bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer spaces as political spaces: A critical review of social, environmental, and psychogeographical research
Authors: McDonald Matthew , Bridger Alexander John , Wearing Stephen , Ponting Jess 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to critique the social and environmental psychology literature on spaces and places with a focus on consumer culture and neoliberalism. By drawing on social theory and the Continental philosophical literature, the review argues that an alternative approach to knowledge production is required. To this end, recommendations are provided for what a psychogeographical approach in social and environmental psychology could look like. It argues that such work could be of benefit to academic and local communities by exposing the social costs and consequences associated with consumer culture and neoliberalism.
Effects of Incentives for Renewable Energy in Colombia
Authors: Lopez Lezama Jesus Maria , Villada Fernando , Muñoz Galeano Nicolas 
Published: July 2017

<p>Renewable energy is becoming very important as a way to mitigate climate change and promote job creation. Colombia is not excluded from this reality, being a country with huge renewable resources and the challenge to give employment to thousands or rebels, signing the peace process. This paper studies the potential effects of the new regulation to promote the development of renewable energy technologies in Colombia. Two incentives are analyzed: tax deductions on the investment and accelerated depreciation on assets. The work also establishes a methodology to include the effects of tax incentives in the calculation of the Levelized Cost Of Electricity (LCOE). The results show up to 20% reduction in the LCOE; unfortunately, the regulation restricts small or new business to apply for all incentives. For this reason, two complementary mechanisms (granting five years as grace period for loan repayment and lower discount rate as subsidy from the government) are proposed in order to allow small business ventures such as forest biomass projects apply to incentives. As a result, 30% reduction in the LCOE is obtained for photovoltaics (PV) and 15% for forest biomass; being the last one a great opportunity in Colombia because of the huge amount of biomass resources and its potential to create new job opportunities.</p><p> </p>
Haemophilus parainfluenzae Strain ATCC 33392 Forms BiofilmsIn Vitroand during Experimental Otitis Media Infections
Authors: Pang Bing , Swords W. Edward 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTHaemophilus parainfluenzaeis a nutritionally fastidious, Gram-negative bacterium with an oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal carriage niche that is associated with a range of opportunistic infections, including infectious endocarditis and otitis media (OM). These infections are often chronic/recurrent in nature and typically involve bacterial persistence within biofilm communities that are highly resistant to host clearance. This study addresses the primary hypothesis thatH. parainfluenzaeforms biofilm communities that are important determinants of persistencein vivo. The results fromin vitrobiofilm studies confirmed thatH. parainfluenzaeformed biofilm communities within which the polymeric matrix was mainly composed of extracellular DNA and proteins. Using a chinchilla OM infection model, we demonstrated thatH. parainfluenzaeformed surface-associated biofilm communities containing bacterial and host components that included neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) structures and that the bacteria mainly persisted in these biofilm communities. We also used this model to examine the possible interaction betweenH. parainfluenzaeand its close relativeHaemophilus influenzae, which is also commonly carried within the same host environments and can cause OM. The results showed that coinfection withH. influenzaepromoted clearance ofH. parainfluenzaefrom biofilm communities during OM infection. The underlying mechanisms for bacterial persistence and biofilm formation byH. parainfluenzaeand knowledge about the survival defects ofH. parainfluenzaeduring coinfection withH. influenzaeare topics for future work.
Cyclic Di-GMP and VpsR Induce the Expression of Type II Secretion in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Sloup Rudolph E. , Konal Ashley E. , Severin Geoffrey B. , Korir Michelle L. , Bagdasarian Mira M. , Bagdasarian Michael , Waters Christopher M. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
is a human pathogen that alternates between growth in environmental reservoirs and infection of human hosts, causing severe diarrhea. The second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) mediates this transition by controlling a wide range of functions, such as biofilms, virulence, and motility. Here, we report that c-di-GMP induces expression of the extracellular protein secretion (
eps
) gene cluster, which encodes the type II secretion system (T2SS) in
V. cholerae
. Analysis of the
eps
genes confirmed the presence of two promoters located upstream of
epsC
, the first gene in the operon, one of which is induced by c-di-GMP. This induction is directly mediated by the c-di-GMP-binding transcriptional activator VpsR. Increased expression of the
eps
operon did not impact secretion of extracellular toxin or biofilm formation but did increase expression of the pseudopilin protein EpsG on the cell surface.

