bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the tyrosine kinase Wzc (Sll0923) and the phosphatase Wzb (Slr0328) in the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: Pereira Sara B. , Santos Marina , Leite José P. , Flores Carlos , Eisfeld Carina , Büttel Zsófia , Mota Rita , Rossi Federico , De Philippis Roberto , Gales Luís , Morais‐Cabral João H. , Tamagnini Paula 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMany cyanobacteria produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mainly composed of heteropolysaccharides with unique characteristics that make them suitable for biotechnological applications. However, manipulation/optimization of EPS biosynthesis/characteristics is hindered by a poor understanding of the production pathways and the differences between bacterial species. In this work, genes putatively related to different pathways of cyanobacterial EPS polymerization, assembly, and export were targeted for deletion or truncation in the unicellular Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. No evident phenotypic changes were observed for some mutants in genes occurring in multiple copies in Synechocystis genome, namely ∆wzy (∆sll0737), ∆wzx (∆sll5049), ∆kpsM (∆slr2107), and ∆kpsM∆wzy (∆slr2107∆sll0737), strongly suggesting functional redundancy. In contrast, Δwzc (Δsll0923) and Δwzb (Δslr0328) influenced both the amount and composition of the EPS, establishing that Wzc participates in the production of capsular (CPS) and released (RPS) polysaccharides, and Wzb affects RPS production. The structure of Wzb was solved (2.28 Å), revealing structural differences relative to other phosphatases involved in EPS production and suggesting a different substrate recognition mechanism. In addition, Wzc showed the ATPase and autokinase activities typical of bacterial tyrosine kinases. Most importantly, Wzb was able to dephosphorylate Wzc in vitro, suggesting that tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation plays a role in cyanobacterial EPS production.
Microsurgical reconstruction of complex maxillofacial gunshot wounds: Outcomes analysis and algorithm
Authors: Gurunluoglu Raffi , Gatherwright James 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundSatisfaction with appearance, functional outcomes (speech, swallowing), work status after microsurgical reconstruction for maxillofacial gunshot wounds (GSW) remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to report these parameters. By investigating these outcomes, we also aimed to provide microsurgical algorithms for complex maxillofacial GSW.MethodsForty‐two consecutive maxillofacial GSW patients between 2006 and 2014 were analyzed for outcomes. Mean age was 41.3 years ranging 14 to 77 years. There were 33 males and 9 females.ResultsTwenty‐four patients received 36 free flaps for early reconstruction in 1 to 2 weeks, two patients in a delayed manner. Fifteen fibula flaps for mandible reconstruction, five fibula, there radial forearm (RF), and two scapular osteocutaneous (OC) flaps for maxilla reconstruction, two RF flaps for palate reconstruction, one RF for cheek reconstruction were used. Four patients underwent innervated gracilis flap for total lower lip and one for cheek reconstruction. Rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used for mid‐face defects in two patients. One anterolateral thigh flap was used for lower lip/chin reconstruction. Nine free flaps were performed to treat a complication and/or to improve function. All flaps survived except for three partial skin paddle loss to fibula flaps. Mean follow‐up was 17.2 months. Return to work/school was 70%. Surveys noted 58% “satisfied”. All patients but two achieved perceptible speech, the majority had no difficulty with swallowing, all patients had oral competence.ConclusionsFavorable outcomes were obtained in most maxillofacial GSW. After investigating these outcomes, microsurgical algorithms were developed for clinical practice for reconstruction of composite mandible and total‐lower lip defects, and maxilla/mid‐face defects.
