bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized periodontal treatment for the tobacco‐ and alcohol‐using patient
Authors: Ryder Mark I. , Couch Elizabeth T. , Chaffee Benjamin W.
Published: September 2018

The use of various forms of tobacco is one of the most important preventable risk factors for the incidence and progression of periodontal disease. Tobacco use negatively affects treatment outcomes for both periodontal diseases and conditions, and for dental implants. Tobacco‐cessation programs can mitigate these adverse dental treatment outcomes and may be the most effective component of a personalized periodontal treatment approach. In addition, heavy alcohol consumption may exacerbate the adverse effects of tobacco use. In this review, the microbiology, host/inflammatory responses and genetic characteristics of the tobacco‐using patient are presented as a framework to aid the practitioner in developing personalized treatment strategies for these patients. These personalized approaches can be used for patients who use a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco products, e‐cigarettes and other tobacco forms, as well as patients who consume large amounts of alcohol. In addition, principles for developing personalized tobacco‐cessation programs, using both traditional and newer motivational and pharmacological approaches, are presented.
Effect of micronutrient malnutrition on periodontal disease and periodontal therapy
Authors: Dommisch Henrik , Kuzmanova Denica , Jönsson Daniel , Grant Melissa , Chapple Iain
Published: September 2018

Periodontitis is a complex chronic inflammatory noncommunicable disease, initiated by the development of a dysbiotic microbial plaque biofilm below the gingival margin. Whilst the pathogenic biofilm is a “necessary cause” of periodontitis, it is insufficient on its own to cause the disease, and a destructive immune‐inflammatory response is a key to the translation of risk to destructive events. Other exposures or “component causes” include individual genetic predisposition, lifestyle (including smoking and nutrition), and environmental factors. Dietary nutrients are essential for life as they provide crucial energy sources in the form of macronutrients, as well as important cofactors in the form of micronutrients, which regulate the functionality of enzymes during the regulation of anabolic and catabolic processes in human cells. Moreover, micronutrients can regulate gene transcription factors, such as the proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B and the anti‐inflammatory nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2. This review focuses on the role of vitamins (vitamin A, carotenoids, the vitamin B complex, vitamins C, D, and E, and coenzyme Q10) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, copper, manganese, and selenium) in human physiology and the impact of their deficiencies upon periodontal health and disease.
Contemporary approaches for identifying individual risk for periodontitis
Authors: Kornman Kenneth S.
Published: September 2018

Key breakthroughs in our understanding of the etiology and principles of predictable treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis first emerged in the late 1960s and carried on into the mid‐1980s. Unfortunately, some generalizations of the evidence led many to believe that periodontitis was a predictable result of exposure to bacterial plaque accumulations over time. For a brief period, the initial plaque concept was translated by some to implicate specific bacterial infections, with both concepts (plaque exposure and specific infection) being false assumptions that led to clinical outcomes which were frustrating to both the clinician and the patient. The primary misconceptions were that every individual was equally susceptible to periodontitis, that disease severity was a simple function of magnitude of bacterial exposure over time, and that all patients would respond predictably if treated based on the key principles of bacterial reduction and regular maintenance care. We now know that although bacteria are an essential initiating factor, the clinical severity of periodontitis is a complex multifactorial host response to the microbial challenge. The complexity comes from the permutations of different factors that may interact to alter a single individual's host response to challenge, inflammation resolution and repair, and overall outcome to therapy. Fortunately, although there are many permutations that may influence host response and repair, the pathophysiology of chronic periodontitis is generally limited to mild periodontitis with isolated moderate disease in most individuals. However, approximately 20%‐25% of individuals will develop generalized severe periodontitis and probably require more intensive bacterial reduction and different approaches to host modulation of the inflammatory outcomes. This latter group may also have serious systemic implications of their periodontitis. The time appears to be appropriate to use what we know and currently understand to change our approach to clinical care. Our goal would be to increase our likelihood of identifying those patients who have a more biologically disruptive response combined with a more impactful microbial dysbiosis. Current evidence, albeit limited, indicates that for those individuals we should prevent and treat more intensively. This paper discusses what we know and how we might use that information to start individualizing risk and treat some of our patients in a more targeted manner. In my opinion, we are further along than many realize, but we have a great lack of prospective clinical evidence that must be accumulated while we continue to unravel the contributions of specific mechanisms.
Why Be Just? The Problem of Motivation in Hegel and Rawls
Authors: Fogh Nielsen Carsten , Hartz Emily
Published: September 2018

