bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Characterization and Comparison of Clostridium botulinum Isolates from Botulism Cases in Japan between 2006 and 2011
Authors: Kenri Tsuyoshi , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Akihiko , Iwaki Masaaki , Komiya Takako , Hatakeyama Takashi , Nakajima Hiroshi , Takahashi Motohide , Kuroda Makoto , Shibayama Keigo 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Genetic characterization was performed for 10 group I
Clostridium botulinum
strains isolated from botulism cases in Japan between 2006 and 2011. Of these, 1 was type A, 2 were type B, and 7 were type A(B) {carrying a silent
bont
/
B
[
bont
/
(B)
] gene} serotype strains, based on botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) production. The type A strain harbored the subtype A1 BoNT gene (
bont
/
A1
), which is associated with the
ha
gene cluster. The type B strains carried
bont
/
B5
or
bont
/
B6
subtype genes. The type A(B) strains carried
bont
/
A1
identical to that of type A(B) strain NCTC2916. However,
bont
/
(B)
genes in these strains showed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among strains. SNPs at 2 nucleotide positions of
bont
/
(B)
enabled classification of the type A(B) strains into 3 groups. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) also provided consistent separation results. In addition, the type A(B) strains were separated into 2 lineages based on their plasmid profiles. One lineage carried a small plasmid (5.9 kb), and another harbored 21-kb plasmids. To obtain more detailed genetic information about the 10 strains, we sequenced their genomes and compared them with 13 group I
C. botulinum
genomes in a database using whole-genome SNP analysis. This analysis provided high-resolution strain discrimination and enabled us to generate a refined phylogenetic tree that provides effective traceability of botulism cases, as well as bioterrorism materials. In the phylogenetic tree, the subtype B6 strains, Okayama2011 and Osaka05, were distantly separated from the other strains, indicating genomic divergence of subtype B6 strains among group I strains.
Glutathione Reductase-Mediated Synthesis of Tellurium-Containing Nanostructures Exhibiting Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Pugin Benoit , Cornejo Fabián A. , Muñoz-Díaz Pablo , Muñoz-Villagrán Claudia M. , Vargas-Pérez Joaquín I. , Arenas Felipe A. , Vásquez Claudio C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Tellurium, a metalloid belonging to group 16 of the periodic table, displays very interesting physical and chemical properties and lately has attracted significant attention for its use in nanotechnology. In this context, the use of microorganisms for synthesizing nanostructures emerges as an eco-friendly and exciting approach compared to their chemical synthesis. To generate Te-containing nanostructures, bacteria enzymatically reduce tellurite to elemental tellurium. In this work, using a classic biochemical approach, we looked for a novel tellurite reductase from the Antarctic bacterium
Pseudomonas
sp. strain BNF22 and used it to generate tellurium-containing nanostructures. A new tellurite reductase was identified as glutathione reductase, which was subsequently overproduced in
Escherichia coli
. The characterization of this enzyme showed that it is an NADPH-dependent tellurite reductase, with optimum reducing activity at 30°C and pH 9.0. Finally, the enzyme was able to generate Te-containing nanostructures, about 68 nm in size, which exhibit interesting antibacterial properties against
E. coli
, with no apparent cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells.
Contribution of Lactococcus lactis Reducing Properties to the Downregulation of a Major Virulence Regulator in Staphylococcus aureus, the
agr
System
Authors: Nouaille Sébastien , Rault Lucie , Jeanson Sophie , Loubière Pascal , Le Loir Yves , Even Sergine 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major cause of food poisoning outbreaks associated with dairy products, because of the ingestion of preformed enterotoxins. The biocontrol of
S. aureus
using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) offers a promising opportunity to fight this pathogen while respecting the product ecosystem. We had previously established the ability of
Lactococcus lactis
, a lactic acid bacterium widely used in the dairy industry, to downregulate a major staphylococcal virulence regulator, the accessory gene regulator (
agr
) system, and, as a consequence,
agr
-controlled enterotoxins. In the present paper, we have shown that the oxygen-independent reducing properties of
L. lactis
contribute to
agr
downregulation. Neutralizing lactococcal reduction by adding potassium ferricyanide or maintaining the oxygen pressure constant at 50% released
agr
downregulation in the presence of
L. lactis
. This downregulation still occurred in an
S. aureus srrA
mutant, indicating that the staphylococcal respiratory response regulator SrrAB was not the only component in the signaling pathway. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates the ability of
L. lactis
reducing properties to interfere with the expression of
S. aureus
virulence, thus highlighting this general property of LAB as a lever to control the virulence expression of this major pathogen in a food context and beyond.