A lifestyle management programme focused on exercise, diet and physiotherapy support for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis and a body mass index over 35: A qualitative study
Authors: Law Rebecca‐Jane , Nafees Sadia , Hiscock Julia , Wynne Cathy , Williams Nefyn Howard 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Lifestyle Management Programme (LMP) is an exercise and weight management programme with physiotherapy support for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) and a body mass index (BMI) over 35. This qualitative study explored views and experiences of the LMP among patients and professionals, and offers insight for future programmes. Five referring clinicians and six delivering professionals participated in focus groups. Three referring GPs and nine patients who attended the LMP took part in semi‐structured interviews. Topics included: referral, reasons for taking up and continuing the programme or not, and experiences and outcomes. Framework method was used to analyse the qualitative data. Overall, patients and professionals valued the multidisciplinary nature of the LMP. However, professionals explained feeling guilty about delaying patients on the orthopaedic waiting list and believed that the programme should be redirected to those with less severe OA and a lower BMI. Referring clinicians differed in their interpretation of the referral criteria and expressed varying levels of autonomy when making referrals. Patients referred after a consultation with their general practitioner appeared to be more satisfied with the referral process. Patients were also encouraged by the opportunity to improve health, their likelihood of surgery and social benefits. However, patients were discouraged by inconvenience, cost, lack of readiness to change and embarrassment. In conclusion, shared decision‐making about lifestyle management without delaying orthopaedic opinion is preferable, and more psychological support may increase participation. Importantly, the programme may be better focused on rehabilitation for patients with a lower BMI and less severe symptoms.
The effects of ATP on the contractions of rat and mouse fast skeletal muscle
Authors: Ziganshin Ayrat U. , Khairullin Adel E. , Teplov Alexander Y. , Gabdrakhmanov Azat I. , Ziganshina Liliya E. , Hoyle Charles H.V. , Ziganshin Bulat A. , Grishin Sergey N. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of adenosine‐5'‐triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine on the contractility of rodent extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle at normal and low temperatures. Methods: Contractions of rat and mouse isolated EDL were induced by either electrical stimulation (ES) or exogenous carbachol and recorded in the presence of ATP or adenosine (both at 100 μM). Results: ATP at all temperatures caused a decrease of the contractions induced by carbachol in rat and mouse EDL and ES‐induced contractions in rat EDL, while it potentiated the ES‐induced contractions of mouse EDL. Adenosine reduced the contractility of rat and mouse EDL evoked by ES and did not affect the carbachol‐induced contractions of rat and mouse EDL at any temperature. Discussion: Under various temperature conditions, ATP inhibits pre‐ but potentiates postsynaptic processes in the mouse EDL; in the rat EDL ATP causes only inhibition of neuromuscular conduction. Muscle Nerve 59:509–516, 2019
Error estimate of point selection in uncertainty quantification of nonlinear structures involving multiple nonuniformly distributed parameters
Authors: Chen Jianbing , Chan Jianpeng 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe error analysis for the selection of representative point sets (RPSs) in multidimensional random‐variate space assigned with arbitrary nonuniform distribution with compact support for uncertainty quantification is developed by extending the Koksma‐Hlawka inequalities, which bound the worst error with some kind of discrepancy of the RPS and the variation of the integrand. The novel concepts of the EF‐discrepancy and the GF‐discrepancy are introduced, and the connection and equivalence between them are inquired into. Based on such theoretical basis, the error estimate of selecting RPSs in the standardized space instead of that in the original physical space is studied, showing that the standardization of the input random variables does not increase, but usually reduce, the error bound by GF‐discrepancy. The extended Koksma‐Hlawka inequality also establishes the theoretical basis for the error estimate of the probability density evolution method. Besides, the closed‐form expressions for the EF‐discrepancy are given in the Appendix. A numerical example involving a complex nonlinear engineering structure modeled by the finite element method is studied, showing the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Long and Short of It: Early Response Predicts Longer‐Term Outcomes in Pediatric Weight Management
Authors: Gross Amy C. , Kaizer Alexander M. , Kelly Aaron S. , Rudser Kyle D. , Ryder Justin R. , Borzutzky Claudia R. , Santos Melissa , Tucker Jared M. , Yee Jennifer K. , Fox Claudia K. ,   POWER Work Group
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine whether 1‐month BMI improvement is predictive of superior 6‐ and 12‐month BMI changes in a national sample of youth in pediatric weight management treatment.MethodsParticipants were 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds from the Pediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry, a prospective study collecting data from 31 pediatric weight management programs across the United States. Response at 1 month was defined as ≥ 3% BMI reduction; success at 6 and 12 months was defined as ≥ 5% BMI reduction from baseline. Analyses used linear and logistic regression with robust variance estimation.ResultsPrimary analyses were completed with 687 participants (mean age 12.2 years). One‐month responders demonstrated significant improvements in BMI compared with nonresponders at 6 months (BMI, −2.05 vs. 0.05; %BMI, −5.81 vs. 0.23; P < 0.001 for all) and 12 months (BMI, −1.87 vs. 0.30; %BMI, −5.04 vs. 1.06; P < 0.001 for all). The odds of success for 1‐month responders were 9.64 (95% CI: 5.85‐15.87; P < 0.001) times that of nonresponders at 6 months and 5.24 (95% CI: 2.49‐11.02; P < 0.001) times that of nonresponders at 12 months.ConclusionsIn treatment‐seeking youth with obesity, early BMI reduction was significantly associated with greater long‐term BMI reduction. Nonresponders may benefit from early treatment redirection or intensification.
