bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulation of Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 on Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization in a Murine Experimental Model
Authors: De Gregorio Priscilla Romina , Juárez Tomás María Silvina , Nader‐Macías María Elena Fátima 
Published: November 2015

ProblemMaternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is a risk factor for infectious disease in newborns. One promising strategy is the modulation of vaginal defense to increase the host's ability to combat infection.Method of StudyThe effect of intravaginal (i.va.) Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 inoculation on different immune cell populations, cytokines, and immunoglobulin isotypes in a murine model of GBS vaginal colonization was evaluated.ResultsSeven i.va. inoculations of L. reuteri CRL1324 previous to GBS challenge showed an immunomodulatory effect on the cells and mediators of innate immunity, decreasing the number of neutrophils induced by the pathogen and increasing the activated macrophage population. Moreover, increases in B lymphocytes and IgA and IgG subclasses were observed in mice inoculated with L. reuteri CRL1324 and then challenged with GBS.ConclusionLactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 shows a protective effect against GBS colonization that could be mediated by the modulation of the immune response.
Death and Turnout: The Human Costs of War and Voter Participation in Democracies
Authors: Koch Michael T. , Nicholson Stephen P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWar heightens public interest in politics, especially when human lives are lost. We examine whether, and how, combat casualties affect the decision to vote in established democracies. Drawing from social psychology research on mortality salience, we expect increasing casualties to increase the salience of death, information that moves people to defend their worldview, especially nationalistic and ideological values. By heightening the importance of values, we propose that combat casualties increase the benefits of voting. In particular, we expect the effect of combat casualties to be pronounced among the least politically engaged. Using both cross‐national data of elections in 23 democracies over a 50‐year period and survey data from the United States and United Kingdom during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, we found that mounting casualties increase turnout. Furthermore, as expected, we found the effect of casualties to be most pronounced among those least interested in politics.
Myopia and/or longer axial length are protective against diabetic retinopathy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Yu , Geng Dengfeng , Liu Hua , Che Huixin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the current evidence of the relationship between myopia, together with its structural and refractive component, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) risk.MethodsA systematic search was performed up to April, 2015. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated employing random‐effects models. Three models were used to assess the association between myopia and risk of DR: axial length (AL) (per millimetre increase) and DR; myopia (myopia versus non‐myopia) and DR; refractive error (RE) (per D decrease) and DR. Publication bias of the literature was evaluated using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's test.ResultsA total of 11 studies that met the predefined criteria were included in this meta‐analysis. Overall, longer AL (per millimetre increase) was associa‐ted with a significantly decreased risk of DR (combined OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65–0.86; p < 0.001); myopic eyes (myopia versus non‐myopia) showed a lower risk of DR (combined OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58–0.85; p < 0.001). A greater degree of myopic RE (per D decrease) also revealed a significantly decreased risk of DR (combined OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85–0.93; p < 0.001). The sensitivity analyses and cumulative meta‐analysis showed similar results. No publication bias was detected in any of the three models.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that both myopic refraction and longer AL are associated with a lower risk of DR. Further studies are needed to determine exact mechanisms underpinning the protective effect of myopia against DR.
Multicenter clinical trial of high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment in glaucoma patients without previous filtering surgery
Authors: Aptel Florent , Denis Philippe , Rouland Jean‐François , Renard Jean‐Paul , Bron Alain 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ultrasonic circular cyclocoagulation procedure in patients with open‐angle glaucoma naïve of previous filtering surgery.MethodsProspective non‐comparative interventional clinical study conducted in five French University Hospitals. Thirty eyes of 30 patients with open‐angle glaucoma, intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg and with no previous filtering glaucoma surgeries were sonicated with a probe comprising six piezoelectric transducers. The six transducers were activated with a 6‐s exposure time. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed before the procedure and at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Primary outcomes were qualified surgical success (defined as IOP reduction from baseline ≥20% and IOP > 5 mmHg with possible re‐intervention and without hypotensive medication adjunction) and complete surgical success (defined as IOP reduction from baseline ≥20%, IOP > 5 mmHg and IOP < 21 mmHg with possible re‐intervention and without hypotensive medication adjunction) at the last follow‐up visit and vision‐threatening complications. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP at each follow‐up visit compared with baseline, medication use, complications and re‐interventions.ResultsIntra‐ocular pressure was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) from a mean pre‐operative value of 28.2 ± 7.2 mmHg (n = 3.6 hypotensive medications) to 19.6 ± 7.9 mmHg at 12 months (n = 3.1 hypotensive medications and n = 1.1 procedures) (mean IOP reduction of 30%). Qualified success was achieved in 63% of eyes (19/30) (mean IOP reduction of 37% in these eyes) and complete success in 46.7% of eyes (14/30) (mean IOP reduction of 37% in these eyes) at the last follow‐up. No major intra‐ or post‐operative complications occurred.ConclusionsThe UC3 procedure seems to be an effective and well‐tolerated method to reduce IOP in patients with open‐angle glaucoma without previous filtering surgery.
