bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aeromonas chitinase degrades chironomid egg masses
Authors: Laviad Sivan , Golan Amnon , Shaked Tamar , Vaizel‐Ohayon Dalit , Halpern Malka , Pick Elah 
Published: October 2015

SummaryChironomids are freshwater insects that undergo a complete metamorphosis of four life stages. Chironomid egg masses can be degraded by Vibrio cholerae and some Aeromonas species. Egg mass degradation by V. cholerae requires haemagglutinin protease activity. Our aim was to identify the egg mass degrading (EMD) factor secreted by Aeromonas dhkanesis 3K1C15. Following the hypothesis that the EMD factor of A. dhkanesis is also a protease, secreted proteases were screened, but none of them proved to have the same properties as the EMD factor. Using conventional protein purification methods, we found that the active fraction included chitinases. We further confirmed chitin as a building block of the egg masses. Interestingly, by supplementing bacterial growth media with chitin, we observed unexpected EMD factor activity in Aeromonas isolates that initially were not able to degrade egg masses. Accordingly, we concluded that although strain 3K1C15 secretes chitinases constitutively, most Aeromonas strains secrete chitinases inductively. Induction of chitinases in nature presumably occurs when bacteria are attached to the egg mass habitat, in which chitin is abundant. Considering that chitinases are highly conserved across bacteria phyla, we assume that the role of this enzyme in the bacteria–insect interplay could be wider than is currently thought.
The influence of comorbid disorders on the episodicity of bipolar disorder in youth
Authors: Yen S. , Stout R. , Hower H. , Killam M. A. , Weinstock L. M. , Topor D. R. , Dickstein D. P. , Hunt J. I. , Gill M. K. , Goldstein T. R. , Goldstein B. I. , Ryan N. D. , Strober M. , Sala R. , Axelson D. A. , Birmaher B. , Keller M. B. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveBipolar disorder (BP) frequently co‐occurs with other psychiatric disorders. We examine whether course of anxiety disorders (ANX), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorders (DBD), and substance use disorders (SUD) influence likelihood of recovery and recurrence of depression and mania in BP youth.MethodWeekly ratings of psychiatric disorder intensity were obtained from 413 participants of the Course and Outcome of BP Youth project, followed for an average of 7.75 years. Multiple‐event Cox proportional hazards regression analyses examined worsening of comorbid disorders as predictors of mood episode recovery and recurrence.ResultsIncreased severity in ANX and SUD predicted longer time to recovery and less time to next depressive episode, and less time to next manic episode. Multivariate models with ANX and SUD found that significant effects of ANX remained, but SUD only predicted longer time to depression recovery. Increased severity of ADHD and DBD predicted shorter time to recurrence for depressive and manic episodes.ConclusionThere are significant time‐varying relationships between the course of comorbid disorders and episodicity of depression and mania in BP youth. Worsening of comorbid conditions may present as a precursor to mood episode recurrence or warn of mood episode protraction.
Clinical risk factors for death after release from prison in Washington State: a nested case–control study
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , Stern Marc F. , Yamashita Traci E. , Mueller Shane R. , Baggett Travis P. , Blatchford Patrick J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsWhile mortality rates after prison release are high, little is known about clinical risk factors for death. We sought to identify risk and protective factors for all‐cause and accidental poisoning (overdose) death.DesignNested case–control study of people released from prison.SettingWashington State Department of Corrections, Washington, USA.ParticipantsCases (699 all‐cause deaths, of which 88 were among women, and 196 additional overdose deaths, of which 76 were among women) between 1999 and 2009 matched 1 : 1 to controls on sex, age and year of release using risk set sampling.MeasurementsPrison medical charts were abstracted for clinical information. Independent associations between clinical characteristics and all‐cause and overdose mortality were assessed using conditional logistic regression.FindingsKey independent risk factors for all‐cause mortality included homelessness [odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 2.23], injection drug use (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.06), tobacco use (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.13), cirrhosis (OR = 4.42, 95% CI = 1.63, 11.98) and psychiatric medications before release (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.71, 3.30). Independent risk factors for overdose mortality included substance use disorder (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.32, 4.11), injection drug use (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.53, 3.86), panic disorder (OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.62, 9.21), psychiatric prescriptions before release (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.85) and problems with opiates/sedatives (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.40, 5.63). Substance use disorder treatment during the index incarceration was protective for all‐cause (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.91) and overdose (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.90) mortality.ConclusionsInjection drug use and substance use disorders are risk factors for death after release from prison. In‐prison substance use disorder treatment services may reduce the risk.
