bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutualism between microbial populations in structured environments: the role of geometry in diffusive exchanges
Authors: Peaudecerf François J. , Bunbury Freddy , Bhardwaj Vaibhav , Bees Martin A. , Smith Alison G. , Goldstein Raymond E. , Croze Ottavio A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe exchange of diffusive metabolites is known to control the spatial patterns formed by microbial populations, as revealed by recent studies in the laboratory. However, the matrices used, such as agarose pads, lack the structured geometry of many natural microbial habitats, including in the soil or on the surfaces of plants or animals. Here we address the important question of how such geometry may control diffusive exchanges and microbial interaction. We model mathematically mutualistic interactions within a minimal unit of structure: two growing reservoirs linked by a diffusive channel through which metabolites are exchanged. The model is applied to study a synthetic mutualism, experimentally parameterised on a model algal-bacterial co-culture. Analytical and numerical solutions of the model predict conditions for the successful establishment of remote mutualisms, and how this depends, often counterintutively, on diffusion geometry. We connect our findings to understanding complex behaviour in synthetic and naturally occurring microbial communities.
Brexit: measuring the impact upon skilled labour in the UK construction industry
Authors: Mohamed Marwan , Pärn Erika Anneli , Edwards David John 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an understanding of the potential impact of Brexit upon the UK construction industry. Specifically, the work analyses the construction industry’s reliance upon European Union (EU) skilled labour and seeks to determine the potential impact that Brexit poses upon EU skilled labour entering the sector.

Design/methodology/approach
A perceptual questionnaire survey was used to elicit responses from construction professionals using the two techniques of opportunity and snowballing non-probability sampling. Summary statistical analysis of Boolean and Likert item scale data accrued was employed to elucidate upon respondents’ perceptions.

Findings
The majority of survey participants either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the UK construction industry relies upon EU skilled labour and that a career in the sector would not be attractive for foreign skilled labour post-Brexit. Future research proposed includes: predicting future trends in labour supply and demand and deriving new policies to address skills shortage imbalances that may be created by Brexit.

Originality/value
Original insight into an historic and unprecedented moment for the UK construction industry is presented. The work also provides pragmatic recommendations to policy makers and Higher Education Institutes to prevent the risk of Brexit further exacerbating skilled labour shortages within the industry.
Electricity sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas concentration in Nigeria
Authors: Odewale Stephen Ayodele , Sonibare Jacob Ademola , Jimoda Lukuman Adekilekun 
Published: August 2017

PurposeRecent developments in the electricity generation sector of Nigeria necessitated the re-assessment of its contribution to air emission level in the country as information provided by previous inventory is nearly out-of-date. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from existing thermal power plants in the country.Design/methodology/approachThermal power plants in Nigeria and their installed capacities were identified, and estimation of CO2emission from each of the plants was carried out using the emission factor method. In addition to the direct emissions generated through the combustion operation of the power plants, indirect emissions resulting from upstream activities such as extraction, production, and transportation of fuels consumed by the thermal power plant was determined using the same method.FindingsIn total, 40 thermal power plants are currently operational in Nigeria. Additional 18 thermal plants are at different stages of completion. The operational thermal plants have average generation output of 40 percent of their installed capacity and produce 87.3 million metric tonne (mmt)/annum CO2emissions. In total, 66.9 percent of the estimated emissions are direct emissions, i.e. fuel combustion emissions; the rest are indirect emissions. Additional 67.9 mmt was estimated as expected overall emissions from the thermal power plants under construction. Considering the global warming potential of CO2, proactive measures must be taken to regulate its emissions from the country’s thermal power plants.Originality/valueThis paper bridged the information gap existing in the emission inventory from the Nigeria electricity sector by providing up-to-date data on the contribution of the sector to greenhouse gas emission level in the country.
Potential uses of waste sludge in concrete production
Authors: Ramirez Kleber Gomes , Possan Edna , Dezen Bianca Gabriel dos Santos , Colombo Mauricio 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the use of sludge from water treatment plant (WTP sludge), in its natural form (wet), in the construction industry, especially in the production of concrete, evaluating the effects of replacing natural sand with different WTP sludge levels in the concrete properties.

