bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deposition of inhaled nanoparticles is reduced in subjects with COPD and correlates with the extent of emphysema: proof of concept for a novel diagnostic technique
Authors: Aaltonen H. L. , Jakobsson J. K. , Diaz S. , Zackrisson S. , Piitulainen E. , Löndahl J. , Wollmer P. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often based on spirometry, which is not sensitive to early emphysema. We have recently described a method for assessing distal airspace dimensions by measuring recovery of nanoparticles in exhaled air after a single‐breath inhalation followed by breath‐hold. Recovery refers to the non‐deposited particle fraction. The aim of this study was to explore differences in the recovery of exhaled nanoparticles in subjects with COPD and never‐smoking controls. A secondary aim was to determine whether recovery correlates with the extent of emphysema.MethodA total of 19 patients with COPD and 19 controls underwent three repeats of single‐breath nanoparticle inhalation followed by breath‐hold. Particle concentrations in the inhaled aerosol, and in an alveolar sample exhaled after breath‐hold, were measured to obtain recovery.FindingsThe patients with COPD had a significantly higher mean recovery than controls, 0·128 ± 0·063 versus 0·074 ± 0·058; P = 0·010. Also, recovery correlated significantly with computed tomography (CT) densitometry variables (P<0·01) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL,CO; P = 0·002).InterpretationHigher recovery for emphysema patients, relative to controls, is explained by larger diffusion distances in enlarged distal airspaces. The nanoparticle inhalation method shows potential to be developed towards a tool to diagnose emphysema.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in rats leads to brain pathology
Authors: Avdic Una , Ahl Matilda , Chugh Deepti , Ali Idrish , Chary Karthik , Sierra Alejandra , Ekdahl Christine T. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveStatus epilepticus (SE) is an abnormally prolonged epileptic seizure that if associated with convulsive motor symptoms is potentially life threatening for a patient. However, 20%‐40% of patients withSElack convulsive events and instead present with more subtle semiology such as altered consciousness and less motor activity. Today, there is no general consensus regarding to what extent nonconvulsiveSE(NCSE) is harmful to the brain, which adds uncertainty to stringent treatment regimes.MethodsHere, we evaluated brain pathology in an experimental rat and mouse model of complex partialNCSEoriginating in the temporal lobes with Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). TheNCSEwas induced by electrical stimulation with intrahippocampal electrodes and terminated with pentobarbital anesthesia. Video‐electroencephalographic recordings were performed throughout the experiment.ResultsDTIof mice 7 weeks post‐NCSEshowed no robust long‐lasting changes in fractional anisotropy within the hippocampal epileptic focus. Instead, we found pathophysiological changes developing over time when measuring protein levels and cell counts in extracted brain tissue. At 6 and 24 hours post‐NCSEin rats, few changes were observed within the hippocampus and cortical or subcortical structures in Western blot analyses of key components of the cellular immune response and synaptic protein expression, while neurodegeneration had started. However, 1 week post‐NCSE, both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic protein levels were decreased in hippocampus, concomitant with an excessive microglial and astrocytic activation. At 4 weeks, a continuous immune response in the hippocampus was accompanied with neuronal loss. Levels of the excitatory synaptic adhesion molecule N‐cadherin were decreased specifically in rats that developed unprovoked spontaneous seizures (epileptogenesis) within 1 month followingNCSE, compared to rats only exhibiting acute symptomatic seizures within 1 week post‐NCSE.SignificanceThese findings provide evidence for a significant brain pathology followingNCSEin an experimental rodent model.
