bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized fluorescent proteins for the rhizosphere‐associated bacterium Bacillus mycoides with endophytic and biocontrol agent potential
Authors: Yi Yanglei , Frenzel Elrike , Spoelder Jan , Elzenga J. Theo M. , van Elsas Jan Dirk , Kuipers Oscar P. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryTracking of fluorescent protein (FP)‐labelled rhizobacteria is a key prerequisite to gain insights into plant‐bacteria interaction mechanisms. However, the performance of FPs mostly has to be optimized for the bacterial host and for the environment of intended application. We report on the construction of mutational libraries of the superfolder green fluorescent protein sfGFP and the red fluorescent protein mKate2 in the bacterium B. mycoides, which next to its potential as plant‐biocontrol agent occasionally enters an endophytic lifestyle. By fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and comparison of signal intensities at the colony and single‐cell level, the variants sfGFP(SPS6) and mKate (KPS12) with significantly increased brightness were isolated. Their high applicability for plant‐bacteria interaction studies was shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy tracking of FP‐tagged B. mycoides strains after inoculation to Chinese cabbage plants in a hydroponic system. During the process of colonization, strain EC18 rapidly attached to plant roots and formed a multicellular matrix, especially at the branching regions of the root hair, which probably constitute entrance sites to establish an endophytic lifestyle. The universal applicability of the novels FPs was proven by expression from a weak promoter, dual‐labelling of B. mycoides, and by excellent expression and detectability in additional soil‐ and rhizosphere‐associated Bacillus species.
Coexistence of poribacterial phylotypes among geographically widespread and phylogenetically divergent sponge hosts
Authors: Steinert Georg , Gutleben Johanna , Atikana Akhirta , Wijffels Rene H. , Smidt Hauke , Sipkema Detmer 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMarine sponges are benthic ‘filter‐feeding’ invertebrates that can host dense and diverse bacterial, archaeal and eukaryotic communities. Due to the finding of several genes encoding symbiosis factors, such as adhesins, ankyrin repeats and tetratricopeptide repeats, the candidate phylum ‘Poribacteria’ is considered as a promising model microorganism for studying the origin of host‐symbiont interactions in sponges. However, relatively little is known about its global diversity and phylogenetic distribution among different sponge hosts. Therefore, in this study we investigated phylogenetic relationships among poribacterial phylotypes and generated a phylogenetic network to examine the distribution and intraspecific diversity of the phylotypes between phylogenetically divergent host‐sponges at a global scale. For this study 361 poribacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained by Sanger sequencing from 15 different countries and 8 marine regions were gathered. We could demonstrate that the candidate phylum ‘Poribacteria’ is composed of diverse phylotypes, which are distributed among a wide range of phylogenetically divergent sponge hosts. The current phylogenetic analyses found neither conclusive evidence for co‐speciation with its hosts, nor biogeographical correlation. Moreover, we identified a novel poribacterial clade, which might represent a link between the previously established four ‘Poribacteria’ clades.
Monitoring Forced Labour and Slavery in Global Supply Chains: The Case of the California Act on Transparency in Supply Chains
Authors: Koekkoek Marieke , Marx Axel , Wouters Jan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSupply chains have more and more become global supply chains, due to which it becomes increasingly more difficult for states to monitor whether the production process of goods entering the territory has been free of labour rights abuses. States are less able to hold corporate entities accountable that are knowingly or unknowingly benefiting from labour rights abuses. Transparency measures have been suggested as a way to close this accountability gap and circumvent traditional issues of enforcement when production and consumption of goods takes place in different jurisdictions. This paper discusses whether transparency measures live up to these expectations by assessing the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (California Act). We analyse whether the Act does indeed contribute to greater accountability by filling the existing information gap between companies and consumers. The workings of the Act, as well as its impact on primary stakeholders will be determined. The paper discusses action taken by companies, consumers and non‐governmental organizations by looking at the degree to which the new California Act generated differences in behaviour and practices of these affected parties. Based on this information the question is answered which possibilities and limitations are connected to the use of transparency measures in combatting the abuse of labour rights in the global supply chain. It is discussed which lessons can be learned from the California Act and which policy implications this could have for future transparency measures.
Khirbat al‐Mana‘iyya: an early Islamic‐period copper‐smelting site in south‐eastern Wadi ‘Araba, Jordan
Authors: Jones Ian W.N. , Ben‐Yosef Erez , Lorentzen Brita , Najjar Mohammad , Levy Thomas E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent excavations in south‐eastern Wadi ‘Araba in Jordan have revealed the first early Islamic‐period copper‐smelting site known in the eastern side of the valley, which extends south of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of ‘Aqaba. Five test pits were excavated in 2012 at Khirbat al–Mana‘iyya, a prominent copper‐smelting camp in south‐eastern Wadi ‘Araba, Jordan. The results of these excavations demonstrate that the site was primarily active in the seventh–ninth centuryAD. Its distance from the copper sources of south‐west ‘Araba suggests that its location was chosen based on proximity to wood and water resources, rather than copper ore deposits. The discovery that the site dates to the early Islamic period has implications for previous and future work in south‐east ‘Araba. In particular, it challenges the common—until now—view of the region as virtually devoid of settlement during this period.