Design/methodology/approach
The dosage study evaluated mixtures with replacement levels of 0, 5, 7 and 10 percent of wet sludge in relation to the mass of natural sand, analyzing their effects on mechanical properties and water absorption in concrete with water/cement (w/c) ratios of 0.45, 0.55 and 0.65.

Findings
From the results obtained, it is possible to note that the addition of WTP sludge in its natural form (wet) reduces the strength of concrete. However, from a technical point of view, a level of replacement of up to 5 percent for applications in concrete is suitable, provided that it is not structural concrete.

Practical implications
Further studies should be conducted to verify the influence of the replacement of sand for heat-treated sludge in concrete properties, also analyzing the environmental viability linked to the calcination process.

Originality/value
Few studies are conclusive in relation to the use of WTP sludge in concrete production. This study shows statistically the negative effect of the addition of wet sludge in the mechanical properties and in the water absorption of concretes from different w/c ratios.
Low vs. high haemoglobin trigger for transfusion in vascular surgery: protocol for a randomised trial
Authors: Møller A. , Nielsen H. B. , Wetterslev J. , Pedersen O. B. , Hellemann D. , Shahidi S. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundIn patients with cardiovascular disease, guidelines for administration of red blood cells (RBC) are mainly based on studies outside the vascular surgical setting with the recommendation to use a haemoglobin (hb) trigger‐level lower than by guidelines from The European Society for Vascular Surgery. Restricting RBC transfusion may affect blood O2 transport with a risk for development of tissue ischaemia and postoperative complications.MethodsIn a single‐centre, open‐label, assessor blinded trial, 58 vascular surgical patients (> 40 years of age) awaiting open surgery of the infrarenal aorta or infrainguinal arterial bypass surgery undergo a web‐based randomisation to one of two groups: perioperative RBC transfusion triggered by hb < 8 g/dl or hb < 9.7 g/dl. Administration of fluid follows an individualised strategy by optimising cardiac stroke volume and near‐infrared spectroscopy determines tissue oxygenation. Serious adverse event rates are: myocardial injury (troponin‐I ≥ 45 ng/l or ischaemic electrocardiographic findings at day 30), acute kidney injury, death, stroke and severe transfusion reactions. A follow‐up visit takes place 30 days after surgery and a follow‐up of serious adverse events in the Danish National Patient Register within 90 days is pending.DiscussionThis trial is expected to determine whether a RBC transfusion triggered by hb < 9.7 g/dl compared with hb < 8 g/dl results in adequate separation of postoperative hb levels, transfusion of more RBC units and maintains a higher tissue oxygenation. The results will inform the design of a multicentre trial for evaluation of important postoperative outcomes.
Dyrk1 inhibition improves Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology
Authors: Branca Caterina , Shaw Darren M. , Belfiore Ramona , Gokhale Vijay , Shaw Arthur Y. , Foley Christopher , Smith Breland , Hulme Christopher , Dunckley Travis , Meechoovet Bessie , Caccamo Antonella , Oddo Salvatore 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThere is an urgent need for the development of new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The dual‐specificity tyrosine phosphorylation‐regulated kinase‐1A (Dyrk1a) is a protein kinase that phosphorylates the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau and thus represents a link between two key proteins involved in AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, Dyrk1a is upregulated in postmortem human brains, and high levels of Dyrk1a are associated with mental retardation. Here, we sought to determine the effects of Dyrk1 inhibition on AD‐like pathology developed by 3xTg‐AD mice, a widely used