bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic depletion of myeloid lineage leukocytes by adsorptive apheresis for psoriatic arthritis: Efficacy of a non‐drug intervention for patients refractory to pharmacologics
Authors: Kanekura Takuro , Seishima Mariko , Honma Masaru , Etou Takafumi , Eto Hikaru , Okuma Keiko , Okubo Yukari , Yamaguchi Yukie , Kambara Takeshi , Mabuchi Tomotaka , Suga Yasushi , Morita Akimichi , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Tsuruta Daisuke , Itoh Kei , Yamaji Ken , Ikeda Shigaku 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPsoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic inflammatory arthropathy associated with psoriasis, is an intractable immune disorder and refractory to pharmacological intervention. We assessed efficacy of selective depletion of myeloid lineage leukocytes in patients with PsA in a multicenter setting. A total of 20 patients with moderate to severe PsA refractory to conventional and biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs were included. Eligible patients had 3 points or more in the classification criteria for PsA. Each patient received five sessions, once a week, of adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) with the Adacolumn®. The primary efficacy outcome was 20% or more decrease in the American College of Rheumatology score 20 (ACR20). Partial responders could receive an additional five GMA sessions. Of 20 patients, two did not complete the study, nine responded to five GMA sessions and nine received 10 sessions. At the first evaluation 2 weeks after the last GMA session, 13 of the 20 (65.0%) patients achieved ACR20. ACR20 was maintained in seven of 10 (70%) and five of 10 (50%) patients at the follow‐up evaluation points 8 and 20 weeks after the last GMA session, respectively. GMA was well tolerated without any safety concern. This study demonstrates that GMA with the Adacolumn was effective with good safety profile in patients with PsA refractory to pharmacologicals. The results indicate a major role for myeloid leukocytes in the immunopathogenesis of PsA. A large controlled study is warranted to fully evaluate the efficacy of Adacolumn GMA in patients with PsA.
Dynamics between doctors and managers in the Italian National Health Care System
Authors: Vicarelli Giovanna M. , Pavolini Emmanuele 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article focuses on the changes in the Italian NHS by concentrating on patterns in the managerialisation of doctors. It addresses a series of shortcomings in studies on the response by doctors to managerialisation. The first is a shortcoming of theoretical and analytical nature. It is necessary to adopt a broader perspective whereby analysis considers not only the interaction between doctors and managers, but also the public control and regulation agencies that operate in that field. The second shortcoming is a methodological one. The literature on managerialisation is more theoretical than applied. It is necessary to adopt a strategy based on a plurality of methodologies and sources in order to focus attention on a national case (Italy in the present study), discussing the changes over time (from the beginning of managerialisation until today) and considering different groups within the medical profession. The outcome is a complex picture of the dynamics between doctors and managers which foregrounds the managerial co‐optation processes of a small group of national health service doctors, the transition from strategic adaptation to forms of resistance against managerialisation by the majority of Italian NHS doctors, and the emergence of restratification processes among self‐employed doctors working with the NHS.
Microbial approaches for targeting antibiotic‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Wong Wing Fei , Santiago Marina 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAntibiotic resistant bacterial infections are a global public health challenge that has been increasing in severity and scope for the last few decades. Without creative solutions to this problem, treatment of injuries and infections will become progressively more challenging. A better understanding of the human microbiome has led to a new appreciation for the role commensal microbes play in protecting us from pathogens, especially in the gut. Antibiotics lead to disruption of the gut microbial ecosystem, enabling colonization by antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens. Many different lines of research have identified specific bacterial taxa and mechanisms that play a role in colonization resistance, and these lines of research may one day lead to microbial therapeutics targeting antibiotic resistant bacteria. Here, we discuss a few of these strategies and the challenges they will need to overcome in order to become an effective therapeutic.
