bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphometry of the hard palate in Down's syndrome through CBCT‐image analysis
Authors: Abeleira M. T. , Outumuro M. , Diniz M. , Limeres J. , Ramos I. , Diz P. 
Published: May 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo define the morphometry of the hard palate in Down's syndrome (DS) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.Setting and Sample PopulationSantiago de Compostela University (Spain). The study group included 40 white DS individuals aged 10 to 40 years (mean = 18.8 ± 7.3 years), 25 males and 15 females. The control group consisted of 40 individuals matched for age and sex were selected.Material & MethodsNine measurements were taken on the CBCT images. Axial plane: anteroposterior length (aAPL) and arch length (aARL); sagittal plane: anteroposterior length (sAPL), maximum height (sMH) and sagittal arch (sAR); coronal plane: interdental width (cIDW), height (cHE), skeletal width (cSW) and coronal arch (cAR).ResultsaAPL, aARL, sAPL, sMH, sAR, cMH and cAR were comparable in the two groups. cIDW and cSW were greater in controls than in DS. We found no statistically significant differences between males and females with DS. In the controls, sAPL and sAR were greater in males than females. In DS, age only had a statistically significantly increasing effect on aAPL and sAPL. In the controls, age significantly affected sAR and cHE.ConclusionThe hard palate is narrower in DS than in controls, but the anteroposterior measurements and the height of the vault are comparable in both groups.
New prenyllipid metabolites identified in Arabidopsis during photo‐oxidative stress
Authors: Dłużewska Jolanta , Zieliński Kamil , Nowicka Beatrycze , Szymańska Renata , Kruk Jerzy 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn the present study, we have identified new prenyllipid metabolites formed during high light stress in Arabidopsis thaliana, whose origin and function remained unknown so far. It was found that plastoquinone‐C accumulates mainly in the reduced form under high light conditions, as well as during short‐term excess light illumination both in the wild‐type and tocopherol biosynthetic vte1 mutant, suggesting that plastoquinone‐C, a singlet oxygen‐derived prenyllipid, is reduced in chloroplasts by photosystem II or enzymatically, outside thylakoids. Plastoquinone‐B, a fatty acid ester of plastoquinone‐C, was identified for the first time in Arabidopsis in high light grown wild‐type plants and during short‐time, excess light illumination of the wild‐type plants and the vte1 mutant. The gene expression analysis showed that vte2 gene is most pronouncedly up‐regulated among the prenyllipid biosynthetic genes under high light and induction of its expression is mainly caused by an increased level of singlet oxygen, as was demonstrated in experiments with D2O‐treated plants under excess light conditions.
Magnetic resonance tagging for diagnosis of focal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a child
Authors: Çoban Gökçen , Yıldırım Müge Afşar , Dönmez Fuldem Yıldırım , Tarhan Nefise Çağla , Erdoğan İlkay , Coşkun Mehmet 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging has become an important diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis of lesions for evaluation of cardiovascular disorders. In magnetic resonance tagging (MRt), tissue elements are magnetically labeled so that their positions can be tracked as a function of time. Thus, MRt evaluates heart wall motion both qualitatively and quantitatively. We present herein the case of a 12‐year‐old boy who had chest pain, dyspnea on effort and murmur. On cardiac computed tomography, there was focal thickening of the left ventricular posterior wall, similar to a mass. MRt indicated active displacement and deformation of the tags at the level of the hypertrophic myocardium during systole, as with normal myocardium. Thus, the tagged images supported the diagnosis of focal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In view of these results, MRt should be considered as a useful technique for differentiating between a mass‐like focal lesion such as neoplasm and HCM.
