bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual and familial factors associated with metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Demirel Fatma , Tepe Derya , Esen Ihsan , Buber Nazli , Boztepe Handan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the individual and familial factors associated with metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).MethodsThe study was performed in 93 children with T1DM between the ages of 3 and 19 years. Children and their families completed questionnaires on sociodemographics and data associated with diabetes. Medical information from the charts was also recorded.ResultsOlder age, longer diabetes duration and higher hospitalization rate for acute complications were positively associated with poor metabolic control. Good school performance, regular hospital visits, young maternal age, high paternal education level and fewer numbers of siblings were found to be negatively associated with poor metabolic control.ConclusionsMultiple individual and family‐level factors are associated with metabolic control. These data may aid in identification of diabetic children and adolescents who have a higher risk of poor metabolic control.
DNA methylation errors in imprinting disorders and assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Chiba Hatsune , Hiura Hitoshi , Okae Hiroaki , Miyauchi Naoko , Sato Fumi , Sato Akiko , Arima Takahiro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThere have been increased incident reports of rare imprinting disorders associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is an important treatment for infertile people of reproductive age and is increasingly common. The identification of epigenetic changes at imprinted loci in ART infants has led to the suggestion that the techniques themselves may predispose embryos to acquisition of imprinting errors and disease. It is still unknown, however, at what point(s) these imprinting errors arise, or the risk factors. In this review it was hypothesized that the particular steps of the ART process may be prone to induction of imprinting methylation errors during gametogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development. In addition, imprinting diseases and their causes are explained. Moreover, using a Japanese nationwide epidemiological study of imprinting diseases, their association with ART is determined. Epigenetic studies are required to understand the pathogenesis of this association; the ART‐related risk factor(s); and the precautions that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of these syndromes. It is hoped that the constitution of children born after ART will indicate the safest and most ethical approach to use, which will be invaluable for the future development of standard ART treatment.
Clinical importance of renal calyceal microlithiasis in children
Authors: Bilge Ilmay , Yilmaz Alev , Kayiran Sinan M , Emre Sevinc , Kadioglu Alev , Yekeler Ensar , Sucu Aysegul , Sirin Aydan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundRenal calyceal microlithiasis refers to a hyperechogenic spot in renal calyces <3 mm in diameter detected on renal sonography. These spots possibly represent the first step in calculus formation. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation, predisposing factors, prognosis and clinical importance of these hyperechogenic spots in renal calyces, renal calyceal microlithiasis, during childhood.MethodsThe data of 292 children (135 girls, 157 boys) with microlithiasis diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, serum biochemistry, urinary metabolic factors, and renal sonography results were obtained from patient files. A total of 228 patients were re‐evaluated at least 6 months after the first observation of renal calyceal microlithiasis and at 6–12 month intervals thereafter.ResultsMean age was 16.8 ± 14.9 months, and mean follow‐up duration was 14.6 ± 5.9 months. Presenting symptoms were abdominal or flank pain (41.1%), hematuria (35.6%), dysuria (24.7%) and urinary tract infection (34.6%). Previous ultrasounds were normal in 35% of the children. Metabolic and anatomic abnormalities were found in 55.5% and 17.8%, respectively. Hypercalciuria was the most common metabolic abnormality (88.9%). Among 228 patients who had been re‐evaluated, microlithiasis disappeared in 37.7%; decreased in number or size in 23.7%; progressed to renal stone formation in 10.6%; increased in number of microlithiasis in 19.0%; and remained unchanged on radiology in 9.0%.ConclusionRenal calyceal microlithiasis represents a spectrum of clinical situations and underlying metabolic abnormalities that need further investigation in children.
Short‐Term Storage and Swim‐Up Selection Do Not Affect the X/Y Ratio in Equine Spermatozoa
Authors: Orsztynowicz M , Pawlak P , Kociucka B , Mucha S , Klukowska‐Rotzler J , Lechniak D 
Published: August 2013

ContentsThe standard procedure of artificial insemination with fresh equine spermatozoa involves short‐term storage (to 48 h at 5°C). This procedure is accompanied by a gradual loss of sperm viability. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the X/Y ratio of equine spermatozoa is affected by short‐term storage and the swim‐up procedure. We used a standard protocol, for short‐term storage (0, 24 and 48 h at 5°C) of stallion semen diluted in the commercial extender EquiPro™ (Minitüb GmbH, Tiefenbach, Germany). After each set‐up storage period, the motile fraction of sperm cells was selected by the swim‐up method. The X/Y ratio was evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the fresh, non‐selected sperm, and in motile spermatozoa selected after each of the storage periods. Molecular probes for the equine chromosomes X and Y were used. The X/Y ratio in all sperm samples analysed in this study (fresh and stored) was not different from the theoretical 1 : 1 value. The incidence of chromosomally abnormal sperm cells in the fresh (0.28%) and motile (0.13%) sperm samples was not significantly different. The two approaches (sperm storage up to 48 h and the swim‐up procedure) applied to this study did not affect the X/Y ratio in the motile fraction of equine spermatozoa. This finding does not conform to phenomena described for human and cattle. For this reason, the finding may imply species‐related differences.
