bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the neural effect of switching from donepezil to galantamine based on single‐photon emission computed tomography findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Oka Mizuki , Nakaaki Shutaro , Negi Atsushi , Miyata Jun , Nakagawa Atsuo , Hirono Nobutsugu , Mimura Masaru 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundA number of neuroimaging studies have addressed the specific effect of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors on the frontal lobe in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neural effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on both apathy and executive dysfunction remain unclear. We examined whether baseline regional cerebral blood flow, as determined by using single‐photon emission computed tomography, is capable of predicting changes in apathy and executive dysfunction in response to AD patients switching from donepezil to galantamine therapy.MethodsWe conducted a 24‐week, prospective, open‐label study of AD patients treated with galantamine who did not respond to previous treatment with donepezil. Single‐photon emission computed tomography was performed at baseline, and behaviour and cognitive assessments including the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Japanese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale, the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form, and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire were conducted at three time points (baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of galantamine therapy).ResultsAfter galantamine therapy, the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form scores (apathy, irritability, and aberrant motor symptoms) and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire score improved significantly. The single‐photon emission computed tomography findings showed that lower baseline regional cerebral blood flow values in several frontal areas, including the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate, and the orbitofrontal cortex, predicted greater reductions in the score for apathy (distress) on the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire score after patients switched from donepezil to galantamine therapy.ConclusionsOur study suggests that galantamine therapy, unlike donepezil, is characterized by a dual mechanism of action that may increase acetylcholine and the nicotinic receptor‐modulation effect within the frontal lobe, both of which are associated with apathy and executive dysfunction in AD patients.
Cognitive impairment before changes appear on [18F]‐fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography images in a patient with possible early‐stage cerebellar‐predominant multiple system atrophy
Authors: Takaya Masahiko , Atsumi Masahiko , Hirose Tomoyuki , Ishii Kazunari , Shirakawa Osamu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction combined with parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia. Patients with MSA typically suffer from cognitive disorders and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography is used to assess MSA. However, the relationship between the clinical features and findings on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography in patients with MSA has not yet been investigated. Here we report a case of possible early‐stage cerebellar‐type MSA. We concluded that cerebellar‐type MSA or other factors, such as rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder or obstructive sleep apnoea cognitive impairment, could appear before changes are visible on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography images. Additionally, we concluded that the cognitive impairment could derive from cerebellar‐type MSA itself, not from other factors such as rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder or sleep apnoea syndrome.
The Impact of Foreign Aid Linked to Infrastructure and Pollution Abatement
Authors: Barañano Ilaski , San Martín Marta 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper studies the macroeconomic effects of foreign aid taking into account environmental quality. We develop a dynamic equilibrium model in which public investments in both infrastructure and pollution abatement can be co‐financed using domestic resources and international aid. We consider untied aid, aid fully tied to either infrastructure or abatement and aid equally tied to both expenditures. We find that when the extent to which agents are affected by environmental problems is taken into account, then, regardless of the chances of substitution between factors, transfers linked to both infrastructure and pollution abatement may be the best welfare‐enhancing alternative.
Fairness Considerations in Labor Union Wage Setting – A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Strifler Matthias , Beissinger Thomas 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe consider a theoretical model in which unions not only take the outside option into account, but also care about the performance of the firm and base their wage‐setting decisions on a firm internal reference, called the fairness reference. Two references, which measure the earnings situation of the firm, are considered – productivity and profits per worker. Wage and employment outcomes as well as the degree of wage rigidity depend on the size of the fairness reference relative to the outside option. A high fairness reference leads to wage pressure and real wage rigidity, whereas a low fairness reference leads to wage moderation and real wage flexibility. An increase in the weight on the fairness reference amplifies these deviations from the standard model.
Transfusion in CMV seronegative T‐depleted allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients with CMV‐unselected blood components results in zero CMV transmissions in the era of universal leukocyte reduction: a UK dual centre experience
Authors: Hall S. , Danby R. , Osman H. , Peniket A. , Rocha V. , Craddock C. , Murphy M. , Chaganti S. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYObjectivesTo establish rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission with use of CMV‐unselected (CMV‐U), leukocyte‐reduced blood components transfused to CMV‐seronegative patient/CMV‐seronegative donor (CMV neg/neg) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients including those receiving T‐depleted grafts.BackgroundCMV infection remains a major cause of morbidity following SCT. CMV‐seronegative SCT recipients are particularly at risk of transfusion transmitted CMV (TT‐CMV) and until recently they have received blood components from CMV‐seronegative donors with significant resource implications. Although leukocyte reduction of blood components is reported to minimise risk of TT‐CMV, its efficacy in high‐risk situations, such as in T‐depleted transplant recipients, is unknown.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the incidence of TT‐CMV in CMV neg/neg allogeneic SCT recipients transfused with CMV‐U, leukocyte‐reduced blood components in two transplantation centres in the UK. Patients were monitored for CMV infection by weekly CMV polymerase chain reaction testing. Leukocyte reduction of blood components was in accordance with current UK standards.ResultsAmong 76 patients, including 59 receiving in vivo T‐depletion, no episodes of CMV infection were detected. Patients were transfused with 1442 CMV‐unselected, leukocyte‐reduced components, equating to 1862 donor exposures.ConclusionsOur findings confirm the safety of leukocyte reduction as a strategy in preventing TT‐CMV in high‐risk allogeneic SCT recipients.