animal model of AD. We dosed 10‐month‐old 3xTg‐AD and nontransgenic (NonTg) mice with a Dyrk1 inhibitor (Dyrk1‐inh) or vehicle for eight weeks. During the last three weeks of treatment, we tested the mice in a battery of behavioral tests. The brains were then analyzed for the pathological markers of AD. We found that chronic Dyrk1 inhibition reversed cognitive deficits in 3xTg‐AD mice. These effects were associated with a reduction in amyloid‐β (Aβ) and tau pathology. Mechanistically, Dyrk1 inhibition reduced APP and insoluble tau phosphorylation. The reduction in APP phosphorylation increased its turnover and decreased Aβ levels. These results suggest that targeting Dyrk1 could represent a new viable therapeutic approach for AD.
Initial Clinical Experiences With Novel Diagonal ECLS System in Pediatric Cardiac Patients
Authors: Okan Yildiz , Sertac Haydin , Erkut Ozturk , Taner Kasar , Selen Onan I. , Firat Altin H. , Nihat Cine , Pelin Ayyildiz , Halime Erkan , Alper Guzeltas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractExtracorporeal life support (ECLS) provides mechanical support following cardiac surgery when respiratory or cardiac failure occurs. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and feasibility of the Medos Deltastream diagonal pump (DP3) ECLS system in pediatric cardiac patients. We described the technical considerations and risk factors related to the survival outcomes in 102 pediatric cardiac patients who received ECLS support between March 2011 and April 2016. We switched from the DP2 system, which was used for the initial 25 patients, to the DP3 system after November 2012. The DP3 was then used in a consecutive series of 77 patients (4.5% of all pediatric patients who underwent congenital heart surgery during the same time period). The patients’ median age was 90 days (range: 2 days–12 years), while their median weight was 4 kg (range: 2.1–40 kg). Fifty four patients (70%) were weaned off ECLS, while 28 patients (36.3%) were successfully discharged from the hospital by means of the DP3 system. The median ECLS duration for survivors was 8.2 days (range: 4–14.5 days). The ECLS indications, durations, and initiation times had no statistical significance in terms of survival. Renal, hemorrhagic, and neurologic complications were all associated with decreased hospital discharge rates (P = 0.003, P = 0.045, and P < 0.001 respectively). Higher lactate levels (P = 0.009) and longer duration for normalization (P < 0.001) were both associated to failure to wean off ECLS support and, hence, to hospital deaths. The weaning rate was 36% prior to November 2012. It increased to 70.3% after that time (P = 0.009). The mechanical complication rate was 9% with the DP3 system and 32% with the DP2, which was statistically significant (P = 0.009). Additionally, the lactate levels were higher and decreased more slowly in the patients supported by the DP2. As a result of the shift to the DP3 system, a revised ECLS protocol, and increased ECLS experience, a significant improvement was observed in our clinical outcomes. The results of this study suggested that the combination of a DP3 pump and a Hilite oxygenator in pediatric ECLS circuits may improve durability and reduce circuit‐induced complications.
Therapeutic drug monitoring was helpful in guiding the decision‐making process for children receiving infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Deora Vini , Kozak Justin , El‐Kalla Mohamed , Huynh Hien Q. , El‐Matary Wael 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThis study examined the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) on clinical decision‐making for children receiving infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsThe medical records of children with IBD who had infliximab trough levels (ITLs) measured between January 2013 and December 2015 at two Canadian tertiary‐care centres were examined. The indications for TDM, clinical and laboratory disease activity indices and TDM‐driven treatment changes to