At the heart of any theoretical problem of justice lies the problem of motivation: Even if we could conceive of a way to develop a comprehensive system of just laws, and even if we could rationally believe in the justice of these laws, how could we ever ensure that we—or anyone else—would be motivated to abide by them? By unearthing how the problem of motivation sways canonical discussions of justice, the article brings forth intrinsic similarities and differences in these discussions that are often overlooked in the literature. In particular, the article highlights intrinsic similarities in the analysis of the concept of justice in two central works that belong to the continental and the analytic tradition respectively and are otherwise rarely discussed together: Hegel’s Outlines of the Philosophy of Right and Rawls’s Theory of Justice.
Temporal disaggregation by dynamic regressions: Recent developments in Italian quarterly national accounts
Authors: Bisio Laura , Moauro Filippo
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we discuss the most recent developments in temporal disaggregation techniques carried out at the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT). They concern the extension from static to dynamic autoregressive distributed lag regressions and the adoption of the state‐space framework for the statistical treatment of temporal disaggregation. Beyond the development of a unified procedure for both static and dynamic methods from one side and the treatment of the logarithmic transformation from the other, we provide short guidelines for model selection. The inclusion of stochastic trends in the regressions is also discussed. We evaluate the new dynamic methods by implementing a large‐scale exercise using the ISTAT annual value added data jointly with quarterly industrial production over the 1995–2013 period. The main finding is that autoregressive distributed lag disaggregations reduce forecast errors in comparison to static variants, at a price of lower correlations with related high‐frequency indicators. Moreover, problematic outcomes are limited to few cases.
Red blood cell exchange in patients with sickle cell disease—indications and management: a review and consensus report by the therapeutic apheresis subsection of the AABB
Authors: Biller Elizabeth , Zhao Yong , Berg Mary , Boggio Lisa , Capocelli Kelley E. , Fang Deanna C. , Koepsell Scott , Music‐Aplenc Lejla , Pham Huy P. , Treml Angela , Weiss John , Wool Geoffrey , Baron Beverly W.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

A prior practice survey revealed variations in the management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and stressed the need for comprehensive guidelines. Here we discuss: 1) common indications for red blood cell exchange (RCE), 2) options for access, 3) how to prepare the red blood cells (RBCs) to be used for RCE, 4) target hemoglobin (Hb) and/or hematocrit (Hct) and HbS level, 5) RBC depletion/RCE, and 6) some complications that may ensue.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifteen physicians actively practicing apheresis from 14 institutions representing different areas within the United States discussed how they manage RCE for patients with SCD.

RESULTS

Simple transfusion is recommended to treat symptomatic anemia with Hb level of less than 9 g/dL. RCE is indicated to prevent or treat complications arising from the presence of HbS. The most important goals are reduction of HbS while also preventing hyperviscosity. The usual goals are a target HbS level of not more than 30% and Hct level of less than 30%.

CONCLUSION

Although a consensus as to protocol details may not be possible, there are areas of agreement in the management of these patients, for example, that it is optimal to avoid hyperviscosity and iron overload, that a target Hb S level in the range of 30% is generally desirable, and that RCE as an acute treatment for pain crisis in the absence of other acute or chronic conditions is ordinarily discouraged.
Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Escherichia coli involved in transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections: implications for preventive strategies
Authors: Desroches Marine , Clermont Olivier , Lafeuillade Bruno , Rodriguez Christophe , Darty Mélanie , Royer Guilhem , Bouvet Odile , Ounnoughene Nadra , Noizat‐Pirenne France , Denamur Erick , Decousser Jean‐Winoc
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs) are the main residual infectious complications of transfusions. Escherichia coli and platelet (PLT) concentrates may be epidemiologically associated, leading to severe, if not lethal, TTBIs. We investigated the genotypic and phenotypic reasons for this clinically deleterious combination.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated a French national E. coli strain collection related to six independent episodes of TTBIs. Their phenotypic characterizations included antibiotic susceptibility testing, growth testing under different culture conditions, serum survival assays, and virulence in a sepsis mouse model. Their genotypic characterizations included polymerase chain reaction phylotyping, whole genome sequencing, and a subsequent in silico analysis.

RESULTS

We highlighted a selection process of highly extraintestinal virulent strains, mainly belonging to the B2 phylogroup, adapted to the hostile environment (high citrate concentration and a bactericidal serum effect) of apheresis‐collected platelet concentrates (PCs). Compared to controls, the E. coli TTBI strains grew faster in the PCs due to a superior ability to capture iron. The in vitro growth performances were highly compatible with blood‐derived product real‐life conditions, including storage conditions and delays. The consistent serum resistance of TTBI strains promotes their survival in both the donor's and the receiver's blood and in the PCs.

CONCLUSION

This study pointed out that E. coli strains responsible for TTBI exhibit very specific traits. They belong to the extraintestinal pathogenic phylogroups and have a high intrinsic virulence. They can be resistant to complement, capture iron, and grow in the apheresis‐collected PCs. These findings therefore support the reinforcement of the postdonation information.
Cervical stabilization with polyaxial pedicle screw and rod construct in horses: A proof of concept study
Authors: Aldrich Ellison , Nout‐Lomas Yvette , Seim Howard B. , Easley Jeremiah T.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of a novel technique for cervical stabilization.

