bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroporation-Based Genetic Manipulation in Type I Methanotrophs
Authors: Yan Xin , Chu Frances , Puri Aaron W. , Fu Yanfen , Lidstrom Mary E.
Published: January 2016

Methane is becoming a major candidate for a prominent carbon feedstock in the future, and the bioconversion of methane into valuable products has drawn increasing attention. To facilitate the use of methanotrophic organisms as industrial strains and accelerate our ability to metabolically engineer methanotrophs, simple and rapid genetic tools are needed. Electroporation is one such enabling tool, but to date it has not been successful in a group of methanotrophs of interest for the production of chemicals and fuels, the gammaproteobacterial (type I) methanotrophs. In this study, we developed electroporation techniques with a high transformation efficiency for three different type I methanotrophs:
Methylomicrobium buryatense
5GB1C,
Methylomonas
sp. strain LW13, and
Methylobacter
tundripaludum
21/22. We further developed this technique in
M. buryatense
, a haloalkaliphilic aerobic methanotroph that demonstrates robust growth with a high carbon conversion efficiency and is well suited for industrial use for the bioconversion of methane. On the basis of the high transformation efficiency of
M. buryatense
, gene knockouts or integration of a foreign fragment into the chromosome can be easily achieved by direct electroporation of PCR-generated deletion or integration constructs. Moreover, site-specific recombination (FLP-FRT [FLP recombination target] recombination) and
sacB
counterselection systems were employed to perform marker-free manipulation, and two new antibiotics, zeocin and hygromycin, were validated to be antibiotic markers in this strain. Together, these tools facilitate the rapid genetic manipulation of
M. buryatense
and other type I methanotrophs, promoting the ability to perform fundamental research and industrial process development with these strains.
Novel Enzyme Family Found in Filamentous Fungi Catalyzing
trans
-4-Hydroxylation of
l
-Pipecolic Acid
Authors: Hibi Makoto , Mori Ryosuke , Miyake Ryoma , Kawabata Hiroshi , Kozono Shoko , Takahashi Satomi , Ogawa Jun
Published: January 2016

Hydroxypipecolic acids are bioactive compounds widely distributed in nature and are valuable building blocks for the organic synthesis of pharmaceuticals. We have found a novel hydroxylating enzyme with activity toward
l
-pipecolic acid (
l
-Pip) in a filamentous fungus,
Fusarium oxysporum
c8D. The enzyme
l
-Pip
trans
-4-hydroxylase (Pip4H) of
F. oxysporum
(
Fo
Pip4H) belongs to the Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily, catalyzes the regio- and stereoselective hydroxylation of
l
-Pip, and produces optically pure
trans
-4-hydroxy-
l
-pipecolic acid (
trans
-4-
l
-HyPip). Amino acid sequence analysis revealed several fungal enzymes homologous with
Fo
Pip4H, and five of these also had
l
-Pip
trans
-4-hydroxylation activity. In particular, the homologous Pip4H enzyme derived from
Aspergillus nidulans
FGSC A4 (
An
Pip4H) had a broader substrate specificity spectrum than other homologues and reacted with the
l
and
d
forms of various cyclic and aliphatic amino acids. Using
Fo
Pip4H as a biocatalyst, a system for the preparative-scale production of chiral
trans
-4-
l
-HyPip was successfully developed. Thus, we report a fungal family of
l
-Pip hydroxylases and the enzymatic preparation of
trans
-4-
l
-HyPip, a bioactive compound and a constituent of secondary metabolites with useful physiological activities.
Reduced Glutathione Mediates Resistance to H
2
S Toxicity in Oral Streptococci
Authors: Ooi Xi Jia , Tan Kai Soo
Published: January 2016

Periodontal disease is associated with changes in the composition of the oral microflora, where health-associated oral streptococci decrease while Gram-negative anaerobes predominate in disease. A key feature of periodontal disease-associated anaerobes is their ability to produce hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) abundantly as a by-product of anaerobic metabolism. So far, H
2
S has been reported to be either cytoprotective or cytotoxic by modulating bacterial antioxidant defense systems. Although oral anaerobes produce large amounts of H
2
S, the potential effects of H
2
S on oral streptococci are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of H
2
S on the survival and biofilm formation of oral streptococci. The growth and biofilm formation of
Streptococcus mitis
and
Streptococcus oralis
were inhibited by H
2
S. However, H
2
S did not significantly affect the growth of
Streptococcus gordonii
or
Streptococcus sanguinis
. The differential susceptibility of oral streptococci to H
2
S was attributed to differences in the intracellular concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH). In the absence of GSH, H
2
S elicited its toxicity through an iron-dependent mechanism. Collectively, our results showed that H
2
S exerts antimicrobial effects on certain oral streptococci, potentially contributing to the decrease in health-associated plaque microflora.
HupO, a Novel Regulator Involved in Thiosulfate-Responsive Control of HupSL [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Synthesis in Thiocapsa roseopersicina
Authors: Nagy Ildikó K. , Kovács Kornél L. , Rákhely Gábor , Maróti Gergely
Published: January 2016

