bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species-Specific Interactions of Arr with RplK Mediate Stringent Response in Bacteria
Authors: Agrawal Priyanka , Varada Rajagopal , Sah Shivjee , Bhattacharyya Souvik , Varshney Umesh 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTBacteria respond to stressful growth conditions through a conserved phenomenon of stringent response mediated by synthesis of stress alarmones ppGpp and pppGpp [referred to as (p)ppGpp]. (p)ppGpp synthesis is known to occur by ribosome-associated RelA. In addition, a dual-function protein, SpoT (with both synthetase and hydrolase activities), maintains (p)ppGpp homeostasis. The presence of (p)ppGpp is also known to contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.Mycobacterium smegmatispossesses Arr, which inactivates rifampin by its ADP ribosylation. Arr has been shown to be upregulated in response to stress. However, the roles Arr might play during growth have remained unclear. We show that Arr confers growth fitness advantage toM. smegmatiseven in the absence of rifampin. Arr deficiency inM. smegmatisresulted in deficiency of biofilm formation. Further, we show that while Arr does not interact with the wild-typeEscherichia coliribosomes, it interacts with them when theE. coliribosomal protein L11 (a stringent response regulator) is replaced with its homolog fromM. smegmatis. The Arr interaction withE. coliribosomes occurs even when the N-terminal 33 amino acids of its L11 protein were replaced with the corresponding sequence ofM. smegmatisL11 (Msm-EcoL11 chimeric protein). Interestingly, Arr interaction with theE. coliribosomes harboringM. smegmatisL11 orMsm-EcoL11 results in the synthesis of ppGppin vivo. Our study shows a novel role of antibiotic resistance genearrin stress response.IMPORTANCEMycobacterium smegmatis, like many other bacteria, possesses an ADP-ribosyltransferase, Arr, which confers resistance to the first-line antituberculosis drug, rifampin, by its ADP ribosylation. In this report, we show that in addition to its known property of conferring resistance to rifampin, Arr confers growth fitness advantage toM. smegmatiseven when there is no rifampin in the growth medium. We then show that Arr establishes species-specific interactions with ribosomes through the N-terminal sequence of ribosomal protein L11 (a stringent response regulator) and results in ppGpp (stress alarmone) synthesis. Deficiency of Arr inM. smegmatisresults in deficiency of biofilm formation. Arr protein is physiologically important both in conferring antibiotic resistance as well as in mediating stringent response.
Impact of surgery on presence and dimensions of anatomical isthmuses in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Kapel Gijsbert F L , Laranjo Sergio , Blom Nico A , Hazekamp Mark G , Schalij Martin J , Bartelings Margot M , Jongbloed Monique R M , Zeppenfeld Katja 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveIn tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), the dominant ventricular tachycardia substrates are slow-conducting anatomical isthmuses. Surgical correction has evolved, which might have influenced isthmus presence and dimensions.MethodsOne hundred and forty-two postmortem TOF specimens (84/58 corrected/uncorrected) were studied for isthmus presence. Isthmus 1 is located between the tricuspid annulus and right ventricular (RV) outflow tract (RVOT) patch/RV incision, isthmus 2 between RVOT patch/RV incision and pulmonary valve, isthmus 3 between pulmonary valve and ventricular septal defect (patch), isthmus 4 between ventricular septal defect (patch) and tricuspid annulus. Isthmus width and thickness were measured.ResultsOf 84 corrected postmortem TOF specimens (death: 6.6 years (4.0–11.5)), 83 demonstrated isthmus 1 (99%, width=25±10 mm, thickness=5±2 mm), 35 isthmus 2 (42%, width=10±9 mm, thickness=3±2 mm), 83 isthmus 3 (99%, width=10±6 mm, thickness=5±2 mm), and 5 isthmus 4 (6%, width=4±2 mm, thickness=2±1 mm). Transatrial-transpulmonary correction (n=49) as compared with transventricular correction (n=35) prevented isthmus 2 (0% vs 100%, P<0.001). Transatrial-transpulmonary correction at age <1 year (n=7) as compared with ≥1 year (n=42) required a smaller transannular RVOT patch (28±15 vs 45±14 mm, P<0.001). Mode and timing of correction did not influence presence and dimensions of isthmus 3. In corrected and uncorrected TOF specimens (death 1.8 years (0.5–6.6)), the range of isthmus 3 dimensions was broad (width: min=2 mm, max=32 mm; thickness: min=1, max 13 mm) across all ages. Isthmus 3 width and thickness were strongly correlated (r=0.65, P<0.001).ConclusionsIn TOF, the current routine use of transatrial-transpulmonary correction prevents isthmus 2. Correction <1 year reduces transannular patch size, which may influence isthmus 1 width later in life. Mode and timing of correction did not change prevalence and dimensions of isthmus 3, in which dimensions varied widely in uncorrected and corrected TOF.
Associations of neighbourhood crime with adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in Chicago: analysis of electronic health records from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Mayne Stephanie L , Pool Lindsay R , Grobman William A , Kershaw Kiarri N 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundAdverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk among mothers and future health problems of offspring. Neighbourhood crime may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes by increasing chronic stress, yet the association has been relatively understudied.MethodsElectronic health records from 34 383 singleton births at a single hospital in Chicago (2009–2013) were geocoded and linked to 1-year rates of police-recorded crime at the neighbourhood (Chicago community area) level. Crimes included homicide, assault/battery, criminal offences and incivilities. Cross-sectional associations of total neighbourhood crime rates with hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP: pre-eclampsia/gestational hypertension), preterm birth (PTB), spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth were assessed using multilevel logistic regression with community-area random intercepts. Models controlled for maternal and infant characteristics and neighbourhood poverty. We then assessed associations between individual crime categories and all outcomes.ResultsTotal neighbourhood crime rates ranged from 11.6 to 303.5 incidents per 1000 persons per year (mean: 61.5, SD: 40.3). A 1-SD higher total neighbourhood crime rate was associated with higher odds of HDP (OR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13), PTB (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.15), sPTB (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.16) and SGA (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10) in fully adjusted models. Associations were generally consistent across crime categories, although only assault/battery and incivilities were associated with HDP.ConclusionsHigher neighbourhood crime rates were associated with small but significant increases in the odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Interventions that cultivate safer neighbourhoods may be a promising approach for improving pregnancy outcomes.
Circulating Angiogenic Mediators in Patients with Moderate and Severe von Willebrand Disease: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Groeneveld Dafna , Sanders Yvonne , Adelmeijer Jelle , Mauser-Bunschoten Evelien , van der Bom Johanna , Cnossen Marjon , Fijnvandraat Karin , Laros-van Gorkom Britta , Meijer Karina , Lisman Ton , Eikenboom Jeroen , Leebeek Frank 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInhibition of von Willebrand factor (VWF) expression in endothelial cells results in enhanced, possible dysfunctional angiogenesis, consistent with observations of severe gastrointestinal bleedings caused by vascular malformations in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD). VWF is stored in endothelial Weibel–Palade bodies (WPB) with several other mediators of angiogenesis, like angiopoietin-2, osteoprotegerin and galectin-3. Increased release of angiopoietin-2 has been observed in medium of endothelial cells lacking VWF, but data on circulating levels of angiogenic factors in patients with VWD are lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate plasma levels of angiogenic factors in patients with various types of VWD to obtain more insight into the pathogenesis of vascular malformations in these patients. We hypothesized that VWF deficiency leads to increased circulating levels of other WPB components. We therefore measured plasma levels of the WPB components angiopoietin-2, osteoprotegerin and galectin-3 as well as two other angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) that are not stored within WPB. We observed that various angiogenic mediators are significantly different between types of VWD patients. Type 2A VWD patients had higher angiopoietin-1 levels compared with type 2B patients. Patients who have increased VWF clearance had higher angiopoietin-2 levels, whereas patients who have impaired VWF synthesis had higher galectin-3 levels. VEGF levels were negatively associated with VWF levels as type 3 VWD patients had the highest VEGF levels. However, complete VWF deficiency did not lead to increased circulating levels of other WPB components.
Effect of Baseline Antiarrhythmic Drug on Outcomes With Ablation in Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Parkash Ratika , Nault Isabelle , Rivard Lena , Gula Lorne , Essebag Vidal , Nery Pablo , Tung Stanley , Raymond Jean-Marc , Sterns Laurence , Doucette Steve , Wells George , Tang Anthony S.L. , Stevenson William G. , Sapp John L. 
Published: January 2018

