bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loggerhead sea turtle embryos (Caretta caretta) regulate expression of stress response and developmental genes when exposed to a biologically realistic heat stress
Authors: Bentley Blair P. , Haas Brian J. , Tedeschi Jamie N. , Berry Oliver 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOviparous reptile embryos are expected to breach their critical thermal maxima if temperatures reach those predicted under current climate change models due to the lack of the maternal buffering processes and parental care. Heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) are integral in the molecular response to thermal stress, and their expression is heritable, but the roles of other candidate families such as the heat‐shock factors (HSFs) have not been determined in reptiles. Here, we subject embryonic sea turtles (Caretta caretta) to a biologically realistic thermal stress and employ de novo transcriptomic profiling of brain tissue to investigate the underlying molecular response. From a reference transcriptome of 302 293 transcripts, 179 were identified as differentially expressed between treatments. As anticipated, genes enriched in the heat‐shock treatment were primarily associated with the Hsp families, or were genes whose products play similar protein editing and chaperone functions (e.g. bag3, MYOC and serpinh1). Unexpectedly, genes encoding the HSFs were not significantly upregulated under thermal stress, indicating their presence in unstressed cells in an inactive state. Genes that were downregulated under thermal stress were less well functionally defined but were associated with stress response, development and cellular organization, suggesting that developmental processes may be compromised at realistically high temperatures. These results confirm that genes from the Hsp families play vital roles in the thermal tolerance of developing reptile embryos and, in addition with a number of other genes, should be targets for evaluating the capacity of oviparous reptiles to respond adaptively to the effects of climate change.
HicA toxin of Escherichia coli derepresses hicAB transcription to selectively produce HicB antitoxin
Authors: Turnbull Kathryn J. , Gerdes Kenn 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAntitoxins encoded by type II toxin – antitoxin (TA) modules neutralize cognate toxins by direct protein – protein contact and in addition, regulate TA operon transcription by binding to operators in the promoter regions. On top of the simple negative feed‐back regulation, canonical type II TA operons are regulated by a mechanism called ‘Conditional Cooperativity’(CC). In CC, the cellular toxin:antitoxin (T:A) ratio controls the transcription‐rate such that low T:A ratios favour repression and high T:A ratios favour de‐repression of TA operon transcription. Here a new molecular mechanism that secures selective synthesis of antitoxin in the presence of excess toxin was unravelled. The hicAB locus of E. coli K‐12 encodes HicA mRNase and HicB antitoxin. It was shown that hicAB is transcribed by two promoters, an upstream one that is activated by CRP‐cAMP and competence factor Sxy and a downstream one that is autorepressed solely by HicB. Excess HicA destabilizes the HicB•operator complex in vitro and consistently, activates hicAB transcription in vivo. Remarkably, the hicAB transcript synthesized from the HicB‐controlled promoter produces HicB but not HicA. Thus, the HicA‐mediated derepression of hicAB transcription provides a mechanism that conditionally and selectively stimulates synthesis of HicB antitoxin under conditions of excess HicA toxin.
Breeding apomictic bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) with improved turf traits
Authors: Rios Esteban , Kenworthy Kevin , Blount Ann , Quesenberry Kenneth , Unruh Bryan , Erickson John , Altpeter Fredy , Munoz Patricio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe development of a turf‐type bahiagrass could have a remarkable impact on the billion‐dollar turf industry in the south‐eastern United States. The goals of this study were to (i) select bahiagrass genotypes with improved turf attributes and (ii) determine the reproductive mode and seed fertility of selected genotypes. The population included mutants, wild types, hybrids and standard cultivars evaluated at two locations for two years. Morphological variation was observed and clonal repeatability (H2) ranged from 0.27 to 0.90. Flowering was extremely reduced in some mutants, which also exhibited dark green colour, finer texture and reduced canopy height. Cytoembryological observations revealed that diploids reproduced sexually and tetraploids by obligate or facultative apomixis. Genotypes with superior seed fertility were identified, while others were comparable to the standard cultivars. While mutant plants exhibited great morphological variation, the random mutations did not affect their reproductive mode, validating the use of mutagenesis in apomictic species. The high H2 indicated that selection for improved turf attributes could be successfully performed with the advantage of clonal seed propagation.
Evaluation of combined sewer overflow assessment methods: case study of Cork City, Ireland
Authors: Morgan David , Xiao Liwen , McNabola Aonghus 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDischarges of untreated wastewater from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) present a potential threat to human health and the chemical and ecological status of receiving waters. Sewer monitoring coupled with hydraulic models are frequently applied to estimate CSO impacts and to test alternative improvement strategies, but their cost can be prohibitive. Therefore, municipal authorities must apply subjective assessment criteria to identify problematic CSOs which require immediate monitoring. In this paper, subjective assessment criteria for CSOs were reviewed and applied using a case study from Cork City, Ireland. Whilst the subjective criteria were robust in identifying nuisance CSOs (those giving rise to public complaint), the assessment of impacts on chemical and ecological status were confounded by other pollutant sources in the catchment and a lack of CSO monitoring data. A methodology was developed, using a geographical information systems (GIS) model, to prioritise monitoring of problematic CSOs on a national basis.
Validity of measures of neurological status used for predicting functional independence in adults after a cerebrovascular accident: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ware Robert , Moore Mary 
Published: March 2017

