bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of malnutrition and obesity among cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Panagopoulou Paraskevi , Fotoulaki Maria , Nikolaou Aristidis , Nousia‐Arvanitakis Sanda 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundOptimal nutritional status (NS) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with better lung function and increased overall survival. This study estimated the prevalence of malnutrition and obesity among CF patients in a tertiary center.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study of 68 CF patients (33 female; 37 children/adolescents) weight, height, body composition, respiratory function (% of the predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s; FEV1%pred) and serum lipids were measured; body mass index (BMI), BMI standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS) and BMI percentiles were calculated; Pseudomonas colonization, pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus (CFDM), liver disease (CFLD) and genotype were recorded; NS was classified according to the 2005 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) criteria. Frequency distributions and associations between anthropometric and clinical parameters (univariate/multivariate) were calculated.ResultsMean age (±SD) was 19.81 ± 8.98 years. Regarding NS: 22.1% were malnourished, 13.2% overweight/obese and 29.4% had optimal NS. Pancreatic function (PF), Pseudomonas colonization, CFDM, CFLD and genotype differed significantly among the three groups. FEV1%pred was significantly higher among overweight/obese patients and correlated positively with anthropometric characteristics as well as serum cholesterol and negatively with age. BMI‐SDS was associated with PF, FEV1%pred and CFDM. Among overweight/obese patients 89.9% had adequate PF and 66.7% carried mutations other than F508del. No patient had any traits of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsDespite appropriate management only one‐third of the present patients had optimal NS. One‐fourth were malnourished and a significant percentage were overweight/obese. The latter were mostly carriers of mutations other than F508del and had better pulmonary function. CF patients require intensive monitoring for both malnutrition and overweight/obesity.
Pathophysiology and genetic mutations in congenital sideroblastic anemia
Authors: Fujiwara Tohru , Harigae Hideo 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSideroblastic anemias are heterogeneous congenital and acquired disorders characterized by anemia and the presence of ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow. Congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) is a rare disease caused by mutations of genes involved in heme biosynthesis, iron–sulfur [Fe‐S] cluster biosynthesis, and mitochondrial protein synthesis. The most common form is X‐linked sideroblastic anemia, due to mutations in the erythroid‐specific δ‐aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS2), which is the first enzyme of the heme biosynthesis pathway in erythroid cells. Other known etiologies include mutations in the erythroid specific mitochondrial transporter (SLC25A38), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette B7 (ABCB7), glutaredoxin 5 (GLRX5), thiamine transporter SLC19A2, the RNA‐modifying enzyme pseudouridine synthase (PUS1), and mitochondrial tyrosyl‐tRNA synthase (YARS2), as well as mitochondrial DNA deletions. Due to its rarity, however, there have been few systematic pathophysiological and genetic investigations focusing on sideroblastic anemia. Therefore, a nationwide survey of sideroblastic anemia was conducted in Japan to investigate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this disease. This review will cover the findings of this recent survey and summarize the current understanding of the pathophysiology and genetic mutations involved in CSA.
Culture‐proven neonatal sepsis in preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 7 year period: Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus as the predominant pathogen
Authors: Ozkan Hilal , Cetinkaya Merih , Koksal Nilgün , Celebi Solmaz , Hacımustafaoglu Mustafa 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the causative agents in early, late‐ and very late‐onset sepsis in preterm infants. The demographic features, risk factors, clinical and laboratory findings in sepsis types were also defined.MethodsA total of 151 preterm infants with culture‐proven neonatal sepsis were enrolled in this prospective study. The infants were classified into three groups with regard to the onset of sepsis: early onset sepsis (EOS), late‐onset sepsis (LOS) and very late‐onset sepsis (VLOS). A sepsis screen including whole blood count, blood smear, infection markers and cultures was performed before initiating antibiotic therapy.ResultsEOS, LOS and VLOS groups consisted of 23, 86 and 42 infants, respectively. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CONS) was the most common organism in all sepsis groups. The main factors associated with EOS included presence of premature rupture of membranes, antibiotic use in pregnancy and choriamnionitis. Previous antibiotic use was the main factor associated with LOS, while low birthweight was the main factor in infants with VLOS. Although mortality rate due to Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi was higher, CONS was an important cause of mortality in infants with LOS and VLOS.ConclusionsCONS was found to be the most common causative organism in three sepsis types in preterm neonates. Although the mortality rate due to CONS was lower in EOS, it was an important cause of mortality in LOS and VLOS. CONS seems to be the main pathogen in neonatal sepsis in developing countries, as in developed countries.
