bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Symbiont
Bacteroides fragilis
Secretes a Eukaryotic-Like Ubiquitin Protein That Mediates Intraspecies Antagonism
Authors: Chatzidaki-Livanis Maria , Coyne Michael J. , Roelofs Kevin G. , Gentyala Rahul R. , Caldwell Jarreth M. , Comstock Laurie E. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Human gut
Bacteroides
species produce different types of toxins that antagonize closely related members of the gut microbiota. Some are toxic effectors delivered by type VI secretion systems, and others are non-contact-dependent secreted antimicrobial proteins. Many strains of
Bacteroides fragilis
secrete antimicrobial molecules, but only one of these toxins has been described to date (
Bacteroidales
secreted antimicrobial protein 1 [BSAP-1]). In this study, we describe a novel secreted protein produced by
B. fragilis
strain 638R that mediated intraspecies antagonism. Using transposon mutagenesis and deletion mutation, we identified a gene encoding a eukaryotic-like ubiquitin protein (BfUbb) necessary for toxin activity against a subset of
B. fragilis
strains. The addition of
ubb
into a heterologous background strain conferred toxic activity on that strain. We found this gene to be one of the most highly expressed in the
B. fragilis
genome. The mature protein is 84% similar to human ubiquitin but has an N-terminal signal peptidase I (SpI) signal sequence and is secreted extracellularly. We found that the mature 76-amino-acid synthetic protein has very potent activity, confirming that BfUbb mediates the activity. Analyses of human gut metagenomic data sets revealed that
ubb
is present in 12% of the metagenomes that have evidence of
B. fragilis
. As 638R produces both BSAP-1 and BfUbb, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the toxin activity of BSAP-1 and BfUbb against a set of 40
B. fragilis
strains, revealing that 75% of
B. fragilis
strains are targeted by one or the other of these two secreted proteins of strain 638R.

IMPORTANCE
We are just beginning to understand some of the important interactions that occur between microbes of the human gut microbiota that dictate the composition and abundance of its constituent members. The ability of one member to produce molecules that directly kill a coresident member has been shown among minor gut species and is just starting to be studied in the abundant
Bacteroides
species. Here, we show that some strains of
Bacteroides fragilis
have acquired a gene encoding a secreted eukaryotic-like ubiquitin protein with potent inhibitory activity against other
B. fragilis
stains. This is the first bacterially encoded ubiquitin-like molecule shown to function like a bacterial toxin. This molecule is an example of a gut symbiont acquiring and adapting a eukaryotic molecule likely to increase its competitiveness in the mammalian gut. Understanding antagonistic factors produced by abundant gut symbionts is an important prerequisite to properly engineer strains to colonize the gut for health benefits.
Thirty-year trends in the prevalence and severity of female genital mutilation: a comparison of 22 countries
Authors: Koski Alissa , Heymann Jody 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionFemale genital mutilation (FGM) harms women’s health and well-being and is widely considered a violation of human rights. The United Nations has called for elimination of the practice by 2030.MethodsWe used household survey data to measure trends in the prevalence of FGM in 22 countries. We also examined trends in the severity of the practice by measuring changes in the prevalence of flesh removal, infibulation and symbolic ‘nicking’ of the genitals. We evaluated the extent to which measurement error may have influenced our estimates by observing the consistency of reports for the same birth cohorts over successive survey waves.ResultsThe prevalence of all types of FGM fell in 17 of 22 countries we examined. The vast majority of women who undergo FGM have flesh removed from their genitals, likely corresponding to the partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia. Infibulation is still practised throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its prevalence has declined in most countries, but in Chad, Mali and Sierra Leone the prevalence has increased by 2–8 percentage points over 30 years. Symbolic nicking of the genitals is relatively rare but becoming more common in Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea and Mali.ConclusionFGM is becoming less common over time, but it remains a pervasive practice in some countries: more than half of women in 7 of the 22 countries we examined still experience FGM. The severity of the procedures has not changed substantially over time. Rigorous evaluation of interventions aimed at eliminating or reducing the harms associated with the practice is needed.