Two siblings with cortical dysplasia: Clinico‐electroencephalographic features
Authors: Fukasawa Tatsuya , Kubota Tetsuo , Negoro Tamiko , Maruyama Shinsuke , Honda Ryoko , Saito Yuko , Itoh Masayuki , Kakita Akiyoshi , Sugai Kenji , Otsuki Taisuke , Kato Mitsuhiro , Natsume Jun , Watanabe Kazuyoshi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe older of two siblings began to have spasms and partial seizures at 1 month of age. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormal area in the left temporo‐parieto‐occipital region. Interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed a suppression–burst pattern. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stopped the spasms, but the seizures continued. Clonazepam, carbamazepine, zonisamide, and clobazam were ineffective. She underwent focal resection at age 8 months. Postoperatively, the seizures disappeared. Histopathologically, the lesion appeared to be focal cortical dysplasia typeIIa. The younger sibling had spasms from birth. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed left hemi‐megalencephaly. InterictalEEGshowed a suppression‐burst pattern. Phenobarbital, valproic acid, and zonisamide were ineffective. He underwent hemispherotomy at age 2 months and became seizure free. The histopathological features were consistent with those of hemi‐megalencephaly. The siblings’EEGand clinical courses had some similarities. These siblings’ conditions may have the same genetic background.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a pathogen inactivation technology against clinically relevant transfusion‐transmitted bacterial strains
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Hourfar Michael K. , Sireis Walid , Pfeiffer Ulrich , Göttig Stephan , Kempf Volkhard A.J. , McDonald Carl P. , Seifried Erhard 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDTo increase blood safety, various procedures are currently implemented, including donor selection, optimized donor arm disinfection, and diversion. In addition, pathogen inactivation (PI) techniques can be used for platelets (PLTs) and plasma concentrates.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis study investigated the clinical efficacy of an inactivation technique for different blood components at two time points (12 and 35.5 hr). Eight transfusion‐relevant bacterial strains were spiked at two different concentrations (100 and 1000 colony‐forming units [CFUs]/bag) into whole blood (WB), apheresis PLTs (APs), and buffy coat (BC)‐derived minipool PLTs.RESULTSThe bacterial concentrations were higher than 106 CFUs/mL within 24 hours after spiking depending on the particular bacterial strain. PI was absolute for all of the APs performed 12 hours after inoculation, but the bacterial strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus were not completely inactivated in WB or BC PLTs, performed 35.5 and 12 hours after inoculation, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe INTERCEPT PI system was not 100% effective for high concentrations of certain K. pneumoniae strains or spore‐forming B. cereus. A critical observation was that the period between blood donation and inactivation needs to be minimal to enable efficient PI. In the case where PI cannot be performed immediately after preparation, a combination of a PI technology after the production of blood components with a rapid bacterial screen test on Day 4 or 5 after donation may offer a solution to further prevent the risk of bacterial transmission by transfusion.
The water‐energy nexus: future water resource availability and its implications on UK thermal power generation
Authors: Murrant Daniel , Quinn Andrew , Chapman Lee 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAn increasing population coupled with the uncertain, but increasingly likely, impacts of climate change have led to a heightened level of global academic attention to the interdependencies that exist between the water and energy infrastructure networks. However, to date there has been limited research considering the water‐energy nexus within a UK context. This article reviews the global and national literature to identify how a future lack of available water resource will impact upon the UK thermal power generation fleet, both in terms of freshwater resource and environmental constraints. It concludes that a combination of freshwater resource management and adaptation to use alternative water sources will be key in mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.
