bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Associated Cognitive Change in Schizophrenia
Authors: Tor Phern-Chern , Ying Jiangbo , Ho New Fei , Wang Mingyuan , Martin Donel , Ang Chai Pin , Tan Chunzhen , Yap Lee Shen , Lu Vincent John Magat , Simpson Brett , Mok Yee Ming , Loo Colleen 
Published: June 2017

Objective
There is limited evidence regarding the relative treatment effectiveness and cognitive effects of different types of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in schizophrenia. In this study, we sought to determine the overall effectiveness and compare the symptomatic and cognitive outcomes of patients with schizophrenia who received different modalities of ECT treatment.

Methods
Patients received 1 of 4 of the following ECT modalities: bitemporal ECT with age-based dosing, right unilateral ECT with seizure threshold–based dosing, bitemporal ECT with seizure threshold–based dosing, and bifrontal ECT with seizure threshold–based dosing ECT. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were administered to 62 patients before and after the ECT course.

Results
There was a significant improvement in both the total and psychotic subscales of BPRS and MoCA scores across the patients after the course of ECT. The global improvements in both BPRS and MoCA scores after ECT were not influenced by the type of ECT administered. Age-based dosing, however, was associated with poorer memory outcomes posttreatment. The overall symptomatic response rate, defined as 40% or more reduction in the psychotic subscale of BPRS, was 64.5%. The response rates did not significantly differ between the 4 types of ECT.

Conclusions
Our present findings suggest that an acute course of ECT is effective in schizophrenia and may have cognitive benefits for some patients.
GARFIELD-NGS: Genomic vARiants FIltering by dEep Learning moDels in NGS
Authors: Ravasio Viola , Ritelli Marco , Legati Andrea , Giacopuzzi Edoardo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSummaryExome sequencing approach is extensively used in research and diagnostic laboratories to discover pathological variants and study genetic architecture of human diseases. However, a significant proportion of identified genetic variants are actually false positive calls, and this pose serious challenges for variants interpretation. Here, we propose a new tool named GARFIELD-NGS (Genomic vARiants FIltering by dEep Learning moDels in NGS), which rely on deep learning models to dissect false and true variants in exome sequencing experiments performed with Illumina or ION platforms. GARFIELD-NGS showed strong performances for both SNP and INDEL variants (AUC 0.71 - 0.98) and outperformed established hard filters. The method is robust also at low coverage down to 30X and can be applied on data generated with the recent Illumina two-colour chemistry. GARFIELD-NGS processes standard VCF file and produces a regular VCF output. Thus, it can be easily integrated in existing analysis pipeline, allowing application of different thresholds based on desired level of sensitivity and specificity.AvailabilityGARFIELD-NGS available at https://github.com/gedoardo83/GARFIELD-NGSContactedoardo.giacopuzzi@unibs.it
An outbreak ofPseudomonas aeruginosainfection linked to a “Black Friday” piercing event
Authors: MacPherson Peter , Valentine Katherine , Chadderton Victoria , Dardamissis Evdokia , Doige Iain , Fox Andrew , Ghebrehewet Sam , Hampton Tom , Mutton Ken , Sherratt Claire , McCann Catherine M 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundOutbreaks linked to cosmetic piercing are rare, but can cause significant illness. We report the investigation and management of a point-source outbreak that occurred during a “Black Friday” event in North West England.MethodsOutbreak investigation was led by Public Health England, and included active case finding among individuals pierced at a piercing premises between 25/11/2016 (“Black Friday”) and 7/12/2016. Detailed epidemiological, environmental (including inspection and sampling), and microbiological investigation was undertaken.ResultsDuring the “Black Friday” event (25/11/2016), 45 people were pierced (13 by a newly-appointed practitioner). Eleven cases were identified (7 microbiologically-confirmed, 2 probable, and 2 possible). All cases had clinical signs of infection around piercing sites, and five required surgical intervention, with varying degrees of post-operative disfigurement. All confirmed and probable cases had a “scaffold piercing” placed with a guide bar by the newly-appointed practitioner.Pseudomonas aeruginosa,indistinguishable at nine-locus variable-number tandem repeat loci, was isolated from four of the confirmed cases, and from pre- and post-flush samples from five separate water taps (three sinks) in the premises. Water samples taken after remedial plumbing work confirmed elimination ofPseudomonascontamination.ConclusionsAlthough high levels ofPseudomonaswater contamination and some poor infection control procedures were identified, infection appeared to require additional exposure to an inexperienced practitioner, and the more invasive scaffold piercing. A proactive collaborative approach between piercers and health and environmental officials is required to reduce outbreak risk, particularly when unusually large events are planned.