Metastatic prostate cancer incidence in Australia after amendment to prostate‐specific antigen screening guidelines
Authors: Smith Sabin , Wolanski Philippe 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundTo compare the incidence of newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer at an Australian facility pre‐ and post‐publication of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines and subsequent amendment of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Preventive Activities in General Practice guidelines.MethodsA retrospective analysis was undertaken by patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer following transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy between 2009 and 2014. Patients were divided into two even groups based on whether they had undergone their transrectal ultrasound biopsy pre‐ (2009–2011) or post‐ (2013–2014) publication of USPSTF guidelines. Metastatic disease was determined by computed tomography chest, abdomen, pelvis as well as nuclear medicine bone scan. A comparison in the incidence of newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer was made.ResultsA total of 130 patients were allocated into each group. In the pre‐USPSTF group, 23 out of 130 patients had newly diagnosed metastatic prostatic cancer (17.7%). In the post‐USPSTF group, 41 out of 130 (31.5%) had newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer (P < 0.05). The mean and median prostate‐specific antigen was 15.9 and 9.4 (pre‐guideline group) and 33.0 and 9.8 (post‐guideline group), respectively (P = 0.02). The post‐guidelines group had a higher incidence of low‐grade disease (Gleason <7), a decreased incidence of intermediate grade disease (Gleason 7) and a relatively unchanged incidence in high‐risk disease (Gleason >7).ConclusionThe incidence of newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer nearly doubled in patients referred to our Urology Department post‐release of the USPSTF guidelines.
Gestational diabetes in primiparous women–impact of age and adiposity: a register‐based cohort study
Authors: Laine Merja K. , Kautiainen Hannu , Gissler Mika , Raina Marko , Aahos Ilkka , Järvinen Kajsa , Pennanen Pirjo , Eriksson Johan G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionData on risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in primiparous women is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GDM and simultaneously evaluate the impact of age and adiposity in primiparous women at risk of GDM risk.Material and methodsThis observational register‐based cohort study from the city of Vantaa, Finland, included all 7750 primiparous women giving birth between 2009 and 2015 without previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus.ResultsIn primiparous women the prevalence of GDM was 16.5% and mean age was 28.2 years (5.2 SD). Primiparous women aged ≥35 years had a significantly higher risk for GDM than women aged <25 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13–3.34]. Primiparous women with a pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥30.0 kg/m2 had a significantly higher risk for GDM than women with a pre‐pregnancy BMI <25 kg/m2 (OR 5.36, 95% CI 4.53–6.36). The risk of developing GDM showed an increasing trend with increasing age in all BMI categories except the category BMI ≥35 kg/m2. Normal weight women (BMI 20.0–24.9 kg/m2) aged 40 years had a significantly higher risk for GDM than normal weight women aged 28 years (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01–2.19).ConclusionsThe prevalence of GDM is high in primiparous women. Both age and degree of adiposity influenced the risk for GDM. To reduce GDM risk, adiposity should be prevented already in childhood and primiparity should be encouraged at a younger age.
Clinical and Subclinical Distress, Quality of Life, and Psychological Well‐Being after Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Gostoli Sara , Roncuzzi Renzo , Urbinati Stefano , Rafanelli Chiara 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe literature has outlined positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on clinical psychological distress (DSM depression and anxiety) and quality of life (QoL). In cardiac settings, subclinical distress (subthreshold depressive and anxious symptomatology) and psychological well‐being also showed relevant clinical implications. This research explored these psychological variables, their changes over time and cardiac course of CR patients.MethodsClinical and subclinical distress, QoL, and psychological well‐being were assessed in 108 consecutive patients undergoing CR, at baseline and up to 12 months after the program's completion.ResultsOf all patients, 25.9 per cent showed high distress with a DSM diagnosis, 31.5 per cent high distress without a DSM diagnosis, and 42.6 per cent low distress. Comparing these subgroups, worse QoL and psychological well‐being were significantly linked not only to clinical but also to subclinical distress. After CR completion, a significant reduction in DSM diagnoses was observed, whereas there were no positive effects on subclinical distress, QoL, and well‐being, or when they initially occurred, they were not long lasting. Moreover, only the subgroup with high distress without a DSM diagnosis was at greater risk for adverse cardiac outcomes, showing worse scores on items of contentment.ConclusionsThese findings confirm data on clinical distress reduction after CR completion. However, a large amount of relevant subclinical distress remains and predicts adverse cardiac events.
