bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Metabolic Syndrome on the Mobility Benefit of a Structured Physical Activity Intervention—The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Botoseneanu Anda , Chen Haiying , Ambrosius Walter T. , Allore Heather G. , Anton Stephen , Folta Sara C. , King Abby C. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Spring Bonnie J. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Gill Thomas M. ,   for the LIFE Study Group
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo test whether structured physical activity (PA) is associated with a greater reduction in major mobility disability (MMD) in older persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS) than in those without.DesignData from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study, a multicenter randomized trial of 1,635 persons with assessments every 6 months (average 2.7 years).SettingEight U.S. centers.ParticipantsSedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 with functional limitations (N = 1,535); 100 participants were excluded because of missing MetS data.InterventionParticipants were randomized to a moderate‐intensity PA program (n = 766) or a health education program (n = 769).MeasurementsMetS was defined according to the 2009 multiagency harmonized criteria. Outcomes included incident MMD (loss of ability to walk 400 m) and persistent MMD (two consecutive MMD diagnoses or one MMD diagnosis followed by death).ResultsSeven hundred sixty‐three (49.7%) participants met criteria for MetS. PA reduced incident MMD more than health education did in participants with MetS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–0.91, P = .007) but not in those without MetS (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.73–1.25, P = .75); the test for statistical interaction was not significant (P = .13). PA reduced the risk of persistent MMD in participants with MetS (HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.41–0.79, P < .001) but not in those without MetS (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.67–1.41, P = .87). The test for statistical interaction was significant (P = .04).ConclusionModerate‐intensity PA substantially reduces the risk of persistent MMD in older persons with functional limitations with MetS but not in those without MetS. Comparable results were observed for incident MMD. The LIFE PA program may be an effective strategy for reducing mobility disability in vulnerable older persons with MetS.
The Hispanic Paradox: Race/Ethnicity and Nativity, Immigrant Enclave Residence and Cognitive Impairment Among Older US Adults
Authors: Weden Margaret M. , Miles Jeremy N. V. , Friedman Esther , Escarce José J. , Peterson Christine , Langa Kenneth M. , Shih Regina A. 
Published: March 2017

Hispanics, and particularly foreign‐born Mexican Americans, have been shown to fare better across a range of health outcomes than might be expected given the generally higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage in this population, a phenomena termed the “Hispanic Paradox”. Previous research on social disparities in cognitive aging, however, has been unable to address both race/ethnicity and nativity (REN) in a nationally‐representative sample of US adults leaving unanswered questions about potentially “paradoxical” advantages of Mexican ethnic‐origins and the role of nativity, socioeconomic status (SES), and enclave residence. We employ biennial assessments of cognitive functioning to study prevalent and incident cognitive impairment (CI) within the three largest US REN groups: US‐born non‐Hispanic whites (US‐NHW), US‐born non‐Hispanic blacks (US‐NHB), US‐born Mexican Americans (US‐MA), and foreign‐born Mexican Americans (FB‐MA). Data come from a nationally‐representative sample of community‐dwelling older adults in the Health and Retirement Study linked with the 2000 Census and followed over 10 years (N = 8,433). Large disadvantages in prevalent and incident CI were observed for all REN minorities respective to US‐born non‐Hispanic whites. Individual and neighborhood SES accounted substantially for these disadvantages and revealed an immigrant advantage: FB‐MA odds of prevalent CI were about half those of US‐NHW and hazards of incident CI were about half those of US‐MA. Residence in an immigrant enclave was protective of prevalent CI among FB‐MA. The findings illuminate important directions for research into the sources of cognitive risk and resilience and provide guidance about CI screening within the increasingly diverse aging US population.
