bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating creep rupture and damage behaviour in notched P92 steel specimen using a microscale modelling approach
Authors: Zhao L. , Alang N. , Nikbin K. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIdealized random grains separated by pseudo grain boundaries were generated by using Voronoi tessellation to simulate the polycrystalline microstructure. Combined with finite element analyses, this approach made it possible to addressing crack initiation and progressive failure due to crack growth in notched bar geometries of P92 steel at high temperature. The calculations provided good predictions for creep rupture lives of notched specimen with different notch radii and external stress. Simultaneously, irregular crack growth shape, intergranular crack mode, and wedge cracks at triple grain interaction were captured in the model. The crack initiation positions were found to be influenced by notch radius and applied stress causing high stress triaxiality at the subgrain level. Furthermore, the preferential crack growth directions were changed as the notch varied from sharp to blunt.
The Economic Effect of Refugee Crises on Neighbouring Host Countries: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Baloch Amdadullah , Shah Said Zamin , Noor Zaleha Mohd , Lacheheb Miloud 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThere is a considerable debate in terms of opportunities and challenges about the presence of refugees in the neighbouring host countries. Most of the existing discourse has focused only on their humanitarian and security implications. This article, on the other hand, seeks to uncover this issue through a purely economic lens, focusing on the economic impact of more than three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Utilizing data for the period 1979–2014 and the ARDL bounds testing approach, we arrive at few important conclusions. The empirical results indicate that Afghan refugees have a strong negative impact on economic growth in Pakistan. The effect holds in both the short run and the long run, suggesting that the influx of refugees lowers real economic activity in the country. Ultimately, the study implies that hosting refugees can never be a boon to Pakistan's economy.
Quality of life measurement in acne. Position Paper of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Chernyshov P.V. , Zouboulis C.C. , Tomas‐Aragones L. , Jemec G.B. , Manolache L. , Tzellos T. , Sampogna F. , Evers A.W.M. , Dessinioti C. , Marron S.E. , Bettoli V. , van Cranenburgh O.D. , Svensson A. , Liakou A.I. , Poot F. , Szepietowski J.C. , Salek M.S. , Finlay A.Y. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAcne causes profound negative psychological and social effects on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The European Dermatology Forum S3‐Guideline for the Treatment of Acne recommended adopting a QoL measure as an integral part of acne management. Because of constantly growing interest in health‐related QoL assessment in acne and because of the high impact of acne on patients’ lives, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on QoL and Patient Oriented Outcomes and the Task Force on Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa have documented the QoL instruments that have been used in acne patients, with information on validation, purposes of their usage, description of common limitations and mistakes in their usage and overall recommendations.
The Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Qualitative Data Collection Application for Pregnant Women
Authors: Keedle Hazel , Schmied Virginia , Burns Elaine , Dahlen Hannah 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeThis article explores the development and evaluation of a smartphone mobile software application (app) to collect qualitative data. The app was specifically designed to capture real‐time qualitative data from women planning a vaginal birth after caesarean delivery. This article outlines the design and development of the app to include funding, ethics, and the recruitment of an app developer, as well as the evaluation of using the app by seven participants.Organizing ConstructData collection methods used in qualitative research include interviews and focus groups (either online, face‐to‐face, or by phone), participant diaries, or observations of interactions. This article identifies an alternative data collection methodology using a smartphone app to collect real‐time data.ConclusionsThe app provides real‐time data and instant access to data alongside the ability to access participants from a variety of locations. This allows the researcher to gain insight into the experiences of participants through audio or video recordings in longitudinal studies without the need for constant interactions or interviews with participants.Clinical RelevanceUsing smartphone applications can allow researchers to access participants who are traditionally hard to reach and access their data in real time. Evaluating these apps before use in research is invaluable.
