bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Assessment Across the Healthcare Continuum: Risk of Hospital-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection Due to Outpatient and Inpatient Antibiotic Exposure
Authors: Tartof Sara Y. , Rieg Gunter K. , Wei Rong , Tseng Hung Fu , Jacobsen Steven J. , Yu Kalvin C. 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDLimitations in sample size, overly inclusive antibiotic classes, lack of adjustment of key risk variables, and inadequate assessment of cases contribute to widely ranging estimates of risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).OBJECTIVETo incorporate all key CDI risk factors in addition to 27 antibiotic classes into a single comprehensive model.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGKaiser Permanente Southern California.PATIENTSMembers of Kaiser Permanente Southern California at least 18 years old admitted to any of its 14 hospitals from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2012.METHODSHospital-acquired CDI cases were identified by polymerase chain reaction assay. Exposure to major outpatient antibiotics (10 classes) and those administered during inpatient stays (27 classes) was assessed. Age, sex, self-identified race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Score, previous hospitalization, transfer from a skilled nursing facility, number of different antibiotic classes, statin use, and proton pump inhibitor use were also assessed. Poisson regression estimated adjusted risk of CDI.RESULTSA total of 401,234 patients with 2,638 cases of incident CDI (0.7%) were detected. The final model demonstrated highest CDI risk associated with increasing age, exposure to multiple antibiotic classes, and skilled nursing facility transfer. Factors conferring the most reduced CDI risk were inpatient exposure to tetracyclines and first-generation cephalosporins, and outpatient macrolides.CONCLUSIONSAlthough type and aggregate antibiotic exposure are important, the factors that increase the likelihood of environmental spore acquisition should not be underestimated. Operationally, our findings have implications for antibiotic stewardship efforts and can inform empirical and culture-driven treatment approaches.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1409–1416
Dietary proteins improve endothelial function under fasting conditions but not in the postprandial state, with no effects on markers of low-grade inflammation
Authors: Teunissen-Beekman Karianna F. M. , Dopheide Janneke , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Brink Elizabeth J. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , van Baak Marleen A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEndothelial dysfunction (ED) and low-grade inflammation (LGI) have a role in the development of CVD. The two studies reported here explored the effects of dietary proteins and carbohydrates on markers of ED and LGI in overweight/obese individuals with untreated elevated blood pressure. In the first study, fifty-two participants consumed a protein mix or maltodextrin (3×20 g/d) for 4 weeks. Fasting levels and 12 h postprandial responses of markers of ED (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM), soluble endothelial selectin and von Willebrand factor) and markers of LGI (serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein and sICAM) were evaluated before and after intervention. Biomarkers were also combined into mean Z-scores of ED and LGI. The second study compared 4 h postprandial responses of ED and LGI markers in forty-eight participants after ingestion of 0·6 g/kg pea protein, milk protein and egg-white protein. In addition, postprandial responses after maltodextrin intake were compared with a protein mix and sucrose. The first study showed significantly lower fasting ED Z-scores and sICAM after 4 weeks on the high-protein diet (P≤0·02). The postprandial studies found no clear differences of ED and LGI between test meals. However, postprandial sVCAM decreased more after the protein mix compared with maltodextrin in both studies (P≤0·04). In conclusion, dietary protein is beneficial for fasting ED, but not for fasting LGI, after 4 weeks of supplementation. On the basis of Z-scores, postprandial ED and LGI were not differentially affected by protein sources or carbohydrates.
Associations between the use of social networking sites and unhealthy eating behaviours and excess body weight in adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Hamilton Hayley A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractUnhealthy eating behaviour and excess body weight have been related to sedentary behaviour, particularly screen time, in adolescents; however, little is known about their associations with the use of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the associations between time spent using SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours (including breakfast skipping, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and energy drinks) and body weight in adolescents. Data on 9858 students (mean age: 15·2 (sd 1·9) years) in grades 7 through 12 were derived from the 2013 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey – a cross-sectional school-based survey of middle and high school students. The majority (81·5 %) of students reported daily use of SNS and an additional 10·7 % reported using them on an irregular basis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the use of SNS was associated with increased odds of skipping breakfast (Ptrend<0·01) and consuming SSB (Ptrend<0·01) and energy drinks (Ptrend<0·01) in a dose–response manner with adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use as well as BMI. However, there was no evidence of a significant association between use of SNS and BMI before or after adjusting for all the covariates and unhealthy eating behaviours. In conclusion, our results suggest associations between the use of SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours among youth. Given the popularity of SNS, more efforts are needed to better understand the impact of social networks on eating behaviours and risk of excess weight.
