bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of cord blood unit sterility testing: impact of dilution, analysis delay, and inhibitory substances
Authors: Girard Mélissa , Laforce‐Lavoie Audrey , de Grandmont Marie Joëlle , Cayer Marie‐Pierre , Fournier Diane , Delage Gilles , Thibault Louis 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDDifferent methods are used by cord blood banks to prepare samples for sterility testing. Suboptimal methods can result in the release of contaminated products. In our organization, samples are prepared by diluting the final product in RPMI‐1640 medium. In this work, we have compared our method with different approaches to verify whether optimization should be sought.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSCord blood units (n = 6 units per bacterial strain) characterized to contain inhibitory substances or not were inoculated (10 colony‐forming units/mL) with Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, or Bacteroides fragilis. After plasma and red blood cell removal, stem cell concentrates were diluted in RPMI‐1640, thioglycollate, or the unit's plasma. These products, as well as final product, plasma, and red blood cell fractions, were held from 0 to 72 hours at 20 to 24°C before inoculation in culture bottles and detection using the BacT/ALERT 3D system.RESULTSDilution of cell concentrates in RPMI‐1640 allowed bacterial detection in 93.3% of noninhibitory cord blood samples after a 24‐hour storage period. Thioglycollate medium better promoted bacterial growth in inhibitory cord blood samples that were held for 72 hours before testing (66.7%) compared with RPMI‐1640 (45.0%). Less than 33% of all spiked plasma samples were detected by the BacT/ALERT 3D system.CONCLUSIONDiluting cord blood samples in culture medium containing bacterial growth promoting substances is a suitable option for sterility testing, whereas the use of plasma should be proscribed, because it might lead to false‐negative results. Because inhibitory substances affect bacterial growth, inoculation of culture bottles should be done rapidly after sample preparation.
Angiopoietin‐1 and angiopoietin‐2 protect porcine iliac endothelial cells from human antibody‐mediated complement‐dependent cytotoxicity through phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase/AKT pathway activation
Authors: Gao Hanchao , Chen Pengfei , Wei Ling , Xu Jia , Liu Lu , Zhao Yanli , Hara Hidetaka , Pan Dengke , Li Zesong , Cooper David K.C. , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCytokines play crucial roles in inflammation, but their role in xenotransplantation remains elusive. We assessed the role of several cytokines using an in vitro model of human antibody‐mediated complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Recombinant human angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) protected porcine iliac endothelial cells (PIECs) from human antibody‐mediated CDC. Interestingly, human angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) had a similar protective effect on PIECs. By flow cytometry analysis, the extent of human IgM and IgG binding to PIECs did not decrease when PIECs were exposed to Ang‐1/Ang‐2. The mRNA level of complement regulators (CD46, CD55, CD59) was not upregulated in PIECs treated with Ang‐1/Ang‐2, both of which activated the PI3K/AKT pathway in PIECs. Wortmannin, which inhibits phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), suppressed Ang‐1/Ang‐2‐induced AKT phosphorylation and consequent Ang‐1/Ang‐2‐mediated protection of PIECs in human antibody‐mediated CDC model. Moreover, dominant negative AKT also suppressed Ang‐1/Ang‐2‐mediated protection of PIECs in this model. In conclusion, our data suggest that human Ang‐1/Ang‐2 induces the protection of PIECs from human antibody‐mediated CDC by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Ang‐1/Ang‐2 is likely to protect porcine endothelial cells and may be beneficial in xenotransplantation research.
The angiotensin II receptor type 1b is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pires Paulo W. , Ko Eun‐A. , Pritchard Harry A.T. , Rudokas Michael , Yamasaki Evan , Earley Scott 
Published: May 2017

Key points
The angiotensin II receptor type 1b (AT1Rb) is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral arteries.
Pressure or membrane‐stretch induced stimulation of AT1Rb activates the TRPM4 channel and results in inward transient cation currents that depolarize smooth muscle cells, leading to vasoconstriction.
Activation of either AT1Ra or AT1Rb with angiotensin II stimulates TRPM4 currents in cerebral artery myocytes and vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries.
The expression of AT1Rb mRNA is ∼30‐fold higher than AT1Ra in whole cerebral arteries and ∼45‐fold higher in isolated cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.
Higher levels of expression are likely to account for the obligatory role of AT1Rb for pressure‐induced vasoconstriction.
