bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental determinants of pyoverdine production, exploitation and competition in natural Pseudomonas communities
Authors: Butaitė Elena , Kramer Jos , Wyder Stefan , Kümmerli Rolf 
Published: July 2018

SummaryMany bacteria rely on the secretion of siderophores to scavenge iron from the environment. Laboratory studies revealed that abiotic and biotic factors together determine how much siderophores bacteria make, and whether siderophores can be exploited by non‐producing cheaters or be deployed by producers to inhibit competitors. Here, we explore whether these insights apply to natural communities, by comparing the production of the siderophore pyoverdine among 930 Pseudomonas strains from 48 soil and pond communities. We found that pH, iron content, carbon concentration and community diversity determine pyoverdine production levels, and the extent to which strains are either stimulated or inhibited by heterologous (non‐self) pyoverdines. While pyoverdine non‐producers occurred in both habitats, their prevalence was higher in soils. Environmental and genetic analyses suggest that non‐producers can evolve as cheaters, exploiting heterologous pyoverdine, but also due to pyoverdine disuse in environments with increased iron availability. Overall, we found that environmental factors explained between‐strain variation in pyoverdine production much better in soils than in ponds, presumably because high strain mixing in ponds impedes local adaption. Our study sheds light on the complexity of natural bacterial communities, and provides first insights into the multivariate nature of siderophore‐based iron acquisition and competition among environmental pseudomonads.
AVOIDING THE RUNAROUND: THE LINK BETWEEN CULTURAL HEALTH CAPITAL AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT AMONG OLDER PRISONERS*
Authors: NOVISKY MEGHAN A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe link between incarceration and health is of emerging empirical interest to criminological scholars. Yet, we still know little about the needs of the rising population of older prisoners and the health issues they face. By drawing on qualitative data gathered from 193 interviews with older men incarcerated across three U.S. prisons, I examine the specific health promotion strategies available to, and used by, these men through a cultural health capital framework. Findings show that older prisoners make deliberate choices to protect their health from the constraints and deprivations inherent in their carceral lives. In the hopes of better managing chronic and acute disease, the strategies prisoners reference include acquiring medical information, making food and diet modifications, and health advocacy. Notably, the mobilization of cultural health capital is situated within a context of privilege, leaving important implications for both incarcerated individuals and correctional administrators.
Seasonal Prevalence of Mosquitoes Collected from Light Traps in Gyeongsangnam Province, Republic of Korea (2013–2014)
Authors: Kim Dong‐Min , Noh Byung‐Eon , Heo Jeonghoon , Lee Wook‐Gyo , Yang Sung‐Chan , Lee Dong‐Kyu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAdult mosquito surveillance was conducted from 2013 through 2014 at four cattle sheds, a wild bird refuge, and two residential areas located in Gyeongnam Province in the Republic of Korea. Adult mosquitoes were collected in black light traps from April 1, through November 30. Mosquito surveillance was conducted to figure out population densities of vector mosquitoes, possibly invaded mosquitoes and identify various virus infections at the selected sites. A total of 107,466 females comprising 14 species and 7 genera were collected from 2013 to 2014. The most common species collected were Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (63.8%), Anopheles sinensis s.l. (18.9%), Aedes vexans nipponii (Theobald) (7.7%), and Culex pipiens Coquillett (5.1%). Trap indices (TIs) varied widely for species over their range, due to geographical distribution and degree of association with rural and urban communities. The most collected An. sinensis s.l. and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus appeared at a cow shed in Hapcheon (TI 347.5) and a pigsty in Daejeo‐1‐dong, Busan (TI 1,040.8), respectively, due in part to their situation near breeding sites such as rice paddies. The bi‐weekly population densities for mosquito species were variable for each of the years, apparently as a result of variable annual weather conditions. None of the mosquito species collected tested for the flavivirus including Japanese Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus, Dengue Virus, and Zika Virus infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were positive.
Australian students’ perspective on interventional radiology education: A prospective cross‐institutional study
Authors: Foo Michelle , Maingard Julian , Phan Kevin , Lim Reuben , Chandra Ronil V , Lee Michael J , Asadi Hamed , Kok Hong Kuan , Brooks Mark 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionAs interventional radiology (IR) adopts an increasingly pivotal role within therapeutic medicine, it is essential that medical students gain exposure to IR so as future doctors, they can fulfil the growing demand for interventional radiologists (IRs) and make appropriate referrals to IRs. Nonetheless, several international studies have reported no or little representation of IR in medical schools. Our study aims to assess the current awareness, exposure, knowledge and attitudes about IR among Australian medical students, so as to provide preliminary data on whether IR teaching in Australian medical schools needs improvement.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted via web‐based and in‐person distribution of a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire.ResultsA total of 237 complete responses were received from approximately 1400 clinical‐based students (17% response rate); 38% of respondents had never witnessed an IR procedure, 39% witnessed 1–2 and the remainder, 3–5. Few students reported adequate teaching or knowledge in IR (7% and 5% respectively). Of the 32% of the students considering a career in IR, males predominated (25% of females vs. 59% of males, OR = 0.48, 95%, CI = 0.27–0.83, P = 0.008). Most students agree that IR should be in the university curriculum (59%) and is key to improving healthcare (74%). Senior students were more likely to report adequate teaching (P < 0.001) and believe that IR teaching is important (P = 0.001).ConclusionsAustralian medical students have a strong appreciation for IR despite having suboptimal teaching, exposure and knowledge in IR. In order to complement and sustain the rapid uptake of IR techniques in modern medicine, university curricula require a greater focus on IR.