Short‐term monocular deprivation alters early components of visual evoked potentials
Authors: Lunghi Claudia , Berchicci Marika , Morrone M. Concetta , Di Russo Francesco 
Published: June 2015

Key points
Short‐term monocular deprivation in adult humans produces a perceptual boost of the deprived eye reflecting homeostatic plasticity.
Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to transient stimuli change after 150 min of monocular deprivation in adult humans.
The amplitude of the C1 component of the VEP at a latency of about 100 ms increases for the deprived eye and decreases for the non‐deprived eye after deprivation, the two effects being highly negatively correlated.
Similarly, the evoked alpha rhythm increases after deprivation for the deprived eye and decreases for the non‐deprived eye.
The data demonstrate that primary visual cortex excitability is altered by a short period of monocular deprivation, reflecting homeostatic plasticity.
AbstractVery little is known about plasticity in the adult visual cortex. In recent years psychophysical studies have shown that short‐term monocular deprivation alters visual perception in adult humans. Specifically, after 150 min of monocular deprivation the deprived eye strongly dominates the dynamics of binocular rivalry, reflecting homeostatic plasticity. Here we investigate the neural mechanisms underlying this form of short‐term visual cortical plasticity by measuring visual evoked potentials (VEPs) on the scalp of adult humans during monocular stimulation before and after 150 min of monocular deprivation. We found that monocular deprivation had opposite effects on the amplitude of the earliest component of the VEP (C1) for the deprived and non‐deprived eye stimulation. C1 amplitude increased (+66%) for the deprived eye, while it decreased (−29%) for the non‐deprived eye. Source localization analysis confirmed that the C1 originates in the primary visual cortex. We further report that following monocular deprivation, the amplitude of the peak of the evoked alpha spectrum increased on average by 23% for the deprived eye and decreased on average by 10% for the non‐deprived eye, indicating a change in cortical excitability. These results indicate that a brief period of monocular deprivation alters interocular balance in the primary visual cortex of adult humans by both boosting the activity of the deprived eye and reducing the activity of the non‐deprived eye. This indicates a high level of residual homeostatic plasticity in the adult human primary visual cortex, probably mediated by a change in cortical excitability.
Teacher Compliance and Accuracy in State Assessment of Student Motor Skill Performance
Authors: Hall Tina J. , Hicklin Lori K. , French Karen E. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher compliance with state mandated assessment protocols and teacher accuracy in assessing student motor skill performance.Method:Middle school teachers (N = 116) submitted eighth grade student motor skill performance data from 318 physical education classes to a trained monitoring committee to evaluate compliance and data accuracy.Results:Eighty-four percent of the data sets met the requirements for acceptance and compliance by the monitoring committee. Accurate assessment of students proved more difficult for teachers when discriminating four performance levels within a rubric (M = 67.17%, SD = 19.79) than simply discerning between competent and incompetent motor skill performance (M = 93.92%, SD = 7.42). Teachers who attended data collection training sessions and curriculum inservice training submitted more compliant and accurate student performance data.Discussion:Teacher training is instrumental in the successful use of testing protocols and for discriminating levels within student skill competency. Training should be a part of any district or state mandated assessment program.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Genetically Distinct Variants of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in the Eastern Region of Thailand
Authors: Cheun-Arom Thaniwan , Temeeyasen Gun , Srijangwad Anchalee , Tripipat Thitima , Sangmalee Suphattra , Vui Dam Thi , Chuanasa Taksina , Tantituvanont Angkana , Nilubol Dachrit 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has continued to cause sporadic outbreaks in Thailand since 2007. Previously, PEDV in Thailand was a new variant containing an insertion and deletion in the spike gene. Herein, full-length genome sequences are reported for two variants of PEDV isolates from pigs displaying diarrhea in Thailand.
Draft Genome Sequences of Ciliovirus and Brinovirus from San Francisco Wastewater
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , DeRisi Joseph L. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
We report the draft genome sequences of ciliovirus and brinovirus, two members of a likely new family of RNA viruses assembled from San Francisco wastewater. Based on sequence alignments and a nonuniversal genetic code, we believe these to be the first described RNA viruses of ciliates; however, more work is necessary to confirm their host.