IMPORTANCE
Type II secretion systems (T2SSs) are the primary molecular machines by which Gram-negative bacteria secrete proteins and protein complexes that are folded and assembled in the periplasm. The substrates of T2SSs include extracellular factors, such as proteases and toxins. Here, we show that the widely conserved second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) upregulates expression of the
eps
genes encoding the T2SS in the pathogen
V. cholerae
via the c-di-GMP-dependent transcription factor VpsR.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the Escherichia coli Acid-Sensing Histidine Kinase EvgS
Authors: Sen Hrishiraj , Aggarwal Nikhil , Ishionwu Chibueze , Hussain Nosheen , Parmar Chandni , Jamshad Mohammed , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Lund Peter A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The EvgS/EvgA two-component system of
Escherichia coli
is activated in response to low pH and alkali metals and regulates many genes, including those for the glutamate-dependent acid resistance system and a number of efflux pumps. EvgS, the sensor kinase, is one of five unconventional histidine kinases (HKs) in
E. coli
and has a large periplasmic domain and a cytoplasmic PAS domain in addition to phospho-acceptor, HK and dimerization, internal receiver, and phosphotransfer domains. Mutations that constitutively activate the protein at pH 7 map to the PAS domain. Here, we built a homology model of the periplasmic region of EvgS, based on the structure of the equivalent region of the BvgS homologue, to guide mutagenesis of potential key residues in this region. We show that histidine 226 is required for induction and that it is structurally colocated with a proline residue (P522) at the top of the predicted transmembrane helix that is expected to play a key role in passing information to the cytoplasmic domains. We also show that the constitutive mutations in the PAS domain can be further activated by low external pH. Expression of the cytoplasmic part of the protein alone also gives constitutive activation, which is lost if the constitutive PAS mutations are present. These findings are consistent with a model in which EvgS senses both external and internal pH and is activated by a shift from a tight inactive to a weak active dimer, and we present an analysis of the purified cytoplasmic portion of EvgS that supports this.

IMPORTANCE
One of the ways bacteria sense their environment is through two-component systems, which have one membrane-bound protein to do the sensing and another inside the cell to turn genes on or off in response to what the membrane-bound protein has detected. The membrane-bound protein must thus be able to detect the stress and signal this detection event to the protein inside the cell. To understand this process, we studied a protein that helps
E. coli
to survive exposure to low pH, which it must do before taking up residence in the gastrointestinal tract. We describe a predicted structure for the main sensing part of the protein and identify some key residues within it that are involved in the sensing and signaling processes. We propose a mechanism for how the protein may become activated and present some evidence to support our proposal.
Contribution of the Chromosomal
ccdAB
Operon to Bacterial Drug Tolerance
Authors: Gupta Kritika , Tripathi Arti , Sahu Alishan , Varadarajan Raghavan 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

One of the first identified and best-studied toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in
Escherichia coli
is the F-plasmid-based CcdAB system. This system is involved in plasmid maintenance through postsegregational killing. More recently,
ccdAB
homologs have been found on the chromosome, including in pathogenic strains of
E. coli
and other bacteria. However, the functional role of chromosomal
ccdAB
genes, if any, has remained unclear. We show that both the native
ccd
operon of the
E. coli
O157 strain (
ccd
O157
) and the
ccd
operon from the F plasmid (
ccd
F
), when inserted on the
E. coli
chromosome, lead to protection from cell death under multiple antibiotic stress conditions through formation of persisters, with the O157 operon showing higher protection. While the plasmid-encoded CcdB toxin is a potent gyrase inhibitor and leads to bacterial cell death even under fully repressed conditions, the chromosomally encoded toxin leads to growth inhibition, except at high expression levels, where some cell death is seen. This was further confirmed by transiently activating the chromosomal
ccd
operon through overexpression of an active-site inactive mutant of F-plasmid-encoded CcdB. Both the
ccd
F
and
ccd
O157
operons may share common mechanisms for activation under stress conditions, eventually leading to multidrug-tolerant persister cells. This study clearly demonstrates an important role for chromosomal
ccd
systems in bacterial persistence.

IMPORTANCE
A large number of free-living and pathogenic bacteria are known to harbor multiple toxin-antitoxin systems, on plasmids as well as on chromosomes. The F-plasmid CcdAB system has been extensively studied and is known to be involved in plasmid maintenance. However, little is known about the function of its chromosomal counterpart, found in several pathogenic
E. coli
strains. We show that the native chromosomal
ccd
operon of the
E. coli
O157 strain is involved in drug tolerance and confers protection from cell death under multiple antibiotic stress conditions. This has implications for generation of potential therapeutics that target these TA systems and has clinical significance because the presence of persisters in an antibiotic-treated population can lead to resuscitation of chronic infection and may contribute to failure of antibiotic treatment.