Study of depression influencing factors with zero-inflated regression models in a large-scale population survey
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhu Guangjin , Han Shaomei 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThe number of depression symptoms can be considered as count data in order to get complete and accurate analyses findings in studies of depression. This study aims to compare the goodness of fit of four count outcomes models by a large survey sample to identify the optimum model for a risk factor study of the number of depression symptoms.Methods15 820 subjects, aged 10 to 80 years old, who were not suffering from serious chronic diseases and had not run a high fever in the past 15 days, agreed to take part in this survey; 15 462 subjects completed all the survey scales. The number of depression symptoms was the sum of the ‘positive’ responses of seven depression questions. Four count outcomes models and a logistic model were constructed to identify the optimum model of the number of depression symptoms.ResultsThe mean number of depression symptoms was 1.37±1.55. The over-dispersion test statisticOwas 308.011. The alpha dispersion parameter was 0.475 (95% CI 0.443 to 0.508), which was significantly larger than 0. The Vuong test statisticZwas 6.782 and the P value was <0.001, which showed that there were too many zero counts to be accounted for with traditional negative binomial distribution. The zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model had the largest log likelihood and smallest AIC and BIC, suggesting best goodness of fit. In addition, predictive probabilities for many counts in the ZINB model fitted the observed counts best.ConclusionsAll fitting test statistics and the predictive probability curve produced the same findings that the ZINB model was the best model for fitting the number of depression symptoms, assessing both the presence or absence of depression and its severity.
Impact of inhalational versus intravenous anaesthesia on early delirium and long-term survival in elderly patients after cancer surgery: study protocol of a multicentre, open-label, and randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Hui-Juan , Wang Dong-Xin , Jia Hui-Qun , Sun Xu-De , Pan Ling-Hui , Ye Qing-Shan , Ouyang Wen , Jia Zhen , Zhang Fang-Xiang , Guo Yong-Qing , Ai Yan-Qiu , Zhao Bin-Jiang , Yang Xu-Dong , Zhang Qin-Gong , Yin Ning , Tan Hong-Yu , Liu Zhi-Heng , Yu Jian-Bo , Ma Daqing 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionElderly patients who have solid organ cancer often receive surgery. Some of them may develop delirium after surgery and delirium development is associated with worse outcomes. Furthermore, despite all of the advances in medical care, the long-term survival in cancer patients is far from optimal. Evidences suggest that choice of anaesthetics during surgery, that is, either inhalational or intravenous anaesthetics, may influence outcomes. However, the impact of general anaesthesia type on the occurrence of postoperative delirium is inconclusive. Although retrospective studies suggest that propofol-based intravenous anaesthesia was associated with longer survival after cancer surgery when compared with inhalational anaesthesia, prospective studies as such are still lacking. The purposes of this randomised controlled trial are to test the hypotheses that when compared with sevoflurane-based inhalational anaesthesia, propofol-based intravenous anaesthesia may reduce the incidence of early delirium and prolong long-term survival in elderly patients after major cancer surgery.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms. 1200 elderly patients (≥65 years but <90 years) who are scheduled to undergo major cancer surgery (with predicted duration ≥2 hours) are randomised to receive either sevoflurane-based inhalational anaesthesia or propofol-based intravenous anaesthesia. Other anaesthetics and supplemental drugs including sedatives, opioids and muscle relaxants are administered in both arms according to routine practice. The primary early outcome is the incidence of 7-day delirium after surgery and the primary long-term outcome is the duration of 3-year survival after surgery.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committees of Peking University First Hospital (2015[869]) and all participating centres. The results of early and long-term outcomes will be analysed and reported separately.Trial registration numberChiCTR-IPR-15006209;NCT02662257;NCT02660411.