Microbially derived biosensors for diagnosis, monitoring and epidemiology
Authors: Chang Hung‐Ju , Voyvodic Peter L. , Zúñiga Ana , Bonnet Jérôme 
Published: August 2017

SummaryLiving cells have evolved to detect and process various signals and can self‐replicate, presenting an attractive platform for engineering scalable and affordable biosensing devices. Microbes are perfect candidates: they are inexpensive and easy to manipulate and store. Recent advances in synthetic biology promise to streamline the engineering of microbial biosensors with unprecedented capabilities. Here we review the applications of microbially‐derived biosensors with a focus on environmental monitoring and healthcare applications. We also identify critical challenges that need to be addressed in order to translate the potential of synthetic microbial biosensors into large‐scale, real‐world applications.
Biomining of metals: how to access and exploit natural resource sustainably
Authors: Jerez Carlos A. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMining activities have been carried out for thousands of years and nowadays have an enormous worldwide use to obtain important metals of industrial use. These include copper, iron, gold and several others. Although modern mining companies have sustainable mining programs that include tailings management and external verifications, it is recognized that these industrial activities are responsible for a significant damage to the environment. Specially, technologies such as smelting and roasting generate very toxic emissions, including solid particles in the air, very large tailings and contribute to generate acid mine drainage (AMD) that affects humans health and all kinds of living plants, animals and microorganisms. Consequently, due to environmental restrictions, these methods are being replaced in many countries by less contaminating processes. On the other hand, the microbial solubilization of metals by bioleaching or biomining is successfully used in industrial operations, to extract several metals such as copper, gold and uranium.
How to access and exploit natural resources sustainably: petroleum biotechnology
Authors: Sherry Angela , Andrade Luiza , Velenturf Anne , Christgen Beate , Gray Neil D. , Head Ian M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAs we transition from fossil fuel reliance to a new energy future, innovative microbial biotechnologies may offer new routes to maximize recovery from conventional and unconventional energy assets; as well as contributing to reduced emission pathways and new technologies for carbon capture and utilization. Here we discuss the role of microbiology in petroleum biotechnologies in relation to addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), with a focus on microbially‐mediated energy recovery from unconventionals (heavy oil to methane), shale gas and fracking, bioelectrochemical systems for the production of electricity from fossil fuel resources, and innovations in synthetic biology. Furthermore, using wastes to support a more sustainable approach to fossil fuel extraction processes is considered as we undertake the move towards a more circular global economy.
Influence of biofilm lubricity on shear‐induced transmission of staphylococcal biofilms from stainless steel to silicone rubber
Authors: Gusnaniar Niar , Sjollema Jelmer , Jong Ed D. , Woudstra Willem , de Vries Joop , Nuryastuti Titik , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryIn real‐life situations, bacteria are often transmitted from biofilms growing on donor surfaces to receiver ones. Bacterial transmission is more complex than adhesion, involving bacterial detachment from donor and subsequent adhesion to receiver surfaces. Here, we describe a new device to study shear‐induced bacterial transmission from a (stainless steel) pipe to a (silicone rubber) tube and compare transmission of EPS‐producing and non‐EPS‐producing staphylococci. Transmission of an entire biofilm from the donor to the receiver tube did not occur, indicative of cohesive failure in the biofilm rather than of adhesive failure at the donor‐biofilm interface. Biofilm was gradually transmitted over an increasing length of receiver tube, occurring mostly to the first 50 cm of the receiver tube. Under high‐shearing velocity, transmission of non‐EPS‐producing bacteria to the second half decreased non‐linearly, likely due to rapid thinning of the lowly lubricious biofilm. Oppositely, transmission of EPS‐producing strains to the second tube half was not affected by higher shearing velocity due to the high lubricity and stress relaxation of the EPS‐rich biofilms, ensuring continued contact with the receiver. The non‐linear decrease of ongoing bacterial transmission under high‐shearing velocity is new and of relevance in for instance, high‐speed food slicers and food packaging.
