bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Highly Expressed High-Molecular-Weight S-Layer Complex of Pelosinus sp. Strain UFO1 Binds Uranium
Authors: Thorgersen Michael P. , Lancaster W. Andrew , Rajeev Lara , Ge Xiaoxuan , Vaccaro Brian J. , Poole Farris L. , Arkin Adam P. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Adams Michael W. W. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Cell suspensions of
Pelosinus
sp. strain UFO1 were previously shown, using spectroscopic analysis, to sequester uranium as U(IV) complexed with carboxyl and phosphoryl group ligands on proteins. The goal of our present study was to characterize the proteins involved in uranium binding. Virtually all of the uranium in UFO1 cells was associated with a heterodimeric protein, which was termed the uranium-binding complex (UBC). The UBC was composed of two S-layer domain proteins encoded by UFO1_4202 and UFO1_4203. Samples of UBC purified from the membrane fraction contained 3.3 U atoms/heterodimer, but significant amounts of phosphate were not detected. The UBC had an estimated molecular mass by gel filtration chromatography of 15 MDa, and it was proposed to contain 150 heterodimers (UFO1_4203 and UFO1_4202) and about 500 uranium atoms. The UBC was also the dominant extracellular protein, but when purified from the growth medium, it contained only 0.3 U atoms/heterodimer. The two genes encoding the UBC were among the most highly expressed genes within the UFO1 genome, and their expressions were unchanged by the presence or absence of uranium. Therefore, the UBC appears to be constitutively expressed and is the first line of defense against uranium, including by secretion into the extracellular medium. Although S-layer proteins were previously shown to bind U(VI), here we showed that U(IV) binds to S-layer proteins, we identified the proteins involved, and we quantitated the amount of uranium bound.

IMPORTANCE
Widespread uranium contamination from industrial sources poses hazards to human health and to the environment. Herein, we identified a highly abundant uranium-binding complex (UBC) from
Pelosinus
sp. strain UFO1. The complex makes up the primary protein component of the S-layer of strain UFO1 and binds 3.3 atoms of U(IV) per heterodimer. While other bacteria have been shown to bind U(VI) on their S-layer, we demonstrate here an example of U(IV) bound by an S-layer complex. The UBC provides a potential tool for the microbiological sequestration of uranium for the cleaning of contaminated environments.
Size and vitreomacular attachment of primary full-thickness macular holes
Authors: Philippakis Elise , Amouyal Franck , Couturier Aude , Boulanger-Scemama Elise , Gaudric Alain , Tadayoni Ramin 
Published: December 2016

PurposeTo study the relationship between the size of primary full-thickness macular hole (MH) and the vitreomacular attachment status.DesignSingle-centre retrospective observational case series.MethodsThe records of 100 consecutive eyes operated for primary full-thickness MH were retrospectively reviewed. The vitreous status and MH diameter were assessed on the preoperative optical coherence tomography scans. MH were classified depending on the presence or absence of vitreomacular traction (VMT) and their size as small (<250 µm), medium (250–400 µm) and large (>400 µm), as suggested in the International VMT Study Group Classification.Results22% of MH had VMT and 13% had both VMT and a diameter <400 µm. The MH diameter was not significantly different depending on the presence or absence of VMT (respectively, 339±134 and 423±191 µm (p=0.094)), with large overlap between groups. Small, medium and large MH were similarly distributed regardless of the presence or absence of VMT (p=0.69).ConclusionsOur series of 100 MH did not reveal any significant relationship between the MH size and the presence or absence of VMT. Only 13% of MH had VMT and a diameter <400 mm, then were eligible for intravitreal ocriplasmin as a possible treatment.
