bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hindgut lumen prokaryotic microbiota of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes and its responses to dietary lignocellulose composition
Authors: Boucias Drion G. , Cai Yunpeng , Sun Yijun , Lietze Verena‐Ulrike , Sen Ruchira , Raychoudhury Rhitoban , Scharf Michael E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractReticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is a highly eusocial insect that thrives on recalcitrant lignocellulosic diets through nutritional symbioses with gut‐dwelling prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the R. flavipes hindgut, there are up to 12 eukaryotic protozoan symbionts; the number of prokaryotic symbionts has been estimated in the hundreds. Despite its biological relevance, this diverse community, to date, has been investigated only by culture‐ and cloning‐dependent methods. Moreover, it is unclear how termite gut microbiomes respond to diet changes and what roles they play in lignocellulose digestion. This study utilized high‐throughput 454 pyrosequencing of 16S V5‐V6 amplicons to sample the hindgut lumen prokaryotic microbiota of R. flavipes and to examine compositional changes in response to lignin‐rich and lignin‐poor cellulose diets after a 7‐day feeding period. Of the ~475 000 high‐quality reads that were obtained, 99.9% were annotated as bacteria and 0.11% as archaea. Major bacterial phyla included Spirochaetes (24.9%), Elusimicrobia (19.8%), Firmicutes (17.8%), Bacteroidetes (14.1%), Proteobacteria (11.4%), Fibrobacteres (5.8%), Verrucomicrobia (2.0%), Actinobacteria (1.4%) and Tenericutes (1.3%). The R. flavipes hindgut lumen prokaryotic microbiota was found to contain over 4761 species‐level phylotypes. However, diet‐dependent shifts were not statistically significant or uniform across colonies, suggesting significant environmental and/or host genetic impacts on colony‐level microbiome composition. These results provide insights into termite gut microbiome diversity and suggest that (i) the prokaryotic gut microbiota is much more complex than previously estimated, and (ii) environment, founding reproductive pair effects and/or host genetics influence microbiome composition.
Landscape heterogeneity shapes host‐parasite interactions and results in apparent plant–virus codivergence
Authors: Rodelo‐Urrego M. , Pagán I. , González‐Jara P. , Betancourt M. , Moreno‐Letelier A. , Ayllón M. A. , Fraile A. , Piñero D. , García‐Arenal F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractKnowledge on how landscape heterogeneity shapes host–parasite interactions is central to understand the emergence, dynamics and evolution of infectious diseases. However, this is an underexplored subject, particularly for plant–virus systems. Here, we analyse how landscape heterogeneity influences the prevalence, spatial genetic structure, and temporal dynamics ofPepper golden mosaicandPepper huasteco yellow veinbegomoviruses infecting populations of the wild pepperCapsicum annuum glabriusculum(chiltepin) inMexico. Environmental heterogeneity occurred at different nested spatial scales (host populations within biogeographical provinces), with levels of human management varying among host population within a province. Results indicate that landscape heterogeneity affects the epidemiology and genetic structure of chiltepin‐infecting begomoviruses in a scale‐specific manner, probably related to conditions favouring the viruses' whitefly vector and its dispersion. Increased levels of human management of the host populations were associated with higher virus prevalence and erased the spatial genetic structure of the virus populations. Also, environmental heterogeneity similarly shaped the spatial genetic structures of host and viruses. This resulted in the congruence between host and virus phylogenies, which does not seem to be due to host‐virus co‐evolution. Thus, results provide evidence of the key role of landscape heterogeneity in determining plant–virus interactions.
Characterization of a second sterol‐esterifying enzyme in Toxoplasma highlights the importance of cholesterol storage pathways for the parasite
Authors: Lige Bao , Sampels Vera , Coppens Isabelle 
Published: February 2013

SummaryLipid bodies are eukaryotic structures for temporary storage of neutral lipids such as acylglycerols and steryl esters. Fatty acyl‐CoA and cholesterol are two substrates for cholesteryl ester (CE) synthesis via the ACAT reaction. The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is incapable of sterol synthesis and unremittingly scavenges cholesterol from mammalian host cells. We previously demonstrated that the parasite expresses a cholesteryl ester‐synthesizing enzyme, TgACAT1. In this article, we identified and characterized a second ACAT‐like enzyme, TgACAT2, which shares 56% identity with TgACAT1. Both enzymes are endoplasmic reticulum‐associated and contribute to CE formation for storage in lipid bodies. While TgACAT1 preferentially utilizes palmitoyl‐CoA, TgACAT2 has broader fatty acid specificity and produces more CE. Genetic ablation of each individual ACAT results in parasite growth impairment whereas dual ablation of ACAT1 and ACAT2 is not tolerated by Toxoplasma. ΔACAT1 and ΔACAT2 parasites have reduced CE levels, fewer lipid bodies, and accumulate free cholesterol, which causes injurious membrane effects. Mutant parasites are particularly vulnerable to ACAT inhibitors. This study underlines the important physiological role of ACAT enzymes to store cholesterol in a sterol‐auxotrophic organism such as Toxoplasma, and furthermore opens up possibilities of exploiting TgACAT as targets for the development of antitoxoplasmosis drugs.