Is insomnia a risk factor for new-onset asthma? A population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu-Chieh , Lai Chih-Cheng , Chien Chih-Chiang , Chen Chin-Ming , Chiang Shyh-Ren , Ho Chung-Han , Weng Shih-Feng , Cheng Kuo-Chen 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether insomnia at baseline is a risk factor for new-onset asthma.MethodsWe recruited 48 871 patients with insomnia (insomnia group) newly diagnosed between 2002 and 2007, and 97 742 matched controls without insomnia (control group) from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. All of the patients were followed up for 4 years to see whether new-onset asthma developed. Patients with previous asthma or insomnia were excluded. The Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs of asthma. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate the risk of asthma between the two groups.ResultsAfter a 4-year follow-up, 424 patients in the insomnia group and 409 in the control group developed asthma. The incidence rate of asthma was significantly higher in the insomnia group (22.01vs10.57 per 10 000 person-years). Patients with insomnia have a higher risk of developing new-onset asthma during the 4-year follow-up (HR: 2.08, 95% CI 1.82 to 2.39). The difference remained significant after adjustment (adjusted HR: 1.89, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.17).ConclusionsThis large population-based study suggests that insomnia at baseline is a risk factor for developing asthma.
Adding value to daily chest X-rays in the ICU through education, restricted daily orders and indication-based prompting
Authors: Keveson Benjamin , Clouser Ryan D , Hamlin Mark P , Stevens Pamela , Stinnett-Donnelly Justin M , Allen Gilman B 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundChest X-rays (CXRs) are traditionally obtained daily in all patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). We sought to reduce overutilisation of CXRs obtained in the ICU, using a multifaceted intervention to eliminate automated daily studies.MethodsWe first educated ICU staff about the low diagnostic yield of automated daily CXRs, then removed the ‘daily’ option from the electronic health records-based ordering system, and added a query (CXR indicated or not indicated) to the ICU daily rounding checklist to prompt a CXR order when clinically warranted. We built a report from billing codes, focusing on all CXRs obtained on IMV census days in the medical (MICU) and surgical (SICU) ICUs, excluding the day of admission and days that a procedure warranting CXR was performed. This generated the number of CXRs obtained every 1000 ‘included’ ventilator days (IVDs), the latter defined as not having an ‘absolute’ clinical indication for CXR.ResultsThe average monthly number of CXRs on an IVD decreased from 919±90 (95% CI 877 to 963) to 330±87 (95% CI 295 to 354) per 1000 IVDs in the MICU, and from 995±69 (95% CI 947 to 1055) to 649±133 (95% CI 593 to 697) in the SICU. This yielded an estimated 1830 to 2066 CXRs avoided over 2 years and an estimated annual savings of $191 600 to $224 200. There was no increase in reported adverse events.ConclusionICUs can safely transition to a higher value strategy of indication-based chest imaging by educating staff, eliminating the ‘daily’ order option and adding a simplified prompt to avoid missing clinically indicated CXRs.
Evaluation of an integrated multisector campaign to increase child helmet use in Vietnam
Authors: Nhan Le Dinh Trong , Parker Lukas , Son Mai Thi Hoai , Parker Erin M , Moore Matthew R , Sidik Mirjam , Draisin Natalie 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThis study presents child helmet use before, during and after implementing the Vietnamese National Child Helmet Action Plan (NCHAP) and evaluates its effect on child helmet use. The NCHAP, an integrated multisector campaign, incorporated a wide-scale public awareness campaign, school-based interventions, increased police patrolling and enforcement, and capacity building and support to relevant government departments in target provinces.MethodsIn Vietnam’s three largest cities, 100 schools in 20 districts were selected to monitor motorcycle helmet use behaviour. The effectiveness of the NCHAP was measured by unannounced, filmed observations of student motorcycle passengers and their adult drivers as they arrived or left their schools at four points. Baseline observations at each school were conducted in March 2014, with subsequent observations in April 2015, December 2015 and May 2016.ResultsAcross the 84 218 observed students, student helmet prevalence increased from 36.1% in March 2014 to 69.3% immediately after the initiation in April 2015. Subsequent observations in December 2015 and May 2016 showed a reduction and stabilisation of helmet use, with 49.8% and 56.9% of students wearing helmets, respectively. Helmet use in students was higher when adult drivers were also wearing helmets.ConclusionsIntegrated multisectoral interventions between governments, civil society and the corporate sector that incorporate communications, school-based education, incentives for change and police enforcement have the potential to increase helmet use among children. Future integrated campaigns may be more effective with an increased focus on parents and other adult drivers given their potential influence on child helmet use.
