bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aquatic adaptation of a laterally acquired pectin degradation pathway in marine gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik , Truong Le Van , Unfried Frank , Welsch Norma , Kabisch Johannes , Heiden Stefan E. , Junker Sabryna , Becher Dörte , Thürmer Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Amann Rudolf , Schweder Thomas 
Published: March 2017

SummaryMobile genomic islands distribute functional traits between microbes and habitats, yet it remains unclear how their proteins adapt to new environments. Here we used a comparative phylogenomic and proteomic approach to show that the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis ANT/505 acquired a genomic island with a functional pathway for pectin catabolism. Bioinformatics and biochemical experiments revealed that this pathway encodes a series of carbohydrate‐active enzymes including two multi‐modular pectate lyases, PelA and PelB. PelA is a large enzyme with a polysaccharide lyase family 1 (PL1) domain and a carbohydrate esterase family 8 domain, and PelB contains a PL1 domain and two carbohydrate‐binding domains of family 13. Comparative phylogenomic analyses indicate that the pathway was most likely acquired from terrestrial microbes, yet we observed multi‐modular orthologues only in marine bacteria. Proteomic experiments showed that P. haloplanktis ANT/505 secretes both pectate lyases into the environment in the presence of pectin. These multi‐modular enzymes may therefore represent a marine innovation that enhances physical interaction with pectins to reduce loss of substrate and enzymes by diffusion. Our results revealed that marine bacteria can catabolize pectin, and highlight enzyme fusion as a potential adaptation that may facilitate microbial consumption of polymeric substrates in aquatic environments.
Two eisosome proteins play opposite roles in autophagic control and sustain cell integrity, function and pathogenicity in Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zhang Long‐Bin , Tang Li , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: March 2017