Intranasal vaccination with killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes antigen (LaAg) associated with CAF01 adjuvant induces partial protection in BALB/c mice challenged with Leishmania (infantum) chagasi.
Authors: LEAL JANINE MIRANDA , MOSQUINI MARCELLE , COVRE LUCIANA POLACO , STAGMILLER NATALY PESCINALLI , RODRIGUES RODRIGO RIBEIRO , CHRISTENSEN DENNIS , GUEDES HERBERT LEONEL DE MATOS , ROSSI-BERGMANN BARTIRA , GOMES DANIEL CLÁUDIO DE OLIVIERA 
Published: September 2015

SUMMARYThe CAF01 adjuvant has previously been shown to be safe for human use and to be a potent adjuvant for several vaccine antigens. In the present work, we sought to optimize the Leishmania amazonensis antigens (LaAg) intranasal vaccine in an attempt to enhance the protective immune responses against Leishmania (infantum) chagasi by using the CAF01 association. LaAg/CAF01 vaccinated mice that were challenged 15 days after booster dose with L. (infantum) chagasi showed a significant reduction in their parasite burden in both the spleen and liver, which is associated with an increase in specific production of IFN-γ and nitrite, and a decrease in IL-4 production. In addition, LaAg/CAF01 intranasal delivery was able to increase lymphoproliferative immune responses after parasite antigen recall. These results suggest the feasibility of using the intranasal route for the delivery of crude antigens and of a human-compatible adjuvant against visceral leishmaniasis.
Mitral atresia with transposed great arteries and normal semilunar valves: a rare combination
Authors: Rajesh Gopalan Nair , Mohanan Sandeep , Vellani Haridasan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractMitral atresia is commonly seen as a part of the spectrum of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and it is usually associated with multiple levels of systemic outflow tract obstruction. Isolated mitral atresia with a normal aortic valve is extremely rare. We report the rare combination of mitral atresia, transposition of the great arteries, and unobstructed systemic and pulmonary blood flow.
The relationships between height and arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and sum of four skinfolds in Ellisras rural children aged 8–18 years
Authors: Monyeki Kotsedi Daniel , Sekhotha Michael Matome 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveHeight is required for the assessment of growth and nutritional status, as well as for predictions and standardization of physiological parameters. To determine whether arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and sum of four skinfolds can be used to predict height, the relationships between these anthropometric variables were assessed among Ellisras rural children aged 8–18 years.DesignThe following parameters were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinathropometry: height, arm span, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and four skinfolds (suprailiac, subscapular, triceps and biceps). Associations between the variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression models.SettingEllisras Longitudinal Study (ELS), Limpopo Province, South Africa.SubjectsBoys (n911) and girls (n858) aged 8–18 years.ResultsMean height was higher than arm span, with differences ranging from 4 cm to 11·5 cm between boys and girls. The correlation between height and arm span was high (ranging from 0·74 to 0·91) withP<0·001. The correlation between height and mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and sum of four skinfolds was low (ranging from 0·15 to 0·47) withP<0·00 among girls in the 15–18 years age group.ConclusionsArm span was found to be a good predictor of height. The sum of four skinfolds was significantly associated with height in the older age groups for girls, while waist circumference showed a negative significant association in the same groups.
