bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ω Subunit Governs RNA Polymerase Stability and Transcriptional Specificity in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Weiss Andy , Moore Brittney D. , Tremblay Miguel H. J. , Chaput Dale , Kremer Astrid , Shaw Lindsey N. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen that causes infection in a wide variety of sites within the human body. Its ability to adapt to the human host and to produce a successful infection requires precise orchestration of gene expression. While DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) is generally well characterized, the roles of several small accessory subunits within the complex have yet to be fully explored. This is particularly true for the omega (ω or RpoZ) subunit, which has been extensively studied in Gram-negative bacteria but largely neglected in Gram-positive counterparts. In
Escherichia coli
, it has been shown that ppGpp binding, and thus control of the stringent response, is facilitated by ω. Interestingly, key residues that facilitate ppGpp binding by ω are not conserved in
S. aureus
, and consequently, survival under starvation conditions is unaffected by
rpoZ
deletion. Further to this, ω-lacking strains of
S. aureus
display structural changes in the RNAP complex, which result from increased degradation and misfolding of the β′ subunit, alterations in δ and σ factor abundance, and a general dissociation of RNAP in the absence of ω. Through RNA sequencing analysis we detected a variety of transcriptional changes in the
rpoZ
-deficient strain, presumably as a response to the negative effects of ω depletion on the transcription machinery. These transcriptional changes translated to an impaired ability of the
rpoZ
mutant to resist stress and to fully form a biofilm. Collectively, our data underline, for the first time, the importance of ω for RNAP stability, function, and cellular physiology in
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE
In order for bacteria to adjust to changing environments, such as within the host, the transcriptional process must be tightly controlled. Transcription is carried out by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP). In addition to its major subunits (α
2
ββ′) a fifth, smaller subunit, ω, is present in all forms of life. Although this small subunit is well studied in eukaryotes and Gram-negative bacteria, only limited information is available for Gram-positive and pathogenic species. In this study, we investigated the structural and functional importance of ω, revealing key roles in subunit folding/stability, complex assembly, and maintenance of transcriptional integrity. Collectively, our data underline, for the first time, the importance of ω for RNAP function and cellular harmony in
S. aureus
.
Ataxia telangiectasia: presentation and diagnostic delay
Authors: Devaney Rebecca , Pasalodos Sara , Suri Mohnish , Bush Andy , Bhatt Jayesh M 
Published: November 2016

Background and aimsAtaxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare progressive, multisystem genetic disease. Families of children with ultra-rare diseases often experience significant diagnostic delays. We reviewed the diagnostic process for A-T in order to identify causes of delay in an attempt to facilitate earlier identification of A-T in the future.MethodsA retrospective case note review of 79 children at the National Paediatric A-T clinic seen since May 2009. Data were collected on the nature and age of initial symptoms, the age at first presentation, measurement of alpha feto-protein (AFP) and age of genetic diagnostic confirmation.ResultsAt presentation, 71 children (90%) had ataxia. The median presentation delay (from first parental concern to presentation) was 8 months (range 0–118 months), and the median diagnostic delay (genetic confirmation of diagnosis) was 12 months (range 1–109 months).ConclusionsThere are significant delays in presentation and diagnostic confirmation of A-T. A greater awareness of A-T and early measurement of AFP may help to improve this.
Estimating the weight of ethnically diverse children attending an Australian emergency department: a prospective, blinded, comparison of age-based and length-based tools including Mercy, PAWPER and Broselow
Authors: O'Leary Fenton , John-Denny Blessy , McGarvey Kathryn , Hann Alexandra , Pegiazoglou Ioannis , Peat Jennifer 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare the actual weights of Australian children in an ethnically diverse metropolitan setting with the predicted weights using the Paediatric Advanced Weight Prediction in the Emergency Room (PAWPER) tape, Broselow tape, Mercy system and calculated weights using the updated Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS), Luscombe and Owens and Best Guess formulae.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional, observational, blinded, convenience study conducted at the Children's Hospital at Westmead Paediatric Emergency Department in Sydney, Australia. Comparisons were made using Bland-Altman plots, mean difference, limits of agreement and estimated weight within 10% and 20% of actual weight.Results199 patients were enrolled in the study with a mean actual weight of 27.2 kg (SD 17.2). Length-based tools, with or without body habitus adjustment, performed better than age-based formulae. When measuring estimated weight within 10% of actual weight, PAWPER performed best with 73%, followed by Mercy (69%), PAWPER with no adjustment (62%), Broselow (60%), Best Guess (47%), Luscombe and Owens (41%) and revised APLS (40%). Mean difference was similar across all methods ranging from 0.4 kg (0.0, 0.9) for Mercy to −2.2 kg (−3.5, −0.9) for revised APLS. Limits of agreement were narrower for the length-based tools (−5.9, 6.8 Mercy; −8.3, 5.6 Broselow; −9.0, 7.1 PAWPER adjusted; −12.1, 9.2 PAWPER unadjusted) than the age-based formulae (−18.6, 17.4 Best Guess; −19.4, 15.1 revised APLS, −21.8, 17.7 Luscombe and Owens).ConclusionIn an ethnically diverse population, length-based methods with or without body habitus modification are superior to age-based methods for predicting actual body weight. Body habitus modifications increase the accuracy and precision slightly.
