictive value for this pathology. This aspect will require further studies of elaboration.
Platelet Counts in Children With Henoch–Schonlein Purpura—Relationship to Renal Involvement
Authors: Elmas Ahmet Taner , Tabel Yilmaz 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to identify the clinical and laboratory risk factors for renal involvement and to determine the relationship between platelet counts and renal involvement in (Henoch–Schönlein purpura) HSP patients.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 107 children with HSP according to Eular/Press diagnostic criteria. Clinical and laboratory parameters for renal involvement were evaluated and compared to no renal involvement.ResultsA retrospective study consisted of 107 children, 61 boys (57%), and 46 girls (43%). Twenty‐eight of the 107 patients (26.1%) had renal involvement. The mean platelet count was significantly higher in patients with renal involvement when compared to patients without renal involvement (P = 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that age (P = 0.022), sex (P = 0.037), gastrointestinal involvement (P = 0.019), and platelet count (P = 0.019) were significantly associated with the renal involvement of HSP. The platelet count was predictive of renal involvement, which had odds ratio of 1.0, and achieved area under the curve of 0.66 for predicting the renal involvement within the acute stage of HSP (P = 0.009).ConclusionOur study indicated that age, sex, gastrointestinal involvement, and platelet count were significant risk factors of renal involvement of HSP.
Comparison of cortisol exposures and pharmacodynamic adrenal steroid responses to hydrocortisone suspension vs. commercial tablets
Authors: Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Gonzalez‐Bolanos Maria T. , Zimmerman Cheryl L. , Boonstra Timothy , Yaw Addo O. , Brundage Richard 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) recommend against using hydrocortisone suspension based on a study that examined a commercial suspension. Our objective was to examine the absorption of an extemporaneously prepared hydrocortisone suspension and compare it to tablets. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the 17‐hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione adrenal steroid responses. Using a parallel design, 34 children diagnosed with CAH received either suspension (n = 9; median age 1.8 years) or tablets (n = 25; median age 7.5 years). Patients were given their usual morning hydrocortisone formulation and dose; 12 serial blood samples were obtained and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The mg/m2 dose‐normalized cortisol AUCs were no different in the suspension and tablet groups (P = ·06), nor was there a significant difference in the Cmax or Tmax (P = .08 and P = .41, respectively). Although there were no differences in the 17‐hydroxyprogesterone change‐from‐baseline AUCs, baseline concentrations, or the nadir concentrations when comparing suspension and tablet formulations, the androstenedione values were significantly lower as expected in the younger aged suspension group. Our results offer compelling evidence that an extemporaneously prepared hydrocortisone suspension provides comparable cortisol exposures to commercially available tablet formulations in children and can be used to safely and effectively treat CAH.
Genes affecting warfarin response—interactive or additive?
Authors: Cavallari Larisa H. , Duarte Julio D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractGenotypes for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 (VKORC1) contribute significantly to the inter‐patient variability in warfarin dose requirements. These genotypes in addition to clinical factors explain approximately 50% of the dose variability in Europeans, but less in other populations. Thus, a large portion of the variability remains unexplained and has been the focus of on‐going research. Trials evaluating the clinical utility of genotype‐guided warfarin dosing have shown a benefit in Europeans, but not in an ethnically diverse cohort. Identifying and accounting for variants important in non‐European populations will likely be necessary before a benefit with genotype‐guided dosing will be realized in these populations.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of 2‐Mercaptoethanol by the Heteropolyoxovanadate [MnV13O38]7−
Authors: CHAKRABARTY SANCHITA , BANERJEE RUPENDRANATH 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIn aqueous acetate buffer (pH 3.25–4.30) 2‐mercaptoethanol is oxidized to 2‐hydroxyethyldisulfide by 13‐vanadomanganate(IV) (1). Each mole of 1 consumes 15 mol of 2‐mercaptoethanol, and in this process all of their VVO6 units (in total 13 in number) are reduced to VO2+ in a multistep process. In the first step, 1 is converted to a one‐electron–reduced product (2), comparable to heteropolyblue. Its kinetics has been measured for the first time. The extra electron in 2 is most possibly trapped (in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic timescale) on the 13th vanadium atom, which shares one oxygen with the central MnIV atom in 1. Complex 2 being metastable in the studied pH range decompose further into smaller oligomers, which are further reduced to free vanadyl ions. We found that in the presence of ≥10 fold [2‐mercaptoethanol] over [1], the kinetics of the first step is first order with respect to [1], [2‐mercaptoethanol], and [H+]. Monoprotonated 1 seems kinetically more active than 1. A plausible mechanism has been suggested.
Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions of Meta‐ and Para‐Substituted Benzylamines with Benzyl Bromide in Methanol Medium
Authors: RAVI R. , SANJEEV R. , JAGANNADHAM V. , SKELTON ADAM A. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe rates of reactions of para‐ and meta‐substituted benzylamines with benzyl bromide were measured using conductivity technique in methanol medium. The reaction followed a total second‐order path. The end product of the reaction is identified as dibenzylamine (X‐C6H4CH2NHCH2C6H5) (where X = 4‐OCH3, 4‐CH3, H, 4‐Cl, 4‐CF3, 3‐CF3, 4‐NO2). Electron‐withdrawing groups such as chloro, trifluoromethyl, and nitro in the benzylamine moiety decrease the rate of the reaction, whereas the electron‐donating groups, such as methoxy and methyl, increase the rate compared to the unsubstituted compound. A mechanism involving formation of an SN2‐type transition state between the amine nucleophiles and the benzyl bromide and its subsequent decomposition is proposed. Hammett's reaction constant ρ of the reaction decreases with an increase in temperature. Activation parameters were calculated and discussed.
Evaluation of the selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist compound A for ototoxic effects
Authors: Honeder Clemens , Engleder Elisabeth , Schöpper Hanna , Krause Markus , Landegger Lukas David , Plasenzotti Roberto , Gabor Franz , Gstoettner Wolfgang , Arnoldner Christoph 
Published: November 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) compound A, a potential novel therapeutic for inner ear disorders, for ototoxic effects.Study DesignLaboratory animal study.MethodsExperimental guinea pigs were grouped as follows: Systemic application of compound A (1.5 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg; n = 6/group) and intratympanic application of compound A (1 mM and 10 mM; n = 6/group). Contralateral ears in topically treated animals served as controls. Hearing thresholds were determined by auditory brainstem response before and directly after the application of compound A, as well as on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. At the end of the experiments, temporal bones were harvested for histological evaluation.ResultsSystemic administration of compound A (1.5 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg) did not cause hearing threshold shifts, whereas the intratympanic injection (1 mM and 10 mM) resulted in a hearing loss. Histological analysis of the middle and inner ears after topical compound A application showed alterations in the tympanic membranes, the auditory ossicles, and the round window membranes, whereas spiral ganglion cells and hair cells were not affected.ConclusionSEGRAs such as compound A could provide novel therapeutic options for the treatment of inner ear disorders and reduce metabolic side effects. Whereas the intratympanic application of compound A resulted in a hearing loss, the systemic application of compound A merits evaluation for otoprotective effects in trauma models.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 125:E149–E155, 2015