Increasing compliance with alcohol service laws in a developing country: intervention trial in the Kingdom of Bhutan
Authors: Dorji Gampo , DeJong William , Bor Jacob , DeSilva Mary Bachman , Sabin Lora , Feeley Frank Rich , Udon Pema , Wangchuk Nima , Wangdi Ugyen , Choden Tshering , Gurung Mongal Singh , Chogyel Tandin , Wangchuk Dorji , Kypri Kypros 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimBhutan is a low‐middle income country that, like many others, experiences significant alcohol‐related harm and low compliance with laws restricting availability and promotion. This study assessed changes in compliance of alcohol outlets with sales restrictions following a multi‐sector programme aimed at improving this.DesignPre–post design with covert observation of service practices.SettingThimphu, Bhutan, June–November 2013. Alcohol is not permitted for sale except from 1 to 10 p.m. Wednesday–Monday. Serving minors (< 18 years old) or intoxicated patrons is illegal.ParticipantsSeventy‐one outlets selected randomly from all 209 on‐premises outlets in downtown Thimphu.InterventionMulti‐sector programme involving visits to outlets, education of owners and staff, a toolkit and implementation checks.MeasurementsTen mystery‐shopper visits were made to each outlet both before and after the intervention. We assessed compliance in five purchasing scenarios: (1) before 1 p.m., (2) after 10 p.m., (3) on Tuesdays and (4) shoppers who appeared to be underage or (5) intoxicated. Changes in compliance rates were assessed using multi‐variable logistic regression models.FindingsOverall compliance increased from 20 to 34% [difference: 14%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 7–22%]. Improvement was found in refusals of service before 1 p.m.: 10–34% (differenceadj = 24%; 95% CI = 12–37%) and on Tuesdays: 43–58% (differenceadj = 14%; 95% CI = 1–28%). Differences in refusal to serve alcohol: after 10 p.m. (differenceadj = 15%; 95% CI = –8 to 37%); to underage patrons (differenceadj = –5%; 95% CI = 14 to 4%); and to intoxicated patrons (differenceadj = 7%; 95% CI = –7–20%) were not statistically significant. Younger servers, stand‐alone bars and outlets permitting indoor smoking were each less likely to comply with the alcohol service laws.ConclusionA multi‐sector programme to improve compliance with legal restrictions on serving alcohol in Bhutan appeared to have a modest effect but even after the programme, in two‐thirds of the occasions tested, the laws were broken.
Hepatitis C virus infections in oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alaizari NA , Al‐Maweri SA , Al‐Shamiri HM , Tarakji B , Shugaa‐Addin B 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundA role for hepatitis C virus in oral lichen planus has been postulated. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of the existing epidemiological studies was conducted to determine if there is a correlation between oral lichen planus and hepatitis C virus infection.MethodsWe examined the association between hepatitis C virus and oral lichen planus by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of case‐control studies that examined the prevalence of anti‐HCV antibodies in the serum of cases and controls. We searched PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library databases from 2005 to January 2015. Associations were measured using random‐effect odds ratios (ORs) combined with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsNineteen eligible studies, encompassing 1807 cases of OLP and 2519 controls, were retrieved and included in this review. The summary estimate OR for all studies was 6.07 (95% CI: 2.73–13.48), showing a statistically significant difference in the proportion of HCV seropositivity among oral lichen planus patients, compared with controls and substantial heterogeneity between studies (I2= 65%) as a result of a variety of geographical distributions.ConclusionsThe association of hepatitis C virus infection with oral lichen planus emphasizes the importance of hepatitis C virus screening in oral lichen planus patients.