Growing experience with mTOR inhibitors in pediatric solid organ transplantation
Authors: Ganschow R. , Pape L. , Sturm E. , Bauer J. , Melter M. , Gerner P. , Höcker B. , Ahlenstiel T. , Kemper M. , Brinkert F. , Sachse M. M. , Tönshoff B. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractControlled trials of mTOR inhibitors in children following solid organ transplantation are scarce, although evidence from prospective single‐arm studies is growing. Everolimus with reduced CNI therapy has been shown to be efficacious and safe in de novo pediatric kidney transplant patients in prospective trials. Prospective and retrospective data in children converted from CNI therapy to mTOR inhibition following kidney, liver, or heart transplantation suggest preservation of immunosuppressive efficacy. Good renal function has been maintained when mTOR inhibitors are used de novo in children following kidney transplantation or after conversion to mTOR inhibition with CNI minimization. mTOR inhibition with reduced CNI exposure is associated with a low risk for developing infection in children. Growth and development do not appear to be impaired during low‐dose mTOR inhibition, but more studies are required. No firm conclusions can be drawn as to whether mTOR inhibitors should be discontinued in children requiring surgical intervention or whether mTOR inhibition delays progression of hepatic fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that use of mTOR inhibitors in children undergoing solid organ transplantation is efficacious and safe, but a number of issues remain unresolved and further studies are required.
Short‐term clinical effects of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid for facial acne conglobata: an open, prospective, parallel‐arm trial
Authors: Yang Gui‐Lan , Zhao Min , Wang Jia‐Mei , He Chun‐Feng , Luo Yang , Liu Hai‐Yan , Gao Jian , Long Chao‐Qin , Bai Jing‐Rui 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBackgroundAcne conglobata is hardly curable and easily leads to scar formation after treatment using traditional methods.AimTo develop a novel way to treat acne conglobata.MethodsSeventy‐five patients with facial acne conglobata were included in this clinical study and divided into either a treatment group (n = 35) to receive photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5% 5‐aminolevulinic acid and red light once every 10 days for a month or a control group (n = 40) to receive a Chinese herbal medicine mask plus red light once per week for the same duration. Patients in both groups were given oral viaminate capsules, doxycycline, zinc gluconate, and topical metronidazole. Efficacy was evaluated with respect to symptom score, cure rate, and response rate up to 2 weeks following the final treatment, and time points for assessment included baseline (D0), the visit before each treatment (D10 and D20 for the treatment group, and D7, D14, and D21 for the control group), and 2 weeks after treatment (D34 for the treatment group and D35 for the control group). Safety was assessed by recording adverse effects.ResultsTreatment with PDT significantly improved acne lesions and reduced scar formation. The treatment group had a significantly lower symptom score, a higher cure rate, and response rate than the control group. No systemic side effects occurred.ConclusionThe treatment of acne conglobata with PDT is associated with a high cure rate, short treatment period, few side effects, and reduced scar formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the treatment of acne conglobata with PDT.
Bath psoralen–UVA photochemotherapy for localized scleroderma: experience from a single institute
Authors: Pavlotsky Felix , Sakka Nicole , Lozinski Alina , Barzilai Aviv 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBackgroundLocalized scleroderma (LS) comprises a spectrum of sclerotic autoimmune diseases primarily affecting the dermis. Various treatment modalities have been recommended for the management of LS, but only a few studies exist regarding the efficacy of bath PUVA photochemotherapy in the treatment of LS.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of bath PUVA photochemotherapy in the management of LS in a retrospective study.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients (23 women and five men) with a diagnosis of LS, confirmed by histology, were included in the study. Patients were treated with a thrice‐weekly regimen of bath immersion in 0.2 mg/1 water solution of 8‐methoxypsoralen, followed by irradiation with UVA.ResultsEleven patients (39%) showed complete remission (complete softening of the sclerotic plaques with or without postinflammatory hyper‐ or hypopigmentation) after a mean of 71 treatments (range 33–170) and a mean cumulative dose of 115 J/cm2 (range 11–232). Partial softening and regression of the sclerotic plaques was observed in 14 patients (50%). Three patients (10.7%) showed no effect, and in none of the patients was worsening noted during treatment.ConclusionsIn our experience, bath PUVA photochemotherapy is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option for LS and should be considered as one of the first‐line treatment modalities.
Genetic variability and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani associated with black scurf of potato in New Zealand
Authors: Das S. , Shah F. A. , Butler R. C. , Falloon R. E. , Stewart A. , Raikar S. , Pitman A. R. 
