bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cry1Ab Protein from Bacillus thuringiensis and MON810 cry1Ab‐transgenic Maize Exerts No Adjuvant Effect After Airway Exposure
Authors: Andreassen M. , Bøhn T. , Wikmark O.‐G. , Van den Berg J. , Løvik M. , Traavik T. , Nygaard U. C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe genetically modified (GM) maize event MON810 has been inserted with a processed version of the transgene, cry1Ab, derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to express proteins with insecticidal properties. Such proteins may introduce new allergens and also act as adjuvants that promote allergic responses. While focus has been on safe consumption and hence the oral exposure to GM food and feed, little is known regarding inhalation of pollen and desiccated airborne plant material from GM crops. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plant material from the Cry1Ab‐expressing maize variety MON810, or trypsin‐activated Cry1Ab (trypCry1Ab) protein produced in recombinant bacteria, may act as adjuvants against the allergen ovalbumin (OVA) in a mouse model of airway allergy. A clear proallergic adjuvant effect of the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) was demonstrated, determined as increased specific IgE, eosinophils and Th2 cytokines in MLN cell supernates, while no elevation in OVA‐specific antibodies or cytokine release from MLN cells after stimulation with OVA were observed in mice receiving Cry1Ab‐containing plant materials or the trypCry1Ab protein. Our data suggest that Cry1Ab proteins had no detectable systemic adjuvant effect in mice after airway exposure. Further experiments with purified plant proteins, as well as long‐term exposures needs be conducted to further evaluate exposures experienced in real‐life situations.
Phased‐array of microcoils allows MR microscopy of ex vivo human skin samples at 9.4 T
Authors: Göbel K. , Gruschke O. G. , Leupold J. , Kern J. S. , Has C. , Bruckner–Tuderman L. , Hennig J. , von Elverfeldt D. , Baxan N. , Korvink J. G. 
Published: January 2015

PurposeThe aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a custom‐made phased‐array microcoil within a 400 MHz animal system for the morphological characterization of human skin tissue in correlation with histopathology.Materials and methodsA dedicated 7‐channel microcoil‐based MR detector arranged in a phased‐array geometry was developed to combine the advantages of both a large field of view and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Standard gradient echo sequences were adapted for the characterization of skin morphology ex vivo.ResultsIn this study, the feasibility of using this type of microdetector, combined with specially manufactured sample holders, to achieve high‐resolution MR images of fresh and formalin‐fixed, normal and hidradenitis suppurativa diseased skin was successfully demonstrated. The setup presented in this work allows reliable acquisitions of high‐resolution images with in‐plane resolution up to 25 × 25 μm², and 100 μm in the orthogonal direction, thereby allowing the differentiation of typical layers of the skin, sebaceous glands and hair follicle.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that MR microscopy on skin biopsies can be applied at low cost on a standard animal MR imaging system. The successful imaging of different skin structures ex vivo is a prerequisite for non‐invasive, in vivo application of skin MR microscopy for accurate complementary disease diagnosis in dermatology.
Long‐proboscid brachyceran flies in Cretaceous amber (Diptera: Stratiomyomorpha: Zhangsolvidae)
Authors: ARILLO ANTONIO , PEÑALVER ENRIQUE , PÉREZ‐DE LA FUENTE RICARDO , DELCLÒS XAVIER , CRISCIONE JULIA , BARDEN PHILLIP M. , RICCIO MARK L. , GRIMALDI DAVID A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe monophyletic family Zhangsolvidae comprises stout‐bodied brachyceran flies with a long proboscis and occurring only in the Cretaceous, originally known in shale from the Early Cretaceous Laiyang Formation (Fm.) in China (Zhangsolva Nagatomi & Yang), subsequently from limestones of the Early Cretaceous Crato Fm. of Brazil. Cratomyoides Wilkommen is synonymized with Cratomyia Mazzarolo & Amorim, both from the Crato Fm.; Cratomyiidae is synonymized with Zhangsolvidae. Two genera and three species of Zhangsolvidae are described: Buccinatormyia magnifica Arillo, Peñalver & Pérez‐de la Fuente, gen. et sp.n. and B. soplaensis Arillo, Peñalver & Pérez‐de la Fuente, sp.n., in Albian amber from Las Peñosas Fm. in Spain; and Linguatormyia teletacta Grimaldi, gen. et sp.n., in Upper Albian–Lower Cenomanian amber from Hukawng Valley in Myanmar. Buccinatormyia soplaensis and Linguatormyia teletacta are unique among all Brachycera, extant or extinct, by their remarkably long, flagellate antennae, about 1.6× the body length in the latter species. A phylogenetic analysis of 52 morphological characters for 35 taxa is presented, 11 taxa being Cretaceous species, which supports placement of the family within Stratiomyomorpha, although not to any particular family within the infraorder.This published work has been registered in Zoobank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F32CF887‐7C37‐45D5‐BD6B‐135FE9B729A7.