The Antibiotic Prescribing Pathway for Presumed Urinary Tract Infections in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Kistler Christine E. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Scales Kezia , Ward Kimberly , Weber David , Reed David , McClester Mallory , Sloane Philip D. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesDue to the high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for presumed urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home (NH) residents, we sought to examine the antibiotic prescribing pathway and the extent to which it agrees with the Loeb criteria; findings can suggest strategies for antibiotic stewardship.MethodsChart review of 260 randomly‐selected cases from 247 NH residents treated with an antibiotic for a presumed UTI in 31 NHs in North Carolina. We examined the prescribing pathway from presenting illness, to the prescribing event, illness work‐up and subsequent clinical events including emergency department use, hospitalization, and death. Analyses described the decision‐making processes and outcomes and compared decisions made with Loeb criteria for initiation of antibiotics.ResultsOf 260 cases, 60% had documented signs/symptoms of the presenting illness and 15% met the Loeb criteria. Acute mental status change was the most commonly documented sign/symptom (24%). NH providers (81%) were the most common prescribers and ciprofloxacin (32%) was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. Fourteen percent of presumed UTI cases included a white blood cell count, 71% included a urinalysis, and 72% had a urine culture. Seventy‐five percent of cultures grew at least one organism with ≥100,000 colony‐forming units/milliliter and 12% grew multi‐drug resistant organisms; 28% of antibiotics were prescribed for more than 7 days, and 7% of cases had a subsequent death, emergency department visit, or hospitalization within 7 days.DiscussionNon‐specific signs/symptoms appeared to influence prescribing more often than urinary tract‐specific signs/symptoms. Prescribers rarely stopped antibiotics, and a minority prescribed for overly long periods. Providers may need additional support to guide the decision‐making process to reduce antibiotic overuse and antibiotic resistance.
Oral health behavior and factors associated with poor oral status in Qatar: results from a national health survey
Authors: Cheema Sohaila , Maisonneuve Patrick , Al‐Thani Mohamed Hamad , Al‐Thani Al Anoud Mohammed , Abraham Amit , Al‐Mannai Ghanim Ali , Al‐Emadi Abdulla Asad , Al‐Chetachi Walaa Fattah , Almalki Badria Ali , Hassan Khalifa Shams Eldin Ali , Haj Bakri Ahmad Omar , Lowenfels Albert , Mamtani Ravinder 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesOral health is a crucial determinant of quality of life. We aimed to determine oral health condition and factors associated with poor oral status in the adult national population of Qatar.MethodsWe used data from the World Health Organization supported STEPS (STEPwise approach to Surveillance) Survey conducted by the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar in 2012. A total of 2,496 Qataris (1,053 men, 1,443 women) answered the national survey. The Rao‐Scott Chi‐Square test was used to analyze oral health characteristics and multinomial logistic regression to assess risk factors.ResultsThe self‐perceived oral status of approximately 40 percent of respondents was either “average” or “poor” rather than “good.” Poor oral status was more often reported by women (OR = 1.93; 95%CI = 1.30‐2.80), by older (OR = 3.38; 95%CI = 1.59‐7.19) and less educated respondents (OR = 3.58; 95%CI = 2.15‐5.96). Other risk groups included people with diabetes (OR = 1.87; 95%CI = 1.24‐2.81), smokeless tobacco users (OR = 3.90; 95%CI = 1.75‐8.68), or ever tobacco users (OR = 1.66; 95%CI = 1.03‐2.67). Oral health status appeared to be independent of diet, BMI status, and history of hypertension. Difficulties and behaviors related to oral health were more frequently reported by women than by men. These included pain (P < 0.001), difficulty chewing (P < 0.001), and discomfort over appearance of teeth (P < 0.001). Participants used toothbrushes, toothpicks, dental floss, and miswak to maintain oral hygiene.ConclusionOur results provide evidence that oral health remains a public health concern in Qatar.
