bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trained Lay First Responders Reduce Trauma Mortality: A Controlled Study of Rural Trauma in Iraq
Authors: Murad Mudhafar Karim , Husum Hans 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroduction:Recent studies demonstrate that early, in-field, basic life support by paramedics improves trauma survival where prehospital transport times are long. So far, no case-control studies of the effect of layperson trauma first responders have been reported. It was hypothesized that trained layperson first responders improve trauma outcomes where prehospital transit times are long.Methods:A rural prehospital trauma system was established in the mine and war zones in Iraq, consisting of 135 paramedics and 7,000 layperson trauma first responders in the villages. In a non-randomized clinical study, the outcomes of patients initially managed in-field by first-responders were compared to patients not receiving first-responder support.Results:The mortality rate was significantly lower among patients initially managed in-field by first responders (n = 325) compared to patients without first-responder support (n = 1,016), 9.8% versus 15.6%, 95% CI = 1.3−10.0%.Conclusions:Trained layperson first responders improve trauma outcomes where prehospital evacuation times are long. This finding demonstrates that simple interventions done early—by any type of trained care provider—are crucial for trauma survival. Where the prevalence of severe trauma is high, trauma first-responders should be an integral element of the trauma system.
Prehospital Care Algorithm for Blast Injuries due to Bombing Incidents
Authors: Kapur G. Bobby , Pillow M. Tyson , Nemeth Ira 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTerrorist bombings continue to remain a risk for local jurisdictions, and retrospective data from the United States show that bombings occur in residential and business areas due to interpersonal violence without political motives. In the event of a mass-casualty bombing incident, prehospital care providers will have the responsibility for identifying and managing blast injuries unique to bombing victims. In a large-scale event, emergency medical services personnel should be required to provide prolonged medical care in the prehospital setting, and they will be able to deliver improved care with a better understanding of blast injuries and a concise algorithm for managing them. Blast injuries are categorized as primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary, and these injuries are related to the mechanism of injury from the blast event. After an initial evaluation, the emergency healthcare provider should consider following a universal algorithm to identify and treat blast injuries within these categories to prevent further morbidity or mortality in the prehospital setting.
Focus on Smoke Inhalation—The Most Common Cause of Acute Cyanide Poisoning
Authors: Eckstein Marc , Maniscalco Paul M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe contribution of smoke inhalation to cyanide-attributed morbidity and mortality arguably surpasses all other sources of acute cyanide poisoning. Research establishes that cyanide exposure is: (1) to be expected in those exposed to smoke in closed-space fires; (2) cyanide poisoning is an important cause of incapacitation and death in smoke-inhalation victims; and (3) that cyanide can act independently of, and perhaps synergistically with, carbon monoxide to cause morbidity and mortality. Effective prehospital management of smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning is inhibited by: (1) a lack of awareness of fire smoke as an important cause of cyanide toxicity; (2) the absence of a rapidly returnable diagnostic test to facilitate its recognition; and (3) in the United States, the current unavailability of a cyanide antidote that can be used empirically with confidence outside of hospitals. Addressing the challenges of the prehospital management of smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning entails: (1) enhancing the awareness of the problem among prehospital responders; (2) improving the ability to recognize cyanide poisoning on the basis of signs and symptoms; and (3) expanding the treatment options that are useful in the prehospital setting.
The Health Impacts of Climate Change: Getting Started on a New Theme
Authors: Ebi Kristie L. , Helmer Madeleen , Vainio Jari 
Published: August 2016

AbstractClimate change is widely acknowledged as a key global challenge for the 21st century, and is projected to significantly affect population health and human well-being. All of the climate change-related changes in weather patterns will affect human health, from boosting mental well-being to mortality from largescale disasters. Human health can be affected both directly and indirectly.For various reasons, the health sector has been slow in responding to the projected health impacts of climate change. To effectively prepare for and cope with climate change impacts, public health must move from a focus on surveillance and response to a greater emphasis on prediction and prevention.The targeted agenda program dialogue identified three priorities for climate change related health actions: heat waves, vector-borne diseases; and malnutrition.
