bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial cell density and characterization of corneal endothelial cells in the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) using specular microscopy
Authors: Coyo Natàlia , Leiva Marta , Costa Daniel , Molina Rafael , Nicolás Olga , Ríos Jose , Peña Maria Teresa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology and morphometry of corneal endothelial cells in the tawny owl (Strix aluco), as well as to report the effects of aging on these parameters.Animal study and proceduresTwenty tawny owls were included in the study and classified into 2 groups according to their age: fledglings (<1 year old) and adults (>1 year old). Central corneal endothelium was studied by means of noncontact specular microscopy (Specular Microscope SP‐2000P; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), and results for ECD (cells/mm2), mean cell area ((MCA (μm2)), polymegathism (CV), and pleomorphism (% hexagonal cells) were obtained. Results are described by median, interquartile range (25th, 75th percentiles), and absolute range for ECD, MCA, pleomorphism, and polymegathism. In addition, inferential analyses by Mann‐Whitney U test were also performed. A two‐tailed Type I error of 5% was established.ResultsResults in fledglings were as follows: ECD = 2864 cells/mm2, MCA = 348 μm2, % hexagonal cells = 72.75%, and CV = 21. Results in adults were as follows: ECD = 2602 cells/mm2, MCA = 384 μm2, % hexagonal cells = 78.83%, and CV = 16. No significant differences in ECD and MCA were seen between the groups (P > .05), although there were significant differences in % hexagonal cells and CV (P < .05).ConclusionsTawny owls present a uniform endothelium in cell size and shape, although ECD and MCA differ greatly from other bird species. Differences in ECD and MCA could not be found between fledglings and adults probably because of the youth of adult specimens, although there were differences in pleomorphism and polymegathism.
Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Arni D. , Wildhaber B. E. , McLin V. , Rimensberger P. C. , Ansari M. , Fontana P. , Karam O. 
Published: May 2018

Background and ObjectivesThrombotic complications affect 3–10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life‐threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro‐coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro‐thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT.Materials and MethodsProspective single‐centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24‐month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non‐inferiority hypothesis.ResultsThe median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85‐paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18).ConclusionPlasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population.
Media, Technology Use, and Attitudes: Associations With Physical and Mental Well‐Being in Youth With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Zeeni Nadine , Doumit Rita , Abi Kharma Joelle , Sanchez‐Ruiz Maria‐Jose 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious research has shown that the use of technology and media, in their different available forms, may have detrimental effects on the physical and mental well‐being of adolescents and young adults.AimsThe present study aimed to investigate the use of different types of technology and media, attitudes toward them, and how they relate to physical and mental well‐being in Lebanese university students.MethodsA descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design was used. A sample of 244 undergraduates completed a self‐report measuring media and technology use and attitudes, eating‐related variables (e.g., healthy eating, body image dissatisfaction [BID], and eating disorders [EDs] risk), trait emotional intelligence (TEI), and psychopathology indicators (stress, anxiety, and depression).ResultsThe use of mobile phone multimedia (music, pictures, and videos) correlated with unhealthy eating and stress. Social media use was associated with BID, EDs risk, and the self‐control construct of TEI. Anxiety of separation from technological devices and dependence on them was associated with increased BID, EDs risk, depression, and anxiety.Linking Evidence to ActionPractical implications are discussed in terms of setting limits and boundaries on technology use during childhood and adolescence, and encouraging healthy eating and physical activity at home and on college campuses. Moreover, social media could be used as a platform for intervention and prevention programs to decrease BID, EDs, depression, and anxiety.
Effectiveness of mitigation interventions on occupational violence against emergency service workers: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Drew Peter , Tippett Vivienne , Devenish Scott 
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:
The objective of this review is to develop an aggregated synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data on occupational violence (OV) mitigation interventions for Emergency Service Workers (ESW), to cultivate useful conclusions and recommendations for paramedic occupational safety and policy development. Emergency Service Worker is a broad term encompassing all elements of community-based emergency support and includes paramedics, firefighters, and police.
The objective of the quantitative component of this review is to quantify the effectiveness of OV mitigation interventions for ESW.
The objective of the qualitative component of this review is to explore the perceptions and experiences of ESW on the effectiveness of OV mitigation interventions.
