bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and validation of novel small proteins in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Jensen Sheila I. , Wulff Tune , Harrison Scott J. , Long Katherine S. 
Published: September 2016

SummarySmall proteins of 50 amino acids or less have been understudied due to difficulties that impede their annotation and detection. In order to obtain information on small open reading frames (sORFs) in Pseudomonas putida, bioinformatic and proteomic approaches were used to identify putative sORFs in the well‐characterized strain KT2440. A plasmid‐based system was established for sORF validation, enabling expression of C‐terminal sequential peptide affinity tagged variants and their detection via protein immunoblotting. Out of 22 tested putative sORFs, the expression of 14 sORFs was confirmed, where all except one are novel. All of the validated sORFs except one are located adjacent to annotated genes on the same strand and three are in close proximity to genes with known functions. These include an ABC transporter operon and the two transcriptional regulators Fis and CysB involved in biofilm formation and cysteine biosynthesis respectively. The work sheds light on the P. putida small proteome and small protein identification, a necessary first step towards gaining insights into their functions and possible evolutionary implications.
Current Heavy Alcohol Consumption is Associated with Greater Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Woods Adam J. , Porges Eric C. , Bryant Vaughn E. , Seider Talia , Gongvatana Assawin , Kahler Christopher W. , de la Monte Suzanne , Monti Peter M. , Cohen Ronald A. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe acute consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol causes well‐recognized neurophysiological and cognitive alterations. As people reach advanced age, they are more prone to cognitive decline. To date, the interaction of current heavy alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) consumption and aging remains unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that negative consequences of current heavy alcohol consumption on neurocognitive function are worse with advanced age. Further, we evaluated the relations between lifetime history of alcohol dependence and neurocognitive functionMethodsSixty‐six participants underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Current heavy EtOH drinkers were classified using National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria (EtOH heavy, n = 21) based on the Timeline follow‐back and a structured clinical interview and compared to nondrinkers, and moderate drinkers (EtOH low, n = 45). Of the total population, 53.3% had a lifetime history of alcohol dependence. Neurocognitive data were grouped and analyzed relative to global and domain scores assessing: global cognitive function, attention/executive function, learning, memory, motor function, verbal function, and speed of processing.ResultsHeavy current EtOH consumption in older adults was associated with poorer global cognitive function, learning, memory, and motor function (ps < 0.05). Furthermore, lifetime history of alcohol dependence was associated with poorer function in the same neurocognitive domains, in addition to the attention/executive domain, irrespective of age (ps < 0.05).ConclusionsThese data suggest that while heavy current alcohol consumption is associated with significant impairment in a number of neurocognitive domains, history of alcohol dependence, even in the absence of heavy current alcohol use, is associated with lasting negative consequences for neurocognitive function.
Association of Specific Traumatic Experiences With Alcohol Initiation and Transitions to Problem Use in European American and African American Women
Authors: Werner Kimberly B. , Sartor Carolyn E. , McCutcheon Vivia V. , Grant Julia D. , Nelson Elliot C. , Heath Andrew C. , Bucholz Kathleen K. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to (i) characterize racial differences in alcohol involvement and (ii) examine the risk conferred by specific trauma exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for different stages of alcohol involvement in European American (EA) and African American (AA) women.MethodsData are from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twins Study (N = 3,787, 14.6% AA; mean age at most recent interview = 24.5 [SD 2.8]). Trauma exposures (e.g., sexual abuse [SA], physical abuse [PA], witnessing another person being killed or injured, experiencing an accident, and experiencing a disaster) were modeled as time‐varying predictors of alcohol initiation, transition to first alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptom, and transition to AUD diagnosis using Cox proportional hazards regression while taking into account other substance involvement, parental characteristics, and commonly co‐occurring psychiatric disorders.ResultsIn EA women only, SA was associated with alcohol initiation prior to the age of 14, PA predicted transition from initiation to first AUD symptom, and PA, witnessing injury or death, and SA predicted transition to AUD diagnosis. No association was discovered between trauma exposures or PTSD for any stage of alcohol involvement in AA women.ConclusionsResults reveal trauma experiences as important contributors to all stages of alcohol involvement in EA women only, with different trauma types conferring risk for each stage of alcohol involvement. PTSD was not revealed as a significant predictor of AUD in EA or AA women, suggesting trauma, independent of PTSD, directly contributes to alcohol involvement. Findings highlight the importance of considering racial differences when developing etiologic models of the association of traumatic experiences with alcohol involvement.