The dental therapist movement in the United States: A critique of current trends
Authors: Nash David A. , Mathu‐Muju Kavita R. , Friedman Jay W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDental therapists are members of the oral health workforce in over 50 countries in the world typically caring for children in publically funded school‐based programs. A movement has developed in the United States to introduce dental therapists to the oral health workforce in an attempt to improve access to care and to reduce disparities in oral health. This article critiques trends in the United States movement in the context of the history and success of dental therapists practicing internationally. While supporting the dental therapist movement, we challenge: a) the use of dental therapists treating adults, versus focusing on children; b) the use of dental therapists in the private versus the public/not‐for‐profit sector; and c) requirements that a dental therapist must also be credentialed as a dental hygienist.
A review of escape behaviour in orthopterans
Authors: Lagos P. A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn most situations, escaping from a predator may not be a simple decision to make, mainly because of the number and complexity of factors that might influence escape behaviour. There is rich literature on how different factors affect escape behaviour, and on the mechanisms involved, but to date, very little synthesis exist, with the exception for escape behaviour in vertebrates. Little is known about the general patterns affecting the escape decisions in arthropod taxa, even though vast research exists describing how different variables affect their escape behaviour. Here, I’ll summarize the main factors that influence the escape decisions in a particular group of arthropods, the orthopterans. I decided to focus on this taxon because we have a good understanding of the neural bases for their escape response as well as their sensory systems. Thus, my objective is to connect general patterns of the escape decisions with the mechanisms explaining how escape behaviour operates.
Growth differentiation factor 15 predicts advanced fibrosis in biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Koo Bo Kyung , Um Sung Hee , Seo Dong Soo , Joo Sae Kyung , Bae Jeong Mo , Park Jeong Hwan , Chang Mee Soo , Kim Jung Ho , Lee Jieun , Jeong Won‐Il , Kim Won 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsWe explored whether growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) affects the histological severity of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independent of insulin resistance.MethodsIn a biopsy‐proven NAFLD cohort, we measured serum GDF15 levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsAmong 190 subjects (mean age, 53 ± 14 years; men, 52.1%), 72 (men, 65.3%) and 78 (men, 44.9%) were diagnosed with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) respectively. GDF15 levels were significantly higher in NASH patients than in controls (P = .010) or NAFL patients (P = .001). Subjects with advanced fibrosis (≥F3) also showed higher GDF15 levels compared to the others (F0‐2; P < .001). Among NAFLD patients, the highest quartile of GDF15 levels was significantly associated with a risk of advanced fibrosis even after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, aspartate aminotransferase, platelet, albumin, insulin resistance and low skeletal muscle mass (odds ratio, 4.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.04‐17.63), but not with NASH risk. GDF15 levels showed a significant positive correlation with liver stiffness (Spearman's ρ, .525; P < .001). Palmitate treatment increased the GDF15 mRNA expression level significantly in Kupffer cells, but not in hepatocytes. In LX‐2 cells, GDF15 treatment resulted in enhanced expression of α‐smooth muscle actin and collagen I, as well as phosphorylation of SMAD2 and SMAD3.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that GDF15 may serve as a novel biomarker of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD, thereby indicating the need for urgent anti‐fibrotic pharmacotherapy.
Role of closed loop stimulation pacing (CLS) in vasovagal syncope
Authors: Ruzieh Mohammed , Ammari Zaid , Dasa Osama , Karim Saima , Grubb Blair 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVasovagal syncope (VVS) or neurocardiogenic syncope is defined by transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous and rapid recovery. Recently, a closed loop stimulation (CLS) pacing system has emerged as a new strategy which appears superior to conventional pacing for patients with refractory syncope. However, its efficacy remains of considerable debate and large randomized controlled clinical trials are needed. Between 2002 and 2017, 12 total studies evaluated the use of CLS pacing in patients with refractory VVS, and are summarized in this article.