Study design

In vivo experimental.

Animals

Four normal adult quarterhorse crossbreed horses (2‐4 years of age, > 250 kg).

Methods

One mid‐cervical spinal unit (C3‐C4) was distracted with a porous metal interbody fusion device (IFD) and stabilized with a polyaxial pedicle screw and rod construct. Neurologic examinations were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Radiographs of the fusion site and adjoining vertebrae were obtained preoperatively and monthly. Horses were euthanized at 8 months and spinal units were evaluated for osseointegration and implant safety via micro–computed tomography (CT), histology, and histomorphometry.

Results

The procedure was performed safely in all horses, without severe postoperative complications. Evaluation of radiographs revealed no implant failure, implant migration, or spinal unit instability in any of the horses. The presence of new bone formation around the screw and rod constructs was confirmed via micro‐CT. No evidence of inflammation or iatrogenic damage was noted from histology. New bone was present within the IFD in all horses, with variable osseointegration on the cranial and caudal surfaces of the implant in 3 horses.

Conclusion

The novel technique reported in the present study was safely applied to stabilize the C3‐C4 spinal unit in the horses tested here and led to variable osseointegration within 8 months.

Clinical significance

The results of this study justify evaluation of this technique in horses with a diagnosis of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy.
Occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in humans, dogs and cats sharing household in northern Spain and assessment of zoonotic transmission risk
Authors: Paulos Silvia , Köster Pamela C. , de Lucio Aida , Hernández‐de‐Mingo Marta , Cardona Guillermo A. , Fernández‐Crespo Juan C. , Stensvold Christen R. , Carmena David
Published: September 2018

Blastocystis sp. is probably the most common enteric parasite in humans globally. Although the role of Blastocystis in human disease is still controversial, epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that pathogenicity may be associated with certain subtypes of the protist. Since the life cycle of Blastocystis is maintained through still elusive pathways, companion animals have attracted the attention of researchers as potential reservoirs of human infections. In order to evaluate the risk of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis, we investigated the occurrence and molecular diversity of this microorganism in human, canine and feline populations sharing temporal and spatial settings in the province of Álava, northern Spain. A total of 268 (including 179 human, 55 canine and 34 feline) faecal specimens were obtained from 63 family households during February–December 2014. Detection of Blastocystis was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of small subunit rRNA genes. Blastocystis was found in 35.2% (95% CI: 0.29%–0.42%) of the human stool samples analysed, but not in any of the canine or feline faecal specimens investigated. Out of the 63 PCR‐positive human samples, 84.1% (53/63) were successfully subtyped, allowing the identification of the subtypes ST2 (62.3%), ST3 (17.0%), ST1 (13.2%) and ST4 (7.5%). No mixed subtype infections were identified. Blastocystis carriage was independent of the gender and region of origin of the affected individuals, but children in the age groups of >5‒10 years and >10‒15 years were significantly more affected by the protist. None of the risk factors considered (water‐use practices, contact with livestock, contact with individual undergoing diarrhoeal episodes) were associated with increased prevalence of Blastocystis. Our data demonstrate that pet dogs and cats play a negligible role as natural reservoirs of human Blastocystis infection in this geographic region, although the applicability of these results should be corroborated in future molecular epidemiological studies.
Priming of Plant Growth Promotion by Volatiles of Root-Associated Microbacterium spp
Authors: Cordovez Viviane , Schop Sharella , Hordijk Kees , Dupré de Boulois Hervé , Coppens Filip , Hanssen Inge , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Carrión Víctor J.
Published: September 2018

In the past decade, various studies have described the effects of microbial volatiles on other (micro)organismsin vitro, but their broad-spectrum activityin vivoand the mechanisms underlying volatile-mediated plant growth promotion have not been addressed in detail. Here, we revealed that volatiles from root-associated bacteria of the genusMicrobacteriumcan enhance the growth of different plant species and can prime plants for growth promotion without direct and prolonged contact between the bacterium and the plant. Collectively, these results provide new opportunities for sustainable agriculture and horticulture by exposing roots of plants only briefly to a specific blend of microbial volatile compounds prior to transplantation of the seedlings to the greenhouse or field. This strategy has no need for large-scale introduction or root colonization and survival of the microbial inoculant.
Regulatory Targets of the Response Regulator RR_1586 from Clostridioides difficile Identified Using a Bacterial One-Hybrid Screen
Authors: Hebdon Skyler D. , Menon Smita K. , Richter-Addo George B. , Karr Elizabeth A. , West Ann H.
Published: September 2018