SummaryPil1A and Pil1B are two core eisosome proteins that are homologous to yeast Pil1/Lsp1 or filamentous fungal Pil1A/Pil1B but have been unexplored in entomopathogenic fungi. Here we examined subcellular localization and functions of Pil1A and Pil1B in Beauveria bassiana, a fungal insect pathogen. Either localization or co‐localization experiments of the two proteins demonstrated that Pil1A and Pil1B were simultaneously localized at the periphery of hyphal cells for formation of stable, punctuate spots in B. bassiana. This is different from a reliance of proper Lsp1/Pil1B localization upon Pil1/Pil1A in other fungi. Deletions of pil1A and pil1B caused opposite changes in expression of many autophagy‐related genes and formation of intravacuolar autophagosomes. Such opposite changes were restored to nearly normal status by exogenous rapamycin, implicating a link of Pil1A/B to the target of rapamycin signalling pathway. All single/double deletion mutants of pil1A and pil1B lost almost all pathogenicity due to reduced ability to secrete Pr1 proteases for cuticle degradation. They also showed differential changes in cell wall integrity and multiple stress responses. These findings unveil opposite roles for Pil1A and Pil1B in autophagic regulation and an essentiality of both for cell integrity, function and pathogenicity of the fungal entomopathogen.
A novel, highly conserved metallothionein family in basidiomycete fungi and characterization of two representativeSlMTaandSlMTbgenes in the ectomycorrhizal fungusSuillus luteus
Authors: Nguyen Hoai , Rineau François , Vangronsveld Jaco , Cuypers Ann , Colpaert Jan V. , Ruytinx Joske 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe basidiomyceteSuillus luteusis an important member of the ectomycorrhizal community that thrives in heavy metal polluted soils covered with pioneer pine forests. This study aimed to identify potential heavy metal chelators inS. luteus. Two metallothionein (MT) coding genes,SlMTaandSlMTb, were identified. When heterologously expressed in yeast, bothSlMTaandSlMTbcan rescue the Cu sensitive mutant from Cu toxicity. InS. luteus, transcription of bothSlMTaandSlMTbis induced by Cu but not Cd or Zn. Several putative Cu‐sensing and metal‐response elements are present in the promoter sequences. These results indicate that SlMTa and SlMTb function as Cu‐thioneins. Homologs of theS. luteusMTs are present in 49 species belonging to 10 different orders of the subphylum Agaricomycotina and are remarkably conserved. The length of the proteins, number and distribution of cysteine residues indicate a novel family of fungal MTs. The ubiquitous and highly conserved features of these MTs suggest that they are important for basic cellular functions in species in the subphylum Agaricomycotina.
Effectiveness of progesterone, cerclage and pessary for preventing preterm birth in singleton pregnancies: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jarde A , Lutsiv O , Park CK , Beyene J , Dodd JM , Barrett J , Shah PS , Cook JL , Saito S , Biringer AB , Sabatino L , Giglia L , Han Z , Staub K , Mundle W , Chamberlain J , McDonald SD 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPreterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant death, but it is unclear which intervention is best to prevent it.ObjectivesTo compare progesterone, cerclage and pessary, determine their relative effects and rank them.Search strategyWe searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science (to April 2016), without restrictions, and screened references of previous reviews.Selection criteriaWe included randomised trials of progesterone, cerclage or pessary for preventing PTB in women with singleton pregnancies at risk as defined by each study.Data collection and analysisWe extracted data by duplicate using a piloted form and performed Bayesian random‐effects network meta‐analyses and pairwise meta‐analyses. We rated evidence quality using GRADE, ranked interventions using SUCRA and calculated numbers needed to treat (NNT).Main resultsWe included 36 trials (9425 women; 25 low risk of bias trials). Progesterone ranked first or second for most outcomes, reducing PTB < 34 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 0.44; 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.22–0.79; NNT 9; low quality], <37 weeks (OR 0.58; 95% CrI 0.41–0.79; NNT 9; moderate quality), and neonatal death (OR 0.50; 95% CrI 0.28–0.85; NNT 35; high quality), compared with control, in women overall at risk. We found similar results in the subgroup with previous PTB, but only a reduction of PTB < 34 weeks in women with a short cervix. Pessary showed inconsistent benefit and cerclage did not reduce PTB < 37 or <34 weeks.ConclusionsProgesterone was the best intervention for preventing PTB in singleton pregnancies at risk, reducing PTB < 34 weeks, <37 weeks, neonatal demise and other sequelae.Tweetable abstractProgesterone was better than cerclage and pessary to prevent preterm birth, neonatal death and more in network meta‐analysis.
Population‐level incidence and monitoring of adverse drug reactions with long‐term amiodarone therapy
Authors: Rankin Stephen , Elder Douglas H. , Ogston Simon , George Jacob , Lang Chim C. , Choy Anna Maria 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIntroductionAmiodarone is associated with significant long‐lasting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Guidelines recommend laboratory monitoring during long‐term use. However, data of compliance with laboratory monitoring are lacking.AimsThe aim of this study was to assess laboratory monitoring of liver and thyroid function during amiodarone prescribing from 1989 to 2011 in the Tayside, UK, population (approximately 400 000) in relation to National Guidelines recommending laboratory monitoring every 6 months. We also report the population‐level incidence of abnormal liver and thyroid function in relation to total exposure of amiodarone.MethodsUtilizing well‐established record‐linkage database, a longitudinal retrospective analysis of 1413 patients on long‐term amiodarone was carried out, analyzing prescribing, biochemical, and clinical data.ResultsForty‐six percent (46%), 28%, and 21% of patients underwent liver, thyroid, and combined testing, respectively, in accordance with guideline recommendations. Thirteen percent and 17% of patients did not have any ALT or TSH testing, respectively. During follow‐up, 117 (9.5%) patients had an ALT 3×ULN and 16% patients had an abnormal TSH, (n=125, <0.4 mU/L and n=28, >10 mU/L). One hundred and forty patients (10%) required thyroxine replacement therapy, and 40 (3%) required on hyperthyroid medication. Total amiodarone exposure increased the likelihood of abnormal biochemical testing 2.5‐fold after 4 years therapy for liver and thyroid function (P<.0005).ConclusionIn this population‐based study, adherence to laboratory monitoring guidelines was suboptimal. There was a positive correlation with total amiodarone exposure and biochemical abnormalities and development of thyroid disease compared to the general population, highlighting the need for improvement and continued amiodarone monitoring.
Radar wind profilers and avian migration: a qualitative and quantitative assessment verified by thermal imaging and moon watching
Authors: Weisshaupt Nadja , Lehmann Volker , Arizaga Juan , Maruri Mercedes 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Radars of various types have been used in ornithological research for about 70 years. However, the potential of radar wind profiler (RWP) as a tool for biological purposes remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to assess the suitability of RWP for ornithological research questions.

A 1290 MHz RWP at the south‐eastern coast of the Bay of Biscay has been known to exhibit seasonally occurring nocturnal signals attributed to migrating birds. As a first step to verify the origin of these seasonal patterns, historical radar data from 2010 to 2012 were analysed, and both bird patterns and temporal occurrence were identified in RWP data at different levels of the signal processing. A thermal‐imaging (TI) camera in conjunction with moon watching was used as verification systems at the radar site to confirm the ornithological origin of the radar echoes. The simultaneous data on spring migration served as a basis for the identification of biological signatures (qualitative parameters) on time‐series level (raw data) and to derive quantitative migration parameters (flight altitude, migration traffic rates) thereof. Finally, the quantitative measurements of the TI camera and the radar were compared considering meteorological conditions.