How colorful are fruits? Limited color diversity in fleshy fruits on local and global scales
Authors: Stournaras Kalliope E. , Lo Eugenia , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Cazetta Eliana , Matthias Dehling D. , Schleuning Matthias , Stoddard Mary Caswell , Donoghue Michael J. , Prum Richard O. , Martin Schaefer H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe colors of fleshy fruits are considered to be a signal to seed‐dispersing animals, but their diversity remains poorly understood. Using an avian color space to derive a sensory morphospace for fruit color, we tested four hypotheses of fruit color diversity: fruit colors occupy a limited area of the color space; they are less diverse than flower colors; fruit colors within localities are similar to each other; and fruit color diversity reflects phylogeny.The global fruit color diversity of 948 primarily bird‐dispersed plant species and the color diversity of localities were compared with null models of random, unconstrained evolution of fruit color. Fruit color diversity was further compared with the diversity of 1300 flower colors. Tests of phylogenetic effects on fruit color were used to assess the degree of correspondence with phylogeny.Global and local fruit color diversity was limited compared with null models and fruits have achieved only half the color diversity of flowers. Interestingly, we found little indication of phylogenetic conservatism.Constraints resulting from the chemical properties of pigments probably limit global fruit and flower color diversity. Different types of selection on fruits and flowers may further explain the smaller color diversity of fruits.
Radiofrequency‐Assisted Transseptal Perforation for Electrophysiology Procedures in Children and Adults with Repaired Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: ESCH JESSE J. , TRIEDMAN JOHN K. , CECCHIN FRANK , ALEXANDER MARK E. , WALSH EDWARD P. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundPatients with congenital heart disease carry a high burden of arrhythmias and may pose special challenges when these arrhythmias are addressed invasively. We sought to describe our early experience with radiofrequency (RF) needle transseptal perforation to facilitate ablation procedures in this population.MethodsRetrospective chart review to identify all cases of attempted transseptal access with a commercial RF needle at Children's Hospital Boston between February 2007 and January 2010.ResultsA total of 10 patients had attempted RF transseptal perforation. Median age was 27 years. Five patients had undergone atrial switch procedures (Mustard/Senning), four had undergone Fontan operations, and one had atrial septal defect repair. The indication for left atrial access was mapping/ablation of atrial flutter in nine cases, and left‐sided accessory pathway in one case. The RF needle was chosen primarily in eight of 10 cases, whereas in the remaining two cases RF was used only after failed attempts with a conventional Brockenbrough needle. Septal material was atrial muscle in five cases, pericardium in three, and synthetic fabric in two. In nine of 10 patients, RF transseptal perforation was successful, including both patients in whom a conventional needle had failed. There were no clinically significant complications.ConclusionsRF transseptal perforation can be an effective method of obtaining left atrial access for electrophysiologic procedures in patients with complex congenital heart disease, including cases where a conventional Brockenbrough needle has failed.
Allergic contact dermatitis in children: which factors are relevant? (review of the literature)
Authors: de Waard‐van der Spek Flora B. , Andersen Klaus E. , Darsow Ulf , Mortz Charlotte G. , Orton David , Worm Margitta , Muraro Antonella , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Grimalt Ramon , Spiewak Radoslaw , Rudzeviciene Odilija , Flohr Carsten , Halken Susanne , Fiocchi Alessandro , Borrego Luis M. , Oranje Arnold P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAllergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) in children is increasing. Sensitization to contact allergens can start in early infancy. The epidermal barrier is crucial for the development of sensitization and elicitation of ACD. Factors that may influence the onset of sensitization in children are atopic dermatitis, skin barrier defects and intense or repetitive contact with allergens. Topical treatment of ACD is associated with cutaneous sensitization, although the prevalence is not high. ACD because of haptens in shoes or shin guards should be considered in cases of persistent foot eruptions or sharply defined dermatitis on the lower legs. Clinical polymorphism of contact dermatitis to clothing may cause difficulties in diagnosing textile dermatitis. Toys are another potentially source of hapten exposure in children, especially from toy‐cosmetic products such as perfumes, lipstick and eye shadow. The most frequent contact allergens in children are metals, fragrances, preservatives, neomycin, rubber chemicals and more recently also colourings. It is very important to remember that ACD in young children is not rare, and should always be considered when children with recalcitrant eczema are encountered. Children should be patch‐tested with a selection of allergens having the highest proportion of positive, relevant patch test reactions. The allergen exposure pattern differs between age groups and adolescents may also be exposed to occupational allergens. The purpose of this review is to alert the paediatrician and dermatologist of the frequency of ACD in young children and of the importance of performing patch tests in every case of chronic recurrent or therapy‐resistant eczema in children.