Published: September 2013

Isolates (a total of 129) of Rhizoctonia solani were collected from black scurf on potato tubers from different potato‐growing regions in New Zealand. Sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA–ITS) regions from these isolates identified three anastomosis groups (AGs), AG‐3PT, AG‐2‐1 and AG‐5. Isolates classified as AG‐3PT were widely distributed, whereas AG‐2‐1 and AG‐5 were confined to distinct locations. Sequence heterogeneity was identified in the ITS regions of 100 AG‐3PT and AG‐2‐1 isolates. Variation in the sequence and length of the rDNA–IGS1 region was also observed for selected isolates of AG‐3PT and AG‐2‐1. Phylogenetic studies found all AG‐2‐1 isolates belong to AG‐2Nt, a subset of AG‐2‐1 previously associated with solanaceous crops in other countries. AG‐2‐1 isolates were consistently more aggressive than those of AG‐3PT. Delayed emergence, severe infection on stolons, formation of aerial tubers and considerable yield losses were associated with AG‐2‐1, but they caused negligible black scurf. In contrast, AG‐3PT caused black scurf on progeny tubers but variable effects on stem emergence and stolons. Furthermore, AG‐2‐1 isolates caused severe tuber malformation, but isolates of other AGs did not. This is the first report on the AG composition, genetic variability and pathogenicity of R. solani isolates associated with black scurf of New Zealand potatoes.
Buddhist Visual Worlds II: Practices of Visualization and Vision
Authors: Hatchell Chris 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis article discusses Buddhist meditative practices that make use of visual worlds. First among these are practices of “visualization,” which involve visual scenes created in the mind's eye. Buddhist traditions contain a variety of these techniques, and use them for a diverse set of purposes: devotion, cultivating mental focus, generating mindsets and motivations, and transforming personal identity. Though less common, Buddhists also have traditions that involve practices of “vision,” where meditators seek spontaneous experiences of luminosity that are seen with the eyes rather than simply created in imagination. The article examines several of these visionary practices, with particular emphasis on meditative techniques found in the Kālacakra and Great Perfection traditions.
The Jewish Presence in Arabic Writings on Medicine and Pharmacology During the Medieval Period
Authors: Chipman Leigh 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe Jewish connection to medicine is longstanding and ongoing, as has been the interest in the history of medicine among Jews. This paper will attempt to go beyond the ‘Great Men’ school of historiography, to discuss a number of aspects of the Jewish presence in the fields of pharmacy and medicine in the Arabophone world in the medieval period, and Jews' interactions with the Islamic majority. The emphasis will be on pharmacy and medicine in the Galenic tradition. After an overview of Greco–Arabic medicine, I will discuss the contribution of Jewish physicians and pharmacists to medical writings in Arabic and that of the Cairo Genizah documents to our knowledge of the social history of medicine in the medieval Middle East.
The Concern for Sovereignty in the Politics of Anti‐conversion
Authors: Osuri Goldie 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAnti‐conversion campaigns and laws have been linked to the mainstreaming of Hindu nationalism in the Indian context since the 1990s. Taking account of the historical and legal genealogies of anti‐conversion, this essay makes the case for highlighting how the concern for sovereignty may shed light on how a politics of anti‐conversion is able to thrive. The essay provides a broad survey of academic literature which references these historical and legal genealogies of anti‐conversion and demonstrates how a discussion of sovereignty may contribute to extant debates on the politics of anti‐conversion.
Identification and performance of stress‐tolerant phosphate‐solubilizing bacterial isolates on Tagetes minuta grown in sodic soil
Authors: Sahay R. , Patra D. D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractTagetes minuta is moderately adapted to a wide range of climate and due to its tolerance to larger salt, pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in soil it is considered to be a potential crop for salt‐affected soil. Its tolerance to adverse condition and association with halophilic microbes can combine to play a greater role in crop production and improvement in soil health. After screening, the potential phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) RS‐1, RS‐2 and RS‐3 were isolated from sodic soils and tested in pot experiment using a naturally occurring sodic soil of pH 9.3 and an ESP of about 45. Under optimum conditions in the laboratory, these bacteria showed phosphorus solubilization potential in liquid medium containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Inoculation of PSB significantly increased plant growth in terms of height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake. Significant changes were also found in content and quality of essential oil. It was observed that PSB also improved the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The bacterial strains tested in this study have the potential for use as a biofertilizer in sustaining the growth of Tagetes minuta in salt stress soil and mitigating soil stress problems.
Blood transfusion; additional historical aspects. Part 1. The birth of transfusion immunology
Authors: Boulton F. E. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThe decades around the turn of the 19th into the 20th centuries covered a seminal period in the history of transfusion medicine as there was an increasing appreciation of a potential role in the management of surgical and obstetric bleeding, and also in severe non‐surgical anaemias. The main obstacles to transfusing human blood were first the occasional devastating adverse reactions due, we now know, to ABO blood group incompatibility; and second the awkward propensity of shed blood to clot. This article describes in more detail how the pioneers in human transfusion immunology in the late 19th century and early 20th century learnt to recognise and avoid ABO incompatibility, and includes some hitherto obscure and rarely cited material. A companion article (Boulton, 2013, Submitted for publication) describes early attempts to find suitable anticoagulants.
