bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of flagella in acute and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
Authors: Lorenz Anne , Preuße Matthias , Bruchmann Sebastian , Pawar Vinay , Grahl Nora , Pils Marina C. , Nolan Laura M. , Filloux Alain , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental microorganism and a causative agent of diverse acute and chronic, biofilm‐associated infections. Advancing research‐based knowledge on its adaptation to conditions within the human host is bound to reveal novel strategies and targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we investigated the traits that P. aeruginosa PA14 as well as a virulence attenuated ΔlasR mutant need to survive in selected murine infection models. Experimentally, the genetic programs that the bacteria use to adapt to biofilm‐associated versus acute infections were dissected by passaging transposon mutant libraries through mouse lungs (acute) or mouse tumours (biofilm‐infection). Adaptive metabolic changes of P. aeruginosa were generally required during both infection processes. Counter‐selection against flagella expression was observed during acute lung infections. Obviously, avoidance of flagella‐mediated activation of host immunity is advantageous for the wildtype bacteria. For the ΔlasR mutant, loss of flagella did not confer a selective advantage. Apparently, other pathogenesis mechanisms are active in this virulence attenuated strain. In contrast, the infective process of P. aeruginosa in the chronic biofilm model apparently required expression of flagellin. Together, our findings imply that the host immune reactions against the infectious agent are very decisive for acuteness and duration of the infectious disease. They direct disease outcome.
Using meta‐omics of contaminated sediments to monitor changes in pathways relevant to climate regulation
Authors: Birrer Simone C. , Dafforn Katherine A. , Sun Melanie Y. , Williams Rohan B. H. , Potts Jaimie , Scanes Peter , Kelaher Brendan P. , Simpson Stuart L. , Kjelleberg Staffan , Swarup Sanjay , Steinberg Peter , Johnston Emma L. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryMicrobially mediated biogeochemical processes are crucial for climate regulation and may be disrupted by anthropogenic contaminants. To better manage contaminants, we need tools that make real‐time causal links between stressors and altered microbial functions, and the potential consequences for ecosystem services such as climate regulation. In a manipulative field experiment, we used metatranscriptomics to investigate the impact of excess organic enrichment and metal contamination on the gene expression of nitrogen and sulfur metabolisms in coastal sediments. Our gene expression data suggest that excess organic enrichment results in (i) higher transcript levels of genes involved in the production of toxic ammonia and hydrogen sulfide and (ii) lower transcript levels associated with the degradation of a greenhouse gas (nitrous oxide). However, metal contamination did not have any significant impact on gene expression. We reveal the genetic mechanisms that may lead to altered productivity and greenhouse gas production in coastal sediments due to anthropogenic contaminants. Our data highlight the applicability of metatranscriptomics as a management tool that provides an immense breadth of information and can identify potentially impacted process measurements that need further investigation.
The global regulator Crc orchestrates the metabolic robustness underlying oxidative stress resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Corona Fernando , Martínez José Luis , Nikel Pablo I. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe remarkable metabolic versatility of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas enable their survival across very diverse environmental conditions. P. aeruginosa, one of the most relevant opportunistic pathogens, is a prime example of this adaptability. The interplay between regulatory networks that mediate these metabolic and physiological features is just starting to be explored in detail. Carbon catabolite repression, governed by the Crc protein, controls the availability of several enzymes and transporters involved in the assimilation of secondary carbon sources. Yet, the regulation exerted by Crc on redox metabolism of P. aeruginosa (hence, on the overall physiology) had hitherto been unexplored. In this study, we address the intimate connection between carbon catabolite repression and metabolic robustness of P. aeruginosa PAO1. In particular, we explored the interplay between oxidative stress, metabolic rearrangements in central carbon metabolism and the cellular redox state. By adopting a combination of quantitative physiology experiments, multiomic analyses, transcriptional patterns of key genes, measurement of metabolic activities in vitro and direct quantification of redox balances both in the wild‐type strain and in an isogenic Δcrc derivative, we demonstrate that Crc orchestrates the overall response of P. aeruginosa to oxidative stress via reshaping of the core metabolic architecture in this bacterium.