Biofilm Formation Protects Escherichia coli against Killing by Caenorhabditis elegans and Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: DePas William H. , Syed Adnan K. , Sifuentes Margarita , Lee John S. , Warshaw David , Saggar Vinay , Csankovszki Györgyi , Boles Blaise R. , Chapman Matthew R. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Enteric bacteria, such as
Escherichia coli
, are exposed to a variety of stresses in the nonhost environment. The development of biofilms provides
E. coli
with resistance to environmental insults, such as desiccation and bleach. We found that biofilm formation, specifically production of the matrix components curli and cellulose, protected
E. coli
against killing by the soil-dwelling nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
and the predatory bacterium
Myxococcus xanthus
. Additionally, matrix-encased bacteria at the air-biofilm interface exhibited ∼40-fold-increased survival after
C. elegans
and
M. xanthus
killing compared to the non-matrix-encased cells that populate the interior of the biofilm. To determine if nonhost
Enterobacteriaceae
reservoirs supported biofilm formation, we grew
E. coli
on media composed of pig dung or commonly contaminated foods, such as beef, chicken, and spinach. Each of these medium types provided a nutritional environment that supported matrix production and biofilm formation. Altogether, we showed that common, nonhost reservoirs of
E. coli
supported the formation of biofilms that subsequently protected
E. coli
against predation.
Effects and Mechanisms of Auricular Electroacupuncture on Visceral Pain Induced by Colorectal Distension in Conscious Rats
Authors: Li Han , Hu Shasha , Zhang Jianbin , Zhou Jingzhu , Ran Hongxing , Tang Yichun , Chen Jiande , Wang Yinping 
Published: September 2014

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of auricular electroacupuncture (AEA) on visceral pain induced by colorectal distension (CRD). Methods Twenty-nine female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control; untreated CRD; CRD+AEA; and CRD+sham electroacupuncture (SEA). An electromyogram (EMG) was recorded for 120 min in the conscious state. After a 30 min baseline recording, CRD was performed in untreated CRD, AEA and SEA groups and lasted for 90 min. AEA and SEA were started at 30 min and lasted for 30 min. The EMG was recorded and analysed to evaluate the severity of visceral pain, indicated by the magnitude of the vasomotor response (VMR). mRNA expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a (5-HT1a) receptor was measured separately in the colon and raphe nuclei using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Results No differences were seen in the baseline EMG among the four groups (p>0.05). During pre-stimulation, VMR magnitude in the CRD, AEA and SEA groups increased compared with that in the control group (p<0.05). During stimulation, the VMR magnitude was significantly decreased in AEA but not SEA groups relative to the (untreated) CRD group. Similarly, mRNA expression of the 5-HT1a receptor in both the colon and raphe nuclei was lower in AEA but not SEA groups compared with the CRD group (p<0.05). Conclusions AEA can ameliorate CRD-induced visceral pain in rats, and increase mRNA expression of the 5-HT1a receptor peripherally (in the colon) and centrally (in the raphe nuclei), suggesting a serotonergic mechanism of action.
The role of hospital managers in quality and patient safety: a systematic review
Authors: Parand Anam , Dopson Sue , Renz Anna , Vincent Charles 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo review the empirical literature to identify the activities, time spent and engagement of hospital managers in quality of care.DesignA systematic review of the literature.MethodsA search was carried out on the databases MEDLINE, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, HMIC. The search strategy covered three facets: management, quality of care and the hospital setting comprising medical subject headings and key terms. Reviewers screened 15 447 titles/abstracts and 423 full texts were checked against inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed on 19 included articles.ResultsThe majority of studies were set in the USA and investigated Board/senior level management. The most common research designs were interviews and surveys on the perceptions of managerial quality and safety practices. Managerial activities comprised strategy, culture and data-centred activities, such as driving improvement culture and promotion of quality, strategy/goal setting and providing feedback. Significant positive associations with quality included compensation attached to quality, using quality improvement measures and having a Board quality committee. However, there is an inconsistency and inadequate employment of these conditions and actions across the sample hospitals.ConclusionsThere is some evidence that managers’ time spent and work can influence quality and safety clinical outcomes, processes and performance. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies, further weakened by a lack of objective outcome measures and little examination of actual actions undertaken. We present a model to summarise the conditions and activities that affect quality performance.
