bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric lung transplantation: An international multicenter survey
Authors: Mead Lee , Danziger‐Isakov Lara A. , Michaels Marian G. , Goldfarb Samuel , Glanville Allan R. , Benden Christian ,   International Pediatric Lung Transplant Collaborative (IPLTC)
Published: May 2014

AbstractFungal infections create a significant risk to pediatric lung transplant recipients. However, no international consensus guidelines exist for fungal infection prevention strategies. It was the aim to describe the current strategies of antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric lung transplant centers. A self‐administered, web‐based survey on current practices to prevent fungal infection was circulated to centers within the IPLTC. Twenty‐one (88%) IPLTC centers participated, predominantly from Europe and the US. More than 50% of respondents perform adult and pediatric lung transplant operations. Twenty‐four percent use universal prophylaxis, 28% give prophylaxis to all patients but stratify the antifungal coverage based on pretransplant risk, and 48% target prophylaxis to only the children with CF or pretransplantation fungal colonization. Commonly, centers aim to target Aspergillus and Candida infection. Monotherapy with either voriconazole or inhaled amphotericin B is used in the majority of centers. Institutions utilize prophylactic therapy for variable time periods (40% 3–6 months; 30% ≥12 months). Alternative drugs were prescribed for lack of tolerance, toxicity, or positive surveillance culture. TDM (itraconazole/voriconazole) was used in 86% of centers. The survey revealed a wide range of antifungal prophylaxis strategies as current international practice in pediatric lung transplant recipients.
Outcome of liver re‐transplantation in children—Impact and special analysis of early re‐transplantation
Authors: Herden Uta , Ganschow Rainer , Grabhorn Enke , Briem‐Richter Andrea , Nashan Bjoern , Fischer Lutz 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn case of graft failure, re‐LTX is the only life‐saving option but it has been associated with inferior results. This study analyzes the outcome following pediatric re‐LTX with a main focus on the timely relation between initial transplant and re‐LTX. All pediatric LTX at our institution between 2000 and 2010 divided into patients with primary LTX and patients undergoing re‐LTX early (≤30 days) or late (>30 days) after previous LTX were analyzed. Two hundred and ninety‐eight primary LTX(79%), 33 early (9%), and 46 late (12%) re‐LTX were performed. Patient/graft survival was significantly worse for children undergoing early re‐LTX compared to primary LTX and late re‐LTX (p = 0.024/0.001 and p = 0.015/0.03). One‐/five‐yr graft survival rates were 66%/49% for early re‐LTX compared to 86%/76% for late re‐LTX and 90%/74% for primary LTX. The inferior results in children undergoing early re‐LTX were due to events occurring in the first six months with similar survival thereafter. No difference in outcome was evident after adjustment of the groups for high‐urgency status. Outcome was excellent for primary LTX and late re‐LTX, supporting late re‐LTX in children. Early re‐LTX takes an elevated risk of early graft loss and patient death; however, beyond the early postoperative period, the outcome was comparable.
Neurological complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children, a single center experience
Authors: Azik Fatih , Yazal Erdem Arzu , Tavil Betül , Bayram Cengiz , Tunç Bahattin , Uçkan Duygu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, we retrospectively examined the data of children who underwent allo‐HSCT from HLA‐matched family donors. We analyzed the incidence, etiological factors, clinical characteristics, possible reasons, risk factors, and follow‐up of neurologic complications. BU‐based conditioning regimens were used in most of the cases (n = 62). The median duration of follow‐up for the 89 patients was 20 months (range 1–41 months). Eleven percent of transplanted children developed one or more neurological symptoms after HSCT with a median observation time of two months (range −6 days to 18 months). The median age of the four girls and six boys with neurological complication was 13 yr (range 5.3–17.6 yr). Cylosporine A neurotoxicity was diagnosed in five children, four of them were PRES. The rest of complications were BU and lorazepam toxicity, an intracranial hemorrhage, a sinovenous thrombosis, and a transient ischemic attack during extracorpereal photopheresis. No difference was found between groups of neurological complication according to age, gender, diagnosis, hospitalization time, neutrophil and platelet engraftment time, stem cell source, and conditioning regimen, acute and chronic GVHD or VOD. Neurological complication was the cause of death in one patient (1.1%).