Unprecedented Silver Resistance in Clinically Isolated Enterobacteriaceae: Major Implications for Burn and Wound Management
Authors: Finley Phillip J. , Norton Rhy , Austin Cindy , Mitchell Amber , Zank Sara , Durham Paul 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Increased utilization of inorganic silver as an adjunctive to many medical devices has raised concerns of emergent silver resistance in clinical bacteria. Although the molecular basis for silver resistance has been previously characterized, to date, significant phenotypic expression of these genes in clinical settings is yet to be observed. Here, we identified the first strains of clinical bacteria expressing silver resistance at a level that could significantly impact wound care and the use of silver-based dressings. Screening of 859 clinical isolates confirmed 31 harbored at least 1 silver resistance gene. Despite the presence of these genes, MIC testing revealed most of the bacteria displayed little or no increase in resistance to ionic silver (200 to 300 μM Ag
+
). However, 2 isolates (
Klebsiella pneumonia
and
Enterobacter cloacae
) were capable of robust growth at exceedingly high silver concentrations, with MIC values reaching 5,500 μM Ag
+
. DNA sequencing of these two strains revealed the presence of genes homologous to known genetic determinants of heavy metal resistance. Darkening of the bacteria's pigment was observed after exposure to high silver concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of silver nanoparticles embedded in the extracellular polymeric substance of both isolates. This finding suggested that the isolates may neutralize ionic silver via reduction to elemental silver. Antimicrobial testing revealed both organisms to be completely resistant to many commercially available silver-impregnated burn and wound dressings. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence of clinical bacteria capable of expressing silver resistance at levels that could significantly impact wound management.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Efficacy of Amphotericin B Combined with Posaconazole against Experimental Disseminated Sporotrichosis
Authors: Mario Débora Nunes , Guarro Josep , Santurio Janio Morais , Alves Sydney Hartz , Capilla Javier 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the combination of posaconazole with amphotericin B
in vitro
and in a murine model of systemic infections caused by
Sporothrix brasiliensis
and
Sporothrix schenckii
sensu stricto
.
In vitro
data demonstrated a synergistic effect, and although posaconazole alone was effective against sporotrichosis, efficacy in terms of survival and burden reduction was increased with the combination. This combination might be an option against disseminated sporotrichosis, especially when itraconazole or amphotericin B at optimal doses are contraindicated.
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Administration on Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization in Adults with Comorbidities
Authors: Doron Shira , Hibberd Patricia L. , Goldin Barry , Thorpe Cheleste , McDermott Laura , Snydman David R. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are endemic in health care settings. These organisms colonize the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to infection which is associated with increased mortality. There is no treatment for VRE colonization. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to examine the safety and efficacy of administration of the probiotic
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GG (LGG) for the reduction or elimination of intestinal colonization by VRE. Colonized adults were randomized to receive LGG or placebo for 14 days. Quantitative stool cultures for LGG and VRE were collected at baseline and days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56. Day 14 stool samples from some subjects were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) for LGG. Patients were closely monitored for adverse events. Eleven subjects, of whom 5 received LGG and 6 received placebo, were analyzed. No differences in VRE colony counts were seen at any time points between groups. No decline in colony counts was seen over time in subjects who received LGG. LGG was detected by PCR in all samples tested from subjects who received LGG but was only isolated in culture from 2 of 5 subjects in the LGG group. No treatment-related adverse events were seen. We demonstrated that LGG could be administered safely to patients with comorbidities and is recoverable in some patients' stool cultures. Concomitant administration of antibiotics may have resulted in an inability to recover viable organisms from stool samples, but LGG DNA could still be detected by qPCR. LGG administration did not affect VRE colonization in this study. (This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov under registration no. NCT00756262.)
Ex Vivo
Drug Susceptibility Testing and Molecular Profiling of Clinical Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Cambodia from 2008 to 2013 Suggest Emerging Piperaquine Resistance
Authors: Chaorattanakawee Suwanna , Saunders David L. , Sea Darapiseth , Chanarat Nitima , Yingyuen Kritsanai , Sundrakes Siratchana , Saingam Piyaporn , Buathong Nillawan , Sriwichai Sabaithip , Chann Soklyda , Se Youry , Yom You , Heng Thay Kheng , Kong Nareth , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Tangthongchaiwiriya Kuntida , Jacob Christopher , Takala-Harrison Shannon , Plowe Christopher , Lin Jessica T. , Chuor Char Meng , Prom Satharath , Tyner Stuart D. , Gosi Panita , Teja-Isavadharm Paktiya , Lon Chanthap , Lanteri Charlotte A. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Cambodia's first-line artemisinin combination therapy, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ), is no longer sufficiently curative against multidrug-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria at some Thai-Cambodian border regions. We report recent (2008 to 2013) drug resistance trends in 753 isolates from northern, western, and southern Cambodia by surveying for
ex vivo
drug susceptibility and molecular drug resistance markers to guide the selection of an effective alternative to DHA-PPQ. Over the last 3 study years, PPQ susceptibility declined dramatically (geomean 50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] increased from 12.8 to 29.6 nM), while mefloquine (MQ) sensitivity doubled (67.1 to 26 nM) in northern Cambodia. These changes in drug susceptibility were significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of
P. falciparum
multidrug resistance 1 gene (Pf
mdr1
) multiple copy isolates and coincided with the timing of replacing artesunate-mefloquine (AS-MQ) with DHA-PPQ as the first-line therapy. Widespread chloroquine resistance was suggested by all isolates being of the
P. falciparum
chloroquine resistance transporter gene CVIET haplotype. Nearly all isolates collected from the most recent years had
P. falciparum
kelch13
mutations, indicative of artemisinin resistance.