The approach allowed identifying reproducible criteria based on time series to calculate migration traffic rates and altitudinal flight distribution. General flight directions were only available in the final wind data. In clear weather conditions, the calibration methods coincided well with the wind profiler data.

Findings show that wind profiler raw data offer reliable information on migration intensity, flight altitudes and flight directions in a variety of meteorological conditions. The method presented can be applied as a complement to present efforts to use weather radars for large‐scale bird monitoring. Furthermore, it is also interesting for the meteorological community to refine signal‐processing methods.
Managing the oral side‐effects of medications used to treat multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cockburn N , Pateman K , Taing MW , Pradhan A , Ford PJ 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundMany medications used to manage multiple sclerosis (MS) affect oral health. This review aimed to identify the oral side‐effects of the current drugs recommended in Australia to treat MS and make dental practitioners aware of the range of symptoms.MethodsThe Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and the Australian Medicines Handbook were searched for medications used to treat MS. For each medication, the generic name, class, route of administration, dosage and drug company reported side‐effects were extracted from the online Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMs) database. Meyler's Side‐effect of Drugs Encyclopaedia was used to identify any additional oral adverse reactions to medications used to treat MS.ResultsFourteen drugs were identified for the treatment of MS progression and 13 drugs for the treatment of MS symptoms. For these medications, 18 oral side‐effects were documented: xerostomia was the most common, followed by dysgeusia, dysphagia, mouth ulceration and sinusitis. Anticholinergic drugs caused xerostomia while immunosuppressants resulted in more infection‐related side‐effects.ConclusionsDental practitioners should be aware of the range of symptoms likely to be reported by this population. Clinicians are encouraged to continue providing dental care for their patients who develop MS and refer complex cases to specialists.
Efficacy of icotinib in lung squamous‐cell cancer: A real‐world experience from single institution
Authors: Xu Jianping , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Sheng , Zhang Xiangru , Shi Yuankai 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimSquamous cell carcinoma is a less common type of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which associates with a poor clinical prognosis and lacks specific therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of icotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has proven to be effective in EGFR‐mutated NSCLC, in patients with lung squamous‐cell cancer.MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted in patients who had advanced lung squamous‐cell cancer confirmed by cytology or histology. Patients were treated orally with icotinib (125 mg, three times daily) until event of unacceptable toxicity, disease progression or death. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival, overall response rate and disease control rate.ResultsBetween January 2014 and May 2016, 20 patients were enrolled and evaluated for the efficacy and safety of icotinib. Overall, the median overall survival and progression‐free survival were 9.93 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.46–16.40) and 3.0 months (95% CI: 0.00–8.35), respectively. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 20% and 70%, respectively. For treatment‐naive patients (n = 11), the overall survival and progression‐free survival were 9.93 months (95% CI: 0.00–23.49) and 6.27 months (95% CI: 0.00–12.61); the response rate and disease control rate were 27.3% and 54.5%, respectively. The overall survival and progression‐free survival of patients treated with second‐ or multiple‐line icotinib treatment (n = 9) were 6.5 months (95% CI: 0.80–12.20) and 1.2 months (95% CI: 1.10–1.30). A total of 11 patients experienced at least one treatment‐related adverse event, most of which were mild to moderate. The most common manifestations were rash (n = 6, 30%) followed by diarrhea (n = 2, 10%).ConclusionIcotinib has demonstrated a favorable efficacy and safety profile in patients with advanced lung squamous‐cell cancer.
Pre‐treatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hsieh Amy Hsin‐Chieh , Tahkar Harminder , Koczwara Bogda , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Beckmann Kerri , Karapetis Christos , Sukumaran Shawgi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSmall cell lung cancer is a rapidly progressive disease with high fatality. No sensitive and specific biomarker to assist in managing this disease exists currently.AimRole of pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker in small cell lung cancer.MethodsA hospital‐based cancer registry was used to identify eligible patients from 1999 to 2009. Demographic data, lactate dehydrogenase level and clinical outcome of patients were collected for analysis.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐eight patients were identified: 61% (n = 103) males and 39% (n = 65) females. Majority had extensive stage (67%). High lactate dehydrogenase (≥230 U/L) was present in 60.4% (n = 75); mean reading 260 U/L (range 148–898 U/L) in limited stage and 470 U/L (range 116–5462 U/L) in extensive stage. Extensive stage patients with high lactate dehydrogenase had lower treatment response rate compared to those with normal lactate dehydrogenase (39% vs 79%, P = 0.002); no difference in treatment response was seen among patients with limited stage. High lactate dehydrogenase conferred a worse survival; mean overall survivals in limited and extensive stage were 8.0 and 5.2 months, respectively, in patients with elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Those with normal lactate dehydrogenase had an overall survival of 16.5 and 8.2 months, respectively. The association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex and treatment (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.16–2.80, P = 0.009).ConclusionHigh pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase is a prognostic marker of survival in both stages of small cell lung cancer. It is also a predictive marker of response to therapy in extensive stage. Larger prospective studies to validate our findings would be beneficial.
Counselling regarding paternal exposures: Can we do better?
Authors: Ritchie Helen Elizabeth , Oakes Diana Joy , Hegedus Elizabeth , Hill Majella , Kennedy Debra 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundMotherSafe is a free telephone‐based counselling service for the general public and healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calls relating to paternal exposures are less common, but can cause distress to the person concerned. This review seeks to identify the key concerns and what information is available to address these concerns.AimsTo review calls made to MotherSafe about paternal exposures to teratogens during the 16 year period, 2000–2015, and to document any patterns or changes in calls over the period.Materials and methodsA retrospective descriptive assessment of a prospectively collected database (2000–2015) was undertaken. Telephone counselling records identified the drugs of concern regarding paternal exposures. The information about paternal exposures provided in consumer and production information was also reviewed.ResultsOf a total of 253 103 calls received at MotherSafe between 2000 and 2015, 1072 calls (0.4%) were regarding paternal exposures. The majority of these calls related to immunomodifiers (19%), hair loss products (11%) and antidepressant medications.ConclusionsPaternal exposures represent a small proportion of all the counselling calls made to MotherSafe. The study highlighted the deficient and often misleading information about paternal exposures found in most consumer and product information sheets or via the internet. The study indicates the important role of Teratogen Information Services like Mothersafe in providing evidence‐based information to both consumers and healthcare providers.
EFFECT OF PRIVATIZATION AND BROADER REFORMS ON LABOUR USE ADJUSTMENTS AND EFFICIENCY
Authors: GHULAM Yaseen 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTState‐owned firms were said to have an excessive use of labour. The cost of job losses after privatization was debated but ignored due to perceived efficiency gains in the utilization of labour. We estimate longer time employment risk, labour use adjustment and the efficiency of labour utilization in the Pakistani cement industry. We conclude that firms have made significant adjustments in labour use and employment risks have indeed reduced. Our estimates however, show that long run labour use efficiency in the industry and in the privatized firms has not improved, but that, surprisingly, firms set‐up and operated privately have experienced a decrease in labour efficiency.
Mathematical modelling of the drug release from an ensemble of coated pellets
Authors: Caccavo Diego , Lamberti Gaetano , Cafaro Maria Margherita , Barba Anna Angela , Kazlauske Jurgita , Larsson Anette 
Published: March 2017