Combination of Oral Vitamin D3 with Photodynamic Therapy Enhances Tumor Cell Death in a Murine Model of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Anand Sanjay , Rollakanti Kishore R. , Horst Ronald L. , Hasan Tayyaba , Maytin Edward V. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT), in which 5‐ALA (a precursor for protoporphyrin IX, PpIX) is administered prior to exposure to light, is a nonscarring treatment for skin cancers. However, for deep tumors, ALA‐PDT is not always effective due to inadequate production of PpIX. We previously developed and reported a combination approach in which the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) is given systemically prior to PDT to improve PpIX accumulation and to enhance PDT‐induced tumor cell death; calcitriol, however, poses a risk of hypercalcemia. Here, we tested a possible strategy to circumvent the problem of hypercalcemia by substituting natural dietary vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol; D3) for calcitriol. Oral D3 supplementation (10 days of a 10‐fold elevated D3 diet) enhanced PpIX levels 3‐ to 4‐fold, and PDT‐mediated cell death 20‐fold, in subcutaneous A431 tumors. PpIX levels and cell viability in normal tissues were not affected. Hydroxylated metabolic forms of D3 were only modestly elevated in serum, indicating minimal hypercalcemic risk. These results show that brief oral administration of cholecalciferol can serve as a safe neoadjuvant to ALA‐PDT. We suggest a clinical study, using oral vitamin D3 prior to PDT, should be considered to evaluate this promising new approach to treating human skin cancer.
Effect of water content and temperature on seed longevity of seven Brassicaceae species after 5 years of storage
Authors: Mira S. , Estrelles E. , González‐Benito M. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMaximising seed longevity is crucial for genetic resource preservation and longevity of orthodox seeds is determined by environmental conditions (water content and temperature). The effect of water content (down to 0.01 g·H2O·g−1) on seed viability was studied at different temperatures for a 5‐year storage period in taxonomically related species. Seeds of seven Brassicaceae species (Brassica repanda, Eruca vesicaria, Malcolmia littorea, Moricandia arvensis, Rorippa nasturtium‐aquaticum, Sinapis alba, Sisymbrium runcinatum) were stored at 48 environments comprising a combination of eight water contents, from 0.21 to 0.01 g·H2O·g−1 DW and six temperatures (45, 35, 20, 5, −25, −170 °C). Survival curves were modelled and P50 calculated for those conditions where germination was reduced over the 5‐year assay period. Critical water content for storage of seeds of six species at 45 °C ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 g·H2O·g−1. The effect of extreme desiccation at 45 °C showed variability among species: three species showed damaging effects of drying below the critical water content, while for three species it was neither detrimental nor beneficial to seed longevity. Lipid content could be related to longevity, depending on the storage conditions. A variable seed longevity response to water content among taxonomically related species was found. The relative position of some of the species as long‐ or short‐lived at 45 °C varied depending on the humidity at which storage behaviour was evaluated. Therefore, predictions of survival under desiccated conditions based on results obtained at high humidity might be problematic for some species.
Stillbirth Rates among Haitians in Canada
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Vecchiato Léa , Naimi Ashley I. , Costopoulos André , Fraser William D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundData on cultural groups at risk of stillbirth in high‐income countries are scarce. We sought to determine disparities in stillbirth by gestational age for Haitian vs. non‐Haitian Canadians.MethodsWe used data on 10 287 stillbirths and 2 482 364 livebirths from 1981–2010 in the province of Quebec, Canada. Stillbirth rates for Haitians were compared with non‐Haitians using fetuses at risk denominators, and Cox proportional hazards regression models with gestational age as the time scale.ResultsStillbirth rates were much higher for Haitians than non‐Haitians during the study period (7.2 vs. 3.9 per 1000 total births). Disparities between Haitians and non‐Haitians were largest at 32–36 weeks of gestation [hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.61, 3.07].ConclusionsStillbirth rates in Haitian Canadians giving birth in Quebec are exceptionally high. Disparities were greatest during the late preterm period.
Soil flooding and rice straw addition can increase isotopic exchangeable phosphorus in P‐deficient tropical soils
Authors: Rakotoson T. , Amery F. , Rabeharisoa L. , Smolders E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSoil flooding increases phosphorus (P) availability due to reductive dissolution of P‐bearing Fe(III) minerals. It is, however, unclear whether such processes also act in P‐deficient soils of the tropics that have large Fe/P ratios (dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable P and Fe). The objective was to identify the extent of P release induced by flooding in such soils and the soil characteristics involved. Six topsoils (0.4–5% Fe) from rice fields in Madagascar were incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 66 days amended with factorial combinations of (0, 50 mg P/kg); half of the flooded soils were also amended with 1 g rice straw/kg prior to flooding to stimulate soil oxygen depletion. The release of P after flooding was measured at day 40 with 33P isotopic exchange, which detects both changes of labile P (exchangeable P) and changes in P solubility. Flooding increased labile P concentration in soil compared with aerobic soils by 1.4–60 mg P/kg, effects being significant in 6 of the 12 soil samples. Rice straw addition further increased the labile P in 5 of the 12 flooded soil samples by 2–27 mg P/kg. The release of labile P by flooding increased with soil oxalate‐extractable P concentration. Flooding combined with rice straw addition can increase the labile P in soil, even in soils with large amount of Fe; however, this release in unfertilized soils is likely insufficient for optimal nutrition of rice plants when evaluated against critical values for P solubility.