Doctors Have no Right to Refuse Medical Assistance in Dying, Abortion or Contraception
Authors: Savulescu Julian , Schuklenk Udo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn an article in this journal, Christopher Cowley argues that we have ‘misunderstood the special nature of medicine, and have misunderstood the motivations of the conscientious objectors’. We have not. It is Cowley who has misunderstood the role of personal values in the profession of medicine. We argue that there should be better protections for patients from doctors' personal values and there should be more severe restrictions on the right to conscientious objection, particularly in relation to assisted dying. We argue that eligible patients could be guaranteed access to medical services that are subject to conscientious objections by: (1) removing a right to conscientious objection; (2) selecting candidates into relevant medical specialities or general practice who do not have objections; (3) demonopolizing the provision of these services away from the medical profession.
Venous thromboembolism following colorectal resection
Authors: El‐Dhuwaib Y. , Selvasekar C. , Corless D. J. , Deakin M. , Slavin J. P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThe study investigated the rate of significant venous thromboembolism (VTE) following colorectal resection during the index admission and over 1 year following discharge. It identifies risk factors associated with VTE and considers the length of VTE prophylaxis required.MethodAll adult patients who underwent colorectal resections in England between April 2007 and March 2008 were identified using Hospital Episode Statistics data. They were studied during the index admission and followed for a year to identify any patients who were readmitted as an emergency with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.ResultsIn all, 35 997 patients underwent colorectal resection during the period of study. The VTE rate was 2.3%. Two hundred and one (0.56%) patients developed VTE during the index admission and 571 (1.72%) were readmitted with VTE. Following discharge from the index admission, the risk of VTE in patients with cancer remained elevated for 6 months compared with 2 months in patients with benign disease. Age, postoperative stay, cancer, emergency admission and emergency surgery for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were all independent risk factors associated with an increased risk of VTE. Patients with ischaemic heart disease and those having elective minimal access surgery appear to have lower levels of VTE.ConclusionThis study adds to the benefits of minimal access surgery and demonstrates an additional risk to patients undergoing emergency surgery for IBD. The majority of VTE cases occur following discharge from the index admission. Therefore, surgery for cancer, emergency surgery for IBD and those with an extended hospital stay may benefit from extended VTE prophylaxis. This study demonstrates that a stratified approach may be required to reduce the incidence of VTE.
Can three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry detect anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence?
Authors: Rezaie A. , Iriana S. , Pimentel M. , Murrell Z. , Fleshner P. , Zaghiyan K. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimEndoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence (FI), while anorectal manometry evaluates sphincter function. Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) is a newer modality with the potential to assess both sphincter function and anatomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare 3D HRAM with 3D EAUS for the detection of anal sphincter defects in patients with FI.MethodA linkage analysis was performed between the 3D HRAM and 3D EAUS databases of a tertiary referral centre to identify patients with FI who underwent both 3D EAUS and 3D HRAM. With 3D HRAM, a defect was defined as any pressure measurement below 25 mmHg at rest with at least 18° of continuous expansion. The 3D HRAM findings were compared with those of 3D EAUS.ResultsThe study cohort included 39 patients with a mean age of 64.7 ± 15.2 years (SD); and 31 (79%) were female. Eight (21%) patients had an anal sphincter defect on EAUS with a median size of 93° (range 40°–136°). Fourteen (36%) had a defect shown by 3D HRAM with a median size of 144° (36°–180°). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 3D HRAM in detecting a sphincter defect were 75%, 74%, 43% and 92%, respectively.ConclusionWith a negative predictive value of 92%, 3D HRAM may be a useful screening method for ruling out a sphincter defect in patients with FI, thereby avoiding both EAUS and manometry in selected patients.
Ketosis‐prone atypical diabetes in Cameroonian people with hyperglycaemic crisis: frequency, clinical and metabolic phenotypes
Authors: Lontchi‐Yimagou E. , Nguewa J. L. , Assah F. , Noubiap J. J. , Boudou P. , Djahmeni E. , Balti E. V. , Atogho‐Tiedeu B. , Gautier J. F. , Mbanya J. C. , Sobngwi E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimIt is unclear whether ketosis‐prone diabetes is a specific type or a subtype of Type 2 diabetes. We aimed to describe the clinical and metabolic features of ketosis‐prone diabetes in a sub‐Saharan population.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled and characterized 173 people with non‐autoimmune diabetes admitted for hyperglycaemic crisis at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Blood samples were collected for fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and C‐peptide assays with insulin resistance and secretion estimation by homeostasis model assessment. People were classified as having Type 2 diabetes (n = 124) or ketosis‐prone diabetes (n = 49). Ketosis‐prone diabetes was sub‐classified as new‐onset ketotic phase (n = 34) or non‐ketotic phase (n = 15).ResultsKetosis‐prone diabetes was found in 28.3% of the hyperglycaemic crises. Age at diabetes diagnosis was comparable in Type 2 and ketosis‐prone diabetes [48 ± 14 vs 47 ± 11 years; P = 0.13] with a similar sex distribution. Overall BMI was 27.7 ± 13.4 kg/m2 and was ≥ 25 kg/m2 in 55.8% of those taking part, however, 73.5% of those with ketosis‐prone diabetes reported weight loss of > 5% at diagnosis. Blood pressure and lipid profile were comparable in both types. Ketosis‐prone diabetes in the ketotic phase was characterized by lower insulin secretion and higher serum triglycerides compared with non‐ketotic ketosis prone and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 and ketosis prone diabetes in the non‐ketotic phase were comparable in terms of lipid profile, blood pressure, waist‐to‐hip ratio, BMI and fat mass, insulin secretion and insulin resistance indices.ConclusionsKetosis‐prone diabetes is likely to be a subtype of Type 2 diabetes with the potential to develop acute insulinopenic episodes.