Clostridioides difficile
spores survive under harsh conditions and can germinate into actively dividing cells capable of causing disease. An understanding of the regulatory networks controlling sporulation and germination in
C. difficile
could be exploited for therapeutic advantage. However, such studies are hindered by the challenges of working with an anaerobic pathogen recalcitrant to genetic manipulation. Although two-component response regulators can be identified from genetic sequences, identification of their downstream regulatory networks requires further development. This work integrates experimental and bioinformatic approaches, which provide practical advantages over traditional transcriptomic analyses, to identify the putative regulon of the
C. difficile
response regulator RR_1586 by first screening for protein-DNA interactions in
E. coli
and then predicting regulatory outputs in
C. difficile
.
The Human Cytomegalovirus US27 Gene Product Constitutively Activates Antioxidant Response Element-Mediated Transcription through Gβγ, Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase, and Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1
Authors: Boeck Jordan M. , Stowell Gregory A. , O'Connor Christine M. , Spencer Juliet V.
Published: September 2018

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide, causing deafness, blindness, and other serious birth defects. CXCR4 is a human chemokine receptor that is crucial for both fetal development and immune responses. We found that the HCMV protein US27 stimulates increased expression of CXCR4 through activation of the transcription factor nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1). NRF-1 regulates stress response genes that contain the antioxidant response element (ARE), and HCMV infection is associated with increased expression of many stress response genes when US27 is present. Our results show that the US27 protein activates the NRF-1/ARE pathway, stimulating higher expression of CXCR4 and other stress response genes, which is likely to be beneficial for virus replication and/or immune evasion.
Global Analysis of Baculovirus Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Gene Expression in the Midgut of the Lepidopteran Host Trichoplusia ni
Authors: Shrestha Anita , Bao Kan , Chen Yun-Ru , Chen Wenbo , Wang Ping , Fei Zhangjun , Blissard Gary W.
Published: September 2018

Baculoviruses such as AcMNPV are pathogens that are natural regulators of certain insect populations. Baculovirus infections are biphasic, with a primary phase initiated by oral infection of midgut epithelial cells by occlusion-derived virus (ODV) virions and a secondary phase in which other tissues are infected by budded-virus (BV) virions. While AcMNPV infections in cultured cells have been studied extensively, comparatively little is known regarding primary infection in the midgut. In these studies, we identified gene expression patterns associated with ODV-mediated infection of the midgut in
Trichoplusia ni
and compared those results with prior results from BV-infected cultured cells, which simulate secondary infection. These studies provide a detailed analysis of viral gene expression patterns in the midgut, which likely represent specific viral strategies to (i) overcome or avoid host defenses in the gut and (ii) rapidly move infection from the midgut, into the hemocoel to facilitate systemic infection.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Complement of Lactate Dehydrogenases Enables Use of
d
- and
l
-Lactate and Metabolic Cross-Feeding
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Cornell William Cole , Jo Jeanyoung , Price-Whelan Alexa , Dietrich Lars E. P.
Published: September 2018

Lactate is thought to serve as a carbon and energy source during chronic infections. Sites of bacterial colonization can contain two enantiomers of lactate: the
l
-form, generally produced by the host, and the
d
-form, which is usually produced by bacteria, including the pulmonary pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Here, we characterize
P. aeruginosa
’s set of four enzymes that it can use to interconvert pyruvate and lactate, the functions of which depend on the availability of oxygen and specific enantiomers of lactate. We also show that anaerobic pyruvate fermentation triggers production of the aerobic
d
-lactate dehydrogenase in both liquid cultures and biofilms, thereby enabling metabolic cross-feeding of lactate over time and space between subpopulations of cells. These metabolic pathways might contribute to
P. aeruginosa
growth and survival in the lung.
Candida albicans Hyphal Expansion Causes Phagosomal Membrane Damage and Luminal Alkalinization
Authors: Westman Johannes , Moran Gary , Mogavero Selene , Hube Bernhard , Grinstein Sergio
Published: September 2018

C. albicans
is the most common cause of nosocomial fungal infection, and over 3 million people acquire life-threatening invasive fungal infections every year. Even if antifungal drugs exist, almost half of these patients will die. Despite this, fungi remain underestimated as pathogens. Our study uses quantitative biophysical approaches to demonstrate that yeast-to-hypha transition occurs within the nutrient-deprived, acidic phagosome and that alkalinization is a consequence, as opposed to the cause, of hyphal growth.
Mechanical Genomic Studies Reveal the Role of
d
-Alanine Metabolism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cell Stiffness
Authors: Trivedi Rishi R. , Crooks John A. , Auer George K. , Pendry Joel , Foik Ilona P. , Siryaporn Albert , Abbott Nicholas L. , Gitai Zemer , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: September 2018

