bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Membrane Phospholipid Alterations in Escherichia coli on Cellular Function and Bacterial Stress Adaptation
Authors: Rowlett Veronica W. , Mallampalli Venkata K. P. S. , Karlstaedt Anja , Dowhan William , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Margolin William , Vitrac Heidi 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Bacteria have evolved multiple strategies to sense and rapidly adapt to challenging and ever-changing environmental conditions. The ability to alter membrane lipid composition, a key component of the cellular envelope, is crucial for bacterial survival and adaptation in response to environmental stress. However, the precise roles played by membrane phospholipids in bacterial physiology and stress adaptation are not fully elucidated. The goal of this study was to define the role of membrane phospholipids in adaptation to stress and maintenance of bacterial cell fitness. By using genetically modified strains in which the membrane phospholipid composition can be systematically manipulated, we show that alterations in major
Escherichia coli
phospholipids transform these cells globally. We found that alterations in phospholipids impair the cellular envelope structure and function, the ability to form biofilms, and bacterial fitness and cause phospholipid-dependent susceptibility to environmental stresses. This study provides an unprecedented view of the structural, signaling, and metabolic pathways in which bacterial phospholipids participate, allowing the design of new approaches in the investigation of lipid-dependent processes involved in bacterial physiology and adaptation.

IMPORTANCE
In order to cope with and adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, bacteria have to sense and quickly respond to fluctuating conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of systematic and controlled alterations in bacterial phospholipids on cell shape, physiology, and stress adaptation. We provide new evidence that alterations of specific phospholipids in
Escherichia coli
have detrimental effects on cellular shape, envelope integrity, and cell physiology that impair biofilm formation, cellular envelope remodeling, and adaptability to environmental stresses. These findings hold promise for future antibacterial therapies that target bacterial lipid biosynthesis.
Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Northey Joseph Michael , Cherbuin Nicolas , Pumpa Kate Louise , Smee Disa Jane , Rattray Ben 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPhysical exercise is seen as a promising intervention to prevent or delay cognitive decline in individuals aged 50 years and older, yet the evidence from reviews is not conclusive.ObjectivesTo determine if physical exercise is effective in improving cognitive function in this population.DesignSystematic review with multilevel meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsychINFO and CENTRAL (Cochrane) from inception to November 2016.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials of physical exercise interventions in community-dwelling adults older than 50 years, with an outcome measure of cognitive function.ResultsThe search returned 12 820 records, of which 39 studies were included in the systematic review. Analysis of 333 dependent effect sizes from 36 studies showed that physical exercise improved cognitive function (0.29; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.41; p<0.01). Interventions of aerobic exercise, resistance training, multicomponent training and tai chi, all had significant point estimates. When exercise prescription was examined, a duration of 45–60 min per session and at least moderate intensity, were associated with benefits to cognition. The results of the meta-analysis were consistent and independent of the cognitive domain tested or the cognitive status of the participants.ConclusionsPhysical exercise improved cognitive function in the over 50s, regardless of the cognitive status of participants. To improve cognitive function, this meta-analysis provides clinicians with evidence to recommend that patients obtain both aerobic and resistance exercise of at least moderate intensity on as many days of the week as feasible, in line with current exercise guidelines.
Radiation induces proinflammatory dysbiosis: transmission of inflammatory susceptibility by host cytokine induction
Authors: Gerassy-Vainberg Shiran , Blatt Alexandra , Danin-Poleg Yael , Gershovich Katya , Sabo Edmond , Nevelsky Alex , Daniel Shahar , Dahan Aviva , Ziv Oren , Dheer Rishu , Abreu Maria T , Koren Omry , Kashi Yechezkel , Chowers Yehuda 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveRadiation proctitis (RP) is a complication of pelvic radiotherapy which affects both the host and microbiota. Herein we assessed the radiation effect on microbiota and its relationship to tissue damage using a rectal radiation mouse model.DesignWe evaluated luminal and mucosa-associated dysbiosis in irradiated and control mice at two postradiation time points and correlated it with clinical and immunological parameters. Epithelial cytokine response was evaluated using bacterial–epithelial co-cultures. Subsequently, germ-free (GF) mice were colonised with postradiation microbiota and controls and exposed to radiation, or dextran sulfate-sodium (DSS). Interleukin (IL)-1β correlated with tissue damage and was induced by dysbiosis. Therefore, we tested its direct role in radiation-induced damage by IL-1 receptor antagonist administration to irradiated mice.ResultsA postradiation shift in microbiota was observed. A unique microbial signature correlated with histopathology. Increased colonic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression was observed at two different time points. Adherent microbiota from RP differed from those in uninvolved segments and was associated with tissue damage. Using bacterial–epithelial co-cultures, postradiation microbiota enhanced IL-1β and TNFα expression compared with naïve microbiota. GF mice colonisation by irradiated microbiota versus controls predisposed mice to both radiation injury and DSS-induced colitis. IL-1 receptor antagonist administration ameliorated intestinal radiation injury.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that rectal radiation induces dysbiosis, which transmits radiation and inflammatory susceptibility and provide evidence that microbial-induced radiation tissue damage is at least in part mediated by IL-1β. Environmental factors may affect the host via modifications of the microbiome and potentially allow for novel interventional approaches via its manipulation.
Preparation of Magnesium-Based Cobalt-Ferrites (Co1−xMgxFe2O4) Nanoparticles by Sol–Gel Auto Combustion Method
Authors: Gowreesan S. , Ruban Kumar A. 
Published: April 2017