[NiFe]-hydrogenases are regulated by various factors to fulfill their physiological functions in bacterial cells. The photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium
Thiocapsa roseopersicina
harbors four functional [NiFe]-hydrogenases: HynSL, HupSL, Hox1, and Hox2. Most of these hydrogenases are functionally linked to sulfur metabolism, and thiosulfate has a central role in this organism. The membrane-associated Hup hydrogenases have been shown to play a role in energy conservation through hydrogen recycling. The expression of Hup-type hydrogenases is regulated by H
2
in
Rhodobacter capsulatus
and
Cupriavidus necator
; however, it has been shown that the corresponding hydrogen-sensing system is nonfunctional in
T. roseopersicina
and that thiosulfate is a regulating factor of
hup
expression. Here, we describe the discovery and analysis of mutants of a putative regulator (HupO) of the Hup hydrogenase in
T. roseopersicina
. HupO appears to mediate the transcriptional repression of Hup enzyme synthesis under low-thiosulfate conditions. We also demonstrate that the presence of the Hox1 hydrogenase strongly influences Hup enzyme synthesis in that
hup
expression was decreased significantly in the
hox1
mutant. This reduction in Hup synthesis could be reversed by mutation of
hupO
, which resulted in strongly elevated
hup
expression, as well as Hup protein levels, and concomitant
in vivo
hydrogen uptake activity in the
hox1
mutant. However, this regulatory control was observed only at low thiosulfate concentrations. Additionally, weak hydrogen-dependent
hup
expression was shown in the
hupO
mutant strain lacking the Hox1 hydrogenase. HupO-mediated Hup regulation therefore appears to link thiosulfate metabolism and the hydrogenase network in
T. roseopersicina
.
Comparative Toxicities of Salts on Microbial Processes in Soil
Authors: Rath Kristin M. , Maheshwari Arpita , Bengtson Per , Rousk Johannes
Published: January 2016

Soil salinization is a growing threat to global agriculture and carbon sequestration, but to date it remains unclear how microbial processes will respond. We studied the acute response to salt exposure of a range of anabolic and catabolic microbial processes, including bacterial (leucine incorporation) and fungal (acetate incorporation into ergosterol) growth rates, respiration, and gross N mineralization and nitrification rates. To distinguish effects of specific ions from those of overall ionic strength, we compared the addition of four salts frequently associated with soil salinization (NaCl, KCl, Na
2
SO
4
, and K
2
SO
4
) to a nonsaline soil. To compare the tolerance of different microbial processes to salt and to interrelate the toxicity of different salts, concentration-response relationships were established. Growth-based measurements revealed that fungi were more resistant to salt exposure than bacteria. Effects by salt on C and N mineralization were indistinguishable, and in contrast to previous studies, nitrification was not found to be more sensitive to salt exposure than other microbial processes. The ion-specific toxicity of certain salts could be observed only for respiration, which was less inhibited by salts containing SO
4
2−
than Cl
−
salts, in contrast to the microbial growth assessments. This suggested that the inhibition of microbial growth was explained solely by total ionic strength, while ion-specific toxicity also should be considered for effects on microbial decomposition. This difference resulted in an apparent reduction of microbial growth efficiency in response to exposure to SO
4
2−
salts but not to Cl
−
salts; no evidence was found to distinguish K
+
and Na
+
salts.
Linking gas fluxes at Earth’s surface with fracture zones in an active geothermal field
Authors: Jolie Egbert , Klinkmueller Matthias , Moeck Inga , Bruhn David
Published: January 2016

The percolation of fluids is of utmost relevance for the utilization of underground resources; however, the location and occurrence of fractures are not always known, and important characteristics of faults, such as stress state and permeability, are commonly uncertain. Using a case study at the Brady’s geothermal field in Nevada (USA), we demonstrate how permeable fractures can be identified and assessed by combining fault stress models with measurements of diffuse degassing and emanations at Earth’s surface. Areas of maximum gas emissions and emanations correspond to fault segments with increased slip and dilation tendency, and represent a fingerprint of the geothermal system at depth. Thus, linking gas fluxes with fault stress models serves as a measure of the connectivity between surface and subsurface.
Social, demographic and healthcare factors associated with stage at diagnosis of cervical cancer: cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda
Authors: Mwaka Amos Deogratius , Garimoi Christopher Orach , Were Edward Maloba , Roland Martin , Wabinga Henry , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: January 2016

Objective

To examine patient and primary healthcare factors and stage at diagnosis in women with cervical cancer in Northern Uganda with the intention to identify factors that are associated with advanced stages in order to inform policies to improve survival from cervical cancer in low income and middle income countries.

Design

Cross-sectional hospital-based study.

Setting

Tertiary, not-for-profit private hospital in postconflict region.

Participants

Consecutive tissue-diagnosed symptomatic patients with cervical attending care. Of 166 patients, 149 were enrolled and analysed.