Mixed‐Integer Linear Programming on Work‐Rest Schedule Design for Construction Sites in Hot Weather
Authors: Yi Wen , Wang Shuaian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn appropriate design of work‐rest schedule is recognized as an efficient way in providing better ergonomic environment, improving labor productivity as well as safety. Construction workers usually undertake physically demanding tasks in an outdoor environment, with awkward postures and repetitive motions. This study proposes a mixed‐integer linear programming approach to optimize the work‐rest schedule for construction workers in hot weather for the objective of maximizing the total productive time. The model takes into consideration the physical and physiological conditions of the workers, the working environment, the nature of the jobs and the minimum rest duration of the government regulation. The results of numerical experiments show that the proposed model outperforms a default work‐rest schedule by up to 10% in terms of total productive time. This implies considerable cost savings for the construction industry.
Risk‐based management of invading plant disease
Authors: Hyatt‐Twynam Samuel R. , Parnell Stephen , Stutt Richard O. J. H. , Gottwald Tim R. , Gilligan Christopher A. , Cunniffe Nik J. 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Effective control of plant disease remains a key challenge. Eradication attempts often involve removal of host plants within a certain radius of detection, targeting asymptomatic infection. Here we develop and test potentially more effective, epidemiologically motivated, control strategies, using a mathematical model previously fitted to the spread of citrus canker in Florida.

We test risk‐based control, which preferentially removes hosts expected to cause a high number of infections in the remaining host population. Removals then depend on past patterns of pathogen spread and host removal, which might be nontransparent to affected stakeholders. This motivates a variable radius strategy, which approximates risk‐based control via removal radii that vary by location, but which are fixed in advance of any epidemic.

Risk‐based control outperforms variable radius control, which in turn outperforms constant radius removal. This result is robust to changes in disease spread parameters and initial patterns of susceptible host plants. However, efficiency degrades if epidemiological parameters are incorrectly characterised.

Risk‐based control including additional epidemiology can be used to improve disease management, but it requires good prior knowledge for optimal performance. This focuses attention on gaining maximal information from past epidemics, on understanding model transferability between locations and on adaptive management strategies that change over time.
Spatiotemporal modulation of abscisic acid and gibberellin metabolism and signalling mediates the effects of suboptimal and supraoptimal temperatures on seed germination in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Izydorczyk Conrad , Nguyen Tran‐Nguyen , Jo SeoHyun , Son SeungHyun , Tuan Pham Anh , Ayele Belay T. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeed germination is a complex process regulated by intrinsic hormonal cues such as abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA), and environmental signals including temperature. Using pharmacological, molecular and metabolomics approaches, we show that supraoptimal temperature delays wheat seed germination through maintaining elevated embryonic ABA level via increased expression of ABA biosynthetic genes (TaNCED1 and TaNCED2), increasing embryo ABA sensitivity through upregulation of genes regulating ABA signalling positively (TaPYL5, TaSnRK2, ABI3 and ABI5) and decreasing embryo GA sensitivity via induction of TaRHT1 that regulates GA signalling negatively. Endospermic ABA and GA appeared to have minimal roles in regulating germination at supraoptimal temperature. Germination inhibition by suboptimal temperature is associated with elevated ABA level in the embryo and endosperm tissues, mediated by induction of TaNCEDs and decreased expression of endospermic ABA catabolic genes (TaCYP707As), and increased ABA sensitivity in both tissues via upregulation of TaPYL5, TaSnRK2, ABI3 and ABI5 in the embryo and TaSnRK2 and ABI5 in the endosperm. Furthermore, suboptimal temperature suppresses GA synthesis in both tissues and GA sensitivity in the embryo via repressing GA biosynthetic genes (TaGA20ox and TaGA3ox2) and inducing TaRHT1, respectively. These results highlight that spatiotemporal modulation of ABA and GA metabolism and signalling in wheat seeds underlies germination response to temperature.