Resourcing Social Enterprises: The Role of Socially Oriented Bootstrapping
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Jones Oswald , Macpherson Allan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResource constraints are a challenge for social enterprises, prompting interest in innovative approaches to address these deficiencies. In this study, we contribute to the literature on resourcing practices in small, early stage, social enterprises by examining the role of socially oriented bootstrapping for resource access. We use data from eight UK social enterprises to reveal organizational practices – building credibility, leveraging persuasion and creating resource communities – that shape a diverse set of bootstrapping mechanisms to facilitate exchange relationships and to enable resource acquisition and mobilization. We argue that the unique position of social enterprises allows them to benefit from socially orientated bootstrapping and they display a complex approach that is shaped by a creative interplay of practices to support value creation through resource exchange.
Do gender and age impact the time‐varying Okun's law? Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Myeong Jun , Park Sung Y. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study investigates the time‐varying Okun's law for different age and gender cohorts in South Korea over the 1980–2014 period. We found that the absolute value of the estimated Okun coefficients for all age cohorts and both genders become larger in a recession than in an expansion. We also found that the youth cohort (15–24 years old) for both genders is more sensitive to a negative economic impact than are older cohorts. These differences imply that when policymakers try to find a way of reducing the unemployment rate, they should consider differences in behaviour among these groups. Furthermore, the policies should be combined with age‐specific policies.
Comparison group selection in the presence of rolling entry for health services research: Rolling entry matching
Authors: Witman Allison , Beadles Christopher , Liu Yiyan , Larsen Ann , Kafali Nilay , Gandhi Sabina , Amico Peter , Hoerger Thomas 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo demonstrate rolling entry matching (REM), a new statistical method, for comparison group selection in the context of staggered nonuniform participant entry in nonrandomized interventions.Study SettingFour Health Care Innovation Award (HCIA) interventions between 2012 and 2016.Study DesignCenter for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation HCIA participants entering these interventions over time were matched with nonparticipants who exhibited a similar pattern of health care use and expenditures during each participant's baseline period.Data Extraction MethodsMedicare fee‐for‐service claims data were used to identify nonparticipating, fee‐for‐service beneficiaries as a potential comparison group and conduct REM.Principal FindingsRolling entry matching achieved conventionally‐accepted levels of balance on observed characteristics between participants and nonparticipants. The method overcame difficulties associated with a small number of intervention entrants.ConclusionsIn nonrandomized interventions, valid inference regarding intervention effects relies on the suitability of the comparison group to act as the counterfactual case for the intervention group. When participants enter over time, comparison group selection is complicated. Rolling entry matching is a possible solution for comparison group selection in rolling entry interventions that is particularly useful with small sample sizes and merits further investigation in a variety of contexts.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Pathogenesis and Latest Treatment
Authors: Mizobuchi Masahide , Ogata Hiroaki , Koiwa Fumihiko 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe classic pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) began with the trade‐off hypothesis based on parathyroid hormone hypersecretion brought about by renal failure resulting from a physiological response to correct metabolic disorder of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. In dialysis patients with failed renal function, physiological mineral balance control by parathyroid hormone through the kidney fails and hyperparathyroidism progresses. In this process, many significant genetic findings have been established. Abnormalities of Ca‐sensing receptor and vitamin D receptor are associated with the pathogenesis of SHPT, and fibroblast growth factor 23 has also been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis. Vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) are widely used for treatment of SHPT. However, VDRAs have calcemic and phosphatemic effects that limit their use to a subset of patients, and calcimimetics have been developed as alternative drugs for SHPT. Hyperphosphatemia also affects progression of SHPT, and control of hyperphosphatemia is, therefore, thought to be fundamental for control of SHPT. Currently, a combination of a VDRA and a calcimimetic is recognized as the optimal strategy for SHPT, and for other outcomes such as reduced cardiovascular disease and improved survival. The latest findings on the pathogenesis and treatment of SHPT are summarized in this review.
Concurrent assessment of urban environment and cardiometabolic risk over 10 years in a middle‐aged population‐based cohort
Authors: Daniel Mark , Carroll Suzanne J. , Niyonsenga Theophile , Piggott Ellie J. , Taylor Anne , Coffee Neil T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInference regarding the impact of urban areas on health is limited by cross‐sectional studies assessing few dimensions and ignoring area‐level socio‐economic status. This study simultaneously assessed several dimensions of the built environment against incident cardiometabolic risk (CMR) arising over 10 years. It tested the hypothesis that, accounting for local area relative wealth, features of the built environment would not predict incident CMR. Initially, disease‐free adults in a biomedical cohort in Adelaide, Australia, provided address and clinical data over three waves of follow‐up. CMR was defined as the count of five clinical CMR factors. Built environment measures were derived for urban form, and natural, and food environments. Local area wealth was expressed using the relative location factor index. Poisson growth models accounting for within‐suburb clustering, age, sex, and education were used to estimate associations between built environment measures and increasing CMR. Fitted linear trajectories had statistically significant mean values of intercepts and slopes. CMR trajectories were associated with age, male sex, and low education. In models including measures of the food, natural, and urban form environments, per standard deviation increase, only POS count predicted incident CMR, which was more strongly predicted by relative location factor. Not accounting for local area socio‐economic status may overestimate the strength of relationships between health and the built environment. Inequity in accessible POS is robustly related to incident CMR.