Primary outcome

Cervical cancer stage at diagnosis.

Results

Most women were diagnosed at stages III (45%) or IV (21%). After controlling for age, marital status, educational attainment and number of biological children, there was evidence for association between advanced stage at diagnosis and pre-referral diagnosis of cancer by primary healthcare professionals (adjusted OR (AOR)=13.04:95% CI 3.59 to 47.3), and financial difficulties precluding prompt help seeking (AOR=5.5:95% CI 1.58 to 20.64). After adjusting for age, marital status and educational attainment, women with 5–9 biological children (AOR=0.27:95% CI 0.08 to 0.96) were less likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage (defined as stages III/IV) cancer. In this pilot study, there was no statistical evidence for associations between stage at diagnosis, and factors such as age at diagnosis and marital status.

Conclusions

This study is a first attempt to understand the descriptive epidemiology of cervical cancer in rural Ugandan settings. Understanding individual patient factors, patients’ behavioural characteristics and healthcare factors associated with advanced stage at diagnosis is essential for targeted effective public health interventions to promote prompt health seeking, diagnosis at early stage and improved survival from cervical cancer.
Patient characteristics associated with risk of first hospital admission and readmission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following primary care COPD diagnosis: a cohort study using linked electronic patient records
Authors: Hunter L C , Lee R J , Butcher I , Weir C J , Fischbacher C M , McAllister D , Wild S H , Hewitt N , Hardie R M
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To investigate patient characteristics of an unselected primary care population associated with risk of first hospital admission and readmission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Design

Retrospective open cohort using pseudonymised electronic primary care data linked to secondary care data.

Setting

Primary care; Lothian (population approximately 800 000), Scotland.

Participants

Data from 7002 patients from 72 general practices with a COPD diagnosis date between 2000 and 2008 recorded in their primary care record. Patients were followed up until 2010, death or they left a participating practice.

Main outcome measures

First and subsequent admissions for AECOPD (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes J44.0, J44.1 in any diagnostic position) after COPD diagnosis in primary care.

Results

1756 (25%) patients had at least 1 AECOPD admission; 794 (11%) had at least 1 readmission and the risk of readmission increased with each admission. Older age at diagnosis, more severe COPD, low body mass index (BMI), current smoking, increasing deprivation, COPD admissions and interventions for COPD prior to diagnosis in primary care, and comorbidities were associated with higher risk of first AECOPD admission in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model. More severe COPD and COPD admission prior to primary care diagnosis were associated with increased risk of AECOPD readmission in an adjusted Prentice-Williams-Peterson model. High BMI was associated with a lower risk of first AECOPD admission and readmission.

Conclusions

Several patient characteristics were associated with first AECOPD admission in a primary care cohort of people with COPD but fewer were associated with readmission. Prompt diagnosis in primary care may reduce the risk of AECOPD admission and readmission. The study highlights the important role of primary care in preventing or delaying a first AECOPD admission.
Missed opportunities to offer HIV tests to high-risk groups during general practitioners’ STI-related consultations: an observational study
Authors: Joore I K , Reukers D F M , Donker G A , van Sighem A I , Op de Coul E L M , Prins J M , Geerlings S E , Barth R E , van Bergen J E A M , van den Broek I V
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Prior research has shown that Dutch general practitioners (GPs) do not always offer HIV testing and the number of undiagnosed HIV patients remains high. We aimed to further investigate the frequency and reasons for (not) testing for HIV and the contribution of GPs to the diagnosis of HIV infections in the Netherlands.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

(1) Dutch primary care network of 42–45 sentinel practices where report forms during sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related consultations were routinely collected, 2008–2013. (2) Dutch observational cohort with medical data of HIV-positive patients in HIV care, 2008–2013.

Outcome measures

The proportion of STI-related consultations in patients from high-risk groups tested for HIV, with additional information requested from GPs on HIV testing preconsultation or postconsultation for whom HIV testing was indicated, but not performed. Next, information was collected on the profile of HIV-positive patients entering specialised HIV care following diagnosis by GPs.

Results

Initially, an HIV test was reported (360/907) in 40% of STI-related consultations in high-risk groups. Additionally, in 26% of consultations an HIV test had been performed in previous or follow-up consultations or at different STI-care facilities. The main reasons for not testing were perceived insignificant risk; ‘too’ recent risk according to GPs or the reluctance of patients. The initiative of the patient was a strong determinant for HIV testing. GPs diagnosed about one third of all newly found cases of HIV. Compared with STI clinics, HIV-positive patients diagnosed in general practice were more likely to be older, female, heterosexual male or sub-Saharan African.