infliximab therapy were documented.ResultsWe included 107 consecutive serum measurements of ITLs in 73 children (40 boys), with a median age of 16.1 years, including 52 with Crohn's disease. TDM was performed due to concerns about clinical disease activity in 24/107 (22.4%) measurements and 83 (77.6%) were ordered as routine tests. Of these, 38 (35.5%) ITLs were suboptimal (<3.5 μg/mL) and 36 (34.0%) resulted in more frequent doses of infliximab, with subsequent improvements in disease biomarkers. Interval changes were implemented as a result of 34 (32.0%) ITLs, with shorter intervals in 19 (17.0%) cases, and seven (6.5%) ITLs resulted in adding or increasing doses of immunomodulators. In addition, four children were switched to adalimumab.ConclusionTherapeutic drug monitoring was helpful in guiding the decision‐making process for children with IBD on infliximab.
The role of environmental exposure to peanut in the development of clinical allergy to peanut
Authors: Foong R.X. , Brough H. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe prevalence of peanut allergy has increased over the years and still remains one of the most common causes of food‐related anaphylaxis. The way in which peanut sensitization occurs has been explored, such as via maternal consumption in pregnancy, via breastmilk and through a disrupted skin barrier. It has previously been shown that environmental exposure to aeroallergens in household dust can be a risk factor for the development of allergic asthma. There is an increasing body of evidence that the combination of cutaneous sensitization via a disrupted skin barrier (ie children with eczema or with filaggrin mutations) and environmental peanut exposure influences the development of peanut allergy. This review aims to explore routes of peanut sensitization and the current evidence on how environmental exposure to peanut affects the development of peanut allergy.
Impact of preoperative cardiology consultation prior to intermediate‐risk surgical procedures
Authors: Dogan Volkan , Biteker Murat , Özlek Eda , Özlek Bülent , Başaran Özcan , Yildirim Birdal , Kayataş Kadir , Çelik Oğuzhan , Doğan Marwa M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery (NCNVS) are at risk of perioperative cardiovascular events. However, benefits of cardiology consultation (CC) in patients with known or suspected cardiac disease undergoing intermediate‐risk NCNVS is unknown.MethodsThe study group included 700 consecutive patients referred for CC before intermediate‐risk NCNVS in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital. The control group included 1200 age‐matched and sex‐matched consecutive patients proceeded to the intermediate‐risk surgery without preoperative CC during the same period. Patients older than 18 years who underwent an elective, NCNVS were enrolled. Requests for consultation were made either by surgeon or an attending anaesthesiologist. All patients underwent a complete preoperative clinical evaluation.ResultsOf the 700 patients who were referred for CC in the study group, 530 patients (75.7%) had no additional recommendations, and 170 patients (24.3%) underwent additional preoperative tests or had a change in preoperative therapy. Only 20 (2.8%) patients’ NCNVS were delayed based on the cardiologists’ recommendation and 680 patients eventually had their surgeries. Major cardiovascular and noncardiovascular complication rates were similar in the study and in the control groups (12.9% vs 13.6%, P = 0.273 and 25.2% vs 26%, P = 0.432 respectively).ConclusionsPreoperative CC in patients who underwent intermediate‐risk NCNVS does not affect either perioperative management or outcome of surgery.
Anti‐sulfatide/galactocerebroside antibodies in immunoglobulin M paraproteinemic neuropathies
Authors: Boso F. , Ruggero S. , Giannotta C. , Benedetti L. , Marfia G. A. , Ermani M. , Campagnolo M. , Salvalaggio A. , Gallia F. , De Michelis C. , Visentin A. , Bianco M. , Ruiz M. , Mataluni G. , Nobile‐Orazio E. , Briani C. 
Published: August 2017