Long‐term progressive motor skill training enhances corticospinal excitability for the ipsilateral hemisphere and motor performance of the untrained hand
Authors: Christiansen Lasse , Larsen Malte Nejst , Grey Michael James , Nielsen Jens Bo , Lundbye‐Jensen Jesper 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIt is well established that unilateral motor practice can lead to increased performance in the opposite non‐trained hand. Here, we test the hypothesis that progressively increasing task difficulty during long‐term skill training with the dominant right hand increase performance and corticomotor excitability of the left non‐trained hand. Subjects practiced a visuomotor tracking task engaging right digit V for 6 weeks with either progressively increasing task difficulty (PT) or no progression (NPT). Corticospinal excitability (CSE) was evaluated from the resting motor threshold (rMT) and recruitment curve parameters following application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the ipsilateral primary motor cortex (iM1) hotspot of the left abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM). PT led to significant improvements in left‐hand motor performance immediately after 6 weeks of training (63 ± 18%, P < 0.001) and 8 days later (76 ± 14%, P < 0.001). In addition, PT led to better task performance compared to NPT (19 ± 15%, P = 0.024 and 27 ± 15%, P = 0.016). Following the initial training session, CSE increased across all subjects. After 6 weeks of training and 8 days later, only PT was accompanied by increased CSE demonstrated by a left and upwards shift in the recruitment curves, e.g. indicated by increased MEPmax (P = 0.012). Eight days after training similar effects were observed, but 14 months later motor performance and CSE were similar between groups. We suggest that progressively adjusting demands for timing and accuracy to individual proficiency promotes motor skill learning and drives the iM1‐CSE resulting in enhanced performance of the non‐trained hand. The results underline the importance of increasing task difficulty progressively and individually in skill learning and rehabilitation training.
Species interactions in a grassland mixture under low nitrogen fertilization and two cutting frequencies. II. Nutritional quality
Authors: Ergon Å. , Kirwan L. , Fystro G. , Bleken M. A. , Collins R. P. , Rognli O. A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMixtures and pure stands of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, white clover and red clover were grown in a three‐cut and a five‐cut system in southern Norway, at a low fertilization rate (100 kg N ha−1 year−1). The nutritional quality (annual weighted averages) of the dried forage from the two‐first harvesting years was analysed. There was no significant effect of species diversity on crude protein (CP) concentration. In the three‐cut system, we found a significant species diversity effect leading to 10% higher concentrations of acid detergent fibre (ADF), 20–22% lower concentrations of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and 4% lower net energy for lactation (NEL) concentrations in mixtures compared with pure stands (averaged across the two‐first years). In the five‐cut system, similar effects were seen in the first year only. This diversity effect was associated with a reduction in WSC and NEL concentrations and an increase in ADF, NDF and CP concentrations in the grass species, and not in red clover, when grown in mixtures. This is thought to be a combined result of better N availability and more shading in the mixtures. Species diversity reduced the intra‐annual variability in nutritional quality in both cutting systems.
A retrospective analysis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis treated with corticosteroids
Authors: Liu Wenmin , Nie Xiaojuan , Zhang Li 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) are severe mucocutaneous reactions that incur high mortality, and in which the systemic application of corticosteroids remains controversial.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the optimal protocols for the use of corticosteroids and treatment measures.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 70 patients with SJS/TEN who were hospitalized between January 2008 and May 2015 in the Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, and treated with corticosteroids. Expected and actual mortality rates in patients treated with different doses of corticosteroids, according to SCORTEN, were compared.ResultsThe diagnoses associated with initial corticosteroid use differed significantly between the low‐ and high‐dose groups (P = 0.041). There were significant differences between expected and actual mortality rates according to the use of corticosteroid therapy (P = 0.0168, standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 0.30). There was a statistical difference between expected and actual mortality rates in the low‐dose group (P = 0.0145, SMR = 0.20). Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in patients administered corticosteroids additive therapy (31.12 ± 8.32 g/l vs. 35.54 ± 5.82 g/l; P = 0.016), and the rate of use of antibiotics was higher among patients in the additive therapy group than in the non‐additive group (94.7% vs. 60.8%).ConclusionsOur research supports the use of corticosteroids for the systemic treatment of SJS/TEN. Corticosteroids should be used in a timely manner and in accordance with disease severity, age, underlying diseases, serum albumin level, and concurrent treatment with antimicrobial therapy.
