bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking diagnostic features to soil microbial biomass and respiration in agricultural grassland soil: a large‐scale study in Ireland
Authors: Richter A. , Huallacháin D. Ó. , Doyle E. , Clipson N. , Van Leeuwen J. P. , Heuvelink G. B. , Creamer R. E. 
Published: March 2018

The functional potential of soil ecosystems can be predicted from the activity and abundance of the microbial community in relation to key soil properties. When describing microbial community dynamics, soil physicochemical properties have traditionally been used. The extent of correlations between properties, however, differs between studies, especially across larger spatial scales. In this research we analysed soil microbial biomass and substrate‐induced respiration of 156 samples from Irish grasslands. In addition to the standard physicochemical, soil type and land management variables, soil diagnostic properties were included to identify if these important soil–landscape genesis classes affected microbial biomass and respiration dynamics in Irish soil. Apart from physicochemical properties, soil drainage class was identified as having an important effect on microbial properties. In particular, biomass‐specific basal (qCO2) and substrate‐induced respiration (SIR:CFE) were explained best by the soil drainage. Poorly drained soil had smaller values of these respiration measures than well‐drained soil. We concluded that this resulted from different groups within the microbial community that could use readily available carbon sources, which suggests a change in microbial community dynamics associated with soil texture and periods of water stress. Overall, our results indicate that soil quality assessments should include both physicochemical properties and diagnostic classes, to provide a better understanding of the behaviour of soil microbial communities.Highlights
Assessing the effect of soil diagnostic features and properties on microbial biomass and respiration
A soil biological survey from 156 grassland sites in Ireland
Soil drainage class has an important effect on microbial properties
Soil quality assessments should include both physicochemical properties and diagnostic classes
Lessons learned from using an audience response system in a community setting for research data collection
Authors: Bryant‐Moore Keneshia , Haynes Tiffany , Kuo Dennis Z. , Stewart M. Kathryn , Yeary Karen Hye‐Cheon Kim , Smith Johnny , Turner Jerome , Ounpraseuth Songthip T. , Sullivan Greer , McCoy Stephanie , Hudson Brittany , Harris Kimberly 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesA community‐academic team implemented a study involving collection of quantitative data using a computer‐based audience response system (ARS) whereby community partners led data collection efforts. The team participated in a reflection exercise after the data collection to evaluate and identify best practices and lessons learned about the community partner‐led process.Design & SampleThe methods involved a qualitative research consultant who facilitated the reflection exercise that consisted of two focus groups—one academic and one community research team members. The consultant then conducted content analysis. Nine members participated in the focus groups.ResultsThe reflection identified the following themes: the positive aspects of the ARS; challenges to overcome; and recommendations for the future.ConclusionThe lessons learned here can help community‐academic research partnerships identify the best circumstances in which to use ARS for data collection and practical steps to aid in its success.
Combination of Amphotericin B and Terbinafine against Melanized Fungi Associated with Chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Deng S. , Lei W. , de Hoog G. S. , Yang L. , Vitale R. G. , Rafati H. , Seyedmousavi M. , Tolooe A. , van der Lee H. , Liao W. , Verweij P. E. , Seyedmousavi S. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Our
in vitro
studies showed that a combination of amphotericin B and terbinafine had synergistic effects against the majority of melanized fungi associated with chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and similar infections, including those with
Cladophialophora carrionii
,
Cladophialophora arxii
,
Exophiala
dermatitidis
,
Exophiala
spinifera
,
Fonsecaea monophora
,
Fonsecaea nubica
,
Fonsecaea pedrosoi
, and
Phialophora verrucosa.
This drug combination could provide an option for the treatment of severe or unresponsive cases of CBM, particularly in cases due to species of
Fonsecaea
and
Cladophialophora
.