Interplay between Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Candida and the involvement of exopolysaccharides
Authors: Allonsius Camille N. , van den Broek Marianne F. L. , De Boeck Ilke , Kiekens Shari , Oerlemans Eline F. M. , Kiekens Filip , Foubert Kenn , Vandenheuvel Dieter , Cos Paul , Delputte Peter , Lebeer Sarah 
Published: August 2017

SummaryA number of clinical studies have shown protective effects of lactobacilli against Candida species in the gastrointestinal tract, the urogenital tract and the oral cavity, while others did not show clear effects. Evidence on the mode of action of lactobacilli against Candida is also still lacking. In this study, the anti‐Candida activity of the model probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was explored in different assays to determine molecular interactions. We found that L. rhamnosus GG was able to interfere with Candida growth, morphogenesis and adhesion. These three aspects of Candida's physiology are all crucial to its opportunistic pathogenesis. In follow‐up assays, we compared the activity of L. rhamnosus GG wild‐type with its exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐deficient mutant and purified EPS to evaluate the involvement of this outer carbohydrate layer. Our data demonstrate that purified EPS can both interfere with hyphal formation and adhesion to epithelial cells, which indicates that EPS is part of a combined molecular mechanism underlying the antihyphal and anti‐adhesion mechanisms of L. rhamnosus GG.
Testosterone replacement therapy: improved sexual desire and erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes following a 30‐week randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Hackett G. , Cole N. , Saghir A. , Jones P. , Strange R. C. , Ramachandran S. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAlthough testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) can improve sexual function in many hypogonadal (HG) men with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), some show either no improvement or only in a limited number of domains. Indeed, it is often difficult for the clinician to offer an indication of the likely efficacy of TRT as little data exist on the proportion of TRT‐treated men who will demonstrate improvement in domains such as sexual desire (SxD) and erectile function (EF). We describe in men with T2DM: firstly, the likelihood of improved sexual desire (SxD) and erectile function (EF) following TRT at various time points, and secondly, if probability of SxD change predicted likelihood of subsequent EF change. During a 30‐week randomized controlled study of testosterone undecanoate (TU), 199 T2DM men with HG (189 men completing) identified from primary care registers (placebo (P): 107, TU: 92) were stratified using baseline total testosterone (TT)/free testosterone (FT) into Mild (TT 8.1–12 nmol/L or FT 0.18–0.25 nmol/L) and Severe HG groups (TT ≤8 nmol/L and FT ≤0.18 nmol/L) and placebo (P)‐ and TU‐treated groups. Associations between TU, SxD and EF were investigated using chi‐square and logistic regression analysis. The proportion of men with improved SxD after 6 weeks and EF improvement after 30 weeks was significantly higher following TU treatment compared to P, this particularly evident in Severe HG men. Changes in SxD and EF were significantly associated in all groups. Logistic regression showed that SxD change at 6 weeks predicted of EF change after 30 weeks. Our study confirms TRT leads to changes in SxD and EF at different time points and suggests SxD and EF changes are related. SxD change after 6 weeks predicting EF change at 30 weeks is possibly a useful clinical finding.
Metabolic profiling of murine plasma reveals eicosapentaenoic acid metabolites protecting against endothelial activation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Yajin , Fang Xuan , Zhang Xu , Huang Jing , He Jinlong , Peng Liyuan , Ye Chenji , Wang Yingmei , Xue Fengxia , Ai Ding , Li Dan , Zhu Yi 
Published: August 2017

Background and PurposeAtherosclerosis results from a maladaptive inflammatory response initiated by the intramural retention of LDL in susceptible areas of the arterial vasculature. The ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3) have protective effects in atherosclerosis; however, their molecular mechanism is still largely unknown. The present study used a metabolomic approach to reveal the atheroprotective metabolites of ω‐3 and investigate the underlying mechanisms.Experimental ApproachWe evaluated the development of atherosclerosis in LDL receptor‐deficient mice (LDLR−/−) fed a Western‐type diet (WTD) plus ω‐3 and also LDLR−/− and fat‐1 transgenic (LDLR−/−‐fat‐1tg) mice fed a WTD. The profiles of ω‐3 in the plasma were screened by LC–MS/MS using unbiased systematic metabolomics analysis. We also studied the effect of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on endothelial activation in vitro.Key ResultsThe ω‐3 diet and fat‐1 transgene decreased monocyte infiltration, inhibited the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes and significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation and enhanced plaque stability in LDLR−/− mice. The content of 18‐hydroxy‐eicosapentaenoic acid (18‐HEPE) and 17,18‐epoxy‐eicosatetraenoic acid (17,18‐EEQ), from the cytochrome P450 pathway of EPA, was significantly higher in plasma from both ω‐3‐treated LDLR−/− and LDLR−/−‐fat‐1tg mice as compared with WTD‐fed LDLR−/− mice. In vitro in endothelial cells, 18‐HEPE or 17,18‐EEQ decreased inflammatory gene expression induced by TNFα via NF‐κB signalling and thereby inhibited monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.Conclusions and ImplicationsEPA protected against the development of atherosclerosis in atheroprone mice via the metabolites 18‐HEPE and/or 17,18‐EEQ, which reduced endothelial activation. These compounds may have therapeutic implications in atherosclerosis.