Evaluation of seven recombinant VCA-IgA ELISA kits for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China: a case–control trial
Authors: Gao Rui , Wang Lin , Liu Qing , Zhang Li-Fang , Ye Yan-Fang , Xie Shang-Hang , Du Jin-Lin , Chen Sui-Hong , Guo Jie , Yang Meng-Jie , Lin Chu-yang , Cao Su-Mei 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveSeven recombinant viral capsid antigen-IgA (VCA-IgA) ELISA kits are widely used in China, but their diagnostic effects have not been evaluated. In this study, we evaluated whether the diagnostic effects of these kits are similar to those of the standard kit (EUROIMMUN, Lübeck, Germany).MethodsA diagnostic case–control trial was conducted with 200 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 200 controls from NPC-endemic areas in southern China. The areas under the curve (AUCs), the sensitivities and the specificities of testing kits were compared with those of the standard kit. The test–retest reliability of each kit was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Their diagnostic accuracy in combination with Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1-IgA (EBNA1-IgA) was also evaluated in logistic models.ResultsThree testing kits—BB, HA and KSB—showed diagnostic accuracy equal to that of the standard kit, with good performance in the AUCs (0.926–0.945), and no significant differences in sensitivity were found between early-stage and advanced-stage NPCs. ICCs exceeded 0.8. Three logistic regression models were built, and the AUCs of these models (0.961–0.977) were better than those of the individual VCA-IgA kits. All new models had diagnostic accuracy equal to that of the standard kit. New cut-off values of these three kits and their corresponding combinations for researchers to replicate and use in NPC early detection and screening in the future were provided.ConclusionsThree recombinant VCA-IgA kits—BB,HA and KSB—had diagnostic effects equal to those of the standard kit, and, in combination with EBNA1-IgA in logistic regression models, can be used in future screening for NPC.
Multimorbidity and patterns of chronic conditions in a primary care population in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Déruaz-Luyet Anouk , N'Goran A Alexandra , Senn Nicolas , Bodenmann Patrick , Pasquier Jérôme , Widmer Daniel , Tandjung Ryan , Rosemann Thomas , Frey Peter , Streit Sven , Zeller Andreas , Haller Dagmar M , Excoffier Sophie , Burnand Bernard , Herzig Lilli 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo characterise in details a random sample of multimorbid patients in Switzerland and to evaluate the clustering of chronic conditions in that sample.Methods100 general practitioners (GPs) each enrolled 10 randomly selected multimorbid patients aged ≥18 years old and suffering from at least three chronic conditions. The prevalence of 75 separate chronic conditions from the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2) was evaluated in these patients. Clusters of chronic conditions were studied in parallel.ResultsThe final database included 888 patients. Mean (SD) patient age was 73.0 (12.0) years old. They suffered from 5.5 (2.2) chronic conditions and were prescribed 7.7 (3.5) drugs; 25.7% suffered from depression. Psychological conditions were more prevalent among younger individuals (≤66 years old). Cluster analysis of chronic conditions with a prevalence ≥5% in the sample revealed four main groups of conditions: (1) cardiovascular risk factors and conditions, (2) general age-related and metabolic conditions, (3) tobacco and alcohol dependencies, and (4) pain, musculoskeletal and psychological conditions.ConclusionGiven the emerging epidemic of multimorbidity in industrialised countries, accurately depicting the multiple expressions of multimorbidity in family practices’ patients is a high priority. Indeed, even in a setting where patients have direct access to medical specialists, GPs nevertheless retain a key role as coordinators and often as the sole medical reference for multimorbid patients.
A cross-sectional study estimating the burden of illness related to genital warts in South Korea
Authors: Lee Taek Sang , Kothari-Talwar Smita , Singhal Puneet K , Yee Karen , Kulkarni Amit , Lara Nuria , Roset Montserrat , Giuliano Anna R , Garland Suzanne M , Ju Woong 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesEstimate the prevalence of genital warts (GW) and GW-related healthcare resource use and costs among male and female patients seeking treatment in South Korea.DesignTo estimate GW prevalence, physicians in five major South Korean regions recorded daily logs of patients (n=71 655) seeking care between July 26 and September 27, 2011. Overall prevalence estimates (and 95% CIs) were weighted by the estimated number of physicians in each specialty and the estimated proportion of total patients visiting each specialist type. Healthcare resource use was compared among different specialties. Corresponding p values were calculated using Mann-Whitney U tests.SettingThe database covers 5098 clinics and hospitals for five major regions in South Korea: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon.ParticipantsPrimary care physicians (general practice/family medicine), obstetricians/gynaecologists, urologists and dermatologists with 2–30 years’ experience.ResultsThe estimated overall GW prevalence was 0.7% (95% CI 0.7% to 0.8%). Among women, GW prevalence was 0.6% (95% CI 0.6% to 0.7%); among men prevalence was 1.0% (95% CI 0.9% to 1.0%), peaking among patients aged 18–24 years. Median costs for GW diagnosis and treatment for male patients were US$58.2 (South Korean Won (KRW) ₩66 857) and US$66.3 (KRW₩76 113) for female patients.ConclusionsThe estimated overall GW prevalence in South Korea was 0.7% and was higher for male patients. The overall median costs associated with a GW episode were higher for female patients than for male patients.
