bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of two Cyclotella diatom species in the plankton of Lake Baikal
Authors: Jewson David H. , Granin Nick G. , Gnatovsky Ruslan Yu. , Lowry Steve F. , Teubner Katrin 
Published: July 2015

Summary

In a combined laboratory and field study over 10 years, we investigated how two centric diatom species, Cyclotella baicalensis and Cyclotella minuta, have coexisted in the plankton of Lake Baikal in Siberia for over 100,000 years.

The species differ substantially in cell size: C. baicalensis has some of the largest cells found in freshwater phytoplankton at up to 135 μm diameter, but C. minuta can be as small as 10 μm. They illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of small versus large size in a planktonic environment. Other differences included a faster division rate of C. minuta but a faster rate of biovolume increase in C. baicalensis.

Timing of their life cycles and peak cell abundances differed. C. baicalensis peaked in June or July after ice break‐up, but C. minuta usually peaked in autumn, because it was able to tolerate higher temperatures and survive higher in the water column during summer stratification, allowing growth to begin earlier than other species.

Satellite‐derived surface temperature data combined with temperature tolerances of each species revealed how variation in upwelling affected population development.

Speciation may have occurred after a change in environmental conditions allowed larger cells to remain in suspension throughout the year. Long‐term co‐existence became possible because ecological differences reduced interspecific competition.
Detection of the long noncoding RNAs nuclear‐enriched autosomal transcript 1 (NEAT1) and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 in the peripheral blood of HIV‐1‐infected patients
Authors: Jin C , Peng X , Xie T , Lu X , Liu F , Wu H , Yang Z , Wang J , Cheng L , Wu N 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HIV‐1 infection have not been extensively studied. Here we detected two lncRNAs, nuclear‐enriched autosomal transcript 1 (NEAT1) and metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma of HIV‐1‐infected patients.MethodsFifty‐nine HIV‐1‐infected patients and 21 healthy controls were recruited for the study, of whom 31 patients were highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)‐naïve and 28 patients had been receiving HAART for more than 1 year with undetectable viral loads. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs and plasma, and levels of NEAT1 and MALAT1 were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsWe found that the levels of NEAT1 and MALAT1 in PBMCs were up‐regulated in HAART‐naïve patients and were reduced in patients receiving HAART. NEAT1 was down‐regulated in the plasma of infected patients and expression was correlated with CD4 T‐cell count.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that NEAT1 and MALAT1 may interact with HIV‐1 in vivo and that the presence of NEAT1 in plasma is a potential biomarker of HIV‐1 infection.
Experience of morning reports in the emergency department
Authors: Sabbagh C. , Chaddad M. , El Rassy E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMorning report in the emergency medicine departments is an emerging teaching modality in the medicine curriculum. Our institution, Hotel‐Dieu de France hospital, a multidisciplinary tertiary care university hospital affiliated to the Saint Joseph University of Medical Sciences, is the only hospital in Middle East to hold morning reports in the emergency department (ED). We evaluate the usefulness of the morning report as a pedagogic tool as it assesses the content, quality of the discussions, professionalism, leadership, participation and duration of the morning report. The particularity of this paper is that it takes into consideration the interns' input often under‐recognised in the studies. An anonymous questionnaire was diffused to the residents and interns that rotated in the ED during the previous year. It consisted of seven multiple‐choice questions to evaluate the quality of the presentations, targeted discussions, ethics and professionalism, evidence‐based medicine, clinical reasoning, relation of cases to discussions and implication of the ED physician. Overall, of the 63 patients who answered the survey, 65.1% were satisfied by the content. The majority considered the quality of the discussions acceptable and the leadership and participation satisfactory, professionalism was judged poor. Both residents and interns were satisfied of the teaching point of the morning reports. The only fail back observed was professionalism and pathophysiological discussions that require to be added to the sessions, whereas clinical management, teaching points, leadership and time management were completely satisfactory.
Oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease in Australia: clinical features and challenges in management
Authors: Hull K. , Kerridge I. , Avery S. , McCullough M. , Ritchie D. , Szer J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractData from the Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry show a steady increase in the number of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) performed annually in Australia and New Zealand. In 2012, 629 allogeneic HSCT were performed. Allogeneic HSCT is associated with numerous potential complications, including chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD). The oral cavity is one of the most frequent sites affected by cGvHD, often leading to significant disability and reduced quality of life. Management strategies are often complex, of variable efficacy and influenced by the availability of various therapeutic agents, access to compounding pharmacies and associated costs. This paper summarises the current status of allogeneic HSCT in Australia and New Zealand with a focus on oral cGvHD and the associated challenges in its management.