Host‐associated genetic divergence and taxonomy in theRhinusa pilosaGyllenhal species complex: an integrative approach
Authors: TOŠEVSKI IVO , CALDARA ROBERTO , JOVIĆ JELENA , HERNÁNDEZ‐VERA GERARDO , BAVIERA COSIMO , GASSMANN ANDRE , EMERSON BRENT C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA combined taxonomic, morphological, molecular and biological study revealed that stem‐galling weevils from the genusRhinusaassociated with toadflaxes from the genusLinaria(Plantaginaceae) are composed of three different species:Rhinusa pilosa,Rhinusa brondeliiandRhinusa rarasp.n.The authentic field host plants are respectively,Linaria vulgaris,Linaria purpureaandLinaria genistifolia/ Linaria dalmatica. These weevil species can be distinguished from each other by a few subtle morphological characteristics, mainly in the shape of the rostrum and of the integument. An analysis of the mitochondrial [cytochrome oxidase subunit II gene (COII) and16Sribosomal RNA gene (16S)] and nuclear (elongation factor‐1α,EF‐1α) sequence data revealed high genetic divergence among these species. Uncorrected pairwise distances on mtCOIIgene were 14.3% betweenR. pilosaandR. brondelii, 15.7% betweenR. pilosaandR. rara, whileR. brondeliiandR. rarawere approximately 11% divergent from each other. Divergences obtained on16Sand nuclearEF‐1αgenes were congruent. However, substantial intraspecific mitochondrial divergence was recorded for all studied populations ofR. pilosas.s. showing two mtDNAlineages, with estimatedCOIIand16Sdivergences of 4% and 1.6%, respectively. Nuclear pseudogenes (Numts) andWolbachiainfluence, although recorded within both lineages, were excluded as possible causatives of the mtDNAdivergence, whileEF‐1αindicated absence of lineage sorting. Species from theR. pilosacomplex are estimated to have diverged from each other approximately 7.2 million years ago (mya; lateMiocene), whileR. brondeliiandR. raradiverged from each other about 4.7 mya (earlyPliocene).This published work has been registered in ZooBank,http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EEDD6248‐01DB‐4B4A‐B79D‐C5606393E3AA.
An investigation into the relationship between age and physiological function in highly active older adults
Authors: Pollock Ross D. , Carter Scott , Velloso Cristiana P. , Duggal Niharika A. , Lord Janet M. , Lazarus Norman R. , Harridge Stephen D. R. 
Published: January 2015

Key Points
The relationship between age and physiological function remains poorly defined and there are no physiological markers that can be used to reliably predict the age of an individual.
This could be due to a variety of confounding genetic and lifestyle factors, and in particular to ill‐defined and low levels of physical activity.
This study assessed the relationship between age and a diverse range of physiological functions in a cohort of highly active older individuals (cyclists) aged 55–79 years in whom the effects of lifestyle factors would be ameliorated.
Significant associations between age and function were observed for many functions. was most closely associated with age, but even here the variance in age for any given level was high, precluding the clear identification of the age of any individual.
The data suggest that the relationship between human ageing and physiological function is highly individualistic and modified by inactivity.
AbstractDespite extensive research, the relationship between age and physiological function remains poorly characterised and there are currently no reliable markers of human ageing. This is probably due to a number of confounding factors, particularly in studies of a cross‐sectional nature. These include inter‐subject genetic variation, as well as inter‐generational differences in nutrition, healthcare and insufficient levels of physical activity as well as other environmental factors. We have studied a cohort of highly and homogeneously active older male (n = 84) and female (n = 41) cyclists aged 55–79 years who it is proposed represent a model for the study of human ageing free from the majority of confounding factors, especially inactivity. The aim of the study was to identify physiological markers of ageing by assessing the relationship between function and age across a wide range of indices. Each participant underwent a detailed physiological profiling which included measures of cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, metabolic, endocrine and cognitive functions, bone strength, and health and well‐being. Significant associations between age and function were observed for many functions. The maximal rate of oxygen consumption ( showed the closest association with age (r = −0.443 to −0.664; P < 0.001), but even here the variance in age for any given level was high, precluding the clear identification of the age of any individual. The results of this cross‐sectional study suggest that even when many confounding variables are removed the relationship between function and healthy ageing is complex and likely to be highly individualistic and that physical activity levels must be taken into account in ageing studies.