Conclusions

In one-third of the STI-related consultations of persons from high-risk groups, no HIV test was performed in primary care, which is lower than previously reported. Risk-based testing has intrinsic limitations and implementation of new additional strategies in primary care is warranted.
Incidence of multiple myeloma in Great Britain, Sweden, and Malmö, Sweden: the impact of differences in case ascertainment on observed incidence trends
Authors: Vélez Ramón , Turesson Ingemar , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y , Cuzick Jack
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The increased incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) across China and East Asia stimulated us to examine the current rates in Great Britain, where rates increased dramatically in the second half of the 20th century. However, rates have been stable and high during this period in Malmö, Sweden, where there is a keen interest in MM. We thus assessed recent changes in MM incidence in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden, and examined how these changes might explain recent reports of increased MM incidence across Asia.

Design

Estimation of MM incidence for Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden.

Populations

MM incidence data for Great Britain (1975–2009) were obtained from Cancer Research UK and for Sweden (1970–2009) from the Swedish Cancer Registry. MM incidence data from Malmö, Sweden, were available from 1950 to 2012.

Main outcome measures

Age-specific incidence of MM in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden.

Results

MM incidence in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö increased progressively with age, even among the oldest group. The MM age-adjusted incidence (European standard population) increased by 69% from 1975–1979 to 2005–2009 in Great Britain, from 3.2/100 000 to 5.4/100 000. The largest increases occurred among those 70–79 years of age, for whom rates increased from 17.9/100 000 to 33.6/100 000; reflecting an increase of 69%. During this same period, the age-adjusted incidence (European stand population) in Sweden overall remained stable, at approximately 4.7/100 000.

Conclusions

MM age-specific incidence is now similar in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö. We believe this is a result of improvements in case ascertainment in Great Britain, particularly among the elderly. Similar changes can be predicted to occur across Asia as improved access to healthcare contributes to better diagnosis of MM.
Pregnancy hypertensive disease and risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease in women aged 65 years or older: a cohort study
Authors: Nelander M , Cnattingius S , Åkerud H , Wikström J , Pedersen N L , Wikström A-K
Published: January 2016

Objective

The primary aim was to study pregnancy hypertensive disease and subsequent risk of dementia. The second aim was to study if the increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke after pregnancy hypertensive disease persist in an elderly population.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population or sample

3232 women 65 years or older (mean 71 years) at inclusion.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to calculate risks of dementia, CVD and/or stroke for women exposed to pregnancy hypertensive disease. Exposure data were collected from an interview at inclusion during the years 1998–2002. Outcome data were collected from the National Patient Register and Cause of Death Register from the year of inclusion until the end of 2010. Age at inclusion was set as a time-dependent variable, and adjustments were made for body mass index, education and smoking.

Main outcome measures

Dementia, CVD, stroke.

Results

During the years of follow-up, 7.6% of the women exposed to pregnancy hypertensive disease received a diagnosis of dementia, compared with 7.4% among unexposed women (HR 1.19; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.73). The corresponding rates for CVD were 22.9% for exposed women and 19.0% for unexposed women (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.61), and for stroke 13.4% for exposed women and 10.7% for unexposed women (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.81).

Conclusions

There was no increased risk of dementia after self-reported pregnancy hypertensive disease in our cohort. We found that the previously reported increased risk of CVD and stroke after pregnancy hypertensive disease persists in an older population.
Tablet computers for implementing NICE antenatal mental health guidelines: protocol of a feasibility study
Authors: Marcano-Belisario José S , Gupta Ajay K , O'Donoghue John , Morrison Cecily , Car Josip
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders that may affect women during pregnancy. The prompt identification of this disorder, and the provision of treatment, may help to reduce the likelihood of post-partum depression, prevent severe forms of the disease, and reduce its intergenerational impact. Despite women's repeated encounters with health services throughout their antenatal care, depression often goes undiagnosed. This is one area where mobile health could prove useful. We will assess the feasibility of using tablets to incorporate depression screening into antenatal pathways. We will also assess if survey layout could affect the quality of the data collected through these devices.

Methods and analysis

We will test the feasibility of using iPad Airs for the administration of the Whooley questions and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in England. We will assess the impact of survey layout on the quality of the responses given to these screening scales using a parallel, randomised controlled study design. We will calculate the positive predictive value, the negative predictive value and the false omission rate of the Whooley questions in comparison with the EPDS. We will calculate differences in data equivalence, time needed to complete the surveys, break-off rates, data completeness and requests for help between the 2 experimental groups: using all questions in one screen and navigation by vertical scrolling, or a single question per screen and navigation by multiple pages.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the National Research Ethics Service Committee South East Coast—Surrey. Our findings will be disseminated through academic peer-reviewed publications, conferences and discussion with peers.
Bias in dissemination of clinical research findings: structured OPEN framework of what, who and why, based on literature review and expert consensus
Authors: Bassler Dirk , Mueller Katharina F , Briel Matthias , Kleijnen Jos , Marusic Ana , Wager Elizabeth , Antes Gerd , von Elm Erik , Altman Douglas G , Meerpohl Joerg J
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of this study is to review highly cited articles that focus on non-publication of studies, and to develop a consistent and comprehensive approach to defining (non-) dissemination of research findings.

Setting

We performed a scoping review of definitions of the term ‘publication bias’ in highly cited publications.