Reduction in ultraviolet B light–induced erythema by oxymetazoline and brimonidine is mediated by different α‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Hsia Edward , Tian Mingting , Gil Daniel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWhen applied topically, oxymetazoline and brimonidine reduce the persistent facial erythema of rosacea; this effect is mediated by cutaneous vasoconstriction induced by postsynaptic activation of α‐adrenoceptors. We investigated the α‐adrenergic pharmacology of oxymetazoline and brimonidine. Functional activity on α‐adrenoceptors was evaluated in vitro in HEK293 cells stably expressing single receptor subtypes using a fluorometric imaging plate reader Ca2+ influx assay. Oxymetazoline was an α1‐adrenoceptor agonist with partial α2‐adrenoceptor activity, whereas brimonidine was a highly selective full α2‐adrenoceptor agonist. In vivo pharmacology was investigated in a mouse model of ultraviolet B light (UVB)‐induced skin erythema. To selectively inhibit α‐adrenoceptor subtypes, mice were injected with prazosin (an α1‐selective antagonist) or rauwolscine (an α2‐selective antagonist) following UVB exposure. Oxymetazoline cream 1.0%, brimonidine gel 0.33% or vehicle control was applied topically, and erythema was measured using a chromameter. Oxymetazoline and brimonidine reduced UVB–induced erythema compared with vehicle control (P < .01). The effect of oxymetazoline was impaired in prazosin‐pretreated but not rauwolscine‐pretreated mice. Conversely, the effect of brimonidine was impaired in rauwolscine‐pretreated but not prazosin‐pretreated mice. These data suggest that while oxymetazoline and brimonidine produce cutaneous vasoconstriction, they do so through different α‐adrenergic mechanisms, with oxymetazoline primarily acting via α1‐adrenoceptors and brimonidine acting via α2‐adrenoceptors.
Spatio‐temporal pattern and gender disparity of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi Yingigba Chioma 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study examines the spatio‐temporal pattern and gender disparity in HIV/AIDS prevalence in Nigeria using data from 2007 and 2012 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Surveys. Spatial statistical techniques, correlation and multiple regression analyses and chi square were utilised. The spatio‐temporal variation and spatial dependency of HIV prevalence across the 36 states were not significant. Nasarawa, Cross River, Federal Capital Territory and Akwa Ibom States were significant hot spots. Spatial distribution of HIV prevalence was related to unemployment, population aged 15‒49 years, and population living in rural areas. Compared to men, women had a significantly higher prevalence in four states, especially women with a low educational level, separated/divorced, widowed and younger women. Intervention strategies should emphasise HIV prevention messages especially among women in hot spot areas.
Narcissism and the pursuit of status
Authors: Zeigler‐Hill Virgil , Vrabel Jennifer K. , McCabe Gillian A. , Cosby Cheryl A. , Traeder Caitlin K. , Hobbs Kelsey A. , Southard Ashton C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present studies was to examine the connections that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry had with various aspects of status.MethodStudy 1 examined the associations that narcissism had with the motivation to seek status in a sample of 1,219 community members. Study 2 examined whether narcissism interacted with the status‐seeking motive to predict how individuals pursued status in a sample of 760 community members and college students. Study 3 used a daily diary approach to examine whether narcissism moderated the associations that daily perceptions of status and affiliation had with state self‐esteem in 356 college students.ResultsOur results revealed that narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry were somewhat similar in their desire for status but had divergent associations with other aspects of status (e.g., strategies employed to attain status, perceptions of status, reactions to perceived status).ConclusionsThe results of the present studies suggest that narcissistic admiration is associated with an agentic orientation to the pursuit of status, whereas narcissistic rivalry is associated with an antagonistic orientation to the pursuit of status. Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for our understanding of the connections between narcissism and status.
Prejudicial Attitudes and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Rode Ashwin , Shukla Anand J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe explore whether and to what extent differences in prejudicial attitudes can be associated with the variation in Black–White labor market gaps across US metropolitan areas. Prejudicial attitudes are quantified using novel data on racially charged Internet searches. We find that prejudicial attitudes matter for labor market outcomes, but only for workers who are not college graduates. For this group, a racially charged search rate that is one standard deviation higher is associated with a 17 per cent higher unexplained Black–White gap in annual income and 21 per cent higher unexplained hourly wage gap.