Complete Genome Sequence of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, Isolated from a T-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patient
Authors: Sun Guiqin , Wang Lei , Bao Celimuge , Li Tiansheng , Ma Lili , Chen Li 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

An
Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
infection was detected at the end stage of a patient with T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The complete genome of this isolated strain, FMS-007, was generated in one contig with a total size of 3,938,967 bp. A preliminary screening indicated that the genome contains drug resistance genes to aminoglycosides and β-lactams. A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) system with 16 direct repeats and 15 spacers was identified.
Complete Genome Sequence of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Bratislava, Strain PigK151
Authors: Alt David P. , Wilson-Welder Jennifer H. , Bayles Darrell O. , Cameron Caroline , Adler Ben , Bulach Dieter M. , Seemann Torsten , Lehane Michael J. , Haines Lee R. , Darby Alistair C. , Hall Neil , Radford Alan D. , Zuerner Richard L. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTLeptospira interrogansserovar Bratislava infection occurs in multiple domestic and wildlife species and is associated with poor reproductive performance in swine and horses. We present the complete genome assembly of strain PigK151 comprising two chromosomes, CI (4.457 Mbp) and CII (358 kbp).
Complete Genome Sequence of Edwardsiella tarda Isolate FL95-01, Recovered from Channel Catfish
Authors: Reichley Stephen R. , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. , Tekedar Hasan C. , Lawrence Mark L. , Griffin Matt J. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Edwardsiella tarda
is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe that has been isolated from fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, including humans. This is a report of the complete and annotated genome of isolate FL95-01, recovered from channel catfish (
Ictalurus punctatus
).
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans Strains
Authors: Domingo Marc-Christian , Fournier Eric , Massé Cynthia , Charest Hugues , Bernard Kathryn , Côté Jean-Charles , Tremblay Cécile 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTHere, we present the draft genome sequences of two toxigenicCorynebacterium ulceransstrains isolated from two different patients: one from a blood sample and the other from a scar exudate following surgery. Although these two strains harbor the diphtheria toxin genetox, no full prophage sequences were found in the flanking regions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptacidiphilus oryzae TH49
T
, an Acidophilic Actinobacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Kim Yu Ri , Park Sewook , Kim Tae-Su , Kim Min-Kyeong , Han Ji-Hye , Joung Yochan , Kim Seung Bum 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The draft genome sequence of
Streptacidiphilus oryzae
strain TH49
T
, an acidophilic actinobacterium, was obtained. The draft is composed of six scaffolds totaling 7.8 Mbp, and it contains 6,829 protein-coding genes and 91 RNA genes. Genes related to respiratory nitrate reduction, siderophore production, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites were identified.
Candida albicans
Biofilm Development and Its Genetic Control
Authors: Desai Jigar V. , Mitchell Aaron P. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The fungus
Candida albicans
is a major source of device-associated infection because of its capacity for biofilm formation. It is part of the natural mucosal flora and thus has access to available niches that can lead to infection. In this chapter we discuss the major properties of
C. albicans
biofilms and the insight that has been gleaned from their genetic determinants. Our specific areas of focus include biofilm structure and development, cell morphology and biofilm formation, biofilm-associated gene expression, the cell surface and adherence, the extracellular matrix, biofilm metabolism, and biofilm drug resistance.
Biofilm Formation by
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Martinez Luis R. , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

The fungus
Cryptococcus neoformans
possesses a polysaccharide capsule and can form biofilms on medical devices. The increasing use of ventriculoperitoneal shunts to manage intracranial hypertension associated with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis highlights the importance of investigating the biofilm-forming properties of this organism. Like other microbe-forming biofilms,
C. neoformans
biofilms are resistant to antimicrobial agents and host defense mechanisms, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This chapter discusses the recent advances in the understanding of cryptococcal biofilms, including the role of its polysaccharide capsule in adherence, gene expression, and quorum sensing in biofilm formation. We describe novel strategies for the prevention or eradication of cryptococcal colonization of medical prosthetic devices. Finally, we provide fresh thoughts on the diverse but interesting directions of research in this field that may result in new insights into
C. neoformans
biology.
The Biology of the
Escherichia coli
Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Hufnagel David A. , Depas William H. , Chapman Matthew R. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is one of the world’s best-characterized organisms, because it has been extensively studied for over a century. However, most of this work has focused on
E. coli
grown under laboratory conditions that do not faithfully simulate its natural environments. Therefore, the historical perspectives on
E. coli
physiology and life cycle are somewhat skewed toward experimental systems that feature
E. coli
growing logarithmically in a test tube. Typically a commensal bacterium,
E. coli
resides in the lower intestines of a slew of animals. Outside of the lower intestine,
E. coli
can adapt and survive in a very different set of environmental conditions. Biofilm formation allows
E. coli
to survive, and even thrive, in environments that do not support the growth of planktonic populations.