Prednisolone reduces recurrent wheezing after first rhinovirus wheeze: a 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Lukkarinen Minna , Lukkarinen Heikki , Lehtinen Pasi , Vuorinen Tytti , Ruuskanen Olli , Jartti Tuomas 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo better understand the role of human rhinovirus‐associated wheeze as a risk factor for childhood recurrent wheezing, a cohort of young children experiencing their first wheezing episode was followed until school age.MethodsAll 111 hospitalized wheezing children (median age, 12 months) were initially participated in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel trial on the efficacy of oral prednisolone. In this 7‐yr follow‐up, risk factors for recurrent wheezing were analysed, and then, the efficacy of prednisolone was evaluated overall and in pre‐specified subgroups post‐hoc. The main outcome was time to recurrent wheezing.ResultsThe strongest independent risk factor for recurrent wheezing was rhinovirus detection (hazard ratio 3.54; 95% confidence interval 1.51–8.30) followed by sensitization (3.47; 1.55–8.30, respectively) age <1 yr (2.45; 1.29–4.65) and eczema (2.33; 1.11–4.90). Overall, prednisolone did not prevent recurrent wheezing. In subgroup analysis, prednisolone was associated with less recurrent wheezing in children affected by rhinovirus (0.32; 0.12–0.90, adjusted to sensitization, young age, viral aetiology and parental asthma) and/or with eczema (0.27; 0.08–0.87, adjusted respectively).ConclusionsOur data strengthen the role of rhinovirus‐associated wheeze as an important risk factor for recurrent wheezing and asthma in young first‐time wheezing children. Prospective randomized trials on the efficacy of corticosteroids in rhinovirus‐associated early wheezing are warranted. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT 00494624)
Prevalence of confirmed immediate type drug hypersensitivity reactions among school children
Authors: Erkoçoğlu Mustafa , Kaya Aysenur , Civelek Ersoy , Özcan Celal , Çakır Banu , Akan Aysegül , Toyran Müge , Ginis Tayfur , Kocabas Can Naci 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite drug‐related hypersensitivity reactions are an important health problem, epidemiologic data on drug allergy and hypersensitivity are limited, and studies including diagnostic work‐up are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the actual frequency of immediate type drug hypersensitivity using diagnostic tests in school children with parent‐reported drug allergies.MethodsThis study involved three phases. The first phase is a survey of children with a mean age of 12.9 yrs attending grades 6–8 of primary schools with a questionnaire asking drug‐related symptoms within 2 h of ingestion. The total population of sixth to eight grade school children was 210,000, and a sample size of 9096 was deemed to be representative of Ankara [(p) = 1.0%, α < 0.05, β = 0.8, (d) = 0.2.] During the second phase, a detailed clinical history was obtained by phone from the parents of children who had positive parent‐reported drug allergy. The final stage of the study consisted of a detailed diagnostic work‐up of children with a clinical history consistent with immediate type drug hypersensitivity reaction.ResultsOverall, 11,233 questionnaires were distributed, 10,096 of which were retrieved after completion by parents. The rate of parent‐reported immediate type drug hypersensitivity was 7.87% (792 children). However, phone survey revealed a clinical history suggestive of drug allergy in only 117 children (1.16%). After further diagnostic work‐up, the true frequency of immediate type drug hypersensitivity was 0.11%.ConclusionOur results suggest that a positive clinical history is not enough to make a diagnosis of drug allergy, which highlights the significance of undertaking further diagnostic evaluation.