The mechanical properties of bacteria are important for protecting cells against physical stress. The cell wall is the best-characterized cellular element contributing to bacterial cell mechanics; however, the biochemistry underlying its regulation and assembly is still not completely understood. Using a unique high-throughput biophysical assay, we identified genes coding proteins that modulate cell stiffness in the opportunistic human pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. This approach enabled us to discover proteins with roles in a diverse range of biochemical pathways that influence the stiffness of
P. aeruginosa
cells. We demonstrate that
d
-Ala—a component of the peptidoglycan—is tightly regulated in cells and that its accumulation reduces expression of machinery that cross-links this material and decreases cell stiffness. This research demonstrates that there is much to learn about mechanical regulation in bacteria, and these studies revealed new nonessential
P. aeruginosa
targets that may enhance antibacterial chemotherapies or lead to new approaches.
Structural Analysis of the Interaction between the Bacterial Cell Division Proteins FtsQ and FtsB
Authors: Kureisaite-Ciziene Danguole , Varadajan Aravindan , McLaughlin Stephen H. , Glas Marjolein , Montón Silva Alejandro , Luirink Rosa , Mueller Carolin , den Blaauwen Tanneke , Grossmann Tom N. , Luirink Joen , Löwe Jan
Published: September 2018

In most bacteria and archaea, filaments of FtsZ protein organize cell division. FtsZ forms a ring structure at the division site and starts the recruitment of 10 to 20 downstream proteins that together form a multiprotein complex termed the divisome. The divisome is thought to facilitate many of the steps required to make two cells out of one. FtsQ and FtsB are part of the divisome, with FtsQ being a central hub, interacting with most of the other divisome components. Here we show for the first time in detail how FtsQ interacts with its downstream partner FtsB and show that mutations that disturb the interface between the two proteins effectively inhibit cell division.
Ecophylogenetics Clarifies the Evolutionary Association between Mammals and Their Gut Microbiota
Authors: Gaulke Christopher A. , Arnold Holly K. , Humphreys Ian R. , Kembel Steven W. , O’Dwyer James P. , Sharpton Thomas J.
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of mammalian evolution has become microbiome-aware. While emerging research links mammalian biodiversity and the gut microbiome, we lack insight into which microbes potentially impact mammalian evolution. Microbes common to diverse mammalian species may be strong candidates, as their absence in the gut may affect how the microbiome functionally contributes to mammalian physiology to adversely affect fitness. Identifying such conserved gut microbes is thus important to ultimately assessing the microbiome’s potential role in mammalian evolution. To advance their discovery, we developed an approach that identifies ancestrally related groups of microbes that distribute across mammals in a way that indicates their collective conservation. These conserved clades are presumed to have evolved a trait in their ancestor that matters to their distribution across mammals and which has been retained among clade members. We found not only that such clades do exist among mammals but also that they appear to be subject to natural selection and characterize human evolution.
Mosaic Drug Efflux Gene Sequences from Commensal
Neisseria
Can Lead to Low-Level Azithromycin Resistance Expressed by
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Clinical Isolates
Authors: Shafer William M.
Published: September 2018

In a previous
mBio
article, Wadsworth and colleagues (mBio 9:e01419-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01419-18
) described
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
isolates that express low levels of azithromycin (Azi) resistance. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis suggested that the isolates had acquired DNA from commensal
Neisseria
spp. that caused numerous nucleotide changes in the
mtr
locus, which contains genes for a transcriptional repressor (MtrR) and three proteins (MtrC-MtrD-MtrE) that form a multidrug efflux pump known to export macrolides. Strong regions of linkage disequilibrium mapped to the overlapping
mtrR
and
mtrCDE
promoters and
mtrD.
Genetic analyses revealed that these mosaic-like sequences increased transcription of
mtrCDE
and MtrD function, respectively. These changes also had strong epistatic effects that collectively were responsible for decreased susceptibility to MtrCDE substrates, including Azi. The report emphasizes the importance of gene exchange among neisserial species and development of antibiotic resistance in gonococci, both of which have ramifications for detection of resistance markers and efficacy of antibiotic treatment regimens for gonorrhea.
Comprehensive Functional Analysis of the Enterococcus faecalis Core Genome Using an Ordered, Sequence-Defined Collection of Insertional Mutations in Strain OG1RF
Authors: Dale Jennifer L. , Beckman Kenneth B. , Willett Julia L. E. , Nilson Jennifer L. , Palani Nagendra P. , Baller Joshua A. , Hauge Adam , Gohl Daryl M. , Erickson Raymond , Manias Dawn A. , Sadowsky Michael J. , Dunny Gary M.
Published: September 2018