Sarcopenia Defined by Combining Height- and Weight-Adjusted Skeletal Muscle Indices is Closely Associated With Poor Physical Performance
Authors: Meng Nai-Hsin , Li Chia-Ing , Liu Chiu-Shong , Lin Wen-Yuan , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Chang Chin-Kai , Li Tsai-Chung , Lin Cheng-Chieh 
Published: January 2015

Objectives:To compare muscle strength and physical performance among subjects with and without sarcopenia of different definitions.Design:A population-based cross-sectional study.Participants:857 community residents aged 65 years or older.Methods:Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group of Sarcopenia in Older People consensus criteria. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measured lean soft tissue mass. Sarcopenic participants with low height-adjusted or weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index (SMI) were classified as having h-sarcopenia or w-sarcopenia, respectively. Combined sarcopenia (c-sarcopenia) was defined as having either h- or w-sarcopenia. The participants underwent six physical performance tests: walking speed, timed up-and-go, six-minute walk, single-leg stance, timed chair stands, and flexibility test. The strength of five muscle groups was measured.Results:Participants with h-sarcopenia had lower weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and absolute muscle strength (p ≤ .001); those with w-sarcopenia had higher weight, BMI, fat mass (p < .001), and low relative muscle strength (p ≤ .003). Participants with c-sarcopenia had poorer performance in all physical performance tests, whereas h-sarcopenia and w-sarcopenia were associated with poor performance in four tests.Conclusion:Subjects with h- and w-sarcopenia differ significantly in terms of obesity indicators. Combining height- and weight-adjusted SMIs can be a feasible method to define sarcopenia.
Extended-Duration Dosing and Distribution of Dalbavancin into Bone and Articular Tissue
Authors: Dunne Michael W. , Puttagunta Sailaja , Sprenger Craig R. , Rubino Chris , Van Wart Scott , Baldassarre James 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Dalbavancin is an intravenous lipoglycopeptide with activity against Gram-positive pathogens and an MIC
90
for
Staphylococcus aureus
of 0.06 μg/ml. With a terminal half-life of >14 days, dosing regimens with infrequent parenteral administration become available to treat infectious diseases such as osteomyelitis and endocarditis that otherwise require daily dosing for many weeks. In order to support a rationale for these novel regimens, the pharmacokinetics over an extended dosing interval and the distribution of dalbavancin into bone and articular tissue were studied in two phase I trials and pharmacokinetic modeling was performed. Intravenous administration of 1,000 mg of dalbavancin on day 1 followed by 500 mg weekly for seven additional weeks was well tolerated and did not demonstrate evidence of drug accumulation. In a separate study, dalbavancin concentrations in cortical bone 12 h after infusion of a single 1,000-mg intravenous infusion were 6.3 μg/g and 2 weeks later were 4.1 μg/g. A two-dose, once-weekly regimen that would provide tissue exposure over the dalbavancin MIC for
Staphylococcus aureus
for 8 weeks, maximizing the initial exposure to treatment while minimizing the frequency of intravenous therapy, is proposed.