Enterococcus faecalis and pathogenic streptococciinactivate daptomycin by releasing phospholipids
Authors: Ledger Elizabeth V. K. , Pader Vera , Edwards Andrew M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryDaptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic with activity against Gram-positive bacteria. We have shown previously thatStaphylococcus aureuscan survive daptomycin exposure by releasing membrane phospholipids that inactivate the antibiotic. To determine whether other pathogens possess this defence mechanism, phospholipid release and daptomycin activity were measured after incubation ofStaphylococcus epidermidis, Group A or B streptococci,Streptococcus gordoniiorEnterococcus faecaliswith the antibiotic. All bacteria released phospholipid in response to daptomycin, which resulted in at least partial inactivation of the antibiotic. However,E. faecalisshowed the highest levels of lipid release and daptomycin inactivation. As shown previously forS. aureus, phospholipid release byE. faecaliswas inhibited by the lipid biosynthesis inhibitor platensimycin. In conclusion, several pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, includingE. faecalis, inactivate daptomycin by releasing phospholipids, which may contribute to the failure of daptomycin to resolve infections caused by these pathogens.
Green alder (Alnus viridis) encroachment shapes microbial communities in subalpine soils and impacts its bacterial or fungal symbionts differently
Authors: Schwob G. , Roy M. , Manzi S. , Pommier T. , Fernandez M. P. 
Published: June 2017

SummarySince the mid‐twentieth century, subalpine grasslands undergo a progressive encroachment by Alnus viridis shrubs. Thanks to its rapid vegetative reproduction, its nitrogen fixing symbiosis with Frankia and its ectomycorrhizal cohorts, green alders are vigorous colonizers that quickly form mosaic of alder patches that evolves into a close canopy shrub community. To better understand how alder encroachment might influence microbial communities in this successional sequence, symbiont distribution, microbial richness and community structure in both soils and nodules were analyzed at three successional stages: grassland, mosaic and forest. Soil analyses were performed in association with measures of nitrification and denitrification, as well as DNA metabarcoding of three bacterial genes (16S rDNA, nifH and amoA) and one fungal gene (ITS1). Our results show that (i) A. viridis encroachment is associated with soil microbial community changes that are in turn, linked to certain soil properties (i.e., pH, C/N ratio and organic matter content), (ii) both taxonomic and N related functional gene structures of bacteria are modified by alder encroachment and (iii) the distribution in soils of its bacterial symbionts (Frankia) is apparently weakly influenced by alder establishment while Alnus‐specific ectomyccorrhizae increase with the increase in alder shrub density.
Inter‐individual differences determine the outcome of wheat bran colonization by the human gut microbiome
Authors: De Paepe Kim , Kerckhof Frederiek‐Maarten , Verspreet Joran , Courtin Christophe M. , Van de Wiele Tom 
Published: June 2017

SummaryGut microbiota research reveals a vital role for the luminal and mucosal gut microbiota in human health. Fewer studies, however, have characterized the microbiome associated with undigested, insoluble dietary particles in the gut. These particles can act as a food source for bacteria and offer a physical platform to which they can attach. In this study, the microbiome colonizing wheat bran particles was analyzed. In a batch experiment, wheat bran particles were separately incubated with the faecal microbiota derived from 10 donors and washed after 48 h to remove loosely attached bacteria. The response of the luminal community to wheat bran and inulin, acting as a well‐characterized control, was largely donor‐dependent, both functionally, and with respect to the microbiome composition. Depending on the donor, wheat bran and inulin fermentation yielded proportionally higher propionate or butyrate production. Clostridium cluster XIVa and, depending on the donor, Prevotella, Roseburia, Megamonas, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species were enriched on the wheat bran particles. These genera include species with the documented ability to serve as primary degraders of wheat bran components and other species depending on cross‐feeding to obtain their energy. Both functional groups were present in all donors, despite the large inter‐individual differences.