Comparison of anti-VEGF therapies on fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachments in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Au Adrian , Parikh Vishal S , Singh Rishi P , Ehlers Justis P , Yuan Alex , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V , Sears Jonathan E , Srivastava Sunil K , Kaiser Peter K , Schachat Andrew P , Martin Daniel F , Modi Yasha 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe aim is to compare the therapeutic effects of three antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs (bevacizumab, aflibercept and ranibizumab) on fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachments (fvPEDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsThis was a retrospective, comparative, consecutive case series of 88 unique eyes with fvPEDs in neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy for a minimum of 6 months. All eyes were treatment naive. Diagnosis was confirmed retrospectively by fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Exclusion criteria included serous/drusenoid PEDs or patients who switched anti-VEGF. Mean follow-up across all therapies was 313.9±85.3 days.ResultsAverage age of all patients was 80.6 years. Baseline maximum subfoveal PED height was 326.8±185.1 μm, 394.5±238.6 μm and 258.0±145.3 μm for bevacizumab, aflibercept and ranibizumab, respectively (p=0.05). All patients had subretinal fluid, intraretinal fluid or a combination of the two at an initial presentation. Central retinal thickness decreased at all time points compared with baseline across all three anti-VEGF therapies. Subfoveal PED height decreased in patients treated with aflibercept at all time points and decreased in patients treated with bevacizumab at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month time points. Aflibercept reduced PED height more than bevacizumab at 1-month and 12-month follow-ups (p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively) and ranibizumab at 1-month and 6-month follow-ups (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). No differences in best-corrected visual acuity were appreciated at any time point between drugs.ConclusionsThere was a significant reduction in subfoveal PED height for aflibercept and bevacizumab compared with baseline. A direct comparison of drugs demonstrated a beneficial reduction of PED height, albeit inconsistently, favouring aflibercept. There were no differences in visual acuity across the groups at any time point.
How does age-related macular degeneration affect real-world visual ability and quality of life? A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Deanna J , Hobby Angharad E , Binns Alison M , Crabb David P 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo review systematically the evidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting real-world visual ability and quality of life (QoL). To explore trends in specific topics within this body of the literature.DesignSystematic review.MethodsA systematic literature search was carried out using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES and Health and Psychosocial Instruments for articles published up to January 2015 for studies including people diagnosed with AMD, assessing real-world visual ability or QoL as an outcome. Two researchers screened studies for eligibility. Details of eligible studies including study design, characteristics of study population and outcomes measured were recorded in a data extraction table. All included studies underwent quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2011 Version (MMAT).ResultsFrom 5284 studies, 123 were eligible for inclusion. A range of approaches were identified, including performance-based methods, quantitative and qualitative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). AMD negatively affects tasks including mobility, face recognition, perception of scenes, computer use, meal preparation, shopping, cleaning, watching TV, reading, driving and, in some cases, self-care. There is evidence for higher rates of depression among people with AMD than among community dwelling elderly. A number of adaptation strategies have been associated with AMD of varying duration. Much of the research fails to report the type of AMD studied (59% of included studies) or the duration of disease in participants (74%). Of those that do report type studied, the breakdown is as follows: wet AMD 20%, dry AMD 4% and both types 17%.ConclusionsThere are many publications highlighting the negative effects of AMD in various domains of life. Future research should focus on delivering some of this research knowledge into patient management and clinical trials and differentiating between the types of AMD.
Providing additional information about the benefits of statins in a leaflet for patients with coronary heart disease: a qualitative study of the impact on attitudes and beliefs
Authors: Dickinson Rebecca , Raynor David K , Knapp Peter , MacDonald Jan 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of providing additional information about the potential benefits of simvastatin in a patient leaflet on attitudes and beliefs.DesignInterview-based study using a generic qualitative approach and framework analysis.Participants21 participants receiving a prescription for simvastatin were recruited from a general practitioner practice (from a total of 120). 8 participants were women; the age range was 55–92.InterventionParticipants were provided with leaflets showing one of 3 types of additional benefit information: (1) textual statement, (2) number needed to treat (NNT) or (3) natural frequency. Semistructured interviews explored patient's attitudes and beliefs.ResultsA descriptive narrative of preferences for format suggested patients prefer textual as opposed to numerical benefit information. Significant barriers to the acceptance of numerical benefit information included difficulty in understanding the numbers. Patients overestimated the benefits of statins and expressed surprise at the numerical information.ConclusionsTextual information was preferred but numerical information, in particular in the form of a natural frequency, may help patients make judgements about their medicines. NNTs were found to be very difficult to understand. This raises the prospect that some patients might reject medicines because of disappointment with the perceived low benefits of their medicines. The self-reported impact on behaviour appeared minimal with reports of intentions to ‘do what the doctor tells me’. Further research is needed to explore the impact of such statements on people who are yet to be prescribed a statin.
