bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Archaeal biogeography and interactions with microbial community across complex subtropical coastal waters
Authors: Wang Kai , Hu Hanjing , Yan Huizhen , Hou Dandi , Wang Yanting , Dong Pengsheng , Zhang Demin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMarine Archaea are crucial in biogeochemical cycles, but their horizontal spatial variability, assembly processes, and microbial associations across complex coastal waters still lack characterizations at high coverage. Using a dense sampling strategy, we investigated horizontal variability in total archaeal, Thaumarchaeota Marine Group (MG) I, and Euryarchaeota MGII communities and associations of MGI/MGII with other microbes in surface waters with contrasting environmental characteristics across ~200 km by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Total archaeal communities were extremely dominated by MGI and/or MGII (98.9% in average relative abundance). Niche partitioning between MGI and MGII or within each group was found across multiple environmental gradients. “Selection” was more important than “dispersal limitation” in governing biogeographic patterns of total archaeal, MGI, and MGII communities, and basic abiotic parameters (such as salinity) and inorganic/organic resources as a whole could be the main driver of “selection”. While “homogenizing dispersal” also considerably governed their biogeography. MGI‐Nitrospira assemblages were speculatively responsible for complete nitrification. MGI taxa commonly had negative correlations with members of Synechococcus but positive correlations with members of eukaryotic phytoplankton, suggesting that competition or synergy between MGI and phytoplankton depends on specific MGI‐phytoplankton assemblages. MGII taxa showed common associations with presumed (photo)heterotrophs including members of SAR11, SAR86, SAR406, and Candidatus Actinomarina. This study sheds light on ecological processes and drivers shaping archaeal biogeography and many strong MGI/MGII‐bacterial associations across complex subtropical coastal waters. Future efforts should be made on seasonality of archaeal biogeography and biological, environmental, or ecological mechanisms underlying these statistical microbial associations.
Impact of optical coherence tomography on diagnostic decision‐making by UK community optometrists: a clinical vignette study
Authors: Jindal Anish , Ctori Irene , Fidalgo Bruno , Dabasia Priya , Balaskas Konstantinos , Lawrenson John G 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeIn recent years, there has been widespread investment in imaging technologies by community optometrists in the UK, most notably optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aim of the current study was to determine the value of OCT in the diagnosis of posterior segment diseases in a representative sample of community optometrists using a clinical vignette methodology.MethodsA group of community optometrists (n = 50) initially completed a standardised training package on OCT interpretation followed by a computer‐based assessment featuring 52 clinical vignettes, containing images of healthy (n = 8) or glaucomatous (n = 18) discs or healthy (n = 8) or diseased (n = 18) fundi. Each vignette featured either a single fundus/disc photographic image, or a combination of a fundus/disc image with the corresponding OCT scan. An expert panel confirmed that the fundus images presented alone and those in combination with OCT data were of a similar level of difficulty and that the cases were typical of those seen in primary care. For each case, the optometrist selected their diagnosis from a pull‐down list and reported their confidence in their decision using a 10‐point Likert scale. Pairwise comparisons of the fundus image alone and fundus image/OCT combination were made for both diagnostic performance and confidence.ResultsThe mean percentage of correct diagnoses using fundus imaging alone was 62% (95% CI 59–64%) and for the combination of fundus image/OCT was 80% (95% CI 77–82%). The mean false negative rate with fundus alone was 27% reducing to 13% with the OCT combination. Median confidence scores for fundus imaging alone was 8.0 (IQR 7.0–8.0) and 8.3 (IQR 8.0–9.0) for the combination. Improvements in performance and confidence were statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results from this vignette study suggests that OCT improves optometrists’ diagnostic performance compared to fundus observation alone. These initial results suggest that OCT provides valuable additional data that could augment case‐finding for glaucoma and retinal disease; however, further research is needed to assess its diagnostic performance in a routine clinical practice setting.