Volatile organic compounds in asthma diagnosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cavaleiro Rufo J. , Madureira J. , Oliveira Fernandes E. , Moreira A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe aimed to assess the value and classification rate of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in asthma diagnosis. A PRISMA‐oriented systematic search for published studies regarding exhaled VOCs in asthma diagnosis was conducted based on predefined criteria. Studies presenting sensitivity and specificity values for the test were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled diagnosis odds ratios (DOR), area under the curve (AUC) and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) for exhaled VOC profiles were calculated; and publication bias, threshold effect and heterogeneity were estimated. Eighteen studies were selected for the qualitative analysis and six met the criteria for inclusion in the quantitative analysis. Mean (95% CI) pooled DOR, positive and negative LR were 49.3 (15.9–153.3), 5.86 (3.07–11.21) and 0.16 (0.10–0.26), respectively. The AUC value was 0.94. Only three of the 18 reviewed studies performed an external validation of the model using a different data set. The results from the revised studies suggest that exhaled VOCs are promising biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and that several compounds, mainly alkanes, may be significantly associated with asthma inflammation. However, there are still various constraints associated with standardization and externally validated studies are needed to introduce exhaled VOC profiling in a clinical scenario.
Geniposide Attenuates the Phosphorylation of Tau Protein in Cellular and Insulin‐deficient APP/PS1 Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhang Yonglan , Yin Fei , Liu Jianhui , Liu Zixuan 
Published: October 2015

Our previous studies have shown that geniposide plays an essential role in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells and also regulates the metabolism of Aβ and its deposition in neurons. In this study, we reported that insulin deficiency induced significant increase of tau phosphorylation. Administration of geniposide for 4 weeks significantly decreased the phosphorylated level of tau and the acceleration of GSK‐3β phosphorylation in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice induced by insulin deficiency. We also observed that geniposide decreased the phosphorylation of tau protein directly and increased the phosphorylation of Akt in primary cultured cortical neurons. Furthermore, geniposide enhanced the role of insulin on the phosphorylation of Akt, GSK‐3β, and tau in primary cultured cortical neurons. And these effects of geniposide in cortical neurons could be prevented by preincubation with LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K. Taken together, our findings provide a mechanistic and perhaps a foundational link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease and are consistent with the notion that geniposide might play an essential role on the phosphorylation of tau protein via enhancing insulin signaling and may convey a therapeutic benefit in Alzheimer's disease.
The influence of peri‐implant keratinized mucosa on brushing discomfort and peri‐implant tissue health
Authors: Souza André B. , Tormena Mariana , Matarazzo Flávia , Araújo Maurício G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the level of brushing discomfort (BD) during oral hygiene and peri‐implant clinical variables between patients presenting implant sites with a band ≥2 mm and <2 mm of keratinized mucosa (KM).Materials and MethodsParticipating patients were recruited during routine maintenance follow‐up visits from January to October 2013. Based on the presence of KM, patients were allocated into two groups: implant sites with ≥2 mm of KM (Wide Group); and implant sites with <2 mm of KM (Narrow Group). Patients were clinically assessed, and plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP) data were collected from three sites at the buccal aspect of each implant. Subsequently, patients received standardized oral hygiene instructions and cleaning devices and were asked to clean around the experimental implant sites. All patients reported on the level of BD using the visual analog scale (VAS). Non‐paired Student's t‐test, Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test, and chi‐square tests were performed to analyze the outcome variables (P < 0.05).ResultsEighty patients with a total of 270 implant sites were included. Implant sites in the Narrow Group exhibited higher levels of BD (P < 0.001), PI (P = 0.0021), and BoP (P = 0.017) than implant sites in the Wide Group.ConclusionImplant sites with a band of <2 mm of KM were shown to be more prone to brushing discomfort, plaque accumulation, and peri‐implant soft tissue inflammation when compared to implant sites with ≥2 mm of KM.