Efficacy of systemic sirolimus in the treatment of generalized lymphatic anomaly and Gorham–Stout disease
Authors: Ricci Kiersten W. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Mobberley‐Schuman Paula , Nelson Stephen C. , Blatt Julie , Bender Julia L. Glade , McCuaig Catherine C. , Synakiewicz Anna , Frieden Ilona J. , Adams Denise M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundGeneralized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) and Gorham–Stout disease (GSD) are rare complicated lymphatic malformations that occur in multiple body sites and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment options have been limited, and conventional medical therapies have been generally ineffective. Emerging data suggest a role for sirolimus as a treatment option for complex lymphatic anomalies.ProcedureDisease response was evaluated by radiologic imaging, quality of life (QOL), and clinical status assessments in children and young adults with GLA and GSD from a multicenter systematic retrospective review of patients treated with oral sirolimus and the prospective phase 2 clinical trial assessing the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in complicated vascular anomalies (NCT00975819). Sirolimus dosing regimens and toxicities were also assessed.ResultsEighteen children and young adults with GLA (n = 13) or GSD (n = 5) received oral sirolimus. Fifteen patients (83%) had improvement in one or more aspects of their disease (QOL 78%, clinical status 72%, imaging 28%). No patients with bone involvement had progression of bone disease, and the majority had symptom or functional improvement on sirolimus. Improvement of pleural and pericardial effusion(s) occurred in 72% and 50% of affected patients; no effusions worsened on treatment.ConclusionsSirolimus appears effective at stabilizing or reducing signs/symptoms of disease in patients with GLA and GSD. Functional impairment and/or QOL improved in the majority of individuals with GLA and GSD with sirolimus treatment.
Successful treatment of metastatic cerebral recurrence of pleuropulmonary blastoma
Authors: Nakano Yoshiko , Gatell Sandra Pisa , Schultz Kris Ann P. , Carrillo Thais Murciano , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Okada Keiko , Horiike Masaki , Nakamura Tetsuro , Watanabe Yusuke , Matsusaka Yasuhiro , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Fukushima Hiroko , Inoue Takeshi , Williams Gretchen M. , Hill D. Ashley , Hara Junichi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare pediatric tumor. The central nervous system (CNS) is the most common site of extrathoracic metastasis. The prognosis of PPB patients with CNS metastases is dismal: most patients die within one year after recurrence. Here, we describe two patients diagnosed with PPB who developed intracranial recurrences shortly after the end of their initial treatment and were successfully treated by gross total resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Both patients are in complete remission four and three years after recurrence. Although an optimal regimen remains to be determined, these cases demonstrate that PPB with CNS metastases is potentially curable.