Plasmodium genome in blood donors at risk for malaria after several years of residence in Italy
Authors: Assennato Sonny Michael , Berzuini Alessandra , Foglieni Barbara , Spreafico Marta , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Prati Daniele 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundAt present, the main risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) in nonendemic countries is chronic, asymptomatic immigrants from malaria‐endemic areas. Semi‐immune donors may carry undetected parasitemia. This study examines Plasmodium infection in at‐risk blood donors in Northern Italy.Study Design and MethodsPlasma samples from 97 candidate donors and 80 controls were tested for malarial antibodies using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. The conserved 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial genes of Plasmodium were amplified to detect and quantify parasite genomes (copies/mL). Plasmodium species were identified with a species‐specific nested polymerase chain reaction. Parasitemic samples were further tested by amplification of polymorphic repetitive regions in MSP‐1 Block 2, MSP‐2 Block 3, and glutamate‐rich protein (GLURP) confirmed by sequencing.ResultsThree of 83 seropositive (3.6%) and one of 14 seronegative at‐risk candidate donors carried Plasmodium genome (4 × 103‐8.5 × 104 copies/mL): two P. falciparum, one P. malariae (seronegative sample), and one coinfection with P. malariae and P. ovale. Alleles of MSP‐1 (MAD20 and K1), MSP‐2 (3D7 and FC27), and GLURP were amplified from Sample 261. In Sample 282 only one allele in MSP‐2 (FC27) and GLURP was amplified. No alleles were detected in Samples 283 and 331.ConclusionsImmigrants from endemic countries might carry infectious Plasmodium after 2 to 5 years of continuous residence in Italy. Serologic screening may miss donors carrying P. malariae. Permanent exclusion or screening for both antibodies and genome are needed to prevent TTM.
Storage of apheresis platelet concentrates after manual replacement of >95% of plasma with PAS 5
Authors: Morrison A. , McMillan L. , Radwanski K. , Blatchford O. , Min K. , Petrik J. 
Published: May 2014

Background and ObjectivesRecently, a glucose‐ and bicarbonate‐containing additive solution termed PAS 5 demonstrated acceptable 7‐day platelet storage after >95% plasma replacement with PAS on the day of collection (Day 0). In this study, we examined platelet storage in >95% PAS 5 after manual washing of Day 1 apheresis platelets in plasma collected using either the Amicus or Trima plateletpheresis devices.Material and MethodsTriple platelet donations in plasma were obtained from Amicus (n = 10) and Trima (n = 10) plateletpheresis devices and stored overnight before being centrifuged and manually processed into three units with the following storage media: 100% plasma, >95% PAS 5 or 65% PAS 5/35% plasma. Platelet units were sampled on Days 1, 5 and 7 of storage using a range of tests recommended by the UK guidelines.ResultsThe majority of in vitro assay results for platelets in PAS 5 were similar to results in paired 100% plasma platelets (controls). The pH of PAS 5 stored platelet units was above the UK recommended guidelines of 7·4 by Day 5. PAS 5 platelets were no more activated than controls as evidenced by comparable soluble P‐selectin levels and CD62p and CD42b expression. PAS 5 platelets also exhibited adhesion and aggregation profiles higher than (Day 1) or comparable to (Days 5 and 7) controls as measured by Impact R.ConclusionThe 7‐day in vitro storage parameters investigated were comparable between >95% PAS 5 and 100% plasma platelets derived from both Amicus and Trima plateletpheresis devices, with the exception that lactose dehydrogenase release rate and pH were significantly higher in PAS 5 units.
Vigorous Physical Activity may be Important for the Insulin Sensitivity in Immigrants From the Middle East and Native Swedes
Authors: Arvidsson Daniel , Lindblad Ulf , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Groop Leif , Bennet Louise 
Published: May 2014

Purpose:To compare physical activity measures and their associations with insulin sensitivity, β-cell function and body mass index (BMI) between Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes.Methods:A cross-sectional study of 493 Iraqis (58% men) and 469 Swedes (54% men) aged 30 to 75 years living in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Accelerometry was used for physical activity measures (sedentary time, breaks in sedentary time, moderate and vigorous physical activity, total counts). Insulin sensitivity index and oral disposal index were determined from an oral glucose tolerance test and BMI by body weight and height.Results:Iraqi men were less physically active than Swedish men, while the physical activity was more similar in the women. BMI was a strong predictor of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function and frequently associated with the physical activity measures. BMI modified the associations of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function with the physical activity measures to such extent that only VPA and total counts show direct associations with insulin sensitivity in addition to the indirect associations via BMI. Iraqi women demonstrated weaker associations compared with Swedish women.Conclusions:Physical activity and performed at vigorous intensity may be important mainly for the insulin sensitivity in Iraqi immigrants and native Swedes.