Perineural and intraneural cutaneous granulomas in granulomatous mycosis fungoides mimicking tuberculoid leprosy
Authors: Rodríguez Gerzain , Téllez Alejandra 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundHistological similarities between granulomas and granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF) may lead to misdiagnoses of sarcoidosis or leprosy.MethodsThis report presents four patients with GMF in whom skin biopsies showed perineural and intraneural granulomas that were confused with tuberculoid leprosy granulomas.ResultsPatient 1 presented with erythematous plaques and bulky nodules. Biopsy findings suggested cutaneous sarcoidosis. Tumor resection showed granulomatous infiltrate extending to the fascia and skeletal muscle. Clinicopathological correlations permitted a diagnosis of GMF. Patient 2 presented with erythematous plaques. Skin biopsies had indicated sarcoidosis. Resection of a thigh nodule excluded leprosy, and GMF was diagnosed. Patient 3 presented with scaly, hyperpigmented plaques. Biopsy showed diffuse granulomatous inflammation with epithelioid and giant cells, abundant lymphocytes, and some eosinophils, and indicated GMF. Patient 4 presented with pruritic, erythematous plaques. Biopsy of an indurated mammary plaque initially indicated sarcoid granulomatous inflammation. Biopsy review suggested GMF.ConclusionsThis study highlights both the diagnosis of GMF, and granulomatous cutaneous nerve injury in GMF and its possible confusion with leprosy granulomas. The histological diagnosis of GMF includes: (i) a granulomatous infiltrate rich in giant cells, emperipolesis, histiocytic cells, and scattered eosinophils, which may reach the fascia and muscle; (ii) the absence of elastic fibers or their phagocytosis by giant cells; and (iii) lymphocytes that may show atypia and epidermotropism. Deep biopsies reveal GMF diagnostic changes and, in conjunction with clinicopathological correlations, exclude a diagnosis of leprosy and support one of GMF, thus facilitating its appropriate management.
Combining lacewings and parasitoids for biological control of foxglove aphids in sweet pepper
Authors: Rocca M. , Messelink G. J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe role of natural enemy diversity in biological pest control has been debated in many studies, and understanding how interactions amongst predators and parasitoids affect herbivore populations is crucial for pest management. In this study, we assessed the individual and combined use of two species of natural enemies, the parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday, and the predatory brown lacewing Micromus variegatus (Fabricius), on their shared prey, the foxglove aphid, Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach), on sweet pepper. We hypothesized that the presence of intraguild predation (IGP) and predator facilitation (through induced aphid dropping behaviour) might have both negative and positive effects on aphid control, respectively. Our greenhouse trial showed that overall, the greatest suppression of aphids occurred in the treatment with both the parasitoid and the lacewing. While the combination of lacewings and parasitoids significantly increased aphid control compared to the use of parasitoids alone, the effect was not significantly different to the treatment with only predators, although there was a clear trend of enhanced suppression. Thus, the combined effects of both species of natural enemies were between additive and non‐additive, suggesting that the combination is neither positive nor negative for aphid control. High levels of IGP, as proven in the laboratory, were probably compensated for by the strong aphid suppression provided by the lacewings, whether or not supplemented with some level of predator facilitation. For aphid management over a longer time scale, it might still be useful to combine lacewings and parasitoids to ensure stable and resilient aphid control.
First record of Tetramicra brevifilum in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus, L.)
Authors: Scholz F , Fringuelli E , Bolton‐Warberg M , Marcos‐López M , Mitchell S , Prodhol P , Moffet D , Savage P , Murphy O'Sullivan S , O′Connor I , McCarthy E , Rodger H D 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA microsporidian species with 98.3–98.4% nucleotide identity to Tetramicra brevifilum (Journal of Fish Diseases, 3, 1980, 495) was diagnosed in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus, L.) broodstock held at a breeding and rearing facility in western Ireland. The fish were wild‐caught from the west coast of Ireland, and the first case was diagnosed one year after capture. Clinical signs included severe bloating, lethargy, exophthalmos, anorexia, white patches on the cornea and externally visible parasitic cysts on skin and fins. Necropsy revealed severe ascites, white nodules and vacuoles in all the internal organs and partial liquefaction of the skeletal muscle. On histological examination, microsporidian xenomas were observed in all internal organs, the skin, skeletal muscle, gills and the eyes. The microsporidian species was identified by molecular analysis and transmission electron microscopy. This is the first record of T. brevifilum infecting lumpfish, and the disease is considered to be of potential significance to the rising aquaculture industry of this species.