When your resume is (not) turning you down: Modelling ethnic bias in resume screening
Authors: Derous Eva , Ryan Ann Marie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractResume screening is the first hurdle applicants typically face when they apply for a job. Despite the many empirical studies showing bias at the resume‐screening stage, fairness at this funnelling stage has not been reviewed systematically. In this paper, a three‐stage model of biased resume screening is presented. We first discuss relevant theoretical perspectives (e.g., job market signalling and impression formation theories) to explain why resume screening is vulnerable to biased decision‐making and ethnic discrimination in particular. On the basis of the best available evidence, we consider contingencies of ethnic discrimination in the applicant, the decision‐maker, and the broader context (e.g., organisation), as well as the effectiveness of interventions that might counter ethnic bias in resume screening. The paper ends with a critical agenda for further research and practice.
Advancing mite phylogenomics: Designing ultraconserved elements for Acari phylogeny
Authors: Van Dam Matthew H. , Trautwein Michelle , Spicer Greg S. , Esposito Lauren 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMites (Acari) are one of the most diverse groups of life on Earth; yet, their evolutionary relationships are poorly understood. Also, the resolution of broader arachnid phylogeny has been hindered by an underrepresentation of mite diversity in phylogenomic analyses. To further our understanding of Acari evolution, we design targeted ultraconserved genomic elements (UCEs) probes, intended for resolving the complex relationships between mite lineages and closely related arachnids. We then test our Acari UCE baits in‐silico by constructing a phylogeny using 13 existing Acari genomes, as well as 6 additional taxa from a variety of genomic sources. Our Acari‐specific probe kit improves the recovery of loci within mites over an existing general arachnid UCE probe set. Our initial phylogeny recovers the major mite lineages, yet finds mites to be non‐monophyletic overall, with Opiliones (harvestmen) and Ricinuleidae (hooded tickspiders) rendering Parasitiformes paraphyletic.
Efficacy and toxicities of gemcitabine and cisplatin combined with endostar in advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yang , Nie Jun , Dai Ling , Hu Weiheng , Chen Xiaoling , Han Jindi , Ma Xiangjuan , Tian Guangming , Han Sen , Long Jieran , Zhang Ziran , Fang Jian 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare thymic epithelial tumors. We investigated the efficacy of first‐line gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy versus gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with the anti‐angiogenic drug endostar (GP + E) in advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma.MethodsThe records of 45 patients with invasive metastatic thymomas or thymic carcinomas treated with GP as first‐line therapy between August 2008 and July 2017 at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsEighteen patients (75%) in the GP + E group achieved a partial response and six (25%) had stable disease. In GP only group, nine (42.8%) patients achieved a partial response, 11 (52.4%) had stable disease, and one (4.8%) had progressive disease. The GP + E group had a significantly higher overall response rate (75% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.028), and median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 19 and 76 months, respectively. In the GP only group, median PFS and OS were 16 and 29 months, respectively. PFS and OS were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsGP has moderate efficacy and could represent a suitable first‐line therapy for thymic carcinoma and thymoma. Chemotherapy combined with endostar could improve the overall response rate, but did not prolong PFS or OS.