Exercise and Food Compensation: Exploring Diet-Related Beliefs and Behaviors of Regular Exercisers
Authors: Dohle Simone , Wansink Brian , Zehnder Lorena 
Published: May 2014

Background:The goal of this qualitative study is to identify common beliefs and behaviors related to exercise and diet.Methods:Data were collected in focus group discussions with regular exercisers who were physically active between 1 and 5 h per week. Exercise objectives, beliefs and behaviors regarding food intake before, during, and after exercise, consumption of sport supplements, and dietary patterns on sedentary days were explored. All focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.Results:Participants reported that they reward themselves for being active by consuming food. Other exercisers had specific beliefs about dietary needs and how to compensate for exercise-induced losses along with exercise-related food likes and dislikes. The participants’ food intake also depended on their personal exercise objectives, such as the goal of performing well in competitions. External and physiological factors also played a role in determining participants’ dietary patterns.Conclusions:Results of this study show that exercising and dietary patterns are closely intertwined. In addition, we articulate new hypotheses and outline a research agenda that can help improve how regular exercisers eat.
Three-Year Follow-Up of an Early Childhood Intervention: What About Physical Activity and Weight Status?
Authors: Barnett Lisa M. , Zask Avigdor , Rose Lauren , Hughes Denise , Adams Jillian 
Published: May 2014

Background:Fundamental movement skills are a correlate of physical activity and weight status. Children who participated in a preschool intervention had greater movement skill proficiency and improved anthropometric measures (waist circumference and BMI z scores) post intervention. Three years later, intervention girls had retained their object control skill advantage. The study purpose was to assess whether at 3-year follow up a) intervention children were more physically active than controls and b) the intervention effect on anthropometrics was still present.Methods:Children were assessed at ages 4, 5, and 8 years for anthropometric measures and locomotor and object control proficiency (Test of Gross Motor Development-2). At age 8, children were also assessed for moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (using accelerometry). Several general linear models were run, the first with MVPA as the outcome, intervention/control, anthropometrics, object control and locomotor scores as predictors, and age and sex as covariates. The second and third models were similar, except baseline to follow-up anthropometric differences were the outcome.Results:Overall follow-up rate was 29% (163/560), with 111 children having complete data. There were no intervention control differences in either MVPA or anthropometrics.Conclusion:Increased skill competence did not translate to increased physical activity.
Differences in Lactococcal Cell Wall Polysaccharide Structure Are Major Determining Factors in Bacteriophage Sensitivity
Authors: Ainsworth Stuart , Sadovskaya Irina , Vinogradov Evguenii , Courtin Pascal , Guerardel Yann , Mahony Jennifer , Grard Thierry , Cambillau Christian , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Analysis of the genetic locus encompassing a cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) biosynthesis operon of eight strains of
Lactococcus lactis
, identified as belonging to the same CWPS type C genotype, revealed the presence of a variable region among the strains examined. The results allowed the identification of five subgroups of the C type named subtypes C
1
to C
5
. This variable region contains genes encoding glycosyltransferases that display low or no sequence homology between the subgroups. In this study, we purified an acidic polysaccharide from the cell wall of
L. lactis
3107 (subtype C
2
) and confirmed that it is structurally different from the previously established CWPS of subtype C
1
L. lactis
MG1363. The CWPS of
L. lactis
3107 is composed of pentasaccharide repeating units linked by phosphodiester bonds with the structure 6-α-Glc-3-β-Gal
f
-3-β-GlcNAc-2-β-Gal
f
-6-α-GlcNAc-1-
P
. Combinations of genes from the variable region of subtype C
2
were introduced into a mutant of subtype C
1
L. lactis
NZ9000 deficient in CWPS biosynthesis. The resulting recombinant mutant synthesized a polysaccharide with a composition characteristic of that of subtype C
2
L. lactis
3107 and not wild-type C
1
L. lactis
NZ9000. By challenging the recombinant mutant with various lactococcal phages, we demonstrated that CWPS is the host cell surface receptor of tested bacteriophages of both the P335 and 936 groups and that differences between the CWPS structures play a crucial role in determining phage host range
.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the efforts of nearly 80 years of lactococcal phage research, the precise nature of the cell surface receptors of the P335 and 936 phage group receptors has remained elusive. This work demonstrates the molecular nature of a P335 group receptor while bolstering the evidence of its role in host recognition by phages of the 936 group and at least partially explains why such phages have a very narrow host range. The information generated will be instrumental in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how phages recognize specific saccharidic receptors located on the surface of their bacterial host.