NRG1 and KITL signal downstream of retinoic acid in the germline to support soma-free syncytial growth of differentiating spermatogonia
Authors: Chapman KM , Medrano GA , Chaudhary J , Hamra FK 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDefined culture systems supporting spermatogonial differentiation will provide experimental platforms to study spermatogenesis. However, germline-intrinsic signaling mechanisms sufficient to support spermatogonial differentiation without somatic cells remain largely undefined. Here we analyzed EGF superfamily receptor and ligand diversity in rat testis cells and delineated germline-intrinsic signaling via an ERBB3 co-transducer, ERBB2, as essential for retinoic acid-induced syncytial growth by differentiating spermatogonia. Similar to the ERBB2/3 agonist NRG1, we found that KIT Ligand (KITL) robustly supported spermatogonial differentiation without serum or somatic cells. ERBB2 inhibitors failed to disrupt KITL-dependent spermatogonial development, and KITL prevented ERBB3-deficient spermatogonial degeneration upon differentiation. Thus we report that NRG1 and KITL activate alternative pathways downstream of retinoic acid signaling in the germline that are essential for stem cells to undergo premeiotic steps of spermatogenesis in culture. Robust serum/soma-free spermatogonial differentiation opens new doors to study mammalian germ cell biology in culture and to discover factors that can drive meiotic progression in vitro.
Differential effects of the APOE e4 allele on different domains of cognitive ability across the life-course
Authors: Marioni Riccardo E , Campbell Archie , Scotland Generation , Hayward Caroline , Porteous David J , Deary Ian J 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe association between APOE genotype and cognitive function suggests a positive role for the e2 allele and a negative role for the e4 allele. Both alleles have relatively low frequencies in the general population; hence, meta-analyses have been based on many small, heterogeneous studies. Here, we report the APOE-cognition associations in the largest single analysis to date. APOE status and cognitive ability were measured in 18 337 participants from the Generation Scotland study between 2006 and 2011. The age range was 18–94 years with a mean of 47 (SD 15). Four cognitive domains were assessed: verbal declarative memory (paragraph recall), processing speed (digit symbol substitution), verbal fluency (phonemic verbal fluency), and vocabulary (Mill Hill synonyms). Linear regression was used to assess the associations between APOE genetic status and cognition. Possession of the e4 allele was associated with lower scores on the measures of memory and processing speed in subjects aged >60. Across all age ranges, the e4 allele was linked to better verbal fluency scores. In younger subjects (≤60 years) the e4 allele was linked to higher vocabulary scores. There were no associations between the e2 allele and cognitive ability. As seen in previous meta-analyses, the APOE e4 allele is linked to poorer cognitive performance in the domains of memory and processing speed. By contrast, positive associations were seen between the e4 allele and measures of verbal fluency and vocabulary. All associations were relatively small and, in many cases, nominally significant despite the very large sample size.
A de novo microdeletion of SEMA5A in a boy with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Mosca-Boidron Anne-Laure , Gueneau Lucie , Huguet Guillaume , Goldenberg Alice , Henry Céline , Gigot Nadège , Pallesi-Pocachard Emilie , Falace Antonio , Duplomb Laurence , Thevenon Julien , Duffourd Yannis , ST-Onge Judith , Chambon Pascal , Rivière Jean-Baptiste , Thauvin-Robinet Christel , Callier Patrick , Marle Nathalie , Payet Muriel , Ragon Clemence , Goubran Botros Hany , Buratti Julien , Calderari Sophie , Dumas Guillaume , Delorme Richard , Lagarde Nathalie , Pinoit Jean-Michel , Rosier Antoine , Masurel-Paulet Alice , Cardoso Carlos , Mugneret Francine , Saugier-Veber Pascale , Campion Dominique , Faivre Laurence , Bourgeron Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSemaphorins are a large family of secreted and membrane-associated proteins necessary for wiring of the brain. Semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A) acts as a bifunctional guidance cue, exerting both attractive and inhibitory effects on developing axons. Previous studies have suggested that SEMA5A could be a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We first identified a de novo translocation t(5;22)(p15.3;q11.21) in a patient with ASD and intellectual disability (ID). At the translocation