bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complications after laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomy for inflammatory colitis: a case‐matched comparison
Authors: Parnaby C. N. , Ramsay G. , Macleod C. S. , Hope N. R. , Jansen J. O. , McAdam T. K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative outcome of patients undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with those undergoing open subtotal colectomy for colitis refractory to medical treatment.MethodA retrospective observational study was carried out of patients who underwent subtotal colectomy for refractory colitis, at a single centre, between 2006 and 2012. Patients were matched for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade, urgency of operation and immunosuppressant/modulator treatment. The primary outcome measure was the number of postoperative complications, classified using the Clavien–Dindo scale. Secondary end‐points included procedure duration, laparoscopic conversion rates, blood loss, 30‐day readmission rates and length of hospital stay.ResultsNinety‐six patients were included, 39 of whom had laparoscopic surgery. Thirty‐two of these were matched to similar patients who underwent an open procedure. The overall duration of the procedure was longer for laparoscopic surgery than for open surgery (median: 240 vs 150 min, P < 0.005) but estimated blood loss was less (median: 75 vs 400 ml, P < 0.005). In the laparoscopic group, 23 patients experienced 27 complications, and in the open surgery group, 23 patients experienced 30 complications. Most complications were minor (Grade I/II), and the distribution of complications, by grade, was similar between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in 30‐day readmission rates between the laparoscopic and open groups (five readmissions vs eight readmissions, P = 0.536). Length of hospital stay was 4 days shorter for laparoscopic surgery, but this difference was not statistically significant (median: 7 vs 11 days, P = 0.159).ConclusionIn patients requiring colectomy for acute severe colitis, laparoscopic surgery reduced blood loss but increased operating time and was not associated with a reduction in early postoperative complications, length of hospital stay or readmission rates.
Interstitial cells of Cajal: crucial for the development of megacolon in human Chagas' disease?
Authors: Jabari S. , da Silveira A. B. M. , de Oliveira E. C. , Quint K. , Wirries A. , Neuhuber W. , Brehmer A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimMegacolon, chronic dilation of a colonic segment,is accompanied by extensive myenteric neuron loss. However, this fails to explain unequivocally the formation of megacolon. We aimed to study further enteric structures that are directly or indirectly involved in colonic motility.MethodFrom surgically removed megacolon segments of seven Chagasic patients, three sets of cryosections from oral, megacolonic and anal zones were immunohistochemically quadruple‐stained for smooth‐muscle actin (SMA), synaptophysin (SYN, for nerve fibres), S100 (glia) and c‐Kit (interstitial cells of Cajal, ICCs). Values of area measurements were related to the appropriate muscle layer areas and these proportions were compared with those of seven non‐Chagasic control patients.ResultsWhereas nerve and glia profile proportions did not mirror unequivocally the changes of Chagasic colon calibre (nondilation/dilation/nondilation), the proportions of SMA (i.e. muscle tissue density) and c‐Kit (i.e. ICC density) did so: they decreased from the oral to the megacolonic segment but increased to the anal zones (muscle tissue density: control 68.3%, oral 54.3%, mega 42.1%, anal 47.6%; ICC‐density: control 1.8%, oral 1.1%, mega 0.4, anal 0.8%).ConclusionOf the parameters evaluated, muscle tissue and ICC densities may be involved in the formation of Chagasic megacolon, although the mechanism of destruction cannot be deduced.
Biotransformation of CI Acid Blue 113 and other dyes by Shewanella sp. P6
Authors: Biala Sunil , Chauhan Priyanka , Chadha Bhupinder Singh , Singh Bikram , Saini Harvinder Singh 
Published: June 2013