Hearing in older adults with exfoliation syndrome/exfoliation glaucoma or primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Tryggvason Geir , Jonasson Fridbert , Cotch Mary Frances , Li Chuan‐Ming , Hoffman Howard J. , Themann Christa L. , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Sverrisdottir Jóhanna Eyrún , Harris Tamara B. , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Petersen Hannes 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether adults, aged 66–96 years, with exfoliation syndrome (XFS)/exfoliation glaucoma (XFG), or primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) have poorer hearing than controls of similar age.MethodsCase (XFS/XFG and POAG) and control status was diagnosed in the Reykjavik Glaucoma Studies (RGS) using slit‐lamp examination, visual field testing and optic disc photographs; the RGS data were merged with the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility–Reykjavik Study that collected hearing data using air‐conduction, pure‐tone thresholds obtained at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz categorized by better ear and worse ear, based on pure‐tone averages (PTAs) calculated separately for low and middle frequencies (PTA512 – mean of thresholds at 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz) and high frequencies (PTA3468 – mean of thresholds at 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz). Multivariable linear regression was used to test for differences in PTAs between cases and controls.ResultsThe mean age for 158 XFS/XFG cases (30.4% male) was 77.4 years, 95 POAG cases (35.8% male) was 77.9 years, and 123 controls (46.3% male) was 76.8 years. Using multivariable linear regression analysis, there were no consistent, statistically significant differences in PTAs between the two case groups and controls in either the low‐ or high‐frequency range, even when stratified by age group.ConclusionAmong the older individuals examined in this study hearing loss is highly prevalent and strongly associated with male gender and increasing age. As we did not find consistent statistically significant difference in hearing between cases and controls the diagnosis of XFS/XFG or POAG does not as such routinely call for audiological evaluation.
Increased binding of circulating systemic lupus erythematosus autoantibodies to recombinant interferon alpha 2b
Authors: Khan Wahid Ali , Qureshi Javed Anwer 
Published: November 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by various types of immunological abnormalities including circulating and tissue‐fixed autoantibodies reactive with autoantigens. The mechanism that can explain the production of these antibodies is unclear. Here we address the binding specificity of SLE autoantibodies with recombinant alpha interferon 2b (hrIFN α‐2b), commercially available interferon (IFN α‐2b), and the gene (cIFN α‐2b) encoding this interferon. hrIFN α‐2b showed higher binding with naturally occurring SLE autoantibodies as compared to IFN α‐2b (p < 0.05) or cIFN α‐2b gene (p < 0.001) as assessed by direct binding, inhibition ELISA, and quantitative precipitin titration. The relative affinity of SLE autoantibodies for hrIFN α‐2b, IFN α‐2b, and cIFN α‐2b gene was in the order of 1.13 × 10−7, 1.38 × 10−6, and 1.22 × 10−6, respectively. hrIFN α‐2b is shown to have unique epitopes that would explain the possible antigenic role of hrIFN α‐2b in the generation of SLE autoantibodies. Anti‐hrIFN α‐2b antibodies have been shown to represent an alternative immunological probe for the estimation of interferon alpha 2b in the serum of SLE patients.