Ex vivo
bioassay measurements of antimalarial activity in plasma indicated 20% of patients recently took antimalarials, and their plasma had activity (median of 49.8 nM DHA equivalents) suggestive of substantial
in vivo
drug pressure. Overall, our findings suggest DHA-PPQ failures are associated with emerging PPQ resistance in a background of artemisinin resistance. The observed connection between drug policy changes and significant reduction in PPQ susceptibility with mitigation of MQ resistance supports reintroduction of AS-MQ, in conjunction with monitoring of the
P. falciparum
mdr1
copy number, as a stop-gap measure in areas of DHA-PPQ failure.
Antibiofilm Activity of Low-Amperage Continuous and Intermittent Direct Electrical Current
Authors: Schmidt-Malan Suzannah M. , Karau Melissa J. , Cede Julia , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Brinkman Cassandra L. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Patel Robin 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Bacterial biofilms are difficult to treat using available antimicrobial agents, so new antibiofilm strategies are needed. We previously showed that 20, 200, and 2,000 μA of electrical current reduced bacterial biofilms of
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Here, we tested continuous direct current at lower amperages, intermittent direct current, and combinations of surface materials (Teflon or titanium) and electrode compositions (stainless steel, graphite, titanium, or platinum) against
S. aureus
,
S. epidermidis
, and
P. aeruginosa
biofilms. In addition, we tested 200 or 2,000 μA for 1 and 4 days against biofilms of 33 strains representing 13 species of microorganisms. The logarithmic reduction factor was used to measure treatment effects. Using continuous current delivery, the lowest active amperage was 2 μA for 1, 4, or 7 days against
P. aeruginosa
and 5 μA for 7 days against
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureus
biofilms. Delivery of 200 μA for 4 h a day over 4 days reduced
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
, and
S. epidermidis
biofilms on Teflon or titanium discs. A reduction of
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
, and
S. epidermidis
biofilms was measured for 23 of 24 combinations of surface materials and electrode compositions tested. Four days of direct current delivery reduced biofilms of 25 of 33 strains studied. In conclusion, low-amperage current or 4 h a day of intermittent current delivered using a variety of electrode compositions reduced
P. aeruginosa
,
S. aureus
, and
S. epidermidis
biofilms on a variety of surface materials. The electricidal effect was observed against a majority of bacterial species studied.
Frequency of Spontaneous Resistance to Peptide Deformylase Inhibitor GSK1322322 in Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Min Sharon , Ingraham Karen , Huang Jianzhong , McCloskey Lynn , Rilling Sarah , Windau Anne , Pizzollo Jason , Butler Deborah , Aubart Kelly , Miller Linda A. , Zalacain Magdalena , Holmes David J. , O'Dwyer Karen 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is compromising the successful treatment of serious microbial infections. GSK1322322, a novel peptide deformylase (PDF) inhibitor, shows good
in vitro
antibacterial activity and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in human proof-of-concept clinical studies.