breakpoint on chromosome 5, we observed a 861-kb deletion encompassing the end of the SEMA5A gene. We delineated the breakpoint by NGS and observed that no gene was disrupted on chromosome 22. We then used Sanger sequencing to search for deleterious variants affecting SEMA5A in 142 patients with ASD. We also identified two independent heterozygous variants located in a conserved functional domain of the protein. Both variants were maternally inherited and predicted as deleterious. Our genetic screens identified the first case of a de novo SEMA5A microdeletion in a patient with ASD and ID. Although our study alone cannot formally associate SEMA5A with susceptibility to ASD, it provides additional evidence that Semaphorin dysfunction could lead to ASD and ID. Further studies on Semaphorins are warranted to better understand the role of this family of genes in susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Multi-scale thermal stability of a hard thermoplastic protein-based material
Authors: Latza Victoria , Guerette Paul A. , Ding Dawei , Amini Shahrouz , Kumar Akshita , Schmidt Ingo , Keating Steven , Oxman Neri , Weaver James C. , Fratzl Peter , Miserez Ali , Masic Admir 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAlthough thermoplastic materials are mostly derived from petro-chemicals, it would be highly desirable, from a sustainability perspective, to produce them instead from renewable biopolymers. Unfortunately, biopolymers exhibiting thermoplastic behaviour and which preserve their mechanical properties post processing are essentially non-existent. The robust sucker ring teeth (SRT) from squid and cuttlefish are one notable exception of thermoplastic biopolymers. Here we describe thermoplastic processing of squid SRT via hot extrusion of fibres, demonstrating the potential suitability of these materials for large-scale thermal forming. Using high-resolution in situ X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy, we elucidate the molecular and nanoscale features responsible for this behaviour and show that SRT consist of semi-crystalline polymers, whereby heat-resistant, nanocrystalline β-sheets embedded within an amorphous matrix are organized into a hexagonally packed nanofibrillar lattice. This study provides key insights for the molecular design of biomimetic protein- and peptide-based thermoplastic structural biopolymers with potential biomedical and 3D printing applications.
Atomistic understandings of reduced graphene oxide as an ultrathin-film nanoporous membrane for separations
Authors: Lin Li-Chiang , Grossman Jeffrey C. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe intrinsic defects in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) formed during reduction processes can act as nanopores, making rGO a promising ultrathin-film membrane candidate for separations. To assess the potential of rGO for such applications, molecular dynamics techniques are employed to understand the defect formation in rGO and their separation performance in water desalination and natural gas purification. We establish the relationship between rGO synthesis parameters and defect sizes, resulting in a potential means to control the size of nanopores in rGO. Furthermore, our results show that rGO membranes obtained under properly chosen synthesis conditions can achieve effective separations and provide significantly higher permeate fluxes than currently available membranes.
Paleoproterozoic high-pressure metamorphism in the northern North China Craton and implications for the Nuna supercontinent
Authors: Wan Bo , Windley Brian F. , Xiao Wenjiao , Feng Jianyun , Zhang Ji’en 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe connection between the North China Craton (NCC) and contiguous cratons is important for the configuration of the Nuna supercontinent. Here we document a new Paleoproterozoic high-pressure (HP) complex dominated by garnet websterite on the northern margin of the NCC. The peak metamorphism of the garnet websterite was after ∼1.90 Ga when it was subducted to eclogite facies at ∼2.4 GPa, then exhumed back to granulite facies at ∼0.9 GPa before ∼1.82 Ga. The rock associations with their structural relationships and geochemical affinities are comparable to those of supra-subduction zone ophiolites, and supported by subduction-related signatures of gabbros and basalts. We propose that a ∼1.90 Ga oceanic fragment was subducted and exhumed into an accretionary complex along the northern margin of the NCC. Presence of the coeval Sharyzhalgai complex with comparable HP garnet websterites in the southern Siberian active margin favours juxtaposition against the NCC in the Paleoproterozoic.
