bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Contact Precautions to Curb the Spread of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in Hospitals: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Identify Patient Characteristics and Healthcare Personnel Interactions Associated With Transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: O’Hara Lyndsay M , Calfee David P , Miller Loren G , Pineles Lisa , Magder Laurence S , Johnson J Kristie , Morgan Daniel J , Harris Anthony D 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Healthcare personnel (HCP) acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their gloves and gowns when caring for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Yet, contact precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains controversial despite existing guidelines. We sought to understand which patients are more likely to transfer MRSA to HCP and to identify which HCP interactions are more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination.

Methods
This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study of cultured HCP gloves and gowns for MRSA. Samples were obtained from patients’ anterior nares, perianal area, and skin of the chest and arm to assess bacterial burden.

Results
Among 402 MRSA-colonized patients with 3982 interactions, we found that HCP gloves and gowns were contaminated with MRSA 14.3% and 5.9% of the time, respectively. Contamination of either gloves or gowns occurred in 16.2% of interactions. Contamination was highest among occupational/physical therapists (odds ratio [OR], 6.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.51, 13.79), respiratory therapists (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.04, 9.39), and when any HCP touched the patient (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.04, 6.51). Touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.38, 2.19), bedding (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.20, 1.70), and bathing (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.75) increased the odds of contamination. We found an association between increasing bacterial burden on the patient and HCP glove or gown contamination.

Conclusions
Gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with MRSA in the ICU. Hospitals may consider using fewer precautions for low-risk interactions and more for high-risk interactions and personnel.
Eosinophil granule major basic protein 1 deposition in eosinophilic esophagitis correlates with symptoms independent of eosinophil counts
Authors: Peterson K A , Gleich G J , Limaye N S , Crispin H , Robson J , Fang J , Saffari H , Clayton F , Leiferman K M 
Published: July 2019

SUMMARY
In patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), symptoms often do not correlate with peak eosinophil counts (PEC) determined on histopathological examination of biopsy specimens. This may be because eosinophils degranulate during active disease and lose their morphological identity as intact cells and, therefore, are not enumerated on microscopic examination. Eosinophil granule proteins that are released into tissues with degranulation, including major basic protein 1 (eMBP1), likely contribute to disease pathogenesis and, therefore, may correlate with symptoms better than PEC. We sought to determine whether symptoms in patients with EoE more closely relate to eosinophil granule protein deposition than to eosinophil enumeration, especially in patients with fewer than 15 eosinophils per high power field (HPF). Esophageal biopsy specimens from 34 patients diagnosed with EoE were obtained for histopathological examination and for evaluation of eMBP1 staining by indirect immunofluorescence. PEC by histopathology were compared to extracellular eMBP1 grades by immunostaining. PEC and eMBP1 grades also were analyzed for their relationship to symptoms and clinical course. Biopsy specimens from 19 of the 34 patients had fewer than 15 PEC on histopathological examination, and the other 15 patients had 15 or greater PEC. Positive eMBP1 immunostaining was found in all symptomatic patients. EoE symptoms were related to eMBP1 immunostaining grades (p = 0.0001), but not PEC (P = 0.14). Eosinophil granule protein deposition, specifically eMBP1, is increased in esophageal biopsy specimens from symptomatic patients with EoE and may be a marker of disease activity, including patients with EoE who have ‘resolved’ disease.
Biomechanical Leg Muscle Function During Stair Ambulation in Men Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Cheung Ada S , Gray Hans A , Schache Anthony G , Hoermann Rudolf , Bicknell Jarrod , Joon Daryl Lim , Zajac Jeffrey D , Pandy Marcus G , Grossmann Mathis 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
The role of testosterone in maintaining functional performance in older men remains uncertain.

Methods
We conducted a 12-month prospective, observational case–control study including 34 men newly commencing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and 29 age-matched prostate cancer controls. Video-based motion capture and ground reaction force data combined with computational musculoskeletal modeling, and data were analyzed with a linear mixed model.