The isolate P6, an indigenous Shewanella sp., was able to decolorise 90% of CI Acid Blue 113 in just 30 min of incubation under anoxic conditions. The decolorisation potential of cells was not significantly affected even in the presence of 2% (w/v) sodium chloride and 8% (w/v) sodium sulphate. Mass spectrometric analysis detected the formation of aniline sodium salt, 1,4‐diaminonaphthalene, 5‐amino‐8‐(phenylamino)‐naphthalene‐1‐sulphonic acid sodium salt and 8‐(phenylamino)‐naphthalene‐1‐sulphonic acid sodium salt. Further, cells of P6 decolorised the raw effluent collected from the equalisation tank of a textile industry wastewater treatment plant. The water‐soluble dyes/intermediates present in the sludge, generated after chemical flocculation of raw effluent, were transformed by P6 cells within 24 h of incubation under anoxic conditions. Thus, isolate P6 has a potential application in the biological treatment of liquid and solid waste of textile processing plants because of its efficient decolorisation and transformation properties.
Recipient's unemployment restricts access to renal transplantation
Authors: Sandhu Gurprataap S. , Khattak Muhammad , Pavlakis Martha , Woodward Robert , Hanto Douglas W. , Wasilewski Marcy A. , Dimitri Noelle , Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEquitable distribution of a scarce resource such as kidneys for transplantation can be a challenging task for transplant centers. In this study, we evaluated the association between recipient's employment status and access to renal transplantation in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). We used data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS). The primary variable of interest was employment status at ESRD onset. Two outcomes were analyzed in Cox model: (i) being placed on the waiting list for renal transplantation or being transplanted (whichever occurred first); and (ii) first transplant in patients who were placed on the waiting list. We analyzed 429 409 patients (age of ESRD onset 64.2 ± 15.2 yr, 55.0% males, 65.1% White). Compared with patients who were unemployed, patients working full time were more likely to be placed on the waiting list/transplanted (HR 2.24, p < 0.001) and to receive a transplant once on the waiting list (HR 1.65, p < 0.001). Results indicate that recipient's employment status is strongly associated with access to renal transplantation, with unemployed and partially employed patients at a disadvantage. Adding insurance status to the model reduces the effect size, but the association still remains significant, indicating additional contribution from other factors.
The survival outcomes following liver transplantation (SOFT) score: validation with contemporaneous data and stratification of high‐risk cohorts
Authors: Rana Abbas , Jie Tun , Porubsky Marian , Habib Shahid , Rilo Horacio , Kaplan Bruce , Gruessner Angelika , Gruessner Rainer 
Published: July 2013

AbstractModels to project survival after liver transplantation are important to optimize outcomes. We introduced the survival outcomes following liver transplantation (SOFT) score in 2008 (1) and designed to predict survival in liver recipients at three months post‐transplant with a C statistic of 0.70. Our objective was to validate the SOFT score, with more contemporaneous data from the OPTN database. We also applied the SOFT score to cohorts of the sickest transplant candidates and the poorest‐quality allografts. Analysis included 21 949 patients transplanted from August 1, 2006, to October 1, 2010. Kaplan–Meier survival functions were used for time‐to‐event analysis. Model discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We validated the SOFT score in this cohort of 21 949 liver recipients. The C statistic was 0.70 (CI 0.68–0.71), identical to the original analysis. When applied to cohorts of high‐risk recipients and poor‐quality donor allografts, the SOFT score projected survival with a C statistic between 0.65 and 0.74. In this study, a validated SOFT score was informative among cohorts of the sickest transplant candidates and the poorest‐quality allografts.
Molecular phylogeny and pathotyping of Fusarium solani: a causal agent of Dalbergia sissoo decline
Authors: Arif M. , Zaidi N. W. , Haq Q. M. R. , Singh Y. P. , Khan S. , Singh U. S. 
Published: June 2013

SummarySissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), commonly known as shisham, is amongst the finest woods of South Asia, but ‘wilt’ disease has caused a rapid decline in this species. The cause of the disease remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to identify the causal agent of the disease and characterize isolates made from diseased trees, based on genomic data and variations in virulence. Samples of infected roots, stems and the ooze exuded from infected trees were obtained from plants showing symptoms in different geographical regions of India for the isolation of microorganisms. Isolates were used to inoculate healthy plants. Based on the morphological characteristics, genus‐ and species‐specific PCR, and in silico analysis of 5.8S rDNA‐ITS regions, of the 38 fungal isolates, 24 and 14 were identified as Fusarium solani and Fusarium sp., respectively. In a pathotyping study, eighteen F. solani isolates, isolated from roots and stem parts of symptomatic plants, induced typical wilt symptoms when inoculated through soil and roots on D. sissoo seedlings of 1–15 months in age. The population of F. solani was the highest in infected roots and the lowest in parts of stems, gradually decreasing with height, and was isolated constantly up to approximately 40% height of the seedling. F. solani isolates used in inoculations were successfully re‐isolated from the rhizosphere, infected roots and wilted stems, as confirmed using isolate‐specific DNA fingerprints. Molecular phylogenies based on rDNA‐ITS sequences showed that the 38 isolates fell into 2 groups. Group I comprised of F. solani isolates from D. sissoo and F. solani sequences in the NCBI GenBank database, whereas group II included Fusarium isolates other than F. solani. These results are helpful in developing integrated control measures for this highly variable pathogen and to establish a base for future population studies.
Children often present with infantile spasms after herpetic encephalitis
Authors: Aznar Laín Gemma , Dellatolas Georges , Eisermann Monika , Boddaert Nathalie , Chiron Catherine , Bulteau Christine , Monteiro José P. , An Isabelle , Pédespan Jean‐Michel , Cancès Claude , Peudenier Sylvianne , Barthez Marie‐Anne , Milh Mathieu , Dorfmuller Georges , Héron Bénédicte , Nabbout Rima , Grevent David , Dulac Olivier 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeTo determine what epilepsy types occur after herpetic encephalitis and what are the determinant factors for subsequent infantile spasms.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively the clinical history of 22 patients, referred to Necker and Saint Vincent de Paul Hospitals (Paris) through the French pediatric epilepsy network from March 1986 to April 2010 and who developed epilepsy some months after herpetic encephalitis. We focused on seizure semiology with video–electroencephalography (EEG) recording, and on neuroradiology and epilepsy follow‐up.Key FindingsFourteen patients developed pharmacoresistant spasms, and eight developed focal epilepsy, but none had both. The patients who developed spasms were more frequently younger than 30 months at age of onset of epilepsy and had herpetic encephalitis earlier (mean 10.6 months of age) than those who developed focal epilepsy (mean 59.7 and 39.6 months, respectively). Epilepsy follow‐up was similar in both groups (8.5 and 11 years, respectively). We found 26 affected cerebral areas; none alone was related to the development of epileptic spasms.SignificanceRisk factors to develop epileptic spasms were to have had herpetic encephalitis early (mean 10 months); to be significantly younger at onset of epilepsy (mean 22.1 months); and to have cerebral lesions involving the insula, the hippocampus, and the temporal pole.
Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate differently the cutaneous innate immunity
Authors: Jasson Fiona , Nagy Istvan , Knol Anne Chantal , Zuliani Thomas , Khammari Amir , Dréno Brigitte 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAcne is a chronic inflammatory illness of the pilosebaceous follicle where innate immunity plays a central role. In acne, the density of Propionibacterium acnes is increased in the pilosebaceous unit. We hypothesized that the severity of acne is not only dependent on the proliferation of P. acnes but also dependent on the pro‐inflammatory potential of P. acnes strains and consequently constitutes potential triggering factor for acne scarring. We investigated pro‐inflammatory potential of five different strains of P. acnes and P. avidum in skin explants and the preventive effect of zinc gluconate. The expression of immune markers was studied by immunohistochemistry, RT‐qPCR and ELISA. P. acnes strains modulate differently the expression of immune markers both at gene and at protein levels. P. acnes type III had the highest pro‐inflammatory potential by up‐regulating the expression of PAR‐2, TNF‐alpha, MMP‐13 and TIMP‐2, whereas P. avidum had the weakest by up‐regulating only MMP‐13 and TIMP‐2. Preincubation of zinc gluconate, which is a modulator of innate immunity, down‐regulates the expression of most immune markers induced by P. acnes, PAR‐2, TIMP‐2, up‐regulates MMP‐1, TIMP‐1. Our results demonstrate that different P. acnes strains have different inflammatory potential targeting markers of cutaneous innate immunity, and that inflammatory potential can be down‐regulated by zinc gluconate. As such, the inflammatory potential of P. acnes strains on acne skin may influence the severity of inflammatory acne lesions and scars.
Spatial genetic analysis of two polyploid macrophytes reveals high connectivity in a modified wetland
Authors: James Elizabeth A. , Jordan Rebecca , Griffin Philippa C. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Modification of aquatic habitats by human activity changes physical and genetic connections and poses a risk to the ecological stability of wetlands. Altered water regimes and land use can change dispersal patterns due to altered landscape permeability that will vary with the dispersal vector.

