bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prime/Boost PfCS14KM/MVA-sPfCSMVaccination Protocol Generates Robust CD8+T Cell and Antibody Responses to Plasmodium falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein and Protects Mice against Malaria
Authors: Vijayan Aneesh , Mejías-Pérez Ernesto , Espinosa Diego A. , Raman Suresh C. , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Zavala Fidel , Esteban Mariano 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTVaccines against the preerythrocytic stages of malaria are appealing because the parasite can be eliminated before disease onset and because they offer the unique possibility of targeting the parasite with both antibodies and T cells. Although the role of CD8+T cells in preerythrocytic malaria stages is well documented, a highly effective T cell-inducing vaccine remains to be advanced. Here we report the development of a prime-boost immunization regimen with thePlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite protein (PfCS) fused to the oligomer-forming vaccinia virus A27 protein and a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing PfCS. This protocol induced polyfunctional CD8+T cells with an effector memory phenotype and high PfCS antibody levels. These immune responses correlated with inhibition of liver-stage parasitemia in 80% and sterile protection in 40% of mice challenged with a transgenicP. bergheiparasite line that expressed PfCS. Our findings underscore the potential of T and B cell immunization strategies for improving protective effectiveness against malaria.
In Vitro
Activity of Imipenem against Carbapenemase-Positive Enterobacteriaceae Isolates Collected by the SMART Global Surveillance Program from 2008 to 2014
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Lob Sibylle H. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Badal Robert E. , Young Katherine , Motyl Mary R. , Sahm Daniel F. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

The Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) global surveillance program collected 103,960 isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
from 2008 to 2014. From this isolate collection, all ertapenem-nonsusceptible isolates (MIC, ≥1 μg/ml;
n
= 3,428) and 9,371 isolates of
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Klebsiella oxytoca
, and
Proteus mirabilis
with an ertapenem-susceptible extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive phenotype were assessed for the presence of common carbapenemase genes using a Check-MDR CT101 microarray (Check-Points, Wageningen, the Netherlands) and published multiplex PCR assays. Testing identified 1,493 isolates that harbored a carbapenemase gene (1,485 ertapenem-nonsusceptible isolates and 8 ertapenem-susceptible ESBL-positive isolates) and accounted for 1.4% (1,493/103,960) of all isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
. The most frequently identified carbapenemase genes were the KPC (
n
= 794), OXA-48-like (
n
= 300), and NDM (
n
= 290) genes. Carbapenemase genes were most frequently identified in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 1,127),
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 149), and
Enterobacter cloacae
(
n
= 110). Among the carbapenemase-positive isolates, 66.7% (2/3), 37.0% (111/300), 20.0% (8/40), 3.3% (3/92), 2.3% (18/794), and 0% (0/290) of the isolates with genes for GES, OXA-48-like, IMP, VIM, KPC, and NDM, respectively, were susceptible to imipenem (MIC, ≤1 μg/ml). Isolates that tested as susceptible to imipenem were not uncommon among carbapenemase-positive isolates (9.4%, 141/1,493) and most frequently carried OXA-48-like enzymes (78.7%; 111/141); however, overall, these isolates remained rare (0.1%, 141/103,960). The practice of screening clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
that test as susceptible to carbapenems
in vitro
for the presence of carbapenemase genes remains controversial and requires further study.
Relevance of clerkship characteristics in changing students' interest in family medicine: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Herwig Anna , Viehmann Anja , Thielmann Anika , Gesenhues Stefan , Weltermann Birgitta 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesExposure to family medicine (FM) can serve to promote students' interest in this field. This study aimed at identifying clerkship characteristics which decrease or increase students' interest in FM.DesignThis cross-sectional questionnaire study analysed students' clerkship evaluations between the years 2004 and 2014. Descriptive statistics were used to compare four predefined groups: (1) high interest in FM before and after the clerkship (Remained high), (2) poor interest before and after the clerkship (Remained low), (3) poor interest before the clerkship which improved (Increased) and (4) high interest before the clerkship which decreased (Decreased).SettingStudents' evaluations of FM clerkships in the fourth of 6 years of medical school.ParticipantsAll questionnaires with complete answers on students' interest in FM and its change as a result of the clerkship (2382 of 3963; 60.1%). The students' mean age was 26 years (± 3.9), 62.7% (n=1505) were female.Outcome measureThe outcome was a change in students' interest in FM after completing the clerkship.ResultsInterest in FM after the clerkship was as follows: 40.1% (n=954) Remained high, 5.5% (n=134) Remained low, 42.1% (n=1002) Increased and 12.3% (n=292) Decreased. Students with decreased interest had performed a below-average number of learning activities (4 vs 6 activities). A total of 45.9% (n=134 of 292) of the students with decreased interest reported that the difficulty of the challenge was inadequate for their educational level: 81.3% (n=109) felt underchallenged and 18.7% (n=25) overchallenged.ConclusionsIn more than 50% of cases, the clerkship changed the students' interest in FM. Those with decreased interest were more frequently underchallenged. We observed an increase in FM if at least six learning activities were trained. Our findings stress the importance of well-designed FM clerkships. There is a need for standardised educational strategies which enable teaching physicians to operationalise educational requirements.
Antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections: a mixed-methods study of patient experiences of non-medical prescriber management
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Rowbotham Samantha , Lim Rosemary , Deslandes Rhian , Hodson Karen , MacLure Katie , Peters Sarah , Stewart Derek 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo (1) explore patients' expectations and experiences of nurse and pharmacist non-medical prescriber-led management of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), (2) examine whether patient expectations for antibiotics affect the likelihood of receiving them and (3) understand factors influencing patient satisfaction with RTI consultations.DesignMixed methods.SettingPrimary care.ParticipantsQuestionnaires from 120 patients and follow-up interviews with 22 patients and 16 nurse and pharmacist non-medical prescribers (NMPs).ResultsPatients had multiple expectations of their consultation with 43% expecting to be prescribed an antibiotic. There was alignment between self-reported patient expectations and those perceived by NMPs. Patient expectations for non-antibiotic strategies, such as education to promote self-management, were associated with receipt of those strategies, whereas patient expectations for an antibiotic were not associated with receipt of these medications. ‘Patient-centred’ management strategies (including reassurance and providing information) were received by 86.7% of patients. Regardless of patients' expectations or the management strategy employed, high levels of satisfaction were reported for all aspects of the consultation. Taking concerns seriously, conducting a physical examination, communicating the treatment plan, explaining treatment decisions and lack of time restrictions were each reported to contribute to patient satisfaction.ConclusionsNMPs demonstrate an understanding of patient expectations of RTI consultations and use a range of non-antibiotic management strategies, particularly those resembling a patient-centred approach. Overall, patients' expectations were met and prescribers were not unduly influenced by patient expectations for an antibiotic. Patients were satisfied with the consultation, indicating that strategies used by NMPs were acceptable. However, the lower levels of satisfaction among patients who expected but did not receive an antibiotic indicates that although NMPs appear to have strategies for managing RTI consultations, there is still scope for improvement and these prescribers are therefore an important group to involve in antimicrobial stewardship.
Building a new life in Australia: an analysis of the first wave of the longitudinal study of humanitarian migrants in Australia to assess the association between social integration and self-rated health
Authors: Chen Wen , Ling Li , Renzaho Andre M N 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between social integration and physical and mental health among humanitarian migrants (HMs) in Australia.Design, setting and participantsWe used the recently released first wave of data from the 2013 ‘Building a New Life in Australia’ survey, which is an ongoing nationwide longitudinal study. A total of 2399 HMs participated in the survey.Main outcome measuresSelf-rated physical health was measured using four items selected from the SF-36 which is a generic measure of health status. The 6-item Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) was used to measure mental health. Social integration was measured using four dimensions: economic integration, acculturation, social capital and self-identity.ResultsMore than half (63%), 47% and 49% of participants self-rated well on the general health, physical function and role-physical dimensions, respectively and 46% reported not having any bodily pain. Seventeen per cent of participants had a serious mental illness. There was a positive relationship between social integration and physical and mental health. That is, factors associated with better health included less financial hardship (economic integration dimension), better English proficiency and self-sufficiency (acculturation dimension), having the capacity to communicate with locals, having friends from different ethnic/religious groups and attending a place of worship weekly or more often (social capital dimension) and feeling welcomed and having a strong sense of belonging in Australia (self-identity dimension).ConclusionsUsing a more comprehensive framework of social integration, we found that greater social integration was associated with better physical and mental health outcomes among HMs. Social integration should be embedded in HMs' resettlement programmes in order to reduce migration-related health inequities.