Results
Compared with controls over 12 months, men receiving androgen deprivation therapy had a mean reduction in circulating testosterone from 14.1 nmol/L to 0.4 nmol/L, associated with reductions in peak knee extension torque, mean adjusted difference (MAD) –0.07 Nm/kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.18, 0.04), p = .009, with a corresponding more marked decrease in quadriceps force MAD –0.11 × body weight (BW) [–0.27, 0.06], p = .045 (equating to a 9 kg force reduction for the mean body weight of 85 kg), and decreased maximal contribution of quadriceps to upward propulsion, MAD –0.47 m/s2 [–0.95, 0.02], p = .009. We observed between-group differences in several other parameters, including increased gluteus maximus force in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy, MAD 0.11 × BW [0.02, 0.20], p = .043, which may be compensatory.

Conclusions
Severe testosterone deprivation over 12 months is associated with selective deficits in lower-limb function evident with an important task of daily living.
Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility in salt rocks from the German Zechstein Basin, Sondershausen mine
Authors: Heinrich Frances C , Schmidt Volkmar , Schramm Michael , Mertineit Michael 
Published: July 2019

SUMMARY
The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of rocks reflects the alignment of certain minerals, and therefore it can be used to investigate the deformation history of rocks. However, for salt rocks, very few studies on the AMS of salt rocks and the influence of accessory minerals exist. In this study, we analysed the potential to use the AMS of salt rocks with low impurity content for fabric characterization. Samples of rock salt, sylvinite and carnallitite from a salt mine in Sondershausen (Germany) from the Late Permian (Zechstein 2, Stassfurt series) are investigated. The results of low-field AMS (LF-AMS) measurements show a very weak but significant magnetic anisotropy for sylvinite, carnallitite, and rock salt with an elevated content of accessory minerals. The AMS results are consistent in individual layers of the same rock type. In order to identify the magnetic minerals, which cause the magnetic anisotropy, the high-field AMS (HF-AMS) was measured using a torque magnetometer in order to separate ferrimagnetic and paramagnetic contributions to the AMS. A significant paramagnetic subfabrics exists, which reflects the alignment of phyllosilicates. The magnitude of the LF-AMS is considerably greater than that of the paramagnetic subfabric. This indicates the existence of a ferrimagnetic subfabric due to magnetite, which can have a different orientation than the paramagnetic subfabric. Differences in the orientation of the AMS in samples from two sites suggest a relationship of deformation history and AMS. At a site with dipping layers, the AMS orientation is independent of the bedding and shows large differences between individual lithological layers. In a tight fold, the AMS of all rock types has similar shape and orientation. We conclude that AMS in salt rocks can give meaningful information on the mineral fabric, which could be used in the analysis of the deformation history.
Lasso-based simulation for high-dimensional multi-period portfolio optimization
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Tsang Ka Ho , Wong Hoi Ying 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper proposes a regression-based simulation algorithm for multi-period mean-variance portfolio optimization problems with constraints under a high-dimensional setting. For a high-dimensional portfolio, the least squares Monte Carlo algorithm for portfolio optimization can perform less satisfactorily with finite sample paths due to the estimation error from the ordinary least squares (OLS) in the regression steps. Our algorithm, which resolves this problem e, that demonstrates significant improvements in numerical performance for the case of finite sample path and high dimensionality. Specifically, we replace the OLS by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso). Our major contribution is the proof of the asymptotic convergence of the novel lasso-based simulation in a recursive regression setting. Numerical experiments suggest that our algorithm achieves good stability in both low- and higher-dimensional cases.
BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Oxidative stress and efficiency: the tightrope act of mitochondria in health and disease1,2
Authors: Bottje Walter G 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOxidative stress is an unavoidable consequence of aerobic metabolism. Whereas high amounts of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause oxidation, low levels play important roles in signal transduction. In a Pedigree male (PedM) broiler model of feed efficiency (FE), the low FE phenotype was characterized by increased ROS in isolated mitochondria (muscle, liver, and duodenum) with a pervasive protein oxidation in mitochondria and tissues. Subsequent proteogenomic studies in muscle revealed evidence of enhanced mitoproteome abundance, enhanced mitochondrial phosphocreatine shuttling expression, and enhanced ribosome assembly in the high FE phenotype. Surprisingly, an enhanced infrastructure would foster greater repair of damaged proteins or organelles through the autophagy and proteosome pathways in the high FE phenotype. Although protein and organelle degradation, recycling, and reconstruction would be energetically expensive, it is possible that energy invested into maintaining optimal function of proteins and organelles contributes to cellular efficiency in the high FE phenotype. New findings in mitochondrial physiology have been reported in the last several years. Reverse electron transport (RET), once considered an artifact of in vitro conditions, now is recognized to play significant roles in inflammation, ischemia–reperfusion, muscle differentiation, and energy utilization. A topology of ROS production indicates that ROS derived from Complex I of the respiratory chain primarily causes oxidation, whereas ROS generated from Complex III are primarily involved in cell signaling. It is also apparent that there is a constant fission and fusion process that mitochondria undergo that help maintain optimal mitochondrial function and enables mitochondria to adjust to periods of nutrient limitation and nutrient excess. Understanding the balancing act that mitochondria play in health and disease will continue to be a vital biological component in health-production efficiency and disease in commercial animal agriculture.
Baryon acoustic oscillation, Hubble parameter, and angular size measurement constraints on the Hubble constant, dark energy dynamics, and spatial curvature
Authors: Ryan Joseph , Chen Yun , Ratra Bharat 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we use all available baryon acoustic oscillation, Hubble parameter, and quasar angular size data to constrain six dark energy cosmological models, both spatially flat and non-flat. Depending on the model and data combination considered, these data mildly favour closed spatial hypersurfaces (by as much as 1.7σ) and dark energy dynamics (up to a little over 2σ) over a cosmological constant Λ. The data also favour, at 1.8σ to 3.4σ, depending on the model and data combination, a lower Hubble constant than what is measured from the local expansion rate.
Structural and phenotypic analysis of Chikungunya virus RNA replication elements
Authors: Kendall Catherine , Khalid Henna , Müller Marietta , Banda Dominic H , Kohl Alain , Merits Andres , Stonehouse Nicola J , Tuplin Andrew 
Published: July 2019

AbstractChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging, pathogenic Alphavirus transmitted to humans by Aedes spp. mosquitoes. We have mapped the RNA structure of the 5′ region of the CHIKV genome using selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analysed by primer extension (SHAPE) to investigate intramolecular base-pairing at single-nucleotide resolution. Taking a structure-led reverse genetic approach, in both infectious virus and sub-genomic replicon systems, we identified six RNA replication elements essential to efficient CHIKV genome replication - including novel elements, either not previously analysed in other alphaviruses or specific to CHIKV. Importantly, through a reverse genetic approach we demonstrate that the replication elements function within the positive-strand genomic copy of the virus genome, in predominantly structure-dependent mechanisms during efficient replication of the CHIKV genome. Comparative analysis in human and mosquito-derived cell lines reveal that a novel element within the 5′UTR is essential for efficient replication in both host systems, while those in the adjacent nsP1 encoding region are specific to either vertebrate or invertebrate host cells. In addition to furthering our knowledge of fundamental aspects of the molecular virology of this important human pathogen, we foresee that results from this study will be important for rational design of a genetically stable attenuated vaccine.
Myroides injenensis Bacteremia and Severe Cellulitis
Authors: LaVergne Stephanie , Gaufin Thaidra , Richman Douglas 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Myroides spp. are environmental bacterial organisms that rarely cause disease in humans. Myroides spp. infections are infrequently reported in the literature, and Myroides injenensis infections are quite uncommon. Myroides spp. usually infect immunocompromised hosts and can have highly resistant antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Here we report a case of Myroides injenensis bacteremia and severe cellulitis in a patient with cirrhosis and review the literature of other Myroides spp. infections.
Genome-Wide Transcript Profiling Reveals an Auxin-Responsive Transcription Factor, OsAP2/ERF-40, Promoting Rice Adventitious Root Development
Authors: Neogy Ananya , Garg Tushar , Kumar Anil , Dwivedi Anuj K , Singh Harshita , Singh Urminder , Singh Zeenu , Prasad Kalika , Jain Mukesh , Yadav Shri Ram 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUnlike dicots, the robust root system in grass species largely originates from stem base during postembryonic development. The mechanisms by which plant hormone signaling pathways control the architecture of adventitious root remain largely unknown. Here, we studied the modulations in global genes activity in developing rice adventitious root by genome-wide RNA sequencing in response to external auxin and cytokinin signaling cues. We further analyzed spatiotemporal regulations of key developmental regulators emerged from our global transcriptome analysis. Interestingly, some of the key cell fate determinants such as homeodomain transcription factor (TF), OsHOX12, no apical meristem protein, OsNAC39, APETALA2/ethylene response factor, OsAP2/ERF-40 and WUSCHEL-related homeobox, OsWOX6.1 and OsWOX6.2, specifically expressed in adventitious root primordia. Functional analysis of one of these regulators, an auxin-induced TF containing AP2/ERF domain, OsAP2/ERF-40, demonstrates its sufficiency to confer the adventitious root fate. The ability to trigger the root developmental program is largely attributed to OsAP2/ERF-40-mediated dose-dependent transcriptional activation of genes that can facilitate generating effective auxin response, and OsERF3–OsWOX11–OsRR2 pathway. Our studies reveal gene regulatory network operating in response to hormone signaling pathways and identify a novel TF regulating adventitious root developmental program, a key agronomically important quantitative trait, upstream of OsERF3–OsWOX11–OsRR2 pathway.
Reboot Online: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing an Online Multidisciplinary Pain Management Program with Usual Care for Chronic Pain
Authors: Smith Jessica , Faux Steven G , Gardner Tania , Hobbs Megan J , James Mathew A , Joubert Amy E , Kladnitski Natalie , Newby Jill M , Schultz Regina , Shiner Christine T , Andrews Gavin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveChronic pain is a prevalent and burdensome condition. Reboot Online was developed to address treatment barriers traditionally associated with accessing face-to-face chronic pain management programs. It is a comprehensive multidisciplinary online treatment program, based on an existing and effective face-to-face multidisciplinary pain program (the Reboot program).Design & ParticipantsA CONSORT-compliant randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling adults who had experienced pain for three months or longer.MethodsParticipants were randomly allocated to either an eight-lesson multidisciplinary pain management program, Reboot Online (N = 41), or to a usual care (UC) control group (N = 39). Clinical oversight was provided by a multidisciplinary team remotely, including physiotherapists and clinical psychologists. Participants were measured at baseline, post-treatment (week 16), and three-month follow-up (week 28).ResultsIntention-to-treat analyses revealed that Reboot Online was significantly more effective than UC at increasing pain self-efficacy (g = 0.69) at post-treatment, and these gains were maintained at follow-up. Similarly, Reboot Online was significantly more effective than UC on several secondary measures at post-treatment and follow-up, including movement-based fear avoidance and pain-related disability, but it did not significantly reduce pain interference or depression compared with UC. Clinician input was minimal, and adherence to Reboot Online was moderate, with 61% of participants (N = 25) completing all eight lessons.ConclusionsReboot Online presents a novel approach to multidisciplinary pain management and offers an accessible, efficacious alternative and viable treatment option for chronic pain management.
Mechanical Performance of a Thermoelectric Composite in the Vicinity of an Elliptic Inhomogeneity
Authors: Song K , Song H P , Schiavone P , Gao C F 
Published: July 2019