Critical Appraisal Tools and Reporting Guidelines for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Buccheri Robin K. , Sharifi Claire 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundNurses engaged in evidence‐based practice (EBP) have two important sets of tools: Critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines. Critical appraisal tools facilitate the appraisal process and guide a consumer of evidence through an objective, analytical, evaluation process. Reporting guidelines, checklists of items that should be included in a publication or report, ensure that the project or guidelines are reported on with clarity, completeness, and transparency.PurposeThe primary purpose of this paper is to help nurses understand the difference between critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines. A secondary purpose is to help nurses locate the appropriate tool for the appraisal or reporting of evidence.MethodsA systematic search was conducted to find commonly used critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines for EBP in nursing.RationaleThis article serves as a resource to help nurse navigate the often‐overwhelming terrain of critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines, and will help both novice and experienced consumers of evidence more easily select the appropriate tool(s) to use for critical appraisal and reporting of evidence. Having the skills to select the appropriate tool or guideline is an essential part of meeting EBP competencies for both practicing registered nurses and advanced practice nurses (Melnyk & Gallagher‐Ford, 2015; Melnyk, Gallagher‐Ford, & Fineout‐Overholt, 2017).ResultsNine commonly used critical appraisal tools and eight reporting guidelines were found and are described in this manuscript. Specific steps for selecting an appropriate tool as well as examples of each tool's use in a publication are provided.Linking Evidence to ActionPracticing registered nurses and advance practice nurses must be able to critically appraise and disseminate evidence in order to meet EBP competencies. This article is a resource for understanding the difference between critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines, and identifying and accessing appropriate tools or guidelines.
Nosocomial Outbreak of Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Containing
bla
OXA-237
Carried on a Plasmid
Authors: Hujer Andrea M. , Higgins Paul G. , Rudin Susan D. , Buser Genevieve L. , Marshall Steven H. , Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Seifert Harald , Rojas Laura J. , Domitrovic T. Nicholas , Cassidy P. Maureen , Cunningham Margaret C. , Vega Robert , Furuno Jon P. , Pfeiffer Christopher D. , Beldavs Zintars G. , Wright Meredith S. , Jacobs Michael R. , Adams Mark D. , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem antibiotics are among the mainstays for treating infections caused by
Acinetobacter baumannii
, especially in the Northwest United States, where carbapenem-resistant
A. baumannii
remains relatively rare. However, between June 2012 and October 2014, an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant
A. baumannii
occurred in 16 patients from five health care facilities in the state of Oregon. All isolates were defined as extensively drug resistant. Multilocus sequence typing revealed that the isolates belonged to sequence type 2 (international clone 2 [IC2]) and were >95% similar as determined by repetitive-sequence-based PCR analysis. Multiplex PCR revealed the presence of a
bla
OXA
carbapenemase gene, later identified as
bla
OXA-237
. Whole-genome sequencing of all isolates revealed a well-supported separate branch within a global
A. baumannii
phylogeny. Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT sequencing was also performed on one isolate to gain insight into the genetic location of the carbapenem resistance gene. We discovered that
bla
OXA-237
, flanked on either side by IS
Aba1
elements in opposite orientations, was carried on a 15,198-bp plasmid designated pORAB01-3 and was present in all 16 isolates. The plasmid also contained genes encoding a TonB-dependent receptor, septicolysin, a type IV secretory pathway (VirD4 component, TraG/TraD family) ATPase, an integrase, a RepB family plasmid DNA replication initiator protein, an alpha/beta hydrolase, and a BrnT/BrnA type II toxin-antitoxin system. This is the first reported outbreak in the northwestern United States associated with this carbapenemase. Particularly worrisome is that
bla
OXA-237
was carried on a plasmid and found in the most prominent worldwide clonal group IC2, potentially giving pORAB01-3 great capacity for future widespread dissemination.
Dual Mechanism of Action of 5-Nitro-1,10-Phenanthroline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kidwai Saqib , Park Chan-Yong , Mawatwal Shradha , Tiwari Prabhakar , Jung Myung Geun , Gosain Tannu Priya , Kumar Pradeep , Alland David , Kumar Sandeep , Bajaj Avinash , Hwang Yun-Kyung , Song Chang Sik , Dhiman Rohan , Lee Ill Young , Singh Ramandeep 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

New chemotherapeutic agents with novel mechanisms of action are urgently required to combat the challenge imposed by the emergence of drug-resistant mycobacteria. In this study, a phenotypic whole-cell screen identified 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (5NP) as a lead compound. 5NP-resistant isolates harbored mutations that were mapped to
fbiB
and were also resistant to the bicyclic nitroimidazole PA-824. Mechanistic studies confirmed that 5NP is activated in an F
420
-dependent manner, resulting in the formation of 1,10-phenanthroline and 1,10-phenanthrolin-5-amine as major metabolites in bacteria. Interestingly, 5NP also killed naturally resistant intracellular bacteria by inducing autophagy in macrophages. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the essentiality of the nitro group for
in vitro
activity, and an analog, 3-methyl-6-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, that had improved
in vitro
activity and
in vivo
efficacy in mice compared with that of 5NP was designed. These findings demonstrate that, in addition to a direct mechanism of action against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, 5NP also modulates the host machinery to kill intracellular pathogens.