Surveillance beyond Camp Settings in Humanitarian Emergencies: Findings from the Humanitarian Health Information Management Working Group
Authors: Purdin Susan , Spiegel Paul , Mack Katelyn P. , Millen Jennifer 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroduction:Surveillance is an essential component of health and nutrition information management during humanitarian situations. Changes in the nature and scope of humanitarian assistance activities have created new challenges in health surveillance, particularly outside of camp-based settings.Objectives:The primary aim of the Humanitarian Health Information Management Working Group was to identify challenges and areas that need further elucidation in a range of non-camp settings, including urban and rural as well as low-and middle-income countries.Results:Three major themes emerged: (1) standardization of measures and methodologies; (2) context in data collection and management; and (3) hidden populations and the purpose of surveillance in urban settings. Innovative examples of data collection and management in community-based surveillance were discussed, including task-shifting, health worker to community member ratio, and literacy needs.Conclusions:Surveillance in non-camp settings can be informed by surveillance activities in camp-based settings, but requires additional consideration of new methods and population needs to achieve its objectives.
Applied Technologies in Humanitarian Assistance: Report of the 2009 Applied Technology Working Group
Authors: Greenough P.G. , Chan J.L. , Meier P. , Bateman L. , Dutta S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractInformation and communication technologies, especially in the forms of mobile telecommunications, satellite imaging, and geographical information systems, promise to significantly improve the practice of humanitarian relief. A working group convened at the Humanitarian Action Summit 2009, has begun investigating the challenges to implementing these technologies in field operations, keeping in mind the ethical considerations of linking people to place, and pledging to build a community of practice among academics, practitioners, and developers.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Crisis and Conflict: Report of the Mental Health Working Group
Authors: Allden K. , Jones L. , Weissbecker I. , Wessells M. , Bolton P. , Betancourt T.S. , Hijazi Z. , Galappatti A. , Yamout R. , Patel P. , Sumathipala A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroduction:The Working Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support was convened as part of the 2009 Harvard Humanitarian Action Summit. The Working Group chose to focus on ethical issues in mental health and psychosocial research and programming in humanitarian settings. The Working Group built on previous work and recommendations, such as theInter-Agency Standing Committee's Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.Objectives:The objective of this working group was to address one of the factors contributing to the deficiency of research and the need to develop the evidence base on mental health and psychosocial support interventions during complex emergencies by proposing ethical research guidelines. Outcomes research is vital for effective program development in emergency settings, but to date, no comprehensive ethical guidelines exist for guiding such research efforts.Methods:Working Group members conducted literature reviews which included peer-reviewed publications, agency reports, and relevant guidelines on the following topics: general ethical principles in research, cross-cultural issues, research in resource-poor countries, and specific populations such as trauma and torture survivors, refugees, minorities, children and youth, and the mentally ill. Working Group members also shared key points regarding ethical issues encountered in their own research and fieldwork.Results:The group adapted a broad definition of the term “research”, which encompasses needs assessments and data gathering, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The guidelines are conceptualized as applying to formal and informal processes of assessment and evaluation in which researchers as well as most service providers engage. The group reached consensus that it would be unethical not to conduct research and evaluate outcomes of mental health and psychosocial interventions in emergency settings, given that there currently is very little good evidence base for such interventions. Overarching themes and issues generated by the group for further study and articulation included: purpose and benefits of research, issues of validity, neutrality, risk, subject selection and participation, confidentiality, consent, and dissemination of results.Conclusions:The group outlined several key topics and recommendations that address ethical issues in conducting mental health and psychosocial research in humanitarian settings. The group views this set of recommendations as a living document to be further developed and refined based on input from colleagues representing different regions of the globe with an emphasis on input from colleagues from low-resource countries.