Third‐Person Self‐Talk Reduces Ebola Worry and Risk Perception by Enhancing Rational Thinking
Authors: Kross Ethan , Vickers Brian D. , Orvell Ariana , Gainsburg Izzy , Moran Tim P. , Boyer Margaret , Jonides John , Moser Jason , Ayduk Ozlem 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundDuring the fall of 2014, the threat of an Ebola outbreak gripped the United States (Poll, 8–12 October 2014; see Harvard School of Public Health & SSRS, 2014), creating a unique opportunity to advance basic knowledge concerning how emotion regulation works in consequential contexts and translate existing research in this area to inform public health and policy.MethodWe addressed these issues by examining whether third‐person self‐talk, a simple technique that promotes emotion regulation, could nudge people into reasoning about Ebola more rationally. In all, 1,257 people from across the United States were asked to write about their feelings about Ebola using their name or I (i.e. third‐person self‐talk vs. first‐person self‐talk) as concerns about Ebola swelled (24 October 2014–26 October 2014).ResultsThird‐person self‐talk led participants who scored high on Ebola worry at baseline to generate more fact‐based reasons not to worry about Ebola, which predicted reductions in their Ebola worry and risk perception. These findings held when controlling for several theoretically relevant covariates, highlighting their robustness.ConclusionThese results demonstrate how a simple linguistic technique can enhance rational thinking and quell worry about a pressing public health threat.
Cross‐sectional survey of health management and prevalence of vector‐borne diseases, endoparasites and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs
Authors: Carslake RJ , Hill KE , Sjölander K , Hii SF , Prattley D , Acke E 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of selected canine vector‐borne diseases (Leishmania infantum,Anaplasmaspp.,Ehrlichia canis,Borrelia burgdorferiandDirofilaria immitis) and endo‐ and ectoparasites in Samoan dogs presenting for surgical sterilisation and to report on the general health management of the dogs.MethodsThis study was a prospective serological cross‐sectional survey. Management data were obtained for 242 dogs by interview with their owners. Blood samples were collected from 237 dogs and screened for the canine vector‐borne diseases using point‐of‐care qualitative ELISA assays.Anaplasmaspp. positive samples were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification. Rectal faecal samples were collected from 204 dogs for faecal flotation and immunofluorescent antibody tests were performed forGiardiaandCryptosporidiumspp. on a subset of 93 faecal samples. The skin and coat of 221 dogs were examined for presence of ectoparasites.ResultsTheD. immitisantigen was detected in 46.8% (111/237) of dogs. Seroprevalence ofAnaplasmaspp. was 8.4% (20/237);A. platyswas confirmed by PCR. Prevalence of hookworm was 92.6% (185/205) andGiardiawas 29.0% (27/93). Ectoparasites were detected on 210/221 (95.0%) of dogs examined and 228/242 dogs (94.2%) had previously never received any preventative medication.ConclusionsThere was a very high prevalence ofD. immitis, hookworm and external parasites in Samoan dogs, and prophylactic medication is rarely administered. This is the first report confirmingA. platysin Samoa and the South Pacific islands. The public health implications of poor management of the dogs should be considered and investigated further.
Evaluation of Australian surveillance for freedom from bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Sergeant ESG , Happold J , Langstaff I 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundAustralia declared freedom from bovine tuberculosis (TB) in accordance with international guidelines in 1997 and has since maintained ongoing surveillance for this disease, primarily through abattoir surveillance of cattle carcases (meat inspection) for TB‐like granulomas. The objectives of this study were to estimate the sensitivity of Australia’s surveillance system and quantify the probability that Australia is free from bovine TB at the specified design prevalence.MethodsThe analysis included approximately 80 million records of individual cattle slaughtered and meat inspected at Australian abattoirs between 2005 and 2015 calendar years. Animals were identified and aggregated by property of birth within year. Herd‐ and population‐level sensitivities and probability of freedom were estimated on an annual basis using a simulation model to account for uncertainty about the unit sensitivity of the meat inspection process.ResultsThe estimated median population sensitivity of Australia’s TB surveillance system varied from a high of 80%, in years when traditional meat inspection was used, to as low as 50% after the introduction of visual‐only meat inspection, for a design prevalence of 0.01% (19 herds) of Australian breeding cattle herds and 0.5% of animals within infected herds. The level of confidence in Australia’s freedom from bovine TB was >95% after the first year of the analysis and >99.5% from 2007 through to the end of the analysis period in 2015. Reducing the animal‐level or herd‐level design prevalence, or the estimated sensitivity of meat inspection, reduced system sensitivity but confidence of disease freedom remained high.ConclusionThe results demonstrated a very high level of confidence that Australia’s cattle herd is truly free from bovine TB. Meat inspection for granulomas in the head and thorax of slaughtered cattle underpins this result by providing surveillance data on an extremely large number of animals each year.