Summary
Thermal stress induced by an uneven temperature field and mismatched thermal expansion is known to be a dominating factor in the debonding mechanism that threatens reliability and ultimately leads to failure in thermoelectric (TE) composites. Accordingly, we analyse the stress distributions in a TE composite induced by the presence of an elliptic inhomogeneity embedded in the surrounding matrix material. Using complex variable methods, we obtain closed-form representations of the thermal–electric and thermal–elastic fields and find that the temperature field around the inhomogeneity is reduced dramatically by the application of a remote electric current density without affecting the temperature difference across the inhomogeneity–matrix interface. This ensures the conversion efficiency of the TE composite while improving its reliability. Numerical results illustrate that a suitable choice of electric current density can prevent interfacial debonding via the suppression of the maximum positive normal stress on the interface.
Biodegradable harmonophores for targeted high-resolution in vivo tumor imaging
Authors: Sonay Ali Yasin , Yaganoglu Sine , Konantz Martina , Teulon Claire , Sieber Sandro , Jiang Shuai , Behzadi Shahed , Crespy Daniel , Landfester Katharina , Roke Sylvie , Langerke Claudia , Pantazis Periklis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOptical imaging probes have played a major role in detecting and monitoring of a variety of diseases1. In particular, nonlinear optical imaging probes, such as second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes, hold great promise as clinical contrast agents, as they can be imaged with little background signal and unmatched long-term photostability2. As their chemical composition often includes transition metals, the use of inorganic SHG nanoprobes can raise long-term health concerns. Ideally, contrast agents for biomedical applications should be degraded in vivo without any long-term toxicological consequences to the organism. Here, we developed biodegradable harmonophores (bioharmonophores) that consist of polymer-encapsulated, self-assembling peptides that generate a strong SHG signal. When functionalized with tumor cell surface markers, these reporters can target single cancer cells with high detection sensitivity in zebrafish embryos in vivo. Thus, bioharmonophores will enable an innovative approach to cancer treatment using targeted high-resolution optical imaging for diagnostics and therapy.
Insight into mosquito GnRH-related neuropeptide receptor specificity revealed through analysis of naturally occurring and synthetic analogs of this neuropeptide family
Authors: Wahedi Azizia , Gäde Gerd , Paluzzi Jean-Paul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdipokinetic hormone (AKH), corzazonin (CRZ) and the AKH/CRZ-related peptide (ACP) are peptides considered homologous to the vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). All threeAedes aegyptiGnRH-related neuropeptide receptors have been characterized and functionally deorphanized, which individually exhibit high specificity for their native ligands, which prompted us to investigate the contribution of ligand structures in conferring receptor specificity. In the current study, we designed a series of analogs based on the native ACP sequence inA. aegyptiand screened them against the ACP receptor using a heterologous system to identify critical residues required for receptor activation. Specifically, analogs lacking the carboxy-terminal amidation, replacing aromatic residues, as well as truncated analogs were either completely inactive or had very low activities even at high concentration. The next most critical residues were the polar threonine in position 3 and the blocked amino-terminal pyroglutamate, with activity of the latter partially recovered using an alternatively blocked analog. ACP analogs with alanine substitutions at position 2 (valine), 5 (serine), 6 (arginine) and 7 (aspartic acid) positions were less detrimental as were replacements of charged residues. Interestingly, replacing asparagine with an alanine at position 9, creating a C-terminal WAA-amide, resulted in a 5-fold more active analog which may be useful as a lead superagonist compound. Similarly, we utilized this high-throughput approach against anA. aegyptiAKH receptor (AKHR-IA) testing a number of mostly naturally-occurring AKH analogs from other insects to determine how substitutions of specific amino acids in the AKH ligand influences receptor activation. AKH analogs having single substitutions compared to the endogenousA. aegyptiAKH revealed position 7 (serine) was well tolerated whereas changes to position 6 (proline) had pronounced effects, with receptor activity compromised nearly ten-fold. Substitution of position 3 (threonine) or analogs with combinations of substitutions were quite detrimental with a significant decrease in AKHR-IA activation. Interestingly, analogs with an asparagine residue at position seven displayed improved receptor activation compared to the native mosquito AKH. Collectively, these results advance our understanding of how two GnRH-related systems inA. aegyptisharing the most recent evolutionary origin sustain independence of function and signalling despite their relatively high degree of ligand and receptor homology.