Determination of the Dynamically Linked Indices of Fosfomycin for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Hollow Fiber Infection Model
Authors: Louie Arnold , Maynard Michael , Duncanson Brandon , Nole Jocelyn , Vicchiarelli Michael , Drusano G. L. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Fosfomycin is the only expoxide antimicrobial and is currently under development in the United States as an intravenously administered product. We were interested in identifying the exposure indices most closely linked to its ability to kill bacterial cells and to suppress amplification of less susceptible subpopulations. We employed the hollow fiber infection model for this investigation and studied wild-type strain
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1. Because of anticipated rapid resistance emergence, we shortened the study duration to 24 h but sampled the system more intensively. Doses of 12 and 18 g/day and schedules of daily administration, administration every 8 h, and administration by continuous infusion for each daily dose were studied. We measured fosfomycin concentrations (by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), the total bacterial burden, and the burden of less susceptible isolates. We applied a mathematical model to all the data simultaneously. There was a rapid emergence of resistance with all doses and schedules. Prior to resistance emergence, an initial kill of 2 to 3 log
10
(CFU/ml) was observed. The model demonstrated that the area under the concentration-time curve/MIC ratio was linked to total bacterial kill, while the time that the concentration remained above the MIC (or, equivalently, the minimum concentration/MIC ratio) was linked to resistance suppression. These findings were also seen in other investigations with
Enterobacteriaceae
(
in vitro
systems) and
P. aeruginosa
(murine system). We conclude that for serious infections with high bacterial burdens, fosfomycin may be of value as a new therapeutic and may be optimized by administering the agent as a continuous or prolonged infusion or by use of a short dosing interval. For indications such as ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, it may be prudent to administer fosfomycin as part of a combination regimen.
New Insights into the Role of Zinc Acquisition and Zinc Tolerance in Group A Streptococcal Infection
Authors: Ong Cheryl-lynn Y. , Berking Olga , Walker Mark J. , McEwan Alastair G. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Zinc plays an important role in host innate immune function. However, the innate immune system also utilizes zinc starvation (“nutritional immunity”) to combat infections. Here, we investigate the role of zinc import and export in the protection of
Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A
Streptococcus
; GAS), a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of human diseases, against challenge from host innate immune defense. In order to determine the role of GAS zinc import and export during infection, we utilized zinc import (Δ
adcA
Δ
adcAII
) and export (Δ
czcD
) deletion mutants in competition with the wild type in both
in vitro
and
in vivo
virulence models. We demonstrate that nutritional immunity is deployed extracellularly, while zinc toxicity is utilized upon phagocytosis of GAS by neutrophils. We also show that lysosomes and azurophilic granules in neutrophils contain zinc stores for use against intracellular pathogens.
Effects of supplementation with carnosine and other histidine-containing dipeptides on chronic disease risk factors and outcomes: protocol for a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Menon Kirthi , Mousa Aya , de Courten Barbora 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionAgeing of populations globally, coupled with the obesity epidemic, has resulted in the rising prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Prevention of risk factors that contribute to these diseases is key in managing the global burden of chronic diseases. Recent studies suggest that carnosine, a dipeptide with anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiglycating properties may have a role in the prevention of chronic diseases; however, no previous reviews have examined the effects of carnosine and other histidine-containing peptides (HCDs) on chronic disease risk factors and outcomes. We aim to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to examine the effects of supplementation with carnosine and other HCDs on chronic disease risk factors and outcomes and to identify relevant knowledge gaps.Methods and analysisElectronic databases including Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Embase and all Evidence-Based Medicine will be systematically searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews of RCTs, comparing supplementation with carnosine and/or other HCDs versus placebo, usual care or other pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions. One reviewer will screen titles and abstracts for eligibility according to prespecified inclusion criteria, after which two independent reviewers will perform data extraction and quality appraisal. Meta-analyses, metaregression and subgroup analyses will be conducted where appropriate.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as this review does not involve primary data collection. This review will generate level-one evidence regarding the effects of carnosine supplementation on chronic disease risk factors and outcomes and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and at conference meetings to inform future research on the efficacy of carnosine supplementation for the prevention of chronic diseases.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017075354.