Background and PurposeCoated pellets are widely used as oral drug delivery systems, being highly accepted by patients and with several advantages compared to single unit devices. However, their behaviour needs to be elucidated so as to improve the effectiveness of the formulations and reduce production costs. In spite of this important issue, few mathematical modelling studies have been attempted, mostly due to the complexities arising from the system's polydispersity (non‐homogeneous multiple‐unit particulate systems), which has been scarcely investigated using mechanistic models.Experimental approachA mechanistic mathematical model was developed that was able to describe the single pellet behaviour in terms of hydration, drug dissolution, diffusion and release and particle size. This model was then extended to describe and predict the behaviour of mono‐ and polydispersed ensembles of pellets.Key ResultsThe polydispersity arising from the size and distribution of the inert core was shown to have a minimal effect on the drug release profile, whereas the thickness and distribution of the polymeric film was found to be the key parameter determining the drug release.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe mechanistic model developed, which is capable of determining the polydispersity of the drug delivery system, was able to predict the release kinetics from ensembles of pellets and to highlight the key parameters that need to be controlled in the production of pellet‐based drug delivery systems, demonstrating its use as a powerful predictive tool.
Near visual impairment and spectacle coverage in Telangana, India
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Khanna Rohit C , Kunuku Eswararao , Rao Gullapalli N 
Published: March 2017

AbstractImportanceThe study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India.BackgroundNVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology.ParticipantsFive thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye.MethodsPresenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re‐assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12.Main Outcome MeasuresPrevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% (n = 2392) were women. About 80% (n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% (n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district (n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9–59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%.Conclusions and relevanceNVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi‐pronged approach to address the burden of NVI.