Effect of different compatibilizers on environmentally friendly composites from poly(lactic acid) and diatomaceous earth
Authors: Aguero Angel , Quiles‐Carrillo Luis , Jorda‐Vilaplana Amparo , Fenollar Octavio , Montanes Nestor 
Published: January 2019

AbstractEnvironmentally friendly composites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and diatomaceous earth (DE) were successfully manufactured by extrusion, followed by injection moulding. DE was used as a filler; several compatibilizer/coupling agents, namely (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, epoxy styrene acrylic oligomer and maleinized linseed oil, were used to improve polymer–filler interactions. Mechanical characterization was carried out by standard tensile, impact and hardness tests while morphological characterization of the fractured surfaces was conducted by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The effect of DE was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal behaviour. The results show that the addition of DE provides an improved tensile modulus and induces more brittle composites due to stress concentration phenomena. The addition of compatibilizers in PLA‐DE positively contributes to improve ductile properties, thus leading to high environmental efficiency materials with balanced mechanical properties. Specifically, the compatibility improvement between the PLA and DE was good with maleinized linseed oil and contributed to improving the impact strength, which is a key factor in PLA‐based composites due to the intrinsic brittleness of neat PLA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Breast Cancer‐Derived Exosomes Reflect the Cell‐of‐Origin Phenotype
Authors: Wen Shu Wen , Lima Luize G. , Lobb Richard J. , Norris Emma L. , Hastie Marcus L. , Krumeich Sophie , Möller Andreas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA manner in which cells can communicate with each other is via secreted nanoparticles termed exosomes. These vesicles contain lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, and are said to reflect the cell‐of‐origin. However, for the exosomal protein content, there is limited evidence in the literature to verify this statement. Here, proteomic assessment combined with pathway‐enrichment analysis is used to demonstrate that the protein cargo of exosomes reflects the epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype of secreting breast cancer cells. Given that epithelial‐mesenchymal plasticity is known to implicate various stages of cancer progression, the results suggest that breast cancer subtypes with distinct epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes may be distinguished by directly assessing the protein content of exosomes. Additionally, the work is a substantial step toward verifying the statement that cell‐derived exosomes reflect the phenotype of the cells‐of‐origin.
Chondrotoxic Effects of Local Anesthetics on Human Knee Articular Cartilage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jayaram Prathap , Kennedy David J. , Yeh Peter , Dragoo Jason 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo review the current literature on the effects of intraarticular local anesthetics on human knee articular cartilage.Literature SurveyPubMed; MEDLINE; SCOPUS; PEDro; CINAHL databases (1/1990‐06/1/2018) were searched for local anesthetic effects on human knee articular cartilage.MethodologySixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with outcome measures assessing chondrocyte viability, morphology, and histology. A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines.SynthesisSeven studies were identified evaluating lidocaine, with five of them demonstrating statistically significant chondrotoxic effects. Fourteen studies examined bupivacaine, with all but one study demonstrating a chondrotoxic effect. Eight studies examined ropivacaine and found a dose‐dependent chondrotoxicity starting at 0.75%. Two studies evaluated levobupivacaine showing chondrotoxicity, with one study showing it to be more chondrotoxic than bupivacaine. One study looked at mepivacaine and showed it to have more chondrotoxicity than ropivacaine. When studied the chondrotoxicity was found to be both dose and time dependent. Also, the addition of corticosteroids appeared to worsen the chondrotoxic effects.ConclusionsLidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, levobupivacaine, and mepivacaine were reported to have dose‐ and time‐dependent deleterious effects on chondrocytes that appeared to be made worse by the coadministration of corticosteroids. Ropivacaine at concentrations of 0.5% or less was found to be the least chondrotoxic anesthetic.Level of EvidenceI
Clinical, functional, and radiological outcome in children with pleural empyema
Authors: Maffey Alberto , Colom Alejandro , Venialgo Carolina , Acastello Eduardo , Garrido Patricia , Cozzani Hugo , Eguiguren Cecilia , Teper Alejandro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionFew studies have prospectively evaluated recovery process and long‐term consequences of pleural space infections.ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical, pulmonary, and diaphragmatic function and radiological outcome in patients hospitalized with pleural empyema.Material and MethodsPreviously healthy patients from 6 to 16 years were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were registered. At hospital discharge, and every 30 days or until normalization, patients underwent a clinical evaluation, diaphragmatic ultrasound, and lung function testing. Chest radiographs were performed at subsequent visits only if abnormalities persisted.ResultsThirty patients were included. Nineteen (63%) were male, with an age of (mean ± SD) 9.7 ± 3.2 years, and body mass index (mean ± SD) 18.6 ± 3. Twelve patients (40%) were treated with chest tube drainage only, 12 (40%) exclusively with surgery, and 6 (20%) completed treatment with surgery due to an ineffective chest tube drainage. At hospital discharge, 26 (87%) of patients had abnormal breath sounds at the site of infection, 28 (93%) had a spirometric restrictive pattern, 19 (63%) diaphragmatic motion impairment, and 29 (97%) presented radiological involvement of pleural space, mainly pleural thickening. All patients had recovered diaphragmatic motion and were asymptomatic at 90‐ and 120‐day follow‐up control, respectively. Then, with a great individual variability, radiological findings, and lung function returned to normal at 60 days (range 30–180) and 90 days (range 30–180) after hospital discharge, respectively.ConclusionPatients with pleural empyema had a complete and progressive recovery, with initial clinical and diaphragmatic motion normalization followed by radiological and lung function recovery.
Nigella sativa essential oil and its bioactive compounds as resistance modifiers against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mouwakeh Ahmad , Kincses Annamária , Nové Márta , Mosolygó Tímea , Mohácsi‐Farkas Csilla , Kiskó Gabriella , Spengler Gabriella 
Published: January 2019

Nigella sativa essential oil (EO) and its compounds (thymoquinone, carvacrol, and p‐cymene) have a broad antimicrobial spectrum. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial and resistance modifying activity of N. sativa EO, thymoquinone, carvacrol, and p‐cymene against one methicillin susceptible and one methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. N. sativa EO, thymoquinone, carvacrol, and p‐cymene were assessed for antimicrobial activity and modulation of antimicrobial resistance (by broth microdilution), inhibition of antimicrobial efflux (by ethidium bromide [EtBr] accumulation assay), relative expression of mepA gene (by real‐time reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction), membrane disrupting effect (by LIVE/DEAD BacLight™ Kit), and finally antibiofilm activity (by the crystal violet assay). Both strains of S. aureus were susceptible to N. sativa EO, thymoquinone, and carvacrol. N. sativa EO and carvacrol induced the increase of EtBr accumulated by both S. aureus strains. Membrane integrity of ATCC strain was disrupted by carvacrol and p‐cymene, whereas for the methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain the membrane integrity was disrupted by each compound. N. sativa EO and its bioactive compounds such as carvacrol and p‐cymene could be applied as resistance modifiers in MRSA strains.
Computational modeling of entrepreneurship grounded in Austrian economics: Insights for strategic entrepreneurship and the opportunity debate
Authors: Keyhani Mohammad 
Published: January 2019

Research SummaryThis paper makes three key arguments: (a) that computational modeling is a key methodological tool that can aid in the development of formal economic foundations for entrepreneurship that are grounded in Austrian economics; (b) that computational modeling grounded in Austrian economics can serve to integrate models of competitive advantage in equilibrium (economic foundations of strategy) with models of the entrepreneurial function in disequilibrium (economic foundations of entrepreneurship), thereby providing an economic foundation for strategic entrepreneurship; and (c) that the mathematical precision of computational modeling grounded in Austrian economics can serve to clarify the logic behind differing perspectives that have led to debates fueled by the imprecision of natural languages, such as the opportunity debate in the entrepreneurship literature.Managerial SummaryThis paper asks: what are the implications for strategic entrepreneurship if we model it on the foundations of an economic logic developed by the Austrian economics school of thought in a way that integrates into existing economic logics of strategy and competitive advantage? The Austrian economics logic highlights the role of disequilibrium, creative imagination, time and uncertainty, while the traditional economic logic emphasizes the importance of structural sustainable advantages in equilibrium. In this integrative view, even if a firm does not enjoy any competitive advantage over rivals, opportunities for profit or development of competitive advantage still exist through entrepreneurial action. An entrepreneur adopting this view in practice would recognize their own agency, but also the limits to it and the role of external factors.