Antibiotic susceptibility among Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from prosthetic joint infections, with focus on doxycycline
Authors: Hamad Tarza , Hellmark Bengt , Nilsdotter‐Augustinsson Åsa , Söderquist Bo 
Published: November 2015

In recent years, coagulase‐negative staphylococci such as Staphylococcus epidermidis have gained importance as nosocomial pathogens, especially in immunocompromised patients and prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). These infections are often long lasting and difficult to treat due to the production of bacterial biofilm and the transformation of the bacteria into a stationary growth phase. Rifampicin is able to penetrate the biofilm, but to reduce the risk of development of rifampicin resistance it should be used in combination with an additional antibiotic. In this study we used Etest to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of 134 clinical isolates of S. epidermidis obtained from PJIs to six oral antibiotics: doxycycline, rifampicin, linezolid, fusidic acid, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin. We also performed synergy testing on doxycycline in combination with each of the remaining antibiotics. Ninety‐three (69%) of the 134 isolates were susceptible to doxycycline, 94/134 (70%) to rifampicin, 56/134 (42%) to clindamycin, 25/134 (19%) to ciprofloxacin, 81/134 (60%) to fusidic acid, and 100% to linezolid. Thirty‐two (80%) of the 40 isolates not fully susceptible to rifampicin were susceptible to doxycycline. Doxycycline in combination with each of the other investigated antibiotics exerted an additive effect on nearly half of the isolates, with the exception of clindamycin, which displayed an even higher percentage of additive effect (69%). To conclude, as the majority of the S. epidermidis isolates were susceptible to doxycycline, this antimicrobial agent may provide a potential alternative for combination therapy together with rifampicin.
Antimycobacterial action of a new glycolipid‐peptide complex obtained from extracellular metabolites of Raoultella ornithinolytica
Authors: Fiołka Marta J. , Grzywnowicz Krzysztof , Mendyk Ewaryst , Zagaja Mirosław , Szewczyk Rafał , Rawski Michał , Keller Radosław , Rzymowska Jolanta , Wydrych Jerzy 
Published: November 2015

In this paper, an antimycobacterial component of extracellular metabolites of a gut bacterium Raoultella ornithinolytica from D. veneta earthworms was isolated and its antimycobacterial action was tested using Mycobacterium smegmatis. After incubation with the complex obtained, formation of pores and furrows in cell walls was observed using microscopic techniques. The cells lost their shape, stuck together and formed clusters. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that, after incubation, the complex was attached to the cell walls of the Mycobacterium. Analyses of the component performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated high similarity to a bacteriocin nisin, but energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis revealed differences in the elemental composition of this antimicrobial peptide. The component with antimycobacterial activity was identified using mass spectrometry techniques as a glycolipid–peptide complex. As it exhibits no cytotoxicity on normal human fibroblasts, the glycolipid–peptide complex appears to be a promising compound for investigations of its activity against pathogenic mycobacteria.
Elevated serum levels of Interleukin‐37 are associated with inflammatory cytokines and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yang Libin , Zhang Jun , Tao Jingang , Lu Tan 
Published: November 2015

Interleukin‐37 (IL‐37) is closely associated with several inflammatory diseases. However, the role of IL‐37 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the associations between serum levels of IL‐37 and disease activity, inflammatory cytokines, and bone loss in patients with RA. Serum cytokines levels were examined by Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Radiographic bone erosion was assessed using the van der Heijde‐modified Sharp score and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA. Serum IL‐37 levels in RA patients were significantly higher than those in HCs (p < 0.001), and were significantly positively correlated with clinical parameters of disease activity and serum levels of IL‐17 and IL‐23. In addition, serum IL‐37 levels were significantly higher in patients with stage IV of radiographic bone erosion than those with stage III and stage I–II, and they were significantly higher in those with osteopenia and osteoporosis than in those with normal BMD. Our results suggest that serum IL‐37 levels were increased in patients with RA and were positively associated with disease activity, IL‐17/IL‐23 and bone loss in RA, suggesting that IL‐37 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of RA.