Nurse plants have the potential to accelerate vegetation recovery in Lapalala Wilderness old fields, South Africa
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNurse plants offer microclimates that are favourable to plant growth of understory native vegetation, thus facilitating ecological restoration in degraded old fields. This study examined the impact of three nurse plants on vegetation diversity and soil physical properties in old fields located at Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa. Vegetation surveys in plots measuring 5 m x 5 m under and outside the canopy of nurse plants in both old field and natural sites were conducted. Top soils under and outside the nurse plants canopy were collected in all plots and quantified for soil moisture, soil penetration resistance and soil water repellency. Results indicate that species diversity was high under plant canopy compared to outside plant canopy for all nurse plants. Soils under nurse plants canopy showed improved soil moisture and soil penetration resistance compared to soils outside plant canopy, but no differences were reported for soil water repellency. The study concludes that the presence of native plants under nurse plants canopy points to a positive vegetation recovery trajectory. For vegetation and soil restoration to be effective in Lapalala Wilderness old fields, nurse plants should be protected and active restoration, e.g. seeding or seedling sowing under nurse plants canopy should be considered.
Persistent regulatory T‐cell response 2 years after 3 years of grass tablet SLIT: Links to reduced eosinophil counts, sIgE levels, and clinical benefit
Authors: Varona Rosa , Ramos Tania , Escribese Maria Marta , Jimeno Lucia , Galán Agustin , Würtzen Peter A. , Vega Francisco , Marín Alicia , Martín Santiago , Carrera Ana C. , Blanco Carlos , Barber Domingo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn the first 2 years of grass tablet sublingual immunotherapy treatment, we have previously demonstrated a progressive development of a regulatory T‐cell response, which was preceded by an early decrease in the frequency of both IL‐4+ cells and sIgE levels. A progressive increase in sIgG4 levels and FAB blockage were also found.MethodsBy monitoring immunological kinetics during 3 years of active treatment + 2 years of follow‐up, we aimed to identify key immunological parameters that could explain sustained clinical benefit of grass tablet sublingual immunotherapy.ResultsThirty patients completed the 5‐year clinical trial protocol. Although individual responses were heterogeneous, reduction in both sIgE and circulating IL‐4+ cells compared to the initial 1‐ to 4‐month peak was maintained throughout the 3‐year treatment period and for 2 years after discontinuation. Meanwhile, after a 2‐year increase in sIgG4, the levels were stabilized during the third year and decreased post‐therapy. FAB inhibition remained significantly inhibited throughout the study compared to preimmunotherapy in 83% of patients. A sustained regulatory T‐cell response, after IT cessation, occurs in two‐thirds of the patients. There was a statistical association between this regulatory response, the maintenance of lower eosinophil counts during grass pollen seasons, and sIgE titers lower than before immunotherapy treatment, and the latter were significantly associated with clinical response.ConclusionOur results suggest that the immunological mechanisms underlying the sustained response after 2 years of cessation of immunotherapy (3‐year treatment period) are linked to the acquisition and maintenance of a regulatory T‐cell response.
Sensor Fusion for Myoelectric Control Based on Deep Learning With Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Weiming , Chen Biao , Xia Peng , Hu Jie , Peng Yinghong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElectromyogram (EMG) signal decoding is the essential part of myoelectric control. However, traditional machine learning methods lack the capability of learning and expressing the information contained in EMG signals, and the robustness of the myoelectric control system is not sufficient for real life applications. In this article, a novel model based on recurrent convolutional neural networks (RCNNs) is proposed for hand movement classification and tested on the noninvasive EMG dataset. The proposed model uses deep architecture, which has advantages of dealing with complex time‐series data, such as EMG signals. Transfer learning is used in the training of multimodal model. The classification performance is compared with support vector machine (SVM) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on the same dataset. To improve the adaptability to the effect of arm movements, we fused the EMG signals and acceleration data that are the multimodal input of the model. The parameter transferring of deep neural networks is used to accelerate the training process and avoid over‐fitting. The experimental results show that time domain input and 1‐dimensional convolution have higher accuracy in the RCNN model. Compared with SVM and CNNs, the proposed model has higher classification accuracy. Sensor fusion can improve the model performance in the condition of arm movements. The RCNN model is a promising decoder of EMG and the sensor fusion can increase the accuracy and robustness of the myoelectric control system.