A Phase 2, Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial To Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Three Dosing Regimens of Isavuconazole Compared with Fluconazole in Patients with Uncomplicated Esophageal Candidiasis
Authors: Viljoen J. , Azie N. , Schmitt-Hoffmann A.-H. , Ghannoum M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Esophageal candidiasis is a frequent cause of morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Isavuconazole is a novel, broad-spectrum antifungal developed for the treatment of opportunistic fungal infections. This phase 2 trial compared the efficacy and safety of three oral dosing regimens of isavuconazole with an oral fluconazole regimen in the primary treatment of uncomplicated esophageal candidiasis. The isavuconazole regimens were as follows: 200 mg on day 1 and then 50 mg once daily (arm A), 400 mg on day 1 and then 400 mg once-weekly (arm B), and 400 mg on day 1 and then 100 mg once daily (arm C). Patients in arm D received fluconazole at 200 mg on day 1 and then 100 mg once daily. The minimum treatment duration was 14 days. The primary endpoint was the rate of endoscopically confirmed clinical response at end of therapy. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Efficacy was evaluated in 153 of 160 enrolled patients. Overall, 146 (95.4%) achieved endoscopically confirmed clinical success. Each of the isavuconazole regimens was shown to be not inferior to fluconazole, i.e., arm A versus D, −0.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] −10.0 to 9.4), arm B versus D, 3.5% (95% CI, −5.6 to 12.7), and arm C versus D, −0.2% (95% CI, −9.8 to 9.4). The frequency of adverse events was similar in arm A (
n
= 22; 55%), arm B (
n
= 18; 45%), and arm D (
n
= 22; 58%), but higher in arm C (
n
= 29; 71%). In summary, efficacy and safety of once-daily and once-weekly isavuconazole were comparable with once-daily fluconazole in the primary treatment of uncomplicated esophageal candidiasis.
Molecular Mechanisms of Sulbactam Antibacterial Activity and Resistance Determinants in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Penwell William F. , Shapiro Adam B. , Giacobbe Robert A. , Gu Rong-Fang , Gao Ning , Thresher Jason , McLaughlin Robert E. , Huband Michael D. , DeJonge Boudewijn L. M. , Ehmann David E. , Miller Alita A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Sulbactam is a class A β-lactamase inhibitor with intrinsic whole-cell activity against certain bacterial species, including
Acinetobacter baumannii
. The clinical use of sulbactam for
A. baumannii
infections is of interest due to increasing multidrug resistance in this pathogen. However, the molecular drivers of its antibacterial activity and resistance determinants have yet to be precisely defined. Here we show that the antibacterial activities of sulbactam vary widely across contemporary
A. baumannii
clinical isolates and are mediated through inhibition of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) PBP1 and PBP3, with very low frequency of resistance; the rare
pbp3
mutants with high levels of resistance to sulbactam are attenuated in fitness. These results support further investigation of the potential clinical utility of sulbactam.
The Sensor Histidine Kinase RgfC Affects Group B Streptococcal Virulence Factor Expression Independent of Its Response Regulator RgfA
Authors: Gendrin Claire , Lembo Annalisa , Whidbey Christopher , Burnside Kellie , Berry Jessica , Ngo Lisa , Banerjee Anirban , Xue Liang , Arrington Justine , Doran Kelly S. , Tao W. Andy , Rajagopal Lakshmi 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTGroup B streptococci (GBS;Streptococcus agalactiae) are beta-hemolytic, Gram-positive bacteria that are common asymptomatic colonizers of healthy adults. However, these opportunistic bacteria also cause invasive infections in human newborns and in certain adult populations. To adapt to the various environments encountered during its disease cycle, GBS encodes a number of two-component signaling systems. Previous studies have indicated that the TCS comprising the sensor histidine kinase RgfC and the response regulator RgfA mediate GBS binding to extracellular matrix components, such as fibrinogen. However, in certain GBS clinical isolates, a point mutation inrgfAresults in premature truncation of the response regulator. The truncated RgfA protein lacks the C-terminal DNA binding domain necessary for promoter binding and gene regulation. Here, we show that deletion ofrgfCin GBS strains lacking a functional RgfA increased systemic infection. Furthermore, infection with thergfCmutant increased induction of proinflammatory signaling pathwaysin vivo. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that 19 phosphopeptides corresponding to 12 proteins were differentially phosphorylated at aspartate, cysteine, serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues in thergfCmutant. This included aspartate phosphorylation of a tyrosine kinase, CpsD, and a transcriptional regulator. Consistent with this observation, microarray analysis of thergfCmutant indicated that >200 genes showed altered expression compared to the isogenic wild-type strain and included transcriptional regulators, transporters, and genes previously associated with GBS pathogenesis. Our observations suggest that in the absence of RgfA, nonspecific RgfC signaling affects the expression of virulence factors and GBS pathogenesis.