Early clinical outcomes as a function of use of newer oral P2Y12inhibitors versus clopidogrel in the EUROMAX trial
Authors: Huber Kurt , Ducrocq Gregory , Hamm Christian W , van ’t Hof Arnoud , Lapostolle Frédéric , Coste Pierre , Gordini Giovanni , Steinmetz Jacob , Verheugt Freek W A , Adgey Jennifer , Nibbe Lutz , Kaniĉ Vojko , Clemmensen Peter , Zeymer Uwe , Bernstein Debra , Prats Jayne , Deliargyris Efthymios N , Gabriel Steg Ph 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether different oral P2Y12inhibitors might affect rates of acute stent thrombosis and 30-day outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).MethodsThe European Ambulance Acute Coronary Syndrome Angiography (EUROMAX) randomised trial compared prehospital bivalirudin with heparin with optional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor treatment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction triaged to pPCI. Choice of P2Y12inhibitor was at the investigator’s discretion. In a prespecified analysis, we compared event rates with clopidogrel and newer oral P2Y12inhibitors (prasugrel, ticagrelor). Rates of the primary outcome (acute stent thrombosis) were examined as a function of the P2Y12inhibitor used for loading and 30-day outcomes (including major adverse cardiac events) as a function of the P2Y12inhibitor used for maintenance therapy. Logistic regression was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics.ResultsPrasugrel or ticagrelor was given as the loading P2Y12inhibitor in 49% of 2198 patients and as a maintenance therapy in 59%. No differences were observed in rates of acute stent thrombosis for clopidogrel versus newer P2Y12inhibitors (adjusted OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.85). After adjustment, no difference was observed in 30-day outcomes according to maintenance therapy except for protocol major (p=0.029) or minor (p=0.025) bleeding and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction minor bleeding (p=0.002), which were less frequent in patients on clopidogrel. Consistent results were observed in the bivalirudin and heparin arms.ConclusionsThe choice of prasugrel or ticagrelor over clopidogrel was not associated with differences in acute stent thrombosis or 30-day ischaemic outcomes after pPCI.Trial registration numberNCT01087723.
Clustering of heading selectivity and perception-related activity in the ventral intraparietal area
Authors: Shao Mengmeng , DeAngelis Gregory C. , Angelaki Dora E. , Chen Aihua 
Published: November 2017

The ventral intraparietal area (VIP) of the macaque brain is a multimodal cortical region, with many cells tuned to both optic flow and vestibular stimuli. Responses of many VIP neurons also show robust correlations with perceptual judgments during a fine heading discrimination task. Previous studies have shown that heading tuning based on optic flow is represented in a clustered fashion in VIP. However, it is unknown whether vestibular self-motion selectivity is clustered in VIP. Moreover, it is not known whether stimulus- and choice-related signals in VIP show clustering in the context of a heading discrimination task. To address these issues, we compared the response characteristics of isolated single units (SUs) with those of the undifferentiated multiunit (MU) activity corresponding to several neighboring neurons recorded from the same microelectrode. We find that MU activity typically shows selectivity similar to that of simultaneously recorded SUs, for both the vestibular and visual stimulus conditions. In addition, the choice-related activity of MU signals, as quantified using choice probabilities, is correlated with the choice-related activity of SUs. Overall, these findings suggest that both sensory and choice-related signals regarding self-motion are clustered in VIP. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate, for the first time, that the vestibular tuning of ventral intraparietal area (VIP) neurons in response to both translational and rotational motion is clustered. In addition, heading discriminability and choice-related activity are also weakly clustered in VIP.