Impact of daylight saving time on road traffic collision risk: a systematic review
Authors: Carey Rachel N , Sarma Kiran M 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundBills have been put forward in the UK and Republic of Ireland proposing a move to Central European Time (CET). Proponents argue that such a change will have benefits for road safety, with daylight being shifted from the morning, when collision risk is lower, to the evening, when risk is higher. Studies examining the impact of daylight saving time (DST) on road traffic collision risk can help inform the debate on the potential road safety benefits of a move to CET. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of DST on collision risk.MethodsMajor electronic databases were searched, with no restrictions as to date of publication (the last search was performed in January 2017). Access to unpublished reports was requested through an international expert group. Studies that provided a quantitative analysis of the effect of DST on road safety-related outcomes were included. The primary outcomes of interest were road traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities.FindingsTwenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen examined the short-term impact of transitions around DST and 12 examined long-term effects. Findings from the short-term studies were inconsistent. The long-term findings suggested a positive effect of DST. However, this cannot be attributed solely to DST, as a range of road collision risk factors vary over time.InterpretationThe evidence from this review cannot support or refute the assertion that a permanent shift in light from morning to evening will have a road safety benefit.
Key priority areas for patient safety improvement strategy in Libya: a protocol for a modified Delphi study
Authors: Elmontsri Mustafa , Banarsee Ricky , Majeed Azeem 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionPatient safety is a global public health problem. Estimates and size of the problem of patient safety in low-income and developing countries are scarce. A systems approach is needed for ensuring that patients are protected from harm while receiving care. The primary objective of this study will be to use a consensus-based approach to identify the key priority areas for patient safety improvement in Libya as a developing country.DesignA modified Delphi study.Methods and analysisA three-phase modified Delphi study will be conducted using an anonymous web-based questionnaires. 15 international experts in the field of patient safety will be recruited to prioritise areas of patient safety that are vital to developing countries such as Libya. The participants will be given the opportunity to rank a list of elements on five criteria. The participants will also be asked to list five barriers that they believe hinder the implementation of patient safety systems. Descriptive statistics will be used to evaluate consensus agreement, including percentage agreement and coefficient of variation. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance will be used to evaluate consensus across all participants.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted from Imperial College Research Ethics Committee (ICREC: 16IC3598). The findings of the study will be published in a PhD thesis. A manuscript will also be prepared for publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal describing the Delphi process and the findings of the study.
The determinants and outcomes of good provider communication: a cross-sectional study in seven African countries
Authors: Larson Elysia , Leslie Hannah H , Kruk Margaret E 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the extent of provider communication, predictors of good communication and the association between provider communication and patient outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, in seven sub-Saharan African countries.DesignCross-sectional, multicountry study.SettingData from recent Service Provision Assessment (SPA) surveys from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. SPA surveys include assessment of facility inputs and processes as well as interviews with caretakers of sick children. These data included 3898 facilities and 4627 providers.Participants16 352 caregivers visiting the facility for their sick children.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe developed an index of four recommended provider communication items for a sick child assessment based on WHO guidelines. We assessed potential predictors of provider communication and considered whether better provider communication was associated with intent to return to the facility for care.ResultsThe average score of the composite indicator of provider communication was low, at 35% (SD 26.9). Fifty-four per cent of caregivers reported that they were told the child’s diagnosis, and only 10% reported that they were counselled on feeding for the child. Caregivers’ educational attainment and provider preservice education and training in integrated management of childhood illness were associated with better communication. Private facilities and facilities with better infrastructure received higher communication scores. Caretakers reporting better communication were significantly more likely to state intent to return to the facility (relative risk: 1.19, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.22).ConclusionsThere are major deficiencies in communication during sick child visits. These are associated with lower provider education as well as less well-equipped facilities. Poor communication, in turn, is linked to lower satisfaction and intention to return to facility among caregivers of sick children. Countries should test strategies for enhancing quality of communication in their efforts to improve health outcomes and patient experience.