Enzyme Modification and Oxidative Cross‐linking Using Carboxylate‐, Phenol‐ and Catechol‐Conjugated 1,8‐Naphthalimides
Authors: Sova Stacey , Kelly Lisa A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe ground‐ and excited‐state interactions of β‐alanine, tyrosine and l‐dopa substituted 1,8 naphthalimides (NI‐Ala, NI‐Tyr and NI‐Dopa) with lysozyme and mushroom tyrosinase were evaluated to understand the mechanism of oxidative modification. Photooxidative cross‐linking of lysozyme was observed for all three conjugates. The yield was significantly reduced for NI‐Tyr and NI‐Dopa due to intramolecular electron transfer to the excited singlet state of the 1,8‐naphthalimide. Incubation of NI‐Tyr and NI‐Dopa with mushroom tyrosinase resulted in an increased fluorescence from the naphthalimide, suggesting that the phenol and catechol portion of the conjugates are oxidized by the enzyme. This result demonstrates that the compounds bind in the active site of mushroom tyrosinase. The catalytic activity of mushroom tyrosinase to oxidize both tyrosine (monophenolase) and l‐dopa (diphenolase) was modified by NI‐Tyr and NI‐Dopa. Monophenolase activity was inhibited, and the diphenolase activity was enhanced in the presence of these conjugates. Detailed Michaelis–Menten studies show that both Vmax and Km are modified, consistent with a mixed inhibition mechanism. Collectively, the results show that the compounds interact in the enzyme's active site, but also modify the distribution of the enzyme's oxidation states that are responsible for catalysis.
Diversity of populations of Phytophthora infestans in relation to patterns of potato crop management in Latvia and Lithuania
Authors: Kiiker R. , Skrabule I. , Ronis A. , Cooke D. E. L. , Hansen J. G. , Williams I. H. , Mänd M. , Runno‐Paurson E. 
Published: April 2019

Potato crop losses can be substantial when conditions for late blight (Phytophthora infestans) development and spread are favourable. In this study, drivers of differences between the P. infestans population structures in Latvia and Lithuania, two neighbouring countries with similar potato‐growing traditions, were investigated. Genotypes of P. infestans and population genetic diversity were analysed using a 12‐plex simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker assay. High genetic diversity was demonstrated in both populations, with population diversity being higher in Latvia. It would appear that local populations established from soilborne oospores early in the season are well adapted to the conditions in the region. However, somewhat greater spread and survival of local clones was detected in Lithuania, suggesting that potato cropping there is more vulnerable to clonal invasion than in Latvia. For effective disease management, current strategies should be adjusted according to the specific pathogen populations in the region, considering the reproduction and survival of the pathogen. Potato growers should implement late blight preventive measures such as longer field rotation to prevent oospore infections, especially in Latvia, and should use more disease resistant cultivars and high‐quality seed potatoes.
Normal and keloid fibroblasts are differentially influenced by IFN‐γ and triamcinolone as well as by their combination
Authors: Euler Teresa , Valesky Eva M. , Meissner Markus , Hrgovic Igor , Kaufmann Roland , Kippenberger Stefan , Zöller Nadja N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImpaired wound healing as well as imbalanced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis and degeneration can cause aberrant scarring. The most severe impacts of such scarring on patients' lives are stigmatization and physical restriction. Although, a broad variety of combinatorial approaches with, e.g., glucocorticoids, chemotherapeutics, and immunomodulators are used, there is still a high recurrence rate of keloids. The aim of this study was to investigate which influence interferon γ (IFN‐γ, 1.000–10.000 IU/mL) and/or triamcinolone acetonide (TA, 1 μg/mL) have on proliferation, cell viability, collagen type I synthesis, and cytokine secretion in healthy and keloid fibroblasts. It was shown that mono‐treatment with IFN‐γ or TA for 2 days induced a severe reduction of the proliferative potential in both cell species. The combinatory treatment (IFN‐γ plus TA) of keloid fibroblasts enhanced the anti‐proliferative effect of the mono‐treatments, whereas no additional anti‐proliferative effect was observed in normal fibroblasts. Furthermore, we observed that the combinatory treatment regimen reduced the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), an actin isotype contributing to cell‐generated mechanical tension, in keloid fibroblasts. In normal fibroblasts, α‐SMA was reduced by the mono‐treatment with IFN‐γ as well as by the combinatory treatment. The analysis of collagen‐type I synthesis revealed that TA did not reduce collagen type I synthesis in normal fibroblasts but in keloid fibroblasts. IFN‐γ reduced in both cell species the collagen type I synthesis. The combination of TA and IFN‐γ intensified the previously observed collagen type I synthesis reduction in keloid fibroblasts. The herein presented data suggest the combinatory application of IFN‐γ and TA as a promising therapy concept for keloids.