The robust ability of
Enterococcus faecalis
to survive outside the host and to spread via oral-fecal transmission and its high degree of intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance all complicate the treatment of hospital-acquired enterococcal infections. The conserved
E. faecalis
core genome serves as an important genetic scaffold for evolution of this bacterium in the modern health care setting and also provides interesting vaccine and drug targets. We used an innovative pooling/sequencing strategy to map a large collection of arrayed transposon insertions in
E. faecalis
OG1RF and generated an arrayed library of defined mutants covering approximately 70% of the OG1RF genome. Then, we performed high-throughput transposon sequencing experiments using this library to determine core genomic determinants of bile resistance in OG1RF. This collection is a valuable resource for comprehensive, functional enterococcal genomics using both traditional and high-throughput approaches and enables immediate recovery of mutants of interest.
Effectiveness of multicomponent lower extremity injury prevention programmes in team-sport athletes: an umbrella review
Authors: Brunner Romana , Friesenbichler Bernd , Casartelli Nicola C , Bizzini Mario , Maffiuletti Nicola A , Niedermann Karin
Published: September 2018

Objective

To identify which exercise combinations are most effective as part of a lower extremity injury prevention programme for team-sport athletes.

Design

Umbrella review.

Data sources

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases. Studies published between January 2000 and March 2017 were included in this umbrella review.

Study eligibility criteria

Moderate to high-quality systematic reviews that investigated the effectiveness of a combination of two or more exercise components, that is, strength, agility, plyometrics, balance, stretching, technique, warm-up and functional activity, regarding injury incidence/rate of lower extremity injuries in team-sport athletes. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews measurement tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines were used to assess the overall quality of evidence for particular outcomes.

Results

Twenty-four systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Multicomponent exercise interventions were effective in reducing the injury incidence/rate of lower extremity, knee, ACL and ankle injuries, but not groin injuries. Strength and balance exercise components were included in 10 of 11 effective injury prevention programmes for the lower extremity, knee, ACL and ankle injuries.

Summary/conclusion

Lower extremity injury prevention programmes in team sports are effective in preventing lower extremity, knee, ACL and ankle injuries. Lower extremity muscle strength and balance exercises should be prioritised in lower extremity injury prevention programmes for team-sport athletes.
Perioperative lung protective ventilation
Authors: O’Gara Brian , Talmor Daniel
Published: September 2018

Perioperative lung injury is a major source of postoperative morbidity, excess healthcare use, and avoidable mortality. Many potential inciting factors can lead to this condition, including intraoperative ventilator induced lung injury. Questions exist as to whether protective ventilation strategies used in the intensive care unit for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome are equally beneficial for surgical patients, most of whom do not present with any pre-existing lung pathology. Studied both individually and in combination as a package of intraoperative lung protective ventilation, the use of low tidal volumes, moderate positive end expiratory pressure, and recruitment maneuvers have been shown to improve oxygenation and pulmonary physiology and to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in at risk patient groups. Further work is needed to define the potential contributions of alternative ventilator strategies, limiting excessive intraoperative oxygen supplementation, use of non-invasive techniques in the postoperative period, and personalized mechanical ventilation. Although the weight of evidence strongly suggests a role for lung protective ventilation in moderate risk patient groups, definitive evidence of its benefit for the general surgical population does not exist. However, given the shift in understanding of what is needed for adequate oxygenation and ventilation under anesthesia, the largely historical arguments against the use of intraoperative lung protective ventilation may soon be outdated, on the basis of its expanding track record of safety and efficacy in multiple settings.
Economic returns to medical research funding
Authors: Grant Jonathan , Buxton Martin J
Published: September 2018

Following the publication of the final paper in a planned series of four studies estimating the economic returns from biomedical and health research, we reflect on what we have learnt from these types of assessment.
Assemblages of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tropical humid and dry forests in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: de Assis Daniele Magna Azevedo , de Melo Mayara Alice Correia , da Silva Danielle Karla Alves , Oehl Fritz , da Silva Gladstone Alves
Published: September 2018

Tropical forests concentrate most of the world’s biodiversity. In the Northeast of Brazil it is possible to record mosaics of tropical dry and moist forests growing nearby but with completely different biotic and abiotic characteristics. These forests are constantly threatened by intense environmental devastation that affect not only above-ground communities but also those hidden below-ground, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which act in maintaining ecosystem balance. This work aimed to determine the composition of native AMF communities in areas of humid forest (HF) and dry forest (DF) in northeastern Brazil. A total of 70 taxa of AMF were identified in the study areas, with Acaulospora (17) and Glomus (16) being the most representative genera. The sampling effort allowed the evaluation of 70%–73% of the species estimated for the areas. AMF communities differed between HF and DF areas. Species of the genus Glomus occurred predominantly in humid forest areas, whereas representatives of the order Gigasporales were associated more specifically with the dry forest area. Four soil attributes showed approximately 50% correlation with the composition of the AMF community (silt, clay, K, and CEC). Humid and dry forest areas presented a high diversity of AMF, and the soil properties were an important factor for the community composition of these fungi.
Effects of exogenous microbial inoculum on the structure and dynamics of bacterial communities in swine carcass composting
Authors: Yang Xuchen , Hu Qingqing , Han Zhenzhen , Ruan Xinyi , Jiang Siwen , Chai Jin , Zheng Rong
Published: September 2018