Predicting Interest Rate Volatility Using Information on the Yield Curve
Authors: Takamizawa Hideyuki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study examines whether information on the yield curve is useful for predicting volatility of the yield curve. The information is used within dynamic models by specifying the covariance matrix of changes in yield factors as nonlinear functions of the factors. Using such models, it is found that the information (i) is useful for predicting volatility of the slope factor, achieving the accuracy comparable with the GARCH model; (ii) has incremental value for predicting volatility of the curvature factor when combined with a volatility‐specific factor; and (iii) does not much improve prediction of volatility of the level factor once the volatility‐specific factor is introduced.
Application of SAFT‐VR Equation of State for Prediction of Thermophysical Properties of Sugar Solutions
Authors: Baghbanbashi Mojhdeh , Pazuki Gholamreza 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe thermodynamic properties of sugar solutions, which are important solutions in food industries, have been calculated. Because of the large molecules and hydrogen bonding in the water/sugar solutions, the statistical association fluid theory of variable ranged (SAFT‐VR) equation of state was used to calculate the thermodynamic properties such as water activity, solubility, vapor pressure and boiling temperature of the aqueous sugar solutions, including glucose, sucrose and fructose. The SAFT‐VR parameters were calculated using vapor pressure and density data for water and water activity data for sugars. The total average absolute deviation percentage (AAD%) for all the calculated properties was 1.93%. The results showed that the model can accurately predict the properties of the sugar solution.Practical ApplicationsSugar solutions have important roles and uses in different industries such as food production, food preservation industries, chemical feed stock, pharmaceutical industries, metabolic reactions, industrial operations and chemical processes, such as crystallization, evaporation and selective separation. For example, water activity in a solution can be used to stop deteriorative reactions. The density of the solution is important in separation processes and mixing equipment. Solubility of sugar in water is another important property in food preservation and processes such as gasification and separation. The boiling temperature of the solution is an important thermodynamic property in different industrial processes such as purification and separation processes.
Triamcinolone spray: no‐rub application as effective as rub application
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundAdherence to therapy is important to achieve successful treatment outcomes. Although effective, topical treatments in dermatology may result in sticky skin or may be too time‐consuming to apply, thereby creating adherence issues. Spray formulations have excellent products aesthetics, but may require a 2‐step application process.AimsThis study was conducted to determine whether the spray formulation of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) 0.2% works equally well in a no‐rub and rub application process.MethodsFifty patients 18 years of age and older with mild symmetrical arm or leg eczema or atopic dermatitis were enrolled in a 2‐week investigator‐blinded study. One limb was randomized to be treated with TAC spray and no rubbing, and the other was to be treated with TAC spray and rubbing. Patients applied the spray three times daily for 2 weeks. The use of moisturizers was not permitted.ResultsAfter 2 weeks, there was a highly clinical and statistical (P < 0.001) improvement in all investigator and patient parameters evaluated with both the no‐rub and rub techniques. There was no difference in final assessment scores between the no‐rub and rub applications (P > 0.7), and no study product tolerability issues were identified. Transepidermal water loss and corneometry measures revealed no issues in skin barrier impairment even though patients were not permitted to use moisturizers.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the application parity between a no‐rub and rub application of TAC spray in the absence of a moisturizer. Both techniques resulted in clinical and significant improvement in eczema and atopic dermatitis and neither resulted in skin barrier issues.
Professional knowledge among Swedish and Saudi healthcare practitioners regarding oro‐facial pain in children and adolescents
Authors: Al‐Khotani A. , Naimi‐Akbar A. , Björnsson O. , Christidis N. , Alstergren P. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryOro‐facial pain (OFP) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children and adolescents are a growing problem. To meet patients’ healthcare needs, professionals must perform their work intuitively and with quality. Therefore, a high degree of professional knowledge is necessary. To investigate the professional knowledge regarding OFP/TMD in children and adolescents among Swedish and Saudi Arabian dental and medical specialists compared with Swedish OFP specialists. One questionnaire including the four domains Chronic pain and behaviour; Aetiology; Diagnosis and classification; Treatment and prognosis was distributed to 383 potential participants, that is physicians and dentists in Sweden and Saudi Arabia. The Swedish OFP/TMD specialists were used as a reference group. The response rates from Sweden and Saudi Arabia were 49% and 86%, respectively. The degree of agreement was highest in the domain Chronic pain and behaviour, especially for the Swedish groups. Regarding the other three domains, the agreement was modest to poor. In general, Swedish groups showed a higher agreement with Swedish OFP/TMD specialists than Saudi Arabian groups. This study shows that professional knowledge regarding OFP/TMD in children and adolescents is limited among Swedish and Saudi Arabian dental and medical professionals compared to Swedish OFP/TMD specialists. In Swedish groups, the professional knowledge is more accurate than in the corresponding Saudi Arabian. With these results in mind, and the frequent prevalence of OFP/TMD in children and adolescents, one can draw the conclusion that there is a need for modern medical education regarding OFP/TMD among both physicians and dentists, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs (2010–2013)