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Phase I/II study of pralatrexate in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Maruyama Dai , Nagai Hirokazu , Maeda Yoshinobu , Nakane Takahiko , Shimoyama Tatsu , Nakazato Tomonori , Sakai Rika , Ishikawa Takayuki , Izutsu Koji , Ueda Ryuzo , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: August 2017

Pralatrexate is a novel antifolate approved in the USA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma. To assess its safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in Japanese patients with this disease, we undertook a phase I/II study. Pralatrexate was given i.v. weekly for 6 weeks of a 7‐week cycle. All patients received concurrent vitamin B12 and folic acid. In phase I, three patients received pralatrexate 30 mg/m2 and none experienced a dose‐limiting toxicity. In phase II, we treated 22 additional patients with that dose. The median number of treatment cycles was 1 (range, 1–9). Nine of 20 evaluable patients (45%) achieved an objective response by central review, including two complete responses. All responses occurred within the first treatment cycle. At the time of data cut‐off, median progression‐free survival was 150 days. Median overall survival was not reached. In the total population, the most commonly reported adverse events included mucositis (88%), thrombocytopenia (68%), liver function test abnormality (64%), anemia (60%), and lymphopenia (56%). Grade 3/4 adverse events included lymphopenia (52%), thrombocytopenia (40%), leukopenia (28%), neutropenia (24%), anemia (20%), and mucositis (20%). The pharmacokinetic profile showed no drug accumulation with repeat dosing. These results indicate that pralatrexate is generally well tolerated and effective in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02013362).
Judging a Book by Its Cover: Children's Facial Trustworthiness as Judged by Strangers Predicts Their Real‐World Trustworthiness and Peer Relationships
Authors: Li Qinggong , Heyman Gail D. , Mei Jing , Lee Kang 
Published: August 2017

This longitudinal research examined whether children's facial trustworthiness as judged by strangers can predict their real‐world trustworthiness and peer acceptance. Adults (Study 1) and children (Study 2) judged the facial trustworthiness of 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children (N = 100) solely based on their photographs. The children's classmates were asked to report their real‐world trustworthiness and peer acceptance. Children's facial trustworthiness reliably predicted these outcomes both initially when the photographs were taken, as well as 1 year later, and this effect was mediated by the initial ratings of real‐world trustworthiness and peer acceptance. These results provide evidence for a long‐lasting linkage between children's facial and real‐world trustworthiness.
You Care More for the Gear Than the Geezer? Care Relationships of Homeless Substance Users in London
Authors: LENHARD JOHANNES 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCare for homeless people in general and homeless substance abusers in particular has been well explored as a research topic (Fisher and Collins ; Seal ; Desjarlais ; Pleace and Quilgars ; Bevan ; Briggs ). Historically, academics have been interested in care in settings as diverse as families, hospitals, asylums, poorhouses, the criminal justice system and more recently what has been called the ‘community’. In this paper, I want to look at two different dimensions of care in a particular social world of substance using homeless people in London where the people are not always the likely recipients but active providers of care. I understand care in Mol's and Winance's sense as a process of tinkering (Mol ; Winance ). The most dominant form of care is produced by many homeless substance users themselves: they care for drugs. The relationship to ‘their’ substance is often highly intimate and characterized by physical and emotional closeness, commitment and accord. Drugs develop person‐like characteristics and ‘demand’ care, promising intimacy and a sense of self. Dominated by the need to care for drugs in this way, other (human‐to‐human) relationships can become increasingly fragmented and the social net can become hollowed out, instrumental and even violent. Geographies split apart with different logics between public and intimate; sub‐cities emerge. But at the same time as the drug develops into the object of care demanding attention, the responsibility to care can develop a shared dimension. Friendships and love relationships grow based on intimate care which still centre on drugs but go far beyond it in their carefulness and interconnection. This is where geographies merge, connections are made and futures are built.