A new score for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in acute chest pain with non-diagnostic ECG and normal troponin
Authors: Boubaker Hamdi , Grissa Mohamed Habib , Beltaief Kaouther , Haj Amor Mohamed , Mdimagh Zouhaier , Boukhris Amor , Ben Amor Mehdi , Dridi Zohra , Letaief Mondher , Bouida Wahid , Boukef Riadh , Najjar Fadhel , Nouira Semir 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) represents a difficult diagnostic challenge in patients with undifferentiated chest pain. There is a need for a valid clinical score to improve diagnostic accuracy.ObjectivesTo compare the performance of a model combining the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score and a score describing chest pain (ACS diagnostic score: ACSD score) with that of both scores alone in the diagnosis of ACS in ED patients with chest pain associated with a non-diagnostic ECG and normal troponin.MethodsIn this observational cohort study, we enrolled 809 patients admitted to a chest pain unit with normal ECG and normal troponin. They were prospectively evaluated in order to calculate TIMI score, chest pain characteristics score and ACSD score. Diagnosis of ACS was the primary outcome and defined on the basis of 2 cardiologists after reviewing the patient medical records and follow-up data. Mortality and major cardiovascular events were followed for 1 month for patients discharged directly from ED. Discriminative power of scores was evaluated by the area under the ROC curve.ResultsACS was confirmed in 90 patients (11.1%). The area under the ROC curve for ACSD score was 0.85 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.90) compared with 0.74 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.81) for TIMI and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.84) for chest pain characteristics score. A threshold value of 9 appeared to optimise sensitivity (92%) and negative predictive value (99%) without excessively compromising specificity (62%) and positive predictive value (23%).ConclusionsThe ACSD score showed a good discrimination performance and an excellent negative predictive value which allows safely ruling out ACS in ED patients with undifferentiated chest pain. Our findings should be validated in a larger multicentre study.
Transradial access in acute ischemic stroke intervention
Authors: Haussen Diogo C , Nogueira Raul G , DeSousa Keith G , Pafford Ryan N , Janjua Nazli , Ramdas Kevin N , Peterson Eric C , Elhammady Mohamed Samy , Yavagal Dileep R 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo describe the feasibility and safety of transradial access (TRA) in the interventional management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsA retrospective review of the local institutional AIS interventional databases of three tertiary academic centers was performed and the use of TRA identified.ResultsTRA was attempted in 15 (1.5%) of 1001 patients; it was used in 12 cases due to transfemoral access (TFA) failure and in 3 as the primary strategy. The mean age was 72.3±8.6 and 46% were male. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 19.5±8.7, two patients (14%) received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and mean time from last known normal to intra-arterial therapy was 17.0±20.1 h. Five patients had anterior circulation occlusive disease and 10 had vertebrobasilar occlusions. TRA was effective in allowing clot engagement in 13 of 15 cases: one patient had a hypoplastic radial artery that precluded sheath advancement and one had chronic innominate artery occlusion that could not be crossed. Mean time to switch from TFA to TRA was 1.9±1.3 h and the mean time from radial puncture to reperfusion was 2.2±1.0 h. Modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2b–3 reperfusion via TRA was achieved in 9 of 15 patients (60%). No radial puncture site complications were noted. At 90 days, two patients (13%) had a good clinical outcome and seven (50%) had died.ConclusionsFailure of TFA in the endovascular treatment of AIS is uncommon but leads to unacceptable delays in reperfusion and poor outcomes. Standardization of benchmarks for access switch could serve as a guide for neurointerventionalists. TRA is a valid approach for the endovascular treatment of AIS.
Initial experience with the PulseRider for the treatment of bifurcation aneurysms: report of first three cases in the USA
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Chaudry M Imran , Turk Aquilla S , Turner Raymond D 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionThe PulseRider is a novel device intended for use in the treatment of aneurysms arising at bifurcations. We present the initial results of the first three cases in the USA employing the PulseRider device.MethodsAneurysms intended to be treated with the PulseRider device at a single institution were identified prospectively. Aneurysms arising at either the carotid terminus or basilar apex that were relatively broad-necked were considered candidates for treatment with the novel device.ResultsPatients were pretreated with dual antiplatelet therapy. All cases were performed under general endotracheal anesthesia. An appropriately sized PulseRider device was deployed across the neck of the aneurysm. A microcatheter was then navigated over a 0.014 inch microwire through the device into the aneurysm. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in all cases without intraprocedural complications.ConclusionsWe have found in our early experience with the Pulse Rider device that its use is safe and effective as an adjunct in the treatment of bifurcation aneurysms arising at the basilar apex or carotid terminus. As such, it represents a useful addition to the armamentarium of the neuroendovascular specialist.