Association between vitamin D, antimicrobial peptides and urinary tract infection in infants and young children
Authors: Georgieva V , Kamolvit W , Herthelius M , Lüthje P , Brauner A , Chromek M 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimVitamin D stimulates production of the endogenous antimicrobial peptides cathelicidin and β‐defensin‐2, which are expressed in the urinary tract. We investigated vitamin D status and levels of cathelicidin and β‐defensin‐2 and their association with urinary tract infection (UTI).MethodsThe study included 120 children under three years of age: 76 children with UTIs and 44 otherwise healthy children with congenital hydronephrosis. Serum 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol levels were measured by direct competitive electro‐chemiluminescence immunoassay, and plasma cathelicidin and β‐defensin‐2 concentrations were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are prevalent in young children (21%). Serum vitamin D levels negatively correlated with age and were significantly lower in girls. Levels of vitamin D positively correlated with levels of cathelicidin but not with β‐defensin‐2. Low concentrations of vitamin D were associated with UTIs in girls, but we did not see any correlation with the recurrence of infection at one‐year follow‐up.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is common and may prove to be a risk factor for UTIs especially in girls. We hypothesise that adequate supplementation with vitamin D may become a way to prevent first‐time UTIs.
Model‐based assessment of the benefits and risks of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Guk Jinju , Chae Dongwoo , Son Hankil , Yoo Joonsang , Heo Ji Hoe , Park Kyungsoo 
Published: July 2018

AimsRecombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is the only first‐line agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat acute ischaemic stroke. However, it often causes the serious adverse event (AE) of haemorrhagic transformation. The present study developed a pharmacometric model for the rt‐PA treatment effect and AE and, using the developed model, proposed a benefit‐to‐risk ratio assessment scheme as a supportive tool to optimize treatment outcome.MethodsThe data from 336 acute ischaemic stroke patients were used. The treatment effect was assessed based on an improvement in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, which were described using an item response theory (IRT)‐based disease progression model. Treatment failure and AE probabilities, and their occurrence times, were described by incidence and time‐to‐event models. Using the developed model, benefit‐to‐risk ratios were simulated under various scenarios using the global benefit‐to‐risk trade‐off ratio (GBR).ResultsHigh initial NIHSS score and middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke were risk factors for treatment failure, where the failure rate with MCA stroke was 2.87‐fold higher than with non‐MCA stroke. The haemorrhagic transformation time was associated with longitudinal changes in NIHSS scores. The benefit‐to‐risk ratio simulated was highest in minor stroke severity, with GBR >1 in all scenarios, and the ratio with non‐MCA stroke was 2–3 fold higher than with MCA stroke.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the feasibility of applying an IRT model to describing the time course of the rt‐PA treatment effect and AE. Benefit‐to‐risk ratio analyses showed that the treatment was optimal in non‐MCA stroke with minor stroke severity.
Patient‐ and health care‐related factors associated with initiation of potentially inappropriate medication in community‐dwelling older persons
Authors: Hyttinen Virva , Jyrkkä Johanna , Saastamoinen Leena K. , Vartiainen Anna‐Kaisa , Valtonen Hannu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPotentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older persons are defined as medications of which the potential harms outweigh their benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine how initiation of PIMs accumulate in community‐dwelling persons aged 65‐74 and ≥75 years, and which patient‐ and health care‐related factors are associated with PIM initiation over time. Data of this study were gathered from population‐based registers by a 10% random sample of persons (n = 28 497) aged ≥65 years with no prior PIMs within a 2‐year period preceding the index date (1 January 2002), and the study individuals were followed until 2013. The Finnish Prescription Register was linked using a personal identity code to register on inpatient care and causes of deaths and socio‐economic data. In this study, 10 698 (37.5%) persons initiated PIMs during the study period. Female gender was associated with PIM initiation in 65‐74‐year‐olds, but not in ≥75‐year‐olds. In 65‐74‐year‐olds, the risk of PIM initiation increased with the higher income, whereas in ≥75‐year‐olds, the association between PIM initiation and the high income was not significant. The prescribing physician explained 9%‐16% of the variation in the probability of PIM initiation. In conclusion, there were age‐related differences in the factors associated with PIM initiation in relation to gender and socio‐economic status. Overall, patient‐related factors explained a large proportion of variation of PIM initiation, but there were also differences in PIM prescribing among physicians. However, physician‐related variance of PIM initiations decreased during the 12‐year follow‐up.