Direct quantitative detection of Doc2b-induced hemifusion in optically trapped membranes
Authors: Brouwer Ineke , Giniatullina Asiya , Laurens Niels , van Weering Jan R. T. , Bald Dirk , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Groffen Alexander J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCa2+-sensor proteins control the secretion of many neuroendocrine substances. Calcium-secretion coupling may involve several mechanisms. First, Ca2+-dependent association of their tandem C2 domains with phosphatidylserine may induce membrane curvature and thereby enhance fusion. Second, their association with SNARE complexes may inhibit membrane fusion in the absence of a Ca2+ trigger. Here we present a method using two optically trapped beads coated with SNARE-free synthetic membranes to elucidate the direct role of the C2AB domain of the soluble Ca2+-sensor Doc2b. Contacting membranes are often coupled by a Doc2b-coated membrane stalk that resists forces up to 600 pN upon bead separation. Stalk formation depends strictly on Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine. Real-time fluorescence imaging shows phospholipid but not content mixing, indicating membrane hemifusion. Thus, Doc2b acts directly on membranes and stabilizes the hemifusion intermediate in this cell-free system. In living cells, this mechanism may co-occur with progressive SNARE complex assembly, together defining Ca2+-secretion coupling.
Effect of electrical energy on the efficacy of biofilm treatment using the bioelectric effect
Authors: Kim Young Wook , Subramanian Sowmya , Gerasopoulos Konstantinos , Ben-Yoav Hadar , Wu Hsuan-Chen , Quan David , Carter Karen , Meyer Mariana T , Bentley William E , Ghodssi Reza 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background/Objectives:
The use of electric fields in combination with small doses of antibiotics for enhanced treatment of biofilms is termed the ‘bioelectric effect’ (BE). Different mechanisms of action for the AC and DC fields have been reported in the literature over the last two decades. In this work, we conduct the first study on the correlation between the electrical energy and the treatment efficacy of the bioelectric effect on Escherichia coli K-12 W3110 biofilms.

Methods:
A thorough study was performed through the application of alternating (AC), direct (DC) and superimposed (SP) potentials of different amplitudes on mature E. coli biofilms. The electric fields were applied in combination with the antibiotic gentamicin (10 μg/ml) over a course of 24 h, after the biofilms had matured for 24 h. The biofilms were analysed using the crystal violet assay, the colony-forming unit method and fluorescence microscopy.

Results:
Results show that there is no statistical difference in treatment efficacy between the DC-, AC- and SP-based BE treatment of equivalent energies (analysis of variance (ANOVA) P>0.05) for voltages <1 V. We also demonstrate that the efficacy of the BE treatment as measured by the crystal violet staining method and colony-forming unit assay is proportional to the electrical energy applied (ANOVA P<0.05). We further verify that the treatment efficacy varies linearly with the energy of the BE treatment (r2 =0.984). Our results thus suggest that the energy of the electrical signal is the primary factor in determining the efficacy of the BE treatment, at potentials less than the media electrolysis voltage.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that the energy of the electrical signal, and not the type of electrical signal (AC or DC or SP), is the key to determine the efficacy of the BE treatment. We anticipate that this observation will pave the way for further understanding of the mechanism of action of the BE treatment method and may open new doors to the use of electric fields in the treatment of bacterial biofilms.
Polar domain walls trigger magnetoelectric coupling
Authors: Fontcuberta Josep , Skumryev Vassil , Laukhin Vladimir , Granados Xavier , Salje Ekhard K. H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractInterface physics in oxides heterostructures is pivotal in material’s science. Domain walls (DWs) in ferroic systems are examples of naturally occurring interfaces, where order parameter of neighboring domains is modified and emerging properties may develop. Here we show that electric tuning of ferroelastic domain walls in SrTiO3leads to dramatic changes of the magnetic domain structure of a neighboring magnetic layer (La1/2Sr1/2MnO3) epitaxially clamped on a SrTiO3substrate. We show that the properties of the magnetic layer are intimately connected to the existence of polar regions at twin boundaries of SrTiO3, developing at "Equation missing", that can be electrically modulated. These findings illustrate that by exploiting the responsiveness of DWs nanoregions to external stimuli, even in absence of any domain contribution, prominent and adjustable macroscopic reactions of neighboring layers can be obtained. We conclude that polar DWs, known to exist in other materials, can be used to trigger tunable responses and may lead to new ways for the manipulation of interfacial emerging properties.