Paleozoic gas potential in the Weald Basin of southern England
Authors: Pullan Christopher P. , Butler Malcolm 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Gas has been found in Mesozoic reservoirs in the Weald Basin, particularly along the northern margin. Most of the gas is dry, with a high methane content and often associated nitrogen. Isotopic evidence indicates that the gas is from a thermogenically mature marine source. Although there is evidence of some shallow, biogenic gas, only the lowermost Lias is projected to have reached the thermogenic gas window before Tertiary uplift. Estimated maturities from isotopic data from the main gas accumulations indicate significantly greater levels than those projected for Liassic shales: thus, the gas is thought to have originated from Paleozoic rocks.
Data on the distribution of Paleozoic rocks subcropping the Variscan unconformity is limited. However, available data suggest that their distribution owes more to Acadian erosion than to Variscan. It is thought that the Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous transgressed over a thick, folded Tremadocian shale sequence in the west, and over folded Silurian and Lower–Middle Devonian rocks in the central Weald. There is some evidence for the presence of isolated late Carboniferous or early Permian clastics but no significant coals have been encountered to date. Regional source studies suggest that the only Paleozoic rocks with potential are post-Acadian-aged Devonian shales.
The second conference
Authors: Abramov Sergei A. , Ryabenko Anna A. , Sadykov Timur M. 
Published: March 2018

The second International conference is organized jointly by Dorodnicyn Computing Center of Federal Research Center "Computer Science and Control" of RAS and Plekhanov Russian University of Economics with a support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project 17-01-20398 17). The first edition of the event [1] (http://www.ccas.ru/ca/conference2016) was held in 2016 at the Dorodnicyn Computing Center in cooperation with Russian University of Friendship of Peoples.
The conference website: http://www.ccas.ru/ca/conference.
Targeting Brain-Adaptive Cancer Stem Cells Prohibits Brain Metastatic Colonization of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ren Ding , Zhu Xiaoping , Kong Ren , Zhao Zhen , Sheng Jianting , Wang Jiang , Xu Xiaoyun , Liu Jiyong , Cui Kemi , Zhang Xiang H.-F. , Zhao Hong , Wong Stephen T.C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits more traits possessed by cancer stem cells (CSC) than other breast cancer subtypes and is more likely to develop brain metastases. TNBC patients usually have shorter survival time after diagnosis of brain metastasis, suggesting an innate ability of TNBC tumor cells in adapting to the brain. In this study, we establish novel animal models to investigate early tumor adaptation in brain metastases by introducing both patient-derived and cell line–derived CSC-enriched brain metastasis tumorsphere cells into mice. We discovered astrocyte-involved tumor activation of protocadherin 7 (PCDH7)-PLCβ-Ca2+-CaMKII/S100A4 signaling as a mediator of brain metastatic tumor outgrowth. We further identified and evaluated the efficacy of a known drug, the selective PLC inhibitor edelfosine, in suppressing the PCDH7 signaling pathway to prohibit brain metastases in the animal models. The results of this study reveal a novel signaling pathway for brain metastases in TNBC and indicate a promising strategy of metastatic breast cancer prevention and treatment by targeting organ-adaptive cancer stem cells.Significance: These findings identify a compound to block adaptive signaling between cancer stem cells and brain astrocytes. Cancer Res; 78(8); 2052–64. ©2018 AACR.