Background and purposeAnti‐sulfatide antibodies have been observed in heterogeneous neuropathies and their clinical relevance is still controversial. Whether the combination of sulfatide with galactocerebroside would increase sensitivity or specificity of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay testing compared to sulfatide alone was assessed.MethodsImmunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to sulfatides, galactocerebroside and combined sulfatide and galactocerebroside (Sulf/GalC) were measured in 229 neuropathy patients, including 73 with IgM paraproteinemic neuropathy [62 with anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG) antibody] and 156 with other neuropathies. Results from 27 patients with IgM monoclonal gammopathy without neuropathy and 28 healthy subjects served as control.ResultsThirty‐three patients showed increased titers of anti‐sulfatide antibodies, 28 of whom had an IgM paraproteinemic neuropathy (P < 0.0001). When evaluating the reactivity for the combination Sulf/GalC, 57/229 patients were found to be positive, including 36/73 (49%) with IgM paraproteinemic neuropathy (P < 0.0001). Patients with known anti‐sulfatide antibodies also showed anti‐Sulf/GalC reactivity, with increased titers in 48.5% of the cases. Testing for anti‐Sulf/GalC antibodies allowed 24 additional patients to be detected (eight with IgM paraproteinemic neuropathies), who had no reactivity to the individual glycolipids. Amongst the 11 subjects with IgM paraproteinemic neuropathy who were negative for anti‐MAG antibodies, only two were reactive to sulfatide, whilst six (55%) were found to be positive when tested against the combination of sulfatide and galactocerebroside.ConclusionsTesting for both sulfatide and galactocerebroside in IgM paraproteinemic neuropathies seems to increase the sensitivity compared to anti‐sulfatide antibodies alone (49% and 39%, respectively, with a slightly reduced specificity, from 97% to 87%), helping the characterization of otherwise undefined neuropathy that could benefit from immunomodulatory therapy.
Slow and temperature‐mediated pathogen adaptation to a nonspecific fungicide in agricultural ecosystem
Authors: He Meng‐Han , Li Dong‐Liang , Zhu Wen , Wu E‐Jiao , Yang Li‐Na , Wang Yan‐Ping , Waheed Abdul , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe spread of antimicrobial resistance and global change in air temperature represent two major phenomena that are exerting a disastrous impact on natural and social issues but investigation of the interaction between these phenomena in an evolutionary context is limited. In this study, a statistical genetic approach was used to investigate the evolution of antimicrobial resistance in agricultural ecosystem and its association with local air temperature, precipitation, and UV radiation. We found no resistance to mancozeb, a nonspecific fungicide widely used in agriculture for more than half a century, in 215 Alternaria alternata isolates sampled from geographic locations along a climatic gradient and cropping system representing diverse ecotypes in China, consistent with low resistance risk in many nonspecific fungicides. Genetic variance accounts for ~35% of phenotypic variation, while genotype–environment interaction is negligible, suggesting that heritability plays a more important role in the evolution of resistance to mancozeb in plant pathogens than phenotypic plasticity. We also found that tolerance to mancozeb in agricultural ecosystem is under constraining selection and significantly associated with local air temperature, possibly resulting from a pleiotropic effect of resistance with thermal and other ecological adaptations. The implication of these results for fungicide and other antimicrobial management in the context of global warming is discussed.
Outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis: 19 cases (2002–2016)
Authors: Suarez‐Fuentes D. G. , Caston S. S. , Tatarniuk D. M. , Kersh K. D. , Ferrero N. R. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundContaminated or septic navicular bursitis has been reported to have a guarded prognosis after surgical treatment with navicular bursotomy only. In our experience, the use of navicular bursotomy for the treatment of this disease in combination with systemic and local delivery of antimicrobials can provide a good prognosis, even in horses with chronic disease.ObjectiveTo report the outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis.Study designDescriptive case series.MethodsNavicular bursotomy was performed in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies. Medical records (2002–2016) were reviewed. Follow‐up information was obtained from owners or referring veterinarians. Horse outcome was divided into two groups. A successful outcome (Group 1) was assigned to horses that were able to return to the same level of use or performance as before contamination/infection. A satisfactory outcome (Group 2) was assigned to horses that survived but did not return to their previous function or level of performance.ResultsAll horses survived to hospital discharge. Follow‐up was obtained from 4 months to 12.75 years after surgery. Sixteen horses were able to return to their previous level of use (84.2%) and three horses were able to return to a lower level of performance or were pasture sound (15.8%). All 19 owners were satisfied with the outcome.Main limitationsSmall sample size and retrospective nature of the study. Follow‐up was limited to telephone contact with owners and referring veterinarians, and there is potential for recall bias.ConclusionsNavicular bursotomy in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies is an effective treatment for contaminated or septic navicular bursitis. The success rate in this population makes navicular bursotomy worthy of consideration in cases of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis, especially with chronicity and/or where equipment or expertise for bursoscopy is unavailable.