We hypothesised that modifications to the Gippsland Lakes wetlands of south‐eastern Australia, affecting connectivity over many decades, would be reflected differently in the genetic structure of two widespread polyploid wetland plants, Phragmites australis and Triglochin procera due to different dispersal pathways.

We found that genetic connectivity over the region, assessed with microsatellite markers, was high for both species. Phragmites australis consisted of a single genetic cluster, supporting the notion that wind is its primary dispersal vector. Contrary to expectations, Triglochin procera also showed high genetic connectivity, despite some differentiation between two wetland regions (Lake King and Lake Wellington). Spatial genetic autocorrelation revealed a high incidence of local‐scale gene flow in both species.

We conclude that despite significant anthropogenic habitat modification, genetic connectivity remains high for both species. The current patterns may reflect historical connectivity, with plant longevity buffering the effect of disruptions to gene flow, or contemporary dispersal may be sufficient to overcome anthropogenic influences. Waterbirds are likely to be a more significant dispersal vector of T. procera than anticipated because water dispersal alone cannot explain connectivity across river systems. As wetland systems are put under increasing pressure, we need to ensure that natural dispersal mechanisms still operate to maintain connectivity.
Salamander diversity alters stream macroinvertebrate community structure
Authors: Conor Keitzer S. , Goforth Reuben R. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Salamanders are abundant consumers in many fishless stream ecosystems, but few studies have explicitly examined their ecological role. Stream‐dwelling salamander larvae are generalist predators of aquatic macroinvertebrates and may play an important role in structuring macroinvertebrate communities. The potential for emergent effects of multiple predator species suggests that changes in salamander diversity could alter their effects on macroinvertebrate communities, but this has not been tested.

We used in‐stream enclosures to manipulate the presence and diversity of the two most abundant salamanders, Eurycea wilderae (EWIL) and Desmognathus quadramaculatus (DQUA), in a southern Appalachian Mountain headwater stream to examine the impacts of salamander predation on macroinvertebrate communities. We were particularly interested in testing for potential diversity effects by comparing the effects of each species in monoculture to polycultures of both species (BOTH).

Salamanders reduced macroinvertebrate abundance compared to the control treatment (CONTROL), but only when both species were present together. The general pattern of macroinvertebrate abundance among treatments was: CONTROL = EWIL = DQUA > BOTH, although no treatment significantly reduced the abundance of epibenthic taxa. The BOTH treatment also significantly altered macroinvertebrate community structure and reduced taxon richness by c. 57%. The effects of salamanders were particularly pronounced for chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae), which comprised the majority of macroinvertebrate total abundance.