Dissecting the precise role of H3K9 methylation in crosstalk with DNA maintenance methylation in mammals
Authors: Zhao Qian , Zhang Jiqin , Chen Ruoyu , Wang Lina , Li Bo , Cheng Hao , Duan Xiaoya , Zhu Haijun , Wei Wei , Li Jiwen , Wu Qihan , Han Jing-Dong J. , Yu Wenqiang , Gao Shaorong , Li Guohong , Wong Jiemin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn mammals it is unclear if UHRF1-mediated DNA maintenance methylation by DNMT1 is strictly dependent on histone H3K9 methylation. Here we have generated an Uhrf1 knockin (KI) mouse model that specifically abolishes the H3K9me2/3-binding activity of Uhrf1. The homozygous Uhrf1 KI mice are viable and fertile, and exhibit ∼10% reduction of DNA methylation in various tissues. The reduced DNA methylation occurs globally in the genome and does not restrict only to the H3K9me2/3 enriched repetitive sequences. In vitro UHRF1 binds with higher affinity to reconstituted nucleosome with hemi-methylated CpGs than that with H3K9me2/3, although it binds cooperatively to nucleosome with both modifications. We also show that the nucleosome positioning affects the binding of methylated DNA by UHRF1. Thus, while our study supports a role for H3K9 methylation in promoting DNA methylation, it demonstrates for the first time that DNA maintenance methylation in mammals is largely independent of H3K9 methylation.
A rheostat mechanism governs the bifurcation of carbon flux in mycobacteria
Authors: Murima Paul , Zimmermann Michael , Chopra Tarun , Pojer Florence , Fonti Giulia , Dal Peraro Matteo , Alonso Sylvie , Sauer Uwe , Pethe Kevin , McKinney John D. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFatty acid metabolism is an important feature of the pathogenicity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis during infection. Consumption of fatty acids requires regulation of carbon flux bifurcation between the oxidative TCA cycle and the glyoxylate shunt. In Escherichia coli, flux bifurcation is regulated by phosphorylation-mediated inhibition of isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD), a paradigmatic example of post-translational mechanisms governing metabolic fluxes. Here, we demonstrate that, in contrast to E. coli, carbon flux bifurcation in mycobacteria is regulated not by phosphorylation but through metabolic cross-activation of ICD by glyoxylate, which is produced by the glyoxylate shunt enzyme isocitrate lyase (ICL). This regulatory circuit maintains stable partitioning of fluxes, thus ensuring a balance between anaplerosis, energy production, and precursor biosynthesis. The rheostat-like mechanism of metabolite-mediated control of flux partitioning demonstrates the importance of allosteric regulation during metabolic steady-state. The sensitivity of this regulatory mechanism to perturbations presents a potentially attractive target for chemotherapy.
Spontaneous perception of numerosity in humans
Authors: Cicchini Guido Marco , Anobile Giovanni , Burr David C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHumans, including infants, and many other species have a capacity for rapid, nonverbal estimation of numerosity. However, the mechanisms for number perception are still not clear; some maintain that the system calculates numerosity via density estimates—similar to those involved in texture—while others maintain that more direct, dedicated mechanisms are involved. Here we show that provided that items are not packed too densely, human subjects are far more sensitive to numerosity than to either density or area. In a two-dimensional space spanning density, area and numerosity, subjects spontaneously react with far greater sensitivity to changes in numerosity, than either area or density. Even in tasks where they were explicitly instructed to make density or area judgments, they responded spontaneously to number. We conclude, that humans extract number information, directly and spontaneously, via dedicated mechanisms.
Linear ubiquitination is involved in the pathogenesis of optineurin-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Nakazawa Seshiru , Oikawa Daisuke , Ishii Ryohei , Ayaki Takashi , Takahashi Hirotaka , Takeda Hiroyuki , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Kamei Kiyoko , Takeyoshi Izumi , Kawakami Hideshi , Iwai Kazuhiro , Hatada Izuho , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Ito Hidefumi , Nureki Osamu , Tokunaga Fuminori 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOptineurin (OPTN) mutations cause neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glaucoma. Although the ALS-associated E478G mutation in the UBAN domain of OPTN reportedly abolishes its NF-κB suppressive activity, the precise molecular basis in ALS pathogenesis still remains unclear. Here we report that the OPTN-UBAN domain is crucial for NF-κB suppression. Our crystal structure analysis reveals that OPTN-UBAN binds linear ubiquitin with homology to NEMO. TNF-α-mediated NF-κB activation is enhanced in OPTN-knockout cells, through increased ubiquitination and association of TNF receptor (TNFR) complex I components. Furthermore, OPTN binds caspase 8, and OPTN deficiency accelerates TNF-α-induced apoptosis by enhancing complex II formation. Immunohistochemical analyses of motor neurons from OPTN-associated ALS patients reveal that linear ubiquitin and activated NF-κB are partially co-localized with cytoplasmic inclusions, and that activation of caspases is elevated. Taken together, OPTN regulates both NF-κB activation and apoptosis via linear ubiquitin binding, and the loss of this ability may lead to ALS.