This review seeks to address the following questions:
Environmental Adaptability and Quorum Sensing: Iron Uptake Regulation during Biofilm Formation by Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gao Jie , Wang Lushan , Liu Shuangjiang , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Paracoccus denitrificans
is a valuable model organism due to its versatile respiration capability and bioenergetic flexibility, both of which are critical to its survival in different environments. Quorum sensing (QS) plays a crucial role in the regulation of many cell functions; however, whether QS systems play a role in
P. denitrificans
is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that iron uptake systems in
P. denitrificans
were directly regulated by a newly identified QS system. Genes coding for TonB-dependent systems, which transport chelated iron, were transcribed at higher levels in the QS-defective mutants. In contrast, genes coding for the Fbp system, which is TonB independent and transports unchelated ferric iron, were downregulated in the mutants. In brief, QS in
P. denitrificans
triggers a switch in iron uptake from TonB-dependent to TonB-independent transport during biofilm formation as higher concentrations of iron accumulate in the exopolysaccharide (EPS). Switching from TonB-dependent iron uptake systems to TonB-independent systems not only prevents cells from absorbing excess iron but also conserves energy. Our data suggest that iron uptake strategies are directly regulated by QS in
Paracoccus denitrificans
to support their survival in available ecological niches.

IMPORTANCE
As iron is an important trace metal for most organisms, its absorption is highly regulated. Fur has been reported as a prevalent regulator of iron acquisition. In addition, there is a relationship between QS and iron acquisition in pathogenic microbes. However, there have been few studies on the iron uptake strategies of nonpathogenic bacteria. In this study, we demonstrated that iron uptake systems in
Paracoccus denitrificans
PD1222 were regulated by a newly identified PdeR/PdeI QS system during biofilm formation, and we put forward a hypothesis that QS-dependent iron uptake systems benefit the stability of biofilms. This report elaborates the correlation among QS, iron uptake, and biofilm formation and thus contributes to an understanding of the ecological behavior of environmental bacteria.
Bag2 Is a Component of a Cytosolic Extraction Machinery That Promotes Membrane Penetration of a Nonenveloped Virus
Authors: Dupzyk Allison , Tsai Billy 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
During entry, the nonenveloped polyomavirus (PyV) simian virus 40 (SV40) traffics from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it penetrates the ER membrane to reach the cytosol; the virus is then transported into the nucleus to cause infection. Although a coherent understanding of SV40's host entry is emerging, how the virus is ejected from the ER into the cytosol remains mysterious. Our previous analyses revealed that the cytosolic Hsc70-SGTA-Hsp105 complex binds to SV40 and extracts it from the ER into the cytosol. We now report that the nucleotide exchange factor (NEF) Bag2 stimulates SV40 release from Hsc70, thereby enabling successful virus arrival at the cytosol, which leads to infection. Hsp105, another NEF of Hsc70, displays a function overlapping that of Bag2, underscoring the importance of this release reaction. Our findings identify a new component of an extraction machinery essential during membrane penetration of a nonenveloped virus and provide further mechanistic insights into this process.

IMPORTANCE
How a nonenveloped virus penetrates a biological membrane to cause infection is a mystery. For the nonenveloped polyomavirus SV40, transport across the ER membrane to reach the cytosol is an essential virus infection step. Here, we identify a novel component of a cytosolic Hsc70-dependent chaperone complex called Bag2 that extracts SV40 from the ER into the cytosol. Bag2 does this by triggering SV40 release from Hsc70, thus ensuring that the virus reaches the cytosol
en route
for productive infection.
Values and preferences of women living with HIV who are pregnant, postpartum or considering pregnancy on choice of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy
Authors: Lytvyn Lyubov , Siemieniuk Reed A , Dilmitis Sophie , Ion Allyson , Chang Yaping , Bala Malgorzata M , Manja Veena , Mirza Reza , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Rene , Mir Hassan , Banfield Laura , Vandvik Per Olav , Bewley Susan 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate women’s values and preferences regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy to inform aBMJRapid Recommendation.SettingPrimary studies reporting patient-reported outcomes relevant to decision-making regarding ART in any clinical and geographical setting.ParticipantsWomen living with HIV who are pregnant, postpartum or considering pregnancy.Outcome measuresQuantitative measurements and qualitative descriptions of values and preferences in relation to ART during pregnancy. We also included studies on women’s reported barriers and facilitators to adherence. We excluded studies correlating objective measures (eg, CD4 count) with adherence, or reporting only outcomes which are not expected to differ between ART alternatives (eg, access to services, knowledge about ART).ResultsWe included 15 qualitative studies reporting values and preferences about ART in the peripartum period; no study directly studied choice of ART therapy during pregnancy. Six themes emerged: a desire to reduce vertical transmission (nine studies), desire for child to be healthy (five studies), concern about side effects to the child (eight studies), desire for oneself to be healthy (five studies), distress about side effect to oneself (10 studies) and pill burden (two studies). None of the studies weighed the relative importance of these outcomes directly, but pill burden/medication complexity appears to be a lower priority for most women compared with other factors. Overall, the body of evidence was at low risk of bias, with minor limitations.ConclusionsWomen who are or may become pregnant and who are considering ART appear to place a high value on both their own and their children’s health. Evidence on the relative importance between these values when choosing between ART regimens is uncertain. There is variability in individual values and preferences among women. This highlights the importance of an individualised women-centred approach, such as shared decision-making when choosing between ART alternatives.Trial registration numberInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews:CRD42017057157.