Injection therapies for plantar fasciopathy (‘plantar fasciitis’): a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 22 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Vasiliadis Haris S , Mavridis Dimitris 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of different injection therapies for plantar fasciopathy (historically known as ‘plantar fasciitis’).DesignSystematic review and network meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched up to 11 July 2015 for completed studies.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe considered randomised trials comparing various injection therapies in adults with plantar fasciopathy. The primary outcome was pain relief. Secondary outcomes included functional disability, composite and health-related outcomes. All outcomes were assessed (1) in the short term (up to 2 months), (2) the intermediate term (2–6 months) and (3) the medium term (more than 6 months to 2 years). Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.ResultsWe included 22 trials comprising 1216 patients. Dehydrated amniotic membrane injections were significantly superior to corticosteroids in the short term in achieving the primary and composite outcomes (mean difference (MD) in visual analogue scale (VAS) was −7.32, 95% CIs −11.2 to −3.38; and MD in the foot health status questionnaire was 31.2, 95% CIs 13.9 to 48.6, respectively). For pain relief, botulinum toxin-A provided a significant short-term advantage over placebo, which was still present at 6 months (MD in VAS was −2.9, 95% CIs −4.44 to −1.39; and MD −4.34, 95% CIs −7.18 to −1.54, respectively).SummaryAlthough the dehydrated amniotic membrane provided significant clinical relief at 0–2 months, there were no data about this treatment at 2 months and beyond. Botulinum toxin-A injections significantly reduced pain intensity at 0–6 months.Systematic review registration numberCRD42015017353.
Total sitting time and the risk of incident diabetes in Danish adults (the DANHES cohort) over 5 years: a prospective study
Authors: Petersen Christina B , Bauman Adrian , Tolstrup Janne S 
Published: November 2016

AimsTo test the hypothesis that total sitting time is associated with incident diabetes, after adjustment for physical activity and obesity.Methods72 608 Danish adults from the DANHES cohort reported their total sitting time in 2007–2008 and were followed-up for 5 years, in relation to register-based incident diabetes mellitus. Cox regression analyses were used, and the effect-modifying influence of obesity and physical activity assessed.ResultsThe age-sex adjusted HR for developing diabetes among those who sat 10+ h/day as compared to <6 h/day was 1.35 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.57). The relative risks were similar by gender, but were largely attenuated by adjustment for potential confounding factors including physical activity, and statistically non-significant for all categories of body mass index except the obese.ConclusionsThe association between total sitting time and incident diabetes is substantially moderated by physical activity and obesity. Total sitting time remains a risk factor for diabetes only in inactive and obese populations.
Patient engagement with infection management in secondary care: a qualitative investigation of current experiences
Authors: Rawson Timothy M , Moore Luke S P , Hernandez Bernard , Castro-Sanchez Enrique , Charani Esmita , Georgiou Pantelis , Ahmad Raheelah , Holmes Alison H 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo understand patient engagement with decision-making for infection management in secondary care and the consequences associated with current practices.DesignA qualitative investigation using in-depth focus groups.ParticipantsFourteen members of the public who had received antimicrobials from secondary care in the preceding 12 months in the UK were identified for recruitment. Ten agreed to participate. All participants had experience of infection management in secondary care pathways across a variety of South-East England healthcare institutes. Study findings were subsequently tested through follow-up focus groups with 20 newly recruited citizens.ResultsParticipants reported feelings of disempowerment during episodes of infection in secondary care. Information is communicated in a unilateral manner with individuals ‘told’ that they have an infection and will receive an antimicrobial (often unnamed), leading to loss of ownership, frustration, anxiety and ultimately distancing them from engaging with decision-making. This poor communication drives individuals to seek information from alternative sources, including online, which is associated with concerns over reliability and individualisation. Failures in communication and information provision by clinicians in secondary care influence individuals’ future ideas about infections and their management. This alters their future actions towards antimicrobials and can drive prescription non-adherence and loss to follow-up.ConclusionsCurrent infection management and antimicrobial prescribing practices in secondary care fail to engage patients with the decision-making process. Secondary care physicians must not view infection management episodes as discrete events, but as cumulative experiences which have the potential to shape future patient behaviour and understanding of antimicrobial use.