Review question/objective:
Are the measures of neurologic status that are used in adults who have had a cerebrovascular accident valid in predicting functional independence?
More specifically, the objective of this review is to assess the predictive validity of functional independence of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Canadian Neurological Scale.
Interventions for healthcare professionals, organizations and patients to enhance quality of life for people diagnosed with palliative esophagogastric cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Cowley Alison , Bath-Hextall Fiona , Cooper Joanne 
Published: March 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background
Esophagogastric (EG) cancer is the fifth most common malignancy, and its incidence is increasing. The disease is fast paced, and five-year survival rates are poor. Treatment with palliative intent is provided for the majority of patients but there remains a lack of empirical evidence into the most effective service models to support EG cancer patients.

Objectives
The overall objective of this quantitative systematic review was to establish best practice in relation to interventions targeted at healthcare professionals or the structures in which healthcare professionals deliver care (i.e. models of care and practice) and patients (diagnosed with palliative EG cancer) to enhance the quality of life for people diagnosed with palliative EG cancer.

Inclusion criteria Types of participants
The current review considered studies that included patients diagnosed with palliative EG cancer and any health professionals involved in the delivery of palliative care to this patient group in a hospital, home or community setting.

Types of intervention
The current review considered studies that evaluated any intervention or combination of intervention strategies aimed at healthcare professionals, organizations or patients to improve quality of life for people diagnosed with palliative EG cancer.

Types of studies
The current review considered both experimental and epidemiological study designs. Studies were excluded that evaluated: screening programs, pharmacology alone, palliative oncology and palliative endoscopy.

Outcomes
The primary outcome measure was objectively measured quality of life.

Search strategy
A three-step search strategy was utilized. Sixteen databases were searched for papers from the year 2000 onward and followed by hand searching of reference lists.

Methodological quality
Methodological quality was not assessed as no articles were found that met the inclusion criteria.

Data extraction
Data extraction was not possible as no articles were found that met the inclusion criteria.

Data synthesis
It was not possible to complete data synthesis as no articles were found that met the inclusion criteria.

Results
Comprehensive searching and study selection process failed to identify any studies that were eligible for inclusion in the review.