The scope of the present work is in enhancing the particle size, and dielectric properties of Mg-substituted Cobalt ferrites nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel auto combustion method. The different ratios of Mg-substituted Co Ferrites (Co[Formula: see text]MgxFe2O4([Formula: see text], 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.30)) are calcinated at 850[Formula: see text]C. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by powder XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX techniques and dielectric behavior. The structural parameters were confirmed from powder XRD and the average particle size is obtained from 39 to 67 nm due to the substitution of Mg[Formula: see text] which was calculated by Debye Scherrer’s formula. FE-SEM showed the surface morphology of the different ratio of the sample. The dielectric loss has measured the frequency range of 50[Formula: see text]Hz–5[Formula: see text]MHz. From electrical modulus, conductivity relaxation and thermal activation of charge carriers has been discussed.
Synthesis of Zn1−xCdxO Nanoparticles by Co-Precipitation: Structural, Optical and Photodetection Analysis
Authors: Jacob Anju Anna , Balakrishnan L. , Meher S. R. , Shambavi K. , Alex Z. C. 
Published: April 2017

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent photoresponse in ultra-violet (UV) regime. Tuning the bandgap of ZnO by alloying with cadmium can shift its absorption cutoff wavelength from UV to visible (Vis) region. Our work aims at synthesis of Zn[Formula: see text]CdxO nanoparticles by co-precipitation method for the fabrication of photodetector. The properties of nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer, UV–Vis spectrometer, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. The incorporation of cadmium without altering the wurtzite structure resulted in the red shift in the absorption edge of ZnO. Further, the photoresponse characteristics of Zn[Formula: see text]CdxO nanopowders were investigated by fabricating photodetectors. It has been found that with Cd alloying the photosensitivity was increased in the UVA-violet as well in the blue region.
Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System Predicts Periprocedural Bleeding Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Oimatsu Yu , Kaikita Koichi , Ishii Masanobu , Mitsuse Tatsuro , Ito Miwa , Arima Yuichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Takahashi Aya , Iwashita Satomi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kojima Sunao , Hokimoto Seiji , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: April 2017

Background
Periprocedural bleeding events are common after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the association of periprocedural bleeding events with thrombogenicity, which was measured quantitatively by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System equipped with microchips and thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL]; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [AR]).

Methods and Results

Between August 2013 and March 2016, 313 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into those with or without periprocedural bleeding events. We determined the bleeding events as composites of major bleeding events defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and minor bleeding events (eg, minor hematoma, arteriovenous shunt and pseudoaneurysm). Blood samples obtained at percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed for thrombus formation area under the curve (PL
24
‐AUC
10
for PL chip; AR
10
‐AUC
30
for AR chip) by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System and P2Y12 reaction unit by the VerifyNow system. Periprocedural bleeding events occurred in 37 patients. PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels were significantly lower in patients with such events than those without (
P
=0.002). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed association between low PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels and periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio, 2.71 [1.22–5.99];
P
=0.01) and association between PL
24
‐AUC
10
and periprocedural bleeding events in 176 patients of the femoral approach group (odds ratio, 2.88 [1.11–7.49];
P
=0.03). However, PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels in 127 patients of the radial approach group were not significantly different in patients with or without periprocedural bleeding events.