Participants

Ideas and experiences of a core group of authors were collected in a draft document, which was complemented by the findings from our literature search.

Interventions

The draft document including findings from the literature search was circulated to an international group of experts and revised until no additional ideas emerged and consensus was reached.

Primary outcomes

We propose a new approach to the comprehensive conceptualisation of (non-) dissemination of research.

Secondary outcomes

Our ‘What, Who and Why?’ approach includes issues that need to be considered when disseminating research findings (What?), the different players who should assume responsibility during the various stages of conducting a clinical trial and disseminating clinical trial documents (Who?), and motivations that might lead the various players to disseminate findings selectively, thereby introducing bias in the dissemination process (Why?).

Conclusions

Our comprehensive framework of (non-) dissemination of research findings, based on the results of a scoping literature search and expert consensus will facilitate the development of future policies and guidelines regarding the multifaceted issue of selective publication, historically referred to as ‘publication bias’.
Theory-driven group-based complex intervention to support self-management of osteoarthritis and low back pain in primary care physiotherapy: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial (SOLAS)
Authors: Hurley Deirdre A , Hall Amanda M , Currie-Murphy Laura , Pincus Tamar , Kamper Steve , Maher Chris , McDonough Suzanne M , Lonsdale Chris , Walsh Nicola E , Guerin Suzanne , Segurado Ricardo , Matthews James ,   SOLAS Trial team
Published: January 2016

Introduction

International clinical guidelines consistently endorse the promotion of self-management (SM), including physical activity for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Patients frequently receive individual treatment and advice to self-manage from physiotherapists in primary care, but the successful implementation of a clinical and cost-effective group SM programme is a key priority for health service managers in Ireland to maximise long-term outcomes and efficient use of limited and costly resources.

Methods/analysis

This protocol describes an assessor-blinded cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a group-based education and exercise intervention underpinned by self-determination theory designed to support an increase in SM behaviour in patients with CLBP and OA in primary care physiotherapy. The primary care clinic will be the unit of randomisation (cluster), with each clinic randomised to 1 of 2 groups providing the Self-management of Osteoarthritis and Low back pain through Activity and Skills (SOLAS) intervention or usual individual physiotherapy. Patients are followed up at 6 weeks, 2 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are the (1) acceptability and demand of the intervention to patients and physiotherapists, (2) feasibility and optimal study design/procedures and sample size for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes include exploratory analyses of: point estimates, 95% CIs, change scores and effect sizes in physical function, pain and disability outcomes; process of change in target SM behaviours and selected mediators; and the cost of the intervention to inform a definitive trial.

Ethics/dissemination

This feasibility trial protocol was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics—Sciences Committee (LS-13-54 Currie-Hurley) and research access has been granted by the Health Services Executive Primary Care Research Committee in January 2014. The study findings will be disseminated to the research, clinical and health service communities through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national and international academic and clinical conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 49875385; Pre-results.
Attribution of cause of end-stage renal disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the Georgia Lupus Registry
Authors: Plantinga Laura C , Drenkard Cristina , Pastan Stephen O , Lim S Sam
Published: January 2016

Objective

Whether using provider-attributed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in national surveillance data captures the entire population of patients with SLE and ESRD remains uncertain. Our goal was to examine attributed cause of ESRD in US surveillance data among patients with SLE who have developed ESRD.

Methods

Data from a national registry of treated ESRD (United States Renal Data System (USRDS)) were linked to the population-based Georgia Lupus Registry (GLR). The provider-attributed cause of ESRD was extracted from the USRDS for each validated patient with SLE in the GLR (diagnosed through 2004) who initiated treatment for ESRD through 2012. The percentage of these patients with SLE whose ESRD was subsequently attributed to SLE in the USRDS was calculated, overall and by patient characteristics.

Results

Among 251 patients with SLE who progressed to ESRD, 78.9% had SLE as their attributed cause of ESRD. Of the remaining 53 patients, 43.4%, 18.9% and 15.6% had ESRD attributed to hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II and non-SLE-related glomerulonephritis, respectively. Attribution of ESRD to SLE was higher among patients aged ≤30 (87.9–93.9%) vs >30 (52.6%; p<0.001) but did not differ by sex or race. Having Medicaid (86.2%) or no insurance (93.5%) was associated with greater attribution of ESRD to SLE than having private insurance (72.5%; p=0.02), as was having two or more providers state a diagnosis of SLE (89.0% vs 73.5% with a rheumatologist diagnosis alone; p=0.008).

Conclusions

These estimates indicate that USRDS-based studies may underreport ESRD among US patients with SLE. However, observed patterns of differential attribution of ESRD cause, particularly by age, suggest that providers may be correctly attributing ESRD to causes other than SLE among some patients with SLE.
WEB as part of a multimodality treatment in complex, large, and partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms: a single-center observational study of technical success, safety, and recurrence
Authors: Kabbasch C , Mpotsaris A , Reiner M , Liebig T
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Complex, large, wide-neck aneurysms, but particularly partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs), have a greater tendency to recanalize after coil occlusion. The Woven Endovascular Bridge (WEB) combines shape memory wires braided to a relatively uniform, dense surface, which may limit its compaction and its incorporation into an existing aneurysm clot and may thus reduce PTIA recurrence.