Background
The VANISH trial (Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Versus Escalated Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in Ischemic Heart Disease) compared the effectiveness of escalated antiarrhythmic drug therapy to catheter ablation in patients with prior myocardial infarction, an implanted defibrillator, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The effectiveness of these interventions in patients on sotalol versus amiodarone was compared.

Methods and Results

Analysis was conducted based on whether patients had recurrent VT, despite amiodarone (amio-refractory) or nonamiodarone drugs (sotalol-refractory). Outcomes included death, VT storm, appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock, and any ventricular arrhythmia. At baseline, 169 (65.2%) were amio-refractory, and 90 (34.7%) were sotalol-refractory (1 patient on procainamide rather than sotalol). Amio-refractory patients had more renal insufficiency (23.7% versus 10%;
P
=0.0008), worse New York Heart Association class (82.3% II/III versus 65.5%;
P
=0.0003), and lower ejection fraction (29±9.7% versus 35.2±11%;
P
<0.0001). Within the amio-refractory group, ablation resulted in reduction of any ventricular arrhythmia compared with escalated drug therapy (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.9),
P
=0.020). Sotalol-refractory patients had trends toward higher mortality and VT storm with ablation, with no effect on implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks. Within the escalated drug therapy arm, amio-refractory patients had a higher rate of the composite outcome (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–3.29;
P
=0.0144) and a trend to higher mortality (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.93–6.22;
P
=0.07), whereas mortality was not different between amio- and sotalol-refractory patients within the ablation treatment group.