Specific issues concerning the management of patients on the waiting list and after liver transplantation
Authors: Burra Patrizia , Giannini Edoardo G. , Caraceni Paolo , Ginanni Corradini Stefano , Rendina Maria , Volpes Riccardo , Toniutto Pierluigi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe present document is a second contribution collecting the recommendations of an expert panel of transplant hepatologists appointed by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) concerning the management of certain aspects of liver transplantation, including: the issue of prompt referral; the management of difficult candidates; malnutrition; living related liver transplants; hepatocellular carcinoma; and the role of direct acting antiviral agents before and after transplantation. The statements on each topic were approved by participants at the AISF Transplant Hepatology Expert Meeting organized by the Permanent Liver Transplant Commission in Mondello on 12‐13 May 2017. They are graded according to the GRADE grading system.
High‐density genetic map using whole‐genome resequencing for fine mapping and candidate gene discovery for disease resistance in peanut
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Clevenger Josh , Pandey Manish K. , Wang Hui , Shasidhar Yaduru , Chu Ye , Fountain Jake C. , Choudhary Divya , Culbreath Albert K. , Liu Xin , Huang Guodong , Wang Xingjun , Deshmukh Rupesh , Holbrook C. Corley , Bertioli David J. , Ozias‐Akins Peggy , Jackson Scott A. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Guo Baozhu 
Published: April 2018

SummaryWhole‐genome resequencing (WGRS) of mapping populations has facilitated development of high‐density genetic maps essential for fine mapping and candidate gene discovery for traits of interest in crop species. Leaf spots, including early leaf spot (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS), and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) are devastating diseases in peanut causing significant yield loss. We generated WGRS data on a recombinant inbred line population, developed a SNP‐based high‐density genetic map, and conducted fine mapping, candidate gene discovery and marker validation for ELS, LLS and TSWV. The first sequence‐based high‐density map was constructed with 8869 SNPs assigned to 20 linkage groups, representing 20 chromosomes, for the ‘T’ population (Tifrunner × GT‐C20) with a map length of 3120 cM and an average distance of 1.45 cM. The quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using high‐density genetic map and multiple season phenotyping data identified 35 main‐effect QTLs with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) from 6.32% to 47.63%. Among major‐effect QTLs mapped, there were two QTLs for ELS on B05 with 47.42% PVE and B03 with 47.38% PVE, two QTLs for LLS on A05 with 47.63% and B03 with 34.03% PVE and one QTL for TSWV on B09 with 40.71% PVE. The epistasis and environment interaction analyses identified significant environmental effects on these traits. The identified QTL regions had disease resistance genes including R‐genes and transcription factors. KASP markers were developed for major QTLs and validated in the population and are ready for further deployment in genomics‐assisted breeding in peanut.
Chimeric 3’ flanking regions strongly enhance gene expression in plants
Authors: Diamos Andrew G. , Mason Hugh S. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryPlants represent a promising platform for the highly scalable production of recombinant proteins. Previously, we identified the tobacco extensin terminator lacking its intron as an element that reduced transcript read‐through and improved recombinant protein production in a plant‐based system. In this study, we systematically compared nonreplicating plant expression vectors containing over 20 commonly used or newly identified terminators from diverse sources. We found that eight gene terminators enhance reporter gene expression significantly more than the commonly used 35S and NOS terminators. The intronless extensin terminator provided a 13.6‐fold increase compared with the NOS terminator. Combining terminators in tandem produced large synergistic effects, with many combinations providing a >25‐fold increase in expression. Addition of the tobacco Rb7 or TM6 matrix attachment region (MAR) strongly enhanced protein production when added to most terminators, with the Rb7 MAR providing the greatest enhancement. Using deletion analysis, the full activity of the 1193 bp Rb7 MAR was found to require only a 463‐bp region at its 3’ end. Combined terminators and MAR together provided a >60‐fold increase compared with the NOS terminator alone. These combinations were then placed in a replicating geminiviral vector, providing a total of >150‐fold enhancement over the original NOS vector, corresponding to an estimated yield of 3–5 g recombinant protein per kg leaf fresh weight or around 50% of the leaf total soluble protein. These results demonstrate the importance of 3’ flanking regions in optimizing gene expression and show great potential for 3’ flanking regions to improve DNA‐based recombinant protein production systems.