Integrated versus nOn-integrated Peripheral inTravenous catheter. Which Is the most effective systeM for peripheral intravenoUs catheter Management? (The OPTIMUM study): a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Castillo Maria Isabel , Larsen Emily , Cooke Marie , Marsh Nicole M , Wallis Marianne C , Finucane Julie , Brown Peter , Mihala Gabor , Carr Peter J , Byrnes Joshua , Walker Rachel , Cable Prudence , Zhang Li , Sear Candi , Jackson Gavin , Rowsome Anna , Ryan Alison , Humphries Julie C , Sivyer Susan , Flanigan Kathy , Rickard Claire M 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionPeripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are frequently used in hospitals. However, PIVC complications are common, with failures leading to treatment delays, additional procedures, patient pain and discomfort, increased clinician workload and substantially increased healthcare costs. Recent evidence suggests integrated PIVC systems may be more effective than traditional non-integrated PIVC systems in reducing phlebitis, infiltration and costs and increasing functional dwell time. The study aim is to determine the efficacy, cost–utility and acceptability to patients and professionals of an integrated PIVC system compared with a non-integrated PIVC system.Methods and analysisTwo-arm, multicentre, randomised controlled superiority trial of integrated versus non-integrated PIVC systems to compare effectiveness on clinical and economic outcomes. Recruitment of 1560 patients over 2 years, with randomisation by a centralised service ensuring allocation concealment. Primary outcomes: catheter failure (composite endpoint) for reasons of: occlusion, infiltration/extravasation, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, dislodgement, localised or catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Secondary outcomes: first time insertion success, types of PIVC failure, device colonisation, insertion pain, functional dwell time, adverse events, mortality, cost–utility and consumer acceptability. One PIVC per patient will be included, with intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline group comparisons will be made for potentially clinically important confounders. The proportional hazards assumption will be checked, and Cox regression will test the effect of group, patient, device and clinical variables on failure. An as-treated analysis will assess the effect of protocol violations. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests will compare failure by group over time. Secondary endpoints will be compared between groups using parametric/non-parametric techniques.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/16/QRBW/527), Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2017/002) and the South Metropolitan Health Services Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2016–239). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12617000089336.
Mitochondrial PITRM1 peptidase loss-of-function in childhood cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Langer Yeshaya , Aran Adi , Gulsuner Suleyman , Abu Libdeh Bassam , Renbaum Paul , Brunetti Dario , Teixeira Pedro-Filipe , Walsh Tom , Zeligson Sharon , Ruotolo Roberta , Beeri Rachel , Dweikat Imad , Shahrour Maher , Weinberg-Shukron Ariella , Zahdeh Fouad , Baruffini Enrico , Glaser Elzbieta , King Mary-Claire , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Zeviani Massimo , Segel Reeval 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo identify the genetic basis of a childhood-onset syndrome of variable severity characterised by progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, psychotic episodes and cerebellar atrophy.MethodsIdentification of the underlying mutations by whole exome and whole genome sequencing. Consequences were examined in patients’ cells and in yeast.ResultsTwo brothers from a consanguineous Palestinian family presented with progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, mental retardation and psychotic episodes. Serial brain imaging showed severe progressive cerebellar atrophy. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel mutation: pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1) c.2795C>T, p.T931M, homozygous in the affected children and resulting in 95% reduction in PITRM1 protein. Whole genome sequencing revealed a chromosome X structural rearrangement that also segregated with the disease. Independently, two siblings from a second Palestinian family presented with similar, somewhat milder symptoms and the same PITRM1 mutation on a shared haplotype. PITRM1T931M carrier frequency was 0.027 (3/110) in the village of the first family evaluated, and 0/300 among Palestinians from other locales. PITRM1 is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme that degrades 10–65 amino acid oligopeptides, including the mitochondrial fraction of amyloid-beta peptide. Analysis of peptide cleavage activity by the PITRM1T931M protein revealed a significant decrease in the degradation capacity specifically of peptides ≥40 amino acids.ConclusionPITRM1T931M results in childhood-onset recessive cerebellar pathology. Severity of PITRM1-related disease may be affected by the degree of impairment in cleavage of mitochondrial long peptides. Disruption and deletion of X linked regulatory segments may also contribute to severity.
