bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental study of azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with TR34/L98H mutations in the cyp51A gene in Iran
Authors: Badali Hamid , Vaezi Afsane , Haghani Iman , Yazdanparast Seyed A. , Hedayati Mohammad T. , Mousavi Bita , Ansari Saham , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha 
Published: May 2013

SummaryAzole resistance in Aspergillus is emerging in European and Asian countries. As azoles are mainstay of therapy in the management of aspergillosis, azole resistance has serious implications in patient management. We report the emergence of resistance to triazoles in environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Iran. The TR34/L98H mutation was the only resistance mechanism. Overall 3.3% of the A. fumigatus isolates from hospital surroundings in Sari and Tehran had the same TR34/L98H STRAf genotype and were related to some resistant clinical and environmental TR34/L98H isolates from the Netherlands and India. It is emphasised that routine resistance surveillance studies focusing on environmental and clinical samples are warranted to yield the true prevalence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus in Iran.
Increasing atmospheric [CO2] from glacial to future concentrations affects drought tolerance via impacts on leaves, xylem and their integrated function
Authors: Medeiros Juliana S. , Ward Joy K. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) affect plant carbon/water tradeoffs, with implications for drought tolerance. Leaf‐level studies often indicate that drought tolerance may increase with rising [CO2], but integrated leaf and xylem responses are not well understood in this respect. In addition, the influence of the low [CO2] of the last glacial period on drought tolerance and xylem properties is not well understood.

We investigated the interactive effects of a broad range of [CO2] and plant water potentials on leaf function, xylem structure and function and the integration of leaf and xylem function in Phaseolus vulgaris.

Elevated [CO2] decreased vessel implosion strength, reduced conduit‐specific hydraulic conductance, and compromised leaf‐specific xylem hydraulic conductance under moderate drought. By contrast, at glacial [CO2], transpiration was maintained under moderate drought via greater conduit‐specific and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance in association with increased vessel implosion strength.

Our study involving the integration of leaf and xylem responses suggests that increasing [CO2] does not improve drought tolerance. We show that, under glacial conditions, changes in leaf and xylem properties could increase drought tolerance, while under future conditions, greater productivity may only occur when higher water use can be accommodated.
Influence of periodic vs continuous daily bright light exposure on development of experimental myopia in the chick
Authors: Backhouse Simon , Collins Andrew V , Phillips John R 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeIn children, time spent outdoors has a protective effect against myopia development. In animal models, bright light reduces the development of experimental myopia. This study investigates how an increase in daily light exposure, presented either continuously during the day or periodically at different times of day, influences the development of experimental myopia in the chick.MethodsMyopia was induced in Cobb Chicks (Gallus domesticus) by monocular deprivation (MD) of form vision with a translucent diffuser for 3 days (from 4 days of age) under a 12:12 light: dark cycle. MD control chicks were exposed to constant 300 lux (n = 11) during the light period. MD treatment groups received either constant 2000 lux (n = 11) during the light period or 300 lux for 10 h with a 2 h period of bright light (10 000 lux), either in the morning (n = 10), midday (n = 10) or evening (n = 10), giving the same total daily light exposure as the 2000 lux group. After 3 days of MD, refractive status, corneal curvature and axial eye dimensions were measured for all eyes under anaesthesia.ResultsMyopia in the constant 2000 lux group (−4.94 ± 1.21 D) was significantly less than in the 300 lux control group (−9.73 ± 0.96 D; p = 0.022). However, compared to the 300 lux control group, 2 h periods of 10 000 lux did not produce significant effects on refraction when presented either in the morning (−9.98 ± 0.85; p = 1.00), midday (−8.00 ± 1.26; p = 0.80), or evening (−13.14 ± 1.16 D; p = 0.20), although significantly less myopia was induced in the midday group compared to the evening group (p = 0.018). Orthogonal regression showed that myopia development was matched by changes in vitreous chamber depth (R2 = 0.69; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn chicks, an increase in daily light exposure continuously during the day is more effective at inhibiting myopia than adding an equivalent dose within a 2 h period of bright light. A weak time‐of‐day effect also appears to be present in the response to bright light exposure. Our results suggest that future light‐based myopia therapies in humans may be more effective if light levels are increased over the whole day, rather than through short periods of bright light exposure.