Development and Validation of a High-Resolution Melting Assay To Detect Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Bernal-Martínez L. , Gil H. , Rivero-Menéndez O. , Gago S. , Cuenca-Estrella M. , Mellado E. , Alastruey-Izquierdo A. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

The global emergence of azole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
strains is a growing public health concern. Different patterns of azole resistance are linked to mutations in
cyp51A
. Therefore, accurate characterization of the mechanisms underlying azole resistance is critical to guide selection of the most appropriate antifungal agent for patients with aspergillosis. This study describes a new sequencing-free molecular screening tool for early detection of the most frequent mutations known to be associated with azole resistance in
A. fumigatus
. PCRs targeting
cyp51A
mutations at positions G54, Y121, G448, and M220 and targeting different tandem repeats (TRs) in the promoter region were designed. All PCRs were performed simultaneously, using the same cycling conditions. Amplicons were then distinguished using a high-resolution melting assay. For standardization, 30 well-characterized azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
strains were used, yielding melting curve clusters for different resistance mechanisms for each target and allowing detection of the most frequent azole resistance mutations, i.e., G54E, G54V, G54R, G54W, Y121F, M220V, M220I, M220T, M220K, and G448S, and the tandem repeats TR
34
, TR
46
, and TR
53
. Validation of the method was performed using a blind panel of 80
A. fumigatus
azole-susceptible or azole-resistant strains. All strains included in the blind panel were properly classified as susceptible or resistant with the developed method. The implementation of this screening method can reduce the time needed for the detection of azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates and therefore facilitate selection of the best antifungal therapy in patients with aspergillosis.
Chemical Genetic Interaction Profiling Reveals Determinants of Intrinsic Antibiotic Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Xu Weizhen , DeJesus Michael A. , Rücker Nadine , Engelhart Curtis A. , Wright Meredith G. , Healy Claire , Lin Kan , Wang Ruojun , Park Sae Woong , Ioerger Thomas R. , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Chemotherapy for tuberculosis (TB) is lengthy and could benefit from synergistic adjuvant therapeutics that enhance current and novel drug regimens. To identify genetic determinants of intrinsic antibiotic susceptibility in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, we applied a chemical genetic interaction (CGI) profiling approach. We screened a saturated transposon mutant library and identified mutants that exhibit altered fitness in the presence of partially inhibitory concentrations of rifampin, ethambutol, isoniazid, vancomycin, and meropenem, antibiotics with diverse mechanisms of action. This screen identified the
M. tuberculosis
cell envelope to be a major determinant of antibiotic susceptibility but did not yield mutants whose increase in susceptibility was due to transposon insertions in genes encoding efflux pumps. Intrinsic antibiotic resistance determinants affecting resistance to multiple antibiotics included the peptidoglycan-arabinogalactan ligase Lcp1, the mycolic acid synthase MmaA4, the protein translocase SecA2, the mannosyltransferase PimE, the cell envelope-associated protease CaeA/Hip1, and FecB, a putative iron dicitrate-binding protein. Characterization of a deletion mutant confirmed FecB to be involved in the intrinsic resistance to every antibiotic analyzed. In contrast to its predicted function, FecB was dispensable for growth in low-iron medium and instead functioned as a critical mediator of envelope integrity.
Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Penetration of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam in Diabetic Patients with Lower Limb Infections and Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Monogue Marguerite L. , Stainton Sean M. , Baummer-Carr Arlinda , Shepard Ashley K. , Nugent James F. , Kuti Joseph L. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Ceftolozane-tazobactam displays potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria that can cause diabetic foot infections (DFI), making it an attractive treatment option when few alternatives exist. The pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration of ceftolozane-tazobactam at 1.5 g every 8 h (q8h) in patients (
n
= 10) with DFI were compared with those in healthy volunteers (
n
= 6) using
in vivo
microdialysis. In the patient participants, the median values of the pharmacokinetic parameters for ceftolozane in total plasma were as follows: maximum concentration (
C
max
), 55.2 μg/ml (range, 40.9 to 169.3 μg/ml); half-life (
t
1/2
), 3.5 h (range, 2.3 to 4.7 h); and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to 8 h (AUC
0–8
), 191.6 μg · h/ml (range, 147.1 to 286.6 μg · h/ml). The median AUC for tissue (AUC
tissue
; where AUC
tissue
was the AUC
0–8
for tissue for ceftolozane)/AUC for plasma for each antibiotic corrected by the fraction of free drug (
f
AUC
plasma
) was 0.75 (range, 0.35 to 1.00), resulting in a mean free time above 4 μg/ml (the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
susceptibility breakpoint) in tissue of 99.8% (range, 87.5 to 100%). In the patient participants, the median values of the pharmacokinetic parameters for tazobactam in total plasma were as follows:
C
max
, 14.2 μg/ml (range, 7.6 to 64.2 μg/ml);
t
1/2
, 2.0 h (range, 0.7 to 2.4 h); and AUC
0–8
, 27.1 μg · h/ml (range, 15.0 to 70.0 μg · h/ml). The AUC
tissue
(where AUC
tissue
was the AUC from time zero to the time of the last measureable concentration in tissue for tazobactam)/
f
AUC
plasma
for tazobactam was 1.18 (range, 0.54 to 1.44). In the healthy volunteers, the median values of the pharmacokinetic parameters for ceftolozane in total plasma were as follows:
C
max
, 91.5 μg/ml (range, 65.7 to 110.7 μg/ml);
t
1/2
, 1.9 h (range, 1.6 to 2.1 h); and AUC
0–8
, 191.3 μg · h/ml (range, 118.1 to 274.3 μg · h/ml). The median AUC
tissue
/
f
AUC
plasma
was 0.87 (range, 0.54 to 2.20), resulting in a mean free time above 4 μg/ml in tissue of 93.8% (range, 87.5 to 100%). In the healthy volunteers, the median values of the pharmacokinetic parameters for tazobactam in total plasma were as follows:
C
max
, 17.5 μg/ml (range, 15.4 to 27.3 μg/ml);
t
1/2
, 0.7 h (range, 0.6 to 0.8 h); and AUC
0–8
, 22.2 μg · h/ml (range, 19.2 to 36.4 μg · h/ml). The AUC
tissue
/
f
AUC
plasma
for tazobactam was 0.85 (range, 0.63 to 2.10). Both ceftolozane and tazobactam penetrated into subcutaneous tissue with exposures similar to those of free drug in plasma in both patients with DFI and healthy volunteers. These data suggest that ceftolozane-tazobactam at 1.5 g q8h can achieve the optimal exposure with activity against susceptible Gram-negative pathogens in the tissue of patients with DFI. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02620774.)
In Vitro
Activity of the Novel Pleuromutilin Lefamulin (BC-3781) and Effect of Efflux Pump Inactivation on Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Paukner Susanne , Golparian Daniel , Jensen Jörgen S. , Unemo Magnus 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the activity of the novel semisynthetic pleuromutilin lefamulin, inhibiting protein synthesis and growth, and the effect of efflux pump inactivation on clinical gonococcal isolates and reference strains (
n
= 251), including numerous multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant isolates. Lefamulin showed potent activity against all gonococcal isolates, and no significant cross-resistance to other antimicrobials was identified. Further studies of lefamulin are warranted, including
in vitro
selection and mechanisms of resistance, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, optimal dosing, and performance in randomized controlled trials.