Breaking the cycle of functional decline in older dialysis patients
Authors: Hall Rasheeda K. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCurrently, older adults comprise nearly one‐third of prevalent US dialysis patients, and this proportion will increase as the population ages. Older dialysis patients experience greater morbidity and mortality than nondialysis patients of the same age, and in part, it is related to progressive functional decline. Progressive functional decline, characterized by need for assistance with more than 2 activities of daily living, contributes to risk of hospitalization, further functional decline, and subsequent nursing home placement when a patient no longer functions independently at home. Progressive functional decline may appear to be unavoidable for older dialysis patients; however, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) may alleviate the prevalence and severity of functional decline. This editorial summarizes common risk factors of functional decline and introduces CGA as a potentially transformative approach to breaking the cycle of functional decline in older dialysis patients.
A spatial analysis of non‐English Twitter activity in Houston, TX
Authors: Haffner Matthew 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe use of social media data in geographic studies has become common, yet the question of social media's validity in such contexts is often overlooked. Social media data suffers from a variety of biases and limitations; nevertheless, with a proper understanding of the drawbacks, these data can be powerful. As cities seek to become “smarter,” they can potentially use social media data to creatively address the needs of their most vulnerable groups, such as ethnic minorities. However, questions remain unanswered regarding who uses these social networking platforms, how people use these platforms, and how representative social media data is of users' everyday lives. Using several forms of regression, I explore the relationships between a conventional data source (the U.S. Census) and a subset of Twitter data potentially representative of minority groups: tweets created by users with an account language other than English. A considerable amount of non‐stationarity is uncovered, which should serve as a warning against sweeping statements regarding the demographics of users and where people prefer to post. Further, I find that precisely located Twitter data informs us more about the digital status of places and less about users' day‐to‐day travel patterns.
A time‐driven, activity‐based costing methodology for determining the costs of red blood cell transfusion in patients with beta thalassaemia major
Authors: Burns K. E. , Haysom H. E. , Higgins A. M. , Waters N. , Tahiri R. , Rushford K. , Dunstan T. , Saxby K. , Kaplan Z. , Chunilal S. , McQuilten Z. K. , Wood E. M. 
Published: April 2018

SUMMARYObjectivesTo describe the methodology to estimate the total cost of administration of a single unit of red blood cells (RBC) in adults with beta thalassaemia major in an Australian specialist haemoglobinopathy centre.BackgroundBeta thalassaemia major is a genetic disorder of haemoglobin associated with multiple end‐organ complications and typically requiring lifelong RBC transfusion therapy. New therapeutic agents are becoming available based on advances in understanding of the disorder and its consequences. Assessment of the true total cost of transfusion, incorporating both product and activity costs, is required in order to evaluate the benefits and costs of these new therapies.MethodsWe describe the bottom‐up, time‐driven, activity‐based costing methodology used to develop process maps to provide a step‐by‐step outline of the entire transfusion pathway. Detailed flowcharts for each process are described. Direct observations and timing of the process maps document all activities, resources, staff, equipment and consumables in detail. The analysis will include costs associated with performing these processes, including resources and consumables. Sensitivity analyses will be performed to determine the impact of different staffing levels, timings and probabilities associated with performing different tasks.ResultsThirty‐one process maps have been developed, with over 600 individual activities requiring multiple timings. These will be used for future detailed cost analyses.ConclusionsDetailed process maps using bottom‐up, time‐driven, activity‐based costing for determining the cost of RBC transfusion in thalassaemia major have been developed. These could be adapted for wider use to understand and compare the costs and complexities of transfusion in other settings.