Favorable 10‐year outcomes of image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy combined with long‐term androgen deprivation for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Tomita Natsuo , Soga Norihito , Ogura Yuji , Furusawa Jun , Tanaka Hiroshi , Koide Yutaro , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodira Takeshi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate 10‐year outcomes of high‐dose image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IG‐IMRT) combined with long‐term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 208 Japanese patients with T1–4N0M0 prostate cancer, who underwent definitive IG‐IMRT from 2006 to 2010 at our single institution. The median dose was 78 Gy (74–78) and median ADT time was 32 months (6–151). The risk stratification followed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. A biochemical relapse was defined as nadir plus 2.0 ng/mL. Toxicity was scored with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group morbidity scale.ResultsThe median follow‐up time was 102 months. For low‐, intermediate‐, high‐, and very‐high‐risk groups, the 10‐year biochemical disease‐free survival rates were 100%, 84%, 90%, and 72%, respectively (P = 0.008); clinical relapse‐free survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 81%, respectively (P < 0.001); and cancer‐specific survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 89%, respectively (P = 0.13). The independent prognostic factors influencing biochemical relapse were younger age, Gleason score ≥ 8, and radiation dose < 78 Gy in the multivariate analysis (P = 0.006, 0.014, and 0.013). The 10‐year cumulative incidence of late grade 2 or higher gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were 12% and 13%, respectively. No events of grade 4 or 5 were observed.ConclusionsThis study suggest that high‐dose IG‐IMRT combined with long‐term ADT is effective and implementable, leading to excellent 10‐year outcomes for Japanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a Western Australian population: Ten‐year retrospective case‐note analysis
Authors: Arulpragasam Kaushalya , Hyanes Grace , Epee‐Bekima Mathias 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundEmergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) is a life‐saving obstetric procedure reserved for conditions where medical treatment and conservative surgery have failed. EPH is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.AimTo examine the incidence, indications, risk factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes of EPH in a tertiary hospital in Western Australia (WA).MethodologyA retrospective case‐note analysis of all cases of EPH performed at King Edward Memorial Hospital in WA between the years 2006 and 2016. The incidence, indications, risk factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes were reviewed. All cases were ascertained via our hospital obstetric database.ResultsA total of 72 cases of EPH were identified among 64 999 births. The incidence of EPH in WA was 1.1 per 1000 deliveries. Abnormal placentation was the main indication for EPH accounting for 66.7% of cases. Among women undergoing an EPH, 22.2% had a history of one previous caesarean section and 33.3% had two or more caesarean sections, respectively. Maternal morbidity was significant. There was one cardiac arrest secondary to hypovolaemia, and 84% of the women received blood transfusions with more than half of these women meeting the criteria for massive transfusion protocol (≥4 units of packed red cells). Urinary tract injury and venous thromboembolism were some of the other complications among our cohort of women.ConclusionEPH is associated with significant morbidity. Our study identifies abnormal placentation as the leading cause of EPH.
Can abnormal dispersion of ventricular repolarization be a predictor of mortality in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: The importance of Tp‐e interval
Authors: Cekirdekci Elif Ijlal , Bugan Barış 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and specific ventricular pathology. Repolarization abnormalities, the significant contributor to life‐threatening arrhythmias and mortality, are frequently observed ECG changes in patients with ARVC.This study aimed to evaluate the changes in Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT, Tp‐e/QTc ratio, and traditional electrocardiographic features of electrical dispersion in patients with ARVC.MethodsA total of 105 participants were enrolled in the current study. The ARVC group consisted of 40 subjects (30 men, with a median of 35 (26–41) years), and the control group included of 65 age and sex‐matched individuals (42 men, with a median of 37 (24–45) years). The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were measured by the 12‐lead electrocardiogram.ResultsTp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in ARVC patients compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). Tp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were significantly increased in deceased ARVC patients compared to the survival group (p = 0.038, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.032, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, RV‐FAC and cTp‐e interval level (p < 0.05 for each parameter) were associated with all‐cause mortality [odds ratio 1.747 95% CI (1.012–3.018); p = 0.045 and odds ratio 1.166, 95% CI (1.017–1.336); p = 0.027, respectively].ConclusionTp‐e interval, cTp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were prolonged in patients with NC. We revealed that abnormal dispersion of ventricular repolarization suggests the increased risk of mortality in ARVC.
Bilateral mini‐thoracotomy approach for minimally invasive implantation of HeartMate 3
Authors: Carrozzini Massimiliano , Bejko Jonida , Gerosa Gino , Bottio Tomaso 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLeft ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an established option for the treatment of end‐stage heart failure. Last‐generation devices are characterized by a miniaturized pump size, allowing for intra‐pericardial placement. This feature enabled the introduction of less‐invasive implantation techniques, which have been linked to many favorable effects. The HeartMate 3 LVAD is a continuous‐flow centrifugal pump, recently introduced for clinical use. Here, we describe the minimally invasive implantation of the HeartMate 3 through a bilateral mini‐thoracotomy.