Post‐fire invasion and subsequent extinction of Conyza spp. in Mediterranean forests is mostly explained by local factors
Authors: Pino J , Arnan X , Rodrigo A , Retana J 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis work explored the invasion patterns of Conyza species in Mediterranean pine forests after fire and identified their main correlates through a temporal study approach. We hypothesised that wildfires might favour Conyza spp. invasion in these forests, but only transiently and depending on fire regime. We recorded Conyza spp. invasion and subsequent extinction in plots from species' occurrence and cover in vegetation surveys. We also explored the association of Conyza spp. presence and cover with a set of climatic, landscape and local (plot) factors using GLZ and GLM. We assessed changes in significant factors over time with a Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Evidence for Conyza spp. establishment was found in two‐thirds of the study plots, with an invasion peak 2 years after fire. Local factors related to resource availability, including high fire severity, low soil stoniness and total vegetation cover and high herbaceous cover, were significantly correlated with Conyza occurrence in plots at the invasion peak. However, Conyza cover was always low (≤6%) and populations did not persist more than several years, thus becoming rarer as plant cover increased. Landscape and climatic factors showed no association with Conyza occurrence. In conclusion, wildfires favour transient invasion of European Mediterranean pine forests by Conyza spp. Invasion is mostly enhanced by local fire severity and constrained by subsequent vegetation recovery, while it is poorly explained by climate and landscape, either current or historical.
Low‐dose phase contrast mammography with conventional x‐ray sources
Authors: Olivo A. , Gkoumas S. , Endrizzi M. , Hagen C. K. , Szafraniec M. B. , Diemoz P. C. , Munro P. R. T. , Ignatyev K. , Johnson B. , Horrocks J. A. , Vinnicombe S. J. , Jones J. L. , Speller R. D. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose:To provide an x‐ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) method working with conventional sources that could be readily translated into clinical practice. XPCI shows potential in synchrotron studies but attempts at translating it for use with conventional sources are subject to limitations in terms of field of view, stability, exposure time, and possibly most importantly, delivered dose.Methods:Following the adaptation of our “edge‐illumination” XPCI technique for use with conventional x‐ray sources through the use of x‐ray masks, the authors have further modified the design of such masks to allow further reducing the dose delivered to the sample without affecting the phase sensitivity of the method.Results:The authors have built a prototype based on the new mask design and used it to imageex vivo breast tissue samples containing malignant lesions. The authors compared images acquired with this prototype to those obtained with a conventional system. The authors demonstrate and quantify image improvements, especially in terms of microcalcification detection. On calcifications detected also by the conventional system, the authors measure contrast increases from five to nine fold; calcifications and other features were also detected which are completely invisible in the conventional image. Dose measurements confirmed that the above enhancements were achieved while delivering doses compatible with clinical practice.Conclusions:The authors obtained phase‐related image enhancements in mammography by means of a system built with components available off‐the‐shelf that operates under exposure time and dose conditions compatible with clinical practice. This opens the way to a straightforward translation of phase enhanced imaging methods into clinical practice.
Acinetobacter baumannii Strain M2 Produces Type IV Pili Which Play a Role in Natural Transformation and Twitching Motility but Not Surface-Associated Motility
Authors: Harding Christian M. , Tracy Erin N. , Carruthers Michael D. , Rather Philip N. , Actis Luis A. , Munson Robert S. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen. Recently, multiple
A. baumannii
genomes have been sequenced; these data have led to the identification of many genes predicted to encode proteins required for the biogenesis of type IV pili (TFP). However, there is no experimental evidence demonstrating that
A. baumannii
strains actually produce functional TFP. Here, we demonstrated that
A. baumannii
strain M2 is naturally transformable and capable of twitching motility, two classical TFP-associated phenotypes. Strains were constructed with mutations in
pilA
,
pilD
, and
pilT
, genes whose products have been well characterized in other systems. These mutants were no longer naturally transformable and did not exhibit twitching motility. These TFP-associated phenotypes were restored when these mutations were complemented. More PilA was detected on the surface of the
pilT
mutant than the parental strain, and TFP were visualized on the
pilT
mutant by transmission electron microscopy. Thus,
A. baumannii
produces functional TFP and utilizes TFP for both natural transformation and twitching motility. Several investigators have hypothesized that TFP might be responsible, in part, for the flagellum-independent surface-associated motility exhibited by many
A. baumannii
clinical isolates. We demonstrated that surface-associated motility was not dependent on the products of the
pilA
,
pilD
, and
pilT
genes and, by correlation, TFP. The identification of functional TFP in
A. baumannii
lays the foundation for future work determining the role of TFP in models of virulence that partially recapitulate human disease.