Metabolic syndrome in Finnish women 7 years after a gestational diabetes prevention trial
Authors: Puhkala Jatta , Raitanen Jani , Kolu Päivi , Tuominen Pipsa , Husu Pauliina , Luoto Riitta 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundRisk for developing metabolic syndrome (MeS) after delivery is high among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but little is known about development of MeS among women with risk factors for GDM during pregnancy. In the present study, we studied the prevalence of MeS 7 years postpartum among women with GDM risk factors during pregnancy, women with early GDM diagnosis and women without GDM risk factors. We also analysed the early pregnancy risk factors associated with MeS.MethodsA Finnish cluster randomised controlled GDM prevention trial was conducted in 2007–2009. The prevalence of MeS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria was determined in the follow-up study 7 years after original trial. Eligible participants (n=289) in 4 study groups (intervention (n=83) and usual care (n=87) with GDM risk factors; early GDM (n=51), and healthy control without GDM risk factors (n=68)) were evaluated for MeS. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyse risk factors associated with MeS.Results7 years postpartum, the MeS prevalence was 14% (95% CI 8% to 25%) in the intervention group; 15% (CI 8% to 25%) in the usual care group; 50% (CI 35% to 65%) in the early GDM group and 7% (CI 2% to 18%) in the healthy control group. OR for MeS in women with GDM risk factors did not differ from the healthy control group. Body mass index (BMI)-adjusted OR for MeS was 9.18 (CI 1.82 to 46.20) in the early GDM group compared with the healthy control group. Increased prepregnancy BMI was associated with MeS (OR, 1.17, CI 1.08 to 1.28, adjusted for group).ConclusionsIncreased prepregnancy BMI and early GDM diagnosis were the strongest risk factors for developing MeS 7 years postpartum. Overweight and obese women and especially those with early GDM should be monitored and counselled for cardiometabolic risk factors after delivery.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor tunable GdNbO4: Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors based on energy transfer
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yi Shuangping , Hu Xiaoxue , Liang Boxin , Zhao Weiren , Wang Yinhai 
Published: March 2017

A color-tunable phosphor based on Tb[Formula: see text]/Eu[Formula: see text] co-doped GdNbO4 were synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra and decay curves were utilized to characterize the as-prepared phosphors. XRD result indicated that various concentrations Tb[Formula: see text]/Eu[Formula: see text] single-doped and co-doped phosphors were well indexed to the pure GdNbO4 phase. The GdNbO4 host was proved to be a self-activated phosphor with broad absorption range from 200 nm to 325 nm. When Tb[Formula: see text] ions were added into the host lattice, the energy transferring from host to Tb[Formula: see text] was identified. And the broad absorption in the UV region was changed and enhanced. Therefore, we selected Tb[Formula: see text] as the sensitizer ion, and adjusted red component from Eu[Formula: see text] to control the emission color. The energy transfer from Tb[Formula: see text] to Eu[Formula: see text] was confirmed based on the luminescence spectra and decay curves. Furthermore, the energy transmission mechanism was deduced to be the dipole–quadrupole interaction. On the whole, the obtained GdNbO4, GdNbO4:Tb[Formula: see text], and GdNbO4:Tb[Formula: see text], Eu[Formula: see text] phosphors may have potential application in the UV white-light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs) and display devices.
Bass numbers of generalized local cohomology modules with respect to a pair of ideals
Authors: Lotfi Parsa M. 
Published: March 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a Noetherian local ring, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are ideals of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text]-modules. We study the relationship between the Bass numbers of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, it follows that if one of the following holds: (a) [Formula: see text] is a principal ideal of [Formula: see text], (b) [Formula: see text], (c) [Formula: see text] (when [Formula: see text] is local and [Formula: see text] is finitely generated), (d) [Formula: see text] (when [Formula: see text] is local), (e) [Formula: see text] (when [Formula: see text] is local), then [Formula: see text] is finite for all [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], whenever [Formula: see text] is finitely generated and flat, [Formula: see text] is minimax, and [Formula: see text].
Modelling of CO
2
diffusion and related poro-elastic effects in a smectite-rich cap rock above a reservoir used for CO
2
storage
Authors: Wentinck Hendrik M. , Busch Andreas 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

The transport of dissolved CO
2
in brine through a smectite-rich shale-type cap rock above a CO
2
storage reservoir may lead to the adsorption of CO
2
in the smectite and the associated swelling of this material. These effects on the cap-rock permeability and on the stress in the cap rock have been modelled by combining single-phase two-species convective–diffusive flow with poro-elastic effects. We assume that the cap rock behaves as a poro-elastic, uniform and isotropic rock with two intermingled networks of macropores and of interlayer space between the clay layers. The empirical expressions for the chemical potentials and partial molar volumes of water and CO
2
in the macropores and in the interlayer space have been derived from experimental data.

With an emphasis on the physics underlying clay swelling, we have applied the model for uniaxial deformation in a cylindical symmetrical geometry. Considering that this geometry is, to some extent, only representative of the geometry at a reservoir edge, and that anisotropy, plasticity and a possible permeability increase when the stress in the rock is close to shear-type failure have not been included in this work and recognizing the present uncertainties in the experimental clay and shale data, the results are indicative. The model predicts that the stresses following CO
2
adsorption in a smectite-containing cap rock are substantial at typical subsurface conditions for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. When the rock is under an unfavourable stress condition, local shear-type failure may occur in the cap rock exposed to CO
2
over a period of 100–10 000 years, despite the fact that the permeability of the rock may reduce under the increasing compressive stress. For this reason, we recommend including the possibility of swelling cap rock into a containment risk assessment of a CCS project.