Parallel‐stranded DNA and RNA duplexes – structural features and potential applications
Authors: Szabat Marta , Kierzek Ryszard 
Published: August 2017

Nowadays, decades after the discovery of the right‐handed B form of DNA, it is well known that nucleic acids have great conformational flexibility, exhibiting a large degree of variation in their structure. In nature, DNA and RNA exist in an antiparallel orientation, stabilized by Watson–Crick base pairs. However, in some cases, nucleic acid fragments with specific nucleotide sequences can adopt a parallel orientation involving non‐canonical base pairing. Interestingly, parallel‐stranded duplexes have been found in specific chromosome regions. Furthermore, parallel oriented regions have also been found in bacterial (Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua) and insect genomes (Drosophila melanogaster). These unusual structures could have a remarkable evolutionary role, as well as significant impact on biological processes. For example, parallel stretches were shown to be involved in processing the 3′ ends of mRNAs and in specific gene silencing. Moreover, certain types of parallel‐stranded duplexes may be useful tools, with several practical applications. They can constitute excellent templates for the formation of other structures and for the development of antigene and antisense approaches.
Hafnium Isotope Characteristics of Palaeoarchaean Zircon OG1/OGC from the Owens Gully Diorite, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia
Authors: Kemp Anthony I. S. , Vervoort Jeffrey D. , Bjorkman Katarina E. , Iaccheri Linda M. 
Published: August 2017

We report Hf isotope data for 3467 Ma igneous zircons from the Owens Gully Diorite of the Pilbara Craton. These zircons, designated OG1 or OGC, have simple, well‐defined U‐Pb age systematics. Measurements obtained by single crystal dissolution yield a moderate range in 176Hf/177Hf (mean 0.280633 ± 34) and 176Lu/177Hf (mean 0.00119) that translate into initial (3467 Ma) 176Hf/177Hf values that are equivalent within measurement uncertainty (mean 0.280554 ± 7, εHf = +0.6 ± 0.2, 2s). Laser ablation analysis yielded clustered initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios (mean 0.280560 ± 20, 2s) indistinguishable from those obtained by solution analysis. The antiquity and moderately high 176Lu/177Hf of these zircons result in significant corrections for radiogenic ingrowth of 176Hf (to 6 εHf units). Depth profiling by concurrent Pb‐Hf isotope determination reveals trends to lower 207Pb/206Pb in several crystals, although these are not accompanied by shifts in 176Hf/177Hf. We conclude that zircons from the Owens Gully Diorite are homogeneous for Hf isotopes at the scale of sampling and within the uncertainty limits of the measurement techniques employed. Zircon OG1/OGC would appear to be an ideal quality monitor for laser ablation Hf isotope determination in ancient zircons, and for laser ablation techniques where Hf isotope and age information are determined concurrently or simultaneously.
Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) of chrome alumina as a high temperature pink pigment
Authors: Shafiei Chafi Mahdi , Ghasemi Behrooz , Arabi Amir Masoud 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this article, one step synthesis of the chrome alumina pink pigments is investigated. Results indicated that adjusting ignition parameters such as the fuel type (glycine, citric acid, and urea) and the oxidizer to fuel ratio, is the essential factor to obtain the straight corundum structure of the pigment. According to this, chrome alumina pink pigment was just synthesized by the urea fuel in 1.8 oxidizer to fuel (O/F) ratio. The effect of ignition parameters on the morphology was also studied. The microstructure was changed from ultra‐fine irregular agglomerates to sponge‐like flakes by the change in the fuel type from citric acid to urea. Colorimetric characteristics confirmed the relationship between the formation of the corundum structure and one step synthesis of the pink pigment. The pink color of synthesized pigments was comparable with commercial purplish pink pigments of tiles.