In vitro
studies were performed to determine the frequency of resistance (FoR) to this antimicrobial agent in major pathogens that cause respiratory tract and skin infections. Resistance to GSK1322322 occurred at high frequency through loss-of-function mutations in the formyl-methionyl transferase (FMT) protein in
Staphylococcus aureus
(4/4 strains) and
Streptococcus pyogenes
(4/4 strains) and via missense mutations in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(6/21 strains), but the mutations were associated with severe
in vitro
and/or
in vivo
fitness costs. The overall FoR to GSK1322322 was very low in
Haemophilus influenzae
, with only one PDF mutant being identified in one of four strains. No target-based mutants were identified from
S. pyogenes
, and only one or no PDF mutants were isolated in three of the four
S. aureus
strains studied. In
S. pneumoniae
, PDF mutants were isolated from only six of 21 strains tested; an additional 10 strains did not yield colonies on GSK1322322-containing plates. Most of the PDF mutants characterized from those three organisms (35/37 mutants) carried mutations in residues at or in close proximity to one of three highly conserved motifs that are part of the active site of the PDF protein, with 30 of the 35 mutations occurring at position V71 (using the
S. pneumoniae
numbering system).
Effects of a Mutation in the
gyrA
Gene on the Virulence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Sánchez-Céspedes Javier , Sáez-López Emma , Frimodt-Møller N. , Vila Jordi , Soto Sara M. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolones are among the drugs most extensively used for the treatment of bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. Resistance to quinolones can be chromosome or plasmid mediated. The chromosomal mechanism of resistance is associated with mutations in the DNA gyrase- and topoisomerase IV-encoding genes and mutations in regulatory genes affecting different efflux systems, among others. We studied the role of the acquisition of a mutation in the
gyrA
gene in the virulence and protein expression of uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC). The HC14366M strain carrying a mutation in the
gyrA
gene (S83L) was found to lose the capacity to cause cystitis and pyelonephritis mainly due to a decrease in the expression of the
fimA
,
papA
,
papB
, and
ompA
genes. The levels of expression of the
fimA
,
papB
, and
ompA
genes were recovered on complementing the strain with a plasmid containing the
gyrA
wild-type gene. However, only a slight recovery was observed in the colonization of the bladder in the GyrA complement strain compared to the mutant strain in a murine model of ascending urinary tract infection. In conclusion, a mutation in the
gyrA
gene of uropathogenic
E. coli
reduced the virulence of the bacteria, likely in association with the effect of DNA supercoiling on the expression of several virulence factors and proteins, thereby decreasing their capacity to cause cystitis and pyelonephritis.
Evidence of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Multidrug Resistance to Artemisinin and Piperaquine in Western Cambodia: Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Open-Label Multicenter Clinical Assessment
Authors: Leang Rithea , Taylor Walter R. J. , Bouth Denis Mey , Song Lijiang , Tarning Joel , Char Meng Chuor , Kim Saorin , Witkowski Benoit , Duru Valentine , Domergue Anais , Khim Nimol , Ringwald Pascal , Menard Didier 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Western Cambodia is recognized as the epicenter of
Plasmodium falciparum
multidrug resistance. Recent reports of the efficacy of dihydroartemisinin (DHA)-piperaquine (PP), the latest of the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) recommended by the WHO, have prompted further investigations. The clinical efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in uncomplicated falciparum malaria was assessed in western and eastern Cambodia over 42 days. Day 7 plasma piperaquine concentrations were measured and day 0 isolates tested for
in vitro
susceptibilities to piperaquine and mefloquine, polymorphisms in the
K13
gene, and the copy number of the
Pfmdr-1
gene. A total of 425 patients were recruited in 2011 to 2013. The proportion of patients with recrudescent infections was significantly higher in western (15.4%) than in eastern (2.5%) Cambodia (
P
<10
−3
). Day 7 plasma PP concentrations and median 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
) of PP were independent of treatment outcomes, in contrast to median mefloquine IC
50
, which were found to be lower for isolates from patients with recrudescent infections (18.7 versus 39.7 nM;
P
= 0.005). The most significant risk factor associated with DHA-PP treatment failure was infection by parasites carrying the
K13
mutant allele (odds ratio [OR], 17.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1 to 308;
P
= 0.04). Our data show evidence of
P. falciparum
resistance to PP in western Cambodia, an area of widespread artemisinin resistance. New therapeutic strategies, such as the use of triple ACTs, are urgently needed and must be tested. (This study has been registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry under registration no. ACTRN12614000344695.)