Clinical experiences and case review of angiotensin II receptor blocker‐related angioedema in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyunah , Baik Seo Yeon , Yang So Jung , Kim Tong Min , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Cho Jae Hyoung , Choi In Young , Kim Ju Han , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Kim Hun‐Sung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlthough angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor‐related angioedema is well known, angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)‐related angioedema has not been extensively studied because of its lower incidence. Therefore, ARB‐related angioedema is likely to be overlooked in the clinical setting. We analysed the medical records of adults who had been prescribed ARB and diagnosed with angioedema between 2009 and 2015. All adults over the age of 18 years who were initially administered ARB between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015 were selected as participants in this study. To confirm whether the angioedema was actually due to the administration of ARB, we conducted a chart review. A total of 35 584 patients were prescribed ARB for the first time when visiting the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital during the study period. Twenty‐four patients diagnosed with angioedema for other reasons prior to their first prescription of ARB were excluded from this study. ARB‐related angioedema was suspected in six of 35 560 patients (0.02%) who were initially prescribed ARB during the study period. The manifestation of ARB‐related angioedema ranged from several days (1/6 case) to several years (3/6 cases). Some patients continued taking ARB with intermittent antihistamine or steroid therapy. In such cases, angioedema symptoms improved but did not completely resolve. Its diagnosis can be delayed and the symptoms may be recurrent as symptoms improve with antihistamine use. In some cases, the same person had different reactions depending on the type of ARB. Definitively diagnosing ARB‐related angioedema is difficult, and physicians often overlook angioedema without suspecting that it is an adverse effect of ARB. Close attention of physicians and improved patient education can reduce the incidence of ARB‐related angioedema.
An efficient and facile green synthesis of bisindole methanes as potential Mtb FtsZ inhibitors
Authors: Khadkikar Pratima , Goud N. Sridhar , Mohammed Arifuddin , Ramamoorthy Gayathri , Ananthathatmula Ragamanvitha , Doble Mukesh , Rizvi Arshad , Banerjee Sharmista , Ravi Alvala , Alvala Mallika 
Published: July 2018

The rising multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain made current anti‐TB drug therapy ineffective and became a major health concern globally; hence it is crucial to develop new molecules against vital targets with a novel mechanism. Mtb Filamenting temperature sensitive protein Z (FtsZ), a tubulin homolog plays a major role in bacterial cell division, in the presence of GTP recruiting essential proteins for cell division and considered to be a potential target for drug discovery. Most of MtbFtsZ inhibitors known are of antibiotics from natural resources and suffer from cellular uptake, specificity. In the present study, we demonstrated for the first time bisindole derivatives as potential MtbFtsZ inhibitors. The synthesis of bisindole derivatives has been carried out using green synthetic approach by applying ammonium molybdate as a catalyst under Ultrasonic condition. Among the synthesized bisindole derivative, I16 and I5 showed 62.29% and 56.86% inhibition of GTPase activity of MtbFtsZ and increased the length of Mycobacterium smegmatis and Bacillus subtilis by two folds. Further compound I16 inhibited Mtb growth with a MIC of 37.5 μg/ml. To explain these interactions, detailed Molecular docking studies have been carried out and found to be supportive to the biological activity.
Marginal bone level and survival of short and standard‐length implants after 3 years: An Open Multi‐Center Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zadeh Homayoun H. , Guljé Felix , Palmer Paul J. , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Chen Stephen , Mahallati Ramin , Stanford Clark M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe present multi‐center randomized controlled clinical trial sought to compare the marginal bone level (MBL) changes and survival of 6‐ and 11‐mm implants.Material and MethodsNinety‐five patients receiving a total of 209 dental implants were enrolled. Subjects were randomly allocated to two cohorts: test (4.0 × 6 mm; N = 108) or control (4.0 × 11 mm; N = 101) implant groups. To be randomized, all edentulous sites were anatomically qualified to receive 11 mm implant. Two to three implants were placed in maxillary or mandibular posterior regions and loaded with splinted provisional restoration after 6 weeks and definitive restoration 6 months thereafter. Test and control implants were followed by clinical and radiographic examinations on an annual basis up to 3 years.ResultsRadiographic assessment of MBL 3 years after loading revealed the bone to be located at 0.27 mm (±0.40) and 0.44 mm (±0.74) apical to the implant platform in the test and control groups, respectively. During the 3 years of follow‐up since loading, 0.04 mm (±0.43) MBL gain and 0.02 mm (±0.76) of MBL loss were observed in the 6‐mm (test) and 11‐mm (control) groups, respectively. The MBL's for test and control were significantly different (p = 0.000) in favor of short implants. The cumulative survival rates from placement after 3 years were 96% and 99% for the 6‐ and 11‐mm implants, respectively, with no statistical significance.ConclusionsReconstruction of partially edentulous posterior maxilla or mandible with 6‐ or 11‐mm implants led to stable marginal bone level and high implant survival rate after 3 years.