Between Public and Private Media: Toward a Definition of “Community Media”
Authors: Cerbino Mauro , Belotti Francesca 
Published: March 2018

Constitutional reforms in Ecuador and Bolivia and the subsequent laws on communications have opened up the media space to new social and political actors: public and community media. While the former tend to be associated with the state in form and with governments in substance, the latter are not clearly defined and occupy a place in the midst of the hegemonic struggle between the public and private sectors to enable citizens to actively intervene in the competition for shaping public opinion. It is therefore necessary to lay the groundwork for a definition of “community media” that includes both its legal and sociopolitical dimensions. Indeed, operationalizing such a definition might allow community media to recognize themselves in it and to take the measures required to fully project themselves as subjects of the law. Las reformas constitucionales de Ecuador y Bolivia, y las siguientes leyes de comunicación, han abierto el espacio mediático a nuevos actores sociales y políticos: los medios públicos y los comunitarios. Si los primeros tienden a ser referibles al Estado en la forma y a los gobiernos en la sustancia, los segundos se quedan indefinidos e irrumpen en la lucha hegemónica entre los sectores público y privado, para que la ciudadanía intervenga de forma activa en la disputa por la generación de opinión pública. Por lo tanto, es necesario sentar las bases para una definición del concepto de “medio comunitario” que sepa mantener unidas las dimensiones de significado legales y socio-políticas. Traducir en términos operativos esta definición podría permitir a los medios comunitarios reconocerse en los rasgos observables del concepto y, por ende, tomar medidas para proyectarse plenamente como sujetos de derecho.
Loss-of-Function PCSK9 Mutations Are Not Associated With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Paquette Martine , Saavedra Yascara Grisel Luna , Poirier Judes , Théroux Louise , Dea Doris , Baass Alexis , Dufour Robert 
Published: March 2018

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for the late-onset form of Alzheimer disease (AD). Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations of PCSK9 and PCSK9 inhibitors lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and have been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PCSK9 LOF variants on risk and age of onset of AD. Methods: A total of 878 participants (410 controls and 468 AD cases) from the Quebec Founder Population were included in the study. Results: Fifty-four (6.2%) participants carried the R46L mutation, whereas 226 (26.2%) participants carried the InsLEU mutation. There was no protective or no deleterious effect of carrying PCSK9 LOF mutations on AD prevalence nor on age of onset, even when stratified by apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 genotype or by gender. Conclusion: Our data indicate that carrying PCSK9 LOF mutations has a neutral effect on neurocognitive health and the prevalence of AD.
Temperature trends with reduced impact of ocean air temperature
Authors: Lansner Frank , Pepke Pedersen Jens Olaf 
Published: March 2018

Temperature data 1900–2010 from meteorological stations across the world have been analyzed and it has been found that all land areas generally have two different valid temperature trends. Coastal stations and hill stations facing ocean winds are normally more warm-trended than the valley stations that are sheltered from dominant oceans winds. Thus, we found that in any area with variation in the topography, we can divide the stations into the more warm trended ocean air-affected stations, and the more cold-trended ocean air-sheltered stations. We find that the distinction between ocean air-affected and ocean air-sheltered stations can be used to identify the influence of the oceans on land surface. We can then use this knowledge as a tool to better study climate variability on the land surface without the moderating effects of the ocean. We find a lack of warming in the ocean air sheltered temperature data – with less impact of ocean temperature trends – after 1950. The lack of warming in the ocean air sheltered temperature trends after 1950 should be considered when evaluating the climatic effects of changes in the Earth’s atmospheric trace amounts of greenhouse gasses as well as variations in solar conditions.
Exploring Motivational Interviewing to Engage Latinos in Advance Care Planning: A Community-Based Social Work Intervention
Authors: Nedjat-Haiem Frances R. , Carrion Iraida V. , Gonzalez Krystyna , Bennett Elizabeth D. , Ell Kathleen , O’Connell Mary , Thompson Beti , Mishra Shiraz I. 