Conclusions

PL
24
‐AUC
10
measured by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System is a potentially useful predictor of periprocedural bleeding events in coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Lai Chao‐Lun , Chen Ho‐Min , Liao Min‐Tsun , Lin Ting‐Tse , Chan K. Arnold 
Published: April 2017

Background
We aimed to examine the comparative effectiveness and safety between dabigatran and rivaroxaban in atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a population‐based, retrospective, new‐user cohort study based on the National Health Insurance claims database in Taiwan. Adult atrial fibrillation patients who initiated dabigatran (N=10 625) or rivaroxaban (N=4609) between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2014 were identified as the overall population. A propensity score was derived using logistic regression to model the probability of receipt of rivaroxaban as a function of potential confounders. Altogether, 4600 dabigatran users were matched with 4600 rivaroxaban users to create a propensity score–matched population. The marginal proportional hazards model was applied among the propensity score–matched population as the primary analysis, and the proportional hazards model with adjustment of the quintiles of the propensity score among the overall population was used as the secondary analysis. Rivaroxaban users had a higher risk of all‐cause death than dabigatran users (hazard ratio 1.44, 95%
CI
1.17‐1.78 in the primary analysis and hazard ratio 1.47, 95%
CI
1.23‐1.75 in the secondary analysis). Rivaroxaban users also possessed a higher risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage needing transfusion than dabigatran users in the primary analysis (hazard ratio 1.41, 95%
CI
1.02‐1.95), but the difference diminished in the secondary analysis (hazard ratio 1.20, 95%
CI
0.92‐1.56). The risks of ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, arterial embolism/thrombosis, and intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions
Rivaroxaban therapy was associated with a statistically significant increase in all‐cause death compared with dabigatran therapy in atrial fibrillation patients.
Reporting Clinical End Points and Safety Events in an Acute Coronary Syndrome Trial: Results With Integrated Collection
Authors: Guimarães Patrícia O. , Lopes Renato D. , Stevens Susanna R. , Zimerman André , Wruck Lisa , James Stefan K. , Haque Ghazala , Giraldez Roberto Rocha C. V. , Alexander John H. , Alexander Karen P. 
Published: April 2017

Background

End points and adverse events (
AE
s) are collected separately in clinical trials, yet regulatory requirements for serious
AE
reporting vary across regions, so classifying end points according to seriousness criteria can be useful in global trials.

Methods and Results

In the Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic Events 2 (APPRAISE‐2) trial, patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome were randomized to apixaban or placebo for the prevention of recurrent ischemic events. Suspected end points (myocardial infarction, stroke, or bleeding) were adjudicated by an independent clinical events classification committee. Safety criteria were collected for suspected end points and
AE
s. Patient‐level event rates per 100 patient‐days of follow‐up, modeled using Poisson regression, explored the influence of region and patient characteristics on event reporting. Overall, 13 909 events were reported by 858 sites in 39 countries; 8.4% (n=1166) were suspected end points, and 91.6% (n=12 743) were
AE
s. Overall, 66.0% of suspected end points were confirmed by the clinical events classification committee. Most clinical events classification committee‐confirmed end points met criteria to be classified as serious (94.0%); many clinical events classification committee‐negated end points also did (63.2%), but fewer
AE
s met seriousness criteria (17.9%). The most common seriousness criterion was hospitalization (79.9%, n=2594). Region explained 28.7% of end point‐ and 26.4% of serious
AE
‐reporting variation, and patient characteristics explained an additional 25.4% of end point and 13.4% of serious
AE
variation. Nonserious
AE
‐reporting variation was not explained by adjustment.

Conclusions

An integrated collection of end points and serious
AE
s is feasible in a multinational trial and illustrates the shared characteristics of events. Tailoring event collection to fit the phase and purpose of the trial is achievable and informative.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00831441.
Microcredit to Rural Women, Intra-household Power Play and Employment Creation in Northern Ghana
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus 
Published: April 2017

In line with previous studies, this article seeks to extend the frontiers of impact of microcredit to employment creation. The article argues that accessing microcredit and employment of additional hand(s) are preceded by two interrelated decisions. In view of this, the study tests the hypothesis that the decision to access microcredit has a positive impact on the decision to create employment. In furtherance of the above, the study uses data collected from 500 women from northern Ghana in a household survey, of whom 250 are beneficiaries of microcredit. The bivariate probit selection estimation technique is employed and the results indicate that access to microcredit has 46 per cent probability of employment creation. Respondents from the Builsa district are more likely to access microcredit and also employ additional hand(s) than their counterparts from the Talensi and Bongo districts. Also, intra-household power play has a positive impact on access to microcredit and employment creation. It is, therefore, recommended that microfinance institutions desirous of employment creation need to increase access to microcredit in the rural areas both in breadth and depth, particularly credit for production activities. Also, a healthy intra-household power play needs to be encouraged by development practitioners to positively influence female-owned businesses. JEL: D1, G21, J2
Mechanisms of craniofacial pain
Authors: Chichorro Juliana Geremias , Porreca Frank , Sessle Barry 
Published: April 2017