The Effects of Doing More with Less in the Public Sector: Evidence from a Large‐Scale Survey
Authors: Esteve Marc , Schuster Christian , Albareda Adria , Losada Carlos 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Since the onset of the Great Recession, “doing more with less” has become a policy mantra. To do more with less, a range of governments have concurrently imposed wage cuts and greater work demands on public employees. This article assesses the impact of these changes on the job satisfaction and work motivation of public employees in 34 European countries. Congruent with previous studies linking income and working hours with job attitudes, the article finds a negative impact on both. There are no free austerity lunches: while public employees may work longer hours for lower pay, they are less satisfied and less motivated when doing so. One caveat applies: the effect on motivation—although not satisfaction—is mitigated when employees feel that their values are aligned with those of their organization. This puts a premium on public managers fostering value alignment, particularly when it is hardest to achieve: in times of cutbacks.
TCF1 deficiency ameliorates autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS)‐like phenotypes of lpr/lpr mice
Authors: Xu X. , Yu B. , Cai W. , Huang Z. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAutoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is an incurable disease, which is characterized by non‐malignant autoimmune lymphoproliferation. TCF1 is a key effector in the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, regulating the development, activation and function of T cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of TCF1 in the development of ALPS‐like phenotypes of lpr/lpr mice. We acquired TCF1−/−lpr/lpr double mutant mice by crossing TCF1 deficiency mice with lpr/lpr mice. Splenocyte compositions, serum cytokines levels, antidsDNA antibody production and kidney pathology were examined in the TCF1−/−lpr/lpr mice. With these examinations, we revealed that TCF1 deficiency relieved most manifestations of ALPS‐like phenotype, which were caused by Fas mutation in TCF1−/−lpr/lpr mice. Splenocyte total numbers and compositions were downregulated to the similar levels with wildtype mice. TE and TEM cells were decreased in TCF1−/−lpr/lpr compared with lpr/lpr mice. The levels of autoantibodies and proinflammatory factors in serum, and the histopathology changes and the relative mRNA levels of proinflammatory factors in kidney all displayed parallel tendency in TCF1−/−lpr/lpr mice. Our study demonstrated that TCF1 deficiency ameliorated the ALPS‐like phenotypes of TCF1−/−lpr/lpr mice, which might indicate a potential therapeutic direction for ALPS.
The Race To Find Antivirals for Zika Virus
Authors: Saiz Juan-Carlos , Martín-Acebes Miguel A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015 and its subsequent explosive spread throughout the continent, where it has infected millions of people. The virus has caused social and sanitary alarm, mainly due to its association with severe neurological disorders (Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in fetuses and newborns). Nowadays, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available. However, during the past months, a great effort has been made to search for antiviral candidates using different approaches and methodologies, ranging from testing specific compounds with known antiviral activity to the screening of libraries with hundreds of bioactive molecules. The identified antiviral candidates include drugs targeting viral components as well as cellular ones. Here, an updated review of what has been done in this line is presented.
Iron Efflux by PmtA Is Critical for Oxidative Stress Resistance and Contributes Significantly to Group A Streptococcus Virulence
Authors: VanderWal Arica R. , Makthal Nishanth , Pinochet-Barros Azul , Helmann John D. , Olsen Randall J. , Kumaraswami Muthiah 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a human-only pathogen that causes a spectrum of disease conditions. Given its survival in inflamed lesions, the ability to sense and overcome oxidative stress is critical for GAS pathogenesis. PerR senses oxidative stress and coordinates the regulation of genes involved in GAS antioxidant defenses. In this study, we investigated the role of PerR-controlled metal transporter A (PmtA) in GAS pathogenesis. Previously, PmtA was implicated in GAS antioxidant defenses and suggested to protect against zinc toxicity. Here, we report that PmtA is a P
1B4
-type ATPase that functions as an Fe(II) exporter and aids GAS defenses against iron intoxication and oxidative stress. The expression of
pmtA
is specifically induced by excess iron, and this induction requires PerR. Furthermore, a
pmtA
mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to iron toxicity and oxidative stress due to an elevated intracellular accumulation of iron. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that GAS undergoes significant alterations in gene expression to adapt to iron toxicity. Finally, using two mouse models of invasive infection, we demonstrated that iron efflux by PmtA is critical for bacterial survival during infection and GAS virulence. Together, these data demonstrate that PmtA is a key component of GAS antioxidant defenses and contributes significantly to GAS virulence.