Published: March 2018

Advance care planning (ACP) does not readily occur in medical settings and often gets missed. Older Latinos need ACP information to encourage advance directive (AD) completion indicating preferences for end-of-life (EOL) care. Objective: To explore the experiences with counseling using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques and social workers to encourage ACP communication among older Latinos with advance chronic diseases. This study describes stages of readiness to plan for EOL care. Design: We conducted a qualitative study with older Latinos who participated in a community-based intervention in Southern New Mexico. Methods: Participants in the intervention were selected because they received ACP education plus counseling involving MI to address resistance to ACP. Motivational interviewing counseling involved the following: (1) engaging in structured dialogue about ACP, (2) using and completing AD documentation, (3) encouraging ACP communication with providers and families, and (4) applying AD information into actionable behavior. We utilized a constant comparative method and thematic analysis to explore the meaning of older Latinos’ experiences with MI counseling and stages of change. Results: Participants (n = 32) were mostly women (74.3%), half born in the United States and half from Mexico in the United States on average for 31.75 (standard deviation 16.22) years. Many had less than sixth grade education (31.3%) or had not completed high school (21.9%). Key themes indicate the following stages of change: (1) precontemplation, (2) contemplation, (3) preparation, (4) ACP action, and (5) maintenance. Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by identifying areas for adaption to enhance understanding and increase information to ultimately achieve the completion of ACP among Latinos.
The Valsalva manoeuvre versus tourniquet for venipuncture
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Chelazzi Cosimo , Giua Rosa , Lavacchini Laura , Tofani Lorenzo , Zagli Giovanni , Barbani Francesco , De Gaudio A Raffaele , Romagnoli Stefano , Pinelli Fulvio 
Published: March 2018

Background: During ultrasound-guided cannulation, venous filling is required for venipuncture. Tourniquet with an elastic tube at the axilla is the most common method to induce venous stasis for cannulation of the deep veins of the arm. Although effective, this method might be associated with short- and long-term complications. Valsalva manoeuvre has been used to produce venous filling in other extrathoracic veins. The aim of this observational study is to demonstrate the effect of Valsalva manoeuvre in respect of the elastic tourniquet on venous distention during echography-guided cannulation of the deep veins of the arm. Method: Sixty-nine patients scheduled for cannulation of basilic or brachial vein were prospectively observed. Vein diameters were recorded at rest and after 10 s of Valsalva or tourniquet placement. Results: The mean difference between basilic vein diameters during tourniquet and Valsalva manoeuvre was 0.006 mm (95% confidence interval = −inf, 0.09) with a standard deviation of 0.5 mm (95% confidence interval = 0.5, 0.7; p > 0.01). The mean difference between brachial vein diameters during tourniquet and Valsalva manoeuvre was 0.04 mm (95% confidence interval = −0.23, 0.15) with a standard deviation of 0.8 mm (95% confidence interval = 0.7, 0.9; p > 0.01). Discussion: This increase in cross-sectional basilic and brachial vein diameters was not different to that obtained with the elastic tube tourniquet.
A randomized intervention study to evaluate the effect of calcitriol therapy on the renin-angiotensin system in diabetes
Authors: Zaheer Sarah , Taquechel Kiara , Brown Jenifer M , Adler Gail K , Williams Jonathan S , Vaidya Anand 
Published: March 2018

Background: Prior studies suggest that vitamin D therapy may decrease cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by lowering renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity. However, randomized human intervention studies to evaluate the effect of vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists on RAS activity are lacking. Objective: The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of direct VDR activation with calcitriol on circulating RAS activity and vascular hemodynamics in T2DM. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study wherein 18 participants with well-controlled T2DM without chronic kidney disease (CKD) were administered calcitriol or placebo for three weeks was conducted. Outcome measures included plasma renin activity (PRA), serum and urinary aldosterone, mean arterial pressure (MAP) before and after an infusion of angiotensin II, and renal plasma flow (RPF) via para-aminohippurate clearance. Results: Despite an increase in 1,25(OH)2D with calcitriol administration (45.4 to 61.8 pg/ml, p = 0.03) and no change with placebo, there were no significant differences in PRA, serum or urinary aldosterone, baseline and angiotensin II-stimulated MAP, or basal and angiotensin II-stimulated RPF between interventions. Conclusion: In this randomized and placebo-controlled study in participants with T2DM without CKD, calcitriol therapy to raise 1,25(OH)2D levels, when compared with placebo, did not significantly change circulating RAS activity or vascular hemodynamics.