Strain superposition and fault stability during sequential hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Harper T. R. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Numerical simulations of a naturally fractured shale reservoir are used to investigate the influence of sequential hydraulic fractures on the shear displacements and evolving stability of a fault. The effect of the heterogeneous elastic strains arising from natural fractures and faults in the reservoir on the displacements around hydraulic fractures is simulated. The displacements experienced by the hydraulic fractures depart strongly from the elliptical distribution characteristic of homogeneous elastic media, and are a result of the influence of natural fractures and faults by both superposition of elastic strains and inelastic behaviour. It is shown that interaction between the pre-existing reservoir strains and those induced by hydraulic fracturing influence shear displacements along the fault. Displacements on the fault respond to the hydrofracture-induced shear strains, tend to be restricted to certain patches of the fault and mainly tend to stabilize the fault. The results imply that the numerous closely spaced hydraulic fractures characteristic of current shale reservoir completion practice may, to some extent, increase the stability of potentially unstable faults before they are intersected by a propagating hydraulic fracture. The stability of the fault as the fractures sequentially approach the fault depends upon the direction of approach and the dimensions of the hydraulic fractures.
Swimming attenuates d-galactose-induced brain aging via suppressing miR-34a-mediated autophagy impairment and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Kou Xianjuan , Li Jie , Liu Xingran , Chang Jingru , Zhao Qingxia , Jia Shaohui , Fan Jingjing , Chen Ning 
Published: March 2017

microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. To explore the regulatory role of miR-34a in aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) during exercise intervention, we constructed a rat model with d-galactose (d-gal)-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment coupled with dysfunctional autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, determined the mitigation of cognitive impairment of d-gal-induced aging rats during swimming intervention, and evaluated miR-34a-mediated functional status of autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics. Meanwhile, whether the upregulation of miR-34a can lead to dysfunctional autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics was confirmed in human SH-SY5Y cells with silenced miR-34a by the transfection of a miR-34a inhibitor. Results indicated that swimming intervention could significantly attenuate cognitive impairment, prevent the upregulation of miR-34a, mitigate the dysfunctional autophagy, and inhibit the increase of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in d-gal-induced aging model rats. In contrast, the miR-34a inhibitor in cell model not only attenuated D-gal-induced the impairment of autophagy but also decreased the expression of DRP1 and mitofusin 2 (MFN2). Therefore, swimming training can delay brain aging of d-gal-induced aging rats through attenuating the impairment of miR-34a-mediated autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, and miR-34a could be the novel therapeutic target for aging-related diseases such as AD. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we have found that the upregulation of miR-34a is the hallmark of aging or aging-related diseases, which can result in dysfunctional autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics. In contrast, swimming intervention can delay the aging process by rescuing the impaired functional status of autophagy and abnormal mitochondrial dynamics via the suppression of miR-34a.
Acclimatization of the systemic microcirculation to alveolar hypoxia is mediated by an iNOS-dependent increase in nitric oxide availability
Authors: Casillan Alfred J. , Chao Jie , Wood John G. , Gonzalez Norberto C. 
Published: March 2017

Rats breathing 10% O2 show a rapid and widespread systemic microvascular inflammation that results from nitric oxide (NO) depletion secondary to increased reactive O2 species (ROS) generation. The inflammation eventually resolves, and the microcirculation becomes resistant to more severe hypoxia. These experiments were directed to determine the mechanisms underlying this microvascular acclimatization process. Intravital microscopy of the mesentery showed that after 3 wk of hypoxia (barometric pressure ~380 Torr; partial pressure of inspired O2 ~68–70 Torr), rats showed no evidence of inflammation; however, treatment with the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor L-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine dihydrochloride led to ROS generation, leukocyte-endothelial adherence and emigration, and increased vascular permeability. Mast cells harvested from normoxic rats underwent degranulation when exposed in vitro to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the proximate mediator of mast cell degranulation in acute hypoxia. Mast cell degranulation by MCP-1 was prevented by the NO donor spermine-NONOate. MCP-1 did not induce degranulation of mast cells harvested from 6-day hypoxic rats; however, pretreatment with either the general NOS inhibitor L-NG-monomethyl arginine citrate or the selective iNOS inhibitor N-[3-(aminomethyl) benzyl] acetamidine restored the effect of MCP-1. iNOS was demonstrated in mast cells and alveolar macrophages of acclimatized rats. Nitrate + nitrite plasma levels decreased significantly in acute hypoxia and were restored after 6 days of acclimatization. The results support the hypothesis that the microvascular acclimatization to hypoxia results from the restoration of the ROS/NO balance mediated by iNOS expression at key sites in the inflammatory cascade. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study shows that the systemic inflammation of acute hypoxia resolves via an inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase-induced restoration of the reactive O2 species/NO balance in the systemic microcirculation. It is proposed that the acute systemic inflammation may represent the first step of the microvascular acclimatization process.