Composting is a widely accepted method for the disposal of deceased livestock. It is a biological self-heating process during which animal carcasses are converted to fertilizer products. Additional inoculants can facilitate the composting progress. This study investigated how the addition of microbial inoculants could improve the composting effectiveness and could change the structure and dynamics of bacterial communities in the carcass composting process. Four strains of Bacillus were inoculated into the swine carcass composting piles. The groups with the additional inoculants showed a higher temperature in the thermophilic phase and higher germination indices in the composted products. The sequencing results showed that the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, and the dominant classified genera were Brevibacterium and Bacillus. Canonical correlation analysis showed that temperature and moisture exerted a stronger influence on the bacterial community diversity. The interaction network of dominant genera and the abundance variation of the bacterial community demonstrated that the inoculated bacterial agent changed the structure of bacterial communities and enriched the diversity of the species due to antagonism and symbiosis among the dominant bacterial communities.
Scenarios with low mass Higgs bosons in the heavy supersymmetry
Authors: Dubinin M. N. , Petrova E. Yu.
Published: September 2018

Possible realistic scenarios are investigated in the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) Higgs sector extended by dimension-six effective operators. The CP-odd Higgs boson with low mass around 30–90 GeV could be consistently introduced in the regime of large threshold corrections to the effective MSSM two-doublet Higgs potential.
Effects of different sintering temperature on structural and magnetic properties of Ni–Cu–Co ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Pan Xiaoguang , Sun Aimin , Han Yingqiang , Zhang Wei , Zhao Xiqian
Published: September 2018

In this work, sol–gel auto-combustion technology is used to synthesize nanocrystalline Ni[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text]Fe2O4with high purity metal nitrate and citric acid as precursor solution. The prepared samples are sintered at different temperatures (400[Formula: see text]C, 500[Formula: see text]C, 600[Formula: see text]C, 700[Formula: see text]C, 800[Formula: see text]C, 900[Formula: see text]C, 1000[Formula: see text]C and 1100[Formula: see text]C) for 3.5 h. The structure and magnetic properties of the samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The analysis of the XRD patterns confirms that all the samples have a single-phase cubic spinel structure. The particle size of the prepared samples (between 23 nm and 36 nm) is determined by the Scherrer equation. The effect of particle size is through observation of samples sintered at different temperatures. FT-IR spectroscopy shows the characteristic peak is near 588 cm[Formula: see text]. And the measurement also confirms the formation of spinel structure. The magnetic parameters of the samples are measured by VSM at room temperature with a maximum magnetic field of 1 T. Coercivity, remanent magnetization and saturation magnetization change with the changing sintering temperature. It can be clearly observed that the magnetic properties increase significantly with the temperature increasing from 600[Formula: see text]C to 700[Formula: see text]C. The dM/dH versus H curves are obtained by differentiating the hysteresis loop. The increasing peak height of dM/dH at [Formula: see text], indicates a magnetically stable state for the samples with good crystalline cubic spinel structure.
Research on Application of Artificial Intelligence in Computer Network Technology
Authors: Wang Qingjun , Lu Peng
Published: September 2018

With the continuous expansion of the application scope of computer network technology, various malicious attacks that exist in the Internet range have caused serious harm to computer users and network resources. This paper attempts to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to computer network technology and research on the application of AI in computing network technology. Designing an intrusion detection model based on improved back propagation (BP) neural network. By studying the attack principle, analyzing the characteristics of the attack method, extracting feature data, establishing feature sets, and using the agent technology as the supporting technology, the simulation experiment is used to prove the improvement effect of the system in terms of false alarm rate, convergence speed, and false negative rate, the rate reached 86.7%. The results show that this fast algorithm reduces the training time of the network, reduces the network size, improves the classification performance, and improves the intrusion detection rate.
Mercury Ions Mediated Phosphorus Containing Carbon Dots as Fluorescent Probe for Biothiols Screening
Authors: Du Han , Xu Hu , Zhao Yun , Li Dan , Wang Yuhong
Published: September 2018