Objective

To carry out a retrospective analysis of our experience with the WEB as part of a complex treatment in conjunction with other implants to assess the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Methods

Among 43 aneurysms treated with the WEB in our center, eight complex, large, wide-neck aneurysms were treated in conjunction with other implants (additional WEBs, coils, stents, flow diverters). Six of these eight aneurysms were PTIAs. All patients were followed up by DSA between 3½ and 38 months.

Results

All eight (100%) of the complex, large, wide-neck aneurysms were treated successfully and without periprocedural adverse events (0%). At follow-up, the two non-thrombosed aneurysms were completely occluded, but all six PTIAs recurred (75%) and were re-treated. There was no morbidity or mortality in these eight patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of large, complex aneurysms with the WEB in conjunction with other implants was technically successful and safe but did not prevent recurrence of partially thrombosed aneurysms in our center. PTIA re-treatment was possible and not limited by the previously placed WEB.
CT perfusion and angiographic assessment of pial collateral reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke: the CAPRI study
Authors: Consoli Arturo , Andersson Tommy , Holmberg Ake , Verganti Luca , Saletti Andrea , Vallone Stefano , Zini Andrea , Cerase Alfonso , Romano Daniele , Bracco Sandra , Lorenzano Svetlana , Fainardi Enrico , Mangiafico Salvatore
Published: January 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a novel angiographic score for collaterals and CT perfusion (CTP) parameters in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

103 patients (mean age 66.7±12.7; 48.5% men) with AIS in the anterior circulation territory, imaged with non-contrast CT, CT angiography, and CTP, admitted within 8 h from symptom onset and treated with any endovascular approach, were retrospectively included in the study. Clinical, neuroradiological data, and all time intervals were collected. Careggi Collateral Score (CCS) was used for angiographic assessment of collaterals and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) for semiquantitative analysis of CTP maps. Two centralized core laboratories separately reviewed angiographic data, whereas CT findings were evaluated by an expert neuroradiologist. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed considering CCS both as an ordinal and a dichotomous variable.

Results

37/103 patients (35.9%) received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. Median (IQR) ASPECTS was 9 (6–10) for admission CT, 9 (5–10) for cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps, 3 (2–3) for mean transit time maps, 3 (2–4), for cerebral blood flow maps, and 5 (3–7) for CTP mismatch. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between CCS and ASPECTS for all CTP parameters. Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association only between CCS and CBV (p=0.020 when CCS was considered as a dichotomous variable, p=0.026 with ordinal CCS).

Conclusions

A correlation between angiographic assessment of the collateral circulation and CTP seems to be present, suggesting that CCS may provide an indirect evaluation of the infarct core volume to consider for patient selection in AIS.
Impaired handgrip exercise-induced brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in young obese males
Authors: Slattery David J. , Stuckless Troy J.R. , King Trevor J. , Pyke Kyra E.
Published: January 2016

Flow mediated dilation (FMD) stimulated by different shear stress stimulus profiles may recruit distinct transduction mechanisms, and provide distinct information regarding endothelial function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity influences brachial artery FMD differently depending on the shear stress profile used for FMD assessment. The FMD response to a brief, intermediate, and sustained shear stress profile was assessed in obese (n = 9) and lean (n = 19) young men as follows: brief stimulus, standard reactive hyperemia (RH) following a 5 min forearm occlusion (5 min RH); intermediate stimulus, RH following a 15 min forearm occlusion (15 min RH); sustained stimulus, 10 min of handgrip exercise (HGEX). Brachial artery diameter and mean shear stress were assessed using echo and Doppler ultrasound, respectively, during each FMD test. There was no group difference in HGEX shear stress (p = 0.390); however, the obese group had a lower HGEX-FMD (5.2 ± 3.0% versus 11.5 ± 4.4%, p < 0.001). There was no group difference in 5 min RH-FMD (p = 0.466) or 15 min RH-FMD (p = 0.181); however, the shear stress stimulus was larger in the obese group. After normalization to the stimulus the 15 min RH-FMD (p = 0.002), but not the 5 min RH-FMD (p = 0.118) was lower in the obese group. These data suggest that obesity may have a more pronounced impact on the endothelium’s ability to respond to prolonged increases in shear stress.
A quantitative analysis of seed dormancy and germination in the winter annual weed Sinapis arvensis (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Soltani Elias , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Soltani Afshin , Galeshi Serolla , Ghaderi-far Farshid , Zeinali Ebrahim
Published: January 2016