The effectiveness of community-based rehabilitation programmes: an impact evaluation of a quasi-randomised trial
Authors: Mauro Vincenzo , Biggeri Mario , Deepak Sunil , Trani Jean-Francois 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundCommunity-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes have been described as highly effective means of promoting the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities (PwD). Although CBR is often the main way in which PwD in low-income and middle-income countries access rehabilitation services, there is little literature providing rigorous evaluation of their impact on people's well-being.MethodsData were collected in the Mandya and Ramanagar districts (Karnataka state, India), between December 2009 and May 2010. In total 2540 PwD were interviewed using stratified random sampling: 1919 CBR beneficiaries (who joined the programme between 1997 and 2009) and 621 persons who were living in villages not covered by the programme. We controlled for the systematic differences between people joining and not joining the programme using the propensity score matching method controlling for covariates at individual and village level. We evaluated the impact of the programme on the subgroups of PwD who are disadvantaged on the dimensions of interest: access to pensions, use of aid appliances, access to paid jobs and improvement in personal-practical autonomy after 4 and 7 years of joining the CBR.ResultsWe observed a positive and significant impact of the programme on access to services, rights and opportunities of PwD. The results indicate that compared with the control group access to pensions and allowances, aid appliances, access to paid jobs and personal-practical autonomy increased by 29.7%, 9.4%, 12.3% and 36.2%, respectively, after 7 years.ConclusionsThe CBR programme analysed has a positive impact on access to services and the well-being of PwD who are particularly deprived on outcomes of interest.
ALK-Dependent Control of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Mediates Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Martinengo Cinzia , Poggio Teresa , Menotti Matteo , Scalzo Maria Stella , Mastini Cristina , Ambrogio Chiara , Pellegrino Elisa , Riera Ludovica , Piva Roberto , Ribatti Domenico , Pastorino Fabio , Perri Patrizia , Ponzoni Mirco , Wang Qi , Voena Claudia , Chiarle Roberto 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Rearrangements involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene are defining events in several tumors, including anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). In such cancers, the oncogenic activity of ALK stimulates signaling pathways that induce cell transformation and promote tumor growth. In search for common pathways activated by oncogenic ALK across different tumors types, we found that hypoxia pathways were significantly enriched in ALK-rearranged ALCL and NSCLC, as compared with other types of T-cell lymphoma or EGFR- and K-RAS–mutated NSCLC, respectively. Consistently, in both ALCL and NSCLC, we found that under hypoxic conditions, ALK directly regulated the abundance of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), which are key players of the hypoxia response in normal tissues and cancers. In ALCL, the upregulation of HIF1α and HIF2α in hypoxic conditions required ALK activity and its downstream signaling proteins STAT3 and C/EBPβ. In vivo, ALK regulated VEGFA production and tumor angiogenesis in ALCL and NSCLC, and the treatment with the anti-VEGFA antibody bevacizumab strongly impaired ALCL growth in mouse xenografts. Finally, HIF2α, but not HIF1α, was required for ALCL growth in vivo whereas the growth and metastasis potential of ALK-rearranged NSCLC required both HIF1α and HIF2α. In conclusion, we uncovered an ALK-specific regulation of the hypoxia response across different ALK+ tumor types and propose HIFs as a powerful specific therapeutic target in ALK-rearranged ALCL and NSCLC. Cancer Res; 74(21); 6094–106. ©2014 AACR.
Bra Wearing Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Population-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Chen Lu , Malone Kathleen E. , Li Christopher I. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Despite the widespread use of bras among U.S. women and concerns in the lay media that bra wearing may increase breast cancer risk, there is a scarcity of credible scientific studies addressing this issue. The goal of the study was to evaluate the relationship between various bra-wearing habits and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. We conducted a population-based case–control study of breast cancer in the Seattle–Puget Sound metropolitan area that compared 454 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cases and 590 invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2004 with 469 control women between 55 to 74 years of age. Information on bra-wearing habits and other breast cancer risk factors was collected from study participants through in-person interviews. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using polytomous logistic regression. No aspect of bra wearing, including bra cup size, recency, average number of hours/day worn, wearing a bra with an underwire, or age first began regularly wearing a bra, was associated with risks of either IDC or ILC. Our results did not support an association between bra wearing and increased breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(10); 2181–5. ©2014 AACR.