Authors: Wong C. , Epstein S.E. , Westropp J.L. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs. The responsible bacterial populations have evolved with increasing resistance to many antimicrobials.ObjectiveTo characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of canine urinary tract isolates over a 51‐month period.AnimalsOne thousand six hundred and thirty‐six bacterial isolates from 1,028 dogs.MethodsAerobic bacterial isolate growth and susceptibility data from urine cultures of dogs were identified, retrospectively. Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, comorbidities, and antimicrobial use in the previous 30 days. The UTIs were further categorized as uncomplicated, complicated, or pyelonephritis.ResultsCommon bacterial isolates identified were Escherichia coli (52.5%), Staphylococcus spp. (13.6%), and Enterococcus spp. (13.3%). In vitro susceptibility among all isolates varied for commonly prescribed antimicrobials (amoxicillin [59%], amoxicillin/clavulanic acid [76%], cephalexin [66%], enrofloxacin [74%] and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole [86%]). For all antimicrobials tested (except aminoglycosides), in vitro susceptibility was higher in uncomplicated versus complicated infections (P < .05). Uncomplicated infection isolate susceptibility rates remained ≤90% for PO administered antimicrobials. Administration of amoxicillin, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin, but not amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in the previous 30 days was associated with resistance to that antimicrobial. Multidrug resistant isolates of E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were more common in dogs with complicated than uncomplicated UTIs (36% versus 21%, P < .0001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn vitro susceptibility was highly variable and no PO administered antimicrobial had >90% efficacy among isolates tested. Multidrug resistance was frequent among isolates tested suggesting that routine culture and susceptibility testing is indicated. Previously prescribed antimicrobials may affect empirical choices made pending susceptibility testing.
Determinants of platelet count are different in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Latorre Raquel , Vaquero Javier , Rincón Diego , Puerto Marta , Ponce María D. , Sarnago Fernando , Matamoros Jose A. , Ramón Enrique , Elizaga Jaime , Bañares Rafael , Ripoll Cristina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsDifferent mechanisms including portal hypertension and hypersplenism have been involved in the development of thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis. However, the relative contribution of each one is unknown. The aim was to evaluate simultaneously different mechanisms that determine platelet count in cirrhosis.MethodsCross‐sectional study including cirrhotics (n = 120) with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. Samples were obtained from peripheral (P) veins to evaluate thrombopoietin (TPO), stem cell factor, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), tumour necrosis factor, interleukin‐(IL6) and (IL11) and from hepatic (H) veins to evaluate TPO. A subgroup (n = 72) had spleen volume estimation. H and P‐TPO were also measured in non‐cirrhotic patients (n = 15).ResultsPatients (Child A: 55, B: 43, C: 22) had a median platelet count of 81 000/mm3 (IQR 60 500, 110 750), which correlated with spleen volume (r = −0.38, P < 0.001). Platelets were associated also to HVPG (r = −0.47, P = 0.004) and P‐TPO (r = 0.31, P = 0.050) only in compensated patients. H‐TPO decreased, and the proportion of patients with P‐TPO > H‐TPO increased, with the presence and the severity of liver disease. H‐TPO was correlated with liver function (bilirubin r = −0.350, P < 0.001 and international normalized ratio r = −0.227, P = 0.011). Patients with H‐TPO < P‐TPO had higher levels of IL‐11 and HGF.ConclusionPlatelet count in cirrhosis is associated mainly to spleen volume, although portal hypertension as estimated by HVPG and liver function plays a significant role in compensated patients. H‐TPO and the proportion of patients with P‐TPO > H‐TPO were associated to the presence and severity of liver disease.
Efficacy and Adherence of Flexibly Adding on a Second Antimuscarinic Agent for Patients with Refractory Overactive Bladder
Authors: WANG Chung‐Cheng , JIANG Yuan‐Hong , KUO Hann‐Chorng 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and adverse events (AE) of flexibly adding on oxybutynin ER in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) refractory to monotherapy with the first muscarinic antagonist.MethodsA total of 129 patients with refractory OAB were enrolled in a prospective, open‐label protocol. Inclusion criteria were persistent symptoms or partial response to 3‐month behavioral therapy and an optimized dose of one antimuscarinic agent. At baseline, weeks 4, and 12 after the oxybutynin ER (5–15 mg once a day) was flexibly added, we assessed the OAB symptom indexes and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition, uroflowmetry, and post‐void residual, along with the therapeutic effect, AE, and tolerability. Patients continuing combined antimuscarinic therapy were followed up to 12 months.ResultsCompared with baseline, all OAB symptom indexes significantly decreased at all visits. A total of 32 (24.8%) and 25 (19.4%) patients reported successful therapeutic effect at weeks 4 and 12, respectively. Twenty‐four (18.6%) and 44 (34.1%) patients discontinued therapy at weeks 4 and 12, respectively. Only 31 (24.0%) patients continued the combined medication for up to 12 months. Discontinuation of the combined medication was noted in 28 (21.7%) patients due to AE and in 70 (54.3%) due to lack of efficacy.ConclusionsFlexibly adding on a second antimuscarinic agent is effective and safe for only some OAB patients dissatisfied with the first antimuscarinic treatment in the short‐term period. The patients' dropout rate is high and the long‐term efficacy of the combination of two antimuscarinic agents is limited.