Federal actions to incentivise state adoption of 0.08 g/dL blood alcohol concentration laws
Authors: Tung Gregory J , Vernick Jon S , Stuart Elizabeth A , Webster Daniel W , Gielen Andrea C 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo model rates of 0.08 g/dL blood alcohol concentration (BAC) per se law implementation among the states associated with (1) a federal incentive grant programme and (2) a threat from the federal government to withhold highway transportation funds.MethodsAn observational study of state-level 0.08 g/dL BAC per se law enactment among all 50 US states from 1982 to 2006 using a parametric survival analysis to assess the time-dependent risk of policy enactment.ResultsThe federal government's threat to withhold transportation funds was associated with a 10.30 times greater hazard (HR: 10.30, 95% CI 3.88 to 27.36) of states adopting a 0.08 g/dL BAC law compared with periods of time when this threat was not in place. The incentive grant programme created by the federal government was associated with a non-significant 17% decrease in the hazard of states adopting a 0.08 g/dL BAC law (HR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.0).ConclusionIn the case of 0.08 g/dL BAC per se laws, the federal government's threat to withhold transportation funds was effective at accelerating policy adoption.
Cytographic changes on BC-6800 Haematological Analyzer related to the presence ofCandida albicansin peripheral blood. A new tool to suspect candidemia?
Authors: La Gioia Antonio , Devito Alessandra , Fiorini Fabiana , Bombara Maria , Isola Patrizia , Spinale Barbara , Francioni Lucia , Salamone Domenico , Marelli Paola , Buoro Sabrina , Fiorini Marcello 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundWe studied the quantitative and cytographic changes that the presence ofCandida albicans(C. albicans) in peripheral blood (PB) samples causes on the Mindray BC-6800 Haematological Analyzer.MethodsA simulated in vitro candidemia was obtained by adding a different amount ofC. albicansto discarded remnants of PB samples. Quantitative data and cytographic features were evaluated immediately as well as after 120 and 240 min of the yeast addition. A microscopic slides review was even performed at the same time.ResultsAfter yeasts addition, an increase of total leucocytes, neutrophils and basophils have been observed, but these increases are not certainly descriptive ofC. albicanspresence.Instead, extracellular blastospores cause a false increase in nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs), which appear as a new population in the specific counting channel for erytroblasts (NRBC channel). Regardless of the numbers,C. albicansform a pseudo-erythroblastic cluster in the NRBC channel whose resulting shape is so different than the ‘normal’ nRBC that it demands a microscopic review. Even cytographic changes related with the neutrophilic phagocytic activity have been observed on leucocyte's differential count citogram (DIFF) of the BC-6800.ConclusionsOur observations suggest that the results of the BC-6800, which are due toC. albicans' presence, might be useful to speculate earlier diagnosis of sepsis.
Solitary fibrous tumour of the genitourinary tract: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases and their association with theNAB2-STAT6fusion gene
Authors: Kouba Erik , Simper Novae B , Chen Shaoxiong , Williamson Sean R , Grignon David J , Eble John N , MacLennan Gregory T , Montironi Rodolfo , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Osunkoya Adeboye O , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Mingsheng , Wang Lisha , Tran Thu , Emerson Robert E , Baldrige Lee Ann , Monn M Francesca , Linos Konstantinos , Cheng Liang 
Published: November 2016

AimsTo characterise clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours, incorporatingNAB2-STAT6gene fusion status.MethodsThe presence of the molecular hallmarkNAB2-STAT6gene fusion and for the defining fusion partner product STAT6 was assessed in 11 cases of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours.NAB2-STAT6gene fusion analysis was performed using a break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probe using a probe cocktail with Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones forSTAT6andNAB2.ResultsEleven solitary fibrous tumours were diagnosed in eight male patients and three female patients with a mean age of 46 years (range: 11–64 years). Four of the tumours had malignant histological features, and three were considered moderate risk for metastasis. With a mean follow-up time of 61 months, 1 recurred locally and 2 presented at distant metastatic sites. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found theNAB2-STAT6gene fusion and nuclear STAT6 expression in 58% and 91% of cases, respectively. However, theNAB2-STAT6fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between malignant histological features or subsequent clinical outcomes in the genitourinary solitary fibrous tumours.ConclusionsA subset of solitary fibrous tumours of the genitourinary tract behaved aggressively. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found theNAB2-STAT6gene fusion in 64% of cases. However, theNAB2-STAT6fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between low-risk or high-risk tumours and subsequent clinical outcomes.