Conclusion
There is currently a lack of published evidence to establish which interventions and strategies are most effective in delivering services to patients diagnosed with palliative EG cancer in terms of service structure, process and delivery.
Effect of Continuous and Sequential Therapy among Veterans Receiving Daptomycin or Linezolid for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Bacteremia
Authors: Britt Nicholas S. , Potter Emily M. , Patel Nimish , Steed Molly E. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
bloodstream infections (VREF-BSI) cause significant mortality, highlighting the need to optimize their treatment. We compared the effectiveness and safety of daptomycin (DAP) and linezolid (LZD) as continuous or sequential therapy for VREF-BSI in a national, retrospective, propensity score (PS)-matched cohort study of hospitalized Veterans Affairs patients (2004 to 2014). We compared clinical outcomes and adverse events among patients treated with continuous LZD, continuous DAP, or sequential LZD followed by DAP (LZD-to-DAP). Secondarily, we analyzed the impact of infectious diseases (ID) consultation and source of VREF-BSI. A total of 2,630 patients were included in the effectiveness analysis (LZD [
n
= 1,348], DAP [
n
= 1,055], LZD-to-DAP [
n
= 227]). LZD was associated with increased 30-day mortality versus DAP (risk ratio [RR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.22;
P
= 0.042). After PS matching, this relationship persisted (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.26;
P
= 0.015). LZD-to-DAP switchers had lower mortality than those remaining on LZD (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.63;
P
= 0.021), suggesting a benefit may still be derived with sequential therapy. LZD-treated patients experienced more adverse events, including a ≥50% reduction in platelets (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.11;
P
= 0.001). DAP was associated with lower mortality than was LZD in patients with endocarditis (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.41;
P
= 0.024); however, there was no statistically significant association between treatment group and mortality with regard to other sources of infection. Therefore, source of infection appears to be important in selection of patients most likely to benefit from DAP over LZD.
Understanding clinician influences and patient perspectives on outpatient discharge decisions: a qualitative study
Authors: Harun N A , Finlay A Y , Piguet V , Salek S 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo observe the influences on clinicians when discharging patients, to explore patients' perspectives concerning their discharge or follow-up decision and to identify what patients think is important for clinicians to consider when taking a discharge decision.DesignQualitative study involving observations of consultations and semistructured interviews with outpatients.SettingNational Health Service outpatient clinics at a university hospital secondary referral centre.Participants64 consultations were observed followed by 56 interviews with patients aged over 18 years.Main outcome measureAnalysis of patients' perspectives and expectations concerning whether or not they were discharged.Results25 types of influences were observed to be influencing the discharge decision process. All 31 discharged patients appeared to accept the clinicians' decision; however, 10 (22%) of those patients later expressed disappointment. Patients' discontent was due to perceived clinicians' uncertainty in diagnosis (patients mentioning=2), poor acceptance of the diagnosis (2), disease not‘cured’ (4), differing perception on medical needs (2), lack of concern for job demands (1), felt uninvolved in the decision-making (4), feeling rushed (3), prolonged open appointment (2), pushed to seek private care due to healthcare budget constraints (2), language barrier (1) and not keen to continue follow-up with general practitioner (2). Patients were happy when there was certainty of the diagnosis (19), clear treatment plan (16), advised on treatment side effects (7), given a contact number if symptoms recurred (4), considering their travelling and job demands (3).ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of accurately perceiving patients' perspectives in ensuring the appropriateness of outpatient discharge. There was a disparity between patients' and clinicians' perception on what was an appropriate discharge. This included discrepancies concerning diagnostic certainties, private healthcare as an alternative, need for easy reaccess and choice of words surrounding discharge. Medical education should include handling these issues.
Influence of psychological factors on the prognosis of chronic shoulder pain: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Martinez-Calderon Javier , Struyf Filip , Meeus Mira , Morales-Ascencio Jose Miguel , Luque-Suarez Alejandro 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionShoulder pain is a highly prevalent condition. Psychological factors could play an essential role in the prognosis of chronic shoulder pain (CSP). The aims of the study will be to analyse the level of association between psychological factors and pain-disability at baseline and prospectively to assess their prognostic role; to evaluate the association of pain catastrophising and kinesiophobia at baseline and prospectively in the relationship between pain intensity and disability, or between self-efficacy and disability in patients with CSP; to explore the association of self-efficacy at baseline and prospectively in the relationship between pain intensity and disability, in comparison with kinesiophobia and pain catastrophising.Methods and analysisThe study is a longitudinal, prospective cohort study with a 12-month follow-up. It will be conducted in 4 primary-care centres and one hospital of the province of Malaga, Spain. 307 participants aged between 18 and 70 years suffering from CSP (3 months or more) will be included. Primary outcomes will include pain, disability and self-efficacy, whereas kinesiophobia, pain-related fear, pain catastrophising, anxiety, depression, patient expectations of recovery, age, gender, duration/intensity of symptoms, educational level and other factors will be predictive measures. Follow-up: baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.Ethics and disseminationThe local ethics committee (The Costa del Sol Ethics Committee, Malaga, 28042016) has approved this protocol. Dissemination will occur through presentations at National and International conferences and publications in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT02738372; pre-results
Community-deliverable exercise and anxiety in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Kelley George A , Kelley Kristi S , Callahan Leigh F 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionWhile anxiety is a major public health problem in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases (AORD), the effects of exercise on anxiety in adults are not well established despite numerous studies on this topic. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review with an aggregate data meta-analysis to determine the effects of community-deliverable exercise interventions (aerobic, strength training or both) on anxiety in adults with AORD.Methods and analysisRandomised controlled exercise intervention trials ≥4 weeks and published in any language up to 31 December 2016 will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching 8 electronic databases, cross-referencing and expert review. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will be changes in anxiety. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment instrument while confidence in the cumulative evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) instrument. Standardised effect sizes for anxiety will be calculated from each study and then pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model. Meta-regression based on the IVhet model will be used to examine the relationship between changes in anxiety and selected covariates.DisseminationThe results of this study will be presented at a professional conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberCRD42016048728.
Relationship Between BMI and Fatigability Is Task Dependent
Authors: Mehta Ranjana K. , Cavuoto Lora Anne 
Published: March 2017