AbstractMyogenic vasoconstriction, which reflects the intrinsic ability of smooth muscle cells to contract in response to increases in intraluminal pressure, is critically important for the autoregulation of blood flow. In smooth muscle cells from cerebral arteries, increasing intraluminal pressure engages a signalling cascade that stimulates cation influx through transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channels to cause membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction. Substantial evidence indicates that the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) is inherently mechanosensitive and initiates this signalling pathway. Rodents express two types of AT1R – AT1Ra and AT1Rb – and conflicting studies provide support for either isoform as the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in peripheral arteries. We hypothesized that mechanical activation of AT1Ra increases TRPM4 currents to induce myogenic constriction of cerebral arteries. However, we found that development of myogenic tone was greater in arteries from AT1Ra knockout animals compared with controls. In patch‐clamp experiments using native cerebral arterial myocytes, membrane stretch‐induced cation currents were blocked by the TRPM4 inhibitor 9‐phenanthrol in both groups. Further, the AT1R blocker losartan (1 μm) diminished myogenic tone and blocked stretch‐induced cation currents in cerebral arteries from both groups. Activation of AT1R with angiotensin II (30 nm) also increased TRPM4 currents in smooth muscle cells and constricted cerebral arteries from both groups. Expression of AT1Rb mRNA was ∼30‐fold greater than AT1Ra in cerebral arteries, and knockdown of AT1Rb selectively diminished myogenic constriction. We conclude that AT1Rb, acting upstream of TRPM4 channels, is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain ELI 1980, Commercialized as a Biostimulant
Authors: Crovadore Julien , Xu Shoutao , Chablais Romain , Cochard Bastien , Lukito Delvia , Calmin Gautier , Lefort François 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequence of strain ELI 1980 of
Rhodopseudomonas palustris
, commercialized as a biostimulant for agriculture. The genome was reconstructed from the metagenome of a commercial product containing this strain as its major component.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus curvatus Strain WiKim38 Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Lee Se Hee , Jung Min Young , Song Jung-Hee , Lee Moeun , Chang Ji Yoon 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus curvatus
WiKim38 is a potential probiotic strain isolated from kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food. The complete genome of the WiKim38 strain consisted of a circular chromosome of 1,940,170 bp in length with a G+C content of 41.93%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Nitrobacter vulgaris Strain Ab
1
, a Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacterium
Authors: Mellbye Brett L. , Davis Edward W. , Spieck Eva , Chang Jeff H. , Bottomley Peter J. , Sayavedra-Soto Luis A. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the 3.9-Mb draft genome sequence of
Nitrobacter vulgaris
strain Ab
1
, which was isolated from a sewage system in Hamburg, Germany. The analysis of its genome sequence will contribute to our knowledge of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria and acyl-homoserine lactone quorum sensing in nitrifying bacteria.
Resequencing the Genome of Bifidobacterium breve Strain CECT7263
Authors: Martínez Noelia , Luque Roberto , Olivares Mónica M. , Margolles Abelardo , Bañuelos Oscar 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The probiotic properties of
Bifidobacterium breve
CECT7263, as well as its safety, have been the focus of in several studies since 2008, including the sequencing of its genome in 2012. This study aims to complete the available genomic data to deepen the knowledge of some phenotypic characteristics of this strain.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strain NU14
Authors: Mehershahi Kurosh S. , Chen Swaine L. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is the most common bacterium causing urinary tract infections in humans. We report here the complete genome sequence of the uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
strain NU14, a clinical pyelonephritis isolate used for studying pathogenesis.
Why do patients seek primary medical care in emergency departments? An ethnographic exploration of access to general practice
Authors: MacKichan Fiona , Brangan Emer , Wye Lesley , Checkland Kath , Lasserson Daniel , Huntley Alyson , Morris Richard , Tammes Peter , Salisbury Chris , Purdy Sarah 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo describe how processes of primary care access influence decisions to seek help at the emergency department (ED).DesignEthnographic case study combining non-participant observation, informal and formal interviewing.SettingSix general practitioner (GP) practices located in three commissioning organisations in England.Participants and methodsReception areas at each practice were observed over the course of a working week (73 hours in total). Practice documents were collected and clinical and non-clinical staff were interviewed (n=19). Patients with recent ED use, or a carer if aged 16 and under, were interviewed (n=29).ResultsPast experience of accessing GP care recursively informed patient decisions about where to seek urgent care, and difficulties with access were implicit in patient accounts of ED use. GP practices had complicated, changeable systems for appointments. This made navigating appointment booking difficult for patients and reception staff, and engendered a mistrust of the system. Increasingly, the telephone was the instrument of demand management, but there were unintended consequences for access. Some patient groups, such as those with English as an additional language, were particularly disadvantaged, and the varying patient and staff semantic of words like ‘urgent’ and ‘emergency’ was exacerbated during telephone interactions. Poor integration between in-hours and out-of-hours care and patient perceptions of the quality of care accessible at their GP practice also informed ED use.ConclusionsThis study provides important insight into the implicit role of primary care access on the use of ED. Discourses around ‘inappropriate’ patient demand neglect to recognise that decisions about where to seek urgent care are based on experiential knowledge. Simply speeding up access to primary care or increasing its volume is unlikely to alleviate rising ED use. Systems for accessing care need to be transparent, perceptibly fair and appropriate to the needs of diverse patient groups.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio associated with disease activity in patients with Takayasu’s arteritis: a case-control study
Authors: Pan Lili , Du Juan , Li Taotao , Liao Hua 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundPlatelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been reported to reflect the inflammatory response and disease activity in a variety of autoimmune diseases.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the value of PLR and NLR as markers to monitor disease activity in Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK).MethodsA retrospective case–control study involving 88 patients with TAK and 78 healthy controls was performed. We compared the PLR and NLR between patients and healthy controls, and also analysed the correlations between PLR or NLR and indices of TAK disease activity.ResultsIncreased PLR and NLR were observed in patients with TAK. PLR was positively correlated with hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r=0.239, p=0.010) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r=0.270, p=0.010). NLR also exhibited a positive relationship with Kerr’s score (r=0.284, p=0.002), hs-CRP (r=0.313, p=0.006) and ESR (r=0.249, p=0.019). A PLR level of 183.39 was shown to be the predictive cut-off value for TAK (sensitivity 37.8%, specificity 93.0%, area under the curve (AUC)=0.691). A NLR level of 2.417 was found to be the predictive cut-off value for TAK (sensitivity 75.6%, specificity 55.8%, AUC=0.697).ConclusionsPLR and NLR could be useful markers to reflect inflammation and disease activity in patients with TAK.
Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) for male remand prisoners: protocol for development of a complex intervention and feasibility study (PRISM-A)
Authors: Holloway Aisha , Landale Sarah , Ferguson Jennifer , Newbury-Birch Dorothy , Parker Richard , Smith Pam , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionIn the UK, a significant proportion of male remand prisoners have alcohol problems. Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABIs) are an effective component of a population-level approach to harmful and hazardous drinking. ABIs have been shown to reduce the aggregate level of alcohol consumed and therefore reduce harm to the individual and to others. However, in relation to remand prisoners, there is no evidence as to how effective ABIs could be. The aims of this study are therefore to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an ABI for adult male remand prisoners and to develop an ABI for this group to be piloted in a future trial.Methods and analysisThe study will comprise three stages. Stage 1: a cross-sectional survey of adult male remand and convicted prisoners (n=500) at one Scottish prison and one English prison will be undertaken to assess acceptability and feasibility of delivering an ABI, as well as prevalence rates of harmful, hazardous and dependent drinking. Stage 2: in-depth interviews will be conducted with a sample of remand prisoners (n=24) who undertook the survey (n=12 in Scotland; n=12 in England). Two focus groups (one in Scotland and one in England) with six to eight key stakeholders associated with alcohol-related healthcare provision in prisons will be conducted to explore views on barriers, facilitators and levers to ABI delivery. Stage 3: through formal intervention mapping, the analysed data will inform the refinement of an acceptable ABI that is feasible to deliver to male remand prisoners.Ethics and disseminationThe project has been approved by the National Research Ethics Committee (NRES), National Offender Management System, Health Board Research and Development, Scottish Prison Service and ethics committee at The University of Edinburgh. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local, national and international conferences.
‘Our Care through Our Eyes’. Impact of a co-produced digital educational programme on nurses’ knowledge, confidence and attitudes in providing care for children and young people who have self-harmed: a mixed-methods study in the UK
Authors: Manning Joseph C , Carter Tim , Latif Asam , Horsley Angela , Cooper Joanne , Armstrong Marie , Crew Jamie , Wood Damian , Callaghan Patrick , Wharrad Heather 
Published: May 2017

Objectives(1) To determine the impact of a digital educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes, confidence and behavioural intention of registered children’s nurses working with children and young people (CYP) admitted with self-harm.(2) To explore the perceived impact, suitability and usefulness of the intervention.InterventionA digital educational intervention that had been co-produced with CYP service users, registered children’s nurses and academics.SettingA prospective, uncontrolled, intervention study with preintervention and postintervention measurement, conducted at a large acute NHS Trust in the UK.ParticipantsFrom a pool of 251 registered children’s nurses and 98 participants were recruited to complete the intervention (response rate=39%). At follow-up, 52% of participants completed the postintervention questionnaire, with 65% (n=33) of those reporting to have completed the digital educational intervention.Primary outcome measuresAttitude towards self-harm in CYP was measured using a 13-item questionnaire; knowledge of self-harm in CYP was measured through an adapted 12-item questionnaire; confidence in different areas of practice was measured through Likert Scale responses; self-efficacy for working with CYP who have self-harmed was measured through an adapted version of the Self-efficacy Towards Helping Scale; clinical behavioural intention was measured by the Continuing Professional Development Reaction Questionnaire. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with a purposive sample of participants.ResultsFor those who completed the intervention (n=33), improvements were observed in knowledge (effect size, ES: 0.69), confidence, and in some domains relating to attitudes (effectiveness domain-ES: 0.49), and clinical behavioural intention (belief about consequences-ES:0.49; moral norm-ES: 0.43; beliefs about capability-ES: 0.42). Qualitative findings suggest participants experienced skill development, feelings of empowerment and reflection on own practice.ConclusionsThe effect of the intervention is promising and demonstrates the potential it has in improving registered children’s nurse’s knowledge, confidence and attitudes. However, further testing is required to confirm this.