Bisphosphonates Inhibit Stellate Cell Activity and Enhance Antitumor Effects of Nanoparticle Albumin–Bound Paclitaxel in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gonzalez-Villasana Vianey , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Arumugam Thiruvengadam , Cruz-Monserrate Zobeida , Fuentes-Mattei Enrique , Deng Defeng , Hwang Rosa F. , Wang Huamin , Ivan Cristina , Garza Raul Joshua , Cohen Evan , Gao Hui , Armaiz-Pena Guillermo N. , del C. Monroig-Bosque Paloma , Philip Bincy , Rashed Mohammed H. , Aslan Burcu , Erdogan Mumin Alper , Gutierrez-Puente Yolanda , Ozpolat Bulent , Reuben James M. , Sood Anil K. , Logsdon Craig , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPancreatic stellate cells (PSC) have been recognized as the principal cells responsible for the production of fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, PSCs have been noted to share characteristics with cells of monocyte-macrophage lineage (MML cells). Thus, we tested whether PSCs could be targeted with the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBP; pamidronate or zoledronic acid), which are potent MML cell inhibitors. In addition, we tested NBPs treatment combination with nanoparticle albumin–bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) to enhance antitumor activity. In vitro, we observed that PSCs possess α-naphthyl butyrate esterase (ANBE) enzyme activity, a specific marker of MML cells. Moreover, NBPs inhibited PSCs proliferation, activation, release of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and type I collagen expression. NBPs also induced PSCs apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase. In vivo, NBPs inactivated PSCs; reduced fibrosis; inhibited tumor volume, tumor weight, peritoneal dissemination, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation; and increased apoptosis in an orthotopic murine model of PDAC. These in vivo antitumor effects were enhanced when NBPs were combined with nab-paclitaxel but not gemcitabine. Our study suggests that targeting PSCs and tumor cells with NBPs in combination with nab-paclitaxel may be a novel therapeutic approach to PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2583–94. ©2014 AACR.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Is a Potential Preventive Agent for Recurrent Colon Cancer
Authors: Vasudevan Anita , Yu Yingjie , Banerjee Sanjeev , Woods James , Farhana Lulu , Rajendra Sindhu G. , Patel Aamil , Dyson Gregory , Levi Edi , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Majumdar Adhip P.N. , Nangia-Makker Pratima 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the contention that many malignancies, including sporadic colorectal cancer, are driven by the self-renewing, chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem/stem-like cells (CSC/CSLC), underscoring the need for improved preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs/CSLCs. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), have been reported to inhibit the growth of primary tumors, but their potential as a preventive agent for recurring cancers is unexplored. The primary objectives of this investigation are (i) to examine whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; one of the ω-3 PUFA) synergizes with FuOx (5-FU+Oxaliplatin), the backbone of colon cancer chemotherapy, and (ii) whether EPA by itself or in combination with conventional chemotherapy prevents the recurrence of colon cancer via eliminating/suppressing CSCs/CSLCs. FuOx-resistant (chemoresistant; CR) colon cancer cells, highly enriched in CSCs, were used for this study. Although EPA alone was effective, combination of EPA and FuOx was more potent in (i) inhibiting cell growth, colonosphere formation, and sphere-forming frequency, (ii) increasing sphere disintegration, (iii) suppressing the growth of SCID mice xenografts of CR colon cancer cells, and (iv) decreasing proinflammatory metabolites in mice. In addition, EPA + FuOx caused a reduction in CSC/CSLC population. The growth reduction by this regimen is the result of increased apoptosis as evidenced by PARP cleavage. Furthermore, increased pPTEN, decreased pAkt, normalization of β-catenin expression, localization, and transcriptional activity by EPA suggests a role for the PTEN–Akt axis and Wnt signaling in regulating this process. Our data suggest that EPA by itself or in combination with FuOx could be an effective preventive strategy for recurring colorectal cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 7(11); 1138–48. ©2014 AACR.
Establishing an online HIV peer helping programme: A review of process challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Harris Gregory E , Corcoran Valerie , Myles Adam , Lundrigan Philip , White Robert , Greidanus Elaine , Savage Stephanie L , Pope Leslie , McDonald James , Yetman Gerard 
Published: September 2014

Background: Online peer support can be a valuable approach to helping people living with HIV, especially in regions with large rural populations and relatively centralised HIV services. Design: This paper focuses on a community -university partnership aimed at developing an online peer support programme in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Setting: Team members included community representatives and people living with HIV from the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL) as well as academic researchers. Objectives: Goals and objectives of the programme included reaching disconnected people living with HIV, reducing isolation among people living with HIV and connecting people living with HIV with support, education and professional resources. Method and Results: Through a process orientated and iterative decision-making approach, the team established the website, peer helping training curriculum, a recruitment plan as well as other core considerations. The current paper emphasises several process challenges and lessons learned from the development stage of the online support programme. Conclusion: It is hoped that this information will assist others in avoiding or overcoming similar process challenges arising during such work.
Static Anthropometric Dimensions in a Population of Iranian High School Students
Authors: Mehrparvar Amir Houshang , Mirmohammadi Seyyed Jalil , Hafezi Rahmatollah , Mostaghaci Mehrdad , Davari Mohammad Hossein 
Published: September 2014

Background: Anthropometric dimensions of the end users should be measured in order to create a basis for manufacturing of different products. This study was designed to measure some static anthropometric dimensions in Iranian high school students, considering ethnic differences. Method: Nineteen static anthropometric dimensions of high school students were measured and compared among different Iranian ethnicities (Fars, Turk, Kurd, Lor, Baluch, and Arab) and different genders. Results: In this study, 9,476 subjects (4,703 boys and 4,773 girls) ages 15 to 18 years in six ethnicities were assessed. The difference among ethnicities was statistically significant for all dimensions ( p values < .001 for each dimension). Conclusion: This study showed statistically significant differences in 19 static anthropometric dimensions among high school students regarding gender, age, and ethnicity.