Radiation doses in diagnostic imaging for suspected physical abuse
Authors: Rao Raylene , Browne Diana , Lunt Brian , Perry David , Reed Peter , Kelly Patrick 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo measure the actual radiation dose delivered by imaging techniques commonly used in the radiography of suspected physical abuse and to make this information available to health professionals and families.MethodsData were collected retrospectively on children under 3 years referred for skeletal surveys for suspected physical abuse, non-contrast CT head scan or radionuclide imaging of the bones in Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand from January to December 2015. Patient size-specific conversion coefficients were derived from International Commission on Radiologic Protection tissue weighting factors and used to calculate effective dose.ResultsSeventy-one patients underwent an initial skeletal survey, receiving a mean effective dose of 0.20 mSv (95% CI 0.18 to 0.22). Sixteen patients had a follow-up survey with a mean effective dose of 0.10 mSv (95% CI 0.08 to 0.11). Eighty patients underwent CT head which delivered a mean effective dose of 2.49 mSv (95% CI 2.37 to 2.60). Thirty-nine patients underwent radionuclide bone imaging which delivered a mean effective dose of 2.27 mSv (95% CI 2.11 to 2.43).ConclusionsIn a paediatric centre, skeletal surveys deliver a relatively low effective radiation dose, equivalent to approximately 1 month of background radiation. Non-contrast CT head scan and radionuclide bone imaging deliver similar doses, equivalent to approximately 1 year of background radiation. This information should be considered when gaining informed consent and incorporated in patient education handouts.
Side effect profile and comparative tolerability of 21 antidepressants in the acute treatment of major depression in adults: protocol for a network meta-analysis
Authors: Tomlinson Anneka , Efthimiou Orestis , Boaden Katharine , New Emma , Mather Sarah , Salanti Georgia , Imai Hissei , Ogawa Yusuke , Tajika Aran , Kishimoto Sanae , Kikuchi Sino , Chevance Astrid , Furukawa Toshi A , Cipriani Andrea 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionWe have recently compared all second-generation as well as selected first-generation antidepressants in terms of efficacy and acceptability in the acute treatment of major depression. Here we present a protocol for a network meta-analysis aimed at extending these results, updating the evidence base and comparing all second-generation as well as selected first-generation antidepressants in terms of specific adverse events and tolerability in the acute treatment of major depression in adults.Methods and analysisWe will include all double-blind randomised controlled trials comparing one active drug with another or with placebo in the acute treatment major depression in adults. We will compare the following active agents: agomelatine, amitriptyline, bupropion, citalopram, clomipramine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, reboxetine, sertraline, trazodone, venlafaxine, vilazodone and vortioxetine. The main outcomes will include the total number of patients experiencing specific adverse events; experiencing serious adverse events; and experiencing at least one adverse event. Published and unpublished studies will be retrieved through relevant database searches, trial registries and websites; reference selection and data extraction will be completed by at least two independent reviewers. For each outcome we will undertake a network meta-analysis to synthesise all evidence. We will use local and global methods to evaluate consistency. We will perform all analyses in R. We will assess the quality of evidence contributing to network estimates with the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis web application.DiscussionThis work will provide an in- depth analysis and an insight into the specific adverse events of individual antidepressants.Ethics and disseminationThis review does not require ethical approval.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019128141.