Automatic detection of modal spacing (Yellott's ring) in adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope images
Authors: Cooper Robert F , Langlo Christopher S , Dubra Alfredo , Carroll Joseph 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeAn impediment for the clinical utilisation of ophthalmic adaptive optics imaging systems is the automated assessment of photoreceptor mosaic integrity. Here we propose a fully automated algorithm for estimating photoreceptor density based on the radius of Yellott's ring.MethodsThe discrete Fourier transform (DFT) was used to obtain the power spectrum for a series of images of the human photoreceptor mosaic. Cell spacing is estimated by least‐square fitting an annular pattern with a Gaussian cross section to the power spectrum; the radius of the resulting annulus provides an estimate of the modal spacing of the photoreceptors in the retinal image. The intrasession repeatability of the cone density estimates from the algorithm was evaluated, and the accuracy of the algorithm was validated against direct count estimates from a previous study. Accuracy in the presence of multiple cell types and disruptions in the mosaic was examined using images from four patients with retinal pathology and perifoveal images from two subjects with normal vision.ResultsIntrasession repeatability of the power spectrum method was comparable to a fully automated direct counting algorithm, but worse than that for the manually adjusted direct count values. In images of the normal parafoveal cone mosaic, we find good agreement between the power‐spectrum derived density and that from the direct counting algorithm. In diseased eyes, the power spectrum method is insensitive to photoreceptor loss, with cone density estimates overestimating the density determined with direct counting. The automated power spectrum method also produced unreliable estimates of rod and cone density in perifoveal images of the photoreceptor mosaic, though manual correction of the initial algorithm output results in density estimates in better agreement with direct count values.ConclusionsWe developed and validated an automated algorithm based on the power spectrum for extracting estimates of cone spacing, from which estimates of density can be derived. This approach may be used to estimate cone density in images where not every single cone is visible, though caution is needed, as this robustness becomes a weakness when dealing with images from patients with some retinal diseases. This study represents an important first step in carefully assessing the relative utility of metrics for analysing the photoreceptor mosaic, and similar analyses of other metrics/algorithms are needed.
The Arabidopsis GIBBERELLIN METHYL TRANSFERASE 1 suppresses gibberellin activity, reduces whole‐plant transpiration and promotes drought tolerance in transgenic tomato
Authors: NIR IDO , MOSHELION MENACHEM , WEISS DAVID 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that reduced gibberellin (GA) level or signal promotes plant tolerance to environmental stresses, including drought, but the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. Here we studied the effects of reduced levels of active GAs on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant tolerance to drought as well as the mechanism responsible for these effects. To reduce the levels of active GAs, we generated transgenic tomato overexpressing the Arabidopsis thaliana GA METHYL TRANSFERASE 1 (AtGAMT1) gene. AtGAMT1 encodes an enzyme that catalyses the methylation of active GAs to generate inactive GA methyl esters. Tomato plants overexpressing AtGAMT1 exhibited typical GA‐deficiency phenotypes and increased tolerance to drought stress. GA application to the transgenic plants restored normal growth and sensitivity to drought. The transgenic plants maintained high leaf water status under drought conditions, because of reduced whole‐plant transpiration. The reduced transpiration can be attributed to reduced stomatal conductance. GAMT1 overexpression inhibited the expansion of leaf‐epidermal cells, leading to the formation of smaller stomata with reduced stomatal pores. It is possible that under drought conditions, plants with reduced GA activity and therefore, reduced transpiration, will suffer less from leaf desiccation, thereby maintaining higher capabilities and recovery rates.
Balancing the Risk of Eye Irritation from UV‐C with Infection from Bioaerosols
Authors: Sliney David 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe very aspect (phototoxicity) that makes short‐wavelength ultraviolet (UV) radiation an effective germicidal agent also is responsible for the unwanted side effects of erythema (reddening of the skin) and photokeratitis (“welder's flash” or “snow‐blindness”). Overexposure to this short‐wavelength UV radiation can produce these unwanted side effects from a very mild irritation of the skin and eyes to a rather painful case of photokeratitis. These effects are fortunately transient, as only superficial cells of the eye—the corneal epithelium—and the most superficial layer of the skin—the superficial epidermis—are significantly affected. Normal turnover of these cells soon erase the signs and symptoms of these effects. Radiant energy in the UV‐C band has very shallow penetration depths which account for the very superficial nature of any injury to the skin and eyes from excessive exposure, minimum risk of delayed effects and at the same time the strong absorption by bioaerosols. Guidelines for human exposure to UV‐C must be applied intelligently so as not to limit germicidal efficacy in upper‐room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
Does artificial UV use prior to spring break protect students from sunburns during spring break?
Authors: Dennis Leslie K. , Lowe John B. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundDark‐skinned individuals are less likely than light‐skinned individuals to become sunburned or develop skin cancer. Some have extrapolated this relationship and surmised that developing and maintaining a tan will reduce the risk of sunburns and melanoma. In order to examine whether this strategy indeed protects against sunburns, we surveyed college students about both their tanning habits prior to spring break and their spring break activities.MethodsSorority and fraternity students were recruited after spring break. Analyses examined associations between potential risk factors and the development of one or more sunburns during spring break.ResultsAs expected, the risk of obtaining a sunburn increased with: time spent in the sun during spring break; light complexion, as assessed by various sun‐sensitivity factors; and lack of sunscreen use. We also found that tanning using an artificial UV source during the 10 weeks prior to spring break was not associated with reduced risk of sunburns during spring‐break, but rather with a marginal increase in this risk.ConclusionsThese data provide evidence that maintaining a tan may not provide protection from sunburns. Public health messages need to address this misconception, stating clearly that a tan does not protect against or reduce the chances of developing a sunburn.