Severe NDE1-mediated microcephaly results from neural progenitor cell cycle arrests at multiple specific stages
Authors: Doobin David J. , Kemal Shahrnaz , Dantas Tiago J. , Vallee Richard B. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMicrocephaly is a cortical malformation disorder characterized by an abnormally small brain. Recent studies have revealed severe cases of microcephaly resulting from human mutations in the NDE1 gene, which is involved in the regulation of cytoplasmic dynein. Here using in utero electroporation of NDE1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in embryonic rat brains, we observe cell cycle arrest of proliferating neural progenitors at three distinct stages: during apical interkinetic nuclear migration, at the G2-to-M transition and in regulation of primary cilia at the G1-to-S transition. RNAi against the NDE1 paralogue NDEL1 has no such effects. However, NDEL1 overexpression can functionally compensate for NDE1, except at the G2-to-M transition, revealing a unique NDE1 role. In contrast, NDE1 and NDEL1 RNAi have comparable effects on postmitotic neuronal migration. These results reveal that the severity of NDE1-associated microcephaly results not from defects in mitosis, but rather the inability of neural progenitors to ever reach this stage.
LncSox4 promotes the self-renewal of liver tumour-initiating cells through Stat3-mediated Sox4 expression
Authors: Chen Zhen-zhen , Huang Lan , Wu Ya-hong , Zhai Wen-jie , Zhu Ping-ping , Gao Yan-feng 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLiver cancer has a tendency to develop asymptomatically in patients, so most patients are diagnosed at a later stage. Accumulating evidence implicates that liver tumour-initiating cells (TICs) as being responsible for liver cancer initiation and recurrence. However, the molecular mechanism of liver TIC self-renewal is poorly understood. Here we discover that a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) termed LncSox4 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and in liver TICs. We find that LncSox4 is required for liver TIC self-renewal and tumour initiation. LncSox4 interacts with and recruits Stat3 to the Sox4 promoter to initiate the expression of Sox4, which is highly expressed in liver TICs and required for liver TIC self-renewal. The expression level of Sox4 correlates with HCC development, clinical severity and prognosis of patients. Altogether, we find that LncSox4 is highly expressed in liver TICs and is required for their self-renewal.
Ribosomal 18S rRNA base pairs with mRNA during eukaryotic translation initiation
Authors: Martin Franck , Ménétret Jean-François , Simonetti Angelita , Myasnikov Alexander G. , Vicens Quentin , Prongidi-Fix Lydia , Natchiar S. Kundhavai , Klaholz Bruno P. , Eriani Gilbert 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEukaryotic mRNAs often contain a Kozak sequence that helps tether the ribosome to the AUG start codon. The mRNA of histone H4 (h4) does not undergo classical ribosome scanning but has evolved a specific tethering mechanism. The cryo-EM structure of the rabbit ribosome complex with mouse h4 shows that the mRNA forms a folded, repressive structure at the mRNA entry site on the 40S subunit next to the tip of helix 16 of 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Toe-printing and mutational assays reveal that an interaction exists between a purine-rich sequence in h4 mRNA and a complementary UUUC sequence of helix h16. Together the present data establish that the h4 mRNA harbours a sequence complementary to an 18S rRNA sequence which tethers the mRNA to the ribosome to promote proper start codon positioning, complementing the interactions of the 40S subunit with the Kozak sequence that flanks the AUG start codon.