An Investigation of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women Aged 40 and Over
Authors: SEVER Neziha , OSKAY Umran 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and associated risk factors in women aged 40 years and over.MethodsThe study was carried out with a total of 312 women. The data were collected between 1 January 2009 and 30 July 2010. As research instruments, an interview form of 19 questions that questioned personal characteristics and was developed by researchers, and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) Questionnaire evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms were used. Linear regression analysis was used to detect associated risk factors.ResultsThe rates of urgency, urinary incontinence, nocturia, and frequency symptoms were 61.5, 52.2, 18.9, and 25%, respectively. BFLUTS total scores increased with age, but the present study has detected no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). BFLUTS scores of the women demonstrated statistically significant differences according to several risk factors including menopause status (P = 0.03), presence of chronic illness (P = 0.000), medicine use (P = 0.000), recurrent urinary tract infections (P = 0.000), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.004), delivery number (P = 0.005) and chronic constipation (P = 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis determined that frequent urinary tract infections, presence of chronic illness, chronic constipation, BMI and number of deliveries were significantly related to LUTS development.ConclusionThe most common LUTS was urgency in women aged 40 years and older. Recurrent urinary tract infection was determined as the most significant risk factor for LUTS, followed by chronic illness, chronic constipation, higher BMI and parity.
CdiA promotes receptor‐independent intercellular adhesion
Authors: Ruhe Zachary C. , Townsley Loni , Wallace Adam B. , King Andrew , Van der Woude Marjan W. , Low David A. , Yildiz Fitnat H. , Hayes Christopher S. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCdiB/CdiA proteins mediate inter‐bacterial competition in a process termed contact‐dependent growth inhibition (CDI). Filamentous CdiA exoproteins extend from CDI+ cells and bind specific receptors to deliver toxins into susceptible target bacteria. CDI has also been implicated in auto‐aggregation and biofilm formation in several species, but the contribution of CdiA–receptor interactions to these multi‐cellular behaviors has not been examined. Using Escherichia coli isolate EC93 as a model, we show that cdiA and bamA receptor mutants are defective in biofilm formation, suggesting a prominent role for CdiA–BamA mediated cell–cell adhesion. However, CdiA also promotes auto‐aggregation in a BamA‐independent manner, indicating that the exoprotein possesses an additional adhesin activity. Cells must express CdiA in order to participate in BamA‐independent aggregates, suggesting that adhesion could be mediated by homotypic CdiA–CdiA interactions. The BamA‐dependent and BamA‐independent interaction domains map to distinct regions within the CdiA filament. Thus, CdiA orchestrates a collective behavior that is independent of its growth‐inhibition activity. This adhesion should enable ‘greenbeard’ discrimination, in which genetically unrelated individuals cooperate with one another based on a single shared trait. This kind‐selective social behavior could provide immediate fitness benefits to bacteria that acquire the systems through horizontal gene transfer.
Bacillithiol has a role in Fe–S cluster biogenesis in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rosario‐Cruz Zuelay , Chahal Harsimranjit K. , Mike Laura A. , Skaar Eric P. , Boyd Jeffrey M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus does not produce the low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) thiol glutathione, but it does produce the LMW thiol bacillithiol (BSH). To better understand the roles that BSH plays in staphylococcal metabolism, we constructed and examined strains lacking BSH. Phenotypic analysis found that the BSH‐deficient strains cultured either aerobically or anaerobically had growth defects that were alleviated by the addition of exogenous iron (Fe) or the amino acids leucine and isoleucine. The activities of the iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster‐dependent enzymes LeuCD and IlvD, which are required for the biosynthesis of leucine and isoleucine, were decreased in strains lacking BSH. The BSH‐deficient cells also had decreased aconitase and glutamate synthase activities, suggesting a general defect in Fe–S cluster biogenesis. The phenotypes of the BSH‐deficient strains were exacerbated in strains lacking the Fe–S cluster carrier Nfu and partially suppressed by multicopy expression of either sufA or nfu, suggesting functional overlap between BSH and Fe–S carrier proteins. Biochemical analysis found that SufA bound and transferred Fe–S clusters to apo‐aconitase, verifying that it serves as an Fe–S cluster carrier. The results presented are consistent with the hypothesis that BSH has roles in Fe homeostasis and the carriage of Fe–S clusters to apo‐proteins in S. aureus.