Thrombogenicity of flow diverters in an ex vivo shunt model: effect of phosphorylcholine surface modification
Authors: Hagen Matthew W , Girdhar Gaurav , Wainwright John , Hinds Monica T 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundFlow diverters offer a promising treatment for cerebral aneurysms. However, they have associated thromboembolic risks, mandating chronic dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Shield Technology is a phosphorylcholine surface modification of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) flow diverter, which has shown significant reductions in material thrombogenicity in vitro.ObjectiveTo compare the thrombogenicity of PED, PED with Shield Technology (PED+Shield), and the Flow-Redirection Endoluminal Device (FRED)—with and without single antiplatelet therapy and DAPT—under physiological flow.MethodsAn established non-human primate ex vivo arteriovenous shunt model of stent thrombosis was used. PED, PED+Shield, and FRED were tested without antiplatelet therapy, with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) monotherapy, and with DAPT. Radiolabeled platelet deposition was quantified over 1 hour for each device and total fibrin deposition was also quantified.ResultsCumulative statistical analysis showed significantly lower platelet deposition on PED compared with FRED. The same statistical model showed significant decreases in platelet deposition when ASA, clopidogrel, or Shield Technology was used. Direct comparisons of device performances within antiplatelet conditions showed consistent significant decreases in platelet accumulation on PED+Shield relative to FRED. PED+Shield showed significant reductions in platelet deposition compared with unmodified PED without antiplatelet therapy and with DAPT. PED accumulated minimal fibrin with and without Shield Technology.ConclusionsIn this preclinical model, we have shown that the Shield Technology phosphorylcholine modification reduces the platelet-specific thrombogenicity of a flow diverter under physiologically relevant flow with and without DAPT. We have further identified increased fibrin-driven thrombogenicity associated with FRED relative to PED.
Analysis of vertebral augmentation practice patterns: a 2016 update
Authors: Hirsch Joshua A , Chandra Ronil V , Pampati Vidsysagar , Barr John D , Brook Allan L , Manchikanti Laxmaiah 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate procedure utilization patterns for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty in the US Medicare population from 2004 to 2014.MethodsThe analysis was performed using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database of specialty utilization files for the fee for service (FFS) Medicare population.ResultsThe FFS Medicare population increased by 28% with an annual increase of 2.5% from 2004 to 2014. Utilization of vertebroplasty procedures decreased by 63% with an average annual decrease of 9.5% from 2004 to 2014 per 100 000 FFS Medicare beneficiaries. During the same time period, kyphoplasty procedures decreased by a total of 10%, with an average annual decrease of 1.3%. For augmentation generally (combined vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty data) there was thus an overall decrease in the rate per 100 000 Medicare population of 32% from 2004 to 2014, with an average annual decrease of 4.8%. The majority of vertebroplasty procedures were performed by radiologists whereas the majority of kyphoplasties were performed by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.ConclusionsThere has been a significant decline in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures in the FFS Medicare population between 2004 and 2014.
Global embeddings and hydrodynamic properties of Kerr black hole
Authors: Hong Soon-Tae 
Published: November 2016

In the presence of a rotating Kerr black hole, we investigate hydrodynamics of the massive particles and massless photons to construct relations among number density, pressure and internal energy density of the massive particles and photons around the rotating Kerr black hole and to study an accretion onto the black hole. On equatorial plane of the Kerr black hole, we investigate the bound orbits of the massive particles and photons around the black hole to produce their radial, azimuthal and precession frequencies. With these frequencies, we study the black holes GRO J1655-40 and 4U 1543-47 to explicitly obtain the radial, azimuthal and precession frequencies of the massive particles in the flow of perfect fluid. We next consider the massive particles in the stable circular orbit of radius of 1.0 ly around the supernovas SN 1979C, SN 1987A and SN 2213-1745 in the Kerr curved spacetime, and around the potential supermassive Schwarzschild black holes M87, NGC 3115, NGC 4594, NGC 3377, NGC 4258, M31, M32 and Galatic center, to estimate their radial and azimuthal frequencies, which are shown to be the same results as those in no precession motion. The photon unstable orbit is also discussed in terms of the impact parameter of the photon trajectory. Finally, on the equatorial plane of the Kerr black hole, we construct the global flat embedding structures possessing (9 + 3) dimensionalities outside and inside the event horizon of the rotating Kerr black hole. Moreover, on the plane, we investigate the warp products of the Kerr spacetime.
A POD-Based Variational Multiscale Method for Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Channel Flows
Authors: Chen Lin-Feng , Hu Xu-Qu 
Published: November 2016

A POD-based variational multiscale method (VMM) for large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent channel flows is proposed. The incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved using a residual-based VMM technique, and the residual-based model coefficient is adopted from Taylor et al. [1998] “Finite element modeling of blood flow in arteries,” Comput. Methods in Appl. Mech. Eng. 158(1–2), 155–196. A generalized-[Formula: see text] method is applied for the temporal integration. Numerical results show that four or higher wall-normal modes need to be applied for reproducing most of the turbulent characteristics. Results of large vortex structures and the low velocity streaks prove that the turbulent channel flows are well estimated by the proposed approach. The statistical analysis of the turbulent velocities confirms its reliability in turbulent channel flows.