Chemical analysis and in vitro UV‐protection characteristics of clays traditionally used for sun protection in South Africa
Authors: Dlova Ncoza C. , Nevondo Funanani T. , Mwangi Elizabeth M. , Summers Beverley , Tsoka‐Gwegweni Joyce , Martincigh Bice S. , Mulholland Dulcie A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryClays have been used in southern Africa as photoprotectants by the indigenous people. Typically, two types of clay are used: one white in colour and the other red. In this work, the two clays were identified and characterized, and their in vitro SPF values measured. The clays afford a low SPF but offer broad‐spectrum protection. No cutaneous side effects from the use of these clays are known. Further consideration should be given to the potential use of clays in sunscreen preparations.
5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy for the treatment of condylomata acuminata in Chinese patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ying Zuolin , Li Xiaojie , Dang Hong 
Published: May 2013

SummaryObjectiveThis meta‐analysis was designed to assess the efficacy of topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) in Chinese patients with condylomata acuminata (CA).MethodsElectronic literature databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database) were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to October 2012. Only RCTs that compared ALA‐PDT to non‐ALA‐PDT for patients with genital condylomata were selected. The outcomes included the recurrence rate and adverse events. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as the ALA‐PDT vs. without ALA‐PDT.ResultsTwenty RCTs composed of 1903 patients (ALA‐PDT, n = 1106; non‐ALA‐PDT, n = 797) were included in the meta‐analysis. ALA‐PDT decreased the recurrence rate within 12 week after treatment (vs. without ALA‐PDT, RR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.22–0.35) and 24 week after treatment (vs. without ALA‐PDT, RR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.17–0.34) in a fixed‐effect model. The common adverse events related ALA‐PDT included a mild burning and/or stinging sensation, erythema, mild edema, erosion, and hyperpigmentation.ConclusionLocal application of ALA‐PDT reduced recurrence rate vs. without ALA‐PDT. The use of ALA‐PDT should be considered as a feasible therapy for the treatment of CA.
A Lottery Paradox for Counterfactuals Without Agglomeration
Authors: Leitgeb Hannes 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe will present a new lottery‐style paradox on counterfactuals and chance. The upshot will be: combining natural assumptions on (i) the truth values of ordinary counterfactuals, (ii) the conditional chances of possible but non‐actual events, (iii) the manner in which (i) and (ii) relate to each other, and (iv) a fragment of the logic of counterfactuals leads to disaster. In contrast with the usual lottery‐style paradoxes, logical closure under conjunction—that is, in this case, the rule of Agglomeration of (consequents of) counterfactuals—will not play a role in the derivation and will not be entailed by our premises either. We will sketch four obvious but problematic ways out of the dilemma, and we will end up with a new resolution strategy that is non‐obvious but (as we hope) less problematic: contextualism about what counts as a proposition. This proposal will not just save us from the paradox, it will also save each premise in at least some context, and it will be motivated by independent considerations from measure theory and probability theory.
Probiotics in aquaculture: a current assessment
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Tania , Ruiz‐Zarzuela Imanol , de Blas Ignacio , Balcázar José L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBecause of health and environmental concerns, the use of chemotherapeutic agents has been restricted in many countries over recent years. This restriction has resulted in a demand for alternative strategies to improve aquaculture production and enhance disease resistance. Among these options, probiotics, live micro‐organisms that confer a health benefit to the host by providing both a nutritional benefit and protection against pathogens, represent an important option for the management of diseases and their use may replace some of the therapeutic chemicals commonly used in aquaculture. Our review explores the current state of knowledge on the impacts of probiotics on aquaculture, with particular emphasis on the criteria used for selection and evidence of their beneficial effects.
Temporomandibular disorder in a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum: a case report and review
Authors: Nadeau Christine , Kuperstein Arthur S. , Mupparapu Muralidhar , Stoopler Eric T. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of elastic fibers and ectopic mineralization. Cutaneous manifestations are a hallmark of this disease and organs that may be affected by the disease process include cardiovascular, central nervous system, ocular and gastrointestinal systems. Oral manifestations of PXE have been previously reported as intramucosal nodules observed on various intraoral surfaces. We present a case of a 46‐year‐old female with PXE diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with TMD coexisting with PXE in the scientific literature.