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of burial on germination and longevity, and of water stress and temperature on germination and dormancy induction of the weed Sinapis arvensis L. During exposure to the high temperatures of summer, seeds buried in the field became nondormant, but low water potential and supra-optimal temperatures (constant not alternating) induced them into secondary dormancy. The threshold temperature for dormancy induction (TTDI) was about 19 °C when water was not limiting germination, and it decreased with a slope of 10 °C per MPa as water potential decreased. Seeds had minimum dormancy (Dmin) when T < TTDI, and Dmin decreased by 81.5% per MPa increase in water potential. Dormancy induction increased linearly with a slope of 13.23% for each additional centimetre of burial depth from 1.0 to 5.19 cm. Dormancy was induced to its highest level (96%) in seeds buried at a depth of ≥5.19 cm; the remaining seeds were dead or were presumed to be dead Sinapis arvensis can form a persistent soil seed bank, and either water stress or conditions associated with increased burial depth can promote induction of secondary dormancy in the seeds.
Effects of variation in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus molarity and stoichiometry on sex determination in the fernCeratopteris richardii
Authors: Goodnoe Taylor T. , Hill Jeffrey P. , Aho Ken
Published: January 2016

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P) are needed by all organisms for basic biological processes. When an individual macronutrient is not accessible, nutrient limitation occurs. The stochiometric balance between multiple nutrients and individual concentrations are both vital for normal growth and development. Labile sex expression in plants is a phenotypic trait predicted to be sensitive to local nutrient conditions because males and females differ in their nutritional demands. We applied concepts from ecological stoichiometry to assess the effects of variation in individual nutrient concentration and multiple macronutrient stoichiometry on sexual development in the fern Ceratopteris richardii Brongn. Manipulation of N, P, and organic and inorganic C was expected to yield variation in the ratio of males to females, consistent with environmental sex-determination theory. Our results suggest nutrient stoichiometry, not strictly concentration, influences sex determination at ambient CO2. However, an early response to population density preempted nutrient effects in elevated CO2environments with exogenous glucose, in which C. richardii gametophytes presumably grow naturally. Although sex determination is not nutrient-dependent in the latter environment, C:N in the dry mass of meristic gametophytes is influenced by the external nutrient context, suggesting sex determination takes place before abiotic environmental factors subsequently influence plant nutrient uptake.
Model behavior of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: predicting soil carbon dynamics under climate change
Authors: Treseder Kathleen K.
Published: January 2016

In this commentary, I advocate for more detailed incorporation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in Earth system models, to improve our projections of global climate change. Current Earth system models display relatively low predictability of soil C stocks, which limit our ability to estimate future climate conditions. A more explicit incorporation of microbial mechanisms can increase the accuracy of ecosystem-scale models that inform the larger-scale Earth system models. Of the numerous microbial groups that can influence soil C dynamics, AM fungi are particularly tractable for integration in models. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are globally abundant and perform critical roles in C cycling, such as augmentation of net primary productivity and soil C storage. Moreover, AM communities exhibit relatively low diversity within ecosystems, compared with other microbial groups. In addition, global datasets of AM ecology are available for use in model development. Thus, AM communities can be readily simulated in next-generation trait-based models that link microbial diversity to ecosystem function. Altogether, we are well-poised to incorporate the dynamics of individual AM taxa in ecosystem models, which can then be coupled to Earth system models. Hopefully, these efforts would advance our ability to predict and plan for future climate change.
Retro-wedge foreland basin evolution along the ECORS line, eastern Pyrenees, France
Authors: Ford Mary , Hemmer Louis , Vacherat Arnaud , Gallagher Kerry , Christophoul Frédéric
Published: January 2016

The eastern Aquitaine basin and North Pyrenean Zone show many characteristics of retro-wedge models. However, they differ significantly in that slow subsidence and low deformation continued throughout orogenesis so that growth and steady-state phases cannot be distinguished. We show that the eastern Pyrenees record two clear phases of convergence and probably never attained steady state. Analysis of the Aquitaine retro-foreland basin along the Ariège ECORS deep seismic line, eastern French Pyrenees, integrates a new litho- and chronostratigraphy, subsidence analysis, low-temperature thermochronology data, new interpretations of seismic lines and a balanced cross-section. Within an overall regression, two shallowing-up cycles (Latest Santonian–Danian, Thanetian–Oligocene) record slow tectonic subsidence of the eastern Aquitaine basin separated by a quiet period. Continuing thick-skinned shortening was low to moderate. The early marine basin, generated by loading of the weak, extended margin, was supplied axially from an unknown eastern edifice while the young Pyrenean orogeny to the south remained submerged. During the quiet period of ultra-slow subsidence, no basin migration and negligible sediment supply, continental conditions characterized the eastern orogen. The second marine transgression was quickly followed by continental conditions. The basin was supplied by the now emerging Pyrenean orogen and continued to subside until Miocene time.
Plesiosaurian fossils from Baltic glacial erratics: evidence of Early Jurassic marine amniotes from the southwestern margin of Fennoscandia
Authors: Sachs Sven , Hornung Jahn J. , Lierl Hans-Jürgen , Kear Benjamin P.
Published: January 2016