Conclusions
Patients with amio-refractory VT have a higher rate of ventricular arrhythmia and mortality than those with sotalol-refractory VT and derive greater benefit of catheter ablation than for patients with sotalol-refractory VT who are switched to amiodarone.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00905853.
Prior Medications and the Cardiovascular Benefits From Combination Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibition Plus Calcium Channel Blockade Among High‐Risk Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Brook Robert D. , Kaciroti Niko , Bakris George , Dahlöf Björn , Pitt Bertram , Velazquez Eric , Weber Michael , Zappe Dion H. , Hau Tsushung , Jamerson Kenneth A. 
Published: January 2018

Background

The
ACCOMPLISH
(Avoiding Cardiovascular Events Through Combination Therapy in Patients Living with Systolic Hypertension) trial demonstrated that combination therapy using amlodipine, rather than hydrochlorothiazide, in conjunction with benazepril provided greater cardiovascular risk reduction among high‐risk hypertensive patients. Few trials have evaluated the effect of prior antihypertensive therapy used among participants on the study outcomes.

Methods and Results

In a post hoc observational analysis, we examined the characteristics of the drug regimens taken before trial enrollment in the context of the primary composite outcome (death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for angina, resuscitation after sudden cardiac death, and coronary revascularization). In the “primary subgroup” (n=4475), patients previously taking any renin‐angiotensin system blockade plus either a diuretic or a calcium channel blocker alone or as part of their antihypertensive regimen, there were 206 of 2193 (9.4%) versus 281 of 2282 (12.3%) primary composite events among those randomized to combination therapy involving amlodipine versus hydrochlorothiazide, respectively (adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.89;
P
=0.0015). All other participants (n=6975) previously taking any antihypertensive regimen not included in the primary subgroup also benefited from randomization to amlodipine plus benazepril (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–0.98;
P
=0.024). Outcomes among most other subgroups, including patients previously taking lipid‐lowering medications or dichotomized by prior blood pressure control status, showed similar results.

Conclusions
When combined with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, amlodipine provides cardiovascular risk reduction superior to hydrochlorothiazide, largely regardless of prior medication use. These findings add further support for the initial use of this combination regimen among high‐risk hypertensive patients.
Life in a Near-Future Atmosphere: Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Increases Plant Growth and Alters the Behavior of a Terrestrial Snail but not a Terrestrial Beetle
Authors: Lefcort Hugh , Kotler Burt P. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract In addition to effects on climate and water acidification, anthropogenic atmospheric releases of carbon dioxide may also directly impact terrestrial organisms that use CO2as a chemical cue. We wondered how common organisms would respond to near-future levels of CO2– levels that may occur by 2025. We chose two common but taxonomically and ecologically dissimilar organisms (Theba pisanahelicid snails andAdesmia dilatatatenebrionid beetles) to examine the behavioral effects of a slight rise (~10 ppm) of CO2on animal abundance and plant growth in the Negev Desert of Israel. We found that plots with supplementary CO2exhibited greater plant growth than control plots over a 50-day experiment, but increased growth did not alter beetle or snail numbers.In laboratory experiments with higher levels of augmented CO2paired with food rewards, we found that snails did not change their climbing behavior when presented with CO2alone, but they avoided food and climbed away when CO2was paired with food. Beetles in the laboratory were attracted to food regardless of CO2levels although high levels of CO2(1200–1300 ppm) reduced movement.The direct effects of near-future CO2levels may augment plant growth but have only minor influence on terrestrial snails and beetles. However, the effects of CO2on climate change in desert habitats like the Negev may be more severe due to a predicted rise in temperature and a decline in precipitation.
Parameterizing Unresolved Mesoscale Motions in Atmospheric Dispersion Models
Authors: Webster Helen N. , Whitehead Thomas , Thomson David J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn atmospheric dispersion models driven by meteorological data from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, it is necessary to include a parameterization for plume spread that is due to unresolved mesoscale motions. These are motions that are not resolved by the input NWP data but are larger in size than the three-dimensional turbulent motions represented by turbulence parameterizations. Neglecting the effect of these quasi-two-dimensional unresolved mesoscale motions has been shown to lead to underprediction of plume spread and overprediction of concentrations within the plume. NWP modeling is conducted at a range of resolutions that resolve different scales of motion. This suggests that any parameterization of unresolved mesoscale motions should depend on the resolution of the input NWP data. Spectral analysis of NWP data and wind observations is used to assess the mesoscale motions unresolved by the NWP model. Appropriate velocity variances and Lagrangian time scales for these motions are found by calculating the missing variance in the energy spectra and analyzing correlation functions. A strong dependence on the resolution of the NWP data is seen, resulting in larger velocity variances and Lagrangian time scales from the lower-resolution models. A parameterization of unresolved mesoscale motions on the basis of the NWP resolution is proposed.
Impact of Inland Terrain on Mid-Atlantic Offshore Wind and Implications for Wind Resource Assessment: A Case Study
Authors: Strobach Edward , Sparling Lynn C. , Rabenhorst Scott Daniel , Demoz Belay 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a case study of a strong low-level jet (LLJ) that was observed about 20 km off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, during a measurement campaign in the summer of 2013. Doppler wind lidar observations offshore, together with analyses of 4-km WRF Model data and NARR data, are used to reconstruct the forcing mechanisms that led to the growth and rapid collapse of the jet offshore as well as to differentiate the forcing mechanisms resulting in an LLJ farther inland. It was observed that the LLJ over the mid-Atlantic coastal plain decreased gradually throughout the early morning hours relative to the LLJ along the coastal ocean as a downslope wind moved eastward from the Appalachian Mountains. The forcing of the LLJ was a result of both thermal and mechanical mechanisms linked to the topography, while synoptic forcing from an approaching cold front led to a downslope wind. Data from a wind profiler near Cambridge, Maryland, also showed an LLJ, but forced by different regional conditions, emphasizing the difficulties of inferring wind conditions offshore from onshore observations. The sudden breakdown of the jet offshore appears to have been a result of an interaction with a downslope wind from the Appalachian Mountains. This particular case study highlights the 1) importance of both large-scale and regional forcing, 2) impact that topographical forcing farther inland had on offshore wind, and 3) different responses in the wind profile as a downslope wind moved across the mid-Atlantic region.
Feelings of Burden in Palliative Care
Authors: Rakic Milenko , Escher Monica , Elger Bernice S. , Eckstein Sandra , Pacurari Nadia , Zwahlen Susanne , Wienand Isabelle 
Published: January 2018