Functional diversity and redundancy across fish gut, sediment and water bacterial communities
Authors: Escalas Arthur , Troussellier Marc , Yuan Tong , Bouvier Thierry , Bouvier Corinne , Mouchet Maud A. , Flores Hernandez Domingo , Ramos Miranda Julia , Zhou Jizhong , Mouillot David 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThis article explores the functional diversity and redundancy in a bacterial metacommunity constituted of three habitats (sediment, water column and fish gut) in a coastal lagoon under anthropogenic pressure. Comprehensive functional gene arrays covering a wide range of ecological processes and stress resistance genes to estimate the functional potential of bacterial communities were used. Then, diversity partitioning was used to characterize functional diversity and redundancy within (α), between (β) and across (γ) habitats. It was showed that all local communities exhibit a highly diversified potential for the realization of key ecological processes and resistance to various environmental conditions, supporting the growing evidence that macro‐organisms microbiomes harbour a high functional potential and are integral components of functional gene dynamics in aquatic bacterial metacommunities. Several levels of functional redundancy at different scales of the bacterial metacommunity were observed (within local communities, within habitats and at the metacommunity level). The results suggested a high potential for the realization of spatial ecological insurance within this ecosystem, that is, the functional compensation among microorganisms for the realization and maintenance of key ecological processes, within and across habitats. Finally, the role of macro‐organisms as dispersal vectors of microbes and their potential influence on marine metacommunity dynamics were discussed.
Thermal barriers constrain microbial elevational range size via climate variability
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Soininen Janne 
Published: June 2017

SummaryRange size is invariably limited and understanding range size variation is an important objective in ecology. However, microbial range size across geographical gradients remains understudied, especially on mountainsides. Here, the patterns of range size of stream microbes (i.e., bacteria and diatoms) and macroorganisms (i.e., macroinvertebrates) along elevational gradients in Asia and Europe were examined. In bacteria, elevational range size showed non‐significant phylogenetic signals. In all taxa, there was a positive relationship between niche breadth and species elevational range size, driven by local environmental and climatic variables. No taxa followed the elevational Rapoport's rule. Climate variability explained the most variation in microbial mean elevational range size, whereas local environmental variables were more important for macroinvertebrates. Seasonal and annual climate variation showed negative effects, while daily climate variation had positive effects on community mean elevational range size for all taxa. The negative correlation between range size and species richness suggests that understanding the drivers of range is key for revealing the processes underlying diversity. The results advance the understanding of microbial species thermal barriers by revealing the importance of seasonal and diurnal climate variation, and highlight that aquatic and terrestrial biota may differ in their response to short‐ and long‐term climate variability.
Comparative genomics of the DNA damage‐inducible network in the Patescibacteria
Authors: Sánchez‐Osuna Miquel , Barbé Jordi , Erill Ivan 
Published: June 2017

SummaryMetagenomics provide unprecedented insights into the genetic diversity of uncultivated bacteria inhabiting natural environments. Recent surveys have uncovered a major radiation of candidate phyla encompassing the Patescibacteria superphylum. Patescibacteria have small genomes and a presumed symbiotic or parasitic lifestyle, but the difficulty in culturing representative members constrains the characterization of behavioural and adaptive traits. Here we combine in silico and in vitro approaches to characterize the SOS transcriptional response to DNA damage in the Patescibacteria superphylum. Leveraging comparative genomics methods, we identify and experimentally define a novel binding motif for the SOS transcriptional repressor LexA, and we use this motif to characterize the conserved elements of the SOS regulatory network in Patescibacteria. The Patescibacteria LexA‐binding motif has unusual direct‐repeat structure, and comparative analyses reveal sequence and structural similarities with the distant Acidobacteria LexA protein. Our results reveal a shared core SOS network, complemented by varying degrees of LexA regulation of other core SOS functions. This work illustrates how the combination of computational and experimental methods can leverage metagenomic data to characterize transcriptional responses in uncultivated bacteria. The report of an operational SOS response in presumed symbiotic and parasitic bacteria hints at an intermediate step in the process of genome reduction.