Cohort profile: the diabetes-tuberculosis treatment outcome (DITTO) study in Pakistan
Authors: Mukhtar Fatima , Butt Zahid A 
Published: December 2016

PurposePakistan is faced with an increasing prevalence of diabetes in addition to its existing high burden of tuberculosis (TB). Diabetes has a detrimental effect on treatment outcomes of patients with TB, which may hinder achieving the goals of the End-TB strategy by 2030. We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine difference between treatment outcomes among patients with diabetes and new pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and patients without diabetes and new PTB. This would help generate contextual and valid scientific evidence from a developing country like Pakistan with its unique interplay of sociocultural, economic and health system factors to inform policy and practice.ParticipantsThis paper outlines the baseline characteristics of 614 new cases of PTB, aged 15 years and older, which were followed up prospectively at 2nd, 5th and 6th months while on antituberculosis treatment and at 6 months after treatment completion.Findings to dateWe ascertained patients' diabetic status by conducting random and fasting blood glucose tests and their glycaemic control by determining glycosylated haemoglobin. Treatment outcomes were established using standardised definitions provided by WHO. The assessment of 614 respondents' diabetic status revealed that 113 (18%) were diabetic and 501 (82%) were non-diabetic. A greater proportion of patients with diabetes and PTB were illiterate (n=74/113, 65.5%) as compared to patients without diabetes and PTB (n=249/501, 50%) (p=0.035). More patients with diabetes and PTB gave a history of heart disease (n=14/113, 12%) and hypertension (n=26/113, 23%) as compared to patients without diabetes and PTB (n=2/501, 0.4% (heart disease) and n=13 501, 3% (hypertension)) (p<0.001). Unfavourable treatment outcome was more likely among patients with diabetes and PTB (n=23/93, 25%) as opposed to patients without diabetes and PTB (n=46/410, 11%) (p=0.001).Future plansWe are negotiating with the government regarding funding for a further 2-year follow-up of the cohort to ascertain death and relapse in the post-treatment period and also differentiate between re-infection and recurrence among these patients with respect to their diabetic status.
Relationship between maternal hypoglycaemia and small-for-gestational-age infants according to maternal weight status: a retrospective cohort study in two hospitals
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Uchida Yuzo , Hirai Mitsuo , Hirata Shuji , Suzuki Kohta 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveThe relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and low glucose challenge test (GCT) results by maternal weight status has not been examined. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between a low GCT result and small for gestational age (SGA) by maternal weight status.DesignA retrospective cohort study in 2 hospitals.SettingThis study evaluated the obstetric records of women who delivered in a general community hospital and a tertiary perinatal care centre.ParticipantsThe number of women who delivered in both hospitals between January 2012 and December 2013 and underwent GCT between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation was 2140. Participants with gestational diabetes mellitus or diabetes during pregnancy, and GCT results of ≥140 mg/dL were excluded. Finally, 1860 women were included in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe participants were divided into low-GCT (≤90 mg/dL) and non-low-GCT groups (91–139 mg/dL). The χ2tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between low GCT results and SGA by maternal weight status.ResultsThe incidence of SGA was 11.4% (212/1860), and 17.7% (330/1860) of the women showed low GCT results. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their BMI (underweight, normal weight and obese). When the patients were analysed separately by their weight status after controlling for maternal age, pre-pregnancy maternal weight, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, thyroid disease and difference in hospital, low GCT results were significantly associated with SGA (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.14 to 3.89; p=0.02) in the underweight group.ConclusionsLow GCT result was associated with SGA at birth among underweight women. Examination of maternal glucose tolerance and fetal growth is necessary in future investigations.
Describing visible acute injuries: development of a comprehensive taxonomy for research and practice
Authors: Rosen Tony , Reisig Christopher , LoFaso Veronica M , Bloemen Elizabeth M , Clark Sunday , McCarthy Thomas J , Mtui Estomih P , Flomenbaum Neal E , Lachs Mark S 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundLittle literature exists classifying and comprehensively describing intentional and unintentional acute injuries, which would be valuable for research and practice. In preparation for a study of injury patterns in elder abuse, our goal was to develop a comprehensive taxonomy of relevant types and characteristics of visible acute injuries and evaluate it in geriatric patients.MethodsWe conducted an exhaustive review of the medical and forensic literature focusing on injury types, descriptions, patterns and analyses. We then prepared iteratively, through consensus with a multidisciplinary, national panel of elder abuse experts, a comprehensive classification system to describe these injuries.ResultsWe designed a three-step process to fully describe and classify visible acute injuries: (1) determining the type of injury, (2) assigning values to each of the characteristics common to all geriatric injuries and (3) assigning values to additional characteristics relevant for specific injuries. We identified nine unique types of visible injury and seven characteristics critical to describe all these injuries, including body region(s) and precise anatomic location(s). For each injury type, we identified two to seven additional critical characteristics, such as size, shape and cleanliness. We pilot tested it on 323 injuries on 83 physical elder abuse victims and 45 unintentional fall victims from our ongoing research to ensure that it would allow for the complete and accurate description of the full spectrum of visible injuries encountered and made modifications and refinements based on this experience. We then used the classification system to evaluate 947 injuries on 80 physical elder abuse victims and 195 unintentional fall victims to assess its practical utility.ConclusionsOur comprehensive injury taxonomy systematically integrates and expands on existing forensic and clinical research. This new classification system may help standardise description of acute injuries and patterns among clinicians and researchers.