<b>A note on the distribution of two highly threatened butterflies in Sri Lanka (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: <I>Spindasis greeni</I> and <I>Rapala lankana</I>), with a report on the range extension of <I>S. greeni</I></b>
Authors: Priyadarshana Tharaka Sudesh , Wijewardhane Ishara Harshajith , Karunarathna Mithila 
Published: November 2017

The distribution records of Sri Lankan butterflies belonging to the families Lycaenidae is far from complete. The present paper reports recent sightings of two highly threatened lycaenids, Rapala lankana (Malabar Flash) and Spindasis greeni (Green’s Silverline) from Adam’s Peak (Samanala Nature Reserve), Sri Lanka. In addition, the new locality of S. greeni at Adam’s Peak, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka denotes a range extension for the species.
<b>Recovery of Musk Deer <I>Moschus chrysogaster</I> Hodgson, 1839 (Artiodactyla: Moschidae) in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan</b>
Authors: Tobgay Sonam , Wangdi Thinley , Dorji Kumbu 
Published: November 2017

Evidence from recent camera trap and biodiversity survey in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan has revealed the presence of Musk Deer, which was thought to be locally extirpated before the establishment of the Sanctuary. The finding suggests the importance of the protected area and the intensive species recovery initiatives implemented in the recent past.
<b>Distribution and population of Himalayan Marmot <I>Marmota himalayana</I> (Hodgson, 1841) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India</b>
Authors: Chaudhary Vipin , Tripathi R. S. , Singh Surjeet , Raghuvanshi M. S. 
Published: November 2017

The Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana is one of the largest rodents of cold desert habitats, found mainly between 3,500–5,200 m above the timberline. It is regarded as an ecosystem engineer and constitutes part of the diet of some globally endangered carnivores in the Trans-Himalayan region. Being one of the least studied rodents, a survey was carried out in different habitats of Leh District along the altitude gradient to assess the status and distribution of Himalayan Marmots. A total of 110 individuals of Himalayan Marmots were sighted in the surveyed stretches of Leh District with a maximum mean count of encounter of 2.71 in the Tangtse-Chushul sector. The grasslands were the most preferred habitat (41.67% activity observed), whereas, cultivation area being frequently disturbed for agricultural operation were least preferred by the marmot. Most of the population of marmot was found between 4,000–4,500 m altitude and the steep slopes (42.05%) where loose soil was available for excavation of burrows.
<b>The Vulnerable Indian Skimmer <I>Rynchops albicollis</I> Swainson, 1838 (Aves: Charadriiformes: Laridae) breeding in Odisha, eastern India</b>
Authors: Debata Subrat , Kar Tuhinansu , Swain Kedar Kumar , Palei Himanshu Shekhar 
Published: November 2017

The Indian Skimmer is a globally threatened bird native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. In India, it is more confined to the north, from Punjab through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh to West Bengal, extending up to Odisha. Earlier, the bird was known to breed only in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, we confirm here the breeding of the Indian Skimmer along the river Mahanadi near Mundali, Odisha, eastern India. So, further monitoring at the breeding site and survey along the entire Mahanadi River are essential to understand the status of the Indian skimmer in Odisha. The information will also aid in reassessing its global status and formulating conservation plans.
<b>New locality records of the Stout Sand Snake <I>Psammophis longifrons</I> Boulenger, 1890 (Reptilia: Squamata: Lamprophiidae) in Telangana, India</b>
Authors: Visvanathan Avinash C , Anne Sandeep , Kolli Aditya Kesav 
Published: November 2017

The Stout Sand Snake Psammophis longifrons Boulenger, 1890 is reported herein based on two live specimens, rescued from Boduppal & Hayathnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, southern India. This documentation is the first record from the state of Telangana.
<b>First record of the Asiatic Brush-tailed Porcupine <I>Atherurus macrourus</I> Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Hystricidae) from western Bhutan</b>
Authors: Dhendup Tashi , Dorji Rinzin 
Published: November 2017

The Asiatic Brush-tailed Porcupine, known to be one of the rarest porcupines in South Asia was first recorded in Bhutan at Royal Manas National Park in 2010. This paper reports the occurrence of the species in western Bhutan in Gedu Territorial Forest Division and is the second record from the country.