Differential Gamma Interferon- and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Driven Cytokine Response Distinguishes Acute Infection of a Metatherian Host with Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum
Authors: Donahoe Shannon L. , Phalen David N. , McAllan Bronwyn M. , O'Meally Denis , McAllister Milton M. , Ellis John , Šlapeta Jan 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondiiandNeospora caninum(both Apicomplexa) are closely related cyst-forming coccidian parasites that differ significantly in their host ranges and ability to cause disease. Unlike eutherian mammals, Australian marsupials (metatherian mammals) have long been thought to be highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and neosporosis because of their historical isolation from the parasites. In this study, the carnivorous fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) was used as a disease model to investigate the immune response and susceptibility to infection of an Australian marsupial toT. gondiiandN. caninum. The disease outcome was more severe inN. caninum-infected dunnarts than inT. gondii-infected dunnarts, as shown by the severity of clinical and histopathological features of disease and higher tissue parasite burdens in the tissues evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) of spleens from infected dunnarts and mitogen-stimulated dunnart splenocytes was used to define the cytokine repertoires. Changes in mRNA expression during the time course of infection were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) for key Th1 (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), Th2 (interleukin 4 [IL-4] and IL-6), and Th17 (IL-17A) cytokines. The results show qualitative differences in cytokine responses by the fat-tailed dunnart to infection withN. caninumandT. gondii. Dunnarts infected withT. gondiiwere capable of mounting a more effective Th1 immune response than those infected withN. caninum, indicating the role of the immune response in the outcome scenarios of parasite infection in this marsupial mammal.
Immune Recognition of the Epidemic Cystic Fibrosis Pathogen Burkholderia dolosa
Authors: Roux Damien , Weatherholt Molly , Clark Bradley , Gadjeva Mihaela , Renaud Diane , Scott David , Skurnik David , Priebe Gregory P. , Pier Gerald , Gerard Craig , Yoder-Himes Deborah R. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia dolosa
caused an outbreak in the cystic fibrosis (CF) clinic at Boston Children's Hospital from 1998 to 2005 and led to the infection of over 40 patients, many of whom died due to complications from infection by this organism. To assess whether
B. dolosa
significantly contributes to disease or is recognized by the host immune response, mice were infected with a sequenced outbreak
B. dolosa
strain, AU0158, and responses were compared to those to the well-studied CF pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. In parallel, mice were also infected with a polar flagellin mutant of
B. dolosa
to examine the role of flagella in
B. dolosa
lung colonization. The results showed a higher persistence in the host by
B. dolosa
strains, and yet, neutrophil recruitment and cytokine production were lower than those with
P. aeruginosa
. The ability of host immune cells to recognize
B. dolosa
was then assessed,
B. dolosa
induced a robust cytokine response in cultured cells, and this effect was dependent on the flagella only when bacteria were dead. Together, these results suggest that
B. dolosa
can be recognized by host cells
in vitro
but may avoid or suppress the host immune response
in vivo
through unknown mechanisms.
B. dolosa
was then compared to other
Burkholderia
species and found to induce similar levels of cytokine production despite being internalized by macrophages more than
Burkholderia cenocepacia
strains. These data suggest that
B. dolosa
AU0158 may act differently with host cells and is recognized differently by immune systems than are other
Burkholderia
strains or species.
Actinoplanes Swims into the Molecular Age
Authors: Buttner Mark J. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

The survival strategy of
Actinoplanes
is fascinating from an evolutionary perspective, combining a short motile phase in an otherwise nonmotile, filamentous life cycle and the somewhat paradoxical concept of spores—normally thought of as a resting stage—that swim. In the first paper to report a molecular genetic analysis of development in
Actinoplanes
, the authors identify a key regulator of the entry into development (Y. Mouri, K. Konishi, A. Fujita, T. Tezuka, Y. Ohnishi, J Bacteriol 199:e00840-16, 2017,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00840-16
).