A comparison of barriers to mental health support‐seeking among farming and non‐farming adults in rural South Australia
Authors: Hull Melissa J. , Fennell Kate M. , Vallury Kari , Jones Martin , Dollman James 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the differences between farming and non‐farming rural adults in perceived barriers to mental health service use.DesignA cross‐sectional survey, modified from the Barriers to Help‐Seeking Scale (BHSS), was conducted using a computer‐assisted telephone interview.SettingRespondents (age 52.6 ± 11.6 years) were recruited from three rural regions of South Australia.ParticipantsApproximately, 78 non‐farmers and 45 farmers were included in analyses. 78 retired and two unemployed participants were excluded from the analyses.Main outcome measureFarmers and non‐farmers were compared on domain scores and individual item responses from the adapted BHSS that represent ‘agrarian’ attitudes to support‐seeking for mental health: stoicism, self‐reliance, minimisation of the problem, stigma and distrust of health professionals.ResultsIn the analysis of domain scores, ‘Need for Control and Self‐Reliance’ was a stronger barrier for farmers than non‐farmers (P = 0.009) with a trend (P = 0.07) towards stronger barriers among farmers in the ‘Minimising Problem and Resignation’ domain. In the analysis of item‐level responses, there was a difference (P = 0.03) between farmers and non‐farmers in responses to ‘I find it difficult to understand my doctor/health professional’, with 24.4% of the farmers agreeing that this is a barrier compared with 15.3% of the non‐farmers.ConclusionLong‐held stereotypes of stoicism and self‐reliance among farmers were somewhat supported, in the context of mental health. Mental health services and professionals in rural Australia might need to adapt their practices to successfully engage this population.
Prevention of osteoporotic refractures in regional Australia
Authors: Davidson Emily , Seal Alexa , Doyle Zelda , Fielding Kerin , McGirr Joe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveClinical guidelines recommend that patients who sustain a minimal trauma fracture (MTF) should receive a bone mineral density (BMD) scan and bisphosphonate (or equivalent) therapy if diagnosed with osteoporosis. A pilot fracture liaison service (FLS) was implemented in regional NSW to improve adherence to the guidelines.DesignProspective cohort study with an historical control.SettingPrimary care.ParticipantsControl (n = 47) and cohort (n = 93) groups comprised patients consenting to interview who presented with a MTF to the major referral hospital 4 months before and 12 months after FLS implementation respectively.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were the rates of BMD scans and anti‐osteoporotic medication initiation/review after MTF. Hospital admission data were also examined to determine death and refracture rates for all patients presenting during the study period with a primary diagnosis of MTF within 3 years of their initial fracture.ResultsAlthough there was no improvement in BMD scanning rates, the reported rate of medication initiation/review after fracture was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the FLS cohort. However, once adjusted for age, this association was not significant (P = 0.086). There was a lower refracture rate during the cohort period (P = 0.013), however, there were significantly more deaths (P = 0.035) within 3 years of initial fracture. When deaths were taken into account via competing risk regression, patients in the cohort period were significantly less likely to refracture than those in the control period (Hazard ratio = 0.576, P = 0.032).ConclusionsA rurally based nurse‐led FLS was associated with modest improvement after MTF. Consideration should be given to ways to strengthen the model of care to improve outcomes.