Background: Care for palliative care patients is often provided by unpaid caregivers (eg, family members) who take care of the patient’s daily needs (eg, bathing, dressing). Family members of palliative care patients are involved in numerous ways. These tasks and responsibilities can make them feel burdened and even overburdened. Aim: We specifically looked at patients’ medical records to determine what is being reported about burden and overburden and who seems to be mostly affected. Burden was understood as a weight or task that is difficult to accept or carry, whereas overburden indicates that this weight or task cannot be carried anymore. Methods: We looked at 300 medical records of palliative care patients written by health-care professionals. Written notes were analyzed using latent content analysis as it helps to analyze large amounts of textual data qualitatively and to understand the underlying concepts of what was said. Results: Most (73.5%) patients had a cancer diagnosis. Mean age was 67.6 years (range, 22-98 years). Burden and overburden were identified as main categories and further divided into the following subcategories: for patients and families. According to the written notes, patients often felt burdened by their disease, financial problems, situation at home, and families’ reactions to their disease. By and large, patients felt overburdened by their own disease. Families often felt burdened because of issues related to patients’ medical condition, providing home care, or financial and social aspects. Families mentioned home care and the decision-making process as being overburdening. Conclusion: Findings in the palliative care patients’ medical records are inasmuch important, as they point at the health-care staff’s awareness of possible weights and tasks that might be burdensome for patients and their families. Attention should be drawn to the documentation of medical records in order to identify recurrent difficulties and to help discuss these.
Relationships Among Neonatal Mortality, Hospital Volume, Weekday Demand, and Weekend Birth
Authors: Restrepo Elizabeth , Hamilton Patricia , Liu Fuqin , Mancuso Peggy 
Published: January 2018

Background Research findings indicate that hospital volume affects the quality of care, that quality and demand for care on weekends differs from weekdays, and that giving birth on the weekend increases odds of neonatal mortality. Purpose To explore relationships among neonatal mortality, hospital volume, weekday demand for services, and weekend birth and risk of neonatal mortality. Methods For this retrospective, population-based, cohort study design, data were obtained from 32,140 electronic birth certificate records matched with 92 death certificate records from the Texas Department of State Health Services for 2012. Statistical analyses include descriptive procedures, analysis of variance, bivariate correlation, t-test, logistic regression, and chi-square tests of association. Results Higher hospital birth volume and higher concentrations of births during the week were associated with fewer neonatal deaths. Weekend births were associated not only with higher rates of neonatal death but also with lower birth weight and ethnicity of the mother. Conclusions These findings suggest the need for further study of the ways hospital-level organization of services and resources interact with individual risk factors to play a significant role in raising the neonatal mortality risk associated with weekend birth.