E. coli
can form biofilms virtually everywhere: in the bladder during a urinary tract infection, on in-dwelling medical devices, and outside of the host on plants and in the soil. The
E. coli
extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily composed of the protein polymer named curli and the polysaccharide cellulose, promotes adherence to organic and inorganic surfaces and resistance to desiccation, the host immune system, and other antimicrobials. The pathways that govern
E. coli
biofilm formation, cellulose production, and curli biogenesis will be discussed in this article, which concludes with insights into the future of
E. coli
biofilm research and potential therapies.
Regulating the Intersection of Metabolism and Pathogenesis in Gram-positive Bacteria
Authors: Richardson† Anthony R. , Somerville† Greg A. , Sonenshein† Abraham L. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
Pathogenic bacteria must contend with immune systems that actively restrict the availability of nutrients and cofactors, and create a hostile growth environment. To deal with these hostile environments, pathogenic bacteria have evolved or acquired virulence determinants that aid in the acquisition of nutrients. This connection between pathogenesis and nutrition may explain why regulators of metabolism in nonpathogenic bacteria are used by pathogenic bacteria to regulate both metabolism and virulence. Such coordinated regulation is presumably advantageous because it conserves carbon and energy by aligning synthesis of virulence determinants with the nutritional environment. In Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, at least three metabolite-responsive global regulators, CcpA, CodY, and Rex, have been shown to coordinate the expression of metabolism and virulence genes. In this chapter, we discuss how environmental challenges alter metabolism, the regulators that respond to this altered metabolism, and how these regulators influence the host-pathogen interaction.
Commensal and Pathogenic
Escherichia coli
Metabolism in the Gut
Authors: Conway Tyrrell , Cohen Paul S. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

E. coli
is a ubiquitous member of the intestinal microbiome. This organism resides in a biofilm comprised of a complex microbial community within the mucus layer where it must compete for the limiting nutrients that it needs to grow fast enough to stably colonize. In this article we discuss the nutritional basis of intestinal colonization. Beginning with basic ecological principles we describe what is known about the metabolism that makes
E. coli
such a remarkably successful member of the intestinal microbiota. To obtain the simple sugars and amino acids that it requires,
E. coli
depends on degradation of complex glycoproteins by strict anaerobes. Despite having essentially the same core genome and hence the same metabolism when grown in the laboratory, different
E. coli
strains display considerable catabolic diversity when colonized in mice. To explain why some
E. coli
mutants do not grow as well on mucus in vitro as their wild type parents yet are better colonizers, we postulate that each one resides in a distinct “Restaurant” where it is served different nutrients because it interacts physically and metabolically with different species of anaerobes. Since enteric pathogens that fail to compete successfully for nutrients cannot colonize, a basic understanding of the nutritional basis of intestinal colonization will inform efforts to develop prebiotics and probiotics to combat infection.
Glycolysis for Microbiome Generation
Authors: Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
For a generation of microbiologists who study pathogenesis in the context of the human microbiome, understanding the diversity of bacterial metabolism is essential. In this chapter, I briefly describe how and why I became, and remain, interested in metabolism. I then will describe and compare some of the strategies used by bacteria to consume sugars as one example of metabolic diversity. I will end with a plea to embrace metabolism in the endeavor to understand pathogenesis.
Interactions ofVibriospp. with Zooplankton
Authors: Erken Martina , Lutz Carla , McDougald Diane 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTMembers of the genusVibrioare known to interact with phyto- and zooplankton in aquatic environments. These interactions have been proven to protect the bacterium from various environmental stresses, serve as a nutrient source, facilitate exchange of DNA, and to serve as vectors of disease transmission. This review highlights the impact ofVibrio-zooplankton interactions at the ecosystem scale and the importance of studies focusing on a wide range ofVibrio-zooplankton interactions. The current knowledge on chitin utilization (i.e., chemotaxis, attachment, and degradation) and the role of these factors in attachment to nonchitinous zooplankton is also presented.
Influence of Environmental Factors onVibriospp. in Coastal Ecosystems
Authors: Johnson Crystal N. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTVarious studies have examined the relationships between vibrios and the environmental conditions surrounding them. However, very few reviews have compiled these studies into cohesive points. This may be due to the fact that these studies examine different environmental parameters, use different sampling, detection, and enumeration methodologies, and occur in diverse geographic locations. The current article is one approach to compile these studies into a cohesive work that assesses the importance of environmental determinants on the abundance of vibrios in coastal ecosystems.