Differential characteristics of pediatric sinusitis in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery: children vs. adolescents
Authors: Min H.J. , Chung H.J. , Seong S.Y. , Sim N.S. , Yoon J.‐H. , Lee J.‐G. , Kim C.‐H. , Cho H.‐J. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesWe hypothesised that paediatric chronic sinusitis patients might have various clinical characteristics, depending on age, compared symptoms, physical findings and clinical features in younger children and older adolescent patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery.DesignA retrospective review of medical records.SettingA total of 195 paediatric patients who underwent Endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled and medical records were reviewed.ParticipantsThe subjects were divided into children (age < 12 years, n = 70, mean age = 9.6 years) and adolescents (age ≥ 12 years, n = 125, mean age = 14.7 years).Main outcome measuresSubjective symptoms, physical findings, CT images and clinical features were compared in children and adolescent groups.ResultsCough and nasal obstruction were more common in adolescents, and sleep disturbance was more common in children. Nasal mucosal injection was more common in adolescents, whereas tonsils were larger in children. Septal deviation was a more common finding in adolescents, and total CT score and serum total IgE levels were higher in children. There was no statistical difference in rate of recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery.ConclusionThe clinical features of paediatric chronic sinusitis differed between the younger and older groups. Symptomatic, anatomical and clinical differences between these two groups suggest that further study of paediatric chronic sinusitis should stratify patients by age to better understand the effects of treatment on each age group.
Long‐term results following an anatomically based surgical technique for resection of colon cancer: a comparison with results from complete mesocolic excision
Authors: Bokey L. , Chapuis P. H. , Chan C. , Stewart P. , Rickard M. J. F. X. , Keshava A. , Dent O. F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimComplete mesocolic excision (CME) has been advocated as likely to improve the long‐term oncological outcome of colon cancer resection, although there is a paucity of long‐term results in the literature. The aim of this study was to supplement our previously published results on colon cancer resection based on a standardized technique of precise dissection along anatomical planes with high vascular ligation and to compare our long‐term results with those of recent European studies of CME.MethodData were drawn from a prospective hospital registry of consecutive resections for colon cancer between 1996 and 2007, including follow‐up to the end of 2012. The principal outcomes from potentially curative resections were 5‐year Kaplan–Meier rates of local recurrence, systemic recurrence, overall survival and cancer‐specific survival. Secondary outcomes for all resections were postoperative complications, number of lymph nodes retrieved and R0 status.ResultsFor 779 potentially curative resections the local recurrence rate was 2.1% (95% CI 1.3–3.4), the systemic recurrence rate was 10.2% (95% CI 8.1–12.7), the 5‐year overall survival rate was 76.2% (95% CI 73.0–79.0) and the cancer‐specific survival rate was 89.8% (95% CI 87.3–91.9). For all 905 resections, rates of 14 surgical complications were low and not dissimilar to those in a comparable study. The median lymph node count was 15 (range 0–113). R0 status was confirmed in 883/905 patients (97.6%; 95% CI 96.4–98.5).ConclusionFor colon cancer, meticulous dissection along anatomical planes together with high vascular ligation results in few complications, a high R0 rate, low recurrence and high survival.
Recurrence of rectal prolapse following rectopexy: a pooled analysis of 532 patients
Authors: Bishawi M. , Foppa C. , Tou S. , Bergamaschi R. ,   the Rectal Prolapse Recurrence Study Group
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe study was designed to address the unanswered question of the influence of the extent of rectal mobilization, the type of rectal fixation and the surgical access (openvslaparoscopic) on recurrence rates following abdominal surgery for full‐thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP).MethodIndividual patient data were pooled and data merging was performed following comparison of variable definitions to ensure similarity in definitions. Recurrence after rectopexy was defined as the presence of FTRP on physical examination. The impact of categorical factors on recurrence was assessed using Fisher's exact and the chi‐squared tests. Recurrence‐free survival curves were generated for patients and differences in time to recurrence were compared using the log rank test. Factors passing univariate screening with aPvalue < 0.1 were included in a multivariate model.ResultsAfter data matching and merging, 532 patients were included. The duration of follow‐up ranged from 12 to 235 months. There were 46 (8.6%) recurrences at a median follow‐up of 60 months. Mean age was 53.6 ± 17 years, 359 (67.5%) were female, the mean length of external prolapse was 6.3 ± 4 cm, and previous abdominal surgery had taken place in 33.7%. Four variables were identified on initial univariate screening as being related to recurrence. They included a history of incontinence (P = 0.09), constipation (P = 0.018), the extent of rectal mobilization (P = 0.004) and the role of sigmoid resection (P = 0.057). Using multivariate analysis, only the degree of mobilization was independently associated with recurrence (P = 0.026).ConclusionCircumferential rectal mobilization during rectopexy was associated with a decreased long‐term recurrence rate. The type of rectal fixation and the type of surgical access did not influence recurrence.
Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for the treatment of fistula‐in‐ano: experience of a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Parthasarathi R. , Gomes R. M. , Rajapandian S. , Sathiamurthy R. , Praveenraj P. , Senthilnathan P. , Palanivelu C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimLigation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a new sphincter‐sparing surgical technique increasingly used to treat fistulae‐in‐ano yielding good results. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of complex fistulae‐in‐ano and to determine factors associated with recurrence and its subsequent management.MethodA prospective observational study was performed of 167 patients with complex fistula‐in‐ano treated by LIFT from June 2013 to January 2014. In all patients a LIFT with partial core‐out of the fistula tract was performed.ResultsThere were 167 patients of mean age 43.6 ± 12.8 years. Thirty‐three fistulae were recurrent. 150 were trans‐sphincteric, 16 were intersphincteric and one was a suprasphincteric fistula. The median postoperative stay was 2 (range: 1–14) days (mean = 2.4 days). At follow up there was no change in continence. The median healing time was 4 (range: 1–8) weeks. Two patients developed an intersphincteric abscess needing surgical drainage healing uneventfully. The mean follow up was 12.8 [median = 12 (range: 4–22)] months. The healing rate was 94.1%. Ten (5.9%) patients developed a recurrent fistula that was managed by a second LIFT procedure in seven, a sinus tract excision with curettage in two and seton placement in one. Recurrence was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and perianal collections and showed an increased incidence with tract abscesses and multiple tracts.ConclusionLIFT has a high success rate in complex fistulae‐in‐ano. Recurrence is related to diabetes mellitus, perianal collections, tract abscesses and multiple tracts and a second LIFT procedure may be feasible and efficient.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on cytokines in peripheral blood for healthy participants: a prospective, single‐blinded Study
Authors: Truong Alexander D. , Kho Michelle E. , Brower Roy G. , Feldman Dorianne R. , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Needham Dale M. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe effect of exercise on cytokines may improve muscle strength. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a muscle‐preserving therapy that benefits patients unable to participate in active exercise. How NMES alters cytokines is unclear. The aim of this study was to study the effects of 1 NMES session on cytokines associated with protein metabolism during exercise.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of NMES on IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNF‐α levels in peripheral blood. Participants received NMES to bilateral lower extremity muscles (quadriceps, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius) for 30 min. Blood samples immediately pre‐ and post‐NMES were drawn at 15‐min intervals to 2‐h follow‐up, and the mean values of pre‐NMES levels were compared to peak and trough post‐NMES levels. For cytokines with significant changes, we conducted a repeated‐measures linear regression analysis. We also measured post‐NMES lactate and creatine kinase levels.ResultsWe enrolled nine eligible participants. There was a significant increase in peak IL‐6 from the mean pre‐NMES value [0·65 (0·89) to 1·04 (0·89) pg ml−1, P = 0·001] and a significant decrease in trough IL‐1 [0·08 (0·07) to 0·02 (0·02) pg ml−1, P = 0·041] and TNF‐α [2·42 (0·54) to 2·16 (0·59) pg ml−1, P = 0·021]. In repeated‐measures regression analysis, we identified significantly higher mean IL‐6 values throughout the full 120 min post‐NMES period, and a significantly higher mean IL‐1 value at 30 min post‐NMES. There were no significant differences in peak IL‐10, trough IL‐6, lactate, or creatine kinase values.ConclusionsIn nine healthy humans, 30 min of NMES was temporally associated with changes in cytokines similar to the effects of active exercise and may mediate NMES' observed effects on reducing muscle weakness.