Feasibility of administrative data for studying complications after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Sheehan Katie Jane , Sobolev Boris , Guy Pierre , Tang Michael , Kuramoto Lisa , Belmont Philip , Blair James A , Sirett Susan , Morin Suzanne N , Griesdale Donald , Jaglal Susan , Bohm Eric , Sutherland Jason M , Beaupre Lauren 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThere is limited information in administrative databases on the occurrence of serious but treatable complications after hip fracture surgery. This study sought to determine the feasibility of identifying the occurrence of serious but treatable complications after hip fracture surgery from discharge abstracts by applying the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicator 4 (PSI-4) case-finding tool.MethodsWe obtained Canadian Institute for Health Information discharge abstracts for patients 65 years or older, who were surgically treated for non-pathological first hip fracture between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2012 in Canada, except for Quebec. We applied specifications of AHRQ Patient Safety Indicators 04, Version 5.0 to identify complications from hip fracture discharge abstracts.ResultsOut of 153 613 patients admitted with hip fracture, we identified 12 383 (8.1%) patients with at least one postsurgical complication. From patients with postsurgical complications, we identified 3066 (24.8%) patient admissions to intensive care unit. Overall, 7487 (4.9%) patients developed pneumonia, 1664 (1.1%) developed shock/myocardial infarction, 651 (0.4%) developed sepsis, 1862 (1.1%) developed deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and 1919 (1.3%) developed gastrointestinal haemorrhage/acute ulcer.ConclusionsWe report that 8.1% of patients developed at least one inhospital complication after hip fracture surgery in Canada between 2004 and 2012. The AHRQ PSI-4 case-finding tool can be considered to identify these serious complications for evaluation of postsurgical care after hip fracture.
A mixed methods survey of social anxiety, anxiety, depression and wig use in alopecia
Authors: Montgomery Kerry , White Caroline , Thompson Andrew 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine levels of social anxiety, anxiety and depression reported by people with alopecia as a result of a dermatological condition and associations with wig use. The study also sought to report on experiences of wearing wigs in social situations and the relationship with social confidence.DesignA cross-sectional survey was sent by email to the Alopecia UK charity mailing list and advertised on social media.ParticipantsInclusion criteria were a diagnosis of alopecia, aged 13 or above and sufficient English to complete the survey. Exclusion criteria included experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy treatment or psychological disorder. Participants (n=338) were predominantly female (97.3%), Caucasian (93.5%) and aged between 35 and 54 years (49.4%) with a diagnosis of alopecia areata (82.6%).Main outcome measuresThe Social Phobia Inventory measured symptoms of social anxiety, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure symptoms of anxiety and depression. Survey questions were designed to measure the use of wigs. Open-ended questions enabled participants to comment on their experiences of wearing wigs.ResultsClinically significant levels of social anxiety (47.5%), anxiety (35.5%) and depression (29%) were reported. Participants who reported worries about not wearing a wig reported significantly higher levels of depression: t(103)=3.40, p≤0.001; anxiety: t(109)=4.80, p≤0.001; and social anxiety: t(294)=3.89, p≤0.001. Wearing wigs was reported as increasing social confidence; however, the concealment it afforded was also reported as both reducing fear of negative evaluation and maintaining anxiety.DiscussionOverall, 46% of participants reported that wearing a wig had a positive impact on their everyday life with negative experiences related to fears of the wig being noticed. Psychological interventions alongside wig provision would be beneficial for people living with alopecia.
Prediction of corrosion fatigue crack initiation behavior of A7N01P-T4 aluminum alloy welded joints
Authors: An J. , Chen J. , Gou G. , Chen H. , Wang W. 
Published: May 2017

Through investigating the corrosion fatigue crack initiation behavior of A7N01P-T4 aluminum alloy welded joints in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, corrosion fatigue crack initiation life is formulated as [Formula: see text] and the mechanism of corrosion fatigue crack initiation is proposed. SEM and TEM tests revealed that several corrosion fatigue cracks formed asynchronously and the first crack does not necessarily develop into the leading crack. The uneven reticular dislocations produced by fatigue loading are prone to piling up and tangling near the grain boundaries or the second phases and form the “high dislocation-density region” (HDDR), which acts as an anode in microbatteries and dissolved to form small crack. Thus the etching pits, HDDR near the grain boundaries and second phases are confirmed as the main causes inducing the initiation of fatigue crack.