IMPORTANCE
Several investigators have documented the presence of genes predicted to encode proteins required for the biogenesis of TFP in many
A. baumannii
genomes. Furthermore, some have speculated that TFP may play a role in the unique surface-associated motility phenotype exhibited by many
A. baumannii
clinical isolates, yet there has been no experimental evidence to prove this. Unfortunately, progress in understanding the biology and virulence of
A. baumannii
has been slowed by the difficulty of constructing and complementing mutations in this species. Strain M2, a recently characterized clinical isolate, is amenable to genetic manipulation. We have established a reproducible system for the generation of marked and/or unmarked mutations using a modified recombineering strategy as well as a genetic complementation system utilizing a modified mini-Tn
7
element in strain M2. Using this strategy, we demonstrated that strain M2 produces TFP and that TFP are not required for surface-associated motility exhibited by strain M2.
Structure and Evolution of Chlorate Reduction Composite Transposons
Authors: Clark Iain C. , Melnyk Ryan A. , Engelbrektson Anna , Coates John D. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

The genes for chlorate reduction in six bacterial strains were analyzed in order to gain insight into the metabolism. A newly isolated chlorate-reducing bacterium (
Shewanella alga
e
ACDC) and three previously isolated strains (
Ideonella dechloratans
,
Pseudomonas
sp. strain PK, and
Dechloromarinus chlorophilus
NSS) were genome sequenced and compared to published sequences (
Alicycliphilus denitrificans
BC plasmid pALIDE01 and
Pseudomonas chloritidismutans
AW-1).
De novo
assembly of genomes failed to join regions adjacent to genes involved in chlorate reduction, suggesting the presence of repeat regions. Using a bioinformatics approach and finishing PCRs to connect fragmented contigs, we discovered that chlorate reduction genes are flanked by insertion sequences, forming composite transposons in all four newly sequenced strains. These insertion sequences delineate regions with the potential to move horizontally and define a set of genes that may be important for chlorate reduction. In addition to core metabolic components, we have highlighted several such genes through comparative analysis and visualization. Phylogenetic analysis places chlorate reductase within a functionally diverse clade of type II dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reductases, part of a larger family of enzymes with reactivity toward chlorate. Nucleotide-level forensics of regions surrounding chlorite dismutase (
cld
), as well as its phylogenetic clustering in a betaproteobacterial Cld clade, indicate that
cld
has been mobilized at least once from a perchlorate reducer to build chlorate respiration.

IMPORTANCE
Genome sequencing has identified, for the first time, chlorate reduction composite transposons. These transposons are constructed with flanking insertion sequences that differ in type and orientation between organisms, indicating that this mobile element has formed multiple times and is important for dissemination. Apart from core metabolic enzymes, very little is known about the genetic factors involved in chlorate reduction. Comparative analysis has identified several genes that may also be important, but the relative absence of accessory genes suggests that this mobile metabolism relies on host systems for electron transport, regulation, and cofactor synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of Cld and ClrA provides support for the hypothesis that chlorate reduction was built multiple times from type II dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reductases and
cld
. In at least one case,
cld
has been coopted from a perchlorate reduction island for this purpose. This work is a significant step toward understanding the genetics and evolution of chlorate reduction.