Relationship between employment histories and frailty trajectories in later life: evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Lu Wentian , Benson Rebecca , Glaser Karen , Platts Loretta G , Corna Laurie M , Worts Diana , McDonough Peggy , Di Gessa Giorgio , Price Debora , Sacker Amanda 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundGiven the acceleration of population ageing and policy changes to extend working lives, evidence is needed on the ability of older adults to work for longer. To understand more about the health impacts of work, this study examined the relationship between employment histories before retirement and trajectories of frailty thereafter.MethodsThe sample comprised 2765 women and 1621 men from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We used gendered typologies of life-time employment and a frailty index (FI). Multilevel growth curve models were used to predict frailty trajectories by employment histories.ResultsWomen who had a short break for family care, then did part-time work till 59 years had a lower FI after 60 years than those who undertook full-time work until 59 years. Women who were largely family carers or non-employed throughout adulthood, had higher levels of frailty at 60 years but experienced a slower decline with age. Men who worked full-time but early exited at either 49 or 60 years had a higher FI at 65 years than those who worked full-time up to 65 years. Interaction between employment histories and age indicated that men in full-time work who experienced an early exit at 49 tended to report slower declines.ConclusionsFor women, experiencing distinct periods throughout the lifecourse of either work or family care may be advantageous for lessening frailty risk in later life. For men, leaving paid employment before 65 years seems to be beneficial for decelerating increases in frailty thereafter. Continuous full-time work until retirement age conferred no long-term health benefits.
Socioeconomic differences in health check-ups and medically certified sickness absence: a 10-year follow-up among middle-aged municipal employees in Finland
Authors: Piha Kustaa , Sumanen Hilla , Lahelma Eero , Rahkonen Ossi 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThere is contradictory evidence on the association between health check-ups and future morbidity. Among the general population, those with high socioeconomic position participate more often in health check-ups. The main aims of this study were to analyse if attendance to health check-ups are socioeconomically patterned and affect sickness absence over a 10-year follow-up.MethodsThis register-based follow-up study included municipal employees of the City of Helsinki. 13 037 employees were invited to age-based health check-up during 2000–2002, with a 62% attendance rate. Education, occupational class and individual income were used to measure socioeconomic position. Medically certified sickness absence of 4 days or more was measured and controlled for at the baseline and used as an outcome over follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 years. Poisson regression was used.ResultsMen and employees with lower socioeconomic position participated more actively in health check-ups. Among women, non-attendance to health check-up predicted higher sickness absence during follow-up (relative risk =1.26, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.37) in the fully adjusted model. Health check-ups were not effective in reducing socioeconomic differences in sickness absence.ConclusionsAge-based health check-ups reduced subsequent sickness absence and should be promoted. Attendance to health check-ups should be as high as possible. Contextual factors need to be taken into account when applying the results in interventions in other settings.
Intended and unintended consequences of abortion law reform: perspectives of abortion experts in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Keogh L A , Newton D , Bayly C , McNamee K , Hardiman A , Webster A , Bismark M 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionIn Victoria, Australia, abortion was decriminalised in October 2008, bringing the law in line with clinical practice and community attitudes. We describe how experts in abortion service provision perceived the intent and subsequent impact of the 2008 Victorian abortion law reform.MethodsExperts in abortion provision in Victoria were recruited for a qualitative semi-structured interview about the 2008 law reform and its perceived impact, until saturation was reached. Nineteen experts from a range of health care settings and geographic locations were interviewed in 2014/2015. Thematic analysis was conducted to summarise participants' views.ResultsAbortion law reform, while a positive event, was perceived to have changed little about the provision of abortion. The views of participants can be categorised into: (1) goals that law reform was intended to address and that have been achieved; (2) intent or hopes of law reform that have not been achieved; (3) unintended consequences; (4) coincidences; and (5) unfinished business. All agreed that law reform had repositioned abortion as a health rather than legal issue, had shifted the power in decision making from doctors to women, and had increased clarity and safety for doctors. However, all described outstanding concerns; limited public provision of surgical abortion; reduced access to abortion after 20 weeks; ongoing stigma; lack of a state-wide strategy for equitable abortion provision; and an unsustainable workforce.ConclusionLaw reform, while positive, has failed to address a number of significant issues in abortion service provision, and may have even resulted in a ‘lull’ in action.