In this study, we report the mercury ions (Hg[Formula: see text]) mediated phosphorus-containing carbon dots (PCDs) as a selective “off–on” fluorescence probe for glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcys). PCDs obtained by hydrothermal reaction are sensitive to Hg[Formula: see text] ions and its fluorescence can be significantly quenched owing to the electron transfer from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of PCDs to Hg[Formula: see text]. Interestingly, the weak fluorescence of Hg[Formula: see text]-mediated PCDs could be gradually recovered with the addition of GSH, Cys and Hcys. This can be attributed to the formation of Hg[Formula: see text]–S complex due to the super affinity of Hg[Formula: see text]–sulfydryl bond. The formation of Hg[Formula: see text]–S complex extremely reduces the oxidation ability of Hg[Formula: see text] that inhibits the electron transfer from LUMO of PCDs to Hg[Formula: see text] and re-opens the native electron transition from LUMO to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of PCDs. Thus, the green fluorescence of PCDs is switched on. Furthermore, the present Hg[Formula: see text]-mediated PCDs assay exhibits a high selectivity for GSH, Cys and Hcy and has been successfully used to detect the total biothiols content in human urine samples.
Synthesis of CdxZn1−xS@MIL-101(Cr) Composite Catalysts for the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Yang Shipeng , Peng Siwei , Zhang Chunhui , He Xuwen , Cai Yaqi
Published: September 2018

Nanoparticles of the semiconductor catalyst CdxZn[Formula: see text]S were embedded into the metal organic framework MIL-101(Cr) to obtain CdxZn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) nanocomposites. These materials not only possess high surface areas and mesopores but also show good utilization of light energy. The ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance patterns of CdxZn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) nanocomposites showed that Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) possessed good visible light response ability among the synthesized nanocomposites. The photocatalytic performance of the CdxZn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) nanocomposites were tested via degradation and mineralization of methylene blue in neutral water solution under light irradiation using a 300W xenon lamp. As a result, using Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) as a catalyst, 99.2% of methylene blue was mineralized within 30[Formula: see text]min. Due to the synergistic effect of adsorption by the MIL-101(Cr) component and photocatalytic degradation provided by the Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S component, the Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) catalyst displayed superior photocatalytic performance relative to Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S and MIL-101(Cr). Furthermore, Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) possessed excellent stability during photodegradation and exhibited good reusability. The remarkable photocatalytic performance of Cd[Formula: see text]Zn[Formula: see text]S@MIL-101(Cr) is likely due to the effective transfer of electrons and holes at the heterojunction interfaces.
A novel Fe2O3–Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2–TNS–GR magnetic composite with an enhanced visible photocatalytic property
Authors: Yang Weiqiang , Liu Xiaowen
Published: September 2018

A novel magnetic Fe2O3–Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2–TNS–GR had been synthesized via a solvothermal method. The XRD diffraction patterns and SEM images showed that the magnetite Fe2O3–Fe3O4 core was coated with amorphous SiO2 sheel and anatase sheel successively. TiO2 nanosheets (TNS) and Fe2O3–Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 had been loaded on the graphene (GR) sheets successfully. The degradation rate of Fe2O3–Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2–TNS–GR for rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation reached 93.34%, which was much higher than that of Fe3O4@SiO2–TNS–GR. The Fe3O4 made the composite to be easily separated from the suspension with an external magnetic field, and [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 had enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the composite.
The Belt and Road Initiative and China’s Grand Diplomacy
Authors: Yongnian Zheng , Chi Zhang
Published: September 2018

On March 28, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping detailed his vision for the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (hereinafter referred to as the Belt and Road) when attending the Boao Forum for Asia. After this, China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce jointly issued the “Vision and Actions on Jointly Building Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road”, a sign that the Belt and Road Initiative promoted by China as a foreign cooperation platform entered its first year of implementation. This vision covers over half of the global population and involves more than 60 countries along the routes, the economic aggregates of which account for about one-third of the world. During 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang paid frequent visits to all continents in an effort to promote the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. At present, the Belt and Road Initiative has received positive responses from the countries along the routes, and a number of cooperation projects have been underway smoothly. With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is forming a grand diplomatic landscape with “double legs” (a new type of major power relations and the Belt and Road Initiative) and a “single circle” (peripheral diplomacy). The Belt and Road Initiative highlights the spirit of the age, characterized by “peace, mutual respect, openness, and inclusiveness”, and has major international significance in helping China break through the security dilemma among nations, shoulder the responsibilities of a great power, and build China’s soft power in the international arena.
Workshop on internet economics (WIE2017) final report
Authors: claffy kc , Huston Geoff , Clark David
Published: September 2018

On December 13-14 2017, CAIDA hosted the 8th interdisciplinary Workshop on Internet Economics (WIE) at the UC San Diego's Supercomputer Center. This workshop series provides a forum for researchers, Internet facilities and service providers, technologists, economists, theorists, policy makers, and other stakeholders to exchange views on current and emerging regulatory and policy debates. The FCC's expected decision (released during the workshop, on 14 December 2017) - to repeal the 2015 classification of broadband Internet access service as a telecommunications (common carrier) service - set the stage for vigorous discussion on what type of data can inform debate, development, and empirical evaluation of public policies we will need for Internet services in the future.

http://www.caida.org/workshops/wie/1712/.