AimTo provide an overview of mechanisms underlying craniofacial pain; to highlight peripheral and central adaptations that may promote chronification of pain in craniofacial pain states such as migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).BackgroundPain is a common symptom associated with disorders involving craniofacial tissues including the teeth and their supporting structures, the temporomandibular joint and the muscles of the head. Most acute painful craniofacial conditions are easily recognized and well managed, but others, especially those that are chronic (e.g., migraine, TMD and trigeminal neuropathies), present clinical challenges. Preclinical studies have provided substantial information about the anatomical and physiological mechanisms related to the initiation and modulation of nociceptive signals in the trigeminal system. While knowledge of the mechanisms underlying chronic craniofacial pain remains limited, both clinical and preclinical investigations suggest that changes in afferent inputs to the brain as well as in brain structure and modulatory pathways occur in chronic pain. Collectively, these changes result in amplification of nociception that promotes and sustains craniofacial chronic pain states.ConclusionsThe increased understanding gained of the physiological and pathological processing of nociception in the trigeminal system has provided new perspectives for the mechanistic understanding of acute craniofacial pain conditions and the peripheral and central adaptations that are related to pain chronification. Such knowledge may contribute to improvements in currently available treatments as well as to the development of novel analgesic therapies.
The feline blood film: 1. Techniques and erythrocyte morphology
Authors: Harvey John W 
Published: April 2017

Practical relevance: Many veterinary practices have invested in quality automated hematology instruments for use in-house. However, regardless of the specific choice of analyzer, there are important hematology findings that can only be determined by microscopic examination of stained blood films. For this reason, and also for the purpose of quality control for the analyzer, a quick blood film review should be performed alongside every automated complete blood count. Even those practices that submit their blood samples to outside diagnostic laboratories for evaluation, still require the capability to examine stained blood films in emergency situations. Series outline: This is the first of a two-part article series that aims to familiarize the practitioner with normal findings on feline blood films, with a particular focus on unique features in the cat, as well as to assist with interpretation of common abnormalities. Part 1 focuses on how to prepare and examine blood films in order to maximize the reliability of the information they convey, and describes the morphology of feline erythrocytes in health and disease. Evidence base: The information and guidance offered is based on the published literature and the author’s own extensive clinical pathology research.
Exercise reduced pentraxin 3 levels produced by endotoxin-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in obese individuals
Authors: Slusher Aaron L , Shibata Yoshimi , Whitehurst Michael , Maharaj Arun , Quiles Justin M , Huang Chun-Jung 
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity would reduce the capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to produce the anti-inflammatory protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in response to ex vivo stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and if acute aerobic exercise would enhance this PTX3 production capacity. In addition, the inter-relationships of LPS-induced PTX3 with the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were examined. Twenty-one healthy subjects (10 obese and 11 normal-weight) performed an acute bout of aerobic exercise at 75% VO2max. The capacity of PBMCs to produce PTX3 ex vivo following LPS stimulation was the same in obese and normal-weight subjects at rest, and decreased equally in both subject groups following acute aerobic exercise. This is in contrast to plasma PTX3, which is lower in obese subjects at rest and increased equally in both obese and normal-weight subjects following exercise. In addition, ex vivo PTX3 production was positively associated with IL-6 and IL-10 in response to acute aerobic exercise ( r = 0.686, P = 0.020; r = 0.744, P = 0.009, respectively) in normal-weight, but not in obese individuals ( r = 0.429, P = 0.249; r = 0.453, P = 0.189, respectively). These findings indicate that concentrations of PTX3 observed in plasma are relatively independent of those produced by PBMCs ex vivo and the mechanisms associated with PTX3-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling may differ during obesity.Impact statementOur laboratory has previously demonstrated that obese individuals present with lower plasma concentrations of the anti-inflammatory protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3), whereas acute aerobic exercise increases plasma PTX3 levels similarly compared to normal-weight individuals. As a follow-up, the present study demonstrates that PBMCs isolated from obese and normal-weight individuals produce comparable amounts of PTX3 ex vivo in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, given that acute aerobic exercise reduced the ex vivo production of PTX3 in both groups, our results clearly indicate that plasma PTX3 levels are relatively independent of those produced by PBMCs ex vivo. In addition, our findings suggest that the mechanisms associated with PTX3-mediated production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 may be impaired in obese individuals, and thus provides a key finding necessary for the elucidation of PTX3’s role in the mediation of anti-inflammatory profiles and the subsequent amelioration of inflammatory disease during obesity.