Left ventricular geometry and risk of incident hypertension
Authors: Park Sung Keun , Jung Ju Young , Kang Jeong Gyu , Chung Pil-Wook , Oh Chang-Mo 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveLeft ventricular (LV) geometry change is an independent predictor for cardiovascular disease. However, data are equivocal on the association of echocardiographic parameters of LV geometry with incident hypertension. Thus, we were to investigate the risk of hypertension according to the baseline echocardiographic parameters of LV geometry.MethodsStudy participants were 12 562 Koreans without hypertension who received echocardiography as an item of health check-up. They were divided into normotensive or prehypertensive group according to baseline blood pressure. In each group, study subjects were classified by quintiles of baseline echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), posterior wall thickness (PWT) and IVST plus PWT and followed up for 5 years. Cox proportional hazards model was used in calculating adjusted HRs and their 95% CI for hypertension according to each quintile group. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis (AUC [95% CI]) was performed to compare the predictability of LVMI, RWT, IVST, PWT, IVST plus PWT for hypertension.ResultsPrehypertensive group had the worse clinical and echocardiographic parameters in baseline analysis than normotensive group. The risk of hypertension significantly increased proportionally to baseline LVMI, RWT, IVST, PWI and IVST plus PWT above specific quintile levels, which was identified in both normotensive and prehypertensive group. In AUC analysis, IVST, PWT and IVST plus PWT showed a significantly increased AUC, compared with LVMI.ConclusionLV geometry change was significantly associated with the increased risk for hypertension in non-hypertensive individuals.
Multivariate genome-wide association study of rapid automatised naming and rapid alternating stimulus in Hispanic American and African–American youth
Authors: Truong Dongnhu Thuy , Adams Andrew Kenneth , Paniagua Steven , Frijters Jan C , Boada Richard , Hill Dina E , Lovett Maureen W , Mahone E Mark , Willcutt Erik G , Wolf Maryanne , Defries John C , Gialluisi Alessandro , Francks Clyde , Fisher Simon E , Olson Richard K , Pennington Bruce F , Smith Shelley D , Bosson-Heenan Joan , Gruen Jeffrey R 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundRapid automatised naming (RAN) and rapid alternating stimulus (RAS) are reliable predictors of reading disability. The underlying biology of reading disability is poorly understood. However, the high correlation among RAN, RAS and reading could be attributable to shared genetic factors that contribute to common biological mechanisms.ObjectiveTo identify shared genetic factors that contribute to RAN and RAS performance using a multivariate approach.MethodsWe conducted a multivariate genome-wide association analysis of RAN Objects, RAN Letters and RAS Letters/Numbers in a sample of 1331 Hispanic American and African–American youth. Follow-up neuroimaging genetic analysis of cortical regions associated with reading ability in an independent sample and epigenetic examination of extant data predicting tissue-specific functionality in the brain were also conducted.ResultsGenome-wide significant effects were observed at rs1555839 (p=4.03×10−8) and replicated in an independent sample of 318 children of European ancestry. Epigenetic analysis and chromatin state models of the implicated 70 kb region of 10q23.31 support active transcription of the gene RNLS in the brain, which encodes a catecholamine metabolising protein. Chromatin contact maps of adult hippocampal tissue indicate a potential enhancer–promoter interaction regulating RNLS expression. Neuroimaging genetic analysis in an independent, multiethnic sample (n=690) showed that rs1555839 is associated with structural variation in the right inferior parietal lobule.ConclusionThis study provides support for a novel trait locus at chromosome 10q23.31 and proposes a potential gene–brain–behaviour relationship for targeted future functional analysis to understand underlying biological mechanisms for reading disability.