Striving for a zero‐error patient surgical journey through adoption of aviation‐style challenge and response flow checklists: a quality improvement project
Authors: Low Daniel K. , Reed Mark A. , Geiduschek Jeremy M. , Martin Lynn D. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAimsWe describe our aim to create a zero‐error system in our pediatric ambulatory surgery center by employing effective teamwork and aviation‐style challenge and response ‘flow checklists’ at key stages of the patient surgical journey. These are used in addition to the existing World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklists (Ann Surg, 255, 2012 and 44).BackgroundBellevue Surgery Center is a freestanding ambulatory surgery center affiliated with Seattle Children's Hospital, WA, USA. Approximately three thousand ambulatory surgeries are performed each year across a variety of surgical disciplines.MethodsKey points in the patient surgical journey were identified as high risk (different time points from the WHO safer surgery checklists). These were moments when the team, patient, and equipment have to been reconfigured to maximize patient safety. These points were departure from induction room, arrival in the operating room, departure from operating room, and arrival in the postanesthesia care unit. Traditionally, the anesthesiologist has memorized a list of ‘do‐not‐forget items’ for each of these stages. We recognized the potential for error to occur if the process was solely the responsibility of one individual and their memory. So we created ‘flow checklists’ executed by the team at every one of these high‐risk points. We adopted a challenge and response system for these flow checklists as this is a tried and tested system widely used in aviation for critical tasks such as configuring an aircraft pretakeoff and prelanding.ResultsA staff survey with a 72% response rate (n = 29) showed that the team valued the checklists and thought they contributed to patient safety. To date, we have had zero incidence of omitting any of the 24 items listed on the four flow checklists.ConclusionsWe have created a reproducible model of care involving multiple checklists at high‐risk points in the patient surgical journey. The model is reliable and has a high degree of staff engagement. It promotes patient safety by ensuring the patient, team and equipment are correctly configured at every key transition stage in the surgical journey. We have been able to achieve this with no measurable increase in turnover times or reduction in operating room efficiency.
Interventional Pain Management for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Authors: Hussain Arif , Erdek Michael 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPatients who suffer from the condition known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) present to the offices of physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists alike in overwhelming numbers. This condition has been defined as persistent back and/or leg pain despite having completed spinal surgery. As lumbar surgery continues to grow in prevalence, so will the number patients suffering from FBSS. It is important for physicians treating this population to expand their knowledge of FBSS etiologies and appropriate diagnostic imaging modalities, combined with confirmatory diagnostic injections, and proper technique for interventional pain procedures. In doing so, the physician may adequately be prepared to manage these complex cases in the future, ideally with the support of stronger evidence. Management begins with a systematic evaluation of common FBSS etiologies such as new‐onset stenosis, recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), epidural fibrosis, pseudarthrosis, and others. History and physical may be supplemented by imaging including X‐ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography myelography. Certain diagnoses may be confirmed with diagnostic procedures such as intra‐articular injections, medial branch blocks, or transforaminal nerve root blocks. Once an etiology is determined, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is most effective. This includes exercise or physical therapy, psychological counseling, medication, and interventional procedures. The most invasive treatment option, short of revision surgery, is spinal cord stimulation. This intervention has a number of studies demonstrating its efficacy and cost‐effectiveness in this population. Finally, revision surgery may be used when indicated such as with progressive neurological impairment or with issues regarding previous surgical instrumentation.
Of Gods and Kings: Divine Kingship in Ancient Mesopotamia
Authors: Brisch Nicole 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe idea that any living human being could be worshipped like a god may appear to some people unfathomable or sacrilegious. This is related to how the distinction between humans and god(s) is perceived in a given cultural context; divinity is a concept that has been understood very differently throughout history. This is not a new point but remains all too often underappreciated when discussing the blurring of lines between human and god as evidenced in the deification of kings. In ancient Mesopotamia, one of the oldest high civilizations in the world, it was a short‐lived but nevertheless interesting phenomenon. The first instances of royal deification occur in the third millennium bce during times of political expansion and centralization. Whether this worship continued into the second millennium bce is still a matter of contention, yet Mesopotamian kings always maintained a close proximity to the divine to legitimize and bolster their power.
Same‐Sex Couples, Families, and Marriage: Embracing and Resisting Heteronormativity1
Authors: Hopkins Jason J. , Sorensen Anna , Taylor Verta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article focuses on lesbian and gay couples and families and the politics of same‐sex marriage. Drawing from the literature on same‐sex couples, same‐sex marriage, and queer theory’s concept of heteronormativity, we argue that gay and lesbian couples and families both affirm and challenge heterosexual and gendered family forms. First, we review literature that discusses how same‐sex relationships and families are similar to and different from conventional heterosexual relationships and families. Second, we discuss the socio‐legal and cultural inequalities faced by LGBT families. Third, we discuss the politics of same‐sex marriage, examining the debate among social conservatives, pro‐marriage activists, and queer critics over the desirability of same‐sex marriage. We conclude that the growing visibility of LGBT couples and families has made their exclusion from the institution of marriage more conspicuous and that recognition of LGBT relationships and families seems likely to increase.
A Cross‐National Look at How Welfare States Reduce Inequality
Authors: Moller Stephanie , Misra Joya , Strader Eiko 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA major shift in welfare state research occurred at the turn of the century as researchers moved from explaining the development of welfare states and variations in spending across welfare states to a focus on welfare state outcomes. One of the key outcomes examined in the literature is inequality. While much of the early literature examined overall spending, followed by analysis of specific taxes and transfers related to old age, unemployment, disability, health, and families, more recent research has included a broader range of welfare state policies including work‐family policies and flexicurity. This essay highlights some important developments in the research on welfare states and inequality.