Distinct Nitrite and Nitric Oxide Physiologies in Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Meng Qiu , Yin Jianhua , Jin Miao , Gao Haichun 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Nitrite has been used as a bacteriostatic agent for centuries in food preservation. It is widely accepted that this biologically inert molecule functions indirectly, serving as a stable reservoir of bioactive nitric oxide (NO) and other reactive nitrogen species to impact physiology. As a result, to date, we know surprisingly little about
in vivo
targets of nitrite. Here, we carry out comparative analyses of nitrite and NO physiology in
Escherichia coli
and in
Shewanella oneidensis
, a Gram-negative environmental bacterium renowned for respiratory versatility. These two bacteria differ from each other in many aspects of nitrite and NO physiology, including NO generation, NO degradation, and unexpectedly, their contrary susceptibility to nitrite and NO. In cell extracts of both bacteria, most of the NO targets are also susceptible to nitrite, and vice versa. However, with respect to growth inhibition caused by NO, the targets are impacted distinctly; NO targets are responsible for the inhibition of growth of
E. coli
but not of
S. oneidensis
. More surprisingly, all proteins identified to be implicated in NO tolerance in other bacteria appear to play a dispensable role in protecting
S. oneidensis
against NO. These data suggest that
S. oneidensis
is equipped with a robust but yet unknown NO protecting system. In the case of nitrite, it is clear that the target of physiological significance in both bacteria is cytochrome heme-copper oxidase.

IMPORTANCE
Nitrite is toxic to living organisms at high levels, but such antibacterial effects of nitrite are attributable to the formation of nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive radical gas molecule. Here, we report that
Shewanella oneidensis
is highly resistant to NO but sensitive to nitrite compared to
Escherichia coli
by approximately 4-fold. In both bacteria, nitrite inhibits bacterial growth by targeting cytochrome heme-copper oxidase. In contrast, the targets of NO are diverse. Although these targets are similar in
E. coli
and
S. oneidensis
, they are responsible for growth inhibition caused by NO in the former but not in the latter. Overall, the presented data, along with the previous data, solidify a proposal that the
in vivo
targets of NO and nitrite in bacteria are largely different.
Genome Sequences of Ilzat and Eleri, Two Phages Isolated Using Microbacterium foliorum NRRL B-24224
Authors: Ali Ilzat , Jones Acacia Eleri , Mohamed Aleem , Sivanathan Viknesh 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophages Ilzat and Eleri are newly isolated
Siphoviridae
infecting
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL B-24224. The phage genomes are similar in length, G+C content, and architecture and share 62.9% nucleotide sequence identity.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolates Obtained from Foods of Plant Origin and Dried-Food Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Jang Hyein , Addy Nicole , Ewing Laura , Jean-Gilles Beaubrun Junia , Lee YouYoung , Woo JungHa , Negrete Flavia , Finkelstein Samantha , Tall Ben D. , Lehner Angelika , Eshwar Athmanya , Gopinath Gopal R. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Here, we present draft genome sequences of 29
Cronobacter sakazakii
isolates obtained from foods of plant origin and dried-food manufacturing facilities. Assemblies and annotations resulted in genome sizes ranging from 4.3 to 4.5 Mb and 3,977 to 4,256 gene-coding sequences with G+C contents of ∼57.0%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas lusitana sp. nov. Strain DSM 24905
T
, Isolated from a Hot Spring in Vila-Real, Portugal
Authors: Colston S. M. , Navarro A. , Martinez-Murcia A. J. , Graf J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Aeromonas lusitana
sp. nov. is an isolate derived from a study aimed at characterizing
Aeromonas
spp. from water sources used for recreation and agricultural purposes and assessing the implications these organisms have for human and animal health. We present here the 4.52-Mbp draft genome sequence of this novel species.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of the Fluorene-Degrading Sphingobium sp. Strain LB126, Isolated from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Augelletti Floriana , Tremblay Julien , Agathos Spiros N. , Stenuit Ben 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of a fluorene-degrading bacterium,
Sphingobium
sp. strain LB126. The genes involved in the upper biodegradation pathway of fluorene are located on a plasmid, and the lower pathway that generates tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates is initiated by the
meta
-cleavage of protocatechuic acid that is chromosomally encoded.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas oceani DSM 100277
T
, a Deep-Sea Bacterium
Authors: García-Valdés Elena , Gomila Margarita , Mulet Magdalena , Lalucat Jorge 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas oceani
DSM 100277
T
was isolated from deep seawater in the Okinawa Trough at 1390 m.
P. oceani
belongs to the
Pseudomonas pertucinogena
group. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. oceani
, which has an estimated size of 4.1 Mb and exhibits 3,790 coding sequences, with a G+C content of 59.94 mol%.