Evidence for a new paradigm of gonorrhoea transmission: cross-sectional analysis ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections by anatomical site in both partners in 60 male couples
Authors: Cornelisse Vincent Jasper , Williamson Deborah , Zhang Lei , Chen Marcus Y , Bradshaw Catriona , Hocking Jane S , Hoy Jennifer , Howden Benjamin P , Chow Eric P F , Fairley Christopher K 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveGonorrhoea transmission between men is currently thought to occur primarily to and from the urethra. Transmission without urethral involvement, from throat-to-throat and throat-to-anus, is considered to be uncommon. Using gonorrhoea results from male couples, we aimed to investigate the transmission dynamics of gonorrhoea. If current medical consensus is correct, then most throat and anal infections should be explained by the partner’s urethral infection.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis of gonorrhoea diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification tests in both partners in male couples who attended Melbourne Sexual Health Centre together between March 2015 and June 2017. Isolates obtained from culture-positive infections underwent whole genome sequencing to assess phylogenetic relatedness between partners.ResultsIn all 60 couples (120 men) at least one partner had gonorrhoea, and isolates had very high phylogenetic relatedness between partners. After excluding men with urethral gonorrhoea, among 32 men with anal gonorrhoea, 34% (95% CI 19% to 53 %) had a partner with throat gonorrhoea. After excluding couples where either man had urethral gonorrhoea, among 48 couples in which at least one man had throat gonorrhoea, in 23% (95% CI 12% to 37 %) of couples both men had throat gonorrhoea.ConclusionsThe observed gonorrhoea positivity when urethral infection is absent supports a new paradigm of gonorrhoea transmission, where the throat is a major source of gonorrhoea transmission between men, through tongue kissing, oroanal sex and saliva use as anal lubricant. Public health messages may need to address the risk of saliva exposure during sex.
Damage control or definitive repair? A retrospective review of abdominal trauma at a major trauma center in South Africa
Authors: Weale Ross , Kong Victor , Buitendag Johan , Ras Abraham , Blodgett Joanna , Laing Grant , Bruce John , Bekker Wanda , Manchev Vassil , Clarke Damian 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThis study set out to review a large series of trauma laparotomies from a single center and to compare those requiring damage control surgery (DCS) with those who did not, and then to interrogate a number of anatomic and physiologic scoring systems to see which best predicted the need for DCS.MethodsAll patients over the age of 15 years undergoing a laparotomy for trauma during the period from December 2012 to December 2017 were retrieved from the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry (HEMR) at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS), South Africa. They were divided into two cohorts, namely the DCS and non-DCS cohort, based on what was recorded in the operative note. These groups were then compared in terms of demographics and spectrum of injury, as well as clinical outcome. The following scores were worked out for each patient: Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (PATI), Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale-abdomen, and Abbreviated Injury Scale-chest.ResultsA total of 562 patients were included, and 99 of these (18%) had a DCS procedure versus 463 (82%) non-DCS. The mechanism was penetrating trauma in 81% of cases (453 of 562). A large proportion of trauma victims were male (503 of 562, 90%), with a mean age of 29.5±10.8. An overall mortality rate of 32% was recorded for DCS versus 4% for non-DCS (p<0.001). In general patients requiring DCS had higher lactate, and were more acidotic, hypotensive, tachycardic, and tachypneic, with a lower base excess and lower bicarbonate, than patients not requiring DCS. The most significant organ injuries associated with DCS were liver and intra-abdominal vascular injury. The only organ injury consistently predictive across all models of the need for DCS was liver injury. Regression analysis showed that only the PATI score is significantly predictive of the need for DCS (p=0.044). A final multiple logistic regression model demonstrated a pH <7.2 to be the most predictive (p=0.001) of the need for DCS.ConclusionDCS is indicated in a subset of severely injured trauma patients. A pH <7.2 is the best indicator of the need for DCS. Anatomic injuries in themselves are not predictive of the need for DCS.Levels of evidenceLevel III.