Aberrant metastatic behavior and particular features of early gastric cancer
Authors: Gurzu Simona , Jung Ioan , Kadar Zoltan 
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we have focused on the metastatic behavior of EGC and its particularities. The main factors that are currently considered as predictors of the metastatic behavior and that are used in the therapeutic decision (endoscopic resection vs surgical removal) are the tumor size (upper or bellow 2 cm), depth of infiltration, angiolymphatic invasion, the presence or absence of ulceration, and histologic type (undifferentiated vs differentiated carcinomas). However, most of the metastatic cases were published as case reports or case series. This is the reason why a proper estimation of metastatic risk in EGC is not well known. To date, 79 cases presenting bone metastases, three reports of brain metastases, and one EGC that was associated with skin metastasis were published. However, occult metastasis, lymph node micrometastasis, and skip metastasis can also occur and should be identified. Making a synthesis of the literature data that is correlated with our experience, we finally proposed the inclusion of the six Japanese subgrouping system, tumor size, angiolymphatic invasion, and micrometastasis as components of the pTNM staging system, which should be particularly adapted for EGC.
Portal and splanchnic hemodynamics after partial splenic embolization in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism
Authors: Helaly Ahmed Z. , Al‐Warraky Mohamed S. , El‐Azab Gasser I. , Kohla Mohamed A. S. , Abdelaal Elsayed E. 
Published: November 2015

To assess the acute effects of partial splenic embolization (PSE) on portal and splanchnic hemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis. Ninety‐five patients with hypersplenism were included in the study. Duplex examinations were performed before and 3 and 7 days after PSE. Portal and splanchnic hemodynamics including vessel cross‐sectional area (CSA), mean flow velocities (cm/s), blood flows (mL/min), Doppler indices as portal congestion index (CI), liver vascular index, hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) pulsatility and resistive indices (PI and RI), were performed before and after PSE. In our study, 69 of 95 patients were males (72.6%) and 26 females (27.3%). Chronic hepatitis C virus infection was the main cause of cirrhosis (81.1%). PSE failed technically in six patients (6.3%). After PSE, both CSA and CI significantly decreased (p < 0.05 and <0.01). The portal vein velocity significantly increased (p < 0.01). The portal flow volume (892.4 ± 151 mL/min) did not show significant changes. The hepatic artery RI and PI showed a steady increase that became significant 7 days post‐PSE (p < 0.05). The RI and PI of SMA increased significantly after 7 days of PSE (p < 0.05). PSE has an immediate portal decompression effect in patients with portal hypertension without reduction in portal flow. This effect on portal pressure should be investigated in future studies as a potential tool for management of acute variceal bleeding when other medical procedures fail.
Nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs microsatellite instability and mitochondrial DNA copy number in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of lung: a pilot study
Authors: Lee Deok Heon , Lee Jae‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Kwang , Keum Dong Yoon 
Published: November 2015

Mitochondrial genetic changes are considered as a key molecular step of mutations in various cancers. To clarify the role of genetic instability in lung cancer, we analyzed clinicopathological characteristics and frequencies of nuclear and mitochondrial microsatellite instability (nMSI and mtMSI), and alteration of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) in adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung. DNA was isolated from 48 patients with ADC and 42 with SCC. Markers for nMSI, BAT 25 and 26, and markers for mtMSI, (C)n and (CA)n in mitochondrial D‐loop region, were utilized. The mtCN were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The nMSI was found in two patients (4.2%) of ADC and 6 (14.3%) of SCC. The mtMSI was detected in 10 patients (20.8%) of ADC and 8 (19.0%) of SCC. Mean mtCN was 5.05 ± 8.17 and 3.34 ± 5.14 in ADC and SCC respectively. The mtCN was increased in 35 patients (72.9%) of ADC and 30 (71.4%) of SCC. The mtMSI more frequently appeared in more advanced pathologic T stage in ADC (p = 0.003). Alterations of mtCN and a high frequency of mtMSI in our patient samples indicate that mitochondrial DNA is a potential molecular marker in lung cancers (ADC and SCC) correlating with their histological classification.