Early Jurassic plesiosaurian fossils are rare in the Scandinavian region, with a few isolated bones and teeth known from Bornholm, and anecdotal finds from East Greenland. The only other identifiable specimens derive from Toarcian-aged (based on ammonites) erratics deposited during Late Pleistocene glacial advances near the town of Ahrensburg, NE of Hamburg in northern Germany. The geographical source of these transported clasts is debated, but reconstructed ice-flow directions and lithofacies comparisons implicate either the offshore Baltic Sea between the Island of Bornholm and Mecklenburg–Vorpommern (Germany) or, less probably, south of the Danish Archipelago (Mecklenburg Bay). These regions collectively bordered the Fennoscandian landmass and adjacent Ringkøbing-Fyn Island in the late Early Jurassic, and were dominated by near-shore marine deltaic to basinal settings. The Ahrensburg plesiosaurian remains include postcranial elements reminiscent of both the microcleidid
Seeleyosaurus
and the rhomaelosaurid
Meyerasaurus
. These occur alongside other classic ‘Germanic province’ marine amniotes, such as the teleosaurid crocodyliform
Steneosaurus
and ichthyosaurian
Stenopterygius
cf.
quadriscissus
: thus, advocating faunal continuity between Scandinavia and southern Germany during the Toarcian, and a less pronounced marine reptile faunal provinciality than previously assumed.
New insights into the Kawah Ijen hydrothermal system from geophysical data
Authors: Caudron Corentin , Mauri Guillaume , Williams-Jones Glyn , Lecocq Thomas , Syahbana Devy Kamil , De Plaen Raphael , Peiffer Loic , Bernard Alain , Saracco Ginette
Published: January 2016

The magmatic–hydrothermal system of Kawah Ijen volcano is one of the most exotic on Earth, featuring the largest acidic lake on the planet, a hyper-acidic river and a passively degassing silicic dome. While previous studies have mostly described this unique system from a geochemical perspective, to date there has been no comprehensive geophysical investigation of the system. In our study, we surveyed the lake using a thermocouple, a thermal camera, an echo sounder and CO
2
sensors. Furthermore, we gained insights into the hydrogeological structures by combining self-potential surveys with ground and water temperatures. Our results show that the hydrothermal system is self-sealed within the upper edifice and releases pressurized gas only through the active crater. We also show that the extensive hydrological system is formed by not one but three aquifers: a south aquifer that seems to be completely isolated, a west aquifer that sustains the acidic upper springs, and an east aquifer that is the main source of fresh water for the lake. In contrast with previous research, we emphasize the heterogeneity of the acidic lake, illustrated by intense subaqueous degassing. These findings provide new insights into this unique, hazardous hydrothermal system, which may eventually improve the existing monitoring system.
Monocytes increase human cardiac myofibroblast-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling through TGF-β1
Authors: Mewhort Holly E. M. , Lipon Brodie D. , Svystonyuk Daniyil A. , Teng Guoqi , Guzzardi David G. , Silva Claudia , Yong V. Wee , Fedak Paul W. M.
Published: January 2016

Following myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac myofibroblasts remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), preventing mechanical complications. However, prolonged myofibroblast activity leads to dysregulation of the ECM, maladaptive remodeling, fibrosis, and heart failure (HF). Chronic inflammation is believed to drive persistent myofibroblast activity; however, the mechanisms are unclear. We assessed the influence of peripheral blood monocytes on human cardiac myofibroblast activity in a three-dimensional (3D) ECM microenvironment. Human cardiac myofibroblasts isolated from surgical biopsies of the right atrium and left ventricle were seeded into 3D collagen matrices. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from healthy human donors and cocultured with myofibroblasts. Monocytes increased myofibroblast activity measured by collagen gel contraction (baseline: 57.6 ± 5.9% vs. coculture: 65.2 ± 7.1% contraction; P < 0.01) and increased local ECM remodeling quantified by confocal microscopy. Under coculture conditions that allow indirect cellular interaction via paracrine factors but prevent direct cell-cell contact, monocytes had minimal effects on myofibroblast activity (17.9 ± 11.1% vs. 6.4 ± 7.0% increase, respectively; P < 0.01). When cells were cultured under direct contact conditions, multiplex analysis of the coculture media revealed an increase in the paracrine factors TGF-β1and matrix metalloproteinase 9 compared with baseline (122.9 ± 10.1 pg/ml and 3,496.0 ± 190.4 pg/ml, respectively, vs. 21.5 ± 16.3 pg/ml and 183.3 ± 43.9 pg/ml; P < 0.001). TGF-β blockade abolished the monocyte-induced increase in cardiac myofibroblast activity. These data suggest that direct cell-cell interaction between monocytes and cardiac myofibroblasts stimulates TGF-β-mediated myofibroblast activity and increases remodeling of local matrix. Peripheral blood monocyte interaction with human cardiac myofibroblasts stimulates myofibroblast activity through release of TGF-β1. These data implicate inflammation as a potential driver of cardiac fibrosis.