Viewpoint: scaling up testing services for non‐communicable diseases in Africa: priorities for implementation research
Authors: Jaffar S. , Amberbir A. , Kayuni N. , Musicha C. , Nyirenda M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe burden of non‐communicable diseases in Africa is rising rapidly and implementation of evidence‐based control strategies is needed urgently. Testing people for hypertension and diabetes will be an important component in the fight against these diseases, as voluntary counselling and testing was for HIV‐infection. We discuss the below the areas where we believe evidence is needed to inform policy.
First report of detection and molecular confirmation of Plasmodium ovale from severe malaria cases in central India
Authors: Singh R. , Jain V. , Singh P. P. , Bharti P. K. , Thomas T. , Basak S. , Singh N. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveWe report for the first‐time detection of Plasmodium ovale in central India.MethodsFrom 2010, all hospitalised suspected malaria cases at the malaria clinic of the Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals in Bastar district, central India, were screened. Plasmodium species were identified by microscopy and species‐specific nested PCR of 18s rRNA.ResultsOf 256 enrolled cases of confirmed P. falciparum malaria by microscopy, P. ovale infection was detected in three cases (1.2%) by PCR and sequencing. Of these three cases, one had cerebral malaria and another had severe malaria anaemia. In both of these cases, P. ovale infection was mixed with P. falciparum, while in third case the infection was mixed with both P. falciparum and P. vivax. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these isolates showed closed homology with West African genotypes.ConclusionAll three hospitalised patients were originally residents of remote inaccessible forest villages and never moved out of their residence. This finding also has implications in malaria control and elimination as P. ovale causes relapses. This study highlights the need of molecular diagnosis of malaria species for appropriate treatment and control.
The Arabidopsis oligopeptidases TOP1 and TOP2 are salicylic acid targets that modulate SA‐mediated signaling and the immune response
Authors: Moreau Magali , Westlake Timothy , Zampogna Giulio , Popescu George , Tian Miaoying , Noutsos Christos , Popescu Sorina 
Published: September 2013

SummarySalicylic acid (SA) is a small phenolic molecule with hormonal properties, and is an essential component of the immune response. SA exerts its functions by interacting with protein targets; however, the specific cellular components modulated by SA and critical for immune signal transduction are largely unknown. To uncover cellular activities targeted by SA, we probed Arabidopsis protein microarrays with a functional analog of SA. We demonstrate that thimet oligopeptidases (TOPs) constitute a class of SA‐binding enzymes. Biochemical evidence demonstrated that SA interacts with TOPs and inhibits their peptidase activities to various degrees both in vitro and in plant extracts. Functional characterization of mutants with altered TOP expression indicated that TOP1 and TOP2 mediate SA‐dependent signaling and are necessary for the immune response to avirulent pathogens. Our results support a model whereby TOP1 and TOP2 act in separate pathways to modulate SA‐mediated cellular processes.
Efficacy of Ceftaroline Fosamil against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains in a Rabbit Meningitis Model
Authors: Stucki A. , Acosta F. , Cottagnoud M. , Cottagnoud P. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

In this study, the efficacy of ceftaroline fosamil was compared with that of cefepime in an experimental rabbit meningitis model against two Gram-negative strains (
Escherichia coli
QK-9 and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
1173687). The penetration of ceftaroline into inflamed and uninflamed meninges was also investigated. Both regimens were bactericidal, but ceftaroline fosamil was significantly superior to cefepime against
K. pneumoniae
and
E. coli
in this experimental rabbit meningitis model (
P
< 0.0007 against
K. pneumoniae
and
P
< 0.0016 against
E. coli
). The penetration of ceftaroline was approximately 15% into inflamed meninges and approximately 3% into uninflamed meninges.
In Vitro
Activities of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Doxycycline, Ceftazidime, Imipenem, and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole against Biofilm of Brazilian Strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Bandeira Tereza de Jesus Pinheiro Gomes , Moreira Camila Alencar , Brilhante Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira , Castelo-Branco Débora de Souza Collares Maia , Neto Manoel Paiva de Araújo , Cordeiro Rossana de Aguiar , Rodrigues Terezinha de Jesus Santos , Rocha Marcos Fábio Gadelha , Sidrim José Júlio Costa 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating the
in vitro
activities of amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, ceftazidime, imipenem, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole against
Burkholderia pseudomallei
in planktonic and biofilm forms, through broth microdilution and resazurin-based viability staining, respectively. In planktonic growth, the strains were susceptible to the drugs, while in biofilm growth, significantly higher antimicrobial concentrations were required, especially for ceftazidime and imipenem, surpassing the resistance breakpoints. These results highlight the importance of the routine evaluation of biofilm antimicrobial susceptibility.