Biofilm formation of ica operon‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis from different sources
Authors: Angeles Argudín Maria , Vanderhaeghen Wannes , Vandendriessche Stien , Vandecandelaere Ilse , Denis Olivier , Coenye Tom , Butaye Patrick 
Published: November 2015

Information on the prevalence of biofilm‐related factors (PIA, Bhp, Aap, Embp) in Staphylococcus epidermidis of animal origin is scarce. In this study, 263 S. epidermidis isolates of diverse origin (animal, farmers, patients, and laboratory staff) were investigated for the presence of the ica operon (icaRADBC). The icaRADBC‐positive isolates were further characterized by means of biofilm formation, presence of other biofilm‐related genes, antimicrobial resistance, and population structure. Of all isolates, 28.5% (n = 75) were icaRADBC‐positive, including 16.5% of animal origin, 29.1% farmer isolates, and 44.6% hospital‐associated isolates (including patients and laboratory staff isolates). Most icaRADBC‐positive isolates carried embp (n = 73), aap (n = 57), bhp (n = 22), and IS256 (n = 29). Statistical differences were found between animal and patient isolates for the presence of icaRADBC, bhp, and aap. No statistically significant relation was found between the presence of one or more genes and the level of biofilm formation. Most icaRADBC‐positive isolates belonged to the clonal complex 5 (formerly 2) and most sequence types corresponded to types previously observed in community and nosocomial S. epidermidis populations. Although the prevalence of S. epidermidis in the nasal cavity of bovines and poultry is low, some isolates belong to STs related to ica‐positive clinical strains.
Differences in sleep disturbances among offspring of parents with and without bipolar disorder: association with conversion to bipolar disorder
Authors: Levenson Jessica C , Axelson David A , Merranko John , Angulo Melina , Goldstein Tina R , Mullin Benjamin C , Goldstein Benjamin I , Brent David A , Diler Rasim , Hickey Mary Beth , Monk Kelly , Sakolsky Dara , Kupfer David J , Birmaher Boris 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesDisruptions in sleep and dysregulation in circadian functioning may represent core abnormalities in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BP). However, it is not clear whether these dysfunctions are state or trait markers of BP. This report compared sleep and circadian phenotypes among three groups: offspring of parents with BP diagnosed with BP at intake (BP/OB; n = 47), offspring of parents with BP without BP at intake (non‐BP/OB; n = 386), and offspring of matched control parents who did not have BP (controls; n = 301). We also examined the association of baseline sleep parameters with subsequent development of BP among the non‐BP/OB group.MethodsPittsburgh Bipolar Offspring Study youth (ages 6–18 years) and their parents completed assessments every two years pertaining to the child's sleep and circadian phenotypes and current psychopathology. Mixed‐effects models examined differences in baseline sleep and circadian variables among the three groups.ResultsBP/OB offspring who were in a mood episode differed significantly on sleep parameters from the non‐BP/OB and the offspring of controls, such as having inadequate sleep. Mixed logistic regression procedures showed that baseline sleep and circadian variables, such as frequent waking during the night, significantly predicted the development of BP among non‐BP/OB over longitudinal follow‐up.ConclusionsWhile lifetime diagnostic status accounted for differences among the groups in sleep and circadian disturbances, psychopathology explained the differences even further. Additionally, sleep disturbance may be a prognostic indicator of the development of BP in high‐risk youth. Future studies are required to further disentangle whether sleep and circadian disruption are state or trait features of BP.
Glass ceilings or glass doors? The role of firms in male‐female wage disparities
Authors: Javdani Mohsen 
Published: November 2015

AbstractI use Canadian linked employer‐employee data to examine whether women face a glass ceiling in the labour market. I also measure the extent to which the glass ceiling comes about because women are segregated into lower‐paying firms, or because they are segregated into lower‐paying jobs within firms. I find clear evidence that women experience a glass ceiling that is driven by their disproportionate sorting across firm types (glass doors) rather than within firms. I find no evidence that these results are supply‐driven. However, my results are consistent with predictions of an efficiency wage model where high‐paying firms discriminate against females.