Increased salamander diversity substantially altered macroinvertebrate communities, suggesting that niche complementarity or facilitation occurred despite the apparent functional similarity of these two species. Therefore, changes in salamander diversity may alter the effects of salamander communities on macroinvertebrates, which may cascade through food webs to affect stream ecosystem function.
Budget Rules and Fiscal Policy: Ten Lessons from Theory and Evidence
Authors: Auerbach Alan J. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
There has been considerable research and discussion over the years about the potential role of fiscal rules in supporting better economic outcomes; the design, implementation and enforcement, of such rules; and the prospects for alternative fiscal and political institutions to promote the objectives to which fiscal rules are typically targeted. This paper provides an overview of some of the findings that this research and unfolding events have brought forward, organized in the form of ten lessons that can be learned from accumulating theory and evidence.
Feasibility of early discharge strategies for neutropenic fever: outcomes of a Victorian organisational readiness assessment and pilot
Authors: Lingaratnam S. , Mellerick A. , Worth L. J. , Green M. , Guy S. , Kirsa S. , Slavin M. , Renwick W. , Filshie R. , Thursky K. A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Australian consensus guidelines support the use of ambulatory care strategies for management of adult patients with low‐risk neutropenic fever (NF), few centres have successfully implemented viable programmes.AimsTo study the feasibility of an early discharge programme for adult patients with low‐risk NF and assess organisational factors likely to influence successful implementation across participating Victorian hospitals.MethodsFour hospitals participated in an organisational readiness assessment preceding selection of a pilot site for programme implementation. Prospective baseline auditing of current practice (i.e. inpatient care until resolution of NF) across three hospitals preceded programme implementation and evaluation.ResultsBarriers and facilitators to successful implementation were identified. One hundred and seventeen NF episodes were evaluated during audit phases. The frequency of low‐risk NF presentations eligible for early discharge was low (less than two episodes per week). The programme reduced median (interquartile range) duration of parenteral antibiotics and length of stay for eligible patients (n = 11) from 4 (4, 5) days at baseline to 1 (1, 2) day during pilot (P = 0.02) and 4.5 (4, 5) days (baseline) to 2 (1, 3) days (pilot) (P = 0.02) respectively. The proportion of ineligible patients stepped down to oral antibiotics was improved from 38% (baseline) to 67% (pilot). No patients failed ambulatory care requiring readmission into hospital.ConclusionThe ambulatory care strategy for management of NF proposed by Australian consensus guidelines has been successfully piloted at a single Victorian centre. Organisational readiness tools can be used to identify potential barriers to the implementation of evidence based practices in patients with NF.
Down‐regulation of miR‐301a suppresses pro‐inflammatory cytokines inToll‐like receptor‐triggered macrophages
Authors: Huang Lisong , Liu Yin , Wang Liqiu , Chen Ruifeng , Ge Wei , Lin Zhusen , Zhang Yun , Liu Shuyuan , Shan Yi , Lin Qingxian , Jiang Minghong 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIn many types of tumours, especially pancreatic adenocarcinoma, miR‐301a is over‐expressed. This over‐expression results in negative regulation of the target gene of miR‐301a, the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) repressing factor (NKRF), increasing the activation ofNF‐κB and production ofNF‐κB‐responsive pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐8, interferon‐β, nitric oxide synthase 2A and cytochrome oxidase subunit 2 (COX‐2). However, in immune cells, mechanisms that regulate miR‐301a have not been reported. Similar to tumour cells, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ‐activated macrophages produceNF‐κB‐responsive pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it is of considerable interest to determine whether miR‐301a regulates the secretion of cytokines by immune cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that the expression of miR‐301a was decreased inTLR‐triggered macrophages. Through targetingNKRF, miR‐301a affected the activity ofNF‐κB and the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes downstream ofNF‐κB such asCOX‐2, prostaglandinE2and interleukin‐6. In addition, when lipopolysaccharide‐treated macrophages were simultaneously stimulated with trichostatinA, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases, the expression of miR‐301a increased, whereasNKRFand pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression decreased. However, further investigation revealed that there was no correlation between the induction of miR‐301a and the inhibitory effect of trichostatinAon lipopolysaccharide‐induced gene expression in macrophages. In summary, our study indicates a new mechanism by which miR‐301a regulates inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, which may clarify the regulatory role of microRNAs in immune‐mediated inflammatory responses.