Variation in helper effort among cooperatively breeding bird species is consistent with Hamilton’s Rule
Authors: Green Jonathan P. , Freckleton Robert P. , Hatchwell Ben J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractInvestment by helpers in cooperative breeding systems is extremely variable among species, but this variation is currently unexplained. Inclusive fitness theory predicts that, all else being equal, cooperative investment should correlate positively with the relatedness of helpers to the recipients of their care. We test this prediction in a comparative analysis of helper investment in 36 cooperatively breeding bird species. We show that species-specific helper contributions to cooperative brood care increase as the mean relatedness between helpers and recipients increases. Helper contributions are also related to the sex ratio of helpers, but neither group size nor the proportion of nests with helpers influence helper effort. Our findings support the hypothesis that variation in helping behaviour among cooperatively breeding birds is consistent with Hamilton’s rule, indicating a key role for kin selection in the evolution of cooperative investment in social birds.
Bidirectional communication between the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and the microbiome tunes host metabolism
Authors: Korecka Agata , Dona Anthony , Lahiri Shawon , Tett Adrian James , Al-Asmakh Maha , Braniste Viorica , D’Arienzo Rossana , Abbaspour Afrouz , Reichardt Nicole , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Rafter Joseph , Narbad Arjan , Holmes Elaine , Nicholson Jeremy , Arulampalam Velmurugesan , Pettersson Sven 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe ligand-induced transcription factor, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is known for its capacity to tune adaptive immunity and xenobiotic metabolism—biological properties subject to regulation by the indigenous microbiome. The objective of this study was to probe the postulated microbiome-AhR crosstalk and whether such an axis could influence metabolic homeostasis of the host. Utilising a systems-biology approach combining in-depth 1H-NMR-based metabonomics (plasma, liver and skeletal muscle) with microbiome profiling (small intestine, colon and faeces) of AhR knockout (AhR−/−) and wild-type (AhR+/+) mice, we assessed AhR function in host metabolism. Microbiome metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids were found to regulate AhR and its target genes in liver and intestine. The AhR signalling pathway, in turn, was able to influence microbiome composition in the small intestine as evident from microbiota profiling of the AhR+/+ and AhR−/− mice fed with diet enriched with a specific AhR ligand or diet depleted of any known AhR ligands. The AhR−/− mice also displayed increased levels of corticosterol and alanine in serum. In addition, activation of gluconeogenic genes in the AhR−/− mice was indicative of on-going metabolic stress. Reduced levels of ketone bodies and reduced expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism in the liver further underscored this observation. Interestingly, exposing AhR−/− mice to a high-fat diet showed resilience to glucose intolerance. Our data suggest the existence of a bidirectional AhR-microbiome axis, which influences host metabolic pathways.
Systolic time intervals derived from electrocardiographic gated intra-renal artery Doppler waveform associated with left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Lee Wen-Hsien , Hsu Po-Chao , Chu Chun-Yuan , Chen Szu-Chia , Lee Hung-Hao , Lee Meng-Kuang , Lee Chee-Siong , Yen Hsueh-Wei , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Voon Wen-Chol , Lai Wen-Ter , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Su Ho-Ming 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between renal and cardiac STIs, including pre-ejection period (PEP), ejection time (ET), and PEP/ET, and to assess the diagnostic values of renal STIs in predicting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. The cross sectional observation study enrolled 230 participants. The renal STIs, including renal PEP (rPEP), renal ET (rET), and rPEP/rET, were measured from electrocardiographic gated renal Doppler ultrasound and cardiac PEP, ET, and PEP/ET were measured from echocardiography. Renal STIs were correlated with cardiac STIs (all P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that rPEP/rET was independently associated with LVEF (unstandardized coefficient β = −0.116, P = 0.046) and LVEF <50% (odds ratio = 2.145, per 0.11 increase; P = 0.017). The areas under the curve for rPEP, 1/rET, and rPEP/rET in predicting LVEF <50% were 0.773, 0.764, and 0.821, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of rPEP/rET > 0.46 in prediction of LVEF <50% were 76.7% and 78.1%, respectively. Our study demonstrated that the novel parameters of renal STIs were significantly associated with cardiac STIs. However, the clinical application of renal STIs needs to be investigated in future studies.