Regulation governance in the digital era: A new research agenda
Authors: Dutil Patrice , Williams Julie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe digital era presents governments with a triple regulatory challenge: monitoring new activities arising out of the digital revolution; adopting digital technologies to proactively detect and address risky behaviours; and responding to calls for a more agile regulation that abandons ineffective practices and standards and adopts new ones as circumstances change. Focusing on how the state governed regulation, either alone, through agencies or through networks or partnerships, this article sets out a research agenda that may lead to a greater understanding of how government can respond to and leverage the digital era in the area of regulation.
The adjuvant system AS01 up-regulates neutrophil CD14 expression and neutrophil-associated antigen transport in the local lymphatic network
Authors: Neeland M R , Shi W , Collignon C , Meeusen E N T , Didierlaurent A M , de Veer M J 
Published: December 2017

Summary
The liposome-based adjuvant system AS01 is under evaluation for use in several vaccines in clinical development. We have shown previously that AS01 injected with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) induces a distinct cellular signature within the draining lymphatics that enhances local lymphocyte recruitment and antigen-specific humoral immunity. Here, we show that AS01-induced neutrophil recruitment is associated with increased expression of CD14 and enhanced antigen uptake capacity in neutrophils from both afferent and efferent lymphatic compartments during the first 48 h after vaccination. Significant and transient increases in CD14 expression on systemic neutrophils were also observed following primary and boost vaccination with HBsAg-AS01; however, they were not observed following additional encounter with HBsAg-alone or HBsAg-alum. These results show that following immunization with AS01, neutrophils expressing higher levels of CD14 are both more abundant and efficient at antigen uptake, warranting further investigation into the role of neutrophil-associated CD14 in the adjuvanticity of AS01.
A proposal to create an extension to the European baseline series
Authors: Wilkinson Mark , Gallo Rosella , Goossens An , Johansen Jeanne D. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Sánchez‐Pérez Javier , Schuttelaar Marie L. , Uter Wolfgang 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe current European baseline series consists of 30 allergens, and was last updated in 2015.ObjectivesTo use data from the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA) to propose an extension to the European baseline series in response to changes in environmental exposures.MethodsData from departmental and national extensions to the baseline series, together with some temporary additions from departments contributing to the ESSCA, were collated during 2013–2014.ResultsIn total, 31689 patients were patch tested in 46 European departments. Many departments and national groups already consider the current European baseline series to be a suboptimal screen, and use their own extensions to it. The haptens tested are heterogeneous, although there are some consistent themes. Potential haptens to include in an extension to the European baseline series comprise sodium metabisulfite, formaldehyde‐releasing preservatives, additional markers of fragrance allergy, propolis, Compositae mix, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate.ConclusionIn combination with other published work from the ESSCA, changes to the current European baseline series are proposed for discussion. As well as addition of the allergens listed above, it is suggested that primin and clioquinol should be deleted from the series, owing to reduced environmental exposure.
Finasteride accelerates prostate wound healing after thulium laser resection through DHT and AR signalling
Authors: Zhao Ruizhe , Wang Xingjie , Jiang Chenyi , Shi Fei , Zhu Yiping , Yang Boyu , Zhuo Jian , Jing Yifeng , Luo Guangheng , Xia Shujie , Han Bangmin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesUrinary tract infection, urinary frequency, urgency, urodynia and haemorrhage are common post‐operative complications of thulium laser resection of the prostate (TmLRP). Our study mainly focuses on the role of finasteride in prostate wound healing through AR signalling.Materials and methodsTmLRP beagles were randomly distributed into different treatment groups. Serum and intra‐prostatic testosterone and DHT level were determined. Histological analysis was conducted to study the re‐epithelialization and inflammatory response of the prostatic urethra in each group. We investigated the role of androgen in proliferation and inflammatory response in prostate. In addition, the effects of TNF‐α on prostate epithelium and stromal cells were also investigated.ResultsTestosterone and DHT level increased in testosterone group and DHT decreased in finasteride group. Accelerated wound healing of prostatic urethra was observed in the finasteride group. DHT suppressed proliferation of prostate epithelium and enhanced inflammatory response in prostate. We confirmed that DHT enhanced macrophages TNF‐α secretion through AR signalling. TNF‐α suppressed proliferation of prostate epithelial cells and retarded cell migration. TNF‐α also played a pivotal role in suppressing fibroblasts activation and contraction.ConclusionTestosterone treatment repressed re‐epithelialization and wound healing of prostatic urethra. Finasteride treatment may be an effective way to promote prostate re‐epithelialization.