Histamine receptor 2 modifies iNKT cell activity within the inflamed lung
Authors: Ferstl R. , Frei R. , Barcik W. , Schiavi E. , Wanke K. , Ziegler M. , Rodriguez‐Perez N. , Groeger D. , Konieczna P. , Zeiter S. , Nehrbass D. , Lauener R. , Akdis C.A. , O'Mahony L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundHistamine is a key immunoregulatory mediator and can dampen proinflammatory responses via activation of histamine receptor 2 (H2R). The aim of this study was to determine the role of H2R in modulating lung inflammatory responses.MethodsH2R was blocked using famotidine or activated using dimaprit in both the ovalbumin (OVA) and house dust mite extract (HDM) murine models of respiratory inflammation. H2R‐deficient animals and CD1d/H2R‐deficient animals were utilized to examine the CD1d presentation of lipid antigens (αGalCer or OCH) to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells.ResultsFamotidine treatment resulted in more severe airway disease in the OVA model, while dimaprit treatment significantly reduced disease severity. Both OVA and HDM‐induced airway diseases were more severe in H2R‐deficient animals. Flow cytometric analysis of lung tissue from H2R‐deficient animals revealed increased numbers of CD1d+ dendritic cells and increased numbers of iNKT cells. In vitro, αGalCer‐stimulated iNKT cells from H2R‐deficient mice secreted higher levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, and GM‐CSF. In vivo, αGalCer or OCH administration to the lung resulted in enhanced mucus secretion, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cytokine production in H2R‐deficient or famotidine‐treated animals, while dimaprit dampened the lung iNKT cell response to αGalCer. Removal of iNKT cells in H2R‐deficient (CD1d−/−H2R−/−) animals normalized the lung response to HDM.ConclusionThe deliberate activation of H2R, or its downstream signaling molecules, may represent a novel therapeutic target for chronic lung inflammatory diseases, especially when CD1d‐mediated presentation of lipid antigens to iNKT cells is contributing to the pathology.
A perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5)‐based solution for the removal of residual emulsified silicone oil
Authors: Chan Yau Kei , Cheng Ho Ching , Wu Jing , Tang Yuk Heng Matthew , Chan San To , Wong David , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeThe emulsification of silicone oil (SO) is associated with many complications. In this study, we investigate a new SO solvent, perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5) with 1% by volume of perfluorinated polyethers–polyethylene glycol–perfluorinated polyethers (PFPE‐PEG‐PFPE) triblock copolymer, for removing emulsified droplets.MethodsAn in vitro 3D printed model eye chamber was used to evaluate the efficiency of the three test liquids in removing SO droplets, namely saline, F4H5 and F4H5 with surfactant PFPE‐PEG‐PFPE. The numbers of SO droplets were quantified using a Coulter Counter. The stability of double emulsion formed was tested with a fluidic device based on electro‐coalescence. Two retinal cell lines were used to test the biocompatibility of the liquids.ResultsThe mean number of droplets remaining in the eye chamber after rinsing with a solution of F4H5 with surfactant was 13 315 ± 4620/ml compared to saline (23 460 ± 7595/ml; p < 0.05). The double emulsion was found to be highly stable. The biocompatibility of F4H5 and the surfactant was similar to that of the saline control.ConclusionBy adding a small amount of surfactant, the resultant F4H5 solution is able to promote double emulsification and remove more SO droplets. Although further in vivo safety studies are necessary before clinical trials, the result of our study suggests that F4H5 with surfactant is a promising Rinsing Solution for removing emulsified droplets. This work therefore translates a well‐known phenomenon in emulsion science to tackle the emulsification problem observed in the routine vitreoretinal surgery.
Species turnover in Amazonian frogs: low predictability and large differences among forests
Authors: Bitar Youszef O.C. , Tuomisto Hanna , Pinheiro Leandra C. , Juen Leandro , Santos‐Costa Maria C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe factors explaining species turnover at different spatial scales have been intensively studied, but most work in Amazonia has mainly focused on plants. For animals, it is not as obvious which environmental variables most affect differences in species composition among sites. We sought to identify what causes anuran turnover in Amazonian terra firme forests, and how the effectiveness of these factors varies among regions and across spatial scales. We sampled frogs in 56 plots along ponds and streams distributed over three terra firme forest areas in Eastern Amazonia. Using multiple regressions on distance matrices, we partitioned the variation in species turnover into components explained by variation in environmental and spatial distances. This was done in parallel for each area separately, and for all areas together, to assess the consistency of results between scales and across areas at the same scale. Each community seemed to respond to a set of factors specific to that area, and the identity of the variables that emerged as significant differed among areas and scales. Both geographical distances and environmental differences had larger explanatory power at the regional scale than at the local scale. The large differences among results from different areas caution against making broad generalizations about species turnover patterns from a single community, as real differences may exist among areas.