Objective: The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of body mass index (BMI) on fatigability of three different muscle groups at four different work intensities. Methods: Forty-nine normal-weight, 50 overweight, and 43 obese adults (32.1 ± 9.2 years; 50% males) performed fatiguing handgrip, shoulder flexion, and trunk extension exertions at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the associated maximum voluntary contractions. Results: Obese adults demonstrated 22% to 30% shorter endurance times than normal-weight adults, but this was only observed at lower intensities and with larger and more postural muscles of the shoulder and low back. Strength and fatigue-related strength loss remained comparable across BMI groups in both males and females in these task-specific conditions. Obesity was associated with faster progression in perception of effort at low-intensity shoulder and trunk exertions. While males were stronger than females across all muscle groups, females exhibited greater shoulder fatigue resistance than males at lower intensity levels. Conclusion: Findings indicate that the relationship between obesity and fatigability is task dependent. Application: These findings provide initial evidence on the impact of obesity on worker capacity. Future work that extends the current investigation to include more occupationally relevant scenarios are needed to facilitate occupational task (re)design and assessment practices, such that altered work capacities of two-thirds of the working population are accommodated.
A 10‐Year Analysis of Head and Neck Injuries Involving Nonpowder Firearms
Authors: Dandu Kartik V. , Carniol Eric T. , Sanghvi Saurin , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesFirearms have an enduring and visible presence within American culture. However, the public health impact of nonpowder firearms and other “toy” guns has not been fully studied. These guns—including BB guns (ie, ball bearing), paintball guns, and pellet guns—are typically marketed to a younger audience. The objective of this study is to analyze head and neck injuries related to nonpowder firearms.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of a national database.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for head and neck injuries involving nonpowder guns, including air, BB, and pellet guns, and associated ammunition. Analysis of age, sex, incidence, injury location, and diagnosis was performed.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2014, there were 1695 cases recorded, or 55,060 estimated emergency room visits, due to injuries related to nonpowder guns and fired ammunition. The majority of patients were male (80.9%). These injuries were most common in children 6 to 12 years of age (37.9%), followed by those 13 to 18 years old (27.1%) and adults (≥19 years old; 17.8%), while preschool children (0‐5 years) represented 17.2%. The most common injury diagnosis was penetrating foreign body (34.9%), followed by lacerations (24.3%) and contusions/abrasions (13.7%).ConclusionNonpowder and other nonlethal firearm‐related injuries to the head and neck region are a frequent source of emergency room visits nationally. Safety measures and public education on a mainstream level are required.
An assessment of the current treatment landscape for rheumatology patients in Qatar: Recognising unmet needs and moving towards solutions
Authors: Emadi Samar Al , Hammoudeh Mohammed , Mounir Mohamed , Mueller Ruediger B. , Wells Alvin F. , Sarakbi Housam Aldeen 
Published: March 2017

Objective This study assessed the mode of application (oral, intravenous or subcutaneous (SC)) currently employed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients from Qatar in comparison with patients’ individual preferences for the mode of application of their treatment. Methods This study included 294 RA patients visiting three clinics at the main referral hospital in Qatar who were interviewed using a standard questionnaire to determine their preference of mode of application for their disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment in relation to their currently employed mode of application. Results The majority of patients were female (76%), and 93% of male patients and 61% of female patients in the study clinics were of a nationality other than Qatari. The highest patient preference recorded was for an oral therapy (69%), compared with injection (23%) and intravenous (8%) therapy. In total, 85% of patients expressed a preference to remain on oral therapy compared with 63% and 58% of intravenous and SC injection patients indicating a preference to remain on their current method of administration. Conclusions This high preference for oral therapies highlights the considerable need for incorporation of new oral targeted synthetic DMARD therapies into clinical practice within the region.
Influence of etanercept on leptin and ghrelin secretion in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Maciejewska-Paszek Izabela , Grochowska-Niedworok Elżbieta , Siwiec Andrzej , Gruenpeter Anna , Dul Lechosław , Irzyniec Tomasz 
Published: March 2017

Objective To assess possible changes in leptin and ghrelin secretion due to etanercept in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods 50 patients with JIA and 16 age-matched controls were enrolled into this prospective, cross-sectional study. Serum leptin, total and acyl ghrelin were measured in addition to white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts. Results 25 patients received etanercept and 25 conventional therapies (including methotrexate) for JIA. There was no difference between treatment and control groups in leptin or ghrelin levels and no evidence of a relationship between leptin and ghrelin in patients with JIA. In all children with JIA there was a correlation between leptin and body mass index (BMI). However, compared with children in the conventional treatment group, children in the etanercept group showed a positive correlation between total ghrelin and BMI and those with a low BMI showed a negative correlation between acyl ghrelin and BMI. Conclusion No differences in leptin and ghrelin concentrations were found when patients with JIA and controls were compared or when patients who received etanercept were compared with those who received conventional treatment for JIA.