Influence of Vaginal Bacteria andd- andl-Lactic Acid Isomers on Vaginal Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer: Implications for Protection against Upper Genital Tract Infections
Authors: Witkin Steven S. , Mendes-Soares Helena , Linhares Iara M. , Jayaram Aswathi , Ledger William J. , Forney Larry J. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWe evaluated levels of vaginal extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-8) in vaginal secretions in relation to the composition of vaginal bacterial communities andd- andl-lactic acid levels. The composition of vaginal bacterial communities in 46 women was determined by pyrosequencing the V1 to V3 region of 16S rRNA genes. Lactobacilli were dominant in 71.3% of the women, followed byGardnerella(17.4%),Streptococcus(8.7%), andEnterococcus(2.2%). Of the lactobacillus-dominated communities, 51.5% were dominated byLactobacillus crispatus, 36.4% byLactobacillus iners, and 6.1% each byLactobacillus gasseriandLactobacillus jensenii. Concentrations ofl-lactic acid were slightly higher in lactobacillus-dominated vaginal samples, but most differences were not statistically significant.d-Lactic acid levels were higher in samples containingL. crispatusthan in those withL. iners(P< 0.0001) orGardnerella(P= 0.0002). The relative proportion ofd-lactic acid in vaginal communities dominated by species of lactobacilli was in concordance with the proportions found in axenic cultures of the various species grownin vitro. Levels ofl-lactic acid (P< 0.0001) and the ratio ofl-lactic acid tod-lactic acid (P= 0.0060), but not concentrations ofd-lactic acid, were also correlated with EMMPRIN concentrations. Moreover, vaginal concentrations of EMMPRIN and MMP-8 levels were highly correlated (P< 0.0001). Taken together, the data suggest the relative proportion ofl- tod-lactic acid isomers in the vagina may influence the extent of local EMMPRIN production and subsequent induction of MMP-8. The expression of these proteins may help determine the ability of bacteria to transverse the cervix and initiate upper genital tract infections.IMPORTANCEA large proportion of preterm births (>50%) result from infections caused by bacteria originating in the vagina, which requires that they traverse the cervix. Factors that influence susceptibility to these infections are not well understood; however, there is evidence that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-8) is known to alter the integrity of the cervix. In this work, we show that concentrations of vaginal extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) are influenced by members of the vaginal microbial community and concentrations ofd- orl-lactic acid isomers in vaginal secretions. Elevated levels ofd-lactic acid and the ratio ofd- tol-lactic acid influence EMMPRIN concentrations as well as MMP-8 levels. Thus, isomers of lactic acid may function as signaling molecules that alter host gene expression and influence risk of infection-related preterm birth.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programme training components: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taylor Jeffrey B , Waxman Justin P , Richter Scott J , Shultz Sandra J 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programmes have shown mixed results, which may be due to differing emphasis on training components. The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify the overall and relative duration of each training component encompassed within these programmes and (2) examine the effect of these durations on ACL injury rates.MethodsA systematic review was completed and meta-analyses performed on eligible studies to produce a pooled OR estimate of the effectiveness of these programmes. Meta-regression was used to detect any relationship that programme duration and the duration of individual training components had on ACL injury rates.Results13 studies were included for review. Results of the meta-analyses revealed a significant reduction of injuries after preventative training programmes for all ACL injuries (pooled OR estimate of 0.612, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; p=0.004) and for non-contact ACL injuries (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.54; p<0.001). Results of meta-regression analysis revealed that a greater duration of balance training was associated with a higher injury risk for ACL injury (p=0.04), while greater durations of static stretching was associated with a lower injury risk for non-contact ACL injuries (p=0.04).ConclusionsWhile ACL prevention programmes are successful in reducing the risk of ACL injury, the ideal combination and emphasis of training components within these programmes remains unclear. Evidence indicates that greater emphases on balance training and static stretching may be associated with an increase and decrease in injury risk, respectively.
Surgical checklists: a systematic review of impacts and implementation
Authors: Treadwell Jonathan R , Lucas Scott , Tsou Amy Y 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundSurgical complications represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality with the rate of major complications after inpatient surgery estimated at 3–17% in industrialised countries. The purpose of this review was to summarise experience with surgical checklist use and efficacy for improving patient safety.MethodsA search of four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials) was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 26 October 2012. Articles describing actual use of the WHO checklist, the Surgical Patient Safety System (SURPASS) checklist, a wrong-site surgery checklist or an anaesthesia equipment checklist were eligible for inclusion (this manuscript summarises all but the anaesthesia equipment checklists, which are described in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality publication).ResultsWe included a total of 33 studies. We report a variety of outcomes including avoidance of adverse events, facilitators and barriers to implementation. Checklists have been adopted in a wide variety of settings and represent a promising strategy for improving the culture of patient safety and perioperative care in a wide variety of settings. Surgical checklists were associated with increased detection of potential safety hazards, decreased surgical complications and improved communication among operating staff. Strategies for successful checklist implementation included enlisting institutional leaders as local champions, incorporating staff feedback for checklist adaptation and avoiding redundancies with existing systems for collecting information.ConclusionsSurgical checklists represent a relatively simple and promising strategy for addressing surgical patient safety worldwide. Further studies are needed to evaluate to what degree checklists improve clinical outcomes and whether improvements may be more pronounced in particular settings.