The effect of speech therapy on acoustic speech characteristics of cleft lip and palate patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Pahlavannezhad Mohammad Reza , Savadi Maryam , Hasanzadeh Nadia 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeTo assess the effects of speech therapy on the acoustic characteristics of speech in a group of cleft lip and palate patients.Materials and methodsIn this experimental pilot study, eight patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate participated in the 13‐month period of speech therapy. They had some exercises in the class and at home to reduce the hypernasality of speech. Using an acoustic software named Praat, three formants (F1, F2, F3) of speech sounds /b /, /p /, /f /, /v /, /k /, and /g / were obtained pre and post speech therapy. We used paired samples t‐test to compare the acoustic variables of each consonant before and after the therapy.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the pre‐ and posttherapy acoustic measures for fricative consonants /f /, /v / and stop consonants /k / and /g/. However, a statistically significant improvement in hypernasality of labial consonants /b / and /p / was observed after the speech therapy.ConclusionsThe present study underlines the role of a speech therapist in a complete cleft care team, in order to take care of the speech improvement of the patient and to motivate the parents to help the speech development of their child.
Tumour Regression Induced by Co‐administration of MIP‐3α and CpG in an Experimental Model of Colon Carcinoma
Authors: Arab S. , Mojarrad M. , Motamedi M. , Mirzaei R. , Modarressi M. H. , Hadjati J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCCL20/macrophage inflammatory protein‐3α (MIP‐3α) represents one of the potent chemoattractive proteins for dendritic cells (DCs). Herein, we investigated whether in vivo genetic modification of tumour cells aimed at intratumoural production of MIP‐3α might lead to accumulation of DCs in tumour tissue. Mice injected with CT26, received recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors (AdMIP‐3α) expressing MIP‐3α protein. This was complemented by injections of CpG. Interestingly, MIP‐3α gene therapy combined with CpG injections resulted in specific cytotoxicity. This was associated with significant suppression of tumour growth rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of strategies that utilize in vivo overexpression of chemokines.
Atrial Fibrillation: Inflammation in Disguise?
Authors: Lappegård K. T. , Hovland A. , Pop G. A. M. , Mollnes T. E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAtrial fibrillation is highly prevalent, and affected patients are at an increased risk of a number of complications, including heart failure and thrombo‐embolism. Over the past years, there has been increasing interest in the role of inflammatory processes in atrial fibrillation, from the first occurrence of the arrhythmia to dreaded complications such as strokes or peripheral emboli. As the standard drug combination which aims at rate control and anticoagulation only offers partial protection against complications, newer agents are needed to optimize treatment. In this paper, we review recent knowledge regarding the impact of inflammation on the occurrence, recurrence, perpetuation and complications of the arrhythmia, as well as the role of anti‐inflammatory therapies in the treatment for the disease.
The Role of Microparticles in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Dye J. R. , Ullal A. J. , Pisetsky D. S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMicroparticles (MPs) are small membrane‐bound vesicles with potent biological activities that can promote the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These particles contain diverse cellular components and are shed from cells during apoptosis or activation.MPs can drive inflammation and autoimmunity by multiple mechanisms reflecting their content of bioactive molecules and ability to engage multiple receptor systems simultaneously. In the rheumatoid joint, particles can stimulate synovitis via their display of cytokines, chemokines, complement and angiogenesis factors. InSLE, particles can serve as an important source of extracellular nuclear molecules to signal ‘danger’ and form pathogenic immune complexes. Future studies will define the pathways by which particles promote pathogenesis, strategies to block their activity and their utility as biomarkers to assess disease activity and the response to therapy.
Humoral Pattern Recognition and the Complement System
Authors: Degn S. E. , Thiel S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the context of immunity, pattern recognition is the art of discriminating friend from foe and innocuous from noxious. The basis of discrimination is the existence of evolutionarily conserved patterns on microorganisms, which are intrinsic to these microorganisms and necessary for their function and existence. Such immutable or slowly evolving patterns are ideal handles for recognition and have been targeted by early cellular immune defence mechanisms such as Toll‐like receptors, NOD‐like receptors, RIG‐I‐like receptors, C‐type lectin receptors and by humoral defence mechanisms such as the complement system. Complement is a proteolytic cascade system comprising around 35 different soluble and membrane‐bound proteins. It constitutes a central part of the innate immune system, mediating several major innate effector functions and modulating adaptive immune responses. The complement cascade proceeds via controlled, limited proteolysis and conformational changes of constituent proteins through three activation pathways: the classical pathway, the alternative pathway and the lectin pathway, which converge in common effector functions. Here, we review the nature of the pattern recognition molecules involved in complement activation, as well as their close relatives with no or unknown capacity for activating complement. We proceed to examine the composition of the pattern recognition complexes involved in complement activation, focusing on those of the lectin pathway, and arrive at a new model for their mechanism of operation, supported by recently emerging evidence.