Associations between occupational exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene and risk of lung cancer in Montréal
Authors: Warden Hunter , Richardson Harriet , Richardson Lesley , Siemiatycki Jack , Ho Vikki 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundBenzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) are aromatic hydrocarbons with inconclusive evidence of lung carcinogenicity. The aim of this research was to assess the associations between occupational exposures to BTX agents and lung cancer.MethodsIn a population-based case-control study of lung cancer, occupational histories were obtained and exposures were assessed by experts. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs, among men, between various metrics of occupational exposure to BTX and lung cancer, while adjusting for established and possible risk factors.ResultsConsiderable overlap was found between occupational exposure to BTX, where the majority of exposed participants were exposed to all three chemicals. Lung cancer was associated with exposure to benzene (OR=1.35; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.84), toluene (OR=1.31; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.74) and xylene (OR=1.44; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.01). While these results were adjusted for smoking and other recognised and possible lung cancer risk factors, they were not mutually adjusted among the three BTX agents.ConclusionsOur study provides suggestive evidence that occupational exposure to one or more of the BTX agents may be associated with lung cancer.
Effects of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D on growing mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Li Guangyu , Wang Jing , Zhang Haihua , Zhang Xuelei , Xu Yinan , Li Rende 
Published: May 2018

The present study investigated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D (VD) supplements on growth performance, Ca:P digestion and metabolism, and serum biochemical indexes of growing male mink (Mustela vison) under conditions of a fixed 2:1 ratio of Ca to P. About 135 dark male mink were randomly assigned to nine groups. The experiment was conducted with a 3 × 3 (Ca:P × VD) factorial design using a corn–fish meal-based diet that contained 2.3% Ca, 1.15% P, and 2100 IU kg−1VD. The supplementary Ca and P levels were 0%:0%, 0.4%:0.2%, and 0.8%:0.4% of the diets, respectively, whereas supplementary VD levels were 0, 2000, and 4000 IU kg−1. The Ca and P dosage had a significant effect on growth performance of the mink (P < 0.05). The appropriate VD level, which was 4100 IU kg−1, significantly improved protein utilization and Ca and P digestibility of growing mink (P < 0.05). In addition, excreta pollution to the environment was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Ca:P (3.1%:1.55%) and VD (4100 IU kg−1) had an important effect on growth performance and protein utilization in growing mink and could reduce environmental pollution by improving protein and P utilization.
Financial Companies’ Failures: Early Warning Information from Systematic and Systemic Risk Measures
Authors: Cipollini Fabrizio , Giannozzi Alessandro , Menchetti Fiammetta , Roggi Oliviero 
Published: May 2018

Following the 2007–2008 financial crisis, advanced risk measures were proposed with the specific aim of quantifying systemic risk, since the existing systematic (market) risk measures seemed inadequate to signal the collapse of an entire financial system. The paper aims at comparing the systemic risk measures and the earlier market risk measures regarding their predictive ability toward the failure of financial companies. Focusing on the 2007–2008 period and considering 28 large US financial companies (among which nine defaulted in the period), four systematic and four systemic risk measures are used to rank the companies according to their risk and to estimate their relationship with the company’s failure through a survival Cox model. We found that the two groups of risk measures achieve similar scores in the ranking exercise, and that both show a significant effect on the time-to-default of the financial institutions. This last result appears even stronger when the Cox model uses, as covariates, the risk measures evaluated one, three and six months before. Considering this last case, the most predictive risk measures about the default risk of financial institutions were the Expected Shortfall, the Value-at-Risk, the [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text]. We contribute to the literature in two ways. We provide a way to compare risk measures based on their predictive ability toward a situation, the company’s failure, which is the most catastrophic event for a company. The survival model approach allows to map each risk measure in terms of probability of default